1 #37: Use a scope to measure the length and impedance of coax
Shows how to measure a cable's characteristic impedance with an oscilloscope using time domain reflectometry, often cited when transmission line questions come up.
Topic
rf
16 videos. Ranked by independent recommendations, not by views.
2 #223: Basics of the Gilbert Cell | Analog Multiplier | Mixer | Modulator
Alan Wolke explains the Gilbert cell as a multiplier, mixer and modulator; best approached after long-tailed pairs, and people build or simulate it from the video.
3 #170: Basics of IQ Signals and IQ modulation & demodulation - A tutorial
Alan Wolke explains IQ signals, modulation and demodulation with oscilloscope demonstrations; praised as one of the clearest introductions for people learning software-defined radio.
4 #208: Visualizing RF Standing Waves on Transmission Lines
Alan Wolke makes RF standing waves on transmission lines visible on the bench; recommended for building intuition about reflections, SWR and quarter-wave transformers.
5 #297: Basics of the Smith Chart - Intro, impedance, VSWR, transmission lines, matching
W2AEW walks through Smith chart fundamentals and finishes with an L network matching example, recommended as a clear RF primer.
6 How does an Antenna work? | ICT #4
Animated explanation of how an antenna radiates, contrasting field lines that collapse around a coil with ones that detach; praised for intuition, though it prompts questions about rigour.
7 #196: How a Directional Coupler in an SWR meter works
Explains the working principle of a directional coupler using a homemade example like those inside SWR meters, cited in discussions of reflected power.
8 Anritsu spectrum analyser teardown
A spectrum analyser teardown linked for one memorable section where unusual RF construction baffles even the presenter.
9 #147: Basics of Varactor Diodes | Voltage Controlled Oscillator VCO Example
w2aew tutorial on varactor diode behaviour with real measurements and a VCO circuit demonstration, linked when tuning diode questions arise.
10 TSP #45 - Experiments & Teardown of the Teledyne-LeCroy LabMaster 10-100zi 100GHz Oscilloscope
A detailed look inside a 100 GHz LeCroy oscilloscope, showing how the front end splits and down-converts the signal, enjoyed as exotic test gear.
11 Understanding the Smith Chart
A Rohde and Schwarz explanation of the Smith chart, suggested alongside other tutorials for anyone learning RF impedance and matching.
12 EEVblog #569 - Tour of an Analog TV Transmission Facility
Dave Jones tours an analogue TV transmission facility; recommended as an eye-opener on how complex high-power RF gets, including rigid coaxial line.
13 #83: Basics of RF Mixers in Radio Receivers / Mixer Tutorial / Frequency Conversion
Alan Wolke covers how mixers convert frequencies in radio receivers, including why switching produces harmonic products; recommended alongside his diode ring mixer video.
14 Jeremy Tests Central Locking Range | Top Gear | BBC Studios
A clip of Jeremy Clarkson boosting a car remote's range by holding it against his head, cited in debates about body effects on antennas.
15 Building a Camera That Can See Wifi | Part 3 SUCCESS!
Final part of an open-source build that maps Wi-Fi signal strength into an image with a gimbal-mounted directional antenna and an SDR; cited for DIY RF imaging.
16 #167: How a Diode Ring Mixer works | Mixer operation theory and measurement
Alan Wolke explains how a diode ring mixer works and measures one on the bench; people build their own mixers from it and return with theory questions.
