Satellite Receivers

[Robert9]

I have a "Scientific Atlanta" satellite receiver PowerVu Model D9834. Would this be of any good for use in radio astronomy. :question:
Robert

[bojan]

Hmmm
It can be tuned (https://www.sateng.com/downloads/D9834.pdf) to 1.42GHz, but I don't think there is a (simple) way of accessing the base band... and recording incoming signal level, which radio-astronomy is (mostly) about.
Those cheap (and small) RTL-SDR dongles are much easier to use because of software support.

Much more useful would be LNB's (the thing that is mouted in the focus of the dish).
With RTL dongle and LNB, you could reach much higher bands (C, K)

[Robert9]

Hi Bojan,
Thanks for your reply. I asked the question because I picked one up in the council rubbish and was wondering if it was any use. I'm not planning on getting into RA (yet :lol:) so if you would like to have the unit for a play, (it seems to be working OK and has it's remote) you're very welcome.
Robert

[bojan]

Thank you for the offer :thumbsup:
BUT... my wife would kill me.... if I bring home one more box from rubbish :eyepop: :P

[Robert9]

But, but, but! You wouldn't be bringing it home if I brought it round to you. :lol:

[bojan]

Well, in that case... I may even get away with it, but just...
If you come over, you will see what I mean :)

[Robert9]

See you soon. South west corner correct?

[bojan]

Yep. After hours..

[Robert9]

PM sent.