Just a warning for people thinking about getting into #microwave #amateurradio -- it's an infinite labyrinth of hobbies, knowledge, and equipment. Precision machining, stripline circuits, strange semiconductors (IMPATT diode amplifier, anyone?), exotic electron tubes (which will try and kill you via xrays, lethal voltages, and beryllium oxide), metrology, physics, DIY, vintage equipment resurrection, morse code (modulation? sheer luxury!), scouring ebay, haunting electronics stores, poring over poorly scanned service manuals from defunct companies, and too many hex keys.
Oh, and it's a gateway drug to #radioastronomy.
#hamradio
Oh, and it's a gateway drug to #radioastronomy.
#hamradio
@jmorris heh radio astronomy was my gateway to amateur radio. I’ve still got a WR650 waveguide cut from an olive oil can waiting to be attached to a 1:3 scale insulation replica of the Ewen-Purcell horn. I got stuck on my digital chain, parked it, used the parts for a SATNOGS station, ran into trouble on my RF analogue chain, started researching antenna design, and before you know it I was at the ham club. Oops.