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Discovery Dish is a 70-cm aluminum satellite dish with an active filtered feed. It is designed for receiving real-time weather data from GOES HRIT, GK-2A LRIT, FengYun LRIT, Metop HRPT, Meteor M2 HRPT, and other weather satellites that operate around 1.69 GHz. The dish is designed to only weigh around one kilogram and it splits into three petals, making it easier to ship worldwide.
The 1.69 GHz feed contains a built-in LNA and filters right at the feed point, which means there is no noise figure loss from cables or connectors. The feed electronics are encased in a waterproof enclosure, meaning no external waterproofing work is required. We also have feeds for 1.42 GHz hydrogen line radio astronomy, 1.5 GHz Inmarsat STD-C and AERO, and 2.2 GHz S-band satellites.
Discovery Dish can be purchased from: https://www.crowdsupply.com/krakenrf/discovery-dish
Diameter: 700mm
Weight (Dish Only): 0.905 kg
Weight (Dish + Mounts): 1.465 kg
Materials (Dish): Aluminum, Powder Coat
Materials (Pipe Guide): Plastic
Materials (L-Bracket): Steel
F/D Ratio: 0.35
The Discovery Dish is an affordable, small, and lightweight prime-focus satellite dish designed for radio hobbyists. Combined with one of our Discovery Dish antenna feeds it can be used to receive L-band weather satellites, the Hydrogen Line, Inmarsat, and S-band satellites.
The dish ships in three pieces for compact shipping. Assembly is straightforward, requiring only a few bolts. When not in use, the dish can be easily disassembled and stored.
The dish includes an L-bracket mount for versatile installation:
- It can be mounted on a vertical mast, with adjustable elevation settings ranging from 0 to 70 degrees.
- It can also be mounted on a horizontal mast if desired.
The L-bracket accommodates masts with a diameter of 12 mm to 50 mm.
The dish is constructed from high-strength stamped aluminum, featuring wind pass holes for stability.
The aluminum is coated with powder paint to protect against the elements and reduce sunlight reflectivity.
Dimensions: 253 mm (L) x 80 mm (W) x 85 mm (H)
Weight: 0.54 kg
IP Rating: IP65
Materials: Plastic, PCB, Fiberglass, Rubber, Coax Cable, Aluminum
Coax Type & Length: LMR200 (equivalent), 6m
Power: Bias Tee 3.3V – 5V, 120mA
Designed for prime focus satellite dishes, the Discovery Dish Feed comes in various versions for different applications and satellite bands:
- Hydrogen Line: 1380 MHz – 1460 MHz. Explore the Galactic Hydrogen Line peak at 1420.42 MHz. Observe the doppler shift caused by galactic spin.
- Inmarsat: 1530 MHz – 1610 MHz. Receive signals from Inmarsat satellites like STD-C and AERO data and voice.
- L-Band Satellites: 1645 MHz - 1714 MHz. Receive high-resolution earth images from L-Band weather satellites like GOES, GK-2A, FengYun, METEOR, METOP, Elektro, and more.
- S-Band Satellites: 2200 MHz – 2300 MHz. Explore S-Band satellites offering weather imagery and data.
Key Features
- All-in-One Unit: Integrates the feed antenna, LNA, filters, and cable, eliminating separate purchases and the need to weatherproof individual components.
- Signal Chain: Antenna → LNA1 → Filter1 → LNA2 → Filter2 → Output. Uses QPL9547 LNA chip and SAW filters.
- Power: Bias tee 3.3V – 5V, 120mA. Compatible with RTL-SDR Blog and Airspy dongles.
- Skew Adjustability: Feed head rotates for skew alignment.
- Weatherproof Enclosure: IP65-rated for standard weather conditions.
Dish Compatibility: Best with the Discovery Dish, but works with most prime focus dishes using an adapter, including typical 600x900mm WiFi Grid Dishes.
Software Information: For third-party software setup (e.g., SatDump), see 06. Recommended Software Setup.
Warranty: One-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Does not cover user-caused or weather-related damage. Refer to the safety and care page for handling instructions.
Outer Dimensions: 321.9mm (L) x 212mm (W) x 94mm (H)
Inner Dimensions for Electronics (incl. lid space): 304.1mm (L) x 184.1mm (W) x 67mm (H)
Weight (empty, incl. mounting board): 2 kg
IP Rating: IP66
Material: Cast Aluminum
The Discovery Dish Outdoor Electronics Enclosure (DDOEE) is a sealed weather-proof metal enclosure designed to mount low voltage electronics like Raspberry Pi boards, POE splitters, and software defined radios. The metal enclosure keeps the sensitive dish antenna shielded from radio frequency interference emanating from the electronic devices within.
The DDOEE is weather-proof with an IP66 rating, suitable for outdoor use. It includes mounts for vertical or horizontal mast/pole and wall installations. The DDOEE includes a metal mounting board for grounding electronics, enhancing its shielding capabilities. Electronics can be attached to the board using bolts, washers, nuts, or cable ties (not included).
Three included cable glands feature a split ring design to accommodate small diameter cables with large connector heads while maintaining waterproofing. Included are two thermal pads: an 8mm pad to place under the mounting board and a 3mm pad to place under electronics, transforming the enclosure into a large heatsink to cool internal components.
Also included is a screw-in vent with a membrane that allows the enclosure to breathe while maintaining water and dust proofing, helping to prevent internal condensation.
- It is entirely the responsibility of the installer to securely and safely mount the dish.
- The dish is not designed to withstand extreme wind conditions.
- If snow or ice is expected, we recommend using a satellite dish heater.
- Handle the dish carefully to prevent dents and paint chips.
- Avoid pointing the dish at the sun for extended periods.
- NEVER mount near electrical lines due to the risk of electric shock.
- Always ensure that your mast is properly grounded and is compliant with local regulations.
- The feed requires 3.3V - 5V DC power via bias tee. Do not exceed 5.25V.
- Always ensure the cable strain relief is tightened when handling to avoid damage to the internal PCB.
- Do not pull on the coax cable or feed head to prevent damage to the electronics.
- Ensure the feed arm and head are secured via the set screws.
- We recommend bringing the feed indoors during extreme weather and lightning storms to prevent damage.
- Avoid installing the feed near power lines to prevent electric shock.
- Opening the feed enclosure or removing the feed arm pipe will void the warranty.
- Do not run mains voltage to the enclosure. The enclosure is designed for 48V DC PoE or lower.
- Ensure fingers remain away from door pinch points.
- Handle mounting brackets with caution due to sharp edges.
The electronics in this device should not be disposed of with normal household waste. Dispose the unit at an approved facility, or your local recycling center.
The use of Discovery Dish and Discovery Dish accessories (the "Product") is subject to the following limitations of liability: Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the manufacturer and its affiliates, suppliers, and distributors shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenue, data, or use, whether incurred directly or indirectly, arising from the use or inability to use the Product, even if the manufacturer has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Maximum Liability: The manufacturer's total liability for any claims under this agreement, including for any implied warranties, is limited to the amount you paid for the Product.
Installation and Use: The manufacturer is not responsible for any damages or injuries arising from improper installation, misuse, or unauthorized modifications of the Product. Users are advised to follow all safety guidelines and installation instructions provided in the manual.