Product Description
A thorough treatment of the fundamental methods of radio frequency design using mathematics as needed to develop intuition for RF circuits and systems. You'll find emphasis on applications of simple circuit models whenever possible. Prepares readers to actually design HF, VHF and UHF equipment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good information, horrible presentation
Yes, as others have mentioned, don't let the word "Introduction" fool you. The book is full of mathematics. Maybe not very advanced mathematics, but unless you are very familiar with calculus and complex numbers, you will be lost.

My gripe with this book, is that the author doesn't seem to want to expend any effort in explaining what he's talking about. He lays out the material as if he's talking to his fellow experienced RF engineer friend. The mathemtical derivation don't have the same rigor that you would find in an academic text. The notation is confusing. Sometimes the same symbol is used to mean totally different things, sometimes in equations a few lines apart, and sometimes in the same equation!!!

I mean comon, the guy is a genius RF engineer and very well known, but if you are going to name your book an Introduction, act accordingly. So, unless you are very familiar with RF engineering, you will have a hard time following and you will find yourself going very slowly through the book in order to convince yourself of what the author is claiming.

Not to say that the experience can't be rewarding. You will definitely learn a lot. But as I said, if you are not familiar with the concepts, it will take you a long time to follow through, and that may put you off unless you have chosen RF engineering to be your career and willing to spend a great amount of time on the topic. The flow of text is also horrible at times. Transitioning from one topic to another without warning. Use headlines for God's sake.

The final gripe is: THE BOOK HAS NO EXAMPLES. No solved problems nothing. Not even unsolved problems. So after all this struggle there's no way that you can actually confirm if you understand.

I found Chris Bowick's book a lot more approachable and more entertaining. Bowick's book is lacking in mathematical rigor but that's fine as a REAL introduction.

So the conclusion is: Don't assume this can be your first and only Intro. to RF design. If you are a beginner you will spend a lot of time. Suggestion is: Don't make it your first book, or: get it with one or more other RF books.

Terrible Title
I bought "Introduction to Radio Frequency Design" because thats exactly what I was looking for. I'm your average electronics hobbyist looking for an introduction to things like oscillators, frequency synthesis, RF filters, modulation techniques and other basics that relate to designing RF circuits. What I got was a book that focuses heavily (almost exclusively) on modeling RF circuits mathematically which makes the book almost useless for me and others looking for such "introductory" material. This book assumes that you've have all the mathematical and physics training that comes with something like an electrical engineering degree, so if that describes you and your interested in maximizing your RF circuits, then this may be the book for you. But if your interested in actual introductory material to basic RF design I'd suggest you find something else.

Introduction to Radio Frequency Design
What can you say about Wes Hayward that hasn't been said already?This book should be required reading for RF/Microwave designers.It covers all the basic and fundamental subjects of RF design with insight and clarity.I particularly liked the chapter on filter theory and design, crystal filters especially.The coverage of resonant circuits in general is very good.This is a staple in my brief case and rarely spends much time on the shelf.I recommend it highly to anyone in need of a good RF design reference text.

Easy to read
This book was recommended by a fellow employee. The book is easy to read without excessive mathematics as found in a school text. It is not exhaustive but does cover some RF subject matters. This is a good book for someone that needs to learn more about the RF side of electronics.

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

info for electrical living
The ARRL handbook is always good.I got it NOT for the new technology, but for reference information (like: how much power can you pull down a given size/length of wire with how much loss [think in ohms/ft], and it is rated different depending on sheathing, in conduit, etc) rather than the 'new' information on chips and their use.

A good reference book. ... Read more

Product Description
Chronicles the exciting evolution of Amateur Radio from the pioneers who perfected the wireless art through the technical advances of the mid-1930s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A colorful segment of the history of science & technology
Radio and television broadcasters of the 21st century owe their heritage to those radio amateurs who pioneered the technology for both point-to-point two-way communication and one-way entertainment broadcastingearly in the 20th century. "Two-Hundred Meters and Down : The Story ofAmateur Radio" by Clinton B. Desoto chronicles those very early daysand exposes the fast-paced excitement of those seminal times. This is apowerful book for those hams of today seeking the roots of their modernservice in yesterday. In fact, it's excellent for anyone interested in thiscolorful segment of the history of science and technology.--Anthony R.Curtis, Ph.D., K3RXK ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

check newer edition
This is an excellent book, but check the newer edition which incorporates all the latest changes for getting your amateur radio license on amazon.com

"ALFA & ZULU" DID THE TRICK!
I have just passed the Novice and No-Code Technician tests!Not only did I pass, but I got a perfect score on the Novice and only missed one on the Technician exams.I am a person who has had no electronic or radiobackground whatsoever!The book presented just the information I needed toknow.I loved the information on one page and the questions on the next. My class was using a book that was very difficult to learn from, andwithout "ALFA & ZULU", I would have dropped out of the classand never looked back.My best friend took the test and passed as well. Again, it was thanks to "ALFA & ZULU"!

Keeps kids completely crazy for Ham radio
I am using John's book in my classroom as a year long enhancement of my third grade curriculum. The student's love to work on each lesson.This is the homework they enjoy doing so much that many have gone ahead to finishthe entire book! You should see the fantastic, unsolicited illustrationsthey have brought to class. It's a wonderful, engaging way to help kidsbecome involved with this great hobby. THANKS, JOHN!

Priceless Teaching Aid
John Abbott hits the ball out of the park with his "ALFA & ZULU" books.We have successfully used these books for the Garland Amateur Radio Club's popular "Kid's Radio Class".We cannot sayenough good things about this book. If someone is serious about teachingyoungsters the joys and wonders of wireless communication, they will have acopy of this book handy.Also recommended: "Now You're Talking!"by the ARRL.Our radio club has found this to be a 5 star text forachieving the entry level amateur radio license.

I have used this many times to help people enter HAm radio.
This is a great book for someone wanting to enter the World of Amateur Radio. Its non technical look belies its seriousness as a first rate learning tool to help people study for their entry Amateur Radiolicense.

I have used the first edition with 4 elementary school licenseclasses, and with several adult classes. The reaction-Everyone who studiedusing the text passed.

It makes learning the radio theory easy andfun.

This tool is far more user friendly than others currently on themarket.

I am now using the second edition for my school classes. Whatdoes that tell you? My students love it. It cuts throught the filler of theother texts. They can accomplish more with this text than any of theothers.

Ideas for projects and activities can be seen on eachpage.

Conrad Ekstrom WB1GXM School Advisor Gears school Rd Lempster, NH03605 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Learn to become a Tecknition
This book is great. I used it and I passed my test when I was 10. The book uses simple language to tell about HAM radio and gives the info needed to pass the test easely and tells it in a fun way. I like how it tells why things are, not just the answers to the test questions. Without Now You're Talking I never would have gotten my call sign.

Best Book for Beginners
This book is a great intro to the wonderful hobbie of Amateur Radio. A how-to book , with all the how-to's. As an Extra class Ham, this is the book I gave to my own son and daughter. They both have their call signs, and actually learned something. This is not a cheap study guide with the questions and answers only. Now You're Talking teaches the whys and what for. Good luck!!DE KK5VN

good book
with a credit card why should it take 4 weeks to be shipped out?

Greatest Ham radio Study guide
I studied Now You're Talking for one week, and passed the Technician test in 10 minutes.(That's the Novice and Tech written tests.)It makes it so easy with help and tells which questions to study after each section.

Best How To Book to become a HAM
I am an extra class ham radio operator and teach introduction to ham radio classes. I have found this book to be the best on the market for both in class use and individule study. It covers all the bases and explainseverything in simple, easy to understand terms. It also contains all of thepossible test questions so that you can practice taking the exam on yourown. If you want to become a HAM then this is THE BOOK for you! 73 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best "What's Amateur Radio??" book I've ever read
If you've ever wondered why your neighbor has more aluminum above his house than Alcoa, or thought it would be fun to talk to people around the country or world, buy this book!!

When I first thought about becoming aham, this is the volume that convinced me I could and should.Mr Helmspresents the varied world of amateur radio in a simple, informative, andhumorous manner.The best first step into a wonderful hobby that he'llshow you isn't as difficult as many think.

Best first book about Ham Radio
In comparison to other ham books, this is agreat first ham book. It's easy to understand, and it covers everything. If you already understand this stuff, get "Now You're Talking". If youalready have your license, and want technical info, by all means, buy"The ARRL Handbook"! But, if you have ANYinterest in ham whatsoever and you don't know a lotabout it, BUY THIS BOOK!!! Trust me.

The best beginner's guide to Short Wave Listening
I first read Helms when I became interested in Ham Radio.His book was an excellent introduction. This book is also first-rate. Harry makes the subject very interesting and gives a lot of practical advice. This is what I found to be the best part of his book(s). He let's you in on the secrets. It's very much like having a very experienced DX'er chatting with you and giving you friendly advice.He takes the time to explain the technical terms, the options, the 'real world' of short wave listening so that you have a very straight foreward explanation of what it's really all about. And he has strong opinions! And a sense of humor! He has stories to tell about the excitement of DX'ing and relates it very, very well. I found out more about the technical and practical aspects of short wave radio from this book than from Mange's Passport [Which is an excellent serial book] Excellent advice about selecting your first SW radio, great advice about an outside antenna, a honest discussion about the need for 'grounding' your antenna (this will surprise you because of his contrarian view and logic) This book and Mange's Passport book are all you need to enjoy this hobby and save $. ... Read more

Product Description
This unique, all-inclusive guide provides complete instructions for building a sophisticated yet low-cost microprocessor-controlled radio transceiver, as well as smaller projects such as simple frequency synthesizer and spectrum analyzer. Readers will get hands-on experience with interfacing digital and analog circuitry, fabricating circuit boards, anticipating the real-world behavior of RF circuits, and more includes circuit-board layouts, parts lists, and schematic diagrams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Disappointed in the lack of DSP
I was hoping for a discussion of a truly modern transceiver, with digital signal processing.It isn't.It's a computer-controlled analog transceiver.It doesn't even have a good quantitative discussion of the noise floor of the receiver, or any discussion, at all, of computer-controlled modulations.

The organization and writing isn't that good either.The ARRL yearbook has better projects, more clearly written, with better assembly instructions.

Hardest book I've ever read!
Well actually that was War and Peace, with The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich coming in a close second.But if those had building instructions......Excellent read, I was warming up the soldering iron before I got out of chap. 1.Needs more info on FM bands and the upper microwaves for reception though!

A half decent book
A good book, but not for beginners. I purchased the Circuit Boards from FAR Circuits and went gang busters. Found numerous mistakes throught the book. Some components are also very hard to find. The RF power transistors alone cost 100.00 US. Had to debug main oscillators and SSB oscillators as well. My friend and I have also redesigned various components to add stability. Randy's web site is gone ? So the updates and corrections are no longer available. If you know what you are doing and have access to RF generators, Scopes and the like, then this may be for you. Otherwise for a first timer there are some other kits that will be much better. (VE3SLJ). Reach me through RAC, or the Call Sign Database for questions.

Una gran ayuda al radioaficionado y a la radioaficion.
Este libro me permitio comenzar a armar un transceiver de HF (todas las Bandas) con un control con microprocesador y un osciladorsintetizado.Es un proyecto largo y un poco dificultoso pues lo que propone Randy no es un Kit de armado, es un proyecto desde cero! He tenido el apoyo personal de EL para armarlo via e-mail, y tambien tiene una pagina Web que apoya la construccion de el equipo. El hallazgo del libro fue una alegria .El libro tiene errores que son faciles de identificar con una lectura en profundidad. Yo he armado practicamente el 90 % de las plaquetas y estoy en la etapa de como poner todo en un gabinete lo cual no es poco. Es un proyecto ambicioso pero realizable y me gustaria compartir con otros las experiencias que he tenido. Creo que faltaba un libro asi, futuras ediciones si las hubiera lo podrian completar mas. Es un proyecto para encarar de a varios. END

Very informative, but unorganized.
This book has a ton of very useful and informativeinformation. However, much of the details are incorrect. The wholepremise of this book is to be able to build the project transciver in the book. There are a ton of mistakes. Schematic diagrams are often riddled with incorrectly labeled parts and do not match the circuit board layouts. This book needed to be throughly checked for errors and the corrections made. In spite of these short commings, I enjoyed reading and I'm concidering building the project transciver. I recommend buying and reading, just go slow and careful before attempting building this rig. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Book on low band Antennas
After fourty years of ham radio this book told me how to be in the top of a pile up, and did it at a price I could afford. If you like to listen to DX on these bands this is the book for you. Make sure you get the new thirdedition for the improved pitures and up dated imformation. Alex KR6G ... Read more

Product Description
Revised First Edition includes updated satellite profiles.

The most comprehensive book ever written about amateur satellites! From setting up a station and choosing the right antenna for the right satellite, to tracking the birds. Regardless of your level of experience with the ham satellites, you'll find what you're looking for in this book:


Operating
Antennas
Software
Profiles of all the active satellites
Internet Sites
FCC Rules governing the Amateur Satellite Service
A comprehensive glossary
And more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Ham Satellite Handbook
This is a MUST have IF you want to talk thru the birds! I wish I had this book when I got started with Satellite's. A big TIME saver for old Extra's,(like me), or new hams too.

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

Customer Reviews (2)

Old book
The book I received was out of date...Would not cover the test being given at this time.

It Works!
If you spend enough time using this guide to review all the questions, the CORRECT answers, you will pass.I used mainly this book for my study.I created some flash cards on some tougher items in the material.I did a lot of on-line practice exams, just search on "amateur extra practice exam"There are many sites.I really did not use the actual Extra ARRL book, even though I did buy one.This Q&A guide can get you a new ticket. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical handbook contains the following types of information: - How to build tested wire antennas 2 - 160 meters that really get out (horizontals, verticals, beams, trap antennas, ground planes, etc.) - How to build "invisible" antennas - How to build two all-purpose antenna tuners with 100 uses - How to build an efficient, inexpensive balun for optimum antenna performance and accurate SWR readings - How to build 2, 3, 4, and 5-band trap dipoles and how to construct your own efficient traps and save money - 3-band Novice dipole for 80, 40, and 15 meters with only 1 feedline - Ground plane antennas for VHF, 6, 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters - High-gain beam antennas especially suited for 2 and 6 meter FM ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Book Purchasereview
This publication is an excellent book and well recommendedthis is one of the few area's that the Radio Ham can do his own thing to get the best out of his station. The supplier Jessica's Buscuits was very prompt and well packaged. Highlyrecommended.Well done.

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
Optimum antenna design for DX. Basic Principles of vertical antennas. Base impedances and methods fo feeding and matching. Short vertical antenna considerations. Directional vertical antenna design. Theoretical aspects of vertical stacking broadband vertical antenna design. ... Read more