My current H/W equipment parts list for receiving Blockstream satellite broadcast for C-band region

in blockstream •  5 years ago  (edited)

My current H/W equipment parts list for receiving Blockstream satellite broadcast for C-band region

I have been able to receive Blockstream satellite signal since Mar the 11th, 2019 when Blockstream changed their modulation from QPSK to BPSK.
https://twitter.com/Luqina/status/1105205841731379200

Now I can keep receiving blocks stably over 10 days without any S/W and H/W modification.

Racently, some people asked Blockstream and me what's the recommended H/W parts to receive Blockstream satellite broadcast as a kind of all-in-one easy kit in C-band region. Mainly from Australia. Almost nobody from Eurasia and South-East Asia so far.

Short answer: There is no all-in-one easy kit for C-band people in the market.

Long answer: I'd like to introduce my parts list one by one as it is as a reference.

NOTE: This is just an example of the combination of parts. Your own configuration will be different by your country, region, electricity specification, and market availability.

My current H/W equipment parts list for receiving Blockstream satellite broadcast in C-band region.

I made DC power supply cable from AC adapter to Power Inserter (Power Injector) by myself.
I cut 0.3m black coaxial cable and soldered with DC repeater jack.

RTL-SDR (Gen.2)
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00VDSFXDC/

NOTE: My Gen.2 dongle's USB connector and crystal were replaced by Japanese reseller from based on Chinese bulk model. Especially, crystal was replaced from original +-10ppm to +-0.5ppm 28.8MHz TCXO.

Female F to male MCX conversion connector
Model: F7-MCX
https://www.sengoku.co.jp/mod/sgk_cart/detail.php?code=EEHD-4ELC

NOTE1: Impedance is 75Ω.
NOTE2: If you can get coaxial cable which can convert from female F to male MCX directly, It's better than mine.
e.g. DHT Electronics 2PCS RF coaxial coax cable assembly MCX male to F female 6''
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTJN480

(This one's impedance is 50Ω)

RTL-SDR (Gen.6)
I got it from eBay. URL was lost but you can find it easily.
RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only)

Female F to male SMA conversion connector
Model: FBS-SMA
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B005W64G2A

NOTE1: By SMA connector specification, it's impedance is not 75Ω but 50Ω. Don't worry. The signal loss by SWR miss matching is very low, so you can be ignored.
NOTE2: If you can get coaxial cable which can convert from female F to male SMA directly, It's better than mine.
e.g. SMA to F Adapter SMA Male to F Type Male RF Coaxial Coax Connector Cable Extension 19 inch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXMC9NH

Overall parts close to PC and rough connection image.
Actually, I'm connecting RTL-SDR Gen.6 to my PC.

My PC's backside appearance. This is not the latest view. Very thin coaxial cable is not used yet. But basic connection is almost same.

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Do you have any pictures of your setup you could post.

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