Building a Radio: Basics for the High Schooler in Australia

  • #1
ISamson
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Hello.
I have been interested in radios lately and wanted to make one by myself. I know that it requires a lot of knowledge in physics and electronics, but what basics do I need to know? Frequency, antennas, voltages... Could there be any legal issues?
I live in Australia.
I am only a high schooler.
If such project is possible to make what would I need? Kits? I have an Arduino that could help me.
Please do ask for further clarification if I have missed out on anything that could improve a reply...
I deeply appreciate any help.
 
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  • #2
Do you want to build a receiver (to be able to listen)? As far as I am aware that doesn't require any permits.

Googling for "diy simple radio receiver" gives about half million hits. Arduino will be - in general - of no use here. It is much easier to build receiver with just a handful of resistor, capacitors, inductor and few transistors. Some wire and soldering iron will come handy as well.
 
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  • #3
Borek said:
Arduino will be - in general - of no use here.
Ok, good.
Borek said:
It is much easier to build receiver with just a handful of resistor, capacitors, inductor and few transistors. Some wire and soldering iron will come handy as well.
Is it really that easy? (Sounds easy...:rolleyes:).
Borek said:
Do you want to build a receiver (to be able to listen)?
Yes, but if with a transmitter, it will be better, if possible to make.
Borek said:
Googling for "diy simple radio receiver" gives about half million hits.
That's the problem. Which one to click? Youtube? Are they reliable? Which are reliable?
That is why I decided to ask some people, which exist, and not a bunch of transistors and wires, like my computer.
Thank you Borek.
 
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  • #4
Borek said:
Do you want to build a receiver (to be able to listen)?

ISamson said:
Yes, but if with a transmitter, it will be better, if possible to make.

transmitting will require licences for any significant power... more than ~ 100mW

I suggest you forget about transmitters for a while and concentrate on learning about receivers, how they work and how to
build a reasonably basic one, then improve on those basics to improve the reception quality.

If you really want to get into transmitters, you need a solid understanding of how things work, test equipment to ensure it's on the correct frequency etc
for this sort of thing, you can get in touch with a local ham radio club and maybe look at studying for your amateur radio license exam

Dave
 
  • #5
davenn said:
transmitting will require licences for any significant power... more than ~ 100mW

Why such power, why does it matter? What sort of license and where/how can I get it in Australia, where I live (Perth)?
davenn said:
for this sort of thing, you cab get in touch with a local ham radio club and maybe look at studying for your amateur radio license exam

I will do some research for this.

davenn said:
exam

What exam?
Thank you, davenn.
 
  • #6
ISamson said:
Why such power, why does it matter? What sort of license and where/how can I get it in Australia, where I live (Perth)?

because that's what the authorities say

ISamson said:
why does it matter?

because uncontrolled transmitters and higher power levels can interfere with other licenced users/services
and you upset those people and you can get into lots and lots of legal trouble

ISamson said:
What exam?

As I said a local amateur radio club will do courses for doing amateur radio licencing exam

I'm In Sydney

I have had my amateur license for 30+ years
 
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  • #10
ISamson said:
You must be very active!

it's been an awesome hobby for many years ... lots of reading, learning from others, and self teaching as well :smile:
 
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  • #11
davenn said:
it's been an awesome hobby for many years ... lots of reading, learning from others, and self teaching as well :smile:

That's the way to live!
 
  • #12
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