Building a TinyGS Satellite Groundstation – Dom M9WHQ

On a temperature record-breaking Wednesday evening in May, Dom M9WHQ, Chairman of the Swindon and District Radio Club (SDARC) drove over to us in Bracknell to teach us all about setting up a TinyGS Satellite Ground Station using some of the readily available microprocessor (Arduino, ESP32/LoRa) boards on the market.

Dom described the set-up process, consisting mainly of two stages: software download/installation and registration with the TinyGS database. Being a brave man, Dom installed and configured the software ‘live’ which ran without a hitch and took just a few minutes. With the node connected to an indoor 433MHz receiving antenna, the node came straight up and was visible on the TinyGS website. As the node had been programmed with the Lat/Lng coordinates of the Community Centre, the TinyGS site displayed a graphical prediction of the satellites due to pass in the coming hours that it should be able to hear.

Most of the satellites transmitting telemetry on the 433MHz band are research and commercial satellites, but sometimes other satellites’ telemetry can be received. It was surprising to see just how much data and information was received and available to view.

With the microprocessor hardware being reasonably priced and so easy to purchase online, a number of members were already on their mobiles ordering a board for themselves.

As a follow-on to his really useful presentation, Dom then showed and demonstrated a Direction Finding Beacon and receivers he had designed based on the same hardware as the TinyGS nodes, but sending and receiving SSB Morse tones. Even with such low-power transmitters, the range can extend a number of miles in line-of-sight conditions.

Thank you to Dom for travelling from Swindon on such a hot evening to visit us and also for allowing us to include a copy of his slides below.

Download a copy of Dom’s presentation slides HERE.

Our May meeting also offered another opportunity to present three well-earned RSGB Brickworks awards—a Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificate—to Paul M9XPN who has been active on the airwaves regularly throughout 2026 so far. Congratulations, Paul.

Lastly, a big thank you to all our members for attending on such a warm evening and to all that helped set up and pack away all our equipment, the hall and refreshments; your help is always so appreciated.