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Project Notes

#650 ARRL Handbook 2017

Book notes: The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications 2017. Published September 30, 2016.

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Notes

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

  • 1 What is Amateur (Ham) Radio?
    • 1.1 Do-It-Yourself Wireless
    • 1.2 Joining the Ham Radio Community
    • 1.3 Your Ham Radio Station
    • 1.4 Getting on the Air
    • 1.5 Your Ham Radio “Lifestyle”
    • 1.6 Public Service
    • 1.7 Ham Radio in the Classroom
    • 1.8 Resources
    • 1.9 Glossary

FUNDAMENTAL THEORY

  • 2 Electrical Fundamentals
    • 2.1 Introduction to Electricity
    • 2.2 Resistance and Conductance
    • 2.3 Basic Circuit Principles
    • 2.4 Power and Energy
    • 2.5 Circuit Control Components
    • 2.6 AC Theory and Waveforms
    • 2.7 Capacitance and Capacitors
    • 2.8 Inductance and Inductors
    • 2.9 Working with Reactance
    • 2.10 Impedance
    • 2.11 Quality Factor (Q) of Components
    • 2.12 Practical Inductors
    • 2.13 Resonant Circuits
    • 2.14 Transformers
    • 2.15 Heat Management
    • 2.16 Radio Mathematics
    • 2.17 References and Bibliography
  • 3 Analog Basics
    • 3.1 Analog Signal Processing
    • 3.2 Analog Devices
    • 3.3 Practical Semiconductors
    • 3.4 Analog Systems
    • 3.5 Amplifiers
    • 3.6 Operational Amplifiers
    • 3.7 Analog-Digital Conversion
    • 3.8 Miscellaneous Analog ICs
    • 3.9 Analog Glossary
    • 3.10 References and Bibliography
  • 4 Digital Basics
    • 4.1 Digital vs Analog
    • 4.2 Number Systems
    • 4.3 Physical Representation of Binary States
    • 4.4 Combinational Logic
    • 4.5 Sequential Logic
    • 4.6 Digital Integrated Circuits
    • 4.7 Analog-Digital Interfacing
    • 4.8 Microcontroller Overview
    • 4.9 Personal Computer Interfaces
    • 4.10 Glossary of Digital Electronics Terms
    • 4.11 References and Bibliography

PRACTICAL DESIGN AND PRINCIPLES

  • 5 RF Techniques
    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Lumped-Element versus Distributed Characteristics
    • 5.3 Effects of Parasitic Characteristics
    • 5.4 Semiconductor Circuits at RF
    • 5.5 Ferrite Materials
    • 5.6 Impedance Matching Networks
    • 5.7 RF Transformers
    • 5.8 Noise
    • 5.9 Two-Port Networks
    • 5.10 RF Techniques Glossary
    • 5.11 References and Bibliography
  • 6 Computer-Aided Circuit Design
    • 6.1 Circuit Simulation Overview
    • 6.2 Simulation Basics
    • 6.3 Limitations of Simulation at RF
    • 6.4 CAD for PCB Design
    • 6.5 References and Bibliography
  • 7 Power Sources
    • 7.1 Power Processing
    • 7.2 AC-AC Power Conversion
    • 7.3 Power Transformers
    • 7.4 AC-DC Power Conversion
    • 7.5 Voltage Multipliers
    • 7.6 Current Multipliers
    • 7.7 Rectifier Types
    • 7.8 Power Filtering
    • 7.9 Power Supply Regulation
    • 7.10 “Crowbar” Protective Circuits
    • 7.11 DC-DC Switchmode Power Conversion
    • 7.12 High-Voltage Techniques
    • 7.13 Batteries
    • 7.14 Glossary of Power Supply Terms
    • 7.15 Reference and Bibliography
    • 7.16 Power Source Projects
  • 8 Modulation
    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 Analog Modulation
    • 8.3 Digital Modulation
    • 8.4 Image Modulation
    • 8.5 Modulation Impairments
    • 8.6 Modulation Glossary
    • 8.7 References and Bibliography
  • 9 Oscillators and Synthesizers
    • 9.1 How Oscillators Work
    • 9.2 Phase Noise
    • 9.3 Oscillator Circuits and Construction
    • 9.4 Building an Oscillator
    • 9.5 Crystal Oscillators
    • 9.6 Oscillators at UHF and Above
    • 9.7 Frequency Synthesizers
    • 9.8 Glossary of Oscillator and Synthesizer Terms
    • 9.9 References and Bibliography
  • 10 Mixers, Modulators and Demodulators
    • 10.1 The Mechanism of Mixers and Mixing
    • 10.2 Mixers and Amplitude Modulation
    • 10.3 Mixers and Angle Modulation
    • 10.4 Putting Mixers, Modulators and Demodulators to Work
    • 10.5 A Survey of Common Mixer Types
    • 10.6 References and Bibliography
  • 11 RF and AF Filters
    • 11.1 Introduction
    • 11.2 Filter Basics
    • 11.3 Lumped-Element Filters
    • 11.4 Filter Design Examples
    • 11.5 Active Audio Filters
    • 11.6 Quartz Crystal Filters
    • 11.7 SAW Filters
    • 11.8 Transmission Line Filters
    • 11.9 Helical Resonators
    • 11.10 Use of Filters at VHF and UHF
    • 11.11 Filter Projects
    • 11.12 Filter Glossary
    • 11.13 References and Bibliography
  • 12 Receivers
    • 12.1 Characterizing Receivers
    • 12.2 Basics of Heterodyne Receivers
    • 12.3 The Superheterodyne Receiver
    • 12.4 Superhet Receiver Design Details
    • 12.5 Control and Processing Outside the Primary Signal Path
    • 12.6 Pulse Noise Reduction
    • 12.7 VHF and UHF Receivers
    • 12.8 UHF and Microwave Techniques
    • 12.9 References and Bibliography
  • 13 Transmitters and Transceivers
    • 13.1 Transmitter Modulation Types and Methods
    • 13.2 VHF Signal Sources
    • 13.3 Increasing Transmitter Power
    • 13.4 Transceiver Construction and Control
    • 13.5 Transceiver Projects
    • 13.6 References and Bibliography
  • 14 Telemetry and Navigation
    • 14.1 Sensors
    • 14.2 Navigation Data and Telemetry
    • 14.3 Platform Design
    • 14.4 References and Bibliography
  • 15 DSP and Software Radio Design
    • 15.1 Introduction
    • 15.2 Typical DSP System Block Diagram
    • 15.3 Digital Signals
    • 15.4 Digital Filters
    • 15.5 Miscellaneous DSP Algorithms
    • 15.6 Analytic Signals and Modulation
    • 15.7 Software-Defined Radios (SDR)
    • 15.8 Glossary
    • 15.9 References and Bibliography
  • 16 Digital Modes
    • 16.1 Digital “Modes”
    • 16.2 Unstructured Digital Modes
    • 16.3 Fuzzy Modes
    • 16.4 Structured Digital Modes
    • 16.5 Networking Modes
    • 16.6 Digital Mode Table
    • 16.7 Glossary
    • 16.8 References and Bibliography
  • 17 RF Power Amplifiers
    • 17.1 High Power, Who Needs It?
    • 17.2 Types of Power Amplifiers
    • 17.3 Vacuum Tube Basics
    • 17.4 Tank Circuits
    • 17.5 Transmitting Tube Ratings
    • 17.6 Sources of Operating Voltages
    • 17.7 Tube Amplifier Cooling
    • 17.8 Vacuum Tube Amplifier Stabilization
    • 17.9 MOSFET Design for RF Amplifiers
    • 17.10 Solid-State RF Amplifiers
    • 17.11 Solid State Amplifier Projects
    • 17.12 Tube Amplifier Projects
    • 17.13 References and Bibliography
  • 18 Repeaters
    • 18.1 A Brief History
    • 18.2 Repeater Overview
    • 18.3 FM Voice Repeaters
    • 18.4 D-STAR Repeater Systems
    • 18.5 Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)
    • 18.6 Other Digital Voice Repeater Technologies
    • 18.7 Glossary of FM and Repeater Terminology
    • 18.8 References and Bibliography

ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND RADIO PROPAGATION

  • 19 Propagation of Radio Signals
    • 19.1 Fundamentals of Radio Waves
    • 19.2 Sky-Wave Propagation and the Sun
    • 19.3 MUF Predictions
    • 19.4 Propagation in the Troposphere
    • 19.5 VHF/UHF Mobile Propagation
    • 19.6 Propagation for Space Communications
    • 19.7 Noise and Propagation
    • 19.8 Propagation Below the AM Broadcast Band
    • 19.9 Glossary of Radio Propagation Terms
    • 19.10 References and Bibliography
  • 20 Transmission Lines
    • 20.1 Transmission Line Basics
    • 20.2 Choosing a Transmission Line
    • 20.3 The Transmission Line as Impedance Transformer
    • 20.4 Matching Impedances in the Antenna System
    • 20.5 Baluns and Transmission-Line Transformers
    • 20.6 Waveguides
    • 20.7 Glossary of Transmission Line Terms
    • 20.8 References and Bibliography
  • 21 Antennas
    • 21.1 Antenna Basics
    • 21.2 Dipoles and the Half-Wave Antenna
    • 21.3 Vertical (Ground-Plane) Antennas
    • 21.4 T and Inverted-L Antennas
    • 21.5 Slopers and Vertical Dipoles
    • 21.6 Yagi Antennas
    • 21.7 Quad and Loop Antennas
    • 21.8 HF Mobile Antennas
    • 21.9 VHF/UHF Mobile Antennas
    • 21.10 VHF/UHF Antennas
    • 21.11 VHF/UHF Beams
    • 21.12 Direction-Finding Antennas
    • 21.13 Glossary
    • 21.14 References and Bibliography

EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

  • 22 Component Data and References
    • 22.1 Component Data
    • 22.2 Resistors
    • 22.3 Capacitors
    • 22.4 Inductors
    • 22.5 Transformers
    • 22.6 Semiconductors
    • 22.7 Tubes, Wire, Materials, Attenuators, Miscellaneous
    • 22.8 Computer Connectors
    • 22.9 RF Connectors and Transmission Lines
    • 22.10 Reference Tables
  • 23 Construction Techniques
    • 23.1 Electronic Shop Safety
    • 23.2 Tools and Their Use
    • 23.3 Soldering Tools and Techniques
    • 23.4 Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
    • 23.5 Constructing Electronic Circuits
    • 23.6 Microwave Construction
    • 23.7 Mechanical Fabrication
  • 24 Station Accessories
    • 24.1 A 100-W Compact Z-Match Antenna Tuner
    • 24.2 A Microprocessor-Controlled SWR Monitor
    • 24.3 A 160- and 80-Meter Matching Network for Your 43-Foot Vertical
    • 24.4 Switching the Matching Network for Your 43-Foot Vertical
    • 24.5 An External Automatic Antenna Switch for Use with Yaesu or ICOM Radios
    • 24.6 A Low-Cost Remote Antenna Switch
    • 24.7 Audible Antenna Bridge
    • 24.8 A Trio of Transceiver/Computer Interfaces
    • 24.9 A Simple Serial Interface
    • 24.10 USB Interfaces for Your Ham Gear
    • 24.11 The Universal Keying Adapter
    • 24.12 The TiCK-4 — A Tiny CMOS Keyer
    • 24.13 An Arduino-Based Knob Box for SDR
    • 24.14 An Audio Intelligibility Enhancer
    • 24.15 An Audio Interface Unit for Field Day and Contesting
    • 24.16 Two QSK Controllers for Amplifiers
    • 24.17 A Legal-Limit Bias-Tee
    • 24.18 An Eight-Channel Remote-Control Antenna Switch
  • 25 Test Equipment and Measurements
    • 25.1 Introduction
    • 25.2 DC Measurements
    • 25.3 AC Measurements
    • 25.4 RF Measurements
    • 25.5 Receiver Measurements
    • 25.6 Transmitter Measurements
    • 25.7 Miscellaneous Measurements
    • 25.8 Construction Projects
    • 25.9 References and Further Reading
    • 25.10 Test and Measurement Glossary
  • 26 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
    • 26.1 Test Equipment
    • 26.2 Components
    • 26.3 Getting Started
    • 26.4 Inside the Equipment
    • 26.5 Testing at the Circuit Level
    • 26.6 After the Repairs
    • 26.7 Professional Repairs
    • 26.8 Typical Symptoms and Faults
    • 26.9 Radio Troubleshooting Hints
    • 26.10 Antenna Systems
    • 26.11 Repair and Restoration of Vintage Equipment
    • 26.12 References and Bibliography
  • 27 RF Interference
    • 27.1 Managing Radio Frequency Interference
    • 27.2 FCC Rules and Regulations
    • 27.3 Elements of RFI
    • 27.4 Identifying the Type of RFI Source
    • 27.5 Locating Sources of RFI
    • 27.6 Power-line Noise
    • 27.7 Elements of RFI Control
    • 27.8 Troubleshooting RFI
    • 27.9 Automotive RFI
    • 27.10 RFI Projects
    • 27.11 RFI Glossary
    • 27.12 References and Bibliography

STATION ASSEMBLY AND MANAGEMENT

  • 28 Safety
    • 28.1 Electrical Safety
    • 28.2 Antenna and Tower Safety
    • 28.3 RF Safety
  • 29 Assembling a Station
    • 29.1 Fixed Stations
    • 29.2 Mobile Installations
    • 29.3 Portable Installations
    • 29.4 Remote Stations
    • 29.5 References and Bibliography

Supplemental Files

Supplemental files are included on the CD-ROM. They include additional discussion, related articles, additional projects, full-size PC board etching patterns and templates, program examples, construction details and other useful information. All of these packages are available on this CD-ROM in the Supplemental Files directory and then organized by chapter. (Note: Chapters 1 and 8 have no supplemental files.)

Chapter 2 Supplemental Articles

  • “Radio Mathematics” — supplemental information about math used in radio and a list of online resources and tutorials about common mathematics
  • “Hands-On Radio: Kirchoff’s Laws” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Laying Down the Laws” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Putting the Laws to Work” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Thevenin Equivalents” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “A Tutorial on the Decibel” by Ward Silver, NØAX

Projects

  • “Thermistors in Homebrew Projects” by Bill Sabin, WØIYH
  • “Thermistor Based Temperature Controller” by Bill Sabin, WØIYH

Chapter 3 Supplemental Articles

  • “Hands-On Radio: The Common Emitter Amplifier” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: The Emitter-Follower Amplifier” by Ward Silver, NØAX * “Hands-On Radio: The Common Base Amplifier” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Field Effect Transistors” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Basic Operational Amplifiers” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: Load Lines” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Hands-On Radio: The Effects of Gain-Bandwidth Product” by Ward Silver, NØAX * Cathode Ray Tubes
  • Large Signal Transistor Operation

Tools and Data

  • LTSpice Simulation Files for Chapter 3
  • Frequency Response Spreadsheet

Chapter 4 Supplemental Articles

  • “Interfacing to the Parallel Port” and supporting files by Paul Danzer, N1II “Learning to PIC with a PIC-EL” (Parts 1 and 2) by Craig Johnson, AAØZZ “Pickle with USB I/O” by Craig Johnson, AAØZZ

Chapter 5 Supplemental Articles

  • “Reflections on the Smith Chart” by Wes Hayward, W7ZOI
  • Tuned Networks
  • “Simplified Design of Impedance-Matching Networks,” Parts I through III by George Grammer, W1DF (SK)
  • LTSpice simulation files for Section 5.3, Effects of Parasitic Characteristics
  • “Noise Instrumentation and Measurement” by Paul Wade, W1GHZ

Chapter 6 Supplemental Articles

  • “The Dangers of Simple Usage of Microwave Software” by Ulrich Rohde, N1UL and Hans Hartnagel
  • “Using Simulation at RF” by Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Mathematical Stability Problems in Modern Non-Linear Simulation Programs” by Ulrich Rohde, N1UL and Rucha Lakhe
  • Examples of Circuit Simulation by David Newkirk, W9VES

Chapter 7 Projects

  • Four Output Bench Supply
  • 12 V 15 A Power Supply — Article and PCB Template
  • 13.8 V 5 A Power Supply — PCB Template
  • 28 V High Current Power Supply — Article and PCB Template
  • Dual Output Power Supply
  • Micro M+ PV Charge Controller
  • Revisiting the 12 V Power Supply
  • Series Regulator Power Supply — Article and PCB Template
  • Build an Inverting DC-DC Converter
  • “Simple Adjustable Tracking Power Supply” by Bryant Julstrom, KCØZNG * “A Deluxe High Voltage Supply” by James Garland, W8ZR

Supplemental Articles

  • Testing and Monitoring Batteries — Excerpts from Batteries in a Portable World by Isidor Buchmann
  • Vacuum Tube and Obsolete Rectifiers

Chapter 9 Supplemental Files

  • Measuring Receiver Phase Noise
  • “Oscillator Design Using LTSpice” by David Stockton, GM4ZNX (includes LTSpice simulation files in SwissRoll folder)
  • Using the MC1648 in Oscillators
  • “Novel Grounded Base Oscillator Design for VHF-UHF” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Optimized Oscillator Design” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Oscillator Phase Noise” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Some Thoughts On Crystal Oscillator Design” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Calculation of FM and AM Noise Signals of Colpitts Oscillators in the Time Domain” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “Some Thoughts on Designing Very High Performance VHF Oscillators” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
  • “What You Always Wanted to Know About Colpitts Oscillators” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, and Anisha M. Apt

Chapter 10 Supplemental Articles

  • “Modern Receiver Mixers for High Dynamic Range” by Doug DeMaw, W1FB (SK) and George Collins, KC1V
  • “Performance Capability Of Active Mixers” by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL

Chapter 11 Supplemental Articles

  • “Using Active Filter Design Tools” by Dan Tayloe, N7VE
  • “Crystal Parameter Measurements Simplified”, by Chuck Adams, K7QO Projects
  • “An Easy-to-Build, High-Performance Passive CW Filter” by Ed Wetherhold, W3NQN
  • “A High Performance, Low Cost 1.8 to 54 MHz Low Pass Filter” by Bill Jones, K8CU

Chapter 12 Supplemental Files

  • “Amateur Radio Equipment Development — An Historical Perspective” by Joel Hallas, W1ZR
  • “A Dual Band Low Noise Amplifier for 2 Meters and 70 Centimeters” by Jim Kocsis, WA9PYH
  • “A High Performance 45 MHz IF Amplifier” by Colin Horrabin, G3SBI

Project Files

  • Rock Bending Receiver PCB template by Randy Henderson, WI5W
  • 10 GHz preamp PCB template by Zack Lau, W1VT
  • Binaural Receiver project by Rick Campbell, KK7B

Chapter 13 Supplemental Articles and Projects

  • “Designing and Building Transistor Linear Power Amplifiers” Parts 1 and 2 by Rick Campbell, KK7B
  • “A Fast TR Switch” by Jack Kuecken, KE2QJ
  • “A Homebrew High Performance HF Transceiver — the HBR-2000” by Markus Hansen, VE7CA
  • “The MicroT2 — A Compact Single-Band SSB Transmitter” by Rick Campbell, KK7B
  • “The MkII — An Updated Universal QRP Transmitter” by Wes Hayward, W7ZOI
  • “The Norcal Sierra: An 80-15 M CW Transceiver” by Wayne Burdick, N6KR (plus supporting files)
  • “The Rockmite — A Simple Single-Band CW Transceiver” by Dave Benson, K1SWL (plus supporting files)
  • “The TAK-40 SSB/CW Transceiver” by Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ
  • “A Transmitter for Fox Hunting” by Mark Spencer, WA8SME
  • “The Tuna Tin 2 Today” by Ed Hare, W1RFI
  • “VHF Open Sources” by Rick Campbell, KK7B (plus parts placement guides)
  • “A Microwave Controller” by Hamish Kellock, OH2GAQ
  • “A 50 MHz CW Beacon” and “50 MHz Parts List” by Michael Sapp, WA3TTS
  • “VHF and UHF CW Beacons” by Michael Sapp, WA3TTS
  • “A West Coast Lightwave Project” by Steve McDonald, VE7SL, and Markus Hansen, VE7CA

Chapter 14 Supplemental Articles

  • “A Simple Sensor Package for High Altitude Ballooning” by John Post, KA5GSQ
  • “APRS Unveiled” by Bob Simmons, WB6EYV
  • “APRS with a Smartphone” by Pat Cain, KØPC
  • “ARRL Education and Technology Program Space/Sea Buoy” by Mark Spencer, WA8SME
  • “Touching Near Space on a Budget” by Paul Verhage, KD4STH
  • Collection of Powerpoint presentations and PDF articles by Paul Verhage, KD4STH, on high-altitude platforms, including BalloonSat construction and testing
  • “Fox-1 Satellite Telemetry – Part 1: On the Satellite,” by Burns Fisher, W2BFJ
  • “Fox-1 Satellite Telemetry – Part 2: FoxTelem,” by Chris Thompson, AC2CZ

Chapter 15

  • A collection of DSP projects with supporting files
  • A discussion of DSP calculations with samples and files that accompany the discussion

Chapter 16 Supplemental Files

  • Table of digital mode characteristics (section 16.6)
  • ASCII and ITA2 code tables
  • Varicode tables for PSK31, MFSK16 and DominoEX
  • “Operating Tips for Digital Voice Using FreeDV” by Mel Whitten, KØPFX
  • Digital Modes - Lowest Permitted Amateur Frequency

Chapter 17 Supplemental Articles

  • Tuned (Resonant) Networks (for use with MATCH.EXE)
  • Design Example — RF Amplifier using 8877 Vacuum Tube by John Stanley, K4ERO
  • Design Example — MOSFET Thermal Design by Dick Frey, K4XU
  • Determining a Transistor’s Power Rating (APT Application Note) by Dick Frey, K4XU
  • ARRL RF Amplifier Classics Table of Contents

HF Amplifier Projects

  • “The Everyham’s Amp” by John Stanley, K4ERO
  • Everyham’s Amp files — construction notes, layouts, modifications for various tube types
  • “A 3CX1500D7 RF Linear Amplifier” by Jerry Pittenger, K8RA
  • 3CX1500D7 HF amplifier files — PCB layout, Pi-L values spreadsheet
  • “A 250 W Broadband Solid-State Linear Amplifier” by Dick Frey, K4XU
  • 250 W solid state amplifier files — PCB artwork, parts lists, photos (including updated PCB and schematic files, Mar 2013)
  • “The Sunnyvale/Saint Petersburg Kilowatt-Plus,” a 4CX1600B HF amplifier project by George Daughters, K6GT

VHF Amplifier Projects

  • “A 6 Meter Kilowatt Amplifier” by Dick Stevens, W1QWJ (SK)
  • “144 MHz Amplifier Using the 3CX1200Z7” by Russ Miller, N7ART
  • “Build a Linear 2 Meter, 80 W All Mode Amplifier” by James Klitzing, W6PQL
  • “Design Notes for ‘A Luxury Linear’ Amplifier” by Mark Mandelkern, K5AM
  • “High-Performance Grounded-Grid 220-MHz Kilowatt Linear” by Robert Sutherland, W6PO (SK)

UHF/Microwave Amplifier Projects

  • “432 MHz 3CX800A7 Amplifier” by Steve Powlishen, K1FO (SK)
  • “A High-Power Cavity Amplifier for the New 900-MHz Band” by Robert Sutherland, W6PO (SK)
  • “A Quarter-Kilowatt 23-cm Amplifier” by Chip Angle, N6CA
  • “2 Watt RF Power Amplifier for 10 GHz” by Steven Lampereur, KB9MWR

Chapter 18 Supplemental Articles

  • “From Analog to D-STAR” by Gary Pearce, KN4AQ
  • “Discovering D-STAR” by Larry Moxon, K1KRC
  • “D-STAR Uncovered” by Pete Loveall, AE5PL
  • “Operating D-STAR” by Gary Pearce, KN4AQ

Chapter 19 Supplemental Articles

  • “The Penticton Solar Flux Receiver,” by John White, VA7JW and Ken Tapping
  • “Hands-On Radio: Recording Signals”, W Silver, NØAX Projects
  • “Build a Homebrew Radio Telescope”, M Spencer, WA8SME

Chapter 20 Supplemental Articles

  • “Multiband Operation with Open-wire Line” by George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN
  • Smith Chart Supplement
  • “Measuring Receiver Isolation” by George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN
  • “A Commercial Triplexer Design” by George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN
  • “HF Yagi Triplexer Especially for ARRL Field Day” by Gary Gordon, K6KV
  • “Using TLW to Design Impedance Matching Networks” by George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN
  • “Measuring Ferrite Chokes” by Jim Brown, K9YC
  • “Microwave Plumbing” by Paul Wade, W1GHZ
  • Transmission Lines in Digital Circuits
  • Matching network material and MATCH.EXE by Bill Sabin, WØIYH
  • “Optimizing the Placement of Stubs for Harmonic Suppression” by Jim Brown, K9YC
  • “Optimizing the Performance of Harmonic Attenuation Stubs” by George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN

Chapter 21 Supplemental Articles

  • “Direction Finding Techniques” by Joe Moell, KØOV Projects
  • “Rotatable Dipole Inverted-U Antenna” by L.B. Cebik, W4RNL
  • Construction details for “Top-Loaded Low-Band Antenna” by Dick Stroud, W9SR
  • “Five-Band Two-Element Quad” by Al Doig, W6NBH, and William Stein, KC6T
  • “Medium-Gain 2 Meter Yagi” by L.B. Cebik, W4RNL
  • “K8SYL’s 75 and 10-Meter Dipole” by Sylvia Hutchinson, K8SYL
  • “A Plumber’s Delight for 2 Meters — An All-Copper J-Pole” by Michael Hood, KD8JB
  • “Cheap Antennas for the AMSAT LEOs” by Kent Britain, WA5VJB
  • “Wire Quad for 40 Meters” by Dean Straw, N6BV
  • “Vertical Loop Antenna for 28 MHz”
  • “Dual-Band Antenna for 146/446 MHz” by Wayde Bartholomew, K3MF
  • “The TriMox — A Moxon Tribander for a Holiday DXpedition” by Brian Machesney, K1LI
  • “A Simple Fixed Antenna for VHF/UHF Satellite Work,” by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
  • “Having a Field Day with the Moxon Rectangle,” by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
  • “Extended Double-Zepp for 17 Meters” from 2016 Handbook
  • Triband Dipole for 30, 17, and 12 Meters” by Zack Lau W1VT
  • “A Compact Multiband Dipole” by Zack Lau W1VT

Chapter 22 Supplemental Files

  • BNC Crimp Installation Instructions * N Crimp Installation Instructions
  • Miniature Lamp Guide
  • Thermoplastics Properties
  • TV Deflection Tube Guide
  • Obsolete RF Power Semiconductor Tables

Chapter 23 Supplemental Files

  • “A No-Special-Tools SMD Desoldering Technique” by Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ
  • “Surface Mount Technology — You Can Work With It” by Sam Ulbing, N4UAU (Parts 1 - 4)
  • “A Deluxe Soldering Station”
  • Making Your Own Printed Circuit Boards
  • “Reflow Soldering for the Radio Amateur” by Jim Koehler, VE5JP

Chapter 24 Projects

  • “A Remote Power Controller” by Mike Bryce, WB8VGE
  • “A Switched Attenuator” courtesy of RSGB
  • “The ID-O-Matic Station Identification Timer” by Dale Botkin, NØXAS
  • “Tandem Match—Accurate Directional Wattmeter” by John Grebenkemper, KI6WX
  • “Two QSK Controllers for Amplifiers” by Jim Colville, W7RY and Paul Christensen, W9AC
  • “Build a Legal Limit Bias T that Covers 1.8 to 230 MHz” by Phil Salas, AD5X
  • “An Eight Channel Remote Control Antenna Selector” by Michael Dzado, ACØHB
  • “Multiband Tuning Circuits” by R. W. Johnson, W6MUR
  • “Adapting Aviation Headset to Ham Radio”
  • “An Arduino-based Knob Box for SDR” by Michael Stott, VE3EBR
  • “A Low-Cost Remote Antenna Switch” by Bill Smith, KO4NR
  • “A Raspberry Pi Network Server/Client for Antenna Rotor,” by Tom Doyle, W9KE

Support Files

  • Code and support files for ID-O-Matic by Dale Botkin, NØXAS
  • Support files for SWR Monitor by Larry Coyle, K1QW
  • Support files for “Two QSK Controllers for Amplifiers” by Jim Colville, W7RY and Paul Christensen, W9AC
  • Trio of Computer Interfaces PCB template

Chapter 25 Supplemental Files

  • Cathode ray tube theory
  • Test and Measurement Bibliography
  • ARRL Lab Test Procedures Manual – 2010
  • “Noise Instrumentation and Measurement” by Paul Wade W1GHZ

Project Files

  • Gate Dip Oscillator articles and PCB artwork — Alan Bloom, N1AL
  • Build a Return Loss Bridge — James Ford, N6JF
  • Logic Probe — supporting photos and graphics — Alan Bloom, N1AL
  • RF Power Meter — supporting files — William Kaune, W7IEQ
  • Compensated RF Voltmeter articles — Sidney Cooper, K2QHE
  • RF Sampler Construction details — Thomas Thompson, WØIVJ
  • RF Step Attenuator — Denton Bramwell, K7OWJ
  • Tandem Match articles — John Grebenkemper, KI6WX
  • Transistor Tester — PCB artwork and layout graphics — Alan Bloom, N1AL
  • Two-Tone Oscillator — PCB artwork and layout graphics — ARRL Lab
  • “A Low Frequency Adapter for your Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)” by Jacques Audet, VE2AZX

Chapter 26 Supplemental Articles

  • “Troubleshooting Radios” by Mel Eiselman, NC4L
  • “Building a Modern Signal Tracer” by Curt Terwilliger, W6XJ
  • “Hands-on Radio — Power Supply Analysis” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Amplifier Care and Maintenance” by Ward Silver, NØAX
  • “Diode and Transistor Test Circuits” by Ed Hare, W1RFI

PC Board Templates

  • Crystal controlled signal source template
  • AF/RF signal injector template

Chapter 27 Supplemental Files

  • “What to Do if You Have an Electronic Interference Problem” — CEA Handbook
  • TV Channel, Amateur Band and Harmonic Chart Projects
  • “A Home-made Ultrasonic Power Line Arc Detector and Project Update” by Jim Hanson, W1TRC (SK)
  • “A Simple TRF Receiver for Tracking RFI” by Rick Littlefield, K1BQT
  • “Active Attenuator for VHF-FM” by Fao Eenhoorn, PAØZR (article and template)
  • “Simple Seeker” by Dave Geiser, W5IXM
  • “Tape Measure Beam for Power Line Hunting” by Jim Hanson, W1TRC (SK)

Chapter 28 Supplemental Files

  • Electric Current Abroad — U.S. Dept of Commerce
  • “Shop Safety” by Don Daso, K4ZA
  • “RF Safety at Field Day” by Greg Lapin, N9GL
  • “Field Day Tower Safety” by Don Daso, K4ZA and Ward Silver, NØAX

Chapter 29 Portable Stations

  • “Product Review: A Look at Gasoline Powered Inverter Generators,” by Bob Allison, WB1GCM
  • “Field Day Tower Safety,” by Don Daso, K4ZA and Ward Silver, NØAX Remote Stations
  • “Remote Station Resources by K6VVA - 2014 Edition” — a list of resources for remote station builders

Image Communications

  • Educational robot ATV setup details (BOE-BOT project) by Mark Spencer, WA8SME
About LEAP#650 BooksRadio

This page is a web-friendly rendering of my project notes shared in the LEAP GitHub repository.

Project Source on GitHub Return to the LEAP Catalog
About LEAP

LEAP is my personal collection of electronics projects - usually involving an Arduino or other microprocessor in one way or another. Some are full-blown projects, while many are trivial breadboard experiments, intended to learn and explore something interesting.

Projects are often inspired by things found wild on the net, or ideas from the many great electronics podcasts and YouTube channels. Feel free to borrow liberally, and if you spot any issues do let me know or send a pull-request.

NOTE: For a while I included various scale modelling projects here too, but I've now split them off into a new repository: check out LittleModelArt if you are looking for these projects.

Project Gallery view the projects as an image gallery Notebook reference materials and other notes Follow the Blog follow projects and notes as they are published in your favourite feed reader