Choose a computer and installation route that match your receiver. The telescope also needs a horn, amplifier, and suitable cables. See the complete system overview before choosing parts.
Read the software compatibility guide before installing or scheduling observations. Generation checks do not establish that a receiver or complete telescope works.
Bootable USB drive
The bootable USB guide provides images containing Ubuntu and telescope software. The Ubuntu 22.04 image requires a 32 GB drive; the Ubuntu 24.04 image requires a 128 GB drive. Check that your computer can boot the selected image from USB before relying on this route. Back up the USB drive before writing the image.
These images may contain older application files. Check receiver settings and recording paths before observing.
Install on an Ubuntu computer
Follow the software installation steps to install GNU Radio, DSPIRA processing blocks, and the classroom applications. Review receiver support through the software guide. Check the Ubuntu and GNU Radio versions expected by each instruction page.
Installing or repartitioning an operating system requires preparation and permission on school computers. Back up existing data before changing a drive’s layout.
Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi guide describes an alternative computer setup. It includes older images and installation instructions whose compatibility needs checking. Choose this route only after reviewing the device, storage, and software requirements.