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HAM Radio Books
Fill your head with Amateur Radio knowledge and know-how with our massive selection of reference books. From basic antenna design to the complete CTU Contest University...
Fill your head with Amateur Radio knowledge and know-how with our massive selection of reference books. From basic antenna design to the complete CTU Contest University series, you’ll find the information and instruction you need to master your hobby. Our library includes over 100 publications for beginners as well as seasoned Ham Radio veterans. You’ll find how-to books on dozens of topics, plus Amateur Radio history books, pocket reference books, and station log books. Get your info from some of the most trusted names around—ARRL, CQ Publications, Ham Radio School, W5YI Group, and more. Shop now!
Fill your head with Amateur Radio knowledge and know-how with our massive selection of reference books. From basic antenna design to the complete CTU Contest University series, you’ll find the information and instruction you need to master your hobby. Our library includes over 100 publications for beginners as well as seasoned Ham Radio veterans. You’ll find how-to books on dozens of topics, plus Amateur Radio history books, pocket reference books, and station log books. Get your info from some of the most trusted names around—ARRL, CQ Publications, Ham Radio School, W5YI Group, and more. Shop now!
Transmission Lines Explained
Getting the signal from your radio to the antenna is a vital component of any radio setup, but few understand the full impact their feeder is having. This is where "Transmission Lines Explained" steps in. It provides the theory involved, through descriptions and techniques rather than mathematics. The book delivers an understanding of the theory, operation, and use of transmission lines. It examines where twin-line cable or coaxial cables are used, not only as antenna feeder cables, but also as a basis for the matching arrangement between a line and its load. Broken down into logical sections, the 136-page paperback includes examples of how transmission lines can be constructed to suit particular applications. Techniques are featured that summarize how coaxial cables can be fitted with connectors, including BNC, N and PL259 types. There is a section covering the use of the Smith Chart, where the effect of a mismatched load on a transmission line is described, including several practical examples. Of course, you'll see mathematical explanations of given situations, where necessary. Explanations of the coefficients associated with transmission lines are provided. This sets the scene to describe how a mismatch between the transmission line and its terminating load results in a reduced power transfer and its consequence, a standing wave pattern. Details are provided covering how different impedances can be matched using sections of transmission line, common mode currents, their effect and how they can be minimized using baluns. "Transmission Lines Explained" is the ideal compilation of techniques, descriptions, and examples so that radio amateurs can gain an understanding of the concepts associated with transmission lines.
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$19.99
ARRL's Best Of The Doctor Is In
ARRL's Best of The Doctor Is In has the Answers About Antenna Systems For more than a decade, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, has been offering ideas and advice to radio amateurs in QST magazine's "The Doctor is In" column. Each month he educates, dispenses cures for troublesome problems, and indulges in more than a little technical myth busting. In Volume 1 of this series, we've gathered the most frequently asked questions, as well as Joel's detailed answers, on the topic of antenna systems. Many answers include comprehensive illustrations. You'll find helpful information about... * VHF/UHF Antennas * HF Wire Antennas * HF Vertical Antennas * HF Yagi Antennas * Transmission Lines If you're puzzling over how to improve your station antennas, or solve a problem with your antenna system, chances are someone else has shared the same questions with – and received helpful answers from – The Doctor. Having ARRL's Best of The Doctor is In at hand is the next best thing to a visit from W1ZR himself!
Not Yet Reviewed
$19.95
Clearance
The ARRL Handbook 101 - Softcover 2024 Edition
The ARRL Handbook 101 for Radio Communications is your complete guide to wireless technology experimentation, practice, and development. Since 1926, the Handbook has captured the state of radio science and technology in one authoritative work. Use its more than 1,200 pages of amateur radio know-how to delve into radio electronics, circuit design, digital modulation techniques, and equipment construction. The 101st edition of The ARRL Handbook introduces a new editor, Gregory D. Lapin, PhD, PE, N9GL. Lapin and a team of subject matter experts have revised entire chapters on radio fundamentals, transmission lines, general safety, assembling a station, and more.
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$69.95
$52.46
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'.
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$13.99
Amateur Radio Astronomy
For everyone interested in radio astronomy, "Amateur Radio Astronomy" is a great source of material to expand your knowledge. It also provides a practical guide to making and setting up your own equipment, through to the study signals coming from space. Updated and with over 60 pages more than the previous edition, "Amateur Radio Astronomy" covers in-depth the subject of receiving radio signals from outer space. Starting with a historical perspective of radio astronomy, this 384-page paperback shows how much radio amateurs have contributed to the science of radio astronomy and how the average amateur can contribute in this area today. There are newly expanded details of the required parameters for the antenna and receiver and how to assemble a station. There are details of a 50MHz Meteor Radar system and lots of straightforward advice and practical information on putting together your own receiving station. Included is a practical design for a 1420MHz "hydrogen line receiver," a frequency which the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence programme (SETI) is focused on. New material includes a chapter on Mechanical Systems and details of the Hart RAO KAT Demonstrator Antenna. This book is the result of period of research stretching back over many years, containing a great balance between historical narrative and technical information. "Amateur Radio Astronomy" is not only a great read, but a practical reference for the application of radio technology in this fascinating topic.
Not Yet Reviewed
$25.99
EMC and RFI Know How
Many radio amateurs have Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues or, as it is more commonly referred to in the US, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). As a scourge of our time, there's been much written about this topic as to cures, identifying the problems, and much more. "EMC and RFI Know-How" sets out to draw this material together and provide valuable insight into an area considered by many to be one of the most important problems facing amateur radio today. This 208-page paperback draws on expertise from across the world and includes material from the UK, USA, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands. You'll find sections dedicated to sources of interference such as lighting, xDSL, renewable energy, air conditioners, air source heat pumps, power line noise, and power supplies and chargers. "EMC and RFI Know-How" also takes the reader through practical ways of defeating the problem of interference. Home constructors are well catered for with the circuit of an HF receiver suitable for direction-finding, a preselector to eliminate interference from powerful broadcast stations, filters to stop breakthrough to TVs, and even a 'QRM-Eliminating' antenna. Advice is also given on how to prevent breakthrough from amateur transmissions spoiling the family's enjoyment of television programs! The average home contains numerous electronic devices that can potentially cause interference in the amateur radio spectrum. "EMC and RFI Know-How" takes a detailed look at how this interference can occur—and how it can be defeated. This an essential book for every radio amateur's library.
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$20.99
SWR Explained
Many radio amateurs are familiar with the concept of the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) and the effect it has on the transmission and reception of signals. Few, however, understand much about it beyond the adjustment of an antenna tuning unit to the reduce SWR. "SWR Explained" fills that gap and provides the context that makes electromagnetic waves, transmission lines, and VSWR comprehensible. Written by leading electrical engineer Reg Irish, G4LUF, this 64-page paperback explains what waves are, how they move in free space, and how guided waves react. Steering clear of great chunks of heavy mathematical theory, the author brings your personal experience to bear so that the reader gets a practical feel for the topic. How transmission lines react is explained, along with matching and even using transmission lines as resonant circuit elements. There are designs for measurement of transmission lines and a practical guide to the working of a VSWR meter.
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$11.99
Understanding Ham Radio Propagation
Understanding Ham Radio Propagation, written by Michael Burnette, AF7KB, the acclaimed and award-winning author of exam books for US Amateur Radio licenses, this book offers an accessible guide to radio wave propagation for Amateur Radio enthusiasts. Understanding Ham Radio Propagation provides insights into "everything that happens to our signal after it leaves our antenna," as Michael describes. Contrary to the belief that little can be done to influence propagation, this book dispels that notion by presenting best practices to enhance your chances of successful communication, whether across town or around the globe. The book is organized into logical chapters that cover various types of propagation, from 'Ground Wave' and 'Line of Sight' to 'Ionospheric', 'Auroral', and 'Space' propagation. It also delves into Tropospheric Ducting, Space Weather, Meteor Scatter, and more. Readers will find a dedicated chapter on 'Getting Started in (Smart) HF DXing, offering straightforward guidance to improve your station's propagation performance. Part of the Amateur Radio Insights series, this book is concise, written in a conversational style, and features numerous illustrations with minimal complex mathematics, making it an engaging read. If you aim to ensure your signal reaches its intended destination effectively, Understanding Ham Radio Propagation is an indispensable guide.
Not Yet Reviewed
$22.99
ARRL - Antenna Towers for Radio Amateurs
"Antenna Towers for Radio Amateurs" from ARRL will walk you through the tower installation process. These books will review the process completely, from choosing the right tower to mixing and pouring concrete, putting in a base, and finally erecting the tower, antennas, and accessories. Having many years of experience as a tower professional, Don Daso, K4ZA, methodically directs you in the design and construction of your own amateur radio tower. You'll learn the necessary expertise, tool requirements, climbing practices, and personal safety procedures necessary to allow for the construction of an improved antenna system. Mr. Daso has incorporated advice for using rope and pulleys, guy lines, and various pieces of required hardware. There are sections on proper procedures for removing existing towers, performing inspections, and carrying out maintenance. Whether you want to install an antenna tower yourself, or engage professional talent to do the work for you, "Antenna Towers for Radio Amateurs" will help you tower above the rest!
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$29.95
Antennas for MF and Above
Written by RadCom antennas guru Mike Parkin, this is a book that provides exactly what is says on the cover. "Antennas for MF and Above" is a practical guide to antennas for the relatively new 630m band, 160m, 80m, and equally new 60m band. The 112-page paperback is aimed at the constructor—or those who are curious to understand in further detail the theoretical aspects of the antenna techniques used on these bands. Rather than concentrating on single bands, Mike shows how you can often use the same approach or even the same antenna to work two or more bands. There are examples of how a 160m antenna can be pressed into service on 630m or even 80m models that can be made to work on 160 and 60m. Specialized chapters cover, for example, antennas for 630m. You'll find examples of single-band and multi-band working designs for both vertical and horizontally polarized antennas. There are explanations of the operation of antennas, with radiation pattern diagrams used to help with understanding the concepts introduced. You will also read practical techniques for matching the antenna to the transmission line, with examples of baluns, transformers, and ATUs to illustrate these methods. If you're interested in experimenting with the bands below 40m, you'll find much to interest you in this book. "Antennas for MF and Above" is without a doubt one of amateur radio's standard reference works—and THE practical guide for everyone interested in antennas for the amateur bands from 630m to 60m.
Not Yet Reviewed
$20.99
CTU Books 2012 Contest University Textbooks
Order CTU Books 2012 Contest University Textbooks give you the opportunity to gain knowledge that may take you years of practice, trial and error, or lost time to learn otherwise. Get the edge to improve your scores and put your station in the winner's circle. Over the last decade Contest University has presented dozens of programs around the world to teach Radiosport techniques and practices. Their program content changes from year to year to cover a myriad of topics. These 2012 Contest University Textbooks contain the complete set of slides, in print, from the 2012 CTU program. Topics and Presenters include: * The Spirit of Contesting. It Matters!, N6TR * Short Vertical RX Antennas and Feedline Chokes, W8WWV * Small-Station Projects and Contest Operating Strategies, N0AX * Towers: Safety, Maintenance, Proper Load Design, K7NV * 2012 VHF Contesting, W5ZN * Contesting From a City Lot, K2RD * Antennas for Contesting: How They Do What They Do, W3LPL * Contesting From Outside of the USA, XE1KK * Setting up for RTTY Contesting, W0YK * Contest Clubs: Starting, Revitalizing and Growing, W5WZ * Coaxial Feed Lines for Competitive Contesting, W3LPL * The Reverse Beacon System and CW Skimmer, N6TV * Operating a RTTY Contest, W0YK * Enriching Your Contest Experience, K3LR * The Fitful Rise of Solar Cycle 24: What it Means for the Coming Year, W3LPL * Transceiver Performance: 10 Years of Change, NC0B 2012 Contest University Textbooks have 170 pages of presentation talking-point slides, four slides to a page, which will help you to become a successful contester. There is also a handy glossary of Radiosport terms and abbreviations. Ham Radiosport is as competitive as ANY form of sport. Give yourself an edge by reading Contest University textbooks now available from DX Engineering!
Not Yet Reviewed
$19.99
CTU Books 2014 Contest University Textbooks
CTU Books 2014 Contest University Textbooks give you the opportunity to gain knowledge that may take you years of practice, trial and error or lost time to learn otherwise. Get the edge to improve your scores and put your station in the winner's circle. Over the last decade Contest University has presented dozens of programs around the world to teach Radiosport techniques and practices. Their program content changes from year to year to cover a myriad of topics. 2014 Contest University Textbooks contain the complete set of slides, in print, from the 2014 CTU program. Topics and Presenters include: * Contesting the Right Way, K5ZD * Contest Hints and Kinks, N0AX * Receiving Antennas, or What Happened to the Beverages at K3LR and W3LPL, W3LPL * CW Skimmers, DX Cluster, and the Reverse Beacon Network, N6TV * VHF Contesting, W5ZN * Contesting 201: Making and Keeping Your Score, K5ZD * Propagation Trends, 2014-15, W3LPL * All Coaxial Cables are not Created Equal, VE3EJ * The Essentials of RTTY Contesting, W0YK * Contest Tips for Little Pistols, K2YWE * Preparations for Multi-Op Contests and Field Day, W3LPL * Using Waterfall Displays as a Contesting Advantage, N6TV * Advanced RTTY Contesting, W0YK * WRTC2014 for "The Rest of US", K1DG * Radio Contesting's Future, K3LR * Tower, Antenna and Feed Line Maintenance and Improvements, W3LPL* * 2013-14 Rig Contest Results + Test Data Means What?, NC0B 2014 Contest University Textbooks have 182 pages of talking-point presentation slides, four slides to a page, which will help you to become a successful contester. There is also a handy glossary of Radiosport terms and abbreviations.
Not Yet Reviewed
$19.99
ARRL's Hands-On Radio Experiments Volume 3
Ham Radio: Where Hands-On Lives On! Lifelong learners will welcome Volume 3 of ARRL's Hands-On Radio Experiments, assembled from four years (2013-17) of QST's monthly "Hands-On Radio" column, written by Ward Silver, N0AX. Silver expertly leads you through 57 basic electronics experiments, designed to increase your understanding of radio fundamentals, components, circuits and design. Like the previous volumes, the experiments span an eclectic mix of topics: * Electronic Circuits * Antennas and Propagation * Transmission Lines and Impedance Matching * Electronic Fundamentals * Electronic Components * Tests and Test Equipment * RF Techniques * Practical Station Practices As long as we keep putting our hands on radios, there will be new things to learn and new techniques to try! ARRL's Hands-On Radio Experiments Volume 3 includes a complete parts list from all experiments in Volumes 1, 2 and 3! Order your ARRL Books from DX Engineering today!
Not Yet Reviewed
$19.95
Power Supplies Explained
A power supply is something often overlooked by radio amateurs, as for many it's simply the box that provides stable DC voltage at the flick of a switch. However, a modern power supply is much more, combining theory that dates back to the 19th century and incorporating the latest techniques in digital control, with a wealth of electronics practice in between. "Power Supplies Explained" sets out to do exactly this—explain in understandable terms what that little box is doing, right through to designing your own bespoke power supply. Some believe there is a little magic in power supply design; beginners especially are wary of the challenging mixture of digital, analogue, magnetics, and control loops—with cooling, EMC, and safety to contend with, as well. While many books deal with the theory in depth, they often give little guidance on the practical aspects of achieving working designs. "Power Supplies Explained" is different. This 320-page paperback details how circuits are chosen for the application and how circuits are designed, including their inductors and transformers. Calculations are outlined in a simple way so that the reader can use them as a basis for their own designs. Readers will find chapters that include descriptions of linear supplies and a wide range of switched-mode types, from simple buck converters to the latest off-line high-efficiency topologies. The worked examples are based around typical radio amateur requirements—and in many cases are versions of commercial products that the author has successfully designed. There are also chapters on magnetics theory, control loops, EMC, practical construction techniques, test equipment, and much more. High-voltage power supplies are included, with comprehensive guidance on safety. "Power Supplies Explained" sets out to dispel the mystery and encourage readers to 'have a go' with their own designs!
Not Yet Reviewed
$36.99
Backyard Antennas
Radio amateurs and short-wave listeners all want to achieve the very best from their HF and VHF equipment. Receivers and transmitters are available to professional standards, but very few people have the real estate to erect the sort of antenna used by a commercial radio station. In his 208-page paperback, "Backyard Antennas," antenna guru Peter Dodd explains how—by using a variety of simple techniques—it's possible to achieve very high performance from a compact antenna. Also detailed is how to make an antenna efficient on several bands at once. The book covers end-fed and center-fed antennas, rotary beams, loops, tuning units, VHF/UHF antennas, antenna and mast construction, transmission lines, and how to estimate and measure the performance of your antenna. Whether you have a house, bungalow or apartment, "Backyard Antennas" will help you find the solution to radiating a good signal on your favorite band.
Not Yet Reviewed
$28.99
RSGB's Power Supplies Explained
A power supply is often taken for granted by radio amateurs, as for many it is simply the box, that at the flick of a switch, provides stable DC voltage. A modern power supply is much more though, combining theory that dates back to the nineteenth century incorporating the latest techniques in digital control, with a wealth of electronics practice in between. The RSGB's Power Supplies Explained sets out to do exactly this - explain in understandable terms what that little box is doing, right through to designing your own custom-built power supply. Some believe there is a little magic in power supply design. Beginners may be especially wary of the challenging mixture of digital, analog, magnetics and control loops, with cooling, EMC and safety to contend with as well. While many books deal with the theory in depth, they often give little guidance on the practical aspects of achieving working designs. Power Supplies Explained is different. This book describes how circuits are chosen for the application and how circuits are designed including their inductors and transformers. Calculations are outlined in a simple way so that the reader can use them as a basis for their own designs. Readers will find chapters that include descriptions of 'linear' supplies and a wide range of 'switched-mode' types from simple buck converters to the latest off-line high-efficiency types. Practical examples are based around typical radio amateur requirements and in many cases are versions of commercial products that the author has successfully designed. There are also chapters on magnetics theory, control loops, EMC, practical construction techniques, test equipment and much more. High voltage power supplies are included with comprehensive guidance on safety.
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$24.95