Radio Telescope SPIDER 230C

SPIDER 230C - Compact 2.3-meter radio telescope (kit without mount)

Visit SPIDER 230C is a compact radio telescope with a diameter of 2.3 metres designed for radio astronomy research at the frequency of 1420 MHz, typical of the neutral hydrogen (HI) line. This is a complete, modular system, combining a light parabolic antennaa high-resolution scientific receiver and a professional software control and analysis. This model enables the use of a motorized equatorial mount standard, transforming an optical astronomy mount into a full-fledged radio astronomy instrument.

Key features

• WEB230-5 antenna 2.3 m primary focus with special front and rear brackets.
• Supplied with a optimized feed at 1420 MHz and two low-noise amplifiers (LNA) for double circular polarization (LHCP / RHCP).
• Equatorial support device for mounting the antenna on a GOTO equatorial mount (minimum load: 50 kg, Losmandy-type clamping).
• H142-PRO receiver radiometer/spectrometer with 50 MHz instantaneous bandwidth and 1024 channels, for installation in control rooms.
• RadioUniversePRO software for Windows 10/11: complete radio telescope control, radio data acquisition and processing.
• Frame not included (kit without mount - mount and tripod to be added separately).

A lightweight, high-performance antenna

The antenna WEB230-5 is an open-work dish with a diameter of 2.3 m, offering an excellent compromise between large collection area and reduced weight. It provides better resolution than a full 1.5 m antenna, while still being easy to install. less sensitive to wind thanks to its perforated surface (3 × 4 mm aluminum mesh, efficiency up to 5 GHz). This design makes it an ideal antenna for radio astronomy observation at 1420 MHz.

Designed for equatorial frames

The SPIDER 230C is compatible with computerized astronomical equatorial mounts (EQ8 or equivalent). These mounts offer pointing accuracy and high follow-up at a reasonable cost. The system works via the RadioUniversePRO using the ASCOM 6. The user simply needs to ensure that his mount has a compatible ASCOM driver.

H-FEED: the optimized 1420 MHz horn

Visit H-FEED is a power horn specially designed for SPIDER radio telescopes. It ensures even illumination reflector, a high gain and a reduction of secondary lobes and overflow noise (spillover). It enables double circular polarization (LHCP/RHCP) thanks to two professional 1420 MHz LNAs, positioned at the optimum focus of the dish via a rigid four-arm structure. A fine focusing device ensures perfect alignment to maximize sensitivity.

Patented equatorial support device

The support developed by PrimaLuceLab enables the large WEB230-5 antenna to be adapted to a standard equatorial mount. Thanks to a sliding double counterweight system, In addition to the standard features such as the "no-tilt" function, perfect balancing on both axes prevents any risk of tipping over. From rear tie rods reinforce the rigidity of the assembly, reducing mechanical deformation of the dish and improving tracking accuracy. Without this system, the weight of the front reflector and the LNA/feed block would make stable tracking of celestial targets impossible.

H142-PRO: next-generation radio astronomy receiver

Visit H142-PRO is a professional radiometer/spectrometer with 1420 MHz, a direct evolution of the H142-One, developed in collaboration with the’INAF Bologna. Designed exclusively for SPIDER radio telescopes, it offers :

• Low electronic noise and improved signal-to-noise ratio to detect weak signals.
• IPA technology (Integrated Programmable Attenuator): automatic attenuation to avoid saturation when observing strong sources (e.g. the Sun).
• Double-conversion superheterodyne architecture (UP/DOWN): 50 MHz instantaneous band (1.395 - 1.445 GHz) with 14-bit A/D converter.
• 1024-channel spectrometer (61 kHz resolution) with real-time display and processing via RadioUniversePRO.
• Installation on 19″ rack or table-top, with two IF outputs for extension to an optional backend.

Thanks to its high gain, stability and high-end electronics, the H142-PRO is ideal for educational and research institutions wishing to study radio emissions from astronomical objects (galactic hydrogen, Sun, pulsars, etc.).

RadioUniversePRO: control and analysis software

RadioUniversePRO is a complete environment for control, data acquisition and processing. It manages antenna position, receiver parameters and radio signal recording, while eliminating artificial interference. The user can perform transits or radio maps celestial sources. The data is saved graphically and in FITS (NASA FITS Viewer compatible). The software, supplied exclusively with SPIDER radio telescopes, is Windows 10/11 compatible (64-bit recommended, screen ≥ 1920×1080, i5 / i7 recommended, 8 GB RAM).

Technical specifications

Site preparation and use

The kit SPIDER 230C mountless requires a GOTO equatorial mount (recommended: EQ8 SynScan). As the mount is not waterproof, permanent outdoor installation requires protection. The user must provide power supply and grounding as well as the cables connecting the outdoor antenna unit to the control room.

SPIDER Mark II: much more than an antenna

Fruit of 10 years of research and development by engineers from PrimaLuceLab, the SPIDER Mark II range guarantees :

• Pointing and tracking accuracy superior to consumer antennas.
• Dedicated, high-sensitivity radioastronomy software.
• Manufactured, assembled and tested in Italy.
• Pre-sales service, after-sales support, continuous hardware and software updates.
• On-site installation anywhere in the world by a qualified technical team.

The SPIDER 230C - compact, precise and modular - paves the way for scientific radio astronomy accessible to educational establishments, clubs and observatories wishing to explore the Universe at 1420 MHz.