This article shows how to generate valid NAVTEX message bitstream using an Arduino. The Arduino implements proper CCIR476 character encoding, SITOR-B forward error correction, synchronization and phasing signals. An entry-level function generator is then used as a FSK modulator on 518 kHz where it can be received by a NAVTEX receiver. UPDATE: There also is […]
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Electronics
VHF LDMOS Power Amplifier Experiments
The NXP MRF101 series high ruggedness N-channel Enhancement-mode lateral MOSFETs promise over 100 Watt CW output power and slightly over 20 dB gain from 1.8 MHz all the way up to 250 MHz. Their mismatch insensitivity for a VSWR of greater than 65:1 without significant device degradation makes these devices extremely interesting for amateur radio […]
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ICS501 / ICS501 VHF Experiments
The ICS501 / ICS511 from Renesas are easy to use, fully integrated clock multipliers for output frequencies up to 200 MHz. What makes them particuarly interesting is the integrated crystal oscillator circuit and ability to produce some fractional multiples, such as 6.25 or 2.5. So let’s find out if they’re interesting for the hobbyist who […]
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Protected: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) from dBc
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Arduino |Automatically Save Variables to EEPROM on Power-Down
A recurring challenge for Arduino projects is that variables are volatile and will be lost completely unless previously stored to some sort of non-volatile storage such as de inbuilt EEPROM. This article shows a minimalistic approach to detect sudden loss of power and automatically store a variable to an EEPROM adress. First I should mention […]
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Diamex Prog-S2 | Arduino IDE
The Diamex Prog-S2 is an universal USB ISP programmer vor various microcontrollers including Atmel AVRs. This article shows how to integrate the programmer into the Arduino IDE There are a few articles on the web that talk about the Diamex Prog-S2 and Arduino. But it seemed to me like they were either outdated or faulty. […]
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Automated Forward Gain Measurement
This article is going to take you into the world of automation. Using MATLAB and commercial off-the-shelf bits and pieces, this article will show how to measure the forward gain of a RF device. For a long time now I had a bunch of Mini Circuits portable test equipment bits and pieces sitting around. S […]
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Thermal Design Basics | Practical Example
Thermal design is one of those things engineers don’t really learn in school and hobbyists often don’t even think about. This article is going to show some basic math with a practical example. One of my portable police scanners has an external 6V jack. To use it in my car I used my standard linear […]
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Generating PWM Signals
In this video I’m showing how to generate a PWM signal that’s behaving proportionally to analog control signal. P.S. Watch out for the Dinosaur!
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Hacking a Strobe Light Controller
Not too long ago I bought some white strobe lights with a strobe controller of Amazon. This exact controller is spread all over Amazon and eBay but only provides strobe patterns that I didn’t particularly like. So it’s time for a hack. The strobe lights I purchased were white in color but they have the […]
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