A list of the components that are needed to build and operate a horn radio telescope system is presented below. Links to documentation and instructional videos are provided where applicable.
Why does the horn have these dimensions? How do they relate to observing the 21 cm line? See Horn Telescope Design (view PDF)
What’s Needed for a Complete Horn Radio Telescope System
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the horn and antenna assembly
- Build the horn - the front end that collects radio waves.
- Assemble the can and antenna - the back end containing the copper probe.
- Build the cradle and stand - the support for the complete antenna.
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a low noise amplifier (LNA)
All of the following work fine for use with the horn telescope. The DSPIRA LNA is the most stable and long lasting.
- Best option: the DSPIRA LNA – click on the Detailed Information and Instructions Link
- Next best option: Low Noise Amplifier Filtered Hydrogen Line 1420 MHz LNA 32 dB Gain LNA with Bias Tee
- Next best option: Nooelec SAWbird+ H1. This module combines a SAW filter and cascaded low-noise amplifiers for hydrogen line observations
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an Airspy Software Defined Radio: Airspy R2
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A coaxial cable with SMA connectors is needed to connect the LNA to the SDR.
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computer and software options:
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computer with a Linux (Ubuntu) operating system
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install GNU Radio 3.10
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get calibrated-spectrometer.grc from the DSPIRA software guide
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other computers: review the computer and software options. Check hardware compatibility before choosing a bootable image.
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