|
Antennas are basically very complex in functionality but essentially very simple to build. Also, today, satellite antennas are relatively cheap and available, but they are suitable for higher frequency bands.
All depends on what do you want to do.. that is why such a range of complexity and physical size.
Having a cousin who is (electronics? we are always that, even when retired :-) ) engineer in the field of radio frequencies iis certainly a great help and guidance.
It is interesting what is happening in radio field: In my time (40+ years ago), ham radio operators would build their equipment from the scratch. They would know very well what it does and how it performs. This was the time when amateurs from Europe and Americas would talk via radio waves reflected off the Moon. Great achievement were done by clever and capable individuals/amateurs.
Today, they do not know much, they go and buy ham radio and all they do is talk, mostly (except honourable exceptions, as there is always someone who sticks out of masses). But, in general, today this is what was once CB band: place to meet and chat (today we have web chat room for this purpose.. except maybe in outback where there is no internet (yet)).
Be aware, that radio-astronomy receiver could be described as one-pixel camera.. with very narrow band filter in front of it. And with very lousy lens (in terms of resolution).
There will be no spectacular things to see or show.. except maybe on rare occasions when something blows up in space, and is intense enough to be recorded by your equipment.
Anyway.. good luck with your projects..
And I will be glad to help if I can :-) Amateurs to amateurs.. :-)
|