Re: Book, movie and hobby

> clf wrote:
I have been interested in Astronomy since like 12, had an Optical telescope since about then too. Then got interested in Radio Astronomy, but never got around to it. 20+ years later, trying to break back into both fields.

I had a book by I believe "David Heiserman" (sp?) ??? dealing with Radio Astronomy (not acutal title). It sort of got ruined and I've never been able to find a replacement copy. Anyone have one for sale? 

David L. Heiserman
"Radio Astronomy for the Amateur"
You can find it on amazon.com ...


Have read along the way though, that SETI has sort of asked the Radio Amateurs and Amateur Radio Astronomers - to tune in - to help in the search for signals. I'd love to know what frequencies ranges "should" be searched and any other tips one may offer.

You can check here for more info (as well as the other sites mentioned already): http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/

Most searches (not all of course) concentrate near 1420MHz, looking for narrowband signals and pulses ...


Also, I seen the movie just recently - "Contact". I was excited about it at the beginning, but the ending sort of disappointed me. But, it was enough to stir my desires to get back into this hobby. So, all in all, I suppose it did a good job. 

Yes, it was ok ...
Same here regarding the ending ...


Any suggestions as to equipment - least/most - etc? Some of the books I read when in high school suggested only basic sorts of things. Finco 4 TV antennas in an array, a strip chart recorder or VOM, Speaker, switching to test signals, receiver - some were I believe in the 140 MHz region or maybe closer to 2meters. I can't recall exactly. Also some just above the FM broadcast band. However, I think those were more for picking up the waves such as emitted from the sun and Jupiter. I'm sure there are other - much higher frequencies to listen into.

Visit the sites already mentioned ... plenty of info there to get you thinking ...

You'll need an antenna (may for starters a horn antenna?) and a reciever. Check these sites:

http://www.ettus.com/

The USRP seems like a good bet for a starting reciever for the 1420MHz area ... it currently runs under LINUX ...

Check here too:
http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/ras.html

Radio Astronomy Supplies ...


Also, I've read somewhere that around 18 MHz, there is a sound from Jupiter that can be heard... A staccato note or a sound similar to the waves of the ocean coming into shore. I've heard this, IF that is indeed what it is supposed to be.

There are groups of amateurs that monitor Jupiter decametric emissions: Check: http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/


I'd sure like to get into this a bit more. Back then I even worked to get my Amateur License to do EME as a small part of my RA hobby. THAT was the driver for me to get the Ham license. But since I have been licensed - the Astronomy fields took a back seat. Life happened! Married, kids, etc. Now, I'm where I can play a bit.... so, am looking to get my ducks in a row to the extent possible to allow me to enjoy the hobby as I had intended.

You'll find plenty of info at the sites provided. Joining The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) is good too. They have a discussion group where you can ask questions and so on ...

http://www.qsl.net/SARA/

You'll find much information there ...
Al



So, any help - leads to needed equipment or plans/schematics, welcome.

Thanks.

clf 


.

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