Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about PolyNet and satellite ground stations.

General Questions

What is PolyNet?

PolyNet is an open source distributed ground station network for satellite communications. It allows individuals to set up ground stations that can receive signals from satellites and share that data with the community.

How does PolyNet work?

PolyNet works by connecting amateur radio enthusiasts and their ground stations around the world. When satellites pass overhead, these stations receive their signals and upload the data to our central database. This distributed approach provides greater coverage for satellite communications than any single ground station could achieve.

Is PolyNet free to use?

Yes, PolyNet is completely free and open source. All of our code is available on GitHub, and participation in the network is free of charge. We believe in open access to space communications for educational and research purposes.

Technical Questions

What hardware do I need to set up a ground station?

The basic components for a PolyNet ground station include:

  • A compatible radio receiver (like an RTL-SDR, HackRF, or dedicated LoRa receiver)
  • An appropriate antenna for your frequency of interest
  • A computer or microcontroller (like Raspberry Pi or ESP32)
  • An internet connection to upload the data

Detailed hardware guides are available on our Wiki page.

What frequencies does PolyNet support?

PolyNet currently supports several frequency bands commonly used by small satellites:

  • 137 MHz (VHF weather satellites)
  • 400-440 MHz (UHF amateur band)
  • 868-915 MHz (LoRa bands, varies by region)

Support for additional frequencies is under development.

What data format does PolyNet use?

PolyNet stores data in a standardized format that includes:

  • Raw packet data (base64 encoded)
  • Signal quality information (RSSI, SNR)
  • Timestamp and location data
  • Satellite identification when available
  • Ground station details

API access to this data is available in JSON format.

Participation & Contribution

How can I contribute to PolyNet?

There are several ways to contribute:

  • Set up a ground station and join the network
  • Contribute code or documentation on GitHub
  • Help identify and decode satellite transmissions
  • Spread the word about PolyNet
  • Report bugs and suggest improvements

More details can be found on our Contribute page.

Do I need a license to operate a PolyNet station?

For receive-only stations, you typically don't need a license in most countries. However, some specialized activities or transmitting capabilities may require an amateur radio license or other permits. Always check your local regulations before setting up a station.

How can I get help with my station setup?

We have several support channels: