HackerBox #0130 - Shortwave

Explore shortwave radio and related matters such as skywave propagation, band plans, operation schedules, and numbers stations. Leverage a highly-integrated, mixed-signal, single-chip receiver capable of operating on four different radio bands, including 6-18 MHz shortwave frequencies. Understand the advances in RF-CMOS technology that enable the high level of integration necessary for compact modern wireless equipment including mobile smartphones and satellite communications. Explore the relationship between frequency and wavelength of radio waves as well as antenna geometries. Discover the history of HF band radio, the significance of the amateur radio hobby, and how to become a licensed amateur radio operator. Modify the quad-band receiver to operate with an external antenna. Prepare a field antenna accessory kit with items useful for assembling and connecting improvised antennas during field operations. Implement a long-wire dipole antenna and assemble a popular end-fed, half-wave antenna kit. Test a simple tiny passive donut antenna and assemble an exclusive, actively-amplified magnetic loop antenna. Understand how all microcontrollers just might be radios in disguise and how that notion relates to electromagnetic interference. Leverage advanced hardware timer trickery on an EPS32-C3 microcontroller to bang out pseudo-RF signals despite the MCU's lack of digital to analog converters. Discover the fundamentals of RF Black Magic including the development and use of the Smith Chart. Explore free educational resources found all across the Internet.

Box Contents Include:

• HackerBox 0130 Collectable Reference Card
• ESP32-C3 Super Mini Development Board
• Quad-Band Radio Receiver
• Magnetic Loop Antenna Kit
• End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna Kit
• Wideband Donut Antenna
• Field Antenna Accessory Kit
  • BNC to Dual Binding Post Adapter
  • BNC-Female to SMA-Male Coaxial Adapter
  • BNC-Male to SMA-Female Coaxial Adapter
  • SMA RG174 One Meter Coaxial Cable
  • Two Large Red and Black Alligator Clips
  • Two Dual-Clip Insulator Carabiners
• Exclusive Hacksquatch Sticker
  

Online resources:

• Official Online Guide for HackerBox 0130.
• 3D Enclosure from Member dbuckl
• What is shortwave radio?
• What's on shortwave?
  
• RF Black Magic