Hi folks,
Have not been working the sats much recently, been playing around on EME with a new antenna. I recently discovered the FUNcube Dongle, a nice little gadget that was developed by AMSAT-UK for satellites, but it also makes EME reception a lot easier.
The FCD is a 64 mhz to 1700 mhz all-mode software defined radio that fits in the palm of your hand and costs $190 shipped from the UK to the USA. I was playing around with it with a free program called MAP65-IQ to receive EME on 144 mhz. What a joy to see a decode of every station I can receive on the entire 144 mhz digital EME segment of the band, no tuning needed.
Screen shot here: http://qsl.net/nz5n/funcube.htm
How to set it up? See this video: http://qsl.net/nz5n/FUNcube_Dongle_with_MAP65-IQ_for_EME.swf
Not interested in EME? How about using it as a scanner or to monitor repeaters, satellites, and other activity on 2m, 70cm, and 23cm? They also sell an HF down converter that extends the range from DC to 1700 mhz.
Thanks to AMSAT-UK for this amazing device.
73, Bill NZ5N