140 MHz ATS-6 Radio Receiving System

Abstract

A two-channel single frequency, double frequency conversion, phase-lock radio receiver to receive ATS-6 signals is described. The equipment contains an automatic lock acquisition for both channels with monitoring outputs for earphones, lock-in indication by LEOs, displayed search range and universal outputs for chart recorders (both amplitude and phase) and digital recordings (phase only). The system is capable of measuring Faraday rotation effects and amplitude scintillations. A short back-fire dish with crossed dipoles is proposed as antenna for this system. All modules are built up of standard electronic components to enable easy replicability. The receiving system has been designed and tested at the electronic laboratory of the Max Planck Institute fur Aeronomie.