Beginning Radio Communications: Radio Projects and Theory (Technology in Action)

Understanding radio communications systems unlocks a new way to look at the world and the radio waves that connect it. Through easy-to-understand instruction and a variety of hands-on projects, this book gives the reader an intuitive understanding of how radio waves propagate, how information is encoded in radio waves, and how radio communications networks are constructed. This book also focuses on the world of amateur, or “ham,” radio, a global network of hobbyists that experiment and communicate with radio waves. The reader can learn what amateur radio is, how one can obtain an amateur radio license, and how various pieces of amateur radio hardware work. Rather than overwhelm with formulas and numerical approaches, this book presents an easy-to-follow qualitative approach to the theory aspects of radio—perfect for those with little to no knowledge of electromagnetism, signal processing, or hardware development. Instead, instruction focuses on hands-on learning. Radio waves are easy and inexpensive to manipulate with modern hardware, so the examples throughout this text provide ample opportunity to develop an understanding of such hardware. A special focus is given to applications of radio communications in the modern world. In every chapter, the reader gains new insight into different radio communications systems and the hardware and software that makes it all possible. Projects include using a software-defined radio to download live images of the Earth from weather satellites, Arduino-based digital radio communications networks, making amateur radio contacts, and more. What You’ll Learn: · Encode information in radio waves · Obtain an amateur radio license · Use important pieces of radio communications hardware, such as antennas, handheld transceivers, software-defined radios, radio repeaters, and more Who This Book Is For Anyone interested in modern communications, from high school and college students pursuining STEM to professionals looking to broaden their understandings of radio Understanding radio communications systems unlocks a new way to look at the world and the radio waves that connect it. Through easy-to-understand instruction and a variety of hands-on projects, this book gives the reader an intuitive understanding of how radio waves propagate, how information is encoded in radio waves, and how radio communications networks are constructed.This book also focuses on the world of amateur, or "ham," radio, a global network of hobbyists that experiment and communicate with radio waves. The reader can learn what amateur radio is, how one can obtain an amateur radio license, and how various pieces of amateur radio hardware work.Rather than overwhelm with formulas and numerical approaches, this book presents an easy-to-follow qualitative approach to the theory aspects of radio--perfect for those with little to no knowledge of electromagnetism, signal processing, or hardware development. Instead, instruction focuses on hands-on learning. Radio waves are easy and inexpensive to manipulate with modern hardware, so the examples throughout this text provide ample opportunity to develop an understanding of such hardware.A special focus is given to applications of radio communications in the modern world. In every chapter, the reader gains new insight into different radio communications systems and the hardware and software that makes it all possible. Projects include using a software-defined radio to download live images of the Earth from weather satellites, Arduino-based digital radio communications networks, making amateur radio contacts, and more. With this book, you'll learn how Encode information in radio wavesObtain an amateur radio licenseUse important pieces of radio communications hardware, such as antennas, handheld transceivers, software-defined radios, radio repeaters, and more Who This Book Is For Anyone interested in modern communications, from high school and college students pursuining STEM to professionals looking to broaden their understandings of radio Amateur Radio Is An Exciting Field For Makers. The Key Concepts Of Electromagnetic Propagation Are Intuitive To Understand And Easy To Demonstrate With Simple Hardware. Through Do-it-yourself Demos And Concrete Explanations Of Overarching Concepts, You Can Learn To Build Radio Systems And Become Fully Licensed To Operate Them. The Fundamental Concepts Of Radio Operation Are Laid Out And Followed Up With Hands-on Tutorials, So You Can Continue Learning Through Applicable Projects And Examples. In Order To Operate Certain Hardware, One Must Obtain An Amateur Radio License From The Fcc. That Process Is Detailed Completely. In The Idle Time While Waiting To Take The Test, You Can Work On A Variety Of Experiments And Demonstrations In The Book That Require No License. After Getting Licensed A Whole New World Of Wireless Communications Will Be Unlocked! The Book Expands Upon The Purpose Of Amateur Radio, The Culture Surrounding It, And How One Can Get Started Making Contacts. There Are A Variety Of Ways In Which A Ham Radio License Can Be Applied, Including Volunteering And Incorporating Amateur Radio Into Personal Projects. By The End Of The Book, You’ll Have Completed Multiple Electronics Projects As Well As Become A Licensed Radio Operator And Even Learned How To Interact With The Community Of Radio Enthusiasts Around The World. What You'll Learn Encode Information In Electromagnetic Waves Using Various Approaches Work With Popular Radio Equipment Through Projects And Examples Get Licensed To Operate Amateur Radio Equipment Who This Book Is For Individuals With Little Familiarity With Radio Communications But Some Familiarity With Electronics.