So I got my proof of concept completed.
I took a simple USB RTL sdr with a ham it up all working through sdrsharp. I had a wideband directional antenna in my closet and hooked it up with a makeshift dovetail mount to the body of our 14" Meade lx200.

I went for Jupiter. Centered it on the Meade… Quickly discovered that I would need some sort of adjustment screws for the antenna… But alignment aside, if I searched the general area I found a weak signal in 24 to 25 mhz. Move away and the strength would fall off, back on the planet and the signal would increase slightly.

Tells me my test works.

Now the trick. I will need a better antenna and I want opinions.

It has to be directional

It has to be lightweight, 2 pounds or less

Somehow I need to make fine adjustments to its direction at the base where it can mount to the scope. More of a mounting question than an antenna question.

Satellite dishes won’t work because of space on and around the scope.

We are a non profit, so can’t break the bank.

I’m open to any opinions.