FT8 Skimmer

Recently I stumbled upon another development microcomputer tool, like Arduino or Raspberry Pi.  It's called Red Pitaya and is designed with more of an engineering focus.  It has four SMA connetors so that it can take RF in and out. 

Check out www.redpitaya.com   Pricing ranges between Euros 240 - 350 plus shipping for the starter kits.  Application software is free.

Pavel Demin has created a site with links to a number of tools and applications. 

https://pavel-demin.github.io/red-pitaya-notes/

Pavel has created a multiband FT8 transceiver and collects data as if it were a CW Skimmer.  Dick Williams, W3OA, has done some work with his "aggregator" and can send the spots to the Reverse Beacon Network.  Dick's site is http://www.wake2013.org/bios/W3OA.html

The real practical value for us down here in New Zealand is only for those who wish to follow the Earth Moon Earth (EME) VHF path.   On HF, FT8 signals are concentrated into one 2kHz channel, or there abouts on each band.  With VHF EME, transmissions are not so restricted and there a skimmer comes into its own.