A software defined radio (SDR) is a type of low cost open source USB dongle that can transmit and receive information over the EM spectrum, but they have not been assigned to a structured set of communication frequencies and protocols like bluetooth, wifi, or smartphones -- these parameters are programmable in software! In a combined presentation and live demonstration, participants will explore the history and development of SDR, will look at security and privacy implications of these liminal devices in legislation, Dunne and Raby's "Hertzian Tales" (2004) and ways these devices have been used to constitute interesting device networks and solve problems in the EM -- e.g. car key fobs, beacons, IoT devices, and weather satellites overhead. The talk will finish by walking participants through building a simple FM tuner using GNU public radio and SDR, accompanied by instructions, videos and support materials.

 Brian Sutherland: https://ischool.utoronto.ca/profile/brian-sutherland/

Our Networks: https://ournetworks.ca