No comments about Amateur Radio Encyclopedia.

3 comments about W1FB's QRP Notebook.

1. An excellent practical book on designing simple low power ham transmitters and receivers. A little short in design theory but a good book nonetheless. Read Chris Bowick's RF Circuit Design book for more theoretical info. If you want to build simple radios and want them to work, this is the book for you.



2. This is still an enjoyable and interesting resource book for the builder and experimenter. Full of interesting circuits and ideas.
   
   Although, I would not consider this book indispensible for the QRP building enthusiast( I'd reserve that for- The Electronic Data Book for Homebrewers and QRPers by NA5N. Try KANGA US ); I would nonetheless recomend it.
   
   Price is right, very readable, does generate interest in building- has a place in my liabrary.



3. This QRP Book by Doug Demaw is a very practical and thorough explanation about Basic and Radio Frequency Electronics for everyone. Doug Demaw has left a Legacy of excellent books for Radio Amateurs and Electronic experimeters. You can learn about Electronics, Build and Test Circuits. Get a Ham license, Learn how from ARRL. I have been a licensed Ham for 62 years. Come join the fun. Steve, KI6CP

3 comments about Pirate Radio and Video: Experimental Transmitter Projects (Electronic Circuit Investigator Series).

1. This book is well-written and it gave me all the details I needed to set up my own pirate radio broadcasting station. The equipment required is cheap but the fun is big!



2. Sorry, but if you want to broadcast for more than a few feet, this book is not for you. This book is a collection of low-powered simple circuits, backed with high-powered marketing. The back cover states, "Now that the FCC has changed the laws governing pirate radio and video stations...." While there is now a low-power FM service, for which a type-accepted transmitter and license are still required, there have been no "changes" governing pirate broadcasting. It's still illegal (and fun). And there is nothing in this book that is going to save you "thousands of dollars" over commercial equipment, while giving you the same power and performance. These statements are clearly misleading and get your hopes up (and your wallets out) for something this book is not. It's unfortunate that the author, who is probably capable of doing so, did not write a book to match the promised content.



3. This book has tons of information, quite technical, not only for learning how to build, but to become familiar with how electronics involved in RF and broadcasting work, to help with insight into troubleshooting problems. Recommended!

1 comments about More Qrp Power.

1. A great book for those interested in building their own radio equipment. This is the book for easily constructed radio gear. It give parts lists for each construction project, schematics and advice in constructing each item. The operating theory of each project is fully described. If your interest is in electronic construction projects, then this is a "must have" book. It is well illustrated with pictures of each project, both in the construction stage and the finished product. It is another example of the great books published by The American Radio Relay League.

5 comments about Passport to World Band Radio, New 2006 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio).

1. 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.



2. 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!



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



4. 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.



5. I have renewed my childhood hobby of radios. I messed around with it for many months and got some good advice from the web but there is nothing like a GOOD BOOK. It has equip review of radios (receive only), antennas with detailed explanation of the who, what and why. Also it explains the world of SW or HF (shortwave or High Freq) radio listening world wide. They not only have freq and schedules ** they feature some different stations. Really quite excellent.
   
   ** Schedule and Freq: If you want the latest than get the newest version of Passport. Freq's can change over time as stations move (some times). They do this for many reasons such as interference or changing atmospheric conditions. Never the less its an excellent way to get started in the world of radio.
   
   I know SW RADIO is a little RETRO in the world of cell Phones, iPhones, iPods, Internet, WiFi Internet, satellite radio & TV and cable TV, but there is a lot of information out there on the radio. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE THRILL OF GETTING A SIGNAL CLEARLY 8,000 MILES AWAY. I enjoy making my own antenna and improving it. I also work with the fairly new DRM stations transmitting digital audio over the SW freqs. Last night I was listening to Radio Cuba (in English) and it's very interesting to hear them report US news. Can you say Propaganda.
   
   There is so much to know its daunting, but this book is great in they way they explain with out talking down to you. Even Pros that have been at it for awhile will love it. They do detailed reviews of radios, two of which I have: TenTec RX320D and the Degen DE1103.

5 comments about The World of CB Radio.

1. 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



2. 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!



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. 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!



5. 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 comments about Joe Carr's Receiving Antenna Handbook.

1. Joe Carr's Receiving Antenna Handbook is one of the best books for both the new and the more experienced listener. The book describes many antenna sytems that the average person can build and use to help in their listening. Don't be scared off by more technical books, Joe Carr takes you thru the process in easy to understand terms.Highly recommended



2. Don't be one of those people who spend big money for a deluxe communications receiver and then waste its potential by using a poorly designed, inefficient antenna system with it. For top reception from 100 kHz to 30 MHz, your receiver needs an antenna that can deliver as much signal as possible to it.

   Joe Carr's Receiving Antenna Handbook is a complete guide to high performance receiving antennas for long wave all the way to the upper end of the short-wave spectrum. This isn't some warmed-over collection of slightly modified ham radio transmitting antenna designs; instead, it is a comprehensive examination of slightly modified ham radio transmitting antenna designs; instead, it is a comprehensive examination of antennas intended specifically for receiving purposes. Among the many topics Carr discusses are:

   * The basic theory behind all receiving antennas
   * How signals propagate over long distances and how to design antennas to maximize reception distance
   * How to construct a tuned antenna for any frequency below 30 MHz
   * Special designs for indoor and limited space applications
   * Getting a good ground connection at radio frequencies
   * Safety considerations in antenna design and installation
   * Beverage, rhombic, and other directional short-wave antennas
   * Loop antennas for the AM broadcast band

   Joe Carr gives you complete construction details for each antenna. Most can be easily constructed using only wire or aluminum tubing. And you don't need to be an electronics genius to understand Joe's clear, friendly text to build one of the designs in this book. Give your receiver what it needs to pull those weak signals out of the noise-a good antenna!

   Do yourself (and your radio) a favor and purchase this book, you will not be sorry!

1 comments about The New Shortwave Propagation Handbook.

1. There will most likely be some new hobbyists who will flip through the pages of this book and think that it will be too technical for them. Actually, this book is quite user-friendly and understandable, especially the first two chapters covering the ionosphere, general propogation and the solar cycle.
   
   What will probably be the most used part of the book, particularly by beginners but also by experienced hobbyists, is the Do-It-Yourself Prediction Chart section. Here you can get an idea as to what reception conditions can be expected from specific areas of the world into a specific region of the United States (and presumably the southern part of Canada).
   
   "The New Propogation Handbook" is a great way to learn about how shortwave radio waves get to your receiver from all over the world, but it should also be thought of as a tool in the hobby of SWL as much as the "World Radio Television Handbook" or "Passport to Worldband Radio." I believe that new hams should find it particularly useful.

5 comments about Ham Radio: Simplified.

1. 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



2. If you have no previous exposure to Ham radio, then this isn't the book for you. There isn't any big picture introductory material -- page 1 starts with guidance for purchasing your ham radio rig (back in 1998). The ARRL technician class study guide has better intro material.
   
   The author does a good job of defining terms, but many terms which need defining are missed (or not defined soon enough). For example, 'DXing' is mentioned 15 times before it is defined on page 24. The density of new terms is challenging -- even if they were all defined the first time they were used.
   
   Instead, this should be the first book you buy after receiving your technician class license. It is full of information and advice, but you simply can't start from zero with this book.



3. Good review or initial exposure to ham radio. This is a great starting point.



4. I found the book was ok as an introduction to the area, but insufficient to prepare for a licensing exam.



5. Ham radio overview should have been the title. This book is all bones and no meat and would be a waste of money to even a beginning ham.
   I would highly recommend "Ham Radio for Dummies", which in my opinion, is the best book out ther for beginners and as a reference.

3 comments about Build Your Own Low-Power Transmitters: Projects for the Electronics Experimenter.

1. Great book! It is the backbone of transmitting and receiving. If you want to learn how to build or how transmitters and receivers work get this book!! The only thing I don't like is the designs are not that up to date, but you need to know them to build better transmitters / receivers. This is a great book for getting into RF. The best part is you can build everything!!



2. This is a very disappointing book. The preface promises "All projects use standard parts and have been thoroughly tested, with PC board layouts given for most the projects, as well as parts lists, coil data, and complete setup information." However, the only time it delivers all this information is when the transmitter in question is a kit from a certain vendor in New York State. For everything else, the information supplied is minimal at best.
   
   For instance, Chapter 16 (Low-Power Narrowband FM Transmitters) provides a schematic for a ¼ watt amateur 2 meter FM transmitter that completely omits data on all coils, inductors, etc. in the design. There's no parts list, no PC board layout, and minimal description of the circuit. The chapter goes on to describe a UHF transmitter based on an obsolete integrated circuit.
   
   Now I can't fault the authors for including a design based on an obsolete chip. The chip was probably in full production when this chapter was written. However, omitting the coil data for the 2 meter transmitter is unacceptable.
   
   Chapters describing the various transmitter kits are chock full of information. There's also some interesting chapters on FM stereo generation and serial data remote control. However, on a whole, the book leaves out a lot of detail on the transmitters I bought it for. I would have been better off looking for a suitable ARRL publication.



3. The projects in this book are very hard to complete. Don't buy it unless you are really familiar with advanced electronics.