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NCSU2016

We are looking forward to your attendance at the Build a QAM Radio in a Day, sponsored by IEEE and NCSU.

The workshop location is 2410 Campus Shore Dr., Raleigh NC. It is a large building with many exhaust pipes out the top (easy to find that way).  There is an underground parking garage under the front lawn of the building. It is accessed from Campus Shore Dr., after turning off of Main Campus Dr.

Please arrive at 8:30 so that you can find a place to sit (and an outlet).  We will be on the 4th floor, room 454.  Entrance to the room is at the back of the building. If you have a hallway with all windows, you are on the front side of the building.

What to bring:

  • Your laptop running windows (the software does not run on Mac OS, so unless you can create a virtual Windows session, please bring a different laptop). No computers will be available – if you don’t have a laptop, you will have to partner with someone who does.
  • Working clothes – we will be building PCBs and populating them. While we will be clean as possible, there is  a small chance that you could stain a garment – so please don’t come in your best outfit.
  • Lunch will be provided, but not coffee breaks.  There are very few options on campus on the weekend, so bring a snack if you think you will need it.

What to do before you come:

  • Check out the entire workshop online by going here. Make sure to click to the design page to see all of the components. You can click on anyone to drill further into their design docs.
  • Download the AWR software. Click here to download. After downloading, click to install.
  • Download the license file. Click here to download. After downloading, double click and it will install itself.
  • Run AWR to make sure it installed correctly and the license works. The license is valid from 4/14-4/17.
  • Optional: Download additional AWR document and  tutorial material here.

Workshop agenda:

  • 8:30-9:00 – Setup, login to wi-fi, find seat & outlet, etc.
  • 9:00-9:45 – Introduction to radio systems (lecture)
  • 9:45-10:00 – Tutorial on AWR software
  • 10:00-14:00 – Design of radio components
  • 12:00-16:00 – Fabrication and assembly of radio components
  • 15:00-17:00 – Testing of radio components.

FAQs

  • Will I design an entire radio?
    • You will learn how to design an entire radio, but will only have time to fully design, fabricate and test one component.
  • Can I work in a team?
    • Yes, you can work on a team on the same component.
    • Yes, you can work on a team to build all the components for a complete radio.
  • Can I finish the radio after the workshop?
    • Yes, you will have all the components to finish the radio.
    • We will share a simple method for fabrication that you can do at home.
  • Can I leave early?
    • The workshop provides the best experience when you fabricate and build a component.  There are some components that are easy and would allow you to leave by 2pm.

We look forward to seeing you at 8:30 this Saturday!

Best,
David and Morteza