diff --git a/zk/Antennas.md b/zk/Antennas.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e8cca0 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Antennas.md @@ -0,0 +1,34 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +> Antennas convert electrical signals into radio waves and radio waves into +> electrical signals + +Different sized antennae are used for different +[frequency](./Frequency_modulation.md) bands. In general, **longer wavelengths +(hence lower frequencies) require larger antennas**. + +There are five antenna that you need to know for the exam: + +- the half wave dipole +- the quarter wave +- the five-eighth wave +- the end-fed long wire +- the Yagi (beam) antenna + +## The half wave dipole + +![](../img/dipole-a.jpg) + +Its total length is equal to half a wavelength. This informs the length it needs +to be in order to pick up a certain frequency. + +![](../img/dipole-b.jpg) + +For example, if 15MHz has a wavelength of 20 meters, your dipole should be 10 +meters long ($\frac{20/2} = 10$). + +The signal from a dipole radiates as follows: + +![](../img/dipole-radiation-pattern.gif) diff --git a/zk/Feeders.md b/zk/Feeders.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6f37379 --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Feeders.md @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +**Feeder** is the cable that connects the transmitter/receiver to the antenna. + +As the EM energy travels through the feeder, some energy is lost as heat. + +- The longer the feeder, the greater the loss +- The higher the frequency being transmitted, the greater the loss + +> This is why for VHF and UHF thicker, low-loss feeder is needed + +## Types of feeder + +The two types of feeder you need to know for the exam: + +- coaxial +- twin feeder (a.k.a "ladder line") + +![](../img/feeder-types.png) + +### Coaxial cable + +![](../img/coaxial-diagram.jpg) + +The inner conductor carries the signal. The screening keeps the signal within +the inner cable preventing loss. + +It is **unbalanced** because the outer shield is at +[ground potential](./Ground.md) whereas the central conductor has a varying +voltage relative to ground. + +### Twin feeder + +![](../img/ladder-line-feeder.jpg) + +Here we have two wires with spacers maintaining seperation. The two wires carry +equal and opposite signals. + +Twin feeder is balanced because neither wire is grounded. Both have the same +impedence to ground in a symmetrical fashion. If wire A is at +5V, wire B will +be at -5V. Because of [alternating current](./Voltage_sources.md), they swap +over their potential difference at each cycle, making them effeectively +interchangeable. + +![](../img/feeder-balance.png) + +## Why balanced/unbalanced feeder matters + +Some antennas are suited to unbalanced feeder whilst others are suited to +balanced feeder. If you want to use an unbalanced feeder with a balanced antenna +(or vice versa) you can do so, but this requires a Balun (balanced-to-unbalanced +transformer). diff --git a/zk/Radio_cable_connectors.md b/zk/Radio_cable_connectors.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f24753a --- /dev/null +++ b/zk/Radio_cable_connectors.md @@ -0,0 +1,33 @@ +--- +tags: [radio, ham-study] +--- + +![](../img/feeder-connector-types.png) + +## PL259 + +![](../img/PL259-connector.jpg) + +- screw-thread locking +- common for HF + +## N + +![](../img/N-type-connector.jpg) + +- screw-thread locking +- common for VHF/UHF + +## BNC + +![](../img/bayonet-connector.jpg) + +- 50Ohm version +- bayonet locking + +## SMA + +![](../img/sma-cable.jpg) + +- screw-thread locking +- often found on handheld radios