FourAntennaTesting.jpg

Took time out to configure the SDRplay – RSPduo (dual), SDR receivers with an external GPS Disciplined oscillator. The test assembly allowed for a total of four SDR antenna receiver ports to operate simultaneously using the RSPduo, SDR receivers. The GPS will allow for improved stability and importantly accuracy for Doppler shift & pulsar detection, on 1420.508 & 1405 MHz’s.

Equipment list in the image:·        
The GPS device used was the Leo Bodnar, Precision GPS Reference Clock (1)
GPS Active Antenna (1)
SDRplay – RSPduo receiver (2)
3m USB A to B Cable (2)
BNC to MCX GPSDO Pigtail (2)

The image consists of (desk-shelf), two SDRplay - RSPduo receivers (black boxes) connected to the Leo Bodnar GPSDO (silver box with red lights, right), using two BNC to MCX pigtail twelve" cable connectors. The software used is the SDRuno, and GPS Clock Configuration utility (not shown), displayed on the dual monitors for each respective RSPduo SDR receiver.

The first monitor (left) is set for 1420.508 MHz, the neutral hydrogen (HI), atom emission line frequency or 21 Centimeter wavelength. The second RSPduo is set for 1420.752 MHz, the rest frequency of neutral hydrogen, for testing purposes only.

Next, I have placed an order for a small 7x7 storage shed, in order to keep the radio astronomy project moving along. I will plan for the NexDome personal observatory, hopefully next year. The 7x7 storage is expected delivery next week, I will pour a cement foundation and bolt the shed to the cement pad.

Most likely an air supply & humidifier are required to keep moisture down, equipment cool, free from weather moisture damage.

Last, I'm having a custom built Spectracyber 1420 MHz spectral – continuum radio telescope - CyberSpectra I. Delivery is expected within two weeks.

The Spectracyber unit and its software are for measuring the HI emissions doppler affect & velocity in km/sec, at the galactic plane. The unit will also serve for measuring galactic high velocity clouds (HVC) as well. Both, 3-meter mesh satellite dishes will be configured in a interferometer (basic) setup with the Spectracyber unit. Power to the radio astronomy interferometer system is going to take thought, but I am up for the challenge!

The SpectraCyber - CI will allow both 3-meter satellite mesh antenna dishes, configuration as a Radio Astronomy (basic) Inteferometer. Of course there is still math involved in the configuration.

The SpectraCyber will allow me to move away temporarily from the complex Python & GNU radio programming, with the SDR receivers, balanced modulator/demodulator lock-in amplifier modules,  and passive double -balanced mixers (low & high linear), shown below.