Jim Hannon wrote:

> Does anyone know anything about this book?
> "Earthquakes, Mechanisms and Detection. An Amateur Primer"
> 
>                                                     by Jeffrey M. Lichtman

No, but the name rang a bell, and sure enough I found the same name on a 
radio astronomy page. Seems that Jeffery does a lot of work in radio 
astronomy including this book: 

  http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/jml_bk.html

In addition to this seismic fascination, I've been exploring the basics 
of radio astronomy. Very interesting. And similar to seismology in quite 
a few ways. Radio "viewing" is much like seismic recording: you have a 
weak signal, you pass it through amp/filters, you do analog/digital 
sampling, then send it to a chart recorder or data file. The challenges 
are also similar in getting a S/N ratio and timing system that makes 
the data useful. It appears that almost all of the relevant technology 
aside from the sensor/antenna itself is the same. I found this very 
interesting place a while ago:

  http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/jm_10.html

They have the high end SETI systems and hydrogen line spectrometers, 
but they also have some low-cost amplifiers tuned to frequencies to 
monitor jupiter noise storms and solar activity. I am contemplating 
trying to monitor some jupiter activity here just for kicks.

Hey -- I just realized that it was Jefferey M. Lichtman who answered 
my questions about the jupiter and solar systems: 
 
>Hi Doug, 
>
>Here are your answers:
>
>> 1) What additional equipment would I need to use these radio 
>>    telescope units? Please advise on what type of antennas, 
>>    filters, and anything else that would be required to get a 
>>    minimal/simple system going.
>
>Full instructions for a standard wire dipole are given for the 
>Jupiter system. The VLF comes with the dipole wire, as were the 
>Jupiter one does not.
>
>In addition, the VLF can be equipped with a 12 Bit A/D converter 
>and software, for an additional $50.00. This way, you can attach 
>that to a simple 286 or higher IBM type computer.
>
>>2) I want to capture the signals to a host computer, so I 
>>    assume that some kind of analog/digital converter will be 
>>    required. Please recommend what type of card/software  
>>    would be appropriate (ie what resolution etc would I need)?
>
>Answered above for the VLF. The Jupiter receiver will work with the 
>Radio Sky Data Collect Lite Software and their A/D unit (must be built).
>
>> 3) Are you aware, or can you recommend any software that 
>>    would be appropriate for use with the RF2001A and VLD Solar 
>>    radio telescopes?
>
>Same as above.
>
>> 4) Are the instructions that come with the RF2001A and VLF Solar
>>    telescopes detailed enough for a radio astronomy newbie to 
>>    get a system running and recording signals?  If not, how 
>>    else can I get that information?
>
>Yes!
>
>> 5) Where can I find more information about Jupiter storm 
>>    monitoring and solar activity monitoring as it relates to 
>>    your products?
>>
>Many sources on the web about both subjects, also in our books.
>
>>   - Does Mr Dick Flagg have information on the web or in books
>>     or other resources about jupiter monitoring?
>
>No
>
>>      - What books would you recommend to a newbie trying to do
>>        simple radio astronomy, assumijng that I'm starting with 
>>        jupiter storms and solar studies?
>
>Radio Astronomy Handbook by Sickels, also check our website links.
>
>> 6) Are amatuer radio licences or other licences required to 
>>    operate your products, and if so, which require licences? 
>>    Would I need a license to operate the Ultra Cyber or the 
>>    Seeker 2000 for example?
>
>Licenses are required ONLY on transmitting equipment. Not on receivers.
>
>Hope this info helps. Let us know if we can be of further service.
>
>
>Best Regards,
>Jeffrey M. Lichtman
>Radio Astronomy Supplies
>http://www.nitehawk.com/rasmit/ras.html

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