Radio Society of Great Britain Reference Books

Radio Today Guide To The Icom IC-7300MK2

Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-7300MK2 By Andrew Barron, ZL3DW Since its introduction in 2016, the Icom IC-7300 has become one of the most popular transceivers in amateur radio. Building on the success of the original, the new IC-7300MK2 introduces enhanced performance, updated specifications, and new features that further elevate this industry-leading radio. In this comprehensive guide, renowned author and amateur radio operator Andrew Barron, ZL3DW provides practical, easy-to-follow instruction to help operators get the most from their IC-7300MK2. The original IC-7300 brought advanced technologies previously found only in much more expensive transceivers to a wider audience. The IC-7300MK2 builds upon that legacy with notable receiver and transmitter performance improvements, including enhanced Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR) and reduced transmitted phase noise. These improvements help the radio better handle strong nearby signals, resulting in improved operating performance in crowded band conditions. New features include an integrated CW decoder, reduced heat generation through revised circuitry and DC power optimization, and an HDMI output that provides both video and audio for external displays. The radio's popular 4.3-inch touchscreen has also been upgraded from a TFT LCD to an IPS (In-Plane Switching) display, delivering improved color accuracy, wider viewing angles, higher contrast, sharper image quality, and faster response times. As with all Radio Today guides, this book goes far beyond simply repeating the information found in the owner's manual. Instead, it focuses on practical setup, operation, and optimization of the radio's many capabilities. Readers will find detailed guidance on configuring operating modes, setting up digital communication software such as FT8, troubleshooting common issues, and unlocking the full potential of the IC-7300MK2. Whether you already own the Icom IC-7300MK2 or are considering adding one to your station, the Radio Today Guide to the Icom IC-7300MK2 is an invaluable resource filled with practical advice, expert insights, and real-world operating knowledge that will help you get the most from this exceptional transceiver.

Not Yet Reviewed

$25.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$22.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$25.99

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

$23.99

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

$22.99

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 )

$25.99

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 )

$23.99

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

$23.99

Work the World with System Fusion

"Work the World with System Fusion" by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW brings his usual no-nonsense approach to System Fusion and gives you the usual 'what you need to know and how to do it' guide to this impressive mode. System Fusion is a Yaesu-specific mode and is one of the three popular digital voice modes alongside DMR and D-Star. System Fusion and Wires-X are exclusive to Yaesu. Although you must use a Yaesu transceiver to access Yaesu Wires-X 'rooms', anyone can access thousands of YSF and FCS reflectors using a hotspot, a DV dongle, or a non-Yaesu repeater. Many of these reflectors are linked to DMR talk groups, D-Star reflectors, Wires-X rooms, and other digital voice modes. In the book "Work the World with System Fusion" Andrew explains the base technology from the C4FM (continuous 4-state frequency modulation), which is like 4FSK modulation used by DMR and the GMSK modulation used for D-Star, to the DN (Digital Narrow Mode) and what happens when you press the Wires-X button. For example, when connected to a genuine Yaesu repeater or a PDN or HRI-200 Wires-X node, the search function on the radio will list the Wires-X rooms that are available. If you are using a hotspot, multi-mode repeater, DV dongle, or non-Yaesu repeater, the search function will list YSF and FCS reflectors, a powerful set of features indeed. This book goes into detail about using the various reflectors, hotspots, and troubleshooting and there is even advice on 'What should you buy'. If you have a compatible Yaesu hand-held transceiver or a repeater in your area that offers System Fusion, then this book "Work the World with System Fusion" provides just what you need to make use of this mode. If you want a book that provides real insight into the System Fusion mode, there is no better book for you.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$23.99

The Paraset Radio

The Paraset Radio, by Hiroki Kato, AH6CY, is a story of a WWII Spy-Radio and How to Build a Working Replica. This book describes the gripping story behind the Paraset - a unique spy-radio, dropped behind enemy lines in the dark days of WWII. This radio being both light weight and state of the art for the time was concealed in a suitcase, making ideal for use by the spies of SOE. This book describes how the Paraset was used, the technical specification and even how you might build your own replica. Written by acknowledged Paraset enthusiast Hiroki Kato, AH6CY this book was inspired by the epic stories connected to this radio and is meticulously researched. These radios were first made in workshops in England at Whaddon Hall and then at Little Horwood, near Bletchley Park. Sadly, most were destroyed at the end of the war and today only a few original Parasets remain in museums and the hands of private collectors. However, inspired by the Paraset stories, radio amateurs across the world have been building working reproductions. The Paraset Radio provides a history of this remarkable Morse code only radio that was low power (4-5W), had no meters or even an on/off switch. Hiroki relates how the SOE Agents used the radio in occupied Europe and how the radio was developed during the war. There are schematics of the design of the radio along with advice on how to build your own working example that can be used on amateur radio bands. There is also information on building a Paraset from one of the kits available. Hiroki even shares details of some of the uses he has put his own Paraset radio to on the Amateur Radio bands. The Paraset Radio is a rare insight into a radio that provided vital spy communications in WWII. It may also provide the inspiration for you to build your own working Paraset radio, so that you can get a taste of wartime operating, but without the danger of a fatal 'knock on the door'.

4.75 out of 5 stars ( 4 )

$13.99

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

$23.99

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$11.99

Inside Enigma

Many have heard about the Enigma machines of WWII, but few have an understanding of the history of these impressive machines, how they work or went on to be developed. This fully updated second edition of "Inside Enigma: The Secrets of the Enigma Machine and other Historic Cipher Machines" provides in-depth detail on how these machines worked and why—even though the codes proved breakable—that development of this machine remained in service for many years after the war finished. "Inside Enigma" is written by established Enigma experts Tom and Dan Perera of the enigmamuseum.com, whose collection of Enigma machines have been used in Hollywood blockbusters such as the Imitation Game. This 208-page paperback brings to life how the Enigma machines were constructed, worked, used, how the messages were encoded, and why the Enigma code was considered virtually unbreakable. You'll find explanations of the code-breaking efforts, the mathematics involved, along with the Cold War developments by the British, Americans and Russians. There's in-depth detail of the machines used in this period, including the Swiss machines that were developed. The writers also provide information on how to find your own Enigma machine and what can be involved in restoring one. If your efforts to find a machine fail, there are guides to building your own or even making a simple code wheel to bring the code method to life. The book contains much more, as it is both comprehensive and copiously illustrated.

Not Yet Reviewed

$19.99

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 )

$23.99

RF Design Basics

"RF Design Basics" is the latest book by acclaimed author John Fielding, ZS5JF. It's a practical guide to Radio Frequency (RF) design rather than the more usual textbook written for post-graduate electronics engineers. Aimed at those who want to design and build their own RF equipment, this 192-page paperback provides a gentle introduction to the art and science of RF design. The 14 chapters cover subjects such as tuned circuits, receiver design, oscillators, frequency multipliers, design of RF filters, impedance matching, the pi tank network, making RF measurements, and both solid-state and valve RF power amplifiers. One chapter explains the meaning of S parameters, while another is devoted to understanding the dual gate Mosfet. Much attention is given to the necessity of cooling valve Pas—and there's even a practical design for water cooling a large linear amplifier, a subject overlooked by most other publications. "RF Design Basics" neatly fills the gap between a beginner's introduction to radio and RF design textbooks. Written for the average radio amateur, this book is an accessible and useful reference work for everyone interested in RF design.

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$26.99

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.

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$24.99

Homebrew Cookbook

If you're interested in home construction, Eamon Skelton, EI9GQ is the acknowledged expert in this field. The RadCom columnist on the subject, Eamon brings his enthusiasm, common sense and easy-to-understand approach to the "Homebrew Cookbook," such that readers will be reaching for their soldering iron with inspiration. This 208-page paperback starts with the very basics of homebrew and progresses to advanced topics. There are construction methods that take you right through all the main techniques, from dead-bug layouts to dedicated printed circuit designs. The PCB section is packed with simple ideas that will allow you to make PCBs cheaply without any specialist equipment. Eamon even shows you how to use sunshine or cheap halogen security lights as a UV source! Construction projects start with receiver designs and a simple direct conversion receiver, followed by a more sophisticated superhet receiver. "Homebrew Cookbook" also includes an SSB transmitter, PA and a VHF transverter. All the designs are modular, making it very easy to extract sections for other uses and adapt the designs to suit your needs. Where test equipment is required, Eamon has simple circuits on hand to enable you to build your own rather than have to buy commercial equipment. Eamon also deals with homebrew antennas, offering lots of useful tips for making practical and effective antennas with junk-box components. Throughout the book is an adherence to homebrew principles, as all projects use simple construction techniques with cheap, readily obtainable, components. Eamon even tells you how to make the most of eBay to find what you need.

5.0 out of 5 stars ( 1 )

$19.99

Radio Orienteering: The ARDF Handbook

"Radio Orienteering: The ARDF Handbook" is packed with information, as you'll find everything from Top 10 Tips to Improve Performance to Organizing an ARDF Event. Beginning with the fascinating history of ARDF, this 112-page paperback provides a general overview of the sport. The reader will find pages telling you what you need to know about taking part in your first ARDF event, including clothes to wear, equipment to use, safety, and a guide to way that an event progresses. There are details of the art of plotting bearings, with specific instructions on how to make the best of your equipment and the methods of translating your receiver results onto your map. Another chapter is devoted to training, practice hints and pointers on how to prepare physically for an event. Readers will also see a great deal of equipment intended for home construction. There are details for 3.5MHz and 144MHz DF receivers, a 2m Yagi antenna, plus transmitters, keyers and fixed antennas. The book includes substantial constructional projects through to simple documented circuit diagrams. Several of the designs have practical applications other than for strictly ARDF purposes. "Radio Orienteering" is an excellent and rounded reference work, highly readable, well-illustrated, and ideal for investigating this sport for the first time—or for those looking to extend their knowledge.

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$14.99

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 )

$23.99