The revised first edition of Experimental Methods in RF Design is now available from the ARRL. Co-written and updated by Wes Hayward, W7ZOI, Rick Campbell, KK7B, and Bob Larkin, W7PUA, Experimental Methods in RF Design explores wide dynamic range, low distortion radio equipment, the use of direct conversion and phasing methods and digital signal processing. Use the models and discussion included in the book to design, build and measure equipment at both the circuit and the system level.

Readers are immersed in the communications experience by building equipment that contributes to understanding basic concepts and circuits. The updated version of Experimental Methods in RF Design is loaded with new, unpublished projects. Presented to illustrate the design process, the equipment is often simple, lacking the frills found in current commercial gear. The authors understand that measurement is a vital part of experimentation. Readers are encouraged to perform measurements on the gear as they build it. Techniques to determine performance and the measurement equipment needed for the evaluations are discussed in detail and include circuits that the reader can build.

Contents of Experimental Methods in RF Design include:

•  Basic Investigations in Electronics

•  Amplifiers, Filters, Oscillators and Mixers

•  Superheterodyne Transmitters and Receivers

•  Measurement Equipment

•  Direct Conversion Receivers

•  Phasing Receivers and Transmitters

•  DSP Components

•  DSP Applications in Communications

•  Field Operation, Portable Gear and Integrated Stations

A follow-up to the widely popular Solid-State Design for the Radio Amateur (published in 1977), Experimental Methods in RF Design includes a CD-ROM with design software, listings for DSP firmware and supplementary articles. It is available from the ARRL for $49.95.