ECE 110/120 Honors Lab Section : Detection of Astrophysical Transients with the use of Radio Telescope

Name	NetID	Section
Andreas Schmid	aschmid6	ECE 110

Statement of Purpose

To build a basic functional radio telescope. Program the electronics to properly analyze signals within specific bandwidths the radio telescope will focus on. Then convert the collected data from the radio telescope into channelized spectrum known as spectrograms shown as a graphical image.

Background Research

Radio telescopes unlike optical telescope receive data in spectrums that humans cannot perceive with their eyes. Radio telescopes function in a similar way to antennas. The range of these radio telescopes ranges from 100MHz to 3GHz. This is where the signals of transients such as pulsars and Fast Radio Bursts (FRB) are most observable. Much of my drive to start working on this project is due to visiting and working for a team at the Green Bank Telescope. I did look at previous projects done by the honors lab, however none of them are the basis of my project.

Block Diagram / Flow Chart

Provide a simple block diagram of your hardware design. A block diagram is a schematic graphic that shows the interactions between different components in a hardware or software system. If appropriate, please also include a flow chart showing the steps your design needs to go through to function. The online program draw.io is a great tool to create polished block diagrams and flow charts. Likewise Microsoft's visio is also a great program to create block diagrams and flow charts.

System Overview

Radio Telescope System ~ the end product will be the whole system working to collect and post process data
Stand ~ A required mount so that the antenna can have a proper angle of view pointed towards the sky
Antenna ~ Consists of Horn Panels, Metal Can, Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), and Wire Probe to receive the signals
- Horn Panels ~ Receive electro magnetic wavers and direct them towards the wire probe.
- Metal Can ~ Holder of the wire and interface to the LNA
- LNA ~ Amplifies received signal (list component)
- Wire Probe ~ acts to capture the electro magnetic waves
Backend Electronics ~ converts the incoming signals from the LNA and down converts the base band and enables USB communication to the computer
- Tune to 500kHz to 1.7GHz with instantaneous BW of 3.2 MHz
- Off the shelf component
Laptop ~ Used to communicate with the Backend Electronics, store data from the Backend Electronics, performs processing of the data.
- GNU RADIO library will be used for post processing
- Matlab will be used for additional processing and visualization of data

Parts

Provide a list of parts that you may need for your project. You should include details such as the quantity, model number, purpose, vendor, and price (excluding taxes and shipping) for each part. This list may change as you work on your project.

Part Name	Part Link	Part Cost
Support Stand	4’ × 8’ sheet of aluminized home insulation board Copper wire for probe (gauge 4 or 6) – the probe is 5.25 cm long HORN CRADLE: two 20” long 2×2’s two 9 “ long 2×2’s 8 5 one 6 “ long 2×2 16 11 three 9 “ long 2×2’s one 1⁄4 “ plywood piece, 7” × 8” BASE STAND: four 3’ long 2×4’s two 2’ long 2×4’s two 2’ long 2×4’s with 45 degree cut at one end CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: Foil tape 2 1⁄2“ construction screws 1” or 1 1⁄4 “ construction screws Two 3 1⁄2 “ long 1⁄4-20 bolts Two 1⁄4-20 wing nuts Washers - four 1⁄4” fender washers Duct tape	≈50$ (covered)
RTL-SDR BLOG V3	https://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-Blog-RTL2832U-Software-Defined/dp/B0129EBDS2/ref=asc_df_B0129EBDS2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309707619534&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5108947482547951686&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009441&hvtargid=pla-760665313632&psc=1	24.95$
1 gallon square paint thinner can	https://www.berlinpackaging.com/1-gal-steel-f-style-cans-1-75in-delta-cap-1900t15/?promo=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAg8OBBhA8EiwAlKw3kh5h3-3zyBUYYnHUg_aZyIbNBPXkwILe5yb4S27q-Os4JSoagAE26xoCoYwQAvD_BwE	8.60$ (covered)
Panel Mount 4 hole SMA male connector	https://www.amazon.com/brass-solder-terminal-adapter-quality/dp/B01EH5AC8S/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=1x+brass+SMA+male+plug+panel+mount+4+hole+solder+terminal+RF+Coax+adapter%29&qid=1613847859&sr=8-1	7.69$
Noolec SAWbird+ H1 (LNA)	https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-addons/sawbird-h1.html	44.95$
Total Cost		≈136.24$

Possible Challenges

Large amounts of noise pollution from radio waves created by daily used devices. For example microwaves, phones, and WIFI.

Learning how to use GNU radio and properly post process the collected electro-magnetic signals could take significant amounts of time.

References

[1]Sanghavi, P., 2021. DSPIRA Guided Tour. [online] Digital Signal Processing in Radio Astronomy - Lessons Portal. Available at: <https://wvurail.org/dspira-lessons/tour/>. [Accessed: 21- Feb- 2021]