How to build, convert and use duplexers, and antennas in ham radio. Practical knowledge, not theory will be the goal of this study group. Math and theory are useful, but in these areas the reality is that one almost never has the ideal components or physical environment that a simulation or model depends on, so most of duplexer and antenna building is an art, rather than a science. But test equipment and measurements are key to sucess.
The purpose of the study group is to bridge the gap between the radio engineer's handbook and the parts and pieces on the work bench, and get a useful result, somethat that actually works, and meets the design engineer's goals in performance without math and simulation models, thru prototyping, testing, and measurements.
Our learning goals are to break down the components of duplexers and antennas into logical components that can be tested, measured, and then combined into a working system.
My role in this study group will be to moderate and guide. I have been interested in and working around these topics since the late 1970's. What initially interested me was the challenge - and the economic need to build what I could not possibly afford to buy.
What I hope to acheive in organizing this group is to promote a hobby that has been sidelined by cellphones and the internet, and acheive a very important goal, keeping the skills and knowledge of ham radio alive, because it's fun, and because someday the one in a billion chance catasrophe may happen, and where will we all be without the internet and cell phones?
A ham radio license is requrired, or a commercial license, previous holder of 2nd radiotelephone or better, which is now a General Radiotelephone license. A spectrum analyzer and tracking generator or at least an antenna analyzer.
I am well regarded as knowledgable and skilled in vhf and uhf duplexer construction, repair, and conversions.
Projected time to complete this course of study is a few days for conversions if you are already skilled in the art of radio and just wish to complete a duplexer or antenna project without a great deal of wasted time and effort. Design and construction from scratch will involve several weeks of study.
Other experts are welcome, RF EE's, and hams that are frequent contributors to the many newsgroups.
