Build Your Own Vintage Radio Broadcaster
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit allows streaming audio to vintage AM radio receivers. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller module, the AM Transmitter can transmit on 32 frequencies in the AM band, from 500 kHz up to 1.6 MHz in 32 steps of approx. 35 kHz.
The frequency is selected with a potentiometer and shown on a 0.96" OLED display. A pushbutton allows toggles the transmitting mode between On and Off. The range of the transmitter depends on the antenna. The onboard antenna provides a range of a few centimeters, requiring the AM Transmitter to be placed close to or inside the radio. An external loop antenna (not included) can be connected to increase the range.
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit comes as a kit of parts that you must solder to the board yourself.
Features
The board is compatible with a Hammond 1593N enclosure (not included).A 5 VDC power supply with micro-USB connector (e.g., an old phone charger) is needed to power the kit (not included). Current consumption is 100 mA.
The Arduino software (requiring Earle Philhower’s RP2040 Boards Package) for the Elektor AM Transmitter Kit plus more information is available at the Elektor Labs page of this project.
Component List
Resistors
R1, R4 = 100 Ω
R2, R3, R8 = 10 kΩ
R5, R6, R9, R10, R11 = 1 kΩ
R7 = optional (not included)
P1 = potentiometer 100 kΩ, linear
Capacitors
C1 = 22 µF 16V
C2, C4 = 10 nF
C3 = 150 pF
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4×1 pin socket
K2, K3 = 3.5 mm socket
Raspberry Pi Pico
pushbutton, angle mount
0.96" monochrome I²C OLED display
PCB 150292-1
This USB stick holds a selection of more than 350 articles on RF, Radio and Communication published in Elektor Magazine. The content consists of both background articles and projects with the following topics:
Basic radio-related circuits as well as more complex circuits like filters, oscillators, and amplifiers.
Design, construction, and theory of antennas for transmitting and receiving radio signals efficiently.
Design and analysis of RF circuits including filters, mixers, PLLs, and frequency synthesizers. Tools and techniques for predicting radio wave propagation paths and measuring RF signal strength.
Techniques for processing digital signals in RF systems, including modulation and demodulation methods.
Projects on radio receivers, AM, FM, SSB, CW, DRM, DAB, DAB+, Software Defined Radio, and more.
Projects on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, and more.
You can use the article search function to locate specific content in the full text. The results are always shown as preformatted PDF documents. You can use Adobe Reader to browse articles, and you can use Adobe Reader’s integrated search functions to find instances of individual words and expressions.
DEAL: Order the HackRF Pro now and get the new e-book "SDR with HackRF One & HackRF Pro" worth €20 for FREE!
HackRF Pro is latest Software Defined Radio (SDR) from Great Scott Gadgets and the powerful successor to the legendary HackRF One. With a frequency range from 100 kHz to 6 GHz, it covers an enormous spectrum for transmitting and receiving radio signals.
Designed as an open-source hardware platform, the HackRF Pro is the ideal tool for analyzing and developing modern wireless technologies. It can be used flexibly as a USB peripheral or programmed for standalone operation.
Specifications
Frequency: 100 kHz to 6 GHz
Adjustable from 0 Hz to 7.1 GHz
Half-duplex transceiver
Up to 20 million samples per second
8-bit quadrature samples (8-bit I and 8-bit Q)
Compatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, and more
Software-configurable RX and TX gain and baseband filter
Software-controlled RF port power (50 mA at 3.3 V)
SMA RF connector
SMA clock input and output for synchronization and triggering
Convenient buttons for programming
Internal pin headers for expansion
High-Speed USB 2.0 with USB-C connector
USB-powered
Open source hardware
Compared to its predecessor, HackRF Pro offers a variety of new features, including:
Wider operating frequency range
Improved RF performance with flatter frequency response
USB-C connector
Built-in TCXO crystal oscillator for superior timing stability
Logic upgrade from a CPLD to a power-efficient FPGA
Elimination of the DC spike
Extended-precision mode with 16-bit samples for low sample rates (typical ENOB: 9-11)
Half-precision mode with 4-bit samples at up to 40 Msps
More RAM and flash memory for custom firmware
Installed shielding around the radio section
Trigger input and output accessible through clock connectors
Cutout in the PCB provides space for future add-ons
Improved power management
Enhanced RF port protection
Facility to hardware-disable transmit mode
Full Compatibility: Thanks to its proven architecture, existing software for the HackRF One can also be used directly with the HackRF Pro. The HackRF Pro offers seamless backward compatibility while significantly increasing performance.
Note: An antenna is not included. We recommend the ANT500 for the best experience.
Included
HackRF Pro SDR with plastic enclosure
NEW e-book: SDR with HackRF One & HackRF Pro (normal price: €20)
Downloads
Documentation
GitHub
Practical Guide to Modular RF Design
Build Your Own Software-Defined Radio combines RF circuitry with hardware programming and PC-based signal processing. The e-book presents a modular approach to building a complete SDR system using RF Bricks – from the mechanical framework and RF modules to measurement tools, PC software, and FPGA implementations. Practical explanations guide readers through real signal paths, construction steps, and measurement routines, linking hardware and software into a flexible SDR platform.
Key topics include:
Mechanical setup: RF Brick template, chassis, and 19-inch module carrier
Bridges: USB isolator, I²C level shifter, I²C power switch, and practical examples
Signal-chain design with RF Bricks: antennas, band filters, NanoVNA work, preamplifiers, PLLs, demodulators, direct-conversion chains, multiband options, and narrowband bricks
RF measurement Bricks: single- and dual-tone sources, NPR methods, noise generators, notch filters, broadband amplifiers, and impedance bridges
Useful accessories: ATU-100 tuner, X-Phase QRM eliminator, and firmware notes
PC host software: SoapyAudio adjustments, GQRX, SDR++, and added functionality
GnuRadio elements: control blocks, SSB demodulation, GUI components, messaging, and filter handling
FPGA-based SDR: VHDL, toolchains, ADC/DAC blocks, oversampling, and a complete SSB/CW signal chain
With its modular structure and detailed working examples, this e-book offers a practical path to building and extending modern SDR systems.
Downloads
Software
Praktischer Einstieg mit Arduino, GnuRadio und FPGA
Das Thema „Software Defined Radio“ ist facettenreich: Neben der Schaltungstechnik ist auch eine Einarbeitung in die Programmierung von Hardware und PC wichtig. Ein schrittweises Vorgehen erleichtert Ihnen den Einstieg. Mit dem im Buch vorgestellten modularen „RF Bricks“-Konzept werden Sie zum Architekten Ihrer Signalkette. Auf einem Chassis angeordnet gewährleisten die Module einen soliden und gut abgeschirmten Aufbau, den Sie einfach verändern und mit eigenen Ideen anreichern können.
Der skalierbare Aufbau bildet Ihr Blockschaltbild auch mechanisch ab – die so gewonnene Übersicht kann in der Aus- und Weiterbildung nützlich sein. Ein Arduino in Ihrem Chassis kommuniziert nach einigen Anpassungen mit üblichen SDR-Programmen, z. B. SDRCPP, GQRX und CubicSDR auf einer Linux-Plattform. Damit können Sie Ihren Empfänger direkt per Mausklick abstimmen.
Wenn Sie Blockschaltbilder mögen, ist GnuRadio ein natürlicher Partner der „RF Bricks“. Mit einem selbst programmierten Python-Block gelingt Ihnen in GnuRadio die Fernsteuerung Ihres Empfängers. Im GnuRadio-Universum können Sie Ihre GUI stufenweise ausbauen, behalten dabei aber immer volle Kontrolle über die inneren Abläufe des Programms.
Mit einem FPGA können zeitaufwändige Operationen auch direkt in die Hardware verlagert werden. Sie bauen stufenweise einen Doppelsuperhet auf und entwickeln die Filterkoeffizienten für FIR-Filter mit Scilab. Das in VHDL realisierte Weaver-Schema rundet diesen Empfänger ab, der mit hoher Empfindlichkeit und Dynamik aufwarten kann.
Mit dem gewonnen Überblick und Ihrer neuen Hardware können Sie die einzelnen Aspekte des Themenkomplexes SDR beliebig weiter vertiefen.
Downloads
Software
Master digital electronics – the hands-on way!
This bundle includes the book Learning Digital Electronics, featuring 20+ practical projects in Logic and Circuit design, as well as a 100-piece kit – so you can start building logic circuits, counters, displays, and more right away.
Learning Digital Electronics (Book)
This book is a practical guide to digital electronics, covering the essential components of modern digital systems: number systems, logic gates, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential logic, and more.
Through more than 20 structured projects, you’ll design and build digital systems using real-world components such as logic gates, multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, counters, and shift registers. The projects range from basic LED logic circuits to digital locks, display systems, traffic light controllers, and timing-based designs.
Selected projects introduce the use of tools such as CircuitVerse for circuit simulation, while several designs make use of 74HC-series logic devices, commonly used in digital hardware prototyping.
Inside, you’ll find:
Clear coverage of number systems and binary arithmetic
Logic gate fundamentals and universal gate implementations
Step-by-step projects using flip-flops, counters, and registers
Real-world design with 74HC-series logic chips
Techniques for designing combinational and sequential systems
This book takes a design-first, application-driven approach to digital electronics—built around working circuits, tested logic, and hands-on experimentation.
Learning Digital Electronics (Kit)
This kit has been specially developed to complement the book "Learning Digital Electronics". Since all necessary components are included, you can complete every practical project in the book directly.
Kit contents
2x 74HC08 AND gate chip
2x 74HC00 NAND gate chip
1x 74HC86 XOR gate chip
1x 555 timer chip
1x 74HC161 counter chip
1x 74HC164 shift register
1x CD4511 7-segment decoder
1x CD4027 JK flip-flop
1x BC337 NPN transistor
1x KPS-5161 7-segment common-cathode display
1x Light dependent resistor (LDR)
4x 10 KΩ resistors
8x 1 KΩ resistor
2x 47 KΩ resistors
1x 100 KΩ resistor
4x 2.7 KΩ resistors
1x 5.6 KΩ resistor
1x 150 KΩ resistor
1x 10 μF capacitor
2x 0.01 μF capacitor
2x 100 nF capacitor
8x Small red LED
1x Small green LED
1x Small orange LED
4x Pushbutton switches
1x Active buzzer
1x Battery holder for 3x AA batteries (batteries not included)
1x Breadboard
40x Male-to-male jumper wires (length: 200 mm)
Program and Build Raspberry Pi 5 Based Ham Station Utilities with the RTL-SDR
The RTL-SDR devices (V3 and V4) have gained popularity among radio amateurs because of their very low cost and rich features. A basic system may consist of a USB based RTL-SDR device (dongle) with a suitable antenna, a Raspberry Pi 5 computer, a USB based external audio input-output adapter, and software installed on the Raspberry Pi 5 computer. With such a modest setup, it is possible to receive signals from around 24 MHz to over 1.7 GHz.
This book is aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts and electronic engineering students, as well as at anyone interested in learning to use the Raspberry Pi 5 to build electronic projects. The book is suitable for both beginners through experienced readers. Some knowledge of the Python programming language is required to understand and eventually modify the projects given in the book. A block diagram, a circuit diagram, and a complete Python program listing is given for each project, alongside a comprehensive description.
The following popular RTL-SDR programs are discussed in detail, aided by step-by-step installation guides for practical use on a Raspberry Pi 5:
SimpleFM
GQRX
SDR++
CubicSDR
RTL-SDR Server
Dump1090
FLDIGI
Quick
RTL_433
aldo
xcwcp
GPredict
TWCLOCK
CQRLOG
klog
Morse2Ascii
PyQSO
Welle.io
Ham Clock
CHIRP
xastir
qsstv
flrig
XyGrib
FreeDV
Qtel (EchoLink)
XDX (DX-Cluster)
WSJT-X
The application of the Python programming language on the latest Raspberry Pi 5 platform precludes the use of the programs in the book from working on older versions of Raspberry Pi computers.
Programmieren mit GNU Radio
HackRF ist eine Open-Source-Entwicklung von Great Scott Gadgets und dient als vielseitiges Frontend für Software Defined Radio (SDR). Mit HackRF One und dem Nachfolger HackRF Pro lassen sich eigene SDR-Anwendungen entwickeln, leistungsfähige Empfänger und Sender aufbauen sowie anspruchsvolle Aufgaben der HF-Messtechnik realisieren.
Dieses Buch eröffnet einen praxisnahen Einstieg in die Welt des Software Defined Radio. Schritt für Schritt zeigt der Autor, wie sich mit HackRF leistungsfähige SDR-Projekte umsetzen lassen – von den Grundlagen der HF-Technik bis hin zu anspruchsvollen Anwendungen mit GNU Radio.
Neben dem Umgang mit SDR Sharp (SDR#), RadioConda und GNU Radio vermittelt das Buch auch die Grundlagen moderner digitaler Signalverarbeitung. Zahlreiche Experimente und leicht nachvollziehbare Praxisbeispiele führen durch Themen wie AM-, FM- und SSB-Empfang, digitale Filter, Kurzwelle, Amateurfunk, Messsender und eigene HF-Projekte bis 6 GHz.
Ob Maker, Funkamateur, Elektronik-Enthusiast oder SDR-Einsteiger – dieses Buch vermittelt fundiertes Wissen, praxisnahe Anwendungen und die Motivation, die Möglichkeiten moderner SDR-Technik kreativ auszuschöpfen.
Praktischer Einstieg mit Arduino, GnuRadio und FPGA
Das Thema „Software Defined Radio“ ist facettenreich: Neben der Schaltungstechnik ist auch eine Einarbeitung in die Programmierung von Hardware und PC wichtig. Ein schrittweises Vorgehen erleichtert Ihnen den Einstieg. Mit dem im Buch vorgestellten modularen „RF Bricks“-Konzept werden Sie zum Architekten Ihrer Signalkette. Auf einem Chassis angeordnet gewährleisten die Module einen soliden und gut abgeschirmten Aufbau, den Sie einfach verändern und mit eigenen Ideen anreichern können.
Der skalierbare Aufbau bildet Ihr Blockschaltbild auch mechanisch ab – die so gewonnene Übersicht kann in der Aus- und Weiterbildung nützlich sein. Ein Arduino in Ihrem Chassis kommuniziert nach einigen Anpassungen mit üblichen SDR-Programmen, z. B. SDRCPP, GQRX und CubicSDR auf einer Linux-Plattform. Damit können Sie Ihren Empfänger direkt per Mausklick abstimmen.
Wenn Sie Blockschaltbilder mögen, ist GnuRadio ein natürlicher Partner der „RF Bricks“. Mit einem selbst programmierten Python-Block gelingt Ihnen in GnuRadio die Fernsteuerung Ihres Empfängers. Im GnuRadio-Universum können Sie Ihre GUI stufenweise ausbauen, behalten dabei aber immer volle Kontrolle über die inneren Abläufe des Programms.
Mit einem FPGA können zeitaufwändige Operationen auch direkt in die Hardware verlagert werden. Sie bauen stufenweise einen Doppelsuperhet auf und entwickeln die Filterkoeffizienten für FIR-Filter mit Scilab. Das in VHDL realisierte Weaver-Schema rundet diesen Empfänger ab, der mit hoher Empfindlichkeit und Dynamik aufwarten kann.
Mit dem gewonnen Überblick und Ihrer neuen Hardware können Sie die einzelnen Aspekte des Themenkomplexes SDR beliebig weiter vertiefen.
Downloads
Software
The nRSP-ST is a networked general coverage radio receiver for frequencies from 1 kHz to 2 GHz with up to 10 MHz of spectrum visibility. The nRSP-ST is your own personal remotely accessible SDR which can also be shared with a small number of trusted friends or colleagues.
The nRSP-ST addresses the needs of radio enthusiasts who want a 'plug-and-play' solution for remote reception. As well as achieving this, we have addressed typical internet bandwidth limitations with the creation of a novel IQ Lite mode, which efficiently delivers channels of IQ data. We are also introducing the ability to control and store IQ recordings at the remote location. The nRSP-ST is ideal for anyone wanting a wideband remote receiver without needing computer skills and hours of set-up time and ongoing maintenance at the remote location.
Features
"Plug and play" integrated, networked general coverage receiver:
Combines a receiver, a host computer and a whole lot more – all in one box!
Apply power and connect to the internet (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and the nRSP-ST is automatically accessible from anywhere
Multi-platform SDRconnectTM software supports local operation or remote access on Windows, MacOS or Linux platforms
The nRSP-ST & SDRconnect are configurable for available network bandwidth:
In Full IQ mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data transfer of the visible spectrum bandwidth (e.g. for high-speed LAN or superfast internet connectivity)
In IQ Lite mode, the nRSP-ST provides IQ data of channels up to 192 kHz wide (e.g. for digital decoding by the client)
In Compact mode the nRSP-ST provides compressed audio (ideal for slower internet connections)
Supports multiple client connections with a simultaneous mixture of connection modes – an admin tool allows you to assign usernames and timeouts to trusted friends or colleagues.
All modes support visualization of up to 10 MHz spectrum bandwidth
Two remote connection options:
Use a remote SDRconnect client or
Use the built-in web-server for remote access from any web browsing capable device, including Android/iOS tablets and phones
The nRSP-ST offers the ability to record IQ and audio files to a NAS (network attached storage) device if available on the LAN.
The 14-bit ADC full featured wideband SDR receiver covers all frequencies from 1 kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2 GHz, with no gaps
Remotely monitor up to 10 MHz of spectrum at a time from a choice of 3 antennas
Flash upgradable for future feature enhancements
Included
1x nRSP-ST Receiver
1x WLAN antenna
1x Power supply
1x Manual
Downloads
Release notes
Software
