SARA Scope in Box Package, and ezRA Software Suite used for hydrogen radio mapping experiments at LRO and list of hardware components accessible in UK 14/9/2024.
The hydrogen radio mapping project was produced by the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomy (SARA), based in the USA (https://www.radio-astronomy.org/node/366). Software and instructions for this project can be found below, together with a direct link to download the Easy Radio Astronomy Software Suite described by Dr Thornett in his talks, and a list of components that can be obtained from Amazon UK for this project as of 14/9/2024. Various other bits and pieces required for the project can also be accessed through Amazon.
Note that it can be difficult (and expensive due to taxes and postage) to source the components through the USA/SARA Store, so I have put together instructions on how to source these components in the UK below.
I am happy to offer support to anyone trying this project = to contact me go to: https://www.astronomy.me.uk/contact-me
In addition, support can be found via the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomy:
https://www.radio-astronomy.org
Instructions and Software:
Click on link below to down ZIP file with Scope in a Box software and instruction manual:
Scope in the Box manual and software are located at the following drop box location for you to download:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1btmapt141jo7aupwmgda/h?dl=0&rlkey=4bbgqx84eapl7oyeggijyn1u6
Click on check box, to right of: “NAME” which will to select all. Then click on “DOWNLOAD” to receive the SCOPEINABOX.ZIP file containing “all”.
ezRA Software Suite (Easy Radio Astronomy):
https://github.com/tedcline/ezRA
Hardware:
The Society for Amateur Radio Astronomy (SARA) offers a pre-prepared package containing all items required for the project, which currently (18/9/2024) can only be posted within the USA. The USA package contains following items (18/9/2024):
- RTL-SDR Blog V3 x1 Software defined radio
- USB extension cable x2
- SMA Male plug to N type male plug x2
- 50 Ohm dummy load SMA connector x2
- Male-Male SMA gender changer x2
- Female to female SMA gender changer x2
- Nooelec SAWBird H1 Low noise amplifier and filter x1
- Skywalker 3 foot TV antenna tripod
- Nooelec satellite mesh antenna (currently the Scope in a box package uses the 1.7GHz tuned version)
An older list from September 2023 showing key hardware components used at LRO and available in the UK for purchase for hydrogen radio mapping can be seen by clicking on link below:
A newer list of key hardware components used at LRO and available in the UK for purchase on Amazon or hydrogen radio mapping 14/9/2024:
- An appropriate computer – I use currently a second hand laptop with minimal specifications. Other options include mini-PCs and Raspberry PIs. The computer does not need to be highly specified but does need to be able to run the software and save data.
- Software defined radio – I use RTL SDR Blog V3 = https://www.amazon.co.uk/RTL-SDR-Blog-RTL2832U-Software-Defined-Black/dp/B0BMKZCKTF
- NooElec SAWbird+ H1 – Premium SAW Filter & Cascaded Ultra-Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) Module for Hydrogen Line (21cm) Applications. 1420MHz Center Frequency. Designed for Software Defined Radio (SDR): https://amzn.eu/d/1XvTWnb
- Nooelec DC block to put between SAWBird filter and SDR to prevent coming back to SDR.
- 5V power supply for SAWBird such as Security-01 AC to DC 5V 2A Power Supply with Plug Micro USB for Security Camera IPC: https://amzn.eu/d/1nnGLaI. There are many options for a similar power supply – you need something reasonably stable, does not need great deal of amps, although personally I tend to buy 3A supplies because they are more flexible for other projects. If you have spare 5V phone charger, you may wish to try that first, before buying a new supply. The supply should cause the LED on the SAWBird to come on
- Patch cable 10cm with SMA connector. Might need gender changer for SMA.
- Nooelec Satellite Mesh Antenna Bundle for Inmarsat, Iridium, & Hydrogen Line Applications. 20dBi Parabolic Antenna w/ 1.4GHz Center Frequency, 300MHz+ Bandwidth. LMR400 SMA Feed Cable & Mounting Kit: https://amzn.eu/d/cyqripa
- There are many types of aerials which will work for this project. The above aerial is an off-the-shelf solution but there are lots of plans available online for DIY aerials, many of which work very well. The simplest (but not the most effective) is the simple Cantenna – very easy to make at home and very cheap – BUT not as sensitive as the aerial above. The one I made has detected hydrogen successfully, but I have not tested it to see whether a hydrogen map produced using it has much detail.
- Systemsat satellite dish tripod camping stand allow rust proof – ideal for the Nooelec 1.4GHz antenna above: https://amzn.eu/d/ggFtCqk. Note there are many satellite tripod stands – this is simply one chosen at random. Features needed = ability to clamp the tube at the top (most do) and ability to insert pegs through legs into ground, as the dish can easily be blown over and broken in the wind (this has happened to me so be careful to stabilize the dish/stand! My dish has a rather Heath Robinson set of washers and nuts and bolts holding broken buts together now after being blown over, but it still works!)
Andrew
Dr Andrew Thornett