What is a radiotelescope?

A radiotelescope is a device for measuring radio frequency energy from the cosmos. Radiotelescopes come in hundreds of configurations. The aim of this tutorial is to introduce you to a very generalized type called the total power radiotelescope. It is probably the type of radiotelescope most often used by amateur radio astronomers, but many total power radiotelescopes are also in use by professional observatories. We have eliminated all the bells and whistles (some of which are important like a calibrator), in the interest of providing a general understanding without swamping you with information. There is no math or serious electronics here.

Click on a component in the picture above for a functional description.