---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Andrew Mount
Date: Friday, August 9, 2013
Subject: Need a starting point to learn RTL-SDR
To: Andrew Back <andrew@carrierdetect.com>, "osmocom-sdr-request@lists.osmocom.org" <osmocom-sdr-request@lists.osmocom.org>
Andrew,
Thank you.
I have two radio astronomy projects in mind. The first is a HF system that will enable me to pick or zoom into a narrow band of frequencies , say 20-22 mHZ from a larger 18 - 26 mHZ range ( currently scanned by a spectrograph) to study N type storm events from Jupiter. This will require coding on my part as I have to interface with pre-existing software in order to load data accepted by the NASA RADIO JOVE archive.
The other application ( much easier) is to build an RTL based 220 mHZ range meteor scatter detection system. The meteor detection system is the current project. I have the computer, the RTL and am waiting on the antenna, ( due to arrive by 30 August). This has already been worked out software wise, it is a plug and chug type of project. The advantage is that I can be collecting meteor data by the end of the year and I will learn about RTL SDR in the process.
In order to build my own custom SDR system, what is needed is knowledge of a more how to -and what is- type. I need to learn the technical language, what programs to use, how an RTL works, integration with a build ( i have access to Matlab? ) environment, how to write drivers, etc. I need to know how it works, how to speak the language and what are the prerequisite tools to get the job done.
Any suggestions that would build proficiency in these areas would be invaluable for me.
Thanks for responding so quickly and best wishes,
Andy