Building a User-Friendly FM Receiver

Overview

The main purpose of this Atmel ATmega8-16P1 microcontroller chip based FM receiver is to monitor polar orbiting weather satellites that are operated by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Explanation

Tuning from 60 to 800MHz with an IF bandwidth of 50kHz makes this a very stronger receiver. The reason behind choosing the IF bandwidth is because it is optimal for the NOAA polar orbiting weather satellites. It is capable of receiving narrow band FM, TV audio, and commercial FM stations. The commercial FM stations are distorted because the IF bandpass for this receiver is too narrow and yet acceptable. By using a tuner with a built-in controller, a previously built FM receiver can be improved by the ATmega8-16P1 microcontroller chip. This signifies improving the speed of tuning and the receiver is made to become more frequency stable. By programming the help screens, it will create a more user-friendly system.

An antenna was made up of TV rabbit ears which makes the FM receiver detects a clear signal from a NOAA polar orbiting satellite when the satellite was 30° above the horizon. Other components of the receiver include filter, oscillator, keypad, LCD, and supply.