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SEARFE Kit
The SEARFE Kit consists of:
- A computer controlled receiver. The WinRadio
1550e receiver (RRP ~AU$900, US$599.95) is being used for new kits
in the SEARFE Project. This can be ordered directly from WinRadio.
We have been using the AOR AR3000A receiver
(RRP ~AU$2300) in the SEARFE Project and will continue to support this
receiver with the SEARFE software. We are using the WinRadio receiver in
new kits
as it is less than half the price of the AOR receiver and has more steps
in its signal strength scale (256 compared to 16). The AOR receiver has
a greater frequency coverage than the WinRadio receiver (the
AOR receiver
covers up to 2 GHz, while the WinRadio maximum frequency is 1.5 GHz), but
for the educational purposes of the project, the additional expense of
the AOR receiver cannot be justified at present.
- A laptop or desktop computer running Microsoft Windows.
The serial port of the computer is used to communicate with the receiver.
(Latops with only a USB port need a USB to RS232 converter to communicate
with the scanners-we have found the Comsol converter works with the
WinRadio and AOR receivers. In Australia this can be purchased from, for
example, Harris Technologies
(Part number 80782, RRP AU$69.00)). Almost all the schools
involved in the SEARFE Project are using laptop computers
donated
to the
SEARFE Project
by IBM Australia. Laptops are
conveniently
sized
and are ameniable for use in a portable kit. The SEARFE software benefits
from working
on a faster computer, the recommended minimum specification for the computer
is a system with a 500 MHz Pentium III with 128 MB of RAM and preferrably
a CDRW drive for
transferring
data
files to other computers. We suggest using Microsoft Windows XP as
the operating system,
however the SEARFE software should run on any version of Microsoft Windows
that supports Java (the SEARFE software is written in Java).
- A Diamond D130J Discone
antenna (RRP AU$159 US$89.95).
In Australia, this can be purchased from, for example, www.OzGear.com.au and
Andrews Communications Systems.
See the list
of US dealers for purchasing the D130J in the US.
For best performance the antenna should be mounted on the outside of a building,
at or above the roofline. A UHF plug to BNC socket connector is required
with this antenna to convert the antenna connection from UHF to BNC, for
use with a BNC to BNC connecting cable. In Australia, a suitable connector
can be purchased from Dick Smith Electronics (Cat.
No. P2240).
- High quality low-loss double-shielded radio-frequency connecting
cables (eg RG58/U 50 Ohm coaxial cable) with BNC plug connectors at both
ends. Sydney University's Molonglo Observatory staff have been making these
for
the SEARFE
Project
in varying
lengths (~10m)
using
high quality
RG58/U radio-frequency coaxial cable with standard BNC plug connectors
at both ends. Higher quality cable transmits
the
higher frequencies with less loss. It may be possible to purchase such cable
from a radio-frequency equipment supplier.
- A 50 Ohm BNC terminator (optional). This can be plugged into the receiver
in place of the antenna to determine the spurious signals generated internally
in
the receiver.
- The SEARFE Software. This can be downloaded for free from the software
webpage on the SEARFE website. The webpage contains details on how to
download and install the software.
- The SEARFE resource material. This is freely available on the documentation
page of the SEARFE website.
Links to other information relevant to the SEARFE Project can be found on the
useful links page of the SEARFE website.
Students involved in the project post their results to the SEARFE
Data website and discuss
their results on the SEARFE Chat website,
where they are also able to seek help from the SEARFE mentors.
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