RF Roadmap (2026)

Purpose

This roadmap outlines my long-term plan for learning radio, electronics, signal processing, and software-defined radio.

My background isn’t in electrical engineering, so I’m working through the fundamentals while using amateur radio as a practical way to apply what I’m learning. The objective is to build a solid understanding of RF systems by combining study with hands-on experimentation.

The roadmap loosely follows an undergraduate electrical engineering curriculum, but only in the areas that support my interests in RF, SDRs, electronics, and signal analysis.

Current Focus

Current priorities are:

  • Build a permanent HF station.
  • Learn Linux for radio and SDR applications.
  • Become proficient with software-defined radio.
  • Develop a stronger foundation in circuits and electronics.
  • Refresh the mathematics needed for engineering coursework.

Study Materials

Amateur Radio & RF

  • ARRL General Class License Manual
  • Radio Theory Handbook — Ron Bertrand (VK2DQ)
  • ARRL Antenna Book
  • ARRL Handbook (selected topics)

Mathematics

  • Trigonometry review
  • MIT OpenCourseWare 18.01 – Single Variable Calculus
  • MIT OpenCourseWare 18.02 – Multivariable Calculus
  • MIT OpenCourseWare 18.03 – Differential Equations
  • Linear Algebra (supplementary)

Circuits & Electronics

Primary text

  • Fundamentals of Electric Circuits — Alexander & Sadiku

Topics include:

  • DC and AC circuit analysis
  • Semiconductor devices
  • Amplifiers
  • Oscillators
  • Filters
  • Operational amplifiers
  • Measurement techniques

Breadboard projects will accompany most topics.

Signals & Systems

Primary course

  • MIT OpenCourseWare 6.003 – Signals & Systems

Topics include:

  • Fourier analysis
  • Sampling
  • Filtering
  • Modulation
  • Noise
  • Digital signal processing
  • IQ signals

Electromagnetics

  • MIT OpenCourseWare 6.013 (or equivalent)
  • Engineering Electromagnetics — Hayt & Buck
  • Introduction to Electrodynamics — David J. Griffiths

Long-term topics include:

  • Electric and magnetic fields
  • Maxwell’s equations
  • Transmission lines
  • Wave propagation
  • Antennas
  • Impedance and matching

Amateur Radio Station

The station is intended to be both an operating position and a learning platform.

Planned equipment includes:

  • Yaesu FT-DX10
  • 40m sloping end-fed half-wave antenna
  • SDR integrated with the station
  • Linux-based shack computer
  • Logging and digital mode software

Operating goals include SSB, CW, digital modes, POTA, and routine experimentation.

SDR & Computing

Software-defined radio is a major focus of this roadmap.

Areas of interest include:

  • Spectrum analysis
  • IQ recording
  • Signal visualization
  • Filtering and demodulation
  • Weak-signal reception
  • Python for automation and analysis
  • Linux-based SDR software

Over time I’d like the station to function as an integrated system where the radio, SDR, logging, and analysis tools work together.