“Introduction to Software Defined Radio (SDR) Technology”
Speaker: Terry Saunders N1KIN
Abstract:The first part of this talk will examine the similarities and differences between standard and SDR radio topologies. Second, we will introduce the concepts of IQ signal processing, followed by a brief discussion of how this technique enables high fidelity generation and demodulation of all manner of emission types. Real-world analogies will be presented to illustrate the technical concepts in a simple manner. The final part will describe a recent remote SDR project, which will highlight the advantages as well as the challenges of using an SDR rig.
Terry Saunders, formerly an engineer at GE Global Research in Niskayuna, has worked on a number of projects, spanning oil sands-water separation, malaria and other disease detection systems, and test development work around next generation polymer laminate films and filtration technologies used by the biopharmaceutical industry. Terry holds multiple U.S. Patents.
Terry grew up on both the west and east coasts of the US. Originally from southern California, Terry moved to Maine at the age of 15, where he lived until he graduated high school and joined the military. Having been an electronic hobbyist from a young age, the US Navy’s “Aviation Electronic Technician” program seemed a perfect fit to train on, and work with cutting-edge airborne radar, radio communication, and electronic countermeasure systems, while getting paid to learn. Terry graduated at the top of his class, earning several academic commendations, and attaining the rank of E-5 within his first 3 years of enlistment. After his service, Terry re-entered the civilian sector and took a manufacturing job in the optical disc industry where he would spend the next 20 years manufacturing Optical Disc products.
Starting in the trenches as a technician, Terry was recognized for his diverse technical background, problem solving skills, and inventiveness. He was brought into the engineering fold where he worked on signal processing, laser recording systems, injection molding, electroplating systems, and IT Systems. Through an MBO effort, Terry secured an ownership/management stake in the company. After the eventual slowing of the CD industry, in 2005 Terry sold his stake in the CD company and looked for new challenges. Terry entered the biotech industry working for Whatman, originally a filtration company which now makes a full catalog of disposable products for the biomedical/pharma industries. At Whatman he served as engineering supervisor, managing a diverse technical staff responsible for all cleanroom manufacturing operations, and developed the automated testing systems used in production of disposable medical filtration products. Whatman was acquired by GE Healthcare in 2008, and Terry was relocated to Westborough, Massachusetts to head up the cleanroom operations used to make disposable bioreactors and other related consumables for 6 years. Terry relocated to New York after being offered a job at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, in what Terry’s wife describes as “the last move”. Terry is now semi- retired, and enjoying his hobbies at home.
Terry is a licensed advanced class ham radio operator, and enjoys computers, lasers, PC gaming, disturbingly overpowered home theater, and brewing beer. Terry resides in Halfmoon, NY with his wife Kristi, their cats Dot & Dash, dogs Pinot & Zin, and half a dozen hop plants.
Meeting Location
Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church
603 State Street, Schenectady
Directions to First United Methodist Church:
Parking lot address is 610 (Google shows it as 650) Chapel Street Schenectady NY 12305.
Chapel St is a One Way street from Nott Terrace to Lafayette Street. If this lot is full, park across the street. Enter the building through double doors, take an immediate right, go through another set of double doors, turn right then left and the Fellowship Hall is on your right (follow signs).
From the East (Colonie, State St Rt 5):
Turn Right onto Nott Terrace then take your first Left onto Chapel Street. Parking lot is on Left.
From the West (Scotia, Glenville, Eire Blvd):
*THERE IS NO LEFT TURN FROM STATE STREET TO NOTT TERRACE*
Take State St (Rt 5) to Lafayette St and turn right then immediately turn Left to continue up State St. At Veeder Ave (Traffic Light) turn Left. Cross over State St (Rt 5) then take the first Left onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.
From the South (I-890 Exit 5, Broadway, Rotterdam):
Take Broadway North to Millard St and turn Right, First Traffic Light. Millard St becomes Veeder Ave at Hamilton St (Schenectady FD on Left). Continue over Veeder take first left after State St onto Chapel St. Parking is on left.
From the North (Union Collage, Niskayuna, Union St):
From Union St, take Nott Terrace South and turn Right onto Chapel St. Parking lot is on Left.
