Direct Readout Meteorological Satellite Data Processing with a Low-Cost, Computer- Linked System

Visible and infrared image data from the scanning radiometer on the NOAA-2 and NOAA-3 satellites are received by a VHF "APT" Station at Colorado State University. In addition to producing the regular hard-copy photographs, the taped signal is specially processed by electronic means, converted from analog to digital form and further processed in the computer. Details of the processing steps and equipment will be described and the meteorological application of the full-resolution processed images will be noted for cases of both synoptic and mesoscale weather situations.