While at NAB in Las Vegas April 2012 I had a chance to sit down with Kirk Harnack, host of This Week in Radio Tech on the TWiT.tv network and have a chat. We just chatted about ham radio, Kirk’s learning PSK-31, my Youtube video background and a bit about networking. Fun time, with absolutely no pre-planning! You may watch the entire show at; twit.tv Also, please watch Ham Nation with Bob Heil K9EID, Gordon West WB6NOA, and George Thomas W5GDX at: twit.tv
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Demo of LD-1B software-defined radio (SDR) hardware with Winrad SDR software. This was recorded around sunset (5:55 PM) local time, 22:55 UTC on 29 December 2010. The antenna was an MFJ Super Hi-Q Loop which tunes 7 MHz – 21 MHZ. The antenna is horizontally mounted at about 25 feet above ground. The soundcard was an E-Mu 0202 sampling at 192 kHz. The demo begins on 20 meters, with the LO set to 14.0625 MHz and the receiver tuned to some PSK-31 signals around 14.07 MHz. Next, some CW signals, first using the SSB filter followed by the CW filter. The display is zoomed in to facilitate tuning with the narrow filter. Back to the SSB filter, and the LO is shifted into the 20 Meter phone band. Next, the AM filter, and WWV at 15 MHz. Next, 40 meter CW, first using the SSB filter, then demonstrating the CW filter’s capability to separate weak signals from nearby strong signals. Finally, a little shortwave broadcast listening in the “tropical band” This is outside the tuning range of the antenna, so signal levels are somewhat lower than one might expect. For more information about the LD-1B, go to www.lazydogengineering.com To order an LD-1B, got to shop.lazydogengineering.com The fluctuations in signal level and some of the buzzing and clicking sounds that are heard intermittently are due to retuning the magnetic loop antenna when the LO frequency is shifted. Thanks for watching my videos, and be sure to visit http 73, Pete Goodmann, PE, MSEE, NI9N www.lazydogengineering.com www

20 replies
  1. PeteNI9N
    PeteNI9N says:

    Soon! I’m optimizing the 100 mW module for the LD-1A now. It could be available as soon as 2 weeks, probably no more than 4. The 5-W module for the LD-1B will take a little longer, possibly 4-6 weeks.

    Reply
  2. zappatx
    zappatx says:

    I am very interested in that kit as well – both your receiver and X-mitter. I saw your add on ARRL’s website. On a side note – would be great if someone made a kit loop antenna. People tell me there’s much to be improved in the MFJ.

    Reply
  3. VK2BEN
    VK2BEN says:

    Certainly looking forward to that, Pete. I know you have been on many of the SDR groups throughout the past year and garnering some interest. As they say; there’s no such thing as “bad publicity”!
    Once you have TX sorted, prepare to become very popular! 😉

    Reply
  4. cyphear02
    cyphear02 says:

    So with TX, this will be a similar product to the USRP? Sorry for the newb question, but I couldn’t find anything comparing the two products via google.

    Reply
  5. noobusinglinux
    noobusinglinux says:

    there needs to be an android app for this
    theres just gotta be
    many androids come with the hardware for an FM tuner why not make an SDR for it

    Reply
  6. FlatwoodsBushcraft
    FlatwoodsBushcraft says:

    Good to see you back in the saddle again Randy. I believe the guy you were referring to on YouTube with the study guides is The Ham Whisperer. His YouTube handle is merryviking, his name is Andy and his call is KE4GKP. I passed both my Tech and General exam by watching his tutorials only. No practice tests or Gordon West books.

    Reply
  7. sterwing
    sterwing says:

    Everything is getting a ethernet adapter it seems…I am going to soon be able to control my D-STAR repeater with a USB-to-ethernet adapter that plugs into the router and extends its usage across the globe! Anyway, good to see you back on the youtube air. You need to come down to Dayton sometime so we can shake hands and talk about our video ideas!

    Reply
  8. txfieros
    txfieros says:

    Ham Nation is cool…Bob is a really quirky character. Finally got a Heil PR781 with a Heil footpedal to key the radio. Cool stuff.

    Reply
  9. digivince
    digivince says:

    Watching this and I randomly hear them going from HAM radio straight to network tech. Two of my favorite hobbies. I think I should pay attention to twit.tv. Seems like a place I could learn a lot from. Thanks for posting this Randy! Glad to see that you’re getting recognized more and more.

    Reply
  10. K7AGE
    K7AGE says:

    Thanks, I have seen his videos, but I was thinking about another video series during the show. I was thinking of KE0OG, known as davecasler on youtube

    Reply

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