Customer Reviews (10)

The place to start for ham radio introduction and licensing
The first few chapters were a lot to wade through with introductions to radio and electrical terminology.Chapter three is where the book gets interesting and begins to be a lot of fun to read.(note: You might want to read chapters one and two twice before going on to the rest of the book).It tells you all you need to get licensed as a ham as well as where to seek out additional information.One caution it introduces you to a World that seems endless with opportunities to explore.A good companion to this book for studying for the test are the sample tests at www.qrz.com.

The Right Book for Getting Your First Ham License
There are lots of things to learn about radios and lots of books available on different technical topics.This one is focused on getting your first ham radio license.

The ARRL Ham License Manual is written in a 'welcome to the club' type manner with most of the information on radios, licensing, and ham radio as a hobby explained farily clearly.Moreover, it contains ALL of the ACTUAL questions in the pool of potential test questions.In other words, if you read the book and work through the questions there will be no surprises on the FCC exam!

This book was used as the text for a two-day ham radio license class I attended.I read the book ahead of time and worked through the test questions at the end of each section.All of the answers are given and linked to chapters in the book if you need to go back and see what you missed.

If you have a background in radio or catch on to technical things easy, this book could easily prepare you to pass the Technician (basic level ham license) without taking a class.Used along with a class or with help from a local ham radio club, this book would help prepare someone with no radio background or little technical experience.

ARRL is the dominant, authoritative amateur radio organization in the US and this book is 'a standard' among hams.It won't make you an expert or explain every technical detail of radio but will help you get your first ham license.At $25 it is a very good value.

Getting licensed?
This is a one stop book to studying for your amateur radio license. Not too dry, but it is study material and will help put you to sleep. If you don't want to take a class, this is the book for you.

ARRL HAM RADIO LICENSE MANUAL
While I am only half way thru this manual I can attest that it is an excellent manual for a first time ham license exam study guide.

ARRL Quality is superb
Looking to get your first ham ticket? This is the book for you. Great study guide with many exam example questions. Spend some time with it and you may ace you tech exam. Kudos to ARRL. ... Read more

Book Description

Developed by the United States Power Squadrons, the world's largest private, nonprofit boating organization, Marine Amateur Radio is a complete guide to the use of ham radio for two-way and network communications among boats and between boats and shore stations. Briefly, succinctly, and clearly, this sturdy handbook lays out the advantages of ham radio for boaters. It explains how to get an operator's license, how to select and install a receiver and antenna, and how to use the radio for voice and Morse code communications with other boats and to shore--including inexpensive telephone patches to home. It also shows readers how to link up with marine voice nets for weather and safety communication.

Customer Reviews (3)

Introductory with very little useful information for the average mariner interested in Amateur Radio aboard your boat.
Marine Amateur Radio purports to be a text on selection, installation, licensing, and use; but fails to provide more than cursory, introductory information on selection and the most important installation and antenna selection phase. The very brief section on antennas for HF (high frequency) communications could have filled 25 pages leaving the mariner with lots of choices and alternatives, but in fact was introduced and finished 4 pages later. Buy this book if you know absolutely nothing about Amateur Radio and want lots of history, licensing, and non-marine related amateur radio activities, but do not buy it for strategies and tactics to select equipment and build or buy antennas for your vessel. Buy it if you are interested in knowing about amateur radio (ham radio) and some of its uses.

Use primary sources
Another book that is simply not worth the purchase price.There is no new information here, just a brief glance through general information about ham radio.Very little information about radio on boats and no specific information about selecting, installing, and operating a ham radio on a boat.I hoped that this would be a good book.

Good basic information
I found this book informative and easy to read without being overly technical.A good book for aspiring amateurs or new hams looking for a guide to amateur marine mobile communications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Echolink - the ins and outs.True..........
I have seen IRLP in action and thought to myself how do I do this? So I searched everywhere and found out that Echolink was the local popular form,but apart from the echolink on-line manual couldn't find much else to help me get an angle on this.
This book has been a welcome book to help me understand all about the subject - it really gives all the resources and information needed to get going.But as always it is not only the book that's important - it is taking action that is the exciting part.
One of our local radio clubs MDRC just had a really successful meeting with standing room only on echolink and it is going to get bigger.I think this book is a good start so you can learn enough to get into it,get your feet wet and get that experience to write the next "update".Petervk4cbd

Easy to Undestand
An easy to understand description and implementation of VoIP radio linking for both the amateur and veteran. The book covers several products available free from the Internet including one product - Echo Link -- creating by the author.If you are looking to try something new with Internet Linking or just understand how it works, this is the book to have by your side.

Great Information!
In VoIP, author K1RFD does a nice job of explaining the technology behind this unique aspect of the hobby. The book details how the various VoIP applications work and includes information on setting up an RF node. A valuable addition to the ham shack for new and seasoned users of voice over IP applications with amateur radio linking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book!
If you're in the market to buy or build a vertical, you'll find a wealth of advice on choosing the design that's best for you.If you want to improve the performance of an existing vertical, you'll find the tips and techniques that can make the difference between ho-hum and top performer.This book brings together a wide range of articles from QST and the ARRL Antenna Compendium series, spanning nearly 20 years.Selected tips and techniques from QST's "Hints and Kinks" column convey the insights of hams who have found solutions to pesky problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Good Ham Radio Books
Good book, does a good job of explaining the basics and teaching the portions of ham radio operation that are covered on the tests

Could not have been better...
I was able to pass my General License exam with the help of this book the very first time...and with flying colors.The book covers everything needed for the exam, as well as giving the exact full questions/answers for the exam.

excellent manual for general class license
this is an excellent manual for obtaining a general class license, however, its not a skim through type book, its extremely involving, I would recommend another lighter study guide to accompany this manual

Excellent self-study and reference manual
The ARRL General Class license manual is an excellent self-study course for the exam and after the exam it continues as a fine reference manuel. I passed the General exam without a single wrong answer and still use the manual to check on concepts and equations.73 K6ZQ

Success in 5 days!
I joined a group within the Men's Auxilliary of the VFW to study for the test for the Technician License.The class met every week for six weeks.Five days before the test, I recieved my copy of the General Study Guide.I read about 1/3 of the book and read through all of the study questions.I also took 2 of the free practice tests online.I missed 2 on the first attempt, and a bunch (too many to pass) on the second attempt.I decided it was worth attempting the General test, if I passed the Technician.I passed the Tech test with no problem, so tried the General.I passed (just barely!)I should have taken more time to study, but a pass is a pass!This book really helped!I did have one year of electronics training in high school (one hour a day class 30 years ago) and obtained my Novice License at that time.I had to pass a 5 words per minute Morse code test.I never did have a radio back then, but now have a portable 2 meter handheld that I've been having fun with the past 2 weeks.I recommend this book (and the other 2 in the series) for anyone interested in obtaining their Ham License or wanting to upgrade.I am now studing for my Amature Extra License.KD0CMF ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For Any Ham, or Wannabee
While I've never reviewed books put out by the ARRL, and Jim Kearman-kr1s before, the only thing I can say is this, "It's About Time" this very excellent book was done justice.Like most "League"publications, it makes a very excellent book for a beginning ham, or aveteran of the tubes and wires, over fancy circuits.Whatever the case, Ican say as a very proud ham, myself, that if you're on a budget, READ THISBOOK FIRST! Not only will you enjoy reading this book, (it's plain fun)it will also give you ideas.Certainly,as far as reference books go, acopy belongs in everyone's library! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential for working with Amateur Satellites
This book is essential for anyone wanting to work with the Amateur Satellites.It covers the history of various projects, explains the modes of operation, and shows the equipment needed to talk with the birds.Like all the ARRL books, it is easy to follow and clearly written.The only problem I have with the book is that it hasn't been updated since 1997.It doesn't have good information on some of the newer spacecraft.As an example, it talks about the soon to be launched Phase 3D satellite rather than talking about the now orbiting AO-40 (ex Phase 3D) and some of the problems it is having.Still, the technology and techniques are very valid and good for anyone wishing to work with space communications.

In case your are thinking this is difficult to start in, I've had success transmitting to and receiving from the International Space Station using just a handheld transceiver (Kenwood TH-D7A) and either an attic mounted or handheld directional antenna.I've also heard voice from (but not transmitted to) the OSCAR 14 satellite with this same setup.You don't need an equipment setup to rival NASA in order to start with the aspect of the Amateur Radio hobby. ... Read more

Book Description
It’s time we cleared the air about ham radio. If you think of it as staticky transmissions sent by people in the middle of nowhere, think again. Today’s ham radio goes beyond wireless to extreme wireless, Operators transmit data and pictures, use the Internet, laser, and microwave transmitters, and travel to places high and low to make contact. In an emergency or natural disaster, ham radio can replace downed traditional communication and save lives. Whether you’re just getting turned on to ham radio or already have your license, Ham Radio for Dummies helps you with the terminology, the technology and the talknology. You discover how to:

• Decipher the jargon and speak the language
• Buy or upgrade your equipment, including the all-important antennas
• Build a ham radio shack, complete with the rig, a computer, mobile/base rig, microphones, keys, headphones, antennas, cables and feedlines
• Study for your license, master Morse code, take the test and get your call sign
• Understand the basics of ragchews (conversations), nets (organized on-air meetings) and DX-ing (competing in contacts to make contacts)
• Keeping logs with the vital statistics, including time (in UTC or World Time), frequency, and call sign

Customer Reviews (18)

Ham Radio for Dummies
A great primer for the beginner who wants to learn the basics.Easy to read and understand.The author not only knows his "stuff" but conveys it in plain language.Helpful hints in getting started in ham radio and where to go for detailed specific information was very helpful in getting started in this wonderful hobby.Recommended reading to get started in ham radio.

deputy director-emergency management
ham radios for dummies?i expected it to be in dummy language, there was still a lot of terminology over my head making reading a bit difficult.book was still very informative, i learned a lot.

Helpful
I found this book to be very helpful. As a "new" Ham, I found it useful with terminolgy, equipment and just getting on the air to make that "first" contact. The author included several resources for online help. The book covers a variety of topics from atenna's to global connections. I would recommend this book to any "new" Ham.

Ham Radio for Dummies an Opinion from a Ham
I've been a ham for 30 years,I purchased "Ham radio for Dummies" mainly for my daughter to read as she has shown an interest in getting her license.
I have read the book and found it has many interesting topics on the many facets of the hobby. It is well written and a new or prospective ham would find it full of informative information. The format of the bookis written in a light style that is not technically over powering. Explainations were written in a a complimentry style that it is a nice to have in the personal library as an addition to the technical library that many hams seem to aquire.
I am pleased with the purchase and my 11 year old acutually understands it.

Very good primer
I bought this book just to see if ham was something I'd be interested in as a hobby.After reading this, and the technician licensing book put out by the ARRL, I had no problem passing my first exam and getting my license.The author also gives many website links throughout the text that are helpful in finding more free information.

Overall though, I'd say this is a good starter book, if you just want to find out what amateur radio is all about. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Excellent - Easy to follow
This book is very easy to understand and follow. If you read it and take note to everything they cover then I feel you will easy pass the exam. The photos and illustrations make it all the more easier to get a grip on the subjects in the book.

Excellent self-study and reference manual
The ARRL Extra Class license manual is an excellent self-study course for the exam and continues after the exam as a fine reference manual. I did miss two questions out of the fifty but that was only because I wasn't careful in reading those questions.73 K6ZQ

Make no mistake, this is tough
I studied this book for twelve weeks, five days a week, and two hours per day. I took the fifty question test, and scored a 88%. When I received the book in the mail, I noticed the font was smaller, the book heavier, and the material was more technical--very technical. But, if you study each section carefully, do each of the exams faithfully, follow up with the online exam link and master each section, you can pass this test. I have not studied a manual so diligently since I was in graduate school. The first two FCC licenses are a breeze. This one is tough. The good news: no code test. The book is well written and assumes you can use a graphic calculator. I bought mine at the drug store for $12.00!You will have to learn logarithms. This book is the only way for you to get your FCC Amateur Extra license. It is worth it. Many people give up on this quest: but you can do it. You just have to start. Buy the book, make the commitment. Take the test. Good Luck! and 73's. KC2JCZ

Exactly What I Wanted
The Extra Class Amateur Radio handbook is exactly what I wanted and the service was excellent.

Useful for passing, but not as current as it could be
I used this to pass the test.Studied hard for about 3 weeks and past on the first test.This is from someone that passed his General in 1976.If I did it just about anyone should be able to pass with the requisite effort.I did need to think through quite a few of the questions on the test though, because as Gary Crowell has said in an earlier review this book isn't current.I also used some online test sites as well.I will say one thing, I found that studying for this exam has a lot more current and useful information in it than what I was forced to study for my GROL exam.I think more employers should look for techs with the Extra ticket because of it.Idon't ever remember spectrum analyzers even mentioned on the GROL.That and a multimeter are two primary tools for an rf tech.Go figure that the Extra 'Amateur' license would have info on it but the 'commercial' license didn't.Go hams! :-) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

Outdated - Make sure you get the latest version
This is the outdated version and will leave you unprepared for the tests. make sure you look and get the most recent version to better prepare. Otherwise, the book is a pretty good resource when preparing for the exams. Well organized and easy to follow.

now you're talking
I purchased this manual only to find out that the element 2 test expired in July of 2007. I subsequently purchased "The ARRL HAM RADIO LICENSE MANUAL"which contains the question pool beginning July 1,2006.
This is an excellent manual.

Excellent resource for the technicians test...
If you want to actually know why the answers are what they are on the test, instead of just taking practice test after practice test and trying to memorize answers, then you NEED this book. I wasn't satisfied just taking the practice tests online and memorizing answers, so I bought this book - learned the information - and almost got a perfect score on the FCC's technicians class test. Most people I know, who didn't buy any books, barely passed. What kind of a score do you want?

Highly recommended for your Amateur Radio Technician License
"Now You're Talking" (NYT) is a great resource for anyone seeking a Technician class license -- the first step in the hobby of Amateur Radio. In simple, straightforward language, you'll learn all you need to know in order to pass the FCC's 35-question Technician class examination. The entire FCC question pool, along with correct answers and text references, is included, so there'll be no surprises when you walk into the examination room. As an added plus, you'll find references to many other resources that provide valuable information about the Amateur Radio Service and assistance in becoming a ham.

After a thorough study of NYT, I completed a computer-based review of Technician class exam questions using the "Ham University" CD available through the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) just prior to taking the exam. As a result, I maxxed the exam and received my Technician class license a few days later.

A caution--make sure you are using the current, 5th edition of NYT to prepare for your exam. In addition, the current question pool is due to expire on June 30, 2006, so you'll want to complete your Technician class exam before then or wait until the 6th edition of NYT is published.

Great Companion Book to Gordon West's Technician Class Book
This is a must get book to gain understanding and a wealth of information about Ham Radio Element 2 topics. You don't just memorize answers, but understand the why and how behind them. Easy reading for this type of topic. A very helpful and needed companion to Gordon West's Technician Class book. You won't be sorry that you bought it. ... Read more

Book Description
Ham radio has come a long way since the days when amateurs used tube-type transmitters and receivers or pounded out Morse code on a telegraph key. Today, a modern ham shack will be equipped with at least one microcomputer and will take full advantage of state-of-the art digital communications technology. A powerful combination of conventional radio communications and fast, efficient microcomputer control, digital communications is the fastest growing area in amateur radio. Here, Jonathan Mayo provides a complete overview of digital communications for hams: its history, capabilities, and applications, as well as the protocols and procedures governing the various modes of operation. He also explains how to set up an operational digital communications station and what equipment and accessories are needed to furnish it. ... Read more

Book Description
This greatly expanded Second Edition from WA7ZZE is a must for collectors and Ham history buffs, and is a terrific trip down memory lane for any Ham who was there, or wishes they were. Pick it up and you won't be able to put it down! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The real Heathkit story in a nutshell!
Chuck Penson tells the entire Heathkit story in the first 30 pages without any unnecessary words. I read the entire company's story in about 2 hours and never yawned or lost interest. The print is a good size so most older readers won't any have trouble. He uses the next 7 pages for advice on how to buy used Heathkits and one page for Heathkit resource websites. He then dedicates the next 243 pages to all the Heathkit Amateur radio products plus a bunch of others. All the pictures are in B&W but they are extremely clear, not some rough copies of rough copies. He gives each product a clear concise description (some 2-3 pages long!) and includes most of the technical specifications. He includes the original cost of each item and the period of time that each item was available. He even shows many of the actual diagrams from the original Heathkit assembly manuals! That was a real trip down memory lane for someone like me who has built hundreds of Heathkits! The last pages of the book include the Heathkit "Master product index" listed first by model number, then by type. That is followed by "product references" which are ALL of the articles written in QST & CQ magazines that were related to Heathkit products. Here you can find "fixes" and modifications to almost all Heathkit products along with reviews by the magazines technical staff. Then there are tube charts showing every tube used in each product. Next, there is a chart of the timeline of each product (how long it was in production). The last 2 pages are of sales data and another QST online reference. Overall, for me, it was a wonderful trip down memory lane because I have built, owned & restored hundreds of Heathkits. I highly recommend this book to anyone who built or used Heathkit products when "Green was King".

A Must for Heathkit Lovers!
If you were a Heathkit builder during their heyday, you'll love this book!You can read it the way you used to read the Heathkit catalog--over and over.Each of the ham radio products has its own page, and the author Chuck Penson gives his opinion as to the rarity of each item (this is a matter of opinion in some cases)With Heathkits now fetching big money on Ebay and other places, this book can also help you to choose carefully before buying a vintage Heathkit.Penson writes in a light-hearted style that is fun to read.Enjoy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good if you are new to the hobby
This book provides a lot of information.If you are new to the hobby this is great book to have in the shack.If you have been into ham radio for more than a year most of this information will be old, you should already have this information in other books.The chapters on emergency communications and traffic handling are pretty much a waste, if a major disaster happened the last thing I would be thinking about is radio.It seems like a good portion of the book is the standard league propoganda on how they what activities to occur on the air. After careful consideration this book is not worth $25 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Passed...
Used this to pass the ARRL General exam a month after getting my Technician license.After a friend of mine showed me a lot of the stuff I'd only read about in the Technician book...made the information in the General book much easier to understand.

After only a week & 1/2...passed the exam with only missing 5 questions.Not the score I wanted...but a pass is a pass.

Unlike the Gordon West books which just lists the questions & answers to allow you to pass the exam...these set of books do that...but also explain the reason why.The answers are nice...but I want to know the reason why.The ARRL books give you this information & much more.

Arrl General Class License Manual
Sets the standard for General class license study guides in amateur radio.

ArrlL Manual
I was well pleased to receive this book, I was notified that this book had been placed on back order, and was given a due date when the book so to be shipped. I received the book before the due date, thanks to all a job well done.

Thanks to All

Stop your search for a great resource in ham radio testing
I am nearly through the manual, and find it challenging but doable. I do not have a background in electrical engineering or radio, but am preparing for the General License Exam. The text is informative, provides many good examples, diagrams, authentic forms, and uses follow up questions to check understanding. After going through the chapters, I feel more prepared to test for basic electricity, radio theory, practical circuits, and antennas. If you put in your time to study and use this book, you should feel secure in earning your Element 3 license. The price is reasonable and the publisher is the absolute best source for the book's content. I just purchased another book titled, Ham Radio for Dummies. This too is available on amazon.com. So, go ahead, click "Place my order" on the tab above. Hope to hear you on the air. KC2JCZ.

Works
After some basic studying to complement some EE classes I passed missing only 3 questions.Good study aid. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

This Is an Old Edition
Be aware that this is an old edition (the current is the 5th edition) and thus no longer refers to the correct question pool for licensing.

Descriptive
The ARRL has done a good job on this book, it teaches you everything that you need to know to pass the general class exam, though you do need to have a passion for ham radio otherwise the book gets extremely boring.

Great Book
The ARRL has been writing license manuals for years, this is the only way to go. I got my Extra Class just after I passed the General test and still refer to all of the books for information.

General Class made easy
ARRL, as always, has put together a book that makes studying for upgrades easy.The General Class License Manual contains everything you need to pass your General Class written exam, and station suggestions to help youget on the air using your new HF privies. ... Read more