What can I do with $300 CAD?

[TazG]

I'm looking to get into some sort of astronomy; being that I only have a $300 budget I would think decent telescopes would be out of my price range.

So what can I do with radio astronomy equipment? Can I create pictures out of the data I receive? Any info would be appreciated.

[damnut]

Hi Tazg,

Khanscope in Toronto has a skywatcher 6" dob for $390CDN and a 90mm refractor for $257CDN. However I would find your local astro club and see what others have and what may suit you best . You may also find that they have surplus kit for sale too.

LInk to Khan Scope :-- http://www.khanscope.com/newEquipList.cfm?catID=1&subCatID=1&manID=6

You could also start with a pair of 10*50 binoculars. Also download a planetarium program, plenty out there but try stellarium, its great and free to be found here :-- http://www.stellarium.org/ . This will show you whats in the sky and where. If you can get a couple of books get 'turn left at orion' and 'sky&telescope pocket star atlas' these will help you learn your way round the sky.

[John101]

Welcome tazg,

You can get started in radio astrology and meteor detection for much less than $300 with a PC dongle ((apx $35.00), check out www.rtl-sdr.com)) and a basic dipole antenna. You will need PC soundcard software, most is free, such as HDSDR and ARGO for starters. SPECTRUMLAB offers more options to include port data to EXCEL but suggest leave it alone for now because of a very steep learning curve. For images IRFANVIEW. For audio AUDACITY. YES !! Without doubt STELLAIUM.

All the above ... free downloads.

Enjoy

John

[John101]

..ps..

my avatar is from ARGO

73

[damnut]

Hi Tazg,

There you go, not only a decent astronomical telescope but also radio astronomy for less than 300 bucks.