Setting Up a Home Radio Meteor Detector

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by

Tracey
in

Introduction

Radio meteor detection relies on the ionized trails left by meteors as they enter the atmosphere. These trails reflect radio waves, allowing us to detect meteors at any time of day. The forward-scatter method is commonly used, where a transmitter’s signal is reflected forward to a distant receiver. This document outlines the steps to set up a home meteor detector using simple equipment and software.

Equipment Required

  • NooElec R820T2 SDR / DVB-T USB dongle (affordable alternative to Funcube dongle)
  • SDR software (SDR#)
  • Spectrum Lab software (for visualizing meteor detections)
  • VB Cable driver (virtual audio cable to connect SDR# and Spectrum Lab)
  • 3-element Yagi Aerial (DIY or purchased, e.g., from The DX Shop)
  • GRAVES Radar Signal (143.048.500Hz) (commonly used in the UK and Northern Europe)

Step 1: Installing the SDR Dongle

  1. Download SDR# software from Airspy.
  2. Plug in the USB dongle, allowing Windows to recognize it.
  3. Extract the SDR# zip folder to an accessible location.
  4. Run Zadig.exe (found in the sdrsharp folder) as administrator.
  5. Select List All Devices under Options.
  6. Choose Bulk-In, Interface (Interface 0) and install the driver. Do not select USB Receiver, as it may disrupt wireless peripherals.

Step 2: Installing the Necessary Software

2.1 Install VB Cable Driver

  1. Download and extract the VB Cable driver.
  2. Run the setup.exe file.
  3. Optionally, create a shortcut for VBCABLE_controlpanel.exe.

2.2 Install SDRSharp

  1. Extract the SDR# software (if not done earlier).
  2. Create a shortcut for SDRSharp.exe for easy access.

2.3 Install Spectrum Lab

  1. Download and install Spectrum Lab via a quick search online.

Step 3: Configuring the Software

3.1 Setting Up SDRSharp

  1. Open SDRSharp and click the cog icon to access settings.
  2. Under Device, select Generic RTL-2832U-OEM.
  3. Ensure these settings:
    • Mode: USB (Upper Side Band)
    • Filter: Blackman-Harris 4
    • IQ Correction: Enabled
    • Audio Output: Set to VB Cable Output
  4. Set the frequency to 143.048.500Hz (GRAVES Radar) by typing it in or adjusting the interface.
  5. Click Play to verify installation.

3.2 Configuring Spectrum Lab

To simplify setup, use a predefined configuration file:

  • Paul Hyde’s INI files (available online) or improved versions from Blackwater Skies.

Steps:

  1. Open Spectrum Lab and load the predefined configuration file.
  2. Set the audio settings:
    • Input: VB Cable
    • Output: PC’s audio output
  3. Save the settings and restart your system.
  4. Open SDRSharp and press Play.
  5. Launch Spectrum Lab; it should start scrolling automatically. If not, go to Start/Stop and select Start Sound Thread.

Step 4: Optimizing Detection

  1. Position the Yagi aerial facing southeast, at an elevated, obstruction-free location.
  2. Adjust the RF gain in SDRSharp for best signal clarity.
  3. Fine-tune audio levels and contrast in Spectrum Lab.
  4. On average, expect 1 meteor detection per hour.

Data Visualization and Sharing

Detected meteors are automatically compiled into heat maps using Colorgramme software. These maps display meteor activity across different times and dates, making it easy to identify meteor shower peaks. Data is also uploaded to the Radio Meteor Observing Bulletin (RMOB).

Useful Links

  • RMOB: Collects and publishes monthly radio meteor data.
  • Radio Meteor Observatories Online: Provides live radio meteor data.
  • Colorgramme/HROfft Guide: Instructions for meteor data visualization.