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Get a formal education in working with radio broadcasting accessories with RF engineering

Find out what accessories radio equipment suppliers currently offer and learn the history behind them, as well as their practical applications by taking courses in equipment design, function and safety.

I recommend: Skillbox offers Training-Classes.com, a site dedicated to teaching students how to safely work with RF equipment. The program is an online certificate program covering material learned from past experience combined with information on current technological advances. TESSCO offers a group of trained professionals who teach students about RF equipment design. It offers customized courses to meet your needs, educating you on infrastructure and equipment applications. When you have five years of work experience, take the exam to be named a Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE) -- many employers require it to advance in the field.

Learn to work with Internet radio equipment through hands-on study methods

Find out the best ways to use Internet radio supplies by getting some real work experiences through internships and on-the-job training. Some courses believe in taking work outside the classroom into the work-world for interactive, hands-on work training.

I recommend: Global Radio Support offers training to electronic technicians working with radio equipment. It covers topics such as RF theory for electronics and RFID basics. The Entertainment Career Connection believes in on-the-job training. It offers classes for students working in radio, letting them work with real equipment in a live work setting while achieving their education and training.

Discover the best uses for professional radio station equipment by attending seminars

Find out about the latest radio broadcasting supplies and garner information on the best techniques for using them by attending conferences, trade shows or seminars dedicated to the industry. This also gives you an opportunity to network with professionals and learn more about the equipment and accessories.

I recommend: Engineering Seminars teaches students ways to use equipment for Internet radio communications. It covers wireless Internet protocol and addresses experimental implementation of new technology. CENTRO offers a series of seminars and programs to educate students on finding and using appropriate radio frequency equipment in production and broadcasting. It offers seminars on the beginner and intermediate levels.

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Set up your internet radio equipment

If you've decided that internet radio is right for you, you're just a few simple steps away from hitting the airwaves. At a bare minimum, you'll need a noise canceling microphone that lets you record sound on your computer or a digital voice recorder, plus software to let you broadcast over the internet. If you're interested in broadcasting continuously or reaching a wide audience, you'll probably want to invest in a dedicated server for your internet radio station.

I recommend: Pirate Radio is an inexpensive, easy-to-install solution for Windows-based PCs that eliminates the need to have a dedicated radio server. It also lets you network with other broadcasters or listeners using Pirate Radio. This is perfect if you want to make sporadic broadcasts and have a way of letting internet listeners know when and where to tune in. If you're looking for something more powerful and consistent, try Surfer Network Internet Broadcasting.

Remember your traditional radio broadcasting supplies

Internet radio has the ability to reach a world-wide audience or to focus on micro-populations, but traditional radio stations can target specific local demographics. If there's a conspicuous demographic in your community that is being under-represented or under-served by the traditional radio stations in place, you have a niche to fill. Once you're up and running, you can go back and set up simultaneous internet streaming to broaden your reach.

I recommend: Erickson Broadcast Sales sells professional radio station equipment including AM/FM transmitters and studio equipment. The Radio Guide Online Classifieds is another resource for both new and used professional radio station equipment.

Snap up the best deals on radio broadcasting accessories

Whether you're running an internet broadcast or traditional radio station, having the right accessories will optimize your performance. You should already have a noise canceling microphone; aside from further sound-proofing of your recording area, your next big buy should be concerned with mixing and editing your broadcasts.

I recommend: PCMusicStuff.com offers a wide selection of editing and mixing software for audio files. If you're running a traditional radio broadcast you will need field or studio mixers, and Full Compass is your source.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're a true minimalist, the only internet radio supplies you need are a noise canceling microphone and a voice recorder. With these you can produce a podcast (sound files to be downloaded on demand) and distribute them through your company or personal website, or even directly through e-mail.

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Capacitors

A capacitor is a device holding an electrical charge that smooths out an electrical current. Capacitors are often found in antique radios and must be periodically replaced. Radio capacitors come in many types, including those made of paper, ceramic and mica. They may be electrolytic (with positive and negative leads) or non-electrolytic (without positive or negative leads).

I recommend: Philip I. Nelson of AntiqueRadio.org explains different types of capacitors and gives detailed directions on how to replace them in old radios.

Resistors

Resistors are devices that reduce the voltage or limit the flow of electrons through the component. On older radios, resistors must be replaced if they test more than their rating, which in many cases is 20 percent.

I recommend: Electronics + Radio Today offers a good rundown on what radio resistors are and how they work.

Choke coils

Choke coils (or chokes, for short) block alternating current (AC) and pass direct current (DC). There are two types of chokes used in radios: audio frequency coils (AF chokes) and radio frequency coils (RF chokes).

I recommend: AbsoluteAstronomy.com has a good explanation of what chokes are and how they work in radios.

Cans

'Cans' is a slang term commonly used for radio headphones, popular among those in the radio business.

I recommend: HeadRoom provides great advice on getting a terrific pair of cans.

FAKRA SMB Connector

A FAKRA SMB connector is a coaxial cable connector - the smallest made. It's often used as a satellite radio antenna, especially in vehicles.

I recommend: Read more about the modern technology of FAKRA SMB connectors at Amphenol RF.

Homebrew

'Homebrew' means homemade radios and radio equipment. As implied by the name, homebrew radio equipment is created and used for personal, non-commercial broadcasting.

I recommend: WB8ZCC further explains the meaning of homebrew and offers tips on beginning a hobby in homebrew radio.