About Desert Radio Labs

Welcome

Welcome to Desert Radio Labs.

I'm Lonnie, a software engineer, cybersecurity professional, amateur radio operator, and lifelong builder. This site is where I document my journey into amateur radio, RF, electronics, and related projects.

This isn't a showcase of someone who already knows everything.

It's a record of someone who enjoys figuring things out.

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Why Desert Radio Labs Exists

I learn best by building.

When I become interested in something, I naturally start asking questions, reading documentation, measuring results, and experimenting until I understand how it works.

Rather than keeping those lessons to myself, I decided to document the journey in hopes that it helps someone else who is learning the same things.

If something works, I'll share it.

If something doesn't work, I'll share that too.

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What You'll Find Here

Desert Radio Labs focuses on practical projects and honest experimentation.

Topics include:

• Amateur radio
• HF antennas
• Portable operating
• RF fundamentals
• Electronics
• Test equipment
• 3D printing
• Home-built tools
• Measurements and experiments
• Software that supports the hobby

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My Philosophy

I believe good engineering comes from curiosity, careful observation, and measurement.

Whenever practical, I'd rather measure something than repeat something.

That does not mean I get everything right the first time; it means I try to leave enough of the process visible that mistakes can be found and corrected.

That means you'll often see experiments that confirm—or challenge—commonly accepted ideas.

Sometimes the results match expectations.

Sometimes they don't.

Either way, we learn something.

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How I Work

Most projects follow the same general process.

Not every experiment succeeds.

Not every project ends the way I expected.

Those are often the most valuable lessons.

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The Tools I Use

Modern engineering is about choosing the right tool for the job.

Some of the tools I regularly use include:

Hardware

• Amateur radio equipment
• NanoVNA
• Digital multimeter
• Digital LCR meter
• Soldering equipment
• 3D printer
• Bench tools

Software

• VS Code
• Git
• Fusion 360
• CAD and design software
• Bambu Studio
• Various RF and ham radio applications

Artificial Intelligence

AI has become another tool in my engineering toolbox.

I use it to help organize ideas, explain unfamiliar concepts, draft articles from my field notes, review designs, brainstorm experiments, and create diagrams or documentation.

I do **not** rely on AI to invent measurements, fabricate experiments, or replace hands-on testing.

Every project, measurement, photograph, and conclusion presented here is based on work I've actually performed, or is clearly identified as research, planning, or opinion.

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Editorial Standards

When reading Desert Radio Labs, you can expect:

• Honest documentation
• Real successes and failures
• Corrections when I discover mistakes
• Measurements whenever practical
• Clear distinction between testing, opinion, and research
• Transparency about the tools used during the learning and documentation process

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Found a mistake or have feedback?

Desert Radio Labs is a learning project, and feedback is part of the process.

Corrections, better test methods, shared results, and thoughtful suggestions are welcome.

Email: feedback@desertradiolabs.com

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Learning in Public

One of the goals of this site is to show that it's okay to be learning.

I don't claim to be an expert in every topic I write about.

Instead, I hope to demonstrate what careful learning looks like — asking questions, verifying information, building projects, measuring results, and continually improving.

If you're learning alongside me, welcome.

I hope something here saves you time, answers a question, or encourages you to build something yourself.

Until next time, 73 from the lab.