Any physicists here?

Cromulent

Cromulent

Cromulent

Soldato
Joined
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England
I need to learn about radio, but I have no idea where to begin.

I need to learn it because I'm currently teaching myself electronics, and I need to figure out how to send wireless data while abiding by the radio spectrum licensing laws. I don't think I've ever studied radio before, so I feel lost. If someone could recommend a beginner-level book and one more advanced to move on to next, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
 
Cromulent said:
I need to learn about radio, but I have no idea where to begin.

I need to learn it because I'm currently teaching myself electronics, and I need to figure out how to send wireless data while abiding by the radio spectrum licensing laws. I don't think I've ever studied radio before, so I feel lost. If someone could recommend a beginner-level book and one more advanced to move on to next, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
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Doesn't need a physicist. Google 'arduino nrf24l01'
 
Cromulent said:
I need to learn about radio, but I have no idea where to begin.

I need to learn it because I'm currently teaching myself electronics, and I need to figure out how to send wireless data while abiding by the radio spectrum licensing laws. I don't think I've ever studied radio before, so I feel lost. If someone could recommend a beginner-level book and one more advanced to move on to next, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

CB radio is currently the easiest, cheapest and legal medium to send data (speak to other CB'ers) without a licence. Some, in fact many, will say CB'ers are the scum of the airways, such are licensed amateur radio folk the world over.

Being a member of both communities I see superb technological efforts from both, so don't let the anti CB lot deter you from starting there.

With the likes of YouTube I found following along with practical examples of electronic experiments, or RF ones in particular, far more pleasant than reading needlessly, in the main, and as a beginner, mathematically complex text books.
 
NickK said:
Not entirely correct.. i used to advise and architect solutions for quantum cryptography & quantum random number generation using optics & quantum computers. So definitely not the smarts in the room (ie in a room of phds).
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More than your average guy though! :)
 
Cromulent said:
I need to learn about radio, but I have no idea where to begin.

I need to learn it because I'm currently teaching myself electronics, and I need to figure out how to send wireless data while abiding by the radio spectrum licensing laws. I don't think I've ever studied radio before, so I feel lost. If someone could recommend a beginner-level book and one more advanced to move on to next, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

I have repaired an old 1957 tube radio and have some basic AM/FM understanding. Transmitting over the air is a different kettle of fish - you will need to pass exams, licences and test gear (ie a RF spectrum analyser) to understand what you're transmitting. You may want to talk to a HAM radio enthusiast @Feek - there's also a thread on this.

You can 'send' it by simply carrying through a shielded coax cable. That way it doesn't need to go across the air and is weak enough not to be transmitted - "direct signal injection". This is a technique often used for tuning radios where a signal is generated (a modulated signal for AM or FM) and that is injected into the radio which is tuned and then bobs your uncle.

An fast oscilloscope FFT works to give a spectrum but it's not brilliant. I have a little Silent SDS1104X-E that runs at 200MHz which can see radio RF which can FFT at a push but it's not the best thing in the world (compared to a real SA).

Expect £1K+ for an RF spectrum analyser (2K+ for a Siglent starter) or cheaper for a second hand known brand. Just don't bother with the cheapo SAs. Expect ~1-2K for a FM capable AWG waveform generator to generate a signal.

Without a SA you will not know what harmonics or other noise you're possibly going to transmit and it's very likely that you'd need to provide that (and have it independently tested) to be a licensed transmitting device.. last thing you want is the police turning up and seizing everything and then fining you for accidentally transmitting on restricted/emergency bands.
 
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Cromulent said:
I need to learn about radio, but I have no idea where to begin.

I need to learn it because I'm currently teaching myself electronics, and I need to figure out how to send wireless data while abiding by the radio spectrum licensing laws. I don't think I've ever studied radio before, so I feel lost. If someone could recommend a beginner-level book and one more advanced to move on to next, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

To which country are you planning to sell send this data?
 
You guys have all been sucked into a cromulent hole. Basically someone recommend him loads of expensive gear and never hear from this hobby ever again.
 
NickK said:
I have repaired an old 1957 tube radio and have some basic AM/FM understanding. Transmitting over the air is a different kettle of fish - you will need to pass exams, licences and test gear (ie a RF spectrum analyser) to understand what you're transmitting. You may want to talk to a HAM radio enthusiast @Feek - there's also a thread on this.

You can 'send' it by simply carrying through a shielded coax cable. That way it doesn't need to go across the air and is weak enough not to be transmitted - "direct signal injection". This is a technique often used for tuning radios where a signal is generated (a modulated signal for AM or FM) and that is injected into the radio which is tuned and then bobs your uncle.

An fast oscilloscope FFT works to give a spectrum but it's not brilliant. I have a little Silent SDS1104X-E that runs at 200MHz which can see radio RF which can FFT at a push but it's not the best thing in the world (compared to a real SA).

Expect £1K+ for an RF spectrum analyser (2K+ for a Siglent starter) or cheaper for a second hand known brand. Just don't bother with the cheapo SAs. Expect ~1-2K for a FM capable AWG waveform generator to generate a signal.

Without a SA you will not know what harmonics or other noise you're possibly going to transmit and it's very likely that you'd need to provide that (and have it independently tested) to be a licensed transmitting device.. last thing you want is the police turning up and seizing everything and then fining you for accidentally transmitting on restricted/emergency bands.
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Thank you very much. I'll have to look around and see what I can afford.
dLockers said:
You guys have all been sucked into a cromulent hole. Basically someone recommend him loads of expensive gear and never hear from this hobby ever again.
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I'm curious, but do people follow me around on this forum? I mean, fair play if you are interested in everything I post asking questions; I just find it weird. But to explain, I've been unwell and often latch onto ideas to distract myself. This keeps me happy instead of doing nothing, which would depress me.
 
NickK said:
Not entirely correct.. i used to advise and architect solutions for quantum cryptography & quantum random number generation using optics & quantum computers. So definitely not the smarts in the room (ie in a room of phds).
Click to expand...
But by the sounds of it, the smarts in the OcUK room :)
 
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