Transceivers and station equipment
How radios work inside, the kinds you can buy, and everything around them in the shack.
How radios work
From antenna to speaker, and microphone to antenna.
Receiver basicsFrom antenna to speaker.The superheterodyne receiverMixing everything to one intermediate frequency.Direct conversion and SDR receiversSkipping the IF with I/Q sampling.Transmitter basicsOscillator, modulator, driver and final amplifier.The transceiver, end to endHow one box does both jobs.Sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic rangeThe numbers that describe a receiver.AGC, noise blankers and noise reductionTaming level changes and noise.Filters in radiosRoofing, crystal, mechanical and DSP filters.RIT, XIT and split operationOffsetting receive and transmit frequencies.
Types of radios
What exists, and what each is best at.
HF transceiversWhat to look for in a base-station rig.Handheld transceiversVHF/UHF HTs and their limits.VHF/UHF mobile and base radiosHigher power and better antennas than an HT.QRP and portable radiosSmall, low-power rigs for the field.SDR transceiversSoftware-defined radios as full stations.Receivers, scanners and SDR donglesListening-only gear.Repeaters and controllersThe hardware behind a repeater.Hotspots and gatewaysPersonal digital-voice nodes.Vintage and tube radiosBoat anchors and restoration.
Radio controls and features
The knobs, menus and settings that matter.
Squelch, CTCSS and DCSKeeping the speaker quiet until it matters.Memories and scanningStoring and searching frequencies.Power output and SWR protectionSetting power and protecting the final amplifier.Mic gain, compression and ALCGetting a clean SSB signal.CAT control and rig softwareControlling the radio from a computer.
Station accessories and power
Everything that surrounds the radio.
Shack power suppliesSizing and choosing a 13.8 V supply.Linear amplifiersAdding power: tubes, solid state and the limits.Microphones and headsetsAudio gear for phone work.Computer and sound-card interfacesConnecting a radio to digital-mode software.Antenna switches and station switchingRouting antennas and radios.Batteries, solar and portable powerRunning a station off-grid.Station layout and ergonomicsArranging a safe, efficient shack.