Riding the Shortwaves: Exploring the Magic of Amateur Radio

by Don Keith

Amateur or "ham" radio is enjoying a big resurgence, attracting a whole new generation to the excitement of worldwide communications. Many of those into the "maker" and "hacker" groups are discovering this hundred-year-old hobby has continued to not only keep up with the times but is still leading the way in many technical innovations. In this book, ham radio operator and bestselling author Don Keith (call sign N4KC) uses both factual, easy-to-understand advice along with fictional short stories to show those interested just what the hobby is all about in the 21st century. Hams use their radios and antennas to bounce signals off the moon, explore digital communication modes, perform computer control of their stations from anywhere on the planet, talk with astronauts in the International Space Station, use satellites launched by amateur groups, talk to fellow members of the "tribe" all over the planet and more. You do not have to be a geek or electronics nut to get the most from the hobby, though it can be a great way to prepare for a technical career. Hams with all levels of technical skills enjoy the hobby, and Keith gives a number of ways in this fast-paced, easily read book. He details how the Internet, Facebook, smart phones and other technology poses no threat to amateur radio's popularity and, in fact, can be paired with the hobby in many exciting ways. Young, old, or in between, ham radio can be a thrilling hobby, and one that can be combined with other interests such as hiking, camping, weather watching, emergency communications, and more, and Keith not only offers examples but uses interesting, well-written stories to illustrate. Whether you are considering exploring amateur radio as a hobby, are already licensed, or want to have a book to help others you know who may be developing an interest, Don Keith's Riding the Shortwaves is for you. Come explore the magical world of communications as you ride the shortwaves with N4KC.

Genres: Nonfiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Award-winning and best-selling author of more than 40 published works, Don Keith was born in 1947 and has lived in the South all his life. He attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where he received his degree in broadcast and film communication with a minor in English and literature. While working as a broadcast journalist, he won awards from the Associated Press and United Press International for news writing and reporting. He was also the first winner of Troy State University's Hector Award for innovation in broadcast journalism. As an on-the-air broadcaster, Don won the Billboard Magazine "Radio Personality of the Year" in two formats, country and contemporary. Keith was a broadcast personality for over twenty years in Birmingham and Nashville, and also owned his own consultancy, co-owned a Mobile, Alabama, radio station (WZEW-FM), and hosted and produced several nationally syndicated radio shows.

His first novel, THE FOREVER SEASON, was published by St. Martin's Press in the fall of 1995 to commercial and critical success. It called heavily on Keith's own athletic and academic experiences. Reviewers praised its unique approach and powerful story. The novel won the Alabama Library Association's "Fiction of the Year" award in 1997, joining works likewise honored from Harper Lee and others, and was re-issued in the fall of 2002 by the University of Alabama Press as part of its prestigious Deep South Books series.

He has written both fiction and non-fiction, including several books on WWII history, biographies, and military thrillers. His co-written thriller, HUNTER KILLER, was the basis for the hit movie starring Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman.

Reviews

[Daniel N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is into ham radio and possibly wants to get into ham radio, this book is a great book

[Jeremy J. Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read some of it, and may check it out again. I think I just need to DO IT and take action, instead of reading about having a ham radio. IDK. DNF

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good fun upbeat non-technical books on Amateur Radio are a rarity, and not only has Don Keith N4KC hit the mark, he has slipped in some very good advice and some stealthy tech stuff in too!

Some of the chapters have appeared elsewhere as Don N4KC fleshed out this book, and some seem to make so much sense the reader is sure they have read it before, even though the words are new.

Great read, dood fun, and an enjoyable introduction with some solid advice to an over 100 year old hobby - ham radio. I am sure glad I ordered a signed copy directly from Don N4KC.

73

[Jonathan Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what I needed to give me some real world context between studying for my General and Extra Class exams. If you are not a ham, it might not make a lot of sense. If you have studied for at least one exam, though, it is a lit of fun.

[Tom Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone new to the radio hobby!