From Detector to Software Defined Radio Radio frequency (RF) technology is one of the areas which still allows putting your own ideas into practice. Countless circuit variants with special objectives allow space for meaningful experiments and projects. Many things simply aren’t available off the shelf. Crystal detector radios without their own power source, simple tube receivers with a touch of nostalgia, the first reception attempts at Software Defined Radio, special receivers for amateur radio, all this can be realized with little effort and as a perfect introduction to RF electronics. For a long time, radio construction was the first step into electronics. Meanwhile, there are other ways, especially via computers, microcontrollers, and digital technology. However, the analog roots of electronics are often neglected. Elementary radio technology and easy-to-do experiments are particularly well suited as a learning field for electronics because you can start with the simplest basics here. But the connection to modern digital technology is also obvious, for example, when it comes to modern tuning methods such as PLL and DDS or modern DSP radios. This book aims to give an overview and present a collection of simple RF projects. The author would like to support you to develop your own ideas, to design your own receivers and to test them.

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Program and build Arduino-based ham station utilities, tools, and instruments In addition to a detailed introduction to the exciting world of the Arduino microcontroller and its many variants, this book introduces you to the shields, modules, and components you can connect to the Arduino. Many of these components are discussed in detail and used in the projects included in this book to help you understand how these components can be incorporated into your own Arduino projects. Emphasis has been placed on designing and creating a wide range of amateur radio-related projects that can easily be built in just a few days. This book is written for ham radio operators and Arduino enthusiasts of all skill levels, and includes discussions about the tools, construction methods, and troubleshooting techniques used in creating amateur radio-related Arduino projects. The book teaches you how to create feature-rich Arduino-based projects, with the goal of helping you to advance beyond this book, and design and build your own ham radio Arduino projects. In addition, this book describes in detail the design, construction, programming, and operation of the following projects: CW Beacon and Foxhunt Keyer Mini Weather Station RF Probe with LED Bar Graph DTMF Tone Encoder DTMF Tone Decoder Waveform Generator Auto Power On/Off Bluetooth CW Keyer Station Power Monitor AC Current Monitor This book assumes a basic knowledge of electronics and circuit construction. Basic knowledge of how to program the Arduino using its IDE will also be beneficial.

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Sound Secrets and Technology What would today’s rock and pop music be without electric lead and bass guitars? These instruments have been setting the tone for more than sixty years. Their underlying sound is determined largely by their electrical components. But, how do they actually work? Almost no one is able to explain this to the true musician with no technical background. This book answers many questions simply, in an easily-understandable manner. For the interested musician (and others), this book unveils, in a simple and well-grounded way, what have, until now, been regarded as manufacturer secrets. The examination explores deep within the guitar, including pickups and electrical environment, so that guitar electronics are no longer considered highly secret. With a few deft interventions, many instruments can be rendered more versatile and made to sound a lot better – in the most cost-effective manner. The author is an experienced electronics professional and active musician. He has thoroughly tested everything described here, in practice.

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All you need to know about good acoustics and sound systems in performance and worship spaces! Everyone knows that the ability to hear music in balance and to understand speech is essential in any space used for performance or worship. Unfortunately, in the early 21st century, we find that buildings with good acoustics are the exception rather than the rule. Much of the fault leading to this result can be traced to the widespread perception that acoustics is a black art. In fact, scientific acoustics as developed in the last century is a well-defined engineering practice that can lead to predictable excellent results. A basic, non-engineering understanding of acoustics will help building owners, theater managers, ministers and teachers of music, performers, and other professionals to achieve their goals of excellent acoustics in venues with which they work. Performers having a basic understanding of acoustics will be able to make the most of the acoustics of the venue in which they perform. This book helps those responsible for providing good acoustics in performance and worship spaces to understand the variables and choices entailed in proper acoustic design for performance and worship. Practicing acoustical consultants will find the book a useful reference as well. The level of presentation is comfortable and straightforward without being simplistic. If correct acoustical principles are incorporated into the design, renovation, and maintenance of performance and worship venues, good acoustics will be the result.

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