SOARC is starting to steadily build up a range of practical radio projects at Sherwood Observatory.
Some are focused on day-to-day operating and member development, and others are designed to support the Observatory’s wider STEM and public-engagement work.
Below are snapshots of our current key projects. More will be added here as they go live.
Oscar-100 (QO-100) Satellite Ground Station
Our flagship technical project is the development of a dedicated ground station for the geostationary amateur radio satellite QO-100 (Es’hail-2).
QO-100 carries both narrowband (SSB / CW / digital) and DATV (digital amateur TV) transponders, giving us a unique way to demonstrate long-distance, space-based communications from Sherwood Observatory — whatever the HF bands are doing.
What this project involves
- Installing a satellite dish and feed system at Sherwood Observatory with a clear view towards 25°E.
- Integrating transmit and receive hardware for the QO-100 narrowband transponder, with the ability for DATV capability too.
- Providing a club-operated QO-100 station that can be used for:
- demonstrations at Observatory public open events
- member operating and skills development
- future training activities and workshops
Why it matters
- Brings a genuinely cutting-edge radio capability into the Observatory’s STEM mix, alongside optical astronomy and radio astronomy.
- Allows us to show visitors live, real-time contacts via an amateur satellite, linking Sherwood Observatory with stations across Europe, Africa and beyond.
- Creates a strong platform for future training, including microwave, satellite operating, digital modes and linking with radio astronomy themes.
SOARC Shack at Sherwood Observatory
We are also working towards establishing a permanent SOARC radio shack at Sherwood Observatory, giving us a dedicated, secure space within the site to store and operate our shared radio equipment. We are currently searching for a suitable location at the Observatory where we can at least permanently house key equipment and run a station on HF, VHF/UHF and satellites in support of the Observatory’s wider STEM and outreach programme. We already have some core items of equipment and an antenna ready to be ground-mounted, but we are always looking for additional radios, accessories and supporting hardware that will help us grow the station and expand the practical side of amateur radio into STEM activities and public engagement.
If you’re able to offer any surplus equipment that could support the shack, please do get in touch with us via the Contact page.