Building your own radio equipment or "homebrewing"
To some, this is the core of what amateur radio is all about.
The home construction of transmitters, receivers, power supplies, modems, antennas and other station accessories is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio today, particularly when you turn it on for the first time, and it works!In particular, the exhilaration of making your first contact on a transmitter you put together yourself is a very special thrill that you won't easily forget.
Contrary to popular opinion, it has never been easier, cheaper or simpler than right now to construct homebrew equipment. Both the WIA's Amateur Radio magazine, and Lo-Key (produced by the CW Operators QRP Club) are good sources of circuit ideas and projects for the homebrewer.
Numerous circuits and designs are also available on the web - Peter VK3YE has a comprehensive list of links.
Sources of kits for various types of equipment are plentiful. Apart from Minikits in SA, there are many kits available from electronics retailers such as Jaycar. For kits specific to amateur radio, the web is your best source of information. There are many suppliers in the USA and Europe, for receivers, transmitters, transceivers, keyers, DSP filters, transverters, sequencers, filters etc.
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