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SPIDER radio telescopes: three models for real radio astronomy

A SPIDER radio telescope is a complete, turn-key instrument for 1420 MHz radio astronomy. Antenna, low noise amplifiers, receiver, spectrometer, tracking system and control software are supplied and tested together, so your institute receives a working radio telescope and not a set of parts. SPIDER radio telescopes are available with antennas from 2.3 to 5 meters, and all three models share the same receiver chain and the same RadioUniversePRO software. What changes is collecting area: a larger antenna detects weaker sources and separates detail that a smaller antenna blends together.

 

 

Compare the three SPIDER radio telescopes

  SPIDER 230C SPIDER 300A MarkII SPIDER 500A MarkII
Antenna diameter 2.3 m 3 m 5 m
Antenna model WEB230-5 mesh WEB300-5 mesh WEB500-5 mesh
Beam width at 1420 MHz approx. 6.4° approx. 4.9° approx. 3.0°
Tracking system Not included, EQ8 SynScan recommended GS-100II with N-ACU GS-400II with N-ACU
Weatherproof No, needs protection if permanently outdoors Yes Yes
Pier and foundation Not included C106-HEAVY pier, for concrete base C400-HEAVY high load capacity pier, for concrete base
Receiver H142-PRO H142-PRO H142-PRO
Spectrometer 1024 channels, 50 MHz bandwidth 1024 channels, 50 MHz bandwidth 1024 channels, 50 MHz bandwidth
Software RadioUniversePRO RadioUniversePRO RadioUniversePRO
Typically chosen by Schools, temporary and portable installations Schools, universities, science museums Universities, research institutes, space agencies

 

 

SPIDER 230C compact radio telescope, kit without mount
SPIDER Radio Telescopes

SPIDER 230C compact radio telescope, kit without mount

SPIDER230C-KIT
Price starts at
$19,450.00
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SPIDER 230C is the compact radio telescope that opens the door for anyone to explore the fascinating world of radio astronomy with an affordable, turn-key solution. Designed to be powerful but portable and user-friendly, it bridges the gap between radio astronomy and amateur astronomy technologies.  Built with innovation and our patented technology, the...
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SPIDER 300A MarkII advanced radio telescope
SPIDER Radio Telescopes

SPIDER 300A MarkII advanced radio telescope

SPIDER300A
Price starts at
$48,750.00
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SPIDER 300A MarkII is the most advanced 3 meter diameter radio telescope for 1420 MHz radio astronomy designed to let schools, universities, scientific museums and other educational institutes own a powerful and affordable instrument! Designed with advanced features usually found only in large professional radio telescopes, and by including all you need...
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SPIDER 500A MarkII professional radio telescope
  • Not available
SPIDER Radio Telescopes

SPIDER 500A MarkII professional radio telescope

SPIDER500A
Price starts at
$109,750.00
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SPIDER 500A MarkII is the 5 meter diameter professional radio telescope designed to make 1420 MHz level radio astronomy accessible to everyone: universities, science institutes and museums or space agencies. It offers a large 5 meter diameter antenna to detect weaker signals with a better resolution, the large GS-400II tracking system that provides very...
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Which SPIDER radio telescope should you choose?

Choose SPIDER 230C if you need the lowest entry cost, a courtyard installation, or an instrument you can move. It is supplied as a kit without mount, so you install it on a heavy duty mount you already own or on the recommended EQ8 SynScan. It is the practical answer for a school that wants real radio astronomy without a construction project.

Choose SPIDER 300A MarkII if the radio telescope will stay permanently outdoors and be used by classes throughout the year. It is our most installed model. The 3 meter antenna gives enough sensitivity to record hydrogen line spectra, build the rotation curve of the Milky Way and produce radio maps within a single lesson.

Choose SPIDER 500A MarkII if you want to detect weaker sources a smaller antenna cannot record. The 5 meter antenna and the GS-400II tracking system make it the model chosen by university departments and research institutes that publish their observations.

 

 

What every SPIDER radio telescope includes

  • Prime focus antenna with specially designed front and rear supports.
  • 1420 MHz optimised feed and 2 LNAs for LHCP and RHCP circular polarisation.
  • Antenna tracking system with automatic slewing and tracking of objects, up to 2°/sec per axis (except “SPIDER 230C kit without mount”).
  • High load capacity pier for concrete base (except “SPIDER 230C kit without mount”).
  • H142-PRO 1420 MHz radio astronomy receiver, radiometer and spectrometer.
  • RadioUniversePRO control and acquisition software for Windows 10 and 11.
  • Industrial grade temperature range, from -25°C to +55°C.

 

 

SPIDER radio telescope main features: 2.3, 3 and 5 meter antennas for 1420 MHz radio astronomy

 

 

See the full specifications of each model

Each SPIDER radio telescope has its own page with the full technical specification and the complete list of what is included. We ship and install worldwide, and we train your staff on site.

SPIDER 230C: 2.3 meter antenna, supplied as a kit without mount, for schools and installations you may need to move.
SPIDER 300A MarkII: 3 meter antenna, our most installed model, for schools, universities and science museums.
SPIDER 500A MarkII: 5 meter antenna, for universities, research institutes and space agencies.

 

Still deciding? Tell us about your site and your programme, and we will prepare a written quotation you can attach to a funding application.