Date of Award

6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2024

Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Kurt Schab

Abstract

The Santa Clara Radio Astronomy Program (SCRAP) III aims to enhance the capabilities of a cost-effective, software-defined radio telescope for educational and amateur use. This thesis outlines the design modifications and improvements implemented in the third year of the project, focusing on three primary areas: the development of a new feed element, the refinement of data acquisition and processing systems, and the introduction of a dish rotation system. The new feed element design addresses previous weathering issues and optimizes signal reception at the hydrogen line frequency of 1.42 GHz. The data acquisition system is updated to include celestial coordinate data and visual representation enhancements, making the data more accessible and comparable to existing astronomical datasets. The planned dish rotation mechanism would enable 2D scanning, significantly expanding the scope of celestial observation possible with the setup. These improvements not only advance the project’s technical achievements but also contribute to the broader goal of making radio astronomy more accessible to smaller institutions and amateur astronomers. The project showcases a successful integration of engineering principles and practical implementation, providing a robust platform for future enhancements and educational opportunities.

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