What can I do with a handheld scanner?

[george7378]

Hi everyone,

I have a GRE-PSR 255 handheld radio scanner, and I was wondering if it has any applications in radio astronomy? While the small antenna may not be able to pick up emissions from Jupiter or the Sun, will it be able to pick up anything from satellites such as the ISS and amateur radio satellites? Does anyone have any tips on satellite tracking with a scanner, as I have no idea where to start.

Thanks.

[dlp]

You're probably best making/buying antennas for the bands you wish to use, although you will probably find either a lack of sensitivity or too much sensitivity on the HF (short wave) bands. I think ISS does voice crossband on 2m/70cm (145Mhz/432Mhz), and there are weather satellites you can hear, and decode with the proper software/PC audio connection. Listening to space noise itself is usually done in conjunction with a PC programme. I'm not a radio ham any more, but you will find thousands of scanner/ham sites out there with more info you can shake a stick at! Visiting the RSGB website might be a good start.

PS No idea of the capabilities of your scanner, so some of this might be completely irrelevant.

David

[altec]

for the iss down link try

145.825

its passing over us at the moment

ISS (ZARYA) Satellite details 1998-067A NORAD 25544

[george7378]

Thanks for the help - I heard a few beeps and buzzes during an ISS pass a couple of days ago - could this be interference, or some kind of transmitter on the station?

[altec]

the beeps and buzzes you heard was packet radio on 145.825 voice is on 145.800

hear's a good link for the iss

ISS Fan Club | get in touch with the International Space Station

steve

[peter shah]

this is done with a hand held scanner and a 50mhz directional antenna.......... follow the link

http://stargazerslounge.com/radio-astronomy/86329-my-radio-telescope.html

cheers peter