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Weather Station Hardware => Weather Radios => Topic started by: DW7240 on March 30, 2017, 11:05:26 AM

Title: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: DW7240 on March 30, 2017, 11:05:26 AM
Hi,

Everyone using NOAA Weather Radio please reply with what current hardware you use to receive these broadcasts.  I know that Mike (Cutty Sark Sailor) would like to compile this information into a list for new and future users to determine what hardware to use to obtain these broadcasts.  Information such as radio make / model, and any other types of interface including the new USB type Dongle receivers etc.  Also include any information on external antenna / indoor whips etc.

With regards to Randy's (Valentine Weather) reply on the other Wxforum post - NOAA WEATHER RADIO by Mike, (and from which this new thread was started - ALL CREDIT TO Randy for asking the question, I have only started the new thread), you can also submit along with radio types, the encoder your using, and whether your including the stream on your website.  Any other reverent information you think would help a newbie, PLEASE INCLUDE, use Mike's input as an example....

Thanks in advance.

Nick. dw7240.com.


Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Andy G on March 30, 2017, 11:33:07 AM
Here Goes

My hardware is a Bearcat SC-150 Sportcat scanner witha a Diamond D130J Super Discone Antenna. I already had the antenna for my scanners it was a huge upgrade from the stock antenna.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: 92merc on March 30, 2017, 11:34:16 AM
Bismarck, ND  -  WXL78
Using a NooElec SDR radio in conjunction with a Raspberry Pi2.
Antenna is the fixed length black one included with purchase.  I was close enough to tower that an external wasn't needed.

http://www.nooelec.com/store/nesdr-smart.html
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Cutty Sark Sailor on March 30, 2017, 12:34:51 PM
Midland WR-300/s with standard slip-rod antenna..
WIN 7, 8, 10 platforms
testing various encoders, settings, etc... testing one home brew ground plane for a distant station.
BUTT, M3W, MIXXX, etc at DynDns.org mounts.
Primary stream on Frankfortweather.us/ noaaweatherradio.org is Broadwave off a 300 on the
brilliant little WIN7 HP S5510F that powers virtually all FrankfortWeather.us. stuff.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: ValentineWeather on March 30, 2017, 12:35:23 PM
I removed my post thought we were doing a streaming setup.

Added post on other thread: https://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=31396.400

Reply #420
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Cutty Sark Sailor on March 30, 2017, 01:08:11 PM
I removed my post thought we were doing a streaming setup.
Shoot... I thought what you had was cool... :eek:
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: tim273 on March 30, 2017, 01:11:02 PM
Computer: Raspberry Pi 3 with Raspbian Jessie - perfect for running 24/7 without the issues that Windows sometimes has, plus very low power.
Radio: NooElec Mini 2+ TCXO: http://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers/nesdr/nesdr-mini-2-plus.html along with the metal enclosure: http://www.nooelec.com/store/nesdr-enclosure-206.html
Antenna: Coax cable with 17 1/2 inches of the jacket stripped off (to expose 17 1/2 inches of bare inner coax wire) and mounted in the attic.  I have the tools to make my own coax cable so I just put an F connector on one end and then ran the coax up to my attic with the stripped end and mounted it up there. 
Adapters: To hook from the coax to the RTL SDR, I purchased two adapters, this one: http://www.nooelec.com/store/male-mcx-to-male-sma-pigtail-rg316-0-5-length.html to and this one: https://www.amazon.com/DHT-Electronics-coaxial-adapter-female/dp/B00CVTRGIC
Streaming Software: RTL SDR (https://github.com/osmocom/rtl-sdr) and Darkice (http://www.darkice.org/ and https://github.com/rafael2k/darkice)

A guide to set up the Raspberry Pi and RTL SDR is here: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=31582

In the past I've used a Reecomm R-1630 with a Raspberry Pi, Darkice and this sound card: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B000KW2YEI and this adapter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052A2LYG along with a pair of RCA cables.  I actually found a mono 3.5mm to dual RCA splutter, it may have been at Radio Shack before they stopped selling that stuff but I can't seem to find another one like it.

For hooking the coax antenna cable to the radio antenna RCA connector, I needed one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Adapter-Female-Male-Style/dp/B000AAL4PA

Bonus Item:

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): https://www.samsclub.com/sams/1350-battery-backup/prod8410081.ip  I happen to have a Sams Club membership and saw this one day at the store.  This will keep your stream up and running if there is a power outage, which of course happens when there is severe weather and people need your stream the most!  You'll need to plug your computer, radio (if it's external), and router/modem into it to keep the stream going.  Depending on what kind of computer you have, it will last 30 minutes to a few hours.  On mine, the total load with Raspberry Pi/RTL SDR, modem and router is about 15 watts, so mine should last a couple hours or so.  If you search on Amazon for UPS, you'll find quite a few to choose from.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: DW7240 on March 30, 2017, 01:25:06 PM

Hi Tim.

You've outdone me  :grin: :grin: awesome amount of information there, THANK YOU !!  =D>

Lets get this listing growing !! remember, not expecting everything but the kitchen sink in your reply, as long as the radio in use is listed and has the necessary audio output (ear/headphone socket/RCA connections etc, any other info is a bonus !!  \:D/

Nick. dw7240.com
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: tim273 on March 30, 2017, 01:45:13 PM

Hi Tim.

You've outdone me  :grin: :grin: awesome amount of information there, THANK YOU !!  =D>

Lets get this listing growing !! remember, not expecting everything but the kitchen sink in your reply, as long as the radio in use is listed and has the necessary audio output (ear/headphone socket/RCA connections etc, any other info is a bonus !!  \:D/

Nick. dw7240.com

Thanks!  I try to be thorough and I actually just updated it with a couple more things I forgot.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: wxthomson on March 30, 2017, 08:16:53 PM
Computer: Raspberry Pi 3 with Raspbian Jessie - perfect for running 24/7 without the issues that Windows sometimes has, plus very low power.
Radio: NooElec Mini 2+ TCXO: http://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers/nesdr/nesdr-mini-2-plus.html along with the metal enclosure: http://www.nooelec.com/store/nesdr-enclosure-206.html
Antenna: Coax cable with 17 1/2 inches of the jacket stripped off (to expose 17 1/2 inches of bare inner coax wire) and mounted in the attic.  I have the tools to make my own coax cable so I just put an F connector on one end and then ran the coax up to my attic with the stripped end and mounted it up there. 
Adapters: To hook from the coax to the RTL SDR, I purchased two adapters, this one: http://www.nooelec.com/store/male-mcx-to-male-sma-pigtail-rg316-0-5-length.html to and this one: https://www.amazon.com/DHT-Electronics-coaxial-adapter-female/dp/B00CVTRGIC
Streaming Software: RTL SDR (https://github.com/osmocom/rtl-sdr) and Darkice (http://www.darkice.org/ and https://github.com/rafael2k/darkice)

A guide to set up the Raspberry Pi and RTL SDR is here: http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?topic=31582

In the past I've used a Reecomm R-1630 with a Raspberry Pi, Darkice and this sound card: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B000KW2YEI and this adapter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052A2LYG along with a pair of RCA cables.  I actually found a mono 3.5mm to dual RCA splutter, it may have been at Radio Shack before they stopped selling that stuff but I can't seem to find another one like it.

For hooking the coax antenna cable to the radio antenna RCA connector, I needed one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Adapter-Female-Male-Style/dp/B000AAL4PA

Bonus Item:

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): https://www.samsclub.com/sams/1350-battery-backup/prod8410081.ip  I happen to have a Sams Club membership and saw this one day at the store.  This will keep your stream up and running if there is a power outage, which of course happens when there is severe weather and people need your stream the most!  You'll need to plug your computer, radio (if it's external), and router/modem into it to keep the stream going.  Depending on what kind of computer you have, it will last 30 minutes to a few hours.  On mine, the total load with Raspberry Pi/RTL SDR, modem and router is about 15 watts, so mine should last a couple hours or so.  If you search on Amazon for UPS, you'll find quite a few to choose from.

Excellent information.
I may try building one of those.

Thanks
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Mark / Ohio on April 02, 2017, 06:50:15 PM
My radio and antenna is pushing 30 years old.  I use a Radio Shack Pro 38 scanner that the audio amp failed on 10 plus years ago that I did not want to give up on.  So I disconnected the audio output jack from the audio amp and using a coupling cap wired the audio at the input of the volume control into the earphone jack, then let my computer amplify the signal to the needed level.

The antenna is a Radio Shack discone scanner antenna of the same age that can support transmission on a few bands, well before a couple of the ground plane rods fell off it could.   ;)  I have it on top of a 30' tower.

I use an APC UPS700 to hold power on the scanner, weather station and to charge my work and personal cell and a UPS450 for the DSL modem/router, use the internal battery in the Aspire One netbook that transmits the stream to the net.  The batteries buy me some time but during an extended power outage a Honda EU3000is inverter generator keeps things running until the batteries give out in the phone company remote terminal.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Fox_Of_The_Wind on April 02, 2017, 07:05:10 PM
My radio and antenna is pushing 30 years old.  I use a Radio Shack Pro 38 scanner that the audio amp failed on 10 plus years ago that I did not want to give up on.  So I disconnected the audio output jack from the audio amp and using a coupling cap wired the audio at the input of the volume control into the earphone jack, then let my computer amplify the signal to the needed level.

The antenna is a Radio Shack discone scanner antenna of the same age that can support transmission on a few bands, well before a couple of the ground plane rods fell off it could.   ;)  I have it on top of a 30' tower.

I use an APC UPS700 to hold power on the scanner, weather station and to charge my work and personal cell and a UPS450 for the DSL modem/router, use the internal battery in the Aspire One netbook that transmits the stream to the net.  The batteries buy me some time but during an extended power outage a Honda EU3000is inverter generator keeps things running until the batteries give out in the phone company remote terminal.

I had that same radio shack scanner and it has the same problem yours had. But unlike you. I junked mine :-( That is a great idea for yours.

I don't even bother with a UPS. No point out in the country here. if the power is out so is the internet in this town. ;-)
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Mark / Ohio on April 02, 2017, 08:52:47 PM
I had some concern using that low of a level audio signal input about RF noise from the computer getting into it.  But it has worked well now for several years.  I keep the radio and audio cable off to the side from the computer.  Also found the shortest cable I could find in my junk collection.  It is a mono cable from the radio to a mono to stereo adapter into the computer.  You can see the adapter on the left side below the white USB plug which is my serial to USB adapter for the weather station.  Right side USB cable is my web camera in the window.  The aluminum tray looking thing below the computer is a dual fan laptop cooler.

Those old scanners still show up on eBay.  I believe they were made by Uniden for Radio Shack.

Edit: I should also add I have the antenna lead ran through a surge suppressor with coax cable protection and two separate ground blocks on the cable tying together my electrical house ground and a second external 9ft ground rod.  That antenna picks up some serious static charge during a storm.  One time while disconnecting it at the beginning of a storm from my police scanner I got a zap out of it about the equivalent of holding on to a lawnmower spark plug.   :lol:  Knock on wood the ground blocks and suppressors seem to have worked to keep it bled off and prevented damage to the radio and computer for several years now.  Course that will not stop a direct hit.  I've seen surge suppressors in pieces and melted after direct hit.  Thus why I would like to get the antenna for the radio into the attic at some point since it needs to run 24/7. 
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Sooner Al on April 28, 2017, 04:24:04 PM
RadioShack Weather Alert Clock Radio with SAME, model 1200996...

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Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: ValentineWeather on April 28, 2017, 04:49:54 PM
If anyone is broadcasting radio for website feed and notice hum when plugged into AC power this little gadget eliminated the hum for my setup.
Its a ground loop isolator.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493412310&sr=8-2&keywords=hum+eliminator
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Shino353 on January 01, 2018, 11:10:18 PM
All I have is this old Midland model:13-901
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: blacklistedcard on April 09, 2018, 02:12:00 AM
RadioShack Weather Alert Clock Radio with SAME, model 1200996...

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I have the same radio.  Picked it up for$10.00
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Felix1 on April 09, 2018, 04:42:51 AM
Sangean CL-100 with external antenna


S.A.M.E. Table-Top WX Hazard Alert w/AM/FM-RBDS Alarm Clock Radio




Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Rovingnome on November 02, 2018, 03:45:21 PM
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Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Rovingnome on November 02, 2018, 03:45:56 PM
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Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: Rovingnome on November 02, 2018, 03:47:43 PM
Realistic 12-140 Weather Alert Radio
Realistic 12-143 pocket weather alert radio

Got these radios in 1990, our NWS operate on 162.475mhz, so I use these....
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: PaulKTF on November 22, 2018, 10:29:08 AM
I have a few Reecom R-1650 models. I like them because they're easy to set up and program, dependable, support S.A.M.E, and (unlike the Midland WR-300 models I was using before) they observe the EOM (End Of Message) signal. This model also has an AM/FM radio with options to preset stations.

I have a few of them scattered around the house and I'm very happy with them. It's the model I would recommend for home use without hesitation.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61R-22h26GL._SX466_.jpg)
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: W Thomas on November 28, 2018, 10:41:30 PM
I have been programming the NWR frequencies into my Harris M7100 console setup and using a 5/8 wave base antenna. Programmed one group to decode and another group to scan and monitor. Worked real well at the other location and had great audio for streaming but since we moved into this hollow of sorts the reception is hit and miss even with the preamp enabled. May try a yagi when I can and hopefully it will be more reliable. The test alert sounded today for the first time in several weeks hopefully I can improve on that :-)
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: K2GW on July 08, 2020, 12:53:41 AM
I've been using a RadioShack 12-250 for over ten years now.  In all that time, I just needed to clean the rarely turned audio volume potentiometer once with a quick spray of contact cleaner.

Since I live 40 miles from the NWR transmitter, I feed it with a home made vertical Dipole antenna made from stripped coax that I hang inside the window.

These radios are reliable, handle multiple SAME codes, allow you to select which type watches will turn on the alert tone, have external antenna connectors, and actually do respond to the EOM code to turn the speaker off after the announcement.

I just bought a used backup one on eBay for $10. 
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: GameBreaker64 on July 18, 2020, 02:23:58 PM
Reecom R-1630(C?). Manufactured October 1st, 2007 from what the date says on plug-in.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: DVINTHEHOUSEMAN on July 19, 2020, 09:05:21 PM
I use the Midland 74-200, the Midland 74-250C, the La Crosse W89547, an Electra Bearcat 300, and soon a RadioShack 12-255 to receive NOAA broadcasts.
Title: Re: NOAA RADIO HARDWARE
Post by: n2jtx on August 02, 2020, 11:37:33 AM
Stumbled on this old thread looking for new SAME supported weather radios that support firmware upgrades in order to add new event codes.

I have Radio Shack models 12-249, 12-250 and 12-262. The first two are so old, dating back to the late 1990's, that they do not support Tropical Storm Watch (TRA) or Tropical Storm Warning (TRW). We had those issued back in early July when Fay hit the NYC area. My radios displayed "Unknown Warning - Tune TV". The 12-262 supports them but does not support the newer Extreme Wind Warning (EWW) or Blue Alert (BLU).

I also have a Radio Shack PRO-163 scanner that supports SAME as well as a Vector model WC300DSV. Both of them support the TRA and TRW alerts but not the newest EWW and BLU codes.