[KYHAM] Radio Theory and Construction Workshop

[Bill Fuqua]

        This Saturday, December 18, 2004 we will discuss and do some 
experiments having to do with how radio signals are created. This phase 
will take about 4 sessions. The first phase is to load onto a circuit board 
a voltage regulator and a packaged crystal oscillator. We have crystal 
oscillators for various frequencies including 3 ham bands (14.318, 28.304, 
50.350 MHz) .  We will discuss how oscillators work and what crystals do 
and a some very basic theory.

       In the next couple of sessions we will add a preprogrammed SX28 
Microcontroller to the board and a Digital to Analog converter. This 
Microcontroller will be part of a Direct Digital Synthesis signal generator 
that we will be using to align and make performance measurements of the AM 
receiver and do a few experiments as well. At this point preset frequencies 
will be chosen by changing jumpers on the circuit board.

Next we will add switches  to set the frequency of the DDS signal generator 
and then a computer interface.
This signal generator will produce signals from 1 Hz to 1600 KHz.

Later we will add even more to this DDS signal generator and do some very 
interesting experiments.

This phase of the workshop will require some soldering and assembling of a 
prototype circuit board and the theory will be very basic and not in depth.

If you are coming please email or call me so that I will have enough parts 
on hand.
Remember, young students will get all their study materials, parts, tools 
and kits free.

We will not meet on the next two Saturdays,  December 25, 2004 or 
on  January 1, 2005.

73
Bill wa4lav

Now, for the weekly announcement.


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The Radio Theory and Construction Workshop will meet Saturday, December 18, 
2004 in the basement of the Red Cross Building at 1450 Newtown Pike, 
Lexington, KY. The basement entrance is on the Left side of the building if 
you are looking at the front Newtown Pike side) of it.The Workshop will 
begin at 1:00PM and continue until 3:00PM.
This workshop is for anyone interested in the subject of radio theory or 
construction. Anyone may join the workshop at any time. This workshop does 
not really have a beginning or an end. It is a continuing effort to help 
those that are interested in knowing more about the internal workings of 
radios (receivers, transmitters and antennas) and/or building them. A ham 
license is not required and there are no age restrictions. I encourage 
young students to participate. Participants will have to obtain their own 
tools and they will need to purchase a beginner's radio kit (AM-550K). I 
have kits in stock so you will not have to wait. Just pay me for the kit 
and I'll order another to replace it. That way we will have some always 
available for new participants.
The Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society's Youth Education Program (Y.E.P.) can 
provide "Now You're Talking" books for students up thru the 12th grade 
participating in our "Introduction to Amateur Radio" and books, kits, tools 
and parts for those in the "Radio Theory and Construction Workshop" at no 
cost. This kit cost about $20 and it is perfect for learning soldering, 
component identification and basic radio theory.
If you wish to join our workshop please e-mail me so that I can add you to 
our list. I have a short questionnaire to get some information about your 
interest, experience and knowledge level. If you cannot be contacted by 
e-mail call me in the evening at (859) 272-9523 and I will add you to a 
phone list. This is necessary because we do not hold the workshop every 
weekend due to other obligations, vacation, hamfest and license exam sessions.
73Bill wa4lav