Icom 7100

[mikediv]

Hey guys, I have an Icom 7100 I need software that will let me hook it up to my computer, I want to search for sat signals cn anyone help me I am new to this thanks I can build circuits "wire wrap: if I have to I would love to build a radio telescope but can I use the Icom for finding sat signals??
Thanks

 

[mancow]

I don't know much of anything about radio astronomy! However, I'm quite sure you would need a very high gain antenna and some sort of low noise amplifier.

You won't be able to build anything like that with wire wrapping construction techniques. Microwave RF construction is some wild s***! It requires very precise construction. RF does weired things at these high frequencies.


mancow

 

[JamesO]

mikediv,

There is software available for the Icom R-7100. I have used Scan-Cat in the past with some results. I am sure you can do a web seach and you will find more info.

The main issue with the Icom radio is the data interface is TTL not RS-232. You will need some form of TTL to RS-232 conversion circuit. I have found a number of nice units that slave power from the RS-232 signals, they are typically used in the robot hobby world, kit form about $15. You may also find a used Opto Electronics interface for a reasonable price as well $30-$60??. You may have results with the cheater diode circuit that some folks have used??

You can use the R-7100 with down converters/LNB's to demod some signals from satellites, although most are now some form of digital (*)PSK modulation format. I used to listen to some of the IMARSAT satellites in the 1470 MHz range, have not done this for over 10 years now.

JamesO

 

[JSDearborn]

I also have a 7100 and an r-20 and was thinking about these antennas.

http://www.time-step.com/inmarsatsystem2.htm

But I don't think anybody uses Inmarsat A anymore. It is the only analog part of Inmarsat.

The yagi looks pretty cool to intersept some military satillite transmissions.