Network to connect television satallite dishes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of creating a network to connect television satellite dishes for astronomical purposes. Participants explore the feasibility of utilizing these dishes during off-peak hours to enhance observational capabilities, considering both theoretical and practical aspects of such a network.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a previous discussion about using satellite dishes for astronomy, suggesting that the combined surface area could provide significant observational advantages.
  • Another participant questions the practicalities of connecting the dishes, noting that they are typically linked to televisions and inquiring about data transmission methods.
  • A different participant speculates that a wireless transmitter could relay data to organizations like NASA, indicating a potential method for data collection.
  • Some participants express enthusiasm for the idea, acknowledging the complexities involved but suggesting that advancements in wireless technology could make the project more feasible.
  • There is a general sense of intrigue about the potential scale of the project, with one participant emphasizing that it could start small despite its ambitious nature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the practicality of the network, with no consensus reached on the feasibility or implementation details of the idea.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their recollections of the original concept and the specifics of how the network would function, indicating a reliance on potentially incomplete information from past readings.

pbj59
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Does anyone here remember talk a few years ago about setting up a network to connect television satallite dishes to be used for astronomy? the theory was use the dishes overnight when most people are not watching. It could provide a large view and perspective with a surface area surpassing anything else imagined. After hearing/reading about it, I never saw it mentioned again.
RW
 
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How would you connect them all though? Our dish is connected to the TV - not a lot you could do with that I'd have thought... Where would the data go??
 
network

I wish I could remember where I read it, prob in Astonomy mag. or Pop science. The details I don't remember, thought it sounded good at the time. I suppose a wireless transmitter would relay the info to NASA or something.
Roy
 
I think the idea is, in principle, just fine.

I suspect that, as usual, the devil is in the details.
 
network

When I read about this, I was fascinated by the possibilities- the total dish surface area could be immense, I wish I could remember where I read it. It had to be in a science or astronomy magazine(basically the only things I read ). I'm sure it would be complicated, but now with wireless being more completely developed, it could become more possible. I believe it would be worth it, and the good part is it could start small.
Roy
 

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