Product Description
The latest in DSP, cellular, and software radio design

From reception basics to cutting-edge software radio design, Communications Receivers, Third Edition brings you a storehouse of task-simplifying and task-clarifying information, examples, and tips. Written by well-known experts Ulrich Rohde, Jerry Whitaker, and Andrew Bateman, this guide covers everything from front end systems to frequency generators and controllers. Topics are thoroughly illuminated for you with hundreds of illustrations, diagrams, and mathematical equations.

You'll learn the principles and practices involved in receivers and receiver systems, antennas and antenna coupling, amplifiers and gain control, mixers, frequency, oscillators, demodulation and demodulators, digital signal processing, and much more. Discover for yourself why this resource has been prized through two editions by professionals and hobbyists for its ready-to-use insights on the theory and design of all types of communications receivers -- including shortwave, military, broadcast, and direction-finding.

This newly revised edition features:
Advances in DSP, cellular, and software radio design
Details on designing, operating, specifying, installing, and maintaining every kind of receiver in common use
Specific design approaches, circuit examples, and component specs
Help with microprocessors and logic devices
Coverage of important pulse and data operating modes
More than 250 illustrations and diagrams
Handy reference material in tables, charts, and figures
More! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Subtitle misleading
I needed a book on software radio and so I gladly bought this book when I came across it. I expected a lot of detailed information about DSP and software radio.

It's a thick book: 700 plus pages. However, DSP related contents only add up to 50 pages or so. Detailed treatment of software radio cannot be found anywhere. Even the itemized index has only one instance of 'software radio'. This book is mostly on (analog) circuit design issues for amps, mixers, oscillators, PLLs, etc.

I strongly doubt the authors' intention of using the subtitle 'DSP, Software Radios, and Design'. If you want to know more about software radio, you wouldn't get it from this book.

se ve bien
el libro se ve bastante interesante, aborda los temas de los PLL, que utilizan para generar frecuencias bastante altas, estos dispositivos son utilizados en los sistemas celulares. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides GMDSS rules, regulations and procedures Contains regulations drawn from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) A useful teaching aid for GMDSS topics,respected within the maritime industry ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This Book is Primarily for the United Kingdom, NOT USA
Were there a book like this in the same cost range for US Mariners and for US GMDSS Operator/Maintainers, life would be good. Unfortunately, Lees' book is centered about GMDSS and associated systems for use in the British Isles. And yes, there is a difference--especially if one is studying to take FCC Elements 7 and 9--which makes this book a big disappointment. On the other hand, if you are a British Lincensee or are studying to become one--or if you are looking for the one useful reference to keep on your British licensed vessel operating in sea areas A1 and A2, then this is the book for you. All in all, the book is excellent; it's just not geared for US operators. Sadly, there is no indication of this in the book's title or preface. As an American operator/maintainer, the book will fall short (this is the reason why I gave it only a 3 star rating). On the other hand, if your home town happens to be a place like Glasgow or London . . . go for it! In your situation, the book will be money well spent.

contents
about chapter 3 (distress,urgency and safety):- if you don`t mind put this chapter after chapter 9 . like this:- ch1,ch2,ch4,..ch9 ch3 .

Best Regards Ibrahim Meshari Telecommunication & Navigation InstituteNavigation Department ... Read more

Product Description
Great reference book for the amateur radio operator in your life. ... Read more

Product Description
the wave theory foundations of today's radio occultation techniques

Forty years ago, the premier radio occultation problem was how to profile the atmosphere and radius of Mars using signals sent by the Mariner 4 spacecraft. Researchers then could rely on ray theory-based techniques for accurate analysis of the thin, uniform Martian atmosphere. Today's radio occultation challenges mostly involve communications platforms-and related data, instrument systems, and applications-in the Earth's own atmosphere. To deal with the density and complexity of this multilayered medium, an analytical framework that goes beyond ray theory is needed.

Setting the cutting edge for the field, Radio Occultations Using Earth Satellites: A Wave Theory Treatment develops a purely wave-theoretic approach to occultation analysis. This approach yields more nuanced results than either ray or hybrid (ray/wave) methodologies offer, and proves suitable for the many variables at work in today's problems.

This groundbreaking text provides:
* An introduction to the general theory of radio occultations
* Development of ray theory and scalar diffraction treatments of radio propagation processes
* Development of a wave theoretic treatment of the above wave propagation processes
* The correspondence between wave and ray theories
* A discussion of how to use a wave-theoretic approach to infer the refractive properties of the propagation medium from a time series set of observations of the propagated wave's phase and amplitude

A comprehensive resource that clearly defines the latest topics and methodologies, Radio Occultations Using Earth Satellites is a must-have text for engineers, scientists, students, and managers in satellites communications, navigation, deep space and planetary exploration, aerospace, atmospheric science, physics, and engineering.

The Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series is authored by scientists and engineers with extensive experience in astronautics, communications, and related fields. It lays the foundation for innovation in the areas of deep space navigation and communications by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge in key technologies. ... Read more

Product Description
Cutting-edge, first of its kind resource gives you a comprehensive understanding of the simulation and evaluation methods used for today's mobile communication systems. Presents several invaluable simulation tools written in MATLAB code, along with clear examples that explain their use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent book
If you need simulation hints this is the book. I really recommend it.

Splendid
This book deserves my 5 stars due to its tremendous effort to illustrate how complex digital communications algorithms are actually put into "code" for applied research. Any newcomer to mobile communications will benefit extensively from reading and using this book. For practicing researchers and engineers, it provides a refreshing and often insightful revision of basic concepts, as well as exposure of newer technology such as OFDM and software radio.

I recommend this book to all digital communications engineers.

a good start for communications simulation
Harada & Prasad provide a very good working-level
understanding of how to simulate communication systems
using MATLAB.This book will appeal to advanced
undergraduate and beginning graduate electrical
engineers.It emphasizes nuts&bolts simulation, and
assumes a good working knowledge of communication
system analysis.Professionals who use MATLAB to
analyze communication systems for a living will find
the coverage fairly basic - even shallow - but the
authors well meet their goal of giving beginners a
better leg up on the process.Including their MATLAB
source code on a CD with the book may make the purchase
worthwhile all by itself. ... Read more

Product Description
If you’re a mobile communications engineer consideringsoftware radio solutions, this practical resource is essentialreading. It covers systems design and partitioning all the way fromthe antenna to the management and control software. Various optionsfor hardware are provided including a look at current and state of theart silicon technologies such as A/D & D/As, DSPs, FPGAs, RCPs, ACMs &digital frequency up/down-converters.

The book covers both TDMA and CDMA based cellular radio systems with aspecial emphasis on how the technology can solve many of the problemsfaced by 3G. A chapter detailing software architecture summarizes theJTRS and SDRF proposals and discusses potential software radiolanguages. Special coverage of smart antenna technology is followed byan implementation of a low cost software radio using off the shelfcomponents to give readers a great head start to the world of softwareradio. The book concludes with an overview of engineering designassistance software tools that are becoming so important forsuccessful developments of embedded radio products. ... Read more

Product Description
Over the past decade there have been massive advances in the areas of mobile and optical fiber communications. This unique book shows you how to combine these methods to create new radio over fiber technologies that offer seamless operation and greater multimedia application potential for your current and third generation mobile communication networks.

From the flexible, low-cost benefits of wireless LAN network constructionÂ… to the time-saving advantages of ROF (radio over fiber) network designÂ… to the universal use of one mobile base station for multiple air interface, you get sound advice on how to utilize this state-of-the-art technology for optimal performance. Key topics include basic microwave properties of optical links, optical links for remote antenna feeding, sub-carrier optical fiber transmission systems, mobile applications, WCDMA ROF for mobile microcellular communication networks, fiber optic radio networking, and ROF multiple services communication systems. Extensively supported with 150 illustrations and 300 equations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

i donot receive this package now, and i cannot review!
Dear sir:
i donot receive my package of this book unitl now,i ask my local post office last sunday and they ask me to provide the number of my package,what i can provide is my name and they tell me they cannot help me without the number of the package, would y please help me!
i need this book and i am very anxious now!
thanks for your warm help!

Not bad but could be better
Covers the basics but doesn't go into enough detail. Good cure for insomnia. ... Read more

Product Description
This authoritative, leading-edge resource gives you a comprehensive overview of sample rate conversion (SRC) and its applications in software configurable radios. The book helps you understand the limits of feasible systems for sample rate conversion, as well as the limits of interpolation. You get sound advice on selecting the appropriate types of SRC for specific applications, and assistance in handling the trade-off between hardware complexity and the clock rate of a system.

From an introduction to software radio and a refresher on the fundamentals of sampling and sample rate conversion, to discussions on block signal processing and well-known and novel structures for sample rate conversion, the book offers you practical guidance that enables you to quickly find solutions for your challenging projects in the field. This first-of-its-kind reference concludes with a list of questions that – when answered – helps to design a system for sample rate conversion. Over 890 equations and 90 illustrations support key topics throughout the book. ... Read more

Product Description

This book gives a thorough knowledge of cognitive radio concepts, principles, standards, spectrum policy issues and product implementation details. In addition to 16 chapters covering all the basics of cognitive radio, this new edition has eight brand-new chapters covering cognitive radio in multiple antenna systems, policy language and policy engine, spectrum sensing, rendezvous techniques, spectrum consumption models, protocols for adaptation, cognitive networking, and information on the latest standards, making it an indispensable resource for the RF and wireless engineer.

Customer Reviews (2)

more efficient spectrum usage
This 2nd edition is a lengthy expansion of the 1st, after only a few years. The increase reflects the wealth of progress in this field. Roughly, the last third of this book is the new material.

The chapters explore various aspects of cognitive radio and, importantly, cognitive networks. The latter do not necessarily need the use of cognitive radios as their nodes. The book makes the important point that a CN can have special nodes with enhanced processing logic that makes the network a CN.

It is useful to describe what the book omits. Specifically, the use of mesh networks of homogeneous transceivers. There has been work on this, but typically it assumes that the radios are the sole users of a frequency range. Which is all nice and well. But the book tackles the more general case where there is a secondary user [or a bunch of these], that wants to use a spectral range currently occupied by a primary user. The realm of CR is where the PU does not use all of that range all of the time. To a large extent, CR can be thought of as enabling secondary users to fit into the temporal and spatial gaps in a PU's usage.

Fette, Cognitive Radio TEchnology, 2nd Ed.
Two years ago I received my copy of Fette's First Edition, and wrote a review indicating that it would be a useful reference for participants in the maturing Software Defined Radio and emerging Cognitive Radio technology.As I pick up my copy of the original book, a massive number of bookmarks and plethora ofunderlining attest to the accuracy of that prediction.As a regular participant in the Software Defined Radio Forum's work in this area, I habitually reach for this book to understand the context of our ongoing technical work.

The Second Edition adds eight new chapters to the previous sixteen; it constrains the size of the book to an additional 206 pages by using a smaller typeface (which actually improves readability).Page composition is also improved with an appealing layout and very helpful headers: the Chapter name on the left, and section name on the facing pages.

This book is not a bedtime read; rather it is encyclopedic in its approach.Individual articles are derived from the work context of authors, who are authoritative in their own areas.Reading technical journals is made difficult (as observed by Thomas Kuhn) by the convention that the reader is fully knowledgeable about the topic under discussion.This volume takes material that would be (or already has been) published, and provides a context for it.Fette has retained his "book-end" approach, with the first and last (moved from 16th to 24th) chapters in which he explains the relevance of the material in each chapter.Then each article has introductory and conclusionary material often not included in published papers.

The new chapters address topics such as Cognitive antennas, Spectrum Sensing, Rendezvous, and Networking.They significantly increase the book's utility.In looking over the discussion of Policy-Driven CR Architecture, for example,I found myself drawn to the website of the Maude language; an excursion that provides an example of how the articles can be used as an introduction to a topic, with updates and expansions obtained by using references and browsing websites.

The classical means of making a scientific discipline clear and consistent (again according to Kuhn) is through textbooks.But the contemporary velocity of technological advancement renders that approach impractical, so this book provides timely information by not waiting for issue resolution.

There is something here for virtually everyone working in the area, from high-level overviews to mind-consuming mathematical depth.Many of our legacy information institutions are rocking from advances in (or misuse of?)Cognitive functionality (e.g. banks); this book provides valuable insight into the specific technologies that will arm us to cope with the impending information tsunami. ... Read more

Product Description
In this brand new volume, Ian Poole begins with a fine introduction to radio, suitable for almost all readers. ...the book is an excellent way for neophytes to step into radio and learn something about it. It begins with the basics and gradually brings in more advanced concepts. We recommend it as an additon to the technical libraries of intermediate-level technical readers. It is an interesting read even for the advanced engineer. - QEX July/August 2004

Ian Poole has written a fascinating guide to the technology and applications of modern radio and communications equipment. His approach provides a useful foundation for college students and technicians seeking an update on the latest technology, but each topic is introduced from the basics, ensuring that the book is equally rewarding for managers in the communications industry, sales staff, and anyone seeking to update their knowledge of this exciting and rapidly expanding area of technology.

The key areas covered by this book are:
Radio principles
Broadcasting, including Digital Radio
Private mobile radio, (PMR) including trunking and TETRA
Cellular telecommunications, including GSM and 3G
Data communications, including Bluetooth and 802.11

As well as a survey of established and cutting-edge technologies the underpinning science and electronics is introduced.

*Includes a survey of established and cutting-edge communication technologies
*Introduces the underpinning science and electronics of the subject
*Provides an emphasis on circuits and how they work ... Read more

Product Description

While 3G has been an outstanding success, the ever-growing demand for higher data rates and higher quality mobile communication services continues to fuel conflict between the rapidly growing number of users and limited bandwidth resources. In the future, a 100-fold increase in mobile data traffic is expected. That will necessitate further improvements to 3GPP LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and create limitless opportunities for engineers who understand the technology and how to apply it to deliver enhanced services.

Long Term Evolution: 3GPP LTE Radio and Cellular Technology outlines the best way to position yourself now for future success. With coverage ranging from basic concepts to current research, this comprehensive reference contains technical information about all aspects of 3GPP LTE. It details low chip rate, high-speed downlink/uplink packet access (HSxPA)/TDSCDMA EV 1x, LTE TDD, and 3G TDD. It introduces new technologies and covers methodologies to study the performance of frequency allocation schemes. The authors also discuss the proposed architecture of Mobile IPRR and distributed dynamic architecture in wireless communication, covering performance evaluation of the TD-SCDMA LTE System.

With each passing day, more and more users are demanding mobile broadband data access everywhere, to facilitate synchronization of e-mails, Internet access, specific applications, and file downloads to mobile devices such as cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, and notebooks. LTE, successor to the 3G mobile radio network, is essential to creating radio coverage in the rollout phase and high capacity all over the radio cell in the long term. The 3GPP LTE will become increasingly crucial to supporting the high demand of data traffic rates generated by future mobile user terminals. Authored by international experts in the field, this practical book is an extremely valuable guide that addresses emerging current and future technologies associated with LTE and its future direction.

Product Description

The role of mass communication in nation building has often been underestimated, particularly in the case of Mexico. Following the Revolution, the Mexican government used the new medium of radio to promote national identity and build support for the new regime. Joy Hayes now tells how an emerging country became a radio nation.

This groundbreaking book investigates the intersection of radio broadcasting and nation building. Hayes tells how both government-controlled and private radio stations produced programs of distinctly Mexican folk and popular music as a means of drawing the country's regions together and countering the influence of U.S. broadcasts.

Hayes describes how, both during and after the period of cultural revolution, Mexican radio broadcasting was shaped by the clash and collaboration of different social forces--including U.S. interests, Mexican media entrepreneurs, state institutions, and radio audiences. She traces the evolution of Mexican radio in case studies that focus on such subjects as early government broadcasting activities, the role of Mexico City media elites, the "paternal voice" of presidential addresses, and U.S. propaganda during World War II.

More than narrative history, Hayes's study provides an analytical framework for understanding the role of radio in building Mexican nationalism at a critical time in that nation's history. Radio Nation expands our appreciation of an overlooked medium that changed the course of an entire country.

Customer Reviews (1)

tune in to nationalism
This is an excellent book.It is well written and easy to read.It discusses the unique role radio played (and to some extent still plays) in the development of mexican nationality.There is extensive discussion of the role of the government in the production and regulation of radio in Mexico and from there ties in theories of nationalism.The major discussion centers between 1920 and 1950.There is some discussion of more recent movements including television; however, the stregnth of the book lies in the eariler years of radio.I found most interesting the discussion of the creation of national music.The conscious effort by the government to create a national music to build pride and solidarity.It works strongly with B. Anderson's ideas from"Imagined Communities".All in all, A great book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book begins with a summary of how radio evolved as a service, how radio productions can be conceived, some approaches to radio presentation and how these may be applied to developing content for digital transmission. Chapter one focuses on institutional radio and an introduction to some of the events that shaped radio as an industry. The emergence of Public Service Broadcasting and Commercial Radio, the events that formed them, and how radio in the community evolved are explained. Chapter two covers the notion that radio listeners of today are now consumers and users. Listeners are now familiar with functioning within a digital environment, accessing the information and may be considered co-producers. The listening habits of these listeners are explored and institutional radio-which is still functioning in a organisational model from the 50s -- will need to acknowledge the change in the listener profile and update itself. Chapter three addresses the approach to conceptualising for and "thinking radio." Chapter four covers the various production and editing processes that go into producing a radio programme.Discussions on using digital editing software and the concept of producing stereo productions with dub and splice editing techniques are included. Chapter five concludes with a look at the architecture of a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) receiver and the process of putting together text and graphics for digital radio transmission. This reinforces the fact that radio broadcasters are faced with the need to expand their perception and production skills to take advantage of the enhanced potential of digital radio. ... Read more

Product Description
When all else fails...how will you communicate?

Tools for...
Emergency or Backup Power!
Energy Independence!
Portable Energy!

With Emergency Power for Radio Communications, you will explore the various means of electric power generation from charging batteries, to keeping the lights on. This book covers the foundation of any communications installation--the power source. Use this book to plan ways to stay on the air when weather or other reasons cause a short-term or long-term power outage. Find ways to reach beyond the commercial power grid. Identify methods for alternative power generation that will work best in your particular situation, perhaps taking advantage of possibilities already on hand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I keep going back to it
Excellent read on Emergency Power! I especially enjoy the information regarding batteries and inverters. Good job!

antennas for HAMs
It was very convenient to find this book on Amazon rather than hunt around thru magazines and try to locate a store that sells it.My husband is an active HAM and this was #1 on his wish list.Product arrived quickly and in excellent shape.

Great Book
Unlike so many ARRL books, this one is written from the ground up so that people of any experience level can understand.

Mike Bryce does a great job of explaining both the intricate and the simple.Even though he's an engineer by training, he makes the material understandable to the beginner.

I highly recommend this book.If you're interested in emergency power for radio, home, or general living off the grid, this is a fabulous introduction.

Good information
Lots of good information here to keep you going when the electric power grid goes down. Or, when you just want to get your power from somewhere besides the power company. The author goes into a lot of detail in explaining the different types of solar panels, storage batteries, generators, lights and a whole lot more. I recommend this book.

The bible for living off the grid
An excellent book for those considering using solar or other alternative power sources.It's also useful for folks wanting to know how to use a generator or other sources during power failures or wiring their home for standby use.
... Read more

Product Description
This newly revised edition of an Artech House bestsellerprovides you with an up-to-date introduction to third generation (3G)mobile communication system principles, concepts, andapplications. The book clearly presents the basics of UMTS systems inone comprehensive volume, without bogging you down with advancedmathematics. The second edition includes an even more thoroughtreatment of potential 3G applications and descriptions of new,emerging technologies such as 3G System Release number 5, HSDPA, andMultimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS). It also featuresdiscussions on both 3GPP and 3GPP2 evolution paths, the specificationprocess, and future 3G upgrades.

You get a complete overview of UMTS systems, information on the latest3G technology standards, a review of the wideband CDMA air interface,network architecture details, and guidance in network planning andmanagement. Other key topics include new concepts in the UMTS network,3G system signaling procedures, 3G services and applications,modulation and coding, and standardization organizations and industrygroups. An exhaustive list of references, including key websiteaddresses, is provided in every chapter to help you gain access tofurther information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

OK
This is a pretty good overview.I wonder if the editors were lazy in this fast moving field?Although the publication date of the second edition is 2003 it seems much of the information was collected in 2001.

Very good Overview. As good as Kaaranen's book.
This book covers a general overview of 3G wireless communication systems. Content is rich and covers many concepts. Some chapters could be more detailed and some chapters gives a feeling like reading a summarized version of 3GPP specs. There is not much maths in the book and it is easy to understand both by managers, engineers and marketing guys. Diagrams are nice and text is in plain English. What is particularly good is the chapter on signaling procedures. This book is perhaps as good as Heiki Kaaranen's book. Warmly recommended.

good overview to up-to-the-minute technicals
as the author puts, this is a good introduction to 3GPP technical papers.
the author tried to organize and he succeeds most but chapters 2 to 7 denied his efforts.
these chapters are very intertwined and you may get a good map to browse thru 1st pages of these chapters after finished chapter 1.
the original papers sometimes give better illustrations, so you are strongly encourged to download from the 3GPP ftp site according to the author.
i recommend to begin with the following 3GPP documents:
(1)TR 25.990 Vocabulary
(2)simple-3GPP-Spec-Status.xls
and non-3GPP ones:
(3)[URL]
(4)[URL]
(5)[URL]

it's a book of the state of the art.
buy now!

excellent book on 3G
Excellent book on 3G communications provides good illustrations and descriptions of the technologies.The author Juha Korhonen is from Finland and is expert on mobile communications.

Highly technical description of all major facets of 3G
This book is a systematic look at 3G's component parts and underlying technologies.It is not an engineering text in that there are no formulae or engineering details with respect to signalling, capacity or performance (even though network planning considerations are addressed).

It dissects 3G, starting with principles to provide an anchor.

The table of contents shows the progression in which the author deals with 3G as a collection of components, principles and protocols: Principles of Division Multiple Access, WCDMA Air Interface: Physical Layer, Modulation Techniques and Spread Spectrum, Spreading Codes, Channel Coding, WCDMA Air Interface: Protocol Stack. Network, Network Planning, Network Management, Procedures, New Concepts in the UMTS Network, 3G Services, and 3G Applications.

Because of the technical nature of this book and the level of detail given, it's best suited for readers who are familiar with the technical underpinnings of TDMA, CDMA or GSM.The writing is clear and augmented by numerous illustrations, and each chapter ends with a list of references. The references are a strong point about this book because they are up-to-date and include books, papers and URLs.

If you are looking for engineering details this is the wrong book. If you have a background in related technologies and want to quickly get up-to-speed in 3G this is an excellent resource. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover a fun new hobby with helpful possibilities

Get directions, talk to folks overseas, or find out whether the fish are biting

Want to check out the morning news in London, help out in emergencies, or tune in to the big race? Two-way radios open up a world of possibilities - literally. This handy guide tells you about the equipment you need, fills you in on radio etiquette, shows you how to stay legal, and gives you lots of cool ideas for family-friendly radio activities.

Discover how to
* Use the right radio lingo
* Choose and operate different types of radios
* Get a license if you need one
* Communicate in emergencies
* Program a scanner
* Tune in to sporting events ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Outstanding overview for the novice or those even curious about radio
This book gives a very thorough overview of the world of radio. It discusses in detail the various radio systems in use and how to determine what radio fits your needs. There is a great deal of information on selecting radios for business use, as well as the expected discussion of Ham radio and the use of radios by government agencies and emergency services. The book can be a bit technical in some sections, but from cover to cover it provides a great overview for some interested in understanding a broad range of topics related to radios.

Scanners for Dummies
Lots of useful information for the newcomer. Covers lots of different topics. Found it very useful.

Good Background Knowledge
Good book to learn the basics of police or nascar scanning. This book isn't helpful with programing specific models but is well worth the money anyway.

Good Info
Though I have'nt finished it yet,this book joins Ward's other
books,in being easy to read and understand.
David N5SJS

Nice intro in the world of airwaves...
It must be the lurker in me...I've always been fascinated with listening to unusual broadcasts like shortwave radio and emergency frequencies.Therefore, I was happy to have the opportunity to review the book Two-Way Radios & Scanners For Dummies by H. Ward Silver.It's an excellent way to get started in this hobby (or obsession)...

Contents:
Part 1 - Making Radio a Habit, a Hobby, or a Helper: Introducing Radios and the Wireless Word; Discovering the Art and Science of Radio; Making Radio Fit Your Life
Part 2 - Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play: A Radio in Your Pocket - FRS/GMRS Radios; Breaker, Breaker - Using Citizens Band; Communicating in Emergencies; Workaday Wireless - Business Radio Services; Ladies and Gentlemen, Ships at Sea - Marine Radio; Citizen Wireless - Amateur Radio
Part 3 - Listening In - Scanning and Shortwave Listening: One Adam 12 - Scanner Basics; Scanning Public Service and Safety Radio Transmissions; Radio Aloft - Aviation Radio Transmissions; Radios in Uniform: Government Radio Transmissions; Radio in Action - Recreational Radio Transmissions; Surfing the Air World - Shortwave Listening
Part 4 - Getting Technical with Your Radio: Building Your Radio Toolbox; A Spark of Electronic Know-How; Installing Radios Right; Getting a Charge Out of Batteries; Putting Your Computer to Work; Troubleshooting Your Radio
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Radio Secrets; Ten Emergency Tips; Ten Radio First-Aid Techniques; Ten New Ways to Have Fun with Your Radio; Glossary; Index

There's not much that Silver doesn't cover in this book.He works both sides of the radio spectrum, from just listening to actually participating.If the usage of the airwaves in a particular category require having a license, he covers the requirements in order to make sure you stay legal.The basics of the hardware for each type of activity is illustrated in a very easy-to-understand fashion without getting overly technical.Same with subjects like antennas.There are some really heavy-duty scientific principles behind how antennas work and how different frequency ranges really require different antenna types.Silver is able to get you through this without the eyes glazing over...My personal favorite part of the book was on the shortwave listening.I remember listening to shortwave broadcasts from Radio Nederlands when I was young, amazed that I could be hearing stuff from the other side of the earth.This book brought back some of those same feelings.

This book is a very good way to get yourself started in the business of voice communications over the airwaves.Regardless of your leanings as a lurker or participant, you'll find what you need here to make that first contact. ... Read more