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.
Do also see the ‘News!’ page for up to date photos which will be the first page such will be added as time permits.
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 Wideband 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.
September 2026:
The final QO-100 gear install has now been postponed until the shack is complete as otherwise it would have had to have been moved shortly after installing as the final location will be within the shack. We felt our time would be better served preparing for the shack than double handling the QO-100 equipment within weeks. It is however all repaired and ready to go so when the new shack is complete then it can be simply installed and connected to the then very nearby dish above (the shorter the TX feeder the better of course) and be ready to operate after testing and commissioning. Watch this space too for this project!
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.
September 2026:
We have received the exciting news that we have been given the green light for SOARC’s radio shack presence at the Observatory. This will be our fixed base there where we can house equipment, operate and train from and we are very much looking forward to this progressing as the start is now under way. Updates will follow here at least to show it growing out of a converted wooden store! We as a club are going to be making contributions towards the construction and of course its fit out too.
If anyone thinks they maybe able to assist us with this feat then please do get in touch! Thank you!