Software Setup

Build a Simple Spectrometer

Introductory GNU Radio lessons are presented along with steps for building a simple spectrometer

Equipment and preparation

Equipment: GNU Radio and the linked lesson PDFs. The waveform exercises need no receiver; live telescope input requires an SDR.
Before you start: Begin with the introductory waveform lessons. Review FFTs and filters before building the spectrometer.
Planning your time: Review the tasks before scheduling a class. A classroom duration has not been confirmed for this lesson.

Introductory Lessons on Using GNU Radio and Some Basic DSP
- Lesson 1 (view PDF) - Introduction to GNU Radio basics.
- Lesson 2 (view PDF) - Learning more GNU Radio tools building a multiple waveform source.
- Lesson 3 (view PDF) - Demonstration of Fourier series.
- Lesson 4 (view PDF) - Demonstration of how an FFT block works.
- Lesson 5 (view PDF) - Filter basics.
Build a Simple Spectrometer (view PDF) - Directions on building a simple spectrometer for a horn telescope, with detailed explanations of the blocks.

Notes for the spectrometer guide

The PDF uses older GNU Radio screenshots. Use the current receiver settings when configuring your SDR.

The current examples include flowgraphs checked with GNU Radio 3.10.