The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications 2011

1376 Pages·2010·161.7 MB·English

Do-It-Yourself:
Wireless Technology
The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is
the most comprehensive guide to radio electronics and
experimentation. The book is part reference and
part applied theory, ˜ lled with practical treatments of
basic electronic fundamentals, RF design, digital and
software radio technology, and antenna construction.
The ARRL Handbook strikes the perfect balance
between presentations of time-tested material and
coverage of the expanding scope of Amateur Radio
and the state-of-the-art.
For more than eight decades, The Handbook has INTRODUCTION
empowered radio amateurs and professionals alike with What is Amateur (Ham) Radio?
its do-it-yourself approach, ˜ nding its way onto
workbenches and operating desks, and into technical FUNDAMENTAL THEORY
libraries and institutions. Electrical Fundamentals
Always Revised! This eighty-eighth edition includes Analog Basics
Digital Basics
new topics, new projects, and expanded content.
CD-ROM Included. The CD-ROM at the back of the book PRACTICAL DESIGN AND PRINCIPLES
includes all of the fully searchable text and illustrations RF Techniques
in the printed book, as well as companion software, PC Computer-Aided Circuit Design
board templates and other support ˜ les. Power Supplies
Modulation
System Requirements: Windows® XP, WindowsVista® or Windows® 7, as well as Macintosh® systems, using
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® software. The Acrobat Reader is a free download at www.adobe.com. PDF ˜ les are Oscillators and Synthesizers
Linux readable. Mixers, Modulators and Demodulators
RF and AF Filters
About the Amateur Radio Service Receivers
Amateur (Ham) Radio provides the broadest and most powerful Transmitters
wireless communications capability available to any private citizen Transceivers
anywhere in the world. The principles of this federally licensed DSP and Software Radio Design
radio service include public service, radio experimentation, Digital Modes
training, and international goodwill. RF Power Amplifi ers
Repeaters
ARRL is the national membership association for Amateur
Radio operators. ARRL has books, software, online courses
ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND RADIO
and other resources for licensing, operating, and education. PROPAGATION
Try these other popular ARRL titles: The ARRL Antenna
Propagation of Radio Signals
Book •The ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs
Transmission Lines
•The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual •Basic Radio—
Antennas
Understanding the Key Building Blocks.
EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION
AND MAINTENANCE
Component Data and References
Construction Techniques
Station Accessories
Test Equipment and Measurements
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
RF Interference
USA $49.95 ARRL Order No. 0953 STATION ASSEMBLY AND MANAGEMENT
Safety
Assembling a Station
ARRL The national association for
AMATEUR RADIOTM Space Communications
Digital Communications
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA
Image Communications
www.arrl.org
2011 Handbook Softcover.indd 1 08/13/2010 9:46:02 AM
2011
The ARRL
Handbook
For Radio Communications
Cover Info: The cover of the 2011 ARRL Handbook
highlights the joy of building – everything from test
Eighty-Eighth Edition
equipment, to transmitters, to antennas and more.
Cover Photography: Clockwise from lower left
Published by:
corner: K6LRG antennas at sunset by Chris Tate,
ARRL N6WM; a microprocessor-controlled SWR monitor
– project and photo by Larry Coyle, K1QW (see
the national association for Amateur Radio™ Chapter 24); a 4CX1000A tetrode RF power tube
Newington, CT 06111 USA (see Chapter 17); the MicroT2 SSB transmitter by
Rick Campbell, KK7B (see Chapter 13).
Editor Additional Contributors to the
H. Ward Silver, NØAX 2011 Edition
Bob Allison, WB1GCM
Contributing Editors Alan Applegate, KØBG
Steven R. Ford, WB8IMY Jim Brown, K9YC
Mark J. Wilson, K1RO Jeremy Campbell, KC8FEI
Kok Chen, W7AY
Editorial Assistant Larry Coyle, K1QW
Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB Tim Duffy, K3LR
John Fitzsimmons, W3JN
Technical Consultants Doug Grant, K1DG
Michael E. Gruber, W1MG Dale Grover, KD8KYZ
Edward F. Hare, Jr, W1RFI Joel R. Hallas, W1ZR
Zachary H.J. Lau, W1VT Roger Halstead, K8RI
Rick Hilding, K6VVA
Cover Design Ron Hranac, NØIVN
Sue Fagan, KB1OKW Carl Leutzelschwab, K9LA
Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Jim Lux, W6RMK
Mike Martin, K3RFI
Production Ulrich Rohde, N1UL
Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT Mark Steffka, WW8MW
Nancy G. Hallas, W1NCY Rich Strand, KL7RA
Elaine Lengyl Jim Tonne, W4ENE
Jodi Morin, KA1JPA Paul Wade, W1GHZ
David F. Pingree, N1NAS Ed Wetherhold, W3NQN
Ed Vibert Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR
Copyright © 2010 by
The American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Copyright secured under the Pan-American
Convention
International Copyright secured
All rights reserved. No part of this work may
be reproduced in any form except by written
permission of the publisher. All rights of
translation are reserved.
Printed in the USA
Quedan reservados todos los derechos
ISBN: 978-0-87259-095-3 Softcover
ISBN: 978-0-87259-096-0 Hardcover
Eighty-Eighth Edition
Contents
A detailed Table of Contents is included at the beginning of each chapter.
InTroduCTIon 4 digital Basics
1 What is Amateur (Ham) radio? 4.1 Digital vs Analog
1.1 Do-It-Yourself Wireless 4.2 Number Systems
1.2 Joining the Ham Radio Community 4.3 Physical Representation of
1.3 Assembling Your Station Binary States
1.4 Hello, World! — Getting on the Air 4.4 Combinational Logic
1.5 Your Ham Radio “Lifestyle” 4.5 Sequential Logic
1.6 Public Service 4.6 Digital Integrated Circuits
1.7 Ham Radio in the Classroom 4.7 Microcontrollers
1.8 Resources 4.8 Personal Computer Interfacing
1.9 Glossary 4.9 Glossary of Digital Electronics Terms
4.10 References and Bibliography
FundAmenTAl THeory
PrACTICAl desIgn And PrInCIPles
2 electrical Fundamentals
2.1 Introduction to Electricity 5 rF Techniques
2.2 Resistance and Conductance 5.1 Introduction
2.3 Basic Circuit Principles 5.2 Lumped-Element versus
2.4 Power and Energy Distributed Characteristics
2.5 Circuit Control Components 5.3 Effects of Parasitic Characteristics
2.6 AC Theory and Waveforms 5.4 Ferrite Materials
2.7 Capacitance and Capacitors 5.5 Semiconductor Circuits at RF
2.8 Inductance and Inductors 5.6 Impedance Matching Networks
2.9 Working with Reactance 5.7 RF Transformers
2.10 Impedance 5.8 Noise
2.11 Quality Factor (Q) of Components 5.9 Two-Port Networks
2.12 Practical Inductors 5.10 RF Design Techniques Glossary
2.13 Resonant Circuits 5.11 References and Further Reading
2.14 Transformers
6 Computer-Aided Circuit design
2.15 Heat Management
6.1 Circuit Simulation Overview
2.16 Radio Mathematics
6.2 Computer-Aided Design Examples
2.17 References and Bibliography
6.3 Limitations of Simulation at RF
3 Analog Basics 6.4 CAD for PCB Design
3.1 Analog Signal Processing 6.5 References and Bibliography
3.2 Analog Devices
3.3 Practical Semiconductors
3.4 Analog Systems
3.5 Amplifiers
3.6 Operational Amplifiers
3.7 Analog-Digital Conversion
3.8 Miscellaneous Analog ICs
3.9 Analog Glossary
3.10 References and Bibliography
7 Power supplies 11.8 Transmission Line Filters
7.1 The Need for Power Processing 11.9 Helical Resonators
7.2 AC-AC Power Conversion 11.10 Use of Filters at VHF and UHF
7.3 Power Transformers 11.11 Filter Projects
7.4 AC-DC Power Conversion 11.12 Filter Glossary
7.5 Voltage Multipliers 11.13 References and Bibliography
7.6 Current Multipliers
12 receivers
7.7 Rectifier Types
12.1 Introduction
7.8 Power Filtering
12.2 Basics of Heterodyne Receivers
7.9 Power Supply Regulation
12.3 The Superheterodyne Receiver
7.10 “Crowbar” Protective Circuits
12.4 Superhet Receiver Design Details
7.11 DC-DC Switchmode Power Conversion
12.5 Control and Processing Outside the
7.12 High-Voltage Techniques
Primary Signal Path
7.13 Batteries
12.6 Pulse Noise Reduction
7.14 Glossary of Power Supply Terms
12.7 VHF and UHF Receivers
7.15 Reference and Bibliography
12.8 UHF Techniques
7.16 Power Supply Projects
12.9 References and Bibliography
8 modulation
13 Transmitters
8.1 Introduction
13.1 Introduction
8.2 Analog Modulation
13.2 Early Transmitter Architectures
8.3 Digital Modulation
13.3 Modulation Types and Methods
8.4 Image Modulation
Applied to Transmitter Design
8.5 Modulation Impairments
13.4 Modern Baseband Processing
8.6 Modulation Glossary
13.5 Increasing Transmitter Power
8.7 References and Bibliography
13.6 Transmitter Performance and
9 oscillators and synthesizers Measurement
9.1 How Oscillators Work 13.7 References and Bibliography
9.2 Phase Noise
14 Transceivers
9.3 Oscillator Circuits and Construction
14.1 The Transceiver Appears
9.4 Designing an Oscillator
14.2 Early SSB Transceiver Architecture
9.5 Quartz Crystals in Oscillators
Capabilities
9.6 Oscillators at UHF and Above
14.4 Selecting an HF Transceiver
9.7 Frequency Synthesizers
14.5 Transceivers With VHF/UHF Coverage
9.8 Present and Future Trends in
14.6 Transceiver Control and Interconnection
Oscillator Application
14.7 Transceiver Projects
9.9 Glossary of Oscillator and
14.8 References
Synthesizer Terms
9.10 References and Bibliography
15 dsP and software radio design
15.1 Introduction
10 mixers, modulators and demodulators
15.2 Typical DSP System Block Diagram
10.1 The Mechanism of Mixers and Mixing
15.3 Digital Signals
10.2 Mixers and Amplitude Modulation
15.4 Digital Filters
10.3 Mixers and Angle Modulation
15.5 Miscellaneous DSP Algorithms
10.4 Putting Mixers, Modulators and
15.6 Analytic Signals and Modulation
Demodulators to Work
15.7 Software-Defined Radios (SDR)
10.5 A Survey of Common Mixer Types
15.8 Glossary
10.6 References and Bibliography
15.9 References and Bibliography
11 rF and AF Filters
16 digital modes
11.1 Introduction
16.1 Digital “Modes”
11.2 Filter Basics
16.2 Unstructured Digital Modes
11.3 Lumped-Element Filters
16.3 Fuzzy Modes
11.4 Filter Design Examples
16.4 Structured Digital Modes
11.5 Active Audio Filters
16.5 Networking Modes
11.6 Quartz Crystal Filters
16.6 Glossary
11.7 SAW Filters
16.7 References and Bibliography
17 rF Power Amplifiers 21.4 T and Inverted-L Antennas
17.1 High Power, Who Needs It? 21.5 Slopers and Vertical Dipoles
17.2 Types of Power Amplifiers 21.6 Yagi Antennas
17.3 Vacuum Tube Basics 21.7 Quad and Loop Antennas
17.4 Tank Circuits 21.8 HF Mobile Antennas
17.5 Transmitting Device Ratings 21.9 VHF/UHF Mobile Antennas
17.6 Sources of Operating Voltages 21.10 VHF/UHF Antennas
17.7 Tube Amplifier Cooling 21.11 VHF/UHF Yagis
17.8 Amplifier Stabilization 21.12 Radio Direction Finding Antennas
17.9 Design Example: A High Power 21.13 Glossary
Vacuum Tube HF Amplifier 21.14 References and Bibliography
17.10 Solid-State Amplifiers
equIPmenT ConsTruCTIon
17.11 A New 250-W Broadband
And mAInTenAnCe
Linear Amplifier
17.12 Tube Amplifier Projects 22 Component data and references
22.1 Component Data
17.13 References and Bibliography
22.2 Resistors
18 repeaters 22.3 Capacitors
18.1 A Brief History 22.4 Inductors
18.2 Repeater Overview 22.5 Transformers
18.3 FM Voice Repeaters 22.6 Semiconductors
18.4 D-STAR Repeater Systems 22.7 Tubes, Wire, Materials, Attenuators,
18.5 Glossary of FM and Repeater Miscellaneous
Terminology 22.8 Computer Connectors
18.6 References and Bibliography 22.9 RF Connectors and Transmission Lines
22.10 Reference Tables
AnTennA sysTems And
rAdIo ProPAgATIon 23 Construction Techniques
23.1 Electronic Shop Safety
19 Propagation of radio signals
23.2 Tools and Their Use
19.1 Fundamentals of Radio Waves
23.3 Soldering Tools and Techniques
19.2 Sky-Wave Propagation and the Sun
23.4 Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
19.3 MUF Predictions
23.5 Electronic Circuits
19.4 Propagation in the Troposphere
23.6 Mechanical Fabrication
19.5 VHF/UHF Mobile Propagation
19.6 Propagation for Space Communications 24 station Accessories
19.7 Noise and Propagation 24.1 A 100-W Compact Z-Match
19.8 Glossary of Radio Propagation Terms Antenna Tuner
19.9 References and Bibliography 24.2 A Microprocessor Controlled SWR
Monitor
20 Transmission lines
24.3 A 160- and 80-M Matching Network
20.1 Transmission Line Basics
for Your 43-Foot Vertical
20.2 Choosing a Transmission Line
24.4 Switching the Matching Network for
20.3 The Transmission Line as Impedance
Your 43-Foot Vertical
Transformer
24.5 An External Automatic Antenna Switch
20.4 Matching Impedances in the
for Use With Yaesu or ICOM Radios
Antenna System
24.6 A Low-Cost Remote Antenna Switch
20.5 Baluns and Transmission-Line
24.7 Audible Antenna Bridge
Transformers
24.8 A Trio of Transceiver/Computer
20.6 Using Transmission Lines in
Interfaces
Digital Circuits 24.9 A Simple Serial Interface
20.7 Waveguides 24.10 USB Interfaces For Your Ham Gear
20.8 Glossary of Transmission Line Terms 24.11 The Universal Keying Adapter
20.9 References and Bibliography 24.12 The TiCK-4 — A Tiny CMOS Keyer
24.13 The ID-O-Matic Station
21 Antennas
Identification Timer
21.1 Antenna Basics
24.14 An Audio Intelligibility Enhancer
21.2 Dipoles and the Half-Wave Antenna
24.15 An Audio Interface Unit for
21.3 Vertical (Ground-Plane) Antennas
Field Day and Contesting
25 Test equipment and measurements 30 space Communications
25.1 Test and Measurement Basics 30.1 Amateur Satellite History
25.2 DC Instruments and Circuits 30.2 Satellite Transponders
25.3 AC Instruments and Circuits 30.3 Satellite Tracking
25.4 Frequency Measurement 30.4 Satellite Ground Station Antennas
25.5 Other Instruments and Measurements 30.5 Satellite Ground Station Equipment
25.6 Receiver Performance Tests 30.6 Satellite Antenna Projects
25.7 Spectrum Analyzer 30.7 Satellite References and Bibliography
25.8 Transmitter Performance Tests 30.8 Earth-Moon-Earth (EME)
25.9 Test Equipment and Communication
Measurements Glossary 30.9 EME Propagation
30.10 Fundamental Limits
26 Troubleshooting and maintenance
30.11 Building an EME Station
26.1 Test Equipment
30.12 Getting Started with EME
26.2 Where to Begin
30.13 EME References
26.3 Testing Within a Stage
30.14 Glossary of Space Communications
26.4 Typical Symptoms and Faults
Technology
26.5 Troubleshooting Hints
26.6 Components 31 digital Communications
26.7 After the Repairs 31.1 Sound Card Modes
26.8 Professional Repairs 31.2 Packet Radio
26.9 Repair and Restoration of 31.3 The Automatic Packet/Position
Vintage Equipment Reporting System (APRS)
26.10 References and Bibliography 31.4 PACTOR
31.5 High Speed Multimedia (HSMM)
27 rF Interference
31.6 Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)
27.1 Managing Radio Frequency Interference
31.7 D-STAR
27.2 FCC Rules and Regulations
31.8 APCO-25
27.3 Elements of RFI
31.9 HF Digital Voice
27.4 Identifying the Type of RFI Source
31.10 EchoLink, IRLP and WIRES-II
27.5 Locating Sources of RFI
31.11 Glossary of Digital Communications
27.6 Power-line Noise
Terms
27.7 Elements of RFI Control
31.12 Bibliography and References
27.8 Troubleshooting RFI
27.9 Automotive RFI 32 Image Communications
27.10 RFI Projects 32.1 Fast-Scan Amateur Television Overview
27.11 RFI Glossary 32.2 Amateur TV Systems
27.12 References and Bibliography 32.3 ATV Applications
32.4 Video Sources
sTATIon AssemBly And
32.5 Glossary of ATV Terms
mAnAgemenT
32.6 Slow-Scan Television (SSTV) Overview
28 safety 32.7 SSTV Basics
28.1 Electrical Safety 32.8 Analog SSTV
28.2 Antenna and Tower Safety 32.9 Digital SSTV
28.3 RF Safety 32.10 Glossary of SSTV Terms
32.11 Bibliography and References
29 Assembling a station
29.1 Fixed Stations Advertiser’s Index
29.2 Mobile Installations
Index
29.3 Portable Installations
29.4 Remote Stations Project Index
29.5 References and Bibliography
Author Index
Foreword
Technology both enables and challenges the amateur. Digital computing is finding its way into nearly every
aspect of Amateur Radio, making possible functions and features that are entirely new — with amateurs leading
the way — or that were previously exclusive to government and industry. At the same time, increasing miniatur-
ization of electronics requires the practitioner of the “roll your own” tradition to learn new skills and make use of
new tools. More than ever, the amateur needs up-to-date references and guidance.
Now in its second year of a cycle of renewal and expansion, the 2011 ARRL Handbook rises to the challenge,
building on last year’s milestone edition by remaking an entire chapter, presenting a novel and useful new project
and including many useful updates. Several supporting papers and monographs have been added to the extensive
collection of material on the CD-ROM included with the book, as well, including a new version of Jim Tonne,
W4ENE’s, filter design software, ELSIE. Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, contributed several advanced and detailed papers
on RF circuit simulation, mixers, and oscillators for the advanced reader — these are provided on the CD-ROM.
Responding to reader feedback, the Table of Contents now includes an extra level of headings to help you
quickly find the material you need.
One of Amateur Radio’s largest challenges is addressed in Chapter 27, RF Interference. RFI is the bane of
many amateur’s existence, perhaps as much as antenna restrictions. No longer just the “Tennessee Valley Indi-
ans” (TVI) of years past, RFI now occurs in both directions — from the ham’s strong signal to consumer elec-
tronics and from stray RF signals and electrical noise radiated by consumer electronics and power-line equip-
ment to the ham’s receiver. The old chapter was completely rewritten to address this new reality. In addition, a
big new section on Automotive RFI was contributed for the multiplying mobile operators.
Lift the cover of any modern radio and many accessories — what do you see? Microprocessors! The use
of these powerful computing devices enables designers to create features that wouldn’t have been practical to
implement with analog circuitry. The signature new project in this edition — Chapter 24’s “A Microprocessor
Controlled SWR Monitor” by Larry Coyle, K1QW — exemplifies the power of hybrids of analog and digital.
It’s easy to build and should appear in many stations.
Another type of hybrid is growing outside the shack as amateurs facing station-building restrictions at home
“take to the hills,” building remote HF stations linked to the home PC via the Internet. Chapter 29, Assembling A
Station, includes a brand-new section written by remote station veteran Rick Hilding, K6VVA. Because every re-
mote station is highly customized, Rick leads you through a list of items that you need to consider as you design
your own shack in the country or on a hilltop.
Hand-in-hand with the new construction technologies, free or low-cost software tools are now available for
every ham with a computer and Internet connection. This makes it possible to design and order custom circuit
boards for personal or club projects at reasonable cost. Dale Grover, KD8KYZ, has contributed a detailed discus-
sion of this process to help the reader take advantage of these new services.
Not completely devoted to the latest technology, there are some how-to’s for much-loved tube equipment.
Roger Halstad, K8RI, explains how to tune up a triode or tetrode amplifier — a skill any ham with a tube-based
amplifier needs to understand. Amplifier care and troubleshooting are addressed, too. John Fitzsimmons, W3JN,
describes how to restore and repair vintage equipment in the Troubleshooting and Maintenance chapter.
As you will see, the ARRL Handbook’s team of authors, editors, and reviewers are working hard to carry for-
ward the traditional technology of Amateur Radio while at the same time remaining faithful to the FCC’s Basis
and Purpose for the Amateur Service in advancing the individual’s skills and practices. We are confident you’ll
find this edition to have met that standard.
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Chief Executive Officer
Newington, Connecticut
September 2010
The Amateur’s Code
The Radio Amateur is:
CONSIDERATE…never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of
others.
LOYAL…offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, and
the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States
is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVE…with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station
and operation above reproach.
FRIENDLY…slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel
to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of
others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCED…radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job,
school or community.
PATRIOTIC…station and skill always ready for service to country and community.
—The original Amateur’s Code was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928.