Building a Radio: Basics for the High Schooler in Australia

[ISamson]

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.

 

[Borek]

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.

 

[ISamson]

Arduino will be - in general - of no use here.

Ok, good.

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...).

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.

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.

 

[davenn]

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.

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

 

[ISamson]

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)?

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.

exam

What exam?
Thank you, davenn.

 

[davenn]

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

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

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

 

[davenn]

have a look through my www pages to see some of the activities I get up to

http://www.sydneystormcity.com/amateur_radio.htm

 

[ISamson]

have a look through my www pages to see some of the activities I get up to

http://www.sydneystormcity.com/amateur_radio.htm

You must be very active!

 

[ISamson]

http://www.sydneystormcity.com/amateur_radio.htm

I like it. Good resources!

 

[davenn]

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

 

[ISamson]

it's been an awesome hobby for many years ... lots of reading, learning from others, and self teaching as well

That's the way to live!

 

[w5dxp]

Lots of radio info here: www.arrl.org, www.qrz.com, www.eham.net
Also try a google search for "software defined radio" and "SDR kits".