How Are Radio Systems Set Up?
- The job of the transmitter is to take basic inputs from the user and encode them into a format that the antenna can send. There are both digital and analog transmitters. They are made of devices that create and transfer electrical signals based on the user interface of the radio system. The transmitter's antenna then takes these signals and broadcasts them as radio waves in the air.
- The receiver is set to pick up the signals that the antenna broadcasts. Most radios are set up with both a receiver and a transmitter, although the parts may be separate. In a remote control system, for instance, the transmitter is on the control module, and the receiver is on the object being controlled. The receive takes the signal and turns it back into electrical current for the rest of the radio to use.
- Servos are very common mechanical devices: Their job is to take the electrical current that is generated by the receiver and turn it into real, physical action. These are included on radio systems that actually require movement, such a garage door opener. Radios that change electricity to sound are set up with transducers and amplifiers to turn the signal into sound instead of movement.
- Even a radio used in a vehicle depends on the vehicle's battery to function correctly. Portable radios and cell phones use their own batteries to power the transmitter and receiver units so that the radio can work.
- For radio control systems, setup usually requires some type of calibration. These radios have a calibration mode that is used to transmit control movement into servo movement correctly, so that the desired movement is produced. Typical calibrating modes are very simple and generally involve one control input, such as holding down a button for several seconds. This tells the radio which signals mean what, and allow it to transmit information effectively.
- Radios that are designed to be placed in areas and left alone typically require more setup than portable radios. Cell phone towers, for instance, must be made of heavy duty material. Waterproof materials are usually used to minimize damage from wind, rain and heat.
- If the radio has multiple channels, then setup will also include using the correct channels or signal format for the radio. Some radios are programming to operate on several short-range channels as needed. Others are programming to pick up either AM or FM channels, depending on how they are set up.