SDR Radio Course Title: Hands-On Workshop: Mastering SDR# (SDRSharp)
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.
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.
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:
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).
Introduction to SDR Hardware:
Explanation of SDR dongles (RTL-SDR, HackRF, etc.).
Antenna types and their uses.
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:
Overview of the SDR# Interface:
Main controls (frequency, gain, bandwidth).
Waterfall display and spectrum view.
Keyboard shortcuts and quick tips.
Basic Settings and Configurations:
Choosing the right sample rate.
Adjusting gain settings for optimal reception.
Exploring modulation types (AM, FM, SSB, etc.).
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:
Navigating the Spectrum:
Overview of different frequency bands and their uses.
Common frequencies for various services (airband, maritime, etc.).
Using SDR# to Explore:
Tuning to airband frequencies and decoding AM signals.
Introduction to frequency scanning.
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 favourite 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:
Introduction to Digital Signals:
Overview of digital signals (ADS-B, APRS, etc.).
Practical applications of decoding digital signals.
Setting Up Digital Decoders:
Installing and configuring virtual audio cables.
Integrating SDR# with decoding software (e.g., DSD+, WXtoIMG).
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:
Advanced Plugins:
Overview of advanced plugins (e.g., DDE Tracking, TETRA, etc.).
Installing and configuring plugins.
Optimizing SDR# Performance:
Managing CPU usage and optimizing settings.
Tips for improving signal reception (e.g., filters, advanced gain settings).
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:
Choose a Use Case:
Each group selects a specific use case (e.g., FM radio, airband, weather satellites).
Set Up the SDR Station:
Configure SDR# with the necessary plugins and settings.
Ensure the setup is optimized for the chosen use case.
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 radio courses or projects.
