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Software Defined Radio: SDR Course SDR# (SDRSharp)

£400.00 £

Course Overview

This one-day workshop will immerse you in the world of Software Defined Radio (SDR) using SDR# (SDRSharp), a versatile and powerful software application. Designed for beginners and hobbyists, this hands-on course will guide you through setting up SDR#, exploring the radio spectrum, and decoding various signals. By the end of the workshop, you will have the practical skills to continue your SDR journey independently.

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SDR Course Overview

This one-day workshop will immerse you in the world of Software Defined Radio (SDR) using SDR# (SDRSharp), a versatile and powerful software application. Designed for beginners and hobbyists, this hands-on course will guide you through setting up SDR#, exploring the radio spectrum, and decoding various signals. By the end of the workshop, you will have the practical skills to continue your SDR journey independently.

Instructor: Craig Miles

Course Duration: 1 Day Workshop (6-8 hours)

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of radio frequency (RF) concepts.
  • Bring a Windows laptop with administrator rights.
  • Optional: Bring your own SDR dongle (e.g., RTL-SDR) if available.

Materials Provided:

  • SDR dongles for classroom use.
  • Antennas.
  • USB flash drives with pre-installed SDR# software and drivers.
  • Course handouts and quick reference guides.

SDR Course Schedule

Session 1: Introduction to SDR and SDR#

Duration: 60 minutes

Objectives:

  • Understand the basics of Software Defined Radio (SDR).
  • Learn about SDR# and its capabilities.
  • Set up the necessary hardware and software.

Lecture and Demonstration:

  1. What is SDR?
    • Overview of radio communication.
    • Differences between traditional and software-defined radios.
    • Real-world applications of SDR (e.g., radio astronomy, signal analysis).
  2. Introduction to SDR Hardware:
    • Explanation of SDR dongles (RTL-SDR, HackRF, etc.).
    • Antenna types and their uses.
  3. Installing SDR# and Drivers:
    • Step-by-step installation of SDR# on Windows.
    • Driver installation (Zadig for RTL-SDR).

Hands-On Activity:

  • Install SDR# and drivers on your laptop.
  • Connect the SDR dongle and verify the setup.

Q&A and Troubleshooting:

  • Instructor assistance with installations.
  • Discussion on potential setup issues and solutions.

Session 2: Getting Started with SDR#

Duration: 90 minutes

Objectives:

  • Learn the SDR# interface and basic settings.
  • Tune into different frequencies and explore the radio spectrum.

Lecture and Demonstration:

  1. Overview of the SDR# Interface:
    • Main controls (frequency, gain, bandwidth).
    • Waterfall display and spectrum view.
    • Keyboard shortcuts and quick tips.
  2. Basic Settings and Configurations:
    • Choosing the right sample rate.
    • Adjusting gain settings for optimal reception.
    • Exploring modulation types (AM, FM, SSB, etc.).
  3. Tuning into Broadcast FM Radio:
    • Finding and tuning into local FM stations.
    • Exploring the audio settings.

Hands-On Activity:

  • Tune into a local FM station.
  • Adjust gain, bandwidth, and modulation settings to improve reception.

Q&A and Peer Learning:

  • Discuss challenges and solutions with your classmates.
  • Instructor walkthrough of common issues.

Session 3: Exploring the Radio Spectrum

Duration: 90 minutes

Objectives:

  • Explore different frequency bands (VHF, UHF).
  • Understand how to scan for active frequencies.

Lecture and Demonstration:

  1. Navigating the Spectrum:
    • Overview of different frequency bands and their uses.
    • Common frequencies for various services (airband, maritime, etc.).
  2. Using SDR# to Explore:
    • Tuning to airband frequencies and decoding AM signals.
    • Introduction to frequency scanning.
  3. Customizing the SDR# Interface:
    • Creating and saving custom frequency lists.
    • Organizing your workspace for specific tasks.

Hands-On Activity:

  • Explore the airband and tune into live aircraft communications.
  • Use the frequency manager plugin to save and manage your favorite frequencies.

Group Discussion and Debrief:

  • Share interesting signals you’ve found with the class.
  • Discuss different uses for SDR# in various fields.

Lunch Break (60 minutes)


Session 4: Decoding Digital Signals with SDR#

Duration: 90 minutes

Objectives:

  • Learn how to receive and decode digital signals.
  • Set up and use external decoders with SDR#.

Lecture and Demonstration:

  1. Introduction to Digital Signals:
    • Overview of digital signals (ADS-B, APRS, etc.).
    • Practical applications of decoding digital signals.
  2. Setting Up Digital Decoders:
    • Installing and configuring virtual audio cables.
    • Integrating SDR# with decoding software (e.g., DSD+, WXtoIMG).
  3. Decoding Examples:
    • ADS-B signals from aircraft.
    • NOAA weather satellite images.

Hands-On Activity:

  • Decode ADS-B signals and visualize live aircraft data.
  • Capture and decode a NOAA weather satellite image.

Instructor Assistance and Group Feedback:

  • Walk around to assist with setup and troubleshooting.
  • Group reflection on challenges and insights.

Session 5: Advanced Features and Customizations

Duration: 60 minutes

Objectives:

  • Explore advanced SDR# plugins and features.
  • Customize SDR# for specific use cases.

Lecture and Demonstration:

  1. Advanced Plugins:
    • Overview of advanced plugins (e.g., DDE Tracking, TETRA, etc.).
    • Installing and configuring plugins.
  2. Optimizing SDR# Performance:
    • Managing CPU usage and optimizing settings.
    • Tips for improving signal reception (e.g., filters, advanced gain settings).
  3. Customizing the Interface:
    • Setting up custom profiles for different tasks.
    • Personalizing SDR# to suit your workflow.

Hands-On Activity:

  • Install and use an advanced plugin of your choice.
  • Customize SDR# for a specific use case (e.g., satellite tracking or scanning local emergency frequencies).

Wrap-Up Discussion:

  • Share your custom setups with the class.
  • Instructor feedback on optimizing performance and customizations.

Final Group Project: Build an SDR Listening Station

Duration: 60 minutes

Objective:

  • Apply what you’ve learned to set up a complete SDR listening station.

Instructions:

  1. Choose a Use Case:
    • Each group selects a specific use case (e.g., FM radio, airband, weather satellites).
  2. Set Up the SDR Station:
    • Configure SDR# with the necessary plugins and settings.
    • Ensure the setup is optimized for the chosen use case.
  3. Presentation:
    • Each group presents their SDR station setup to the class.
    • Explain the process, challenges, and solutions.

Instructor Feedback:

  • Provide constructive feedback and suggestions.
  • Highlight best practices and creative solutions.

Course Wrap-Up

Duration: 30 minutes

Reflection and Q&A:

  • Open discussion on the day’s learning experiences.
  • Answer any remaining questions.

Certificates of Completion:

  • Distribute certificates to participants.

Resources and Next Steps:

  • Provide links to additional resources, communities, and further learning materials.
  • Discuss opportunities for advanced SDR course or projects.

Contact us for further details and to book the SDR Course.

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