5 comments about Ham Radio for Dummies.

1. This book helped clarify the more technical aspects of preparing for an Amateur Radio Technician Class license from the FCC. Used in conjunction with another study guide, I was able to deciper the techno-geekese. Good basis.



2. This is a solid Basic book that one can go back to review the process of acquiring the license to operate your very own radio.



3. good book. really helped me with my exam. arrived promptly in described condition. good price



4. The seller was quick. The condition of the book as it was described. Would buy from again.



5. I found that this book is too general to the hobby. No specific points.

5 comments about The ARRL Antenna Book: The Ultimate Reference for Amateur Radio Antennas, Transmission Lines And Propagation (Arrl Antenna Book).

1. This is an "OK" reference for those looking for information on a variety of antenna's and applications. Having said that, it is way too technical. If one is looking for "how to construct" information, they would be better served looking at other publications that provide a more simplified approach. Most readers will be overwhelmed. I was looking more for practical construction guidance.



2. I am impressed! Safety is not the last chapter, it's the first chapter! It is a full 24 pages in length and includes topics such as: tower support safety, safety belt and climbing accessories, gin pole use, installing antenna on towers, tower climbing safety tips, lockout/tagout, installation of tower shields, electrical safety, NEC, grounding, lightning, AC power lines, feedline protection, rotator use, mobile antenna installation, transient protection, RF radiation/EM field safety, and safe RF exposure limits. Not a bad way to start a practical book on designing, installing, securing, and operating RF transmit/receive antennas.
   
   I have taken electrical engineering courses on antenna analysis and design. Good courses. Although I learned how to analyze antenna performance and model their patterns, I still didn't feel I could design a practical high-performance antenna system yet. That is where amateur radio and earlier editions of this 976-page practical design and construction antenna book came to the rescue. Looking back, I believe it also made a difference in my first five years as a young electrical engineer developing and testing side-looking airborne radars (SLAR) based on phased arrays.
   
   So, what makes this antenna book the one to own?
   
   Coverage: Extensive practical design and performance material on all the popular antenna systems and many unconventional antennas. For most antenna types, design topics include system variables (e.g., number of elements, spacing, matching network), performance vs. frequency, multi-band configurations, stacked arrays, real-world terrain effects, and alternate configurations. Throughout the book are numerous photos of hardware, diagrams, schematics, and performance plots. There are chapters on the design and construction of high-performance yagi antenna: 432 MHz (70 cm band) with 22-elements and 144 MHz (2 m) design supporting 10 to 19 elements. Circular polarized antenna design to establish links to LEO and elliptical orbit amateur satellites are covered. There are chapters on material selection for antennas, towers, and supports. There is an extensive chapter on atmospheric effects on radio wave propagation. There is even a short chapter on HF antenna systems for sailboats!
   
   Reference material: Nearly every chapter includes an extensive bibliography that includes papers from CQ, QST, Antenna Engineering Handbook, RF Design, Proceedings of the IEE, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, and the Radio Handbook. At the end of Chapter 2, there is an extensive list of textbooks on antennas (including the ones from my college courses).
   
   PDF: The CD ROM that is included contains a fully searchable PDF of this book. Nice bonus feature.
   
   This is a first-class reference book on the design of RF antenna systems!
   
   CQ CQ CQ DE K7CRC K7CRC K7CRC K



3. I cannot imagine an antenna subject on earth that is not covered here. As a fairly new ham with a General license, this book is a bit like taking a drink out of a firehose. It might be wise for the new ham to start with something a bit more basic. However, this appears to be the Bible for those wanting total coverage of the subject.



4. What else can be said? It's a great book with more info than I can use. It has great pictures, great articles, and great ideas. It's a great starting place for designing and building your own antennas. Get it. Use it. Learn from your mistakes. Enjoy the hobby!



5. Understanding antennas requires either very exacting science or art. ARRL's Antenna Book finds a good balance between the two. Included software does the heavy math for us, while the text descibes antenna design and performance in an approachable way. For the intended audience, amateur radio operators, this book is excellent. For a professional radio engineer or graduate student, this might be one of several texts needed to get a complete coverage of the topic.
   
   I've been experimenting with both amateur radio antennas and television antennas to receive over-the-air digital television. I find myself constantly revisiting this book.

5 comments about ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual) (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual).

1. It now is September 3, 2010. This edition of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is out of date. It has been out of date since July 1, 2010 when "Edition 2" of the license manual went into effect.
   
   Why the big concern since electron flow hasn't changed?
   
   Because anyone studying for their entry-level amateur radio license will have access to the OBSOLETE QUESTION POOL, which is the last section of the manual. It consists of HUNDREDS of questions, from which 35 are selected for the FCC license test.
   
   Unless you have some historic reason for wanting an obsolete study guide with the outdated question pool, I see no reason to purchase this book.
   
   The Edition 2 of the ARRL Manual, effective July 1, 2010 carries a list price of $24.95, a huge amount less than what the listed Amazon prices are.



2. Don't buy this book. It is the 1st Edition dated July 1, 2006. The new edition is dated July, 2010 and contains updated information for test being given now.



3. I just purchased this book only to realize the questions expired 1 July 2010. Wait until the 2nd Edition comes out or go to ARRL.org and get the most current edition (you can also go to www.ncvec.org and get the current element 2 exam questions). I will say though, the material is good and will make a good reference manual.



4. I picked this book up at the library. My father is an amateur radio operator, and I wanted to explore the subject. I thought that perhaps me picking up the hobby would get him fired up to get back involved.
   
   I read the book, and answered the questions. Upon reaching the book's conclusion (about 1 month later, as I'm a casual reader), I felt confident I had learned the material. The book is laid out in a logical progression.
   
   A local gathering where I could take the tests was dated for 2 weeks from that point. I went back to the library and picked up the General Class license manual. Following the same procedure, I read as fast as I could. I finished the book with 2 days to spare. I took free practice exams online to make sure I was ready.
   
   I missed 4 questions out of 35 on the Technician test. I missed 4 questions out of 35 on the General test. I was shooting for 100%, but at least I passed both with a bit of margin.
   
   I set up my new radio with equipment that I mostly purchased used at the local gathering (they're called "Hamfests"). This took some time (about 2 weeks), as there were a few glitches. It was a great learning experience. As I struggled to get someone to reply to my calls, I wondered if my signal wasn't getting out.
   
   The next evening I heard someone else asking for replies. I replied, fully expecting him not to hear me. I was wrong. He was near Long Island, I am in an Atlanta suburb. It was difficult to hear each other, but we got enough information across to confirm the contact and for him to know he's the first person to talk over the air to this new ham.
   
   The third and final book in the series is waiting for me at the library. I will pick it up this evening. I imagine this one will take me a while to go through. I don't have a time constraint, and the material will be more difficult.
   
   There is a list of things I need (want) to do. I think the hobby would be boring without that list. But I also think there is enough on that list to keep me busy for a long time. My father is hanging up a new home-made antenna. I look forward to talking to him soon.
   
   I'm KJ4VPJ, and I'll be listening for your new callsign.



5. It is the official study guide, but I found that the study section and the questions in the back looked almost as if they'd been written separately.
   
   I found it difficult to learn from. In the end, I used several online study guides to pass my Ham test. I cannot recommend this book.
   
   Fortunately, it has been superseded as of June 30, 2010. The new ARRL Study Guide has a few improvements.
   
   The upshot is that, unless you are taking the Technician Class test before the end of June 30, 2010, don't buy this book. Get the newer edition.

5 comments about Old Time Radios! Restoration and Repair.

1. What this book is - a good general reference guide to electrical troubleshooting and electrical repair of old radios.
   
   What this book isnt - no mention is made in regards to cabinet or chassis repairs and restoration. Nothing is said about wood refinishing or speaker grille cloth replacement as well as other cosmetic restoration concerns.



2. This is an absolutely indispensible book for those just getting into radio restoration, especially if they don't come from a technical background. For instance, because of this book, I now know how and why vacuam tubes work.



3. A very informative book. I recently began renovating old radios have have found this book to be a tremendous help. Although I have a degree in electronics, it was great reviewing tube theory for AM and FM circuits.



4. I have been interested in and tinkered with electronics since I was a boy, but I didn't have the knowledge to do any involved repairs. Over the years my family and I have had tube radios that worked fine at one time, then started to hum, with the humming eventually getting so bad it drowned out everything else. I remembered my folks taking one of these sets to a radio/TV repairman when I was a kid and being told it wasn't worth fixing. For years I have wanted to find out what caused this and maybe fix those radios. Some 30 years later I spied this book, bought it, and found out what all that humming was caused by. I have proceeded to fix 3 of those old radios that now work like new, for only a few dollars in parts! This book taught me everything I needed to know to do it. I couldn't be more pleased. I had to re-read some sections a few times to "get it", but the info I needed was all there. I can't recommend this book highly enough!!



5. If you want a book on how tube radios work, this is a great book. If you want to know how to actually restore radios, not so good.

5 comments about Hello World: A Life in Ham Radio.

1. This is basically a QSL card story of one Ham Radio Operators life on the Ham bands. I found it very interesting reading and non-Hams who have seen the book on my desk have asked to read it. Unique Book.



2. A very creative and thoughtful homage to an amateur radio operator and the world of ham radio. Very well done - very entertaining.



3. I bought this book because it was about ham radio. I was impressed at how well the storyline was. You actually felt as though you were there watching this story go on. A must read!!!



4. I know nothing about ham radio and loved this book. It is beautifully constructed, has amazing graphics and a great story that Gregory has reconstructed about one man's passion. It's a book about communication, and humanity, and art and how small the world really is. Gorgeous.



5. I was given this fantastic book by my neighbor and friend here in New Jersey, who is a longtime Ham Radio afficionado (and Police Officer by occupation). Truth be told, I have always wondered about Jim's (my mentioned neighbor/friend) hobby/pastime, especially given his tower and antenna systems, which are large and visible and hard to ignore! I did not know much about the hobby, other than 'people talk around the world much like CB'ers talk locally'. I now realize how utterly wonderful, fascinating and riveting this hobby is! Not to mention critical in times of regional or national emergencies! The authors take you on a FASCINATING journey through the ham radio life of an engineer named Jerry Powell, an actual FCC licensed 'Ham' operator from Kansas who moved to New Jersey early on in his career and spent decades on the air from his humble home, communicating with Hams everywhere from all kinds of economic and ideological backrounds. The book is replete with interesting vignettes and descriptions of what Ham Radio is all about, and the true passion and wonderment of engaging in all aspects of this hobby shared by millions around the world. The graphics are first rate, with a veritable 'world tour' of colorful QSL cards, which reflect many of Jerry's contacts with other Ham Operators from every conceivable corner of the world! After reading this book and 'taking in' the wonderful graphics, I even picked up a few entry-level study guides from the ... site (National Amateur Radio organization) on the advice of my neighbor Jim, and I am excitedly planning on obtaining my entry 'Technician' license! I can't wait to get on the air! Just a superb, SUPERB book!!!

3 comments about 22 Radio and Receiver Projects for the Evil Genius.

1. I agree with some other reviewers that stated that there was some useful background information in the beginning of the book, but any of the actual projects utilizing solid-state components are next to useless. First of all, it appears to me that the author(s) simply took several Ramsey kits and reprinted the directions in whole or part, without the benefit of PCBs. In many, many, places, sentences and paragraphs are duplicated in the text, and each project includes several pages of redundant information on how to read parts values and how to solder and so forth, an artifact --I suspect-- of having ripped off the instruction booklets of these kits. One might suppose it would still be possible to build these projects from the book's instructions, but unfortunately all of the solid-state projects require ICs that are obsolete by several years, and generally unavailable.
   
   If you see this book in your local library, by all means check it out and give it a look, but don't pay for this.



2. There are some interesting aspects of classical (antique) radio technology
   found. I did not know, that whistlers were first time detected by Austrian scientists in 1886. The explanations from crystal detectors to wheather satellite receivers are well made and helpfull for beginners, but
   
   the book can NOT be used directly for undergraduate/freshman-courses because:
   part lists sometimes incomplete, sometimes wrong
   some parts obsolete since 2004 - the book is printed in 2008
   
   you can save a lot of space if you print the ceramic, mylar and mica capacitor code only once (I found it more than 10 times)
   
   it would be nice to read the metric values of lengths, wire diameters, ...
   
   the circuit diagrams are much more readable if you use standard symbols or symbols as used in data sheets or application reports. Don't use rectangles with pin numbers.
   
   Finally, it would be helpfull for foreign people (non US people) to get information about time code receivers outside the USA (there is one in Germany - DCF77 or in Great Britain)
   
   Fine book for the basics of radio receivers



3. My wife knew I was interested in getting into radio electronics as a hobby and bought this for me as a Christmas gift. While the initial chapters provide some interesting background material, the chapters describing the projects have some serious issues. For example, I started with Chapter 8 IC Shortwave Radio Receiver, because I wanted to build a shortwave radio from scratch. While the chapter included a schematic (courtesy of Ramsay electronics), there was no pictorial layout, or checklist of construction order which can be frustraing to a beginner in electronics. The real shock came when I figured out that I could order the project described in this chapter as a kit from Ramsay electronics. At no point in this chapter is it stated that this project could be ordered as a kit, which would save much time and frustration. I ended up ordering the kit from Ramsay, and when I read the kit manual, I noticed that the manual text was identical to some of the text in this chapter!!!
   
   In summary:
   - some of the backgound information is interesting and useful
   - the lack of pictorial diagrams and checklists will make project building for the beginner difficult
   - the material for at least one of the chapters in this book has come from another source, which does not see to be properly acknowledged. Maybe the author, publisher and Ramsay electronics have an agreement, but if so why is it not stated that the project could be ordered in kit form?

3 comments about How Radio Signals Work.

1. this is a good book and is recommneded...as long as you understand that it is about radio WAVES!! not radios. i was very interested in the book, but kept looking for radio stuff! which is not there. the discussion of radio wave transmission,however is good. With this in mind,i recommend the book. Just read the title!



2. I'm just beginning to get into Amateur Radio (ie: Ham radio) to move my career more toward RF technology. This book really lays out the info very gently, doesn't try to impress you with huge words or complex theorems. For anyone trying to gain insight into RF, this is a GREAT starting point. But, if you're trying to get into Ham radio, get the test book first from the ARRL and pass the Technician's exam. After that, you can apply practically all the theory found in this book and expand your knowledge further through experience.



3. This book was definitely written for non-technical people. In order to enjoy this book, one does not have to have great knowledge in electronics and mathematics. As matter of fact, the author completely avoids using mathematical equations and replace it with very easy-to-follow graphs to explain the complex "Radiophysics". The author did a very good job of explaining difficult topics of "Radiophysics" using normal everyday language. An excellent starter book for anyone who is interested in learning how our modern communication works. I wish I had read this book before I started my college engineering courses. Concepts mentioned in this book can be a stepping stone for anyone(high school students, people in technical sales, non-technical managers, and even tax agents) who is considering a career in RF/wireless communication field. This book will definitely set you in the right path for an introductory communication class.

5 comments about Now You're Talking! All You Need to Get Your First Amateur Radio License, Fifth Edition.

1. This 5th edition, while the text contains good information, is virtually worthless as a prep for the Tecnician Class license exam. The pool of exam questions in this edition is only valid through June 30, 2007, making it useless as prep for a current exam. The current pool, valid through June 30, 2010, is significantly different from the 2007 pool. This could lead one to fail the exam and not get a license. Seller should highlight that this is not the most current issue. Fortunately, I had other materials and did prepare for the exam using the current pool of questions.



2. Good book, information described clearly, not too complicated. It is the latest edition (Fifth). I knew Technician Class did not require code, but expected it to be in the book, and it was not. Operating a code station was covered, but not learning code itself. I was billed properly and the book arrived earlier than I had expected.



3. This is an updated exam book for preparation for the Ham Radio Test. I was able to purchase a used copy through Amazon Marketplace and it was in excellent condition.



4. This book is the best beginning book for people wanting to get there Ham Radio license. It has graphs and pictures, tables and charts that help you learn as you go so that you understand basic Ham Radio skills. It is easy to read and great for the young reader as well.



5. If you use this book, and take the practice tests online until your passing them fairly consistently, you will have a very high probability of passing your test.
   
   Best way to study is to work with the book about 1/2 hour a day, no more.
   
   Take your time, then take online practice tests each day until your test date.
   
   You'll be all set. I think I only got 1 question wrong on my test - and I'm certainly no natural at this stuff.

4 comments about Shortwave Listening Guidebook: The Complete Guide to Hearing the World.

1. This is the ultimate hybrid of reference book and page-turner, thanks to Harry Helms' superb writing style. Prose is liquid, even in the sections that have a lot of reference information. Absolutely recommended.



2. This is the ultimate hybrid of reference book and page-turner, thanks to Harry Helms' superb writing style. Prose is liquid, even in the sections that have a lot of reference information. Absolutely recommended.



3. As a newcomer to Shortwave listening, I found that Harry Helms' "Shortwave Listening Guidebook" has been the perfect introduction. It covers the technical aspects (such as the different parts of a shortwave receiver and how to use them, radio wave propagation, and antennas) in enough (but not too much) detail to be of use to the casual listener. There's an overview of the various shortwave bands, as well as what you may find between the bands. The many aspects of shortwave listening are covered, from listening to major broadcasters such as the BBC to such specialities as trying to hear distant stations, "pirate" broadcasters, and so on.

   All in all, armed with both this book and "Passport to Worldband Radio", anyone should be able to enjoy shortwave listening.




4. I picked up the first edition of this book when I first became interested in shortwave radio about five years ago. Even now I still love going back to it. Harry Helms writes in such a clear and readable style, it's easy to find yourself breezing through chapter after chapter. Harry presents just enough technical information to give you a good understanding of the principles, without putting you to sleep with lots of equations and theory. This book is a great resource for those casually interested in short wave as a hobby and are looking for a book that will just "tell it like it is"...in a no-nonsense fashion. If you're interested in ham radio at all...I can also highly recommend All About Ham Radio by the same author...written in the same informal and easily readable style. Thanks for getting me on my way Harry!

5 comments about The World of CB Radio.

1. This is a very good book. Besides being fun to read, you just might learn something. The appendices in the back are good. Ten-codes, slang, rules they are all covered. Even if you are an experienced radio operator, I would still get this book. Leave it on the coffee table and someone is guaranteed to read it.



2. I'm a newfound lover of the CB radio, and have starting my learning process in that area to join REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams), more specifically Oklahoma County REACT. This book has done WONDERS on helping me understand the CB radio, and although it *is* a good resource, I also feel it is of the layman sort, meaning it's a great starter, however I do not think it will quell the desires of more experienced radio operators/individuals looking to become seriously involved in the world of CB radio. But otherwise, by all means would I suggest this book to learn a little more about the CB, I can't complain!



3. While I disagree with some of the authors sentiments about the quality and purpose of Citizens Band radio in our society, the material is suitably written and technically accurate, and for those without technical knowlege it would be rather usefull. I found some of the "lingo" humorous, but overall it was a bland read. I consider CB too limited to be a reasonable alternative to FRS/GMRS or Amateur Radio, as the author has implied it is. For un-licensed operation, the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are far better alternatives than CB, and are easier to use as mobiles and portables (walkie-talkies). You can even get an Amateur Radio license *without taking a morse code test* these days, and the privileges that come with that license are far beyond what CB could ever possibly offer. Read "Now Your Talking!" to see what I mean. Writing a book about CB radio, or in any way contributing to it's maintenance, is about the equivalent of feeding a rabbid dog: it's going to die sooner or later, and is a problem (to the licensed radio services) while it's around, so why not 'put it down' and be done with it? -just my opinion



4. Great illustrations and commentary about CB on both a radio and cultural level. Will keep it handy in my 4WD as a reference book for my CB. As a result of this book, I finally figured out and fixed the mystery of my SWR problem! I always wondered why CB was such a fad before, and now I know. It's a lot of fun!



5. I found this unhelpful and useful only to amateurs who have little to no experience with radio. A good starting place mayhap but not for people who know this material