Field Expedient SDR: Introduction to Software Defined Radio

by Paul Clark, David Clark

Software Defined Radios are revolutionizing wireless communications, but getting started can be a challenge. Much of the available SDR training veers either towards highly mathematical engineering classes or radio cookbooks with little explanation for the steps taken.

Introduction to Software Defined Radio steers between these two extremes by leveraging knowledge you already have but didn't know was applicable to radio technology. Through a series of hands-on exercises, you'll
- to use gnuradio, the leading SDR software tool
- how analog signals are sampled
- when and how to use decimation and interpolation
- how filtering, tuning, and demodulating work
- how all the pieces of an SDR-based radio fit together

This first volume of our Field Expedient SDR series will take you from being a complete novice to a capable user. There will still be much to learn, but you'll be in a solid position to learn it.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2016

About the author

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Reviews

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Field Expedient SDR series that aims to give you introduction into the field of Software Defined Radio.

I have tried several resources to learn SDR and my biggest mistake is not starting with this book. I am blown away by how fun and easy the author made this introduction to the complex world of Software Defined Radios.I knew nothing of Radio theory and the resources I have tried jump too quickly into complex terminology, options and concepts without holding your hands or explaining how to use the tools at a manageable, slower pace. I was put off and intimidated until I found this book.

The author brilliantly used the approach of peeling Onion Layers (he loves that analogy!) to demystify the SDR world through hands-on projects and some illustrations that go with the theory. I was able to follow along every single exercise. The book explains how to use the most powerful software tool for SDR: GNU radio Companion. It does so in a "let me hold your hand and explain every option that you are using" which is a very welcome approach compared to other technical books out there.

I have also bough the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them and following along the exercises.

Note that you do not need any SDR hardware for this first book as you will simulate all projects thanks to the files and samples provided by the author on his website.
For the other books you are strongly recommended to buy a cheap RTL-SDR kit for $20 to be able to learn SDR properly.

[Nik Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great basic intro

This book provides a basic introduction to DSP and SDR using GNU Radio. It does this at a fairly slow pace and uses practical examples rather than complex math and formulas. It is now out of date in the GNU radio examples though and will require you to tweak the recipes/ flow graphs to get them working which is not difficult or arduous. A well written and accessible book.

[Catherine Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, could use an update for recent by radio

looked like a good balance of hands on and tech info.
does not get into the math, which I'm familiar with, but does a great bus sized job of getting the reader doing cool things early and often.
apparently vol 4 has been a long time coming....

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary although may date given references to specific products and software packages.

[Carlos Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaves you ready for more. Liked how it built up understanding step by step.

[Hen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good manual for the use of python-based software for developing gnuradio programs, to be used with various software designed radio hardware, or on it's own to build and test programs.