Sources of information for homebrew radio construction

Homebrewers normally have a wealth of material on which to base projects. This is obtainable from:-

* Books. There are many publications available to the amateur experimenter. As well as the conventional RSGB and ARRL handbooks, more specialised references cover practical aspects in greater detail. Titles to look out for (whether new or second-hand) include 'Experimental Methods for RF Design', 'Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur', 'QRP Notebook', 'Technical Topics Scrapbook', 'G-QRP Club Circuit Handbook', and 'Radio Projects for the Amateur', to name a few.

* Magazines. In addition to projects in the major amateur periodicals, such as QST, QEX, Practical Wireless, RadCom and Amateur Radio, there occasionally appear radio projects in general electronics magazines such as 'Silicon Chip'. Some of these designs have the advantage of a kit being available. However, be wary when considering some ultra-simple projects; for example a crystal-locked 100 milliwatt 80 metre AM transmitter is simple and cheap, and may well produce a clean signal on an oscilloscope, but is likely to disappoint when used on air under modern band conditions.

As well as being stocked by the larger newsagents, various local and overseas magazines are carried by public, TAFE and university libraries. These normally provide photocopying facilities, available on a cents per page basis.

In addition, QRP (low power) enthusiasts have their own publications. Probably the best known is 'Sprat', published by the G-QRP Club, renowned for its technical articles and circuit ideas. The US-based QRP Amateur Radio Club International issues 'QRP Quarterly', while the Australian-based VK QRP Club produces 'Lo-Key'. These magazines widely read by those interested in constructing low-powered transmitters and receivers.

* The Internet, including websites, email lists, discussion forums and YouTube. The greatest ever source of homebrew information, allowing you to tap the collective wisdom of thousands of experimenters around the world. If you have a particular question, want to know how to obtain a part, or simply want to share your experiences with a particular component or circuit design, there'll be a website, online forum or email list to assist.

Discussion takes place on the homebrew or technical sections on the eHam and QRZ forums. These have a search function and you can find material posted several years ago. As well there are homebrew amateur radio pages on Facebook. As they say, 'Google is your friend' if you want to find out about anything, and numerous YouTube videos demonstrate numerous aspects of home construction.

Overall I suggest a mix of information. A few of the major books (eg Experimental Methods for RF Design), subscriptions to some magazines (the QRP ones have particularly low membership fees) and liberal use of the web and email.

PS: Into low power amateur radio? Minimum QRP is the top-selling manual on the equipment, antennas, operating and strategy of successful QRP operating. It's available for under $US 5 each in electronic form. Or you can get a paperback version. Visit VK3YE Radio Books to find out more.