What is the most efficient use of the small chunk of radio spectrum an RF channel occupies? There are two answers to this question, one is the frequency division multiple access (FDMA) technique and the second is the time division multiple access (TDMA) technique.

If you are unfamiliar with FDMA and TDMA, or are yet to pin down the differences between the two, the course Modulation and Radio Building Blocks: The Difference between FDMA and TDMA, is the course for you.

Learn the definition of both FDMA and TDMA, and the differences between the... Continue Reading

The process of transmitting and receiving on an FM frequency is relatively straightforward, however if you aren’t familiar with the order of the process it can be quite confusing.

The Modulation and Radio Building Blocks: How does an FM Transceiver work?, takes a step-by-step look at the process, using an easy-to-understand diagram.

Learn more about FM Transceivers and the building blocks of radio by watching the video below and read the accompanying How does an FM Transceiver work? lesson. You can also take the full Basic Radio Awareness course on the Tait... Continue Reading

With the FCC announcing narrowbanding 700MHz networks will no longer be mandated by 2017, now is a great time to refresh your knowledge of channel spacing.

The lesson Introduction to Channel Spacing explains the basics of channel spacing and gives an easy-to-understand explanation of wideband, narrowband and ultra narrow band. This free course also gives you insight into the engineering tradeoffs involved with the different bands.

Learn more about channel spacing and frequency bandwidths by watching the video below and read the accompanying Introduction to... Continue Reading

Frequencies, carrier waves and input signals all elements in how modulation works. Learn the different strategies for modulating a carrier wave by taking the Modulation and Radio Building Blocks: How does modulation work? offered by the Tait Radio Academy.

This lesson will answer questions such as what are the different types of modulation, why carrier waves need modulation at all and why input signals are not used directly. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to answer all these questions with confidence.

Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about the... Continue Reading

If the term “Electromagnetic Spectrum” is not familiar to you, the lesson Introduction to Radio Communication Principles: What is a radio wave? has all the information you need to understand radio waves.

The lesson is free to view and walks through everything there is to know about radio waves such as how energy changes waves, their frequency, how their length affects the way in which they are heard and an explanation of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Learn more about the basics of radiowaves by watching the video above and read the accompanying What is a Radio Wave? lesson.... Continue Reading

The question might sound a little basic, but knowing the answer is imperative to understanding radio communications. In order to be a communications professional, you need to build a strong foundation of principles.

The Basic Radio Awareness: What is Communication? lesson, starts at the beginning and explains what communication is, how it travels, and how it is decoded and understood.

Learn more about the basic model of all types of communication by watching the video above and read the accompanying What is Communication? lesson. You can also take the full Basic Radio Awareness... Continue Reading

In the world of Radio Communications there are many terms, patterns and principles that are confusing and too often have painfully long winded answers to the simple questions you’re asking.

Whether you are just starting out in communications or need a refresher on how modulation and channel spacing works, the Tait Radio Academy is a place where all your questions can be answered.

Written and presented by experts in a way that’s easily understood, the Tait Radio Academy is an online learning tool that you can complete at your own pace. Currently there are two courses on offer, with the third not far from being added to the list. Continue Reading