Radio Society of Great Britain Reference Books

Nano VNAs Explained

"Nano VNAs Explained" by Mike Richards, G4WNC is a practical guide to Nano Vector Network Analyzers for new users or those who occasionally use their NanoVNA. If you are considering buying a NanoVNA or already own one, this book will ensure that you get the most from these incredibly useful devices. Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) have traditionally been out of reach for most radio amateurs because of cost, but the introduction of low-cost NanoVNAs has changed this. VNAs are incredibly useful in measuring antennas, but they are capable of much more! However, getting the most out of these devices is not as easy as it could be and this book, "Nano VNAs Explained" by Mike Richards, G4WNC fills in the gaps for the casual NanoVNA user. Broken into two parts, "Nano VNAs Explained" by Mike Richards, G4WNC will show you the basics of the use of a VNA and then expands on that knowledge to get much more from these handy devices. Part One Introduces you to the essential elements such as smith charts, S parameters and calibration while avoiding the associated complex math. Computer control is available for the NanoVNA and you will find a section on how to make the most of the available software. Alongside these 'how-to guides' Mike also analyzes the different NanoVNA hardware models and details about updating their firmware. Part Two gives practical examples of a wide range of VNA-based measurements. Besides a section on antennas, you will find guides to ATU settings, feeder loss, resonant stubs, time-domain reflectometry (TDR), RF switches and relays, passive filters, active filters, amplifiers, attenuators, directional couplers, RF taps, common mode chokes, baluns, ununs, splitter/combiners, crystals and cable checkers. Detailed illustrations, combined with step-by-step guides to each measurement, will increase your chances of achieving accurate results. Order a copy of "Nano VNAs Explained" by Mike Richards, G4WNC from DX Engineering and start getting the most out of your NanoVNA!

4.75 out of 5 stars ( 4 )

$30.99

Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-7300

The ICOM IC-7300 radio is one of the best-selling radios of recent years, but as an owner or potential buyer, are you aware of all the features it has and how to get these set up and achieve the potential of the radio? This revised edition of the "Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-7300" includes the new features added in the v1.40 firmware update. The 168-page paperback is a practical guide to get the most out of your radio. This book doesn't simply duplicate the manuals that describe each button, function, and control; it's a "how to do it" book with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. The new features in this updated book include the very helpful FT8 Preset. It can be used for all external digital modes, scrolling the spectrum display if you tune off the edge of the currently displayed span, four fixed edges for the FIX display, using the MULTI control to step through memory channels, the ability to temporarily allocate one of 15 transceiver adjustments to the MULTI knob, and the ability to apply custom functions to four of the front panel buttons, and two microphone buttons. The guide certainly doesn't stop here, as there are also sections on troubleshooting, reviews of modifications that some have made, links that will extend your knowledge further, and much more. On opening the box of the ICOM IC-7300, you may be surprised by how many settings and controls there are to learn. The inclusion of the panadapter or band-scope marks out the radio as being excellent value, but there's a lot more. The radio has VOX (voice operated transmit switching), a built-in antenna tuner, coverage of the 6m (50MHz) and 4m (70MHz) amateur radio bands, a voice keyer, RTTY and CW keyer memories, and an RTTY decoder. These all need effort to set up well—and the easy-to-understand tips and explanations provided are invaluable in doing so. There are guides to setting up the various operating modes, and the section on setting up the PC software digital mode program for FT8 will be the first turned to by many. Get the most from your IC-7300 radio with this detailed, model-specific guide.

4.89 out of 5 stars ( 9 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-710

The Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-710 by the well-known author Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, is another great book in his Radio Today series that brings you the practical guide to getting the most out of this highly rated transceiver. The Yaesu FT-710 is a 100W transceiver which takes advantage of the latest and advanced digital RF technology. The Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-710 is not simply a 'rehash' of the Yaesu User Manual, nor does it try to replace it. If you own a Yaesu FT-710 or are interested in how they work before buying one, this highly illuminating guide covers this versatile transceiver. Any FT-710 owner or potential owner should not be without this book. The FT-710 replaced the FTdx1200 as Yaesu's entry-level HF transceiver. With the narrow price difference between the FTdx10 and the FT-710, Andrew not only looks at its features, but examines what you miss out on and what new features are included, alongside a practical and easy-to-understand guide to getting the most out of this transceiver. Starting with the most obvious difference that the FT-710 is an SDR, Andrew explains how this is used in practice, along with the SDR transmitter. This book doesn't stop with the technical aspects, it includes comprehensive pages about setting up this transceiver for typical usage. Andrew also includes a practical guide to the touch screen display and function menus and goes into detail on how to use them and get the most out from them. There is much more included in this comprehensive book, be sure to order your copy from DX Engineering!

4.5 out of 5 stars ( 2 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-705

The ICOM IC-705 is one of the most exciting radios released in recent years. The leap forward in function compared to what was available before is enormous, but can you get the most out of the myriad of features it has? "Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-705," by hugely popular author Andrew Barron, ZL3DW provides exactly what you need to make the most out of this radio—a practical guide to setting it up and operating. The ICOM IC-705 is a groundbreaking SDR amateur radio transceiver that covers 160m-70cm. Designed to be easily portable, this QRP radio has a 4.3 in. color touch screen spectrum display, a built-in GPS receiver, Bluetooth, and D-Star, among other features. So how do you get the most out of these features or set up the digital mode software, such as WSJT-X, Fldigi, MixW, CW Skimmer, or MRP40, to mention a few? That's where this 224-page paperback comes in. If you want a straightforward guide to hooking the radio to your windows PC or a simple guide to the CS-705 software, you'll find it here, along with tips and much more. The book doesn't duplicate the manuals which describe each button, function, and control—but is a "how to do it" book with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. For example, it reduces the 3-chapter, 81-page guide to setting up D-Star on the FT-705 in the ICOM manual to a comprehensible and practical 25 pages of how to set up and use D-Star in real life. Enjoy practical insight that's a must for every owner or potential purchaser.

3.0 out of 5 stars ( 3 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTDX10

"The Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTDX10" provides a practical and easy-to-understand guide to these great radios. The Yaesu FTDX10 is much more than just a cutdown version of the Yaesu FTDX101, as some might think. Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, again brings you the practical guide to getting the most out these highly rated transceivers. In common with all the other books in the Radio Today series, this 208-page paperback is not simply a rehash of the Yaesu User Manual, nor does it try to replace it. For example, the author explains not just what the control does, but also how and when to use it. Employing the same cutting-edge Hybrid SDR (Software Defined Radio) receiver architecture as the FTDX101, the author explains how to get the most from the FTDX10. You're also offered tips on how the author set up his FTDX10 and his real-world experiences. You'll find information on a huge array of functionality, physical features, connections, interfaces, and more alongside the incredibly useful troubleshooting guide. From the full-color 5 in. touch screen display to the rear panel connectors, the answers are provided. If you own a Yaesu FTDX10, or are just interested in how they work before buying one, the Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTDX10 provides a highly illuminating book. No owner or potential buyer should be without a copy. These are great radios and Andrew, ZL3DW, provides the insight into its features and how achieve their full potential.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 2 )

$32.99

International Microwave Handbook - 2nd Edition

The microwave bands are a very popular part of the amateur radio spectrum. They provide the space to experiment with many of the modern modes of transmission and—with the availability of high performance components, kits, and ready-built units—there's ample opportunity for everyone to take advantage of these interesting bands. The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), in partnership with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), has produced this second edition of the "International Microwave Handbook." As before, this book provides reference information and designs from around the world of microwaves. Material has been drawn from many sources, including the RSGB journal RadCom and the ARRL publications QST and QEX. Alongside this, a truly international range of material from radio amateurs has been sourced from countries such as Germany, Slovenia, Australia, South Africa, USA, UK, and many others. The 544-page paperback contains invaluable reference material for those who want to understand these exciting bands. The fundamental principles used to design and construct equipment for the microwave bands are all covered. Techniques and devices lead the reader to understand the wide range of modern components and equipment available that can reasonably be used by radio amateurs; these range from those that can be used by most radio amateurs, to those that require a high degree of skill. The new second edition of "International Microwave Handbook" has been overhauled and updated to incorporate the many advances that have led to an easier and more cost-effective entry onto the microwave bands. For those considering the move to the microwave bands or those already active, this book is the best guide to an exciting area of amateur radio.

Not Yet Reviewed

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-991A

The Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-991A, by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, is not simply a 'rehash' of the Yaesu User Manual, nor does it try to replace it. If you own a Yaesu FT-991A, or you are just interested in how they work before buying one, this highly illuminating guide is something no owner or potential buyer should be without. The Yaesu FT-991A transceiver has proved to be a very popular transceiver in recent years. It's not hard to see why, this compact radio with a full color display delivers up to 100W on SSB, CW, AM, FM, Packet and C4FM Digital on the 160-6m, 2m and 70cm bands. However, are users getting the best from everything that this radio has to offer? That is where well-known author Andrew Barron steps in with another book in his Radio Today series that brings you the practical guide to getting the most out this highly rated transceiver. The FT-991 was released in 2015 and the FT-991A replaced it in 2016. The major difference between the two models is that the FT-991A has a 'real time' spectrum scope with a multi-colored waterfall display. Andrew not only looks at the features that are included in this radio but it is presented alongside a practical and easy to understand guide to getting the most out of this radio. The big advantage of the FT-991A is that it is considered a "shack in a box" as it provides all-mode coverage of the 2m and 70cm bands, as well as the HF bands. This gives you FM repeaters, VHF or UHF DX, Satellites, System Fusion, or Wires-X, all of which come in for the same Andrew Barron treatment - a practical guide to using them and making the most of them. There's much more included in the Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FT-991A that makes this a comprehensive guide to this great radio.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTdx101

The Yaesu FTdx101D and FTdx101MP transceivers are superb and highly rated radios, but if you own one or are considering buying one, are you aware of all the useful features and how achieve the full potential they offer? This is where the "Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTdx101" comes in. In common with all the other books in this Radio Today series, the 208-page paperback provides a practical and easy-to-understand guide to these great radios. Covering both the Yaesu FTdx101D and FTdx101MP transceivers, this book does not simply duplicate the manuals that describe each button, function, and control, but is a 'how to do it' book. From the front panel that's dominated by the full-color 7 in. touch screen display … to the VFO tuning knob, the book describes the use of the 'proper' buttons and knobs, alongside setting the myriad of touch screen controls. The function screen alone displays a bewildering array of 29 options, including several 'Soft Keys' that access deeper menu layers. This guide describes what's needed from these options to get you operating the radios at their best. Yaesu FTdx101 is described as a contest-grade transceiver identical to cutting edge Hybrid SDR receivers to ensure top-of-the-range IMD (intermodulation distortion) performance. The practical use of these is described, as is much of the book, in a step-by-step style. This book certainly does not stop here, with over 20 sections on setting up, different modes, troubleshooting, and even a Quick Reference Guide. The Radio Today Guide to the Yaesu FTdx101 provides an easily understood insight into the setup and operation of these great radios that every owner or potential buyer will find invaluable.

4.75 out of 5 stars ( 4 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-R8600

The Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-R8600 by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW The Icom IC-R8600 is widely regarded as one of the premier receivers available today. However, as with any sophisticated radio, maximizing its potential requires a deep understanding of its features. In The Radio Today Guide to the IC-R8600, Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, delves into the unique aspects that make this receiver exceptional. The Icom IC-R8600 offers the best of both worlds: it functions as a desktop receiver with traditional buttons and knobs, and it can also be connected to an SDR program on your PC or an external SDR receiver, providing the same capabilities as many 'black box' SDR receivers on the market. Few desktop receivers can match the IC-R8600's band scope, spectrum, and waterfall display. Notably, the IC-R8600 is ranked fifth on the prestigious Sherwood Engineering website, where Rob Sherwood has been benchmarking amateur radio transceivers and receivers for many years. As with all of Andrew Barron's books, The Radio Today Guide to the IC-R8600 does not merely replicate the manual's descriptions of each button, function, and control. Instead, it serves as a practical "how-to" guide, offering easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. Whether you already own this receiver or are considering purchasing one, this guide is the best resource to ensure you get the most out of your Icom IC-R8600.

Not Yet Reviewed

$31.99

The CW Way of Life

"The CW Way of Life," written by the well-known Morse Code enthusiast Chris Rutkowski, NW6V, is a revelation for anyone trying to learn the code. Chris explains the techniques for familiarizing yourself with the dits and dahs of Morse Code, along with a fascinating guide to CW (Continuous Wave) from a unique personal perspective. The CW Way of Life provides a complete, self-contained Morse code learning system that requires no computers or special equipment. It combines techniques dating back to the time of Morse with modern deliberate training principles to create a guide like no other. Broken into nine chapters, The CW Way of Life takes the reader on a journey from the theory, the learning, the key, and the user before moving on to code talking, reading and writing, the code itself, the 'lingo,' and finally advanced keying. Every step is dealt with in detail, and you will find those practical steps combined with practice drills that really bring the code to life. Chris also provides anecdotes about his life with Morse and shows just how consuming this fascinating skill can become. This book is more than a Morse 'how-to' book; it is a deep dive into how it works and how you work when you study it. Nothing beats practice when it comes to learning Morse Code, but The CW Way of Life is there to provide the inspiration to do just that. This book is an easy read that is designed to encourage you to take up Morse code and perhaps adopt a 'CW way of life.'

Not Yet Reviewed

$30.99

Elimination of Electrical Noise

Electrical noise is a problem for most radio amateurs today and many are forced off the radio bands because of it. Don Pinnock, G3HVA, is a firm believer that radio amateurs not be forced from the air, but should deal with these problems instead. This new second edition of "Elimination of Electrical Noise" tells of Don's personal experiences in doing this—and provides solutions to noise problems that will help many. "Elimination of Electrical Noise" details the various types of noise 30kHz to 30MHz, from computers to electrical light fittings and much more. Faulty or maladjusted machinery or electronic devices can produce so much interference that normal reception is considerably affected. Computers are almost an essential in a modern shack. New to this edition is a chapter on how to reduce or eliminate noise from the computer equipment itself and from the numerous interconnecting leads. Even equipment operating below or close to International Standards can generate enough electrical noise to severely reduce the chances of a nearby amateur being able to enjoy his chosen hobby. In "Elimination of Electrical Noise," Don describes how to track down a noise source, how to deal with it at its source, and how to put up defenses in your own station to reduce noise entering via the mains wiring. He reports on his own experiments with selecting wire antennas that have the potential for increased immunity to external noise. And for those looking for a new house, there's advice on how to choose it from the point of view of noise. If you suffer from electrical noise problems, Don's experiences and advice may well provide the solution you are looking for. "Elimination of Electrical Noise" provides the help you may need to take charge, tackle that noise problem, and get the most from your hobby.

Not Yet Reviewed

$15.99

Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-9700

"The Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-9700" is the third in this series of books aimed at getting the most out of your radio. It's written in the same style as the other books, a practical guide to enjoy the full flavor of possibilities with the groundbreaking IC-9700. The radio is the first full power, multi-mode, VHF/UHF amateur radio transceiver to be based on SDR technology. It's a transceiver for VHF and UHF DX operation, working satellites, EME, and repeater operation, supporting both traditional FM repeaters and D-Star digital. Author Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, an acknowledged SDR expert, highlights the myriad options available to ICOM users—many of which have never been available on VHF/UHF transceivers before. As usual, this book does not duplicate the manuals which describe each button, function, and control; it's a "how to do it" book with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. All of the great new features included in the IC-9700 can make it quite a complicated radio to configure and operate, but this 160-page paperback covers every control and menu setting and explains how to get the most from this truly remarkable radio.

3.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$32.99

Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-7610

Within a few short months of the launch the ICOM IC-7610 radio, it became a best-seller and one of the most popular radios on the market today. This SDR-based radio has simply become the measure by which other radios are being judged. However, getting the most from this radio, as it is for many new radios, is increasingly difficult. In "Radio Today Guide to the ICOM IC-7610," Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, an acknowledged SDR expert, highlights the myriad options available to users of this fabulous radio. On opening the box of the IC-7610, you'll be excited and surprised by how many settings and controls there are to learn. This should not deter you, as this is where this informative book comes in. From the first steps with the panadapter display and its 'FIX' spectrum display mode (where you can see the whole band or just a section of the band, such as the CW segment), the book guides you. The biggest advantage the IC-7610 offers over its rivals at a similar price level is the two completely independent receivers, so Andrew explains the changes this makes to the way you operate the radio. The touch screen controls are explained so you get to know the radio through using it and through delving into every control and menu setting. There are tips on troubleshooting, guides to particular modes of operation, and much more.

4.0 out of 5 stars ( 3 )

$32.99

Handbook of Radio Communication 15th Edition

The RSGB Handbook of Radio Communication 15th Edition, now edited by Ed Durrant, G8GLM/DD5LP, has undergone its most extensive update in several years, revising all 25 chapters. This book covers a diverse range of Amateur Radio topics, such as Propagation, Antenna Basics, Measurements and Test Equipment. Readers will also find chapters on Transmitters and Transceivers, both HF and VHF, alongside chapters covering EMC, Basic components, Morse Code, Data modes, QRP (Low Power Operating), Software Defined Radio (SDR) and even the use of computers in the shack. The chapter on the Great Outdoors has been completely rewritten and now provides a concise, up-to-date chapter covering current options to help those new to portable operations get off to a great start in this expanding part of the hobby. A recent addition to this revision is a chapter covering the building instructions for the new Islander-3 receiver. The chapter on Transmission Lines takes a deeper dive into the working theory of this important topic. With 752 pages, the RSGB Handbook of Radio Communication, 15th Edition, remains the ultimate reference manual for understanding Amateur Radio technologies, old and new. The publishers offer this new 15th Edition book in two formats: a durable hardcover copy and an economy-minded paperback.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$65.99

Work the World With D-Star

"Work the World With D-Star" by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW provides a no-nonsense approach to this popular operating mode and gives you a 'what you need to know and how to do it' overview to getting started. D-Star (Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio) is a digital voice and data protocol that is now well established, but it remains a mystery for many people. "Work the World with D-Star" is a practical guide that explains the steps that you need to follow to make your new D-Star transceiver work through your local repeater or hotspot. There are new terms to discover, including dashboards, reflectors, gateways, hotspots, and Echo and acronyms like AMBE+2, DR, DV, CS, and MMDVM. This book covers how to link to a reflector and what to say when you are making your first calls. If you are using a hotspot, you can link to a reflector using the hotspot's Pi-Star dashboard or by using the functions on the transceiver, or use PC software or a phone app. There is guidance on MMDVM (multi-mode digital voice modem) 'hotspots' and step-by-step instructions for configuring the Pi-Star modem. Information on the D-Star data structure and the advantages and disadvantages of digital voice technology over FM and other digital voice modes such as System Fusion, DMR, and P25 is also discussed. "Work the World with D-Star" even includes programming instructions for some popular Icom D-Star radios such as the ID-52A, ID-51A +2, IC-705, and IC-9700. Included in this handy reference, are Andrew's guiding thoughts on "which is best", and "what should I buy?". Operating a D-Star transceiver may be a little more difficult than operating an FM transceiver but "Work the World with D-Star" guides you through this, so, that with a D-Star transceiver and a repeater or a hotspot, you will soon be able to 'work' amateur radio stations all over the world.

Not Yet Reviewed

$32.99

Stealth Antennas 3rd Edition

Since it was first published, "Stealth Antennas" has become the must-have antenna book for everyone who wasn't living in acres of land. This 3rd Edition has been expanded and updated and now contains all-new case studies, a commentary on FT8 and FT4, a design for a 2m Slim Jim, and a number of new commercial antenna reviews. Written by acknowledged antenna expert Steve Nichols, G0KYA—who himself lives in a challenging environment for antennas—this 240-page paperback remains the solution for those of us with tiny postage stamp-size gardens, intolerant neighbors, planning permission problems, or living in apartments. Beginning with fascinating real-life case studies, you'll see what can be achieved with the dozens of original and ingenious ideas this book contains. It ranges widely across antennas for the roof or loft space, low profile external antennas, and even really stealthy antennas. There are receive antennas, top band antennas, and reviews of a host of commercially available antennas that might provide exactly the right solution for your situation. "Stealth Antennas" does not neglect VHF/UHF antennas, which can be easier to conceal because of their small size compared with HF antennas—but what are the effects of mounting a VHF antenna in the loft? This is discussed here, as is the fear of interference and other EMC issues which are not forgotten, with a whole chapter dedicated to avoiding interference and EMC. Aimed at everyone who has restricted spaces for antennas or feel they are radiationally-challenged, "Stealth Antennas" should persuade anyone with an amateur radio license that they can still work the world.

4.5 out of 5 stars ( 2 )

$31.99

Amsats and Hamsats

"Amsats and Hamsats" is simply the most comprehensive guide available on how you communicate through amateur radio satellites—and how to receive signals from other small satellites and 'weather' satellites. Written by best-selling amateur radio author Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, here's the answer to everything you wanted to know about this exciting world of satellites. The 368-page paperback begins by answering questions like, 'how do satellites stay in orbit' and 'why are they so expensive to launch?' … before moving onto sections about the history of amateur radio satellites, the mathematics governing orbits, different types of satellites and their orbits. It covers the equipment you need to track and use the amateur satellites and some of the satellite-tracking software that's available. There are detailed sections covering feeders, masthead preamplifiers, antenna systems, and automated rotator control. You'll read details about FUN cube Satellites, Weather Satellites and even the International Space Station. If you want to know the art of the possible and what satellites are available, where they are, new ones that are planned, and even the bands you can operate, "Amsats and Hamsats" has the answers. There's much more included, as this book provides the ultimate guide to operating satellites.

Not Yet Reviewed

$32.99

Radio Today guide to the Xeigu X6100

"Radio Today guide to the Xeigu X6100" by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW Everyone may not be familiar with the Xeigu X6100, but this Chinese-manufactured QRP transceiver boasts impressive features and capabilities. Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, has once again crafted a practical guide to help you maximize your experience with this radio. Unlike the typical user manual, the "Radio Today guide to the Xeigu X6100", part of the Radio Today series, goes beyond a mere rehash. This book serves as a comprehensive "how-to" guide, walking you through the setup and operation of the transceiver. It delves into the often-overlooked features like the CW, PSK, and RTTY decoder. Andrew also shares some personal configuration tips, which you can choose to adopt or adapt according to your preferences. This guidance is particularly valuable since many of these features aren't readily apparent in the product's sales information or the provided user manual. The Xeigu X6100 stands as a full Software Defined Radio (SDR). Its receiver is designed with a Quadrature Sampling Detector (QSD), and the transmitter utilizes a Quadrature Sampling Exciter (QSE), like the highly regarded Elecraft KX3 SDR. Andrew's book covers a wide range of topics, including functionality, physical attributes, connections, interfaces, and more. It even offers a troubleshooting guide that can be incredibly useful. From the vibrant 4" display to the connectors on the rear panel, Andrew provides comprehensive insights. Whether you already own a Xeigu X6100 or are considering one for purchase, the "Radio Today guide to the Xeigu X6100" offers illuminating guidance. These radios are exceptional, and Andrew's expertise shines a light on their extensive feature set. Any owner or prospective buyer should consider this guide an essential addition to their collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$30.99

Successful Wire Antennas

Written in an accessible style, "Successful Wire Antennas" is part of the hugely popular family of Practical Wire Antennas books published by the Radio Society of Great Britain. It has much more content than predecessors, and many subjects get covered for the first time or in much greater detail than before. The chapter on vertical antennas runs to 49 pages alone, covering a huge array of vertical antennas—from the standard quarter-wave vertical through extended quarter-wave verticals and their matching, shortened verticals, vertical dipoles, folded verticals, quarter-wave slopers, 5/8-wave verticals, the ever-popular inverted-L, the 'T' vertical for 160m, end-fed half-wave verticals and vertical Zepps, J-poles, wire verticals for DXpeditions, a vertical Moxon wire beam, a wire vertical Yagi design, the use of fishing poles as supports for efficient vertical wire antennas, kite-supported verticals and the use of radials. Much more is contained, and the old favorites have not been forgotten, as we go back to the original words used by Louis Varney, G5RV, to describe his eponymous antenna—as well as providing a 21st century analysis of it. Also covered are use of antenna modelling programs such as EZNEC, which make it possible to predict the gain, azimuth and elevation patterns, feed impedance and SWR of an antenna design, as well as the effects of different types of earth on the antenna. The 240-page paperback even includes many examples of the results of computer modelling of the antenna designs featured. "Successful Wire Antennas" is of inestimable value to radio amateurs worldwide, whatever their level of experience may be. Free from any difficult mathematics, this book is a lavishly illustrated guide to building wire antenna systems that will be successful for you!

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$31.99

Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-905

The Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-905 by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW. The Icom IC-905 is a remarkable transceiver with an innovative design that makes the microwave bands accessible to a broad range of amateur radio operators. To fully utilize this radio, it is essential to understand the challenges of operating at super-high frequencies. The Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-905 by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, is here to assist you. This guide goes beyond the information provided in the supplied manuals. It serves as a comprehensive user's guide, offering step-by-step instructions on setting up and operating the radio across various modes, all from an operator's perspective. It includes detailed descriptions on configuring the transceiver for SSB operation, along with all relevant menu settings. Additionally, it provides instructions for CW, FM, RTTY, and DV (D-Star) operation, as well as guidance on using popular external digital mode programs, including WSJT-X for JT65 and FT8. For those interested in operating through the Es'hail-2 (QO-100) geostationary satellite transponders, a dedicated chapter covers this complex topic. The IC-905 builds on the success of the IC-7300, IC-705, and IC-9700. Its controller is the same size as the IC-705, featuring a similar touchscreen display and nearly identical front panel layout. While the menu and function screens are alike, the internal components differ significantly. The IC-705 is a portable transceiver with internal batteries, whereas the IC-905 lacks RF modules or batteries, with all radio stages housed in an external RF unit. If this is your first SDR radio, you will appreciate the excellent spectrum and waterfall display. The 'FIX' spectrum mode, which allows you to preset the spectrum display to show a band segment up to 50 MHz wide on the high bands, is another exciting feature. There is much more to discover, and Andrew Barron provides all the necessary insights. Whether you already own or are considering purchasing the Icom IC-905 for microwave operation or local repeater communication, this guide is the ideal resource for understanding its cutting-edge SDR technology, controls, and features.

Not Yet Reviewed

$31.99

Novel Antennas

Radio amateurs, to one extent or another, all experiment with antennas to get the best performance they can. But few have ever considered anything beyond the basic antenna designs. "Novel Antennas" tries to set that right with a myriad of 'novel' designs from around the world. What is a novel antenna anyway? This book does not include designs for standard Yagis, quads, quarter-wave verticals, horizontal loops, delta loops, magnetic loops, off-center-fed dipoles, or any of the more standard antenna designs that are found elsewhere. Although you won't find a standard dipole in this book, you will find the choke dipole; magnetic loops tuned by a variable inductance or a novel home-made capacitor rather than the usual vacuum variable; the Super Moxon, which adds a pair of directors to the standard Moxon Rectangle design; an orthoganally steered receive antenna that provides incredible levels of rejection of interfering signals; the homemade Wonder Whip for QRP portable operation; a mobile antenna that can double as a car roof rack—and, yes, the original Spiderbeam construction project described by its designer. Probably the most novel antenna in the 192-page paperback is the PICaYAGI by Peter Rhodes, G3XJP. This is a major constructional project in which the physical length of the elements are automatically adjusted to provide not just monoband but mono-frequency performance. Originally published in the Radio Society of Great Britain's journal RadCom, this is the first time it has appeared in print, in full. "Novel Antennas" ensures novel commercially made antennas are not excluded either, and independent reviews can be found of the unusual-looking Bilal Isotron antennas; the OptiBeam OBW10-5, which combines a 5-element driver cell with both Moxon and Yagi-type elements in a novel hybrid design; InnovAntennas' new Opposing Phase Driven Element System (OP-DES) and Loop Fed Array (LFA) designs, and several others. With material included from no less than 57 different authors, the book shows the ingenuity of radio amateurs around the world knows no bounds. With designs from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and even El Salvador, there will be something of interest to all antenna experimenters.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 3 )

$31.99

Work the World with DMR

"Work the World with DMR " by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW is a "must-read" book for anyone either interested in DMR or simply looking to expand their knowledge of the subject. "Work the World with DMR " by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW will help you to become familiar with the complex terminology used with DMR, purchase and program a DMR radio, configure and use a DMR hotspot, use DMR repeaters, talk groups to making your first calls and much more. As many will have already discovered, getting started in Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) can be tricky. This book from well-known author Andrew Barron, ZL3DW provides his usual practical approach to the subject and provides the information you need to get started with this exciting digital voice technology. The practical approach in this book explains the steps that you need to follow to make your new DMR radio work on your local repeater or hotspot to make contacts around the globe. Amateur Radio DMR is not as simple as entering a couple of frequencies and setting a CTCSS tone the way you would for an FM radio, you can expect a steep learning curve, but that's where this book will be the most helpful. You will discover new terms such as dashboards, zones, receive groups, color codes, code plugs, hotspots, Parrot, talk groups, and time slots. You will also learn popular acronyms like MMDVM, CPS, IPSC2, DMR-MARC, TGIF, and DMR+. You will learn about MMDVM (multi-mode digital voice modem) 'hotspots', popular accessories and information about their use and configuration. You will also find coverage of duplex hotspots and perhaps the familiar simplex hotspots, including a section on how to assemble a hotspot from a kit, a Raspberry Pi, and an SD card and step-by-step instructions for configuring the Pi-Star hotspot operating system. Learn about DMR and how to get started by ordering a copy of "Work the World with DMR " by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW from DX Engineering today!

Not Yet Reviewed

$32.99

Modern Data Modes

Modern Data Modes, edited by Steve Telenius-Lowe, PJ4DX, is a guide to using WSJT-X, JTDX, Fldigi, FT8, FT4, PSK, JS8, VarAC and other modes. Based on the Radio Today Guide to HF Data on FT8 & PSK using WSJT-X and Fldigi, Modern Data Modes has been updated with new material for 2023 and includes new sections on JTDX and MSHV and features additional sections on FT4 and the keyboard-to-keyboard mode VarAC. The world of Amateur Radio data modes has seen tremendous growth and fast-paced development in recent years. Amateurs have turned to HF data on FT8 and PSK and are surprised to find lots of activity when using the weak signal modes offered by WSJT-X. Modern Data Modes starts by explaining how to set up a modern digital modes station using just a PC and a transceiver and provides detailed and practical discussions to explain the monitoring and operating procedures required. The WSJT-X 2.0 software, along with other weak signal modes such as JTDX, MSHV and the wider and comprehensive Fldigi mode are covered in this comprehensive guide. You will find detailed explanations on FT8 contest modes, 'Fox and Hound' mode and FT4. There is also expanded content that covers keyboard-to-keyboard modes, JS8 and VarAC and covers setup, configuration, to operating these powerful modes and includes in depth technical concepts such as Forward Error Correction (FEC), Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC) and Fourier analysis. If you are interested in using data modes for the first time, or simply widening your knowledge, this book provides the answers in a simplified manner using diagrams and terms that are familiar to most radio amateurs. Simply put, if you need a guide to using WSJT-X, JTDX, Fldigi, FT8, FT4, PSK, JS8, VarAC and other modes, Modern Data Modes provides the ideal starting point.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$26.99

Getting Started in EME

Bouncing signals off the moon has always been considered as one of the most difficult of the amateur radio disciplines. Traditionally, Moonbounce (as it's known) was practiced by amateurs who are the most accomplished engineers, as well as operators—but recent developments have now made it more accessible than ever before. "Getting Started in EME" sets out to explain what you need to know and how to get started in this captivating area of amateur radio operation. This 64-page paperback sets out the history of Moonbounce, gives information on the various EME bands, and the reasons for choosing them—and then explains the EME signal path. It covers the unique propagation effects, such as libration fading, Faraday rotation, and spatial offset. Ground gain, Doppler shift, and degradation are also covered. The book is practically based and focuses on EME at 144MHz (2m) and proposes, wherever possible, the use of equipment that is already owned in order to reduce the cost of getting started in EME. This is particularly the case with antennas, but you'll also find coverage of transceivers, pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers. Again, the emphasis is on the minimum possible requirement, utilizing equipment that may already be in the shack. There is coverage of computers/interfaces, software and operation requirements, and even your first EME contact! EME at 70cm is covered, and there are glimpses where the newcomer to EME might move onto when they find themselves bitten by the Moonbounce bug. If you've never tried EME transmissions or are just interested in what it takes to make that first contact via bouncing a signal off the moon, then "Getting Started in EME" is the ideal introduction.

1.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$16.99