This week, we’ve pulled together a few items that touch on some persistent challenges and evolving technologies in the shack. There’s a practical look at mitigating common-mode issues, something that comes up often when dealing with feed lines and antenna installations, especially for those running higher power or operating portable. We also have a couple of pieces exploring the expanding role of Software Defined Radio, both as a standalone system for advanced modes like Digital Amateur Television and as a valuable companion to traditional transceivers. Finally, a quick nod to the wider RF spectrum with a public safety audio feed, a reminder of the diverse signals out there. It’s a mix that should offer something for those experimenting with RF, optimizing their home station, or even considering satellite operations.
Using Ferrite E-cores for Baluns in Ham Radio Applications
Integrating SDR and Standard Transceiver
ZL1WTT Software-based DATV System and Experimentation
SDR Television for QO-100
San Diego City Police and Fire Dispatch Live Audio Feed
That wraps up this week’s selection of resources. We hope you found something useful for your next project or operating session. Be sure to follow us for next week’s picks, and feel free to share your thoughts or comments on our social channels.
The piece on using ferrite E-cores for baluns caught my attention, since common-mode current on feed lines is such a recurring headache for portable and high-power setups. I also appreciate the splitter-box approach to adding SDR alongside a standard transceiver without modifying existing gear, which seems like a practical entry point for operators not ready to go fully software-defined.