Software Define Radio Presentation

During our March 2010 meeting Andy K1RA presented details on SDR’s or Software Defined Radios.

The presentation covered a brief history, a technical overview, commercial and DIY SDR hardware, freeware software and a live demo.

Andy brought in his Softrock RXTX v6.3 SDR along with several software applications including Rocky, SDRadio, WinRad and PowerSDR. Both a live 40m and prerecorded 75m band demonstrations were shown. Rich K1HTV and Frank W4NHJ both brought in the Softrock Lite II and FireFly SDR’s respectively for show and tell.

The entire Powerpoint presentation (11MB) is available for download here.

Members of FARA held their monthly meeting a week late due do the poor road conditions resulting form the previous snow fall. One new member joined. The meeting primary topic was preparations for the Virginia QSO Party. Andy K1RA presented slides containing a wealth of analysis from data provided by John KX4O for FARA’s previous years in the VAQP.

FARA analyzes every club QSO with Cabrillo Analyzer

A example of Rover and Portable VHF Contest Stations

During our January 2010 meeting Andy K1RA presented details on VHF Contesting.

The presentation focused on the K8GP Grid Pirates group who used busses loaded with gear to head to remote locations for participation in the ARRL June VHF QSO Party and other VHF events during the year.

The details presented were an eye opener to many as some discussed their own VHF Mobile Rover operations in 2010.

The entire Powerpoint presentation (83 MB) is available for download here.