Passive ionospheric radar builds with USRP N210

Luboš Rejfek – Daniel Kouba – Zbyšek Mošna – Petra Koucká Knížová
– Phuong T. Tran – Chau Si-Thien Dong

   This paper presents first results and test of passive detection of Digisonde signal obtained at the Průhonice station, Czech Republic. Described technique can be used to analyze signals transmitted by the Digisonde and further received by simple loop antenna. The receiving system is based on the software defined radio (SDR USRP N210). The device works as the two channels receiver. This method will be employed to record oblique ionograms at several locations in the Czech Republic forming a simple array for detection of fine structures within ionospheric plasma using common DPS 4D transmitter. Using relatively inexpensive passive detection helps to increase a number of reflection points which leads to a better spatial coverage of the ionosphere sounding. The device represents a complementary measurement for detection of signal transmitted by Digisondes in European sector.

Keywords: ionogram, digisonde, passive radar, GNU radio, software defined radio

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