Start with DSPIRA
Choose a route that fits your equipment and interests.
Try an activity
No telescope needed: How Fast Are We Moving? explores orbital motion. Choose the basic, advanced, or physics worksheet. You need internet access and the activity materials.
For a software activity, the introductory GNU Radio lab explores signals and sound. Install GNU Radio before starting. Later receiver labs require additional equipment.
Teaching notes and preparation help you choose material for a class.
Build a telescope
A complete telescope needs an antenna, stand, amplifier, receiver, cables, and a suitable computer. Budget for several hundred dollars in parts. Prices vary; confirm current costs before ordering. The starter kit supplies only the receiver and amplifier, subject to availability.
- Review the complete parts overview.
- Build the antenna using Horn Construction.
- Choose the amplifier and receiver in Receiver Electronics.
- Check software compatibility before preparing your computer.
- Continue to Observing when the system is ready.
Construction needs tools, workspace, and appropriate supervision. Review the instructions before scheduling class sessions. Other horn designs are optional alternatives, not additional required builds.
Use your telescope
Start with telescope setup, then run the spectrometer. Follow the calibration procedure before collecting calibrated observations. The Observing module continues through saving and analyzing data.
LightWork technical guides provide additional construction and measurement references.
Get help
Email rail@wvu.edu, or browse community discussions. Include your lesson, equipment, and software versions when asking about a setup problem.