Re: SETI: SAT Spread Spectrum indistinguishable from normal star? (was Re: Movie ;contact)

Michael Butler (mmb@best.com)
Wed, 29 Oct 1997 16:07:23 -0800 (PST)


On Wed, 29 Oct 1997, Philip Witham wrote:
> other method to recover the clock is brute computing force and a very
> stable local clock. Just decode the signal using the key with all
> possible sync timings, and when you find the correct timing, use from then
> on. Or, be listening when the signal is first turned on.

Ahhh, but you're assuming that you are not moving with respect to the
signal source. If you are, you need to know your motion to extreme
accuracy or it's brute-force city again.

> This IS a bull session, no? After all, we are talking about advanced
> extraterrestrial data transmissions! Impossible to prove or falsify, but
> what fun!

To paraphrase Sturgeon, in a communications channel where anything can
happen, who the hell cares what does? :) I'm glad _you're_ having fun. :)

> -PW

MMB