Starting a Low‑Cost SDR Beacon Receiver Project for Studying Extended Tropospheric Propagation on 432/902/1296 MHz

In this project, we will build and test a low cost SDR-based receive system to study extended tropospheric propagation on 144 MHz, 432 MHz, 902 MHz, and 1296 MHz, with the primary goal of understanding how radio signals travel far beyond normal line of sight. This can be caused by atmospheric or other tropospheric conditions such as refraction, inversion layer ducting, tropospheric scatter, and aircraft scatter. These extended propagation events are important not only for amateur radio operators who monitor weak signals, but also for synchronized wireless Applications. The end goal of this project is to create an AI algorithm based in large datasets in order to forecast signal propagation under specific atmospheric, tropospheric, and topographic circumstances for the cellular wireless industry, particularly in 5G. Additional applications exist in the military, reducing communication interception rates and improving communications clarity between allied forces. This research will also carry significant advantages for reducing interference in VHF/UHF radio. systems where late arriving signals can create interference or affect timing.