SPIDER 230C radio telescope

PrimaLuceLab recently introduced their newest product, the SPIDER 230C compact radio telescope kit, which is an affordable entry into radio astronomy, aimed at amateur and research-level astronomers. By combining an advanced 2.3-meter diameter parabolic antenna with innovative features, the SPIDER 230C provides a versatile solution optimized for 1420 MHz radio astronomy. This system includes specialized components like a dual-polarization feedhorn, high-performance low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and the H142-PRO receiver. However, the equatorial mount necessary for operation is sold separately.

PrimaLuceLab's SPIDER 230C radio telescope for 1420 MHz radio astronomy

The 2.3-meter WEB230-5 antenna is a lightweight, mesh-based design offering improved resolution capacity with reduced sensitivity to wind. By using standard equatorial mounts commonly found in amateur astronomy, users gain a cost-effective solution with precision tracking capabilities. The antenna's support for Losmandy-style dovetail mounts ensures compatibility with widely available hardware. Its modular approach allows users to integrate the system with their preferred mount.

The H142-PRO receiver further enhances the SPIDER 230C's performance by delivering high gain, reduced noise, and advanced signal processing. Coupled with the proprietary RadioUniversePRO software, the system supports seamless control, data acquisition, and processing in a user-friendly interface. This makes the SPIDER 230C suitable for both educational and professional use, opening opportunities to explore radio emissions from celestial objects.

PrimaLuceLab emphasizes its comprehensive customer support, offering pre- and post-sale assistance, hardware and software updates, and installation services. The SPIDER MarkII series reflects over a decade of engineering expertise, making the SPIDER 230C a robust option for expanding radio astronomy accessibility while maintaining professional-grade features.

SPIDER 230C compact radio telescope equatorial mount

SPIDER 230C 2.3 meter diameter compact radio telescope specifications:

• Antenna diameter (m): 2.3
• Antenna type: Prime focus
• Feed: optimised for 1420 MHz, LHCP and RHCP
• Working frequency: 1395 – 1445 MHz
• Bandwidth: 50 MHz
• LNA: 2 high gain and stability 1420 MHz LNA units
• Radiometer: 50 MHz instantaneous bandwidth
• A/D converter: 14 bits
• Spectrometer: 1024 channels
• Spectral resolution: 61 KHz
• Control software: RadioUniversePRO
• Weatherproof: No
• Continuous wind speed for operational tracking: 25 km/h
• Supply voltage: 1x12V DC + 1×110-240V AC
   

Key features of the SPIDER 230C radio telescope kit

The mount plays a critical role in ensuring the SPIDER 230C radio telescope functions efficiently. It requires a robust equatorial GOTO mount capable of supporting at least 50 kg, providing precision tracking for radio astronomy applications. The Losmandy-style dovetail compatibility ensures users can find a suitable mount among widely available options in the market.

The dual sliding counterweight system enhances stability, preventing accidental drops and ensuring proper balance across the declination axis. This design allows for improved tracking and pointing accuracy, even with the heavy 2.3-meter diameter antenna. Additionally, rear tie rods increase structural rigidity, minimizing deformation during operation.

ASCOM integration with the RadioUniversePRO software provides seamless control of the mount, ensuring precise positioning and tracking of celestial objects. This feature enables users to leverage advanced automation while maintaining compatibility with popular mount models that support ASCOM drivers.

While the mount must be purchased separately, its specifications ensure adaptability with both amateur and professional-grade equipment. This flexibility supports various observational needs, making it a key component of the SPIDER 230C radio telescope system.

RadioUniversePRO processing software for radio astronomy

The SPIDER 230C features a WEB230-5 antenna and the H142-PRO Receiver

The SPIDER 230C compact radio telescope features the innovative WEB230-5 antenna, a 2.3-meter diameter parabolic antenna designed to offer a larger aperture with reduced weight. Compared to a standard 1.5-meter diameter full-surface model, the 230C provides superior resolution due to its greater diameter while maintaining lower sensitivity to wind, thanks to the perforated surface of the aluminum mesh reflector. This primary reflector, with 3×4 mm holes, ensures optimal reflectivity for radio waves with frequencies up to 5 GHz.

The H-FEED feedhorn, specifically developed for SPIDER radio telescopes, optimally illuminates the primary reflector to achieve high gain while minimizing side lobes and spillover effects. It supports dual polarization reception with two professional Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) for the 1420 MHz frequency. The feedhorn is precisely positioned at the focal point using a rigid structure with four supports, ensuring minimal obstruction and maximum performance through a focusing mechanism.

The patented equatorial mounts support device allows the WEB230-5 antenna to be installed on any equatorial mount with a Losmandy dovetail and a load capacity of at least 50 kg (e.g., EQ8-type mounts). A two-counterweight sliding system ensures perfect balance in the declination axis, enhancing tracking and GoTo performance. The system includes rear tie rods to increase structural rigidity and minimize deformation of the large parabolic antenna.

The H142-PRO receiver, developed in collaboration with the Bologna INAF Institute of Radio Astronomy, represents a significant evolution of the H142-One receiver. Designed exclusively for SPIDER radio telescopes, the H142-PRO features reduced noise levels, providing a superior signal-to-noise ratio for capturing faint radio signals. Its Integrated Programmable Attenuator (IPA) technology prevents signal saturation when observing strong radio sources like the Sun. The receiver is a 1420 MHz superheterodyne-type radiometer/spectrometer with double conversion, 50 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, and a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter. It includes a 1024-channel spectrometer with 61 KHz spectral resolution, processed in real time by the supplied control software. The H142-PRO receiver can be rack-mounted or placed on a table, offering flexibility for educational and research institutions developing radio astronomy programs.

Accompanying the SPIDER 230C is the advanced RadioUniversePRO software, an intuitive interface for controlling the radio telescope. The software integrates all components, enabling users to manage antenna positioning, acquisition parameters, and data recording. It supports data visualization in graphical formats and raw data export in FITS format, compatible with NASA FITS Viewer. This software is exclusively available with SPIDER radio telescopes and operates on Windows 10/11 systems.

SPIDER 230C 2.3 meter diameter compact radio telescope site preparation

Designed to be used with equatorial mounts

The SPIDER 230C radio telescope does not include an equatorial mount, which must be added separately. PrimaLuceLab recommends the EQ8 SynScan mount, with usage guidelines provided in the SPIDER 230C user manual. Since the mount is not weatherproof, the SPIDER 230C requires protection if installed outdoors permanently. Customers seeking weatherproof solutions may consider the 300A and 500A models.

SPIDER MarkII radio telescopes, including the SPIDER 230C, are the culmination of a decade of research and development by PrimaLuceLab. Designed, assembled, and tested in-house in Italy, these telescopes provide unparalleled performance, precision, and engineering quality. PrimaLuceLab offers comprehensive pre-sale services and post-sale support, including hardware and software updates, as well as installation services worldwide.

SPIDER 230C 2.3 meter diameter compact radio telescope for 1420 MHz radio astronomy

Buy the SPIDER 230C radio telescope