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Tim Shoppa · March 18th 07, 02:10 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.homebrew

wrote:
Tim, I don't want to sound demeaning about a "clever" response,

You might think I was trying to be cute or clever, but I really feel
the way that I wrote :-).

but, for the last 30 years or so, "radios" ARE using more and
more "computer" parts.

And I think that's fine. I personally find those parts as detracting
from what is interesting about homebrewing, up until you get to say a
Software-Defined Radio, or maybe some hamshack accessories that let
you use a computer to do clever things with your rigs.

I do feel it's pointless to build computerized gadgets when perhaps an
already existing desktop PC can do the same job. Most digital modes
beyond CW are really used much more effectively with a CRT than with
little microcontroller-based LED displays etc. Little gadgets that
turn a desktop or laptop computer from a blank screen into something
that usefully interfaces to a radio are plentiful in the ham magazines
and are fine projects.

The main frequency-determining
components of modern receivers, transmitters, transceivers in
amateur radio ARE "computer sub-systems." PLLs and DDSs
ARE "digital" and the last part of the "IF" in the newer receivers
ARE "digital." So is voice-frequency shaping and compression-
expansion and noise reduction.

Again, I tried to encourage him to go into SDR's as the cutting-edge
of homebrewing.

"Begin with a simple regenerative receiver?" I say a resounding
NO to that.

You do have a point, the OP had a pretty kick-ass all-mode SW receiver
already. Perhaps a simple rock-bound CW transmitter that could be used
once he got his ticket would be a much more interesting project.

But you do correctly deduce that my first ham-band receiver was a
regen built by me in 5th grade :-).

EXAMINE each stage and its interrelationships, play with
changing things as clues come into mind from textbook
explanations. The "signal sources" ar
One of the VERY LAST things a beginner should avoid is to
jump in with plans to build some kind of state-of-the-art
digital transceiver. NOT from it being "made of computer parts"
but because what happens INSIDE the "digital" devices is so
enormously COMPLICATED that it can present a very steep
cliff in a learning curve about "radio."

Considering that a complete working multimode multi-band (but used) HF
ham rig can be bought for not much more than what the ARRL handbook
costs new, homebrewing a complete rig is a non-starter for even those
who've been doing simpler projects for decades!

So, thinking it over again, I'd like to advise the OP to find a simple
CW QRP transmitter project that can be used with his existing receiver
after he gets his ticket.

Tim.