Customer Reviews (3)

Great timing
The item arrived in really good time.It was a late Christmas idea and I was able to give the gift only a few days after christmas.

Don't let the word "Introduction" fool you
I bought this book based on a recommendation at a web site that contained basic electronics-tutorials, but it is really too advanced for a beginner.I found it too hard to follow.(I also bought "RF Circuit Design" by Chris Bowick, which I found easier to follow, though it still helped that there are some things I know about electronics that weren't covered in the tutorials where I found the recommendation.)

To be fair, the introduction to this edition says it is for "the working engineer" and "ADVANCED radio amateur" (emphasis mine).People in those classes may find it more useful.I wish I knew that before I ordered it.

I don't think I should say how many stars this book deserves because I am not in the intended audience, but Amazon insists that I select a number of stars, so I picked 3.

Superb introduction to key concepts of RF circuit design.
This classic book provides a well presented introduction to RF circuit design, focused ongiving the reader a thorough grounding in the basic concepts needed to become a professional RF circuit designer.There issufficient mathematical rigor to convince the pros, but not so much as tomake the book inaccessable to students and more advanced amateurs.Theauthor is an experienced state of the art RF designer and a life long"RF guy"--I've been reading his articles in QST magazine for 25years.This experience and his devotion to the field come through stronglyin his book.Though first published in the early 1980's, most of thematerial is basically timeless.I do hope Wes will someday revise it toinclude newer RF IC design as well.The book deserves to be in the libraryof every professional, and especially those just starting in the field. ... Read more

Book Description
A perfect gift or companion for Hams-to-be, new Hams, old Hams, young Hams, or just downrightconfused Hams. Lots of illustrations, definitions, and examples make hamming easy and fun. A greatlearning tool both before and after the exam. A non-technical guide on how to choose a radio, set upa station, put up an antenna, talk on the air for the first time, and how to use packet, Morse Code,SSTV, RTTY, and more. Whether you'd like to markedly improve your own skill level, or the skill levelof your students, this book will help you.

Easy-to-understand, Ham Radio: Simplified was writtenexpressly for new or confused hams. It details basics often not covered in the classroom curriculumand clearly defines common practices and protocols the new ham will encounter when on-the-air. No-nonsense explanations help you grasp difficult concepts with greater ease. After reading this bookyou'll approach your exam or your radio with confidence and enthusiasm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Return to Basics
This is not a book for the 'old ragchewer' or maybe it is. It is a book for some of us who have forgotten what 'ham radio is all about', or someone that has been on 2m for ever. It is an excellent book for someone that is going to give an introduction to 'ham radio' because it is simple, to the point and understandable. It is a great book for anyone interested in 'ham radio' or perhaps has just received their ticket. It is a great KISS book. Well done. KB6WUT

Ham Radio Simplified
Great book for new & experienced Ham Radio Ops.... Your kept abreast of all Current Rules, Procedures and Operating Modes.

Best for tech-illiterate
This book was a great assist for the person who hates to admit that he/she doesn't really understand the world of electronics nd ham radio.Easy to follow and Kevin wrote it as though he knew just the questions I would have.Simplified...by all means!Not the book for techno freaks...but for the tech illiterate.

Indispensable and Handy Reference
While others may find this book a 'waste of bookshelf space', I use this book daily as I learn new ham protocols and modes of operation. I find the ARRL tomes to be far to fat for practical use and hence a waste of my valuable space next to my rig. This book provides quick answers and understandable references. Simplified illustrations and explanations make this a perfect book for those of us who haven't tangled with the technical side before. I don't have time to wade through the other texts, but the clear and simple style in this book gave me just what I needed to get started. Sure it's simple, that's what the title says - and it is! Excellent!

Save your money
A waste of valuable bookshelf space. This is a simple minded overview of ham radio operation; there isn't enough content to hold attention for long.A typical chapter title is "Electricity, An Invisible Superhero."Give us a break. Much better are the titles available at American RadioRelay League (check their website). ... Read more

Book Description
Essential A-to-Z Ham Radio Guide

The revised edition of the most trusted guide in ham radio is here just in time to help you pass the new No-Code Technician Class exams! Used by thousands of ham operators to set up their first shortwave transmitters and to get their licenses, Clay Laster's Beginner's Handbook of Amateur Radio, Fourth Edition delivers all the guidance you need -- from radio and electronics fundamentals needed to set up a transmitter to the newest equipment to revisions to the Federal Communications Commission rules and tests. If you want to communicate over the airwaves both locally and globally and listen in on conversations heard by very few, take this book home, and it will take you into the realm of communication, new friends, good times, and technical mastery beyond your dreams.

You get:
Understandable instruction in wave propagation, power supplies, and electronic circuits
Complete study guide for getting your Novice Operator or No-Code Technician Class licenses
Study hints for preparing for FCC exams
Shortwave operator's do's-and-don't's, practices and procedures
Appendix packed with 250 sample examination questions and answersDownload Description
Amateur Radio, Fourth Edition delivers all the guidance you need -- from radio and electronics fundamentals needed to set up a transmitter to the newest equipment to revisions to the Federal Communications Commission rules and tests. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disappointing
To challenge myself, I decided to study in order to take the Technician amateur radio operating license exam.I picked up this book, which bills itself as a complete source of information.Not so.

Despite the fact that the book is in its 4th edition, it is poorly edited.Information jumps from basic to full jargon in the same paragraph, without any definition of the new terms used.Much of the information on the basics of electric circuits and electronics seems to be pulled from an electronics text.

I'm an engineer, but not an electrical engineer.It's been years since I studied electric circuits and this book did little to refresh my memory.The information on FCC regs is sparse -- the complete Part 97 is not included.The question pool for the multiple choice Tech exam is included, but only the letter answers are provided without any explanation of the answers (leaving the reader to try to find the information in the rest of the book).

I'll look to another source to help prepare for the exam.

A must?
A must? for beginners. Very easy to read. I'll recomend this book only if you have extra time. You can die without reading it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Incredible
This is a great book for any Ham Radio operator. More information in this book than you could shake a stick at.

Great Book
This is a great book for both beginner and experienced Amateur Radio Operators.This book has more information than the previous books and has a lot more projects. The Arrl Handbook for Radio Amateurs 2002 truly upholds its reputation as "The Bible" for Amateur Radio Operators.

Newest Version
This is the best ever issue of the annual ARRL Handbook.With more projects to complete at home than in many years.DSP is also covered in more depth than ever.Get up to date on the latest, keep fresh on the past, and have fun with amateur radio with your new 2002 ARRL Handbook.

The Standard in Applied Electronics & Communications
It takes almost 1,200 pages to cover thirty (30) chapters of diverse information.These chapters are logically grouped as Fundamental Theory, Construction Techniques, Practical Design and Projects, and OperatingPractices.I previously used a hardback copy of the 1988 printing of thistext, and the 2000 edition is properly updated to make it an outstandingreplacement.If you are interested in radio wave propagation, antennas,building electronic equipment or the amateur radio hobby itself, this isone reference you shouldn't be without.Compares favorably withprofessional publications at several times the cost.

Handy Handbook to Have for Hobby and Work
The book is a must for everyone who is interested in radio circuits and more. The first time I heard of it was many years ago when I was approaching the world of radiohams; since then it's been my reference manytimes and I often found it sitting on other people's desk at work as aquick and reliable reference. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent basic text
It seems that today's amateur radio operator more often than not has a station consisting of manufactured equipment.At the heart of these stations are transceivers so complex that the average ham has neither the equipment nor the ability to fix or modify them.Antennas are, however, something that still attract homebrewers.

If you're going to put up an antenna, why not do it right and get the best performance for the time spent?For a low key yet effective introduction to wire antennas this is a wonderful little book.Nowhere near as long, or complex, as the ARRL Antenna Handbook, this concise volume presents some elementary theory and a number of practical designs for wire antennas.I've lent my copy to new hams several times and from all reports it's been a big help.

This book is highly recommended as a basic reference and a good stepping stone to the next level.

Simple low cost wire antennas for radio amateurs
That book is full load with prctical information for any ham beginner who wants to learn by doing wire antennas. It is really helpfull, and well oriented ... Read more

Product Description
Fully illustrated textbook with 286 exact exam questions and answers. Two long-play practice audio cassettes to bring receiving and sending to General Class level, include sample code tests. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

how to get it in China
Hi! Editors. I am Yanbei Liou from China,and my callsign is Bd2bh.I Iike the ARRL Handbook for Radio Amatures 2001 very much. For I had read it for many years (1987),but i never read it newly again. Like all hams in China I could not get it, and hope it will be published in China, and be bought

The Radio and Electronics Reference Manual
The 2001 edition of The ARRL Handbook is the latest and most up-to-date version of an excellent reference book for both the Amateur Radio operator or anyone interested in RF engineering.The Handbook contains information on the basics of radio operation and practices and detailed information for the RF engineer needing to know technical component details. The ARRL has again designed a wonderful book that will provide information for all levels of hams.Information on the new HF digital modes is provided, as well as the old standards of voice and CW.For those wanting to know the theory behind the radios, the ARRL focuses on the technical details - the how and why - of the radios and the modes, so that when you walk away from this book you will know the answer to your question (and a lot more if you keep reading!) The only real negative comment on this book is that there is a LOT of very technical information.This can make finding exactly what you want to know a challange, as it takes a little digging and knowing exactly what you are looking for.A very complete index does make this much easier.However, for the beginniner this book would do well to whet your appetite for venturing deeper into Amateur Radio, and for the master RF engineer this book serves well as a very detailed technical reference that can aid in every day engineering questions. ... Read more

Product Description
The "standard manual of amateur radio communication" was and is the basic guide for all American radio amateurs ("hams"). ... Read more

Book Description
World band radio is a trusted source of daily entertainment and crisis reporting for millions of Americans. Passport, the #1 seller in the field, provides exactly what world band listeners want. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Passport to the world
This is one of the books I included in the present I bought for my 20-year-old grandson along with the Sony Broadband radio.This book is interesting and opening the world of broadband radio to my grandson. He finds it very useful.

Very full of information but ...
.. also full of confusing graphical pages so you can not resolve what is the comercial and what article!

Once again the graphical arrangement of comercial, articles, content for example which you can not find quickly and the the rest of the book is not in accordance with the technical content of the book!

After some time of digging you can find everything what you need but again: it is very confusing book becuse of the similar colours of the comercials and articles!
For stars because of that!

It is more accurate for local frequecies than WRTH!

Enjoy anyway!

Got to have if you are interested in S.W. radio!!!!!!
I have been reading this book for 10 years, & find it invaluable for any info about new & old equipment.Great info about stations & broadcasts from around the globe & program schedules.Also good info for newcomers to sw. Highly reccomend as a gift for anyone that you might want to share your hobby with.

Passport to World Band Radio
Exelent, Idon't know why people by brand new books, thers amazon
Jose

Passport to World Band Radio, 2007 edition
As user friendly as it can get in the unpredictable environment of shortwave listening. It is ground zero for the beginner. It's the best place to find out if SWL is 'right' for the curious. The money spent on the book is a lot less than the bitter lesson of spending a lot more on a receiver and finding out the hobby isn't what was imagined. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Does not include the companion CD
The ARRL Handbook is excellent as always but the book as
Sold by Amazon does not include the free CD.

Radio Communication Handbook
Like all ARRL handbooks this one is great. I have many of these books and I love them all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I haven't read this book
I haven't read this book and would like to buy any books about antenna but I think I can't shop from the internet because I do not have any credit card so please tell me what to do. Thanks.Day Kurniawan

Good Book in 1983
I was looking to see if this book was ever updated and found ithad been republished in 1993. I don't know if this is a new edition,but the 1983 version, which I have, is a fairly straightforward book. It has good diagrams and details on construction of various Yagis, Quads, Log Periodic, and other HF antennas. Not a bad buy at the price. Since it now has an additional author, contributor, I'd guess this is a new edition or at least revision. ... Read more

Book Description
World band radio is a trusted source of daily entertainment and crisis reporting for millions of Americans. Passport, the #1 seller in the field, provides exactly what world band listeners want. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Probably the best shortwave buying guide available
The Passport to World Band Radio book series is great for honest and very crtical reviews of shortwave equipment.I bought this (2006) edition along with the WRTH book of the same year and I found the information in the Passport book to be considerably more interesting and up-to-date.

Indeed I'd say their shortwave radio reviews are almost too critical.However, I prefer their harsh reviews over other sources that seem to like everything.

Whether you decide to save a few dollars buying this older edition or choose to buy the latest "Passport"book, you can't go wrong.

Shortwave Listeners can use this.
Lots of Information for Shortwave Listeners. Interesting equipment reviews and articles. Not as easy to use as the World Radio TV Handbook though.

Excellent guide for the beginner !
I don't have alot of shortwave experience, have only really just basically tuned around the various bands, without really knowing much about the way shortwave works. This book really goes into the hows and whys of shortwave listening, and provides a great resource for the beginner!

I also really appreciated the radio reviews, since I was considering a new radio, and already had two of the radios listed. I found the reviews to be very accurate, and they helped me make an informed decision on my latest radio purchase. I also actually enjoyed the many advertisements, they also provide interesting information on radios and other products for the shortwave listener.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to listen to shortwave radio, I know it helped me out alot!

Must Have Every Year!
There is nothing like the Passport to World Band Radio.If you are interested in shortwave radio, you should get every edition as soon as it is available.

Excelent Shortwave Radio Guide
This publication is the best shortwave radio guide that I have come across. Super reports on various shortwave radios that are on the market, giving you information which helps in selecting your next radio. Much information about different countries and their shortwave transmissions. This is a got-to-have guide. ... Read more

Book Description
As events unfold, those wanting answers go beyond everyday sources to seek out news, opinion and perspectives direct and unfiltered. Only world band radio delivers this no matter what, and quick-access Passport to World Band Radio is the #1 seller to this market-over a million copies sold to date. Each edition is welcomed by established and emerging readers alike, as Passport delivers in nearly 600 pages what world band listeners seek: * Three-way guide to what's on from stations in dozens of countries: news, entertainment and opinion in English and other languages. All three formats: country-by-country, channel-by-channel, hour-by-hour. * Award-winning reviews of world band radios and accessories, with ratings ofdozens of models from Sony, Grundig and others. Radios for emergencies, too. * Wealth of helpful how-to articles, along with a directory of station contacts, webcasts and a glossary. This annual title keeps readers coming back year after year, making it what one chain buyer hails as a quiet bestseller. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Passport to World Band Radio, soft cover
The Passport to World Band Radio in soft cover was a very complete and informative on the subject of listening to shortwave radio from around the world.The explaninations of tech. issues were straight forward and in layman terms.The book is broken into easy to read segments covering not only product review of radio sets offered on the market and their rating of same to helpful hints on increasing your listening pleasure. A large portion of the book is devoted to frequencies and times suggested to listen to stations around the world that can be received in your area.Great book!Highly recommend reading it for your listening pleasure.

A must for shortwave listening!
After returning to the SWL (shortwave listening) hobby after several years hiatus, I'm so pleased to see that the Passport to World Band radio is still around. I based my current receiver purchase on the detailed reviews (just as I did back in 1992). The What's On Tonight serves as a good starting point for listening, and the comprehensive "blue pages" allows you to identify a station when you're just going through the bands.

Great resource
Great resource for those interested in the hobby of Shortwave Radio listening.The price including shipping and handling amounted to the same purchasing price in a book store,but with the convinience of online shopping and delivery.

Passport to World Band Radio
Being new to shortwave, I was excited to learn from various radio web sitesabout this book. After ordering and receiving it, I found out a whole lot about shortwave. The current radios on the market are written up and critiqued and evaluated by professionals. The many world band stations are listed with their broadcasting times. All of the information is very useful to me and has accelerated my interest in shortwave listening. This book is the road map for shortwave.

THE guide to shortwave listening!
I've been SWLing (shortwave listening) since I was about 8 years old. Even though there are a lot of internet resources out there for finding shortwave frequencies and broadcast times, none are as user-friendly and well designed as this book. It is your "TV Guide" to all things shortwave. In addition to the broadcast guide, Passport also has the best radio reviews, beginner's guide and articles about shortwave broadcasters around the world. If youare new to SWLing, or have just purchased a radio for someone else, the Passport to World Band Radio is a must! ... Read more