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Radio2Space SPIDER 230C 2.3m Compact Radio Telescope

Radio2Space SPIDER 230C 2.3m Compact Radio Telescope

by Radio2Space
SKU R2S-SPIDER230C-KIT
CA$24,290.00 - CA$24,290.00
CA$24,290.00
CA$24,290.00 - CA$24,290.00
CA$24,290.00
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  • 2.3-meter compact radio telescope kit for 1420 MHz
  • WEB230-5 prime focus aluminum mesh antenna
  • H142-PRO receiver with 50 MHz bandwidth radiometer
  • 1024-channel spectrometer with 61 kHz spectral resolution
  • Dual circular polarization (LHCP/RHCP) with 2 high-gain LNAs
  • Requires a 50 kg payload equatorial GoTo mount (not included)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Radio2Space SPIDER 230C 2.3m Compact Radio Telescope

    The Radio2Space SPIDER 230C is a compact radio telescope kit for 1420 MHz radio astronomy, the neutral hydrogen line. It combines a 2.3-meter parabolic antenna with the H142-PRO receiver and RadioUniversePRO software. Its H142-PRO receiver delivers a 50 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, processed by a 14-bit A/D converter into a 1024-channel spectrometer with 61 kHz resolution. It is designed to be used with an equatorial GoTo mount of at least 50 kg payload (not included), for amateurs, schools and educational institutions that want to start in radio astronomy.

    A Turn-Key 2.3m Radio Telescope for 1420 MHz Astronomy

    The SPIDER 230C makes radio astronomy accessible by packaging a complete signal chain into a single, integrated kit. It works at 1420 MHz, the frequency of the spectral line emitted by neutral hydrogen (HI), with a feed, LNAs and receiver all optimised for that band.

    Radio observing does not need darkness: PrimaLuceLab's own alignment and test procedures are done in daylight on the Sun. From antenna to software, the SPIDER 230C records both the total power of a source (radiometer) and its spectrum (spectrometer).

    WEB230-5: A 2.3m Mesh Parabolic Antenna

    The collecting area comes from the WEB230-5, a 2.3-meter prime focus parabolic antenna. The reflector is constructed from an aluminum mesh with 3 x 4 mm holes. The 230C weighs much less than a normal 1.5 meter full-surface antenna, gives better resolution thanks to its larger diameter, and the perforated surface keeps its sensitivity to wind low.

    PrimaLuceLab sizes the mesh for optimum reflectivity of radio waves up to 5 GHz, well above the 1420 MHz working frequency. The antenna is supplied in four quarter sections that bolt together, balancing a large collecting area with manageable assembly. Because it is not weatherproof, the SPIDER 230C is set up for observing and stored under protection afterwards, not left permanently in the field.

    H-FEED: Dual Polarization Feedhorn with Two 1420 MHz LNAs

    At the antenna's prime focus is the H-FEED, a feedhorn optimized to illuminate the 2.3m primary reflector. Its design maximizes gain while minimizing spillover and side lobes. The feed is held at the focus by a rigid four-rod structure that minimizes obstruction, with a focusing device to place it precisely.

    The system captures both Left-Hand (LHCP) and Right-Hand (RHCP) circular polarizations simultaneously. The feed supports two dedicated, high-stability Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) that amplify the faint 1420 MHz signals directly at the antenna before the signal travels down the coaxial cables to the receiver.

    H142-PRO: A 1024-Channel Spectrometer with 61 kHz Resolution

    The H142-PRO receiver, developed with the INAF Institute of Radio Astronomy in Bologna, is a double-conversion superheterodyne radiometer and spectrometer in a single unit. Its IPA (Integrated Programmable Attenuator) prevents saturation on strong sources such as the Sun, and two IF outputs allow an optional backend to be added. It processes a 50 MHz bandwidth centered on the hydrogen line, from 1395 to 1445 MHz. The incoming signal is digitized by a 14-bit A/D converter for analysis.

    The integrated spectrometer resolves the 50 MHz band into 1024 individual channels, yielding a spectral resolution of 61 kHz. The receiver can be placed on a table or mounted in a standard 19-inch rack in your control room, connecting to the antenna via coaxial cables and to the control PC via Ethernet.

    RadioUniversePRO: Integrated Control and FITS Data Acquisition

    The entire SPIDER 230C system is controlled by the included RadioUniversePRO software for Windows 10/11. This single application serves as the command center for the radio telescope, integrating mount control, receiver settings, and data acquisition into one interface. You can command the telescope to point and track sources, manage acquisition parameters, and view data in real time.

    RadioUniversePRO records data from the sky, transits and radio images of the sources you want to study, and can remove artificial interference. Data can be saved in graphical form or as raw data in FITS format, compatible with NASA FITS Viewer, for processing in other software. RadioUniversePRO is supplied only with SPIDER radio telescopes; the control computer is not included.

    Mechanical Interface: Adapting to 50 kg Equatorial Mounts

    A key design feature of the SPIDER 230C is its compatibility with standard, high-payload equatorial mounts. The system requires a GoTo mount with a minimum payload capacity of 50 kg and a Losmandy-style dovetail clamp. Such mounts offer high load capacity and pointing and tracking precision at a low price. RadioUniversePRO controls the mount through the ASCOM platform, so the mount needs an ASCOM driver (ASCOM Platform 6.3 or later), and it also needs two 10 kg counterweights for the right ascension axis and a tripod with a central pier or extension so the support device clears the tripod.

    The kit includes a patented support device that securely attaches the 2.3m antenna to the mount. This device incorporates a sliding system for two included 10 kg counterweights for the Declination axis, giving balance in the declination axis for tracking and GoTo, and guarding against accidental drops. Rear tie rods add rigidity and limit deformation of the large dish.

    SPIDER 230C vs. 300A/500A: Portability vs. Permanent Installation

    The SPIDER 230C is a compact radio telescope that is not weatherproof. The mount, antenna, and electronics must be protected from rain, snow, and stored indoors or under cover when not in use. It is also rated for operation only in winds below 25 km/h.

    PrimaLuceLab points to the SPIDER 300A and 500A MarkII radio telescopes for anyone who wants a radio telescope that stays permanently installed outdoors.

  • What kind of equatorial mount is required for the SPIDER 230C?

    You must provide your own computerized equatorial GoTo mount that meets three criteria: a minimum payload capacity of 50 kg, a Losmandy-style dovetail clamp, and an ASCOM driver for computer control. An EQ8 SynScan mount is suggested, and the manual is written with a SkyWatcher EQ8. The mount also needs two 10 kg right ascension counterweights.

    Can I use the SPIDER 230C radio telescope in the rain or high wind?

    No. The SPIDER 230C is not weatherproof and must be stored in a protected location when not in use. It should not be operated in rain or snow. The maximum continuous wind speed for operational tracking is 25 km/h.

    What can I actually observe at 1420 MHz with the SPIDER 230C?

    The SPIDER 230C receives the 1395 to 1445 MHz band around the 1420 MHz neutral hydrogen line. It is designed for capturing and studying the radio emission of sources in the sky, recording data, transits and radio images. The Sun is strong enough to be seen in real time and is used to align and test the telescope.

    Does the SPIDER 230C kit include everything I need to start observing?

    The kit is comprehensive but requires you to supply a few key components. You must provide:

    • An equatorial GoTo mount with at least 50 kg payload capacity.
    • A tripod or pier for the mount.
    • A Windows 10/11 computer for running the RadioUniversePRO control software.
    • Two 10 kg counterweights for the mount's right ascension axis.
    • Power and grounding at the site, which the customer provides.

    What are the computer requirements for the SPIDER 230C's RadioUniversePRO software?

    RadioUniversePRO requires a PC running Windows 10 or 11. The minimum is a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, 4 GB of RAM and an i3 processor; 64-bit Windows, 8 GB of RAM and an i5 or i7 are suggested. You will also need the ASCOM Platform (version 6.3 or later) installed, along with the specific ASCOM driver for your mount.

    How is the SPIDER 230C antenna balanced on the mount?

    The large 2.3m dish creates significant off-axis weight. The kit includes the support device for equatorial mounts, which takes two included 10 kg counterweights. These counterweights balance the antenna in the Declination axis, while your mount's standard counterweights handle the Right Ascension axis.

    Can I use the SPIDER 230C from inside a building or in a city?

    The radio telescope must be used outdoors with a clear view of the sky, as building materials block radio waves. The installation site must also be free of radio frequency interference.

    What does the H142-PRO receiver's 1024-channel spectrometer let me do?

    Instead of just measuring the total power of a radio signal, it divides the 50 MHz bandwidth into 1024 narrow slices, each 61 kHz wide. This allows you to see the precise shape and frequency shift of the hydrogen line.

    Is the SPIDER 230C difficult to assemble?

    Assembly requires careful mechanical work and should be performed by a team of at least three people due to the size and weight of the components. The 2.3m parabolic antenna is assembled from four separate quadrants. The process involves building the dish, attaching the patented support structure, mounting it on your equatorial mount, and then installing the feedhorn and electronics.

  • Part Number R2S-SPIDER230C-KIT (PrimaLuceLab SPIDER230C-KIT)
    Antenna Diameter 2.3 m
    Antenna WEB230-5 prime focus parabolic antenna, aluminum mesh with 3 x 4 mm holes (reflective up to 5 GHz)
    Feed H-FEED, optimised for 1420 MHz, LHCP and RHCP
    LNA 2 high gain and stability 1420 MHz LNA units
    Working Frequency 1395 to 1445 MHz
    Bandwidth 50 MHz
    Receiver H142-PRO, superheterodyne radiometer/spectrometer, double conversion, 19 in rack or table
    Radiometer 50 MHz instantaneous bandwidth
    A/D Converter 14 bits
    Spectrometer 1024 channels
    Spectral Resolution 61 kHz
    Control Software RadioUniversePRO (Windows 10/11)
    Mount Required Equatorial GoTo mount with at least 50 kg payload, Losmandy-style dovetail clamp and ASCOM driver (not included)
    Weatherproof No
    Continuous Wind Speed for Operational Tracking 25 km/h
    Operating Temperature -10 to +50 °C
    Supply Voltage 1 x 12 V DC + 1 x 110-240 V AC

    • Parabolic antenna in 4 quarter sections (2.3 m)

      × 1

    • Support device for equatorial mounts

      × 1

    • H142-PRO receiver

      × 1

    • Feed with support

      × 1

    • LNA units

      × 2

    • LNA protective case with coaxial cables

      × 1

    • 10 kg counterweights for the Declination axis

      × 2

    • Rear tie rods

      × 3

    • Feed support rods

      × 4

    • Support plate pairs

      × 4

    • Spacers

      × 4

    • Front support disk

      × 1

    • Screws, washers, nuts and cable ties × 1 set

      × 1

    • RadioUniversePRO software

      × 1

  • Radio2Space Warranty