Ham Radio for Dummies

by H. Ward Silver

It’s time we cleared the air about ham radio. If you think of it as staticky transmissions sent by people in the middle of nowhere, think again. Today’s ham radio goes beyond wireless to extreme wireless, Operators transmit data and pictures, use the Internet, laser, and microwave transmitters, and travel to places high and low to make contact. In an emergency or natural disaster, ham radio can replace downed traditional communication and save lives. Whether you’re just getting turned on to ham radio or already have your license, Ham Radio for Dummies helps you with the terminology, the technology and the talknology. You discover how Written by Ward Silver, an electrical engineer, Certified Amateur Radio License Examiner, and columnist for QST , a monthly magazine for ham operators, Ham Radio for Dummies gives you the info you need to delve into the science or dive into the conversation. It explains how you Complete with a glossary and ten pages of additional suggested resources, Ham Radio for Dummies encourages you to touch that dial and take that mike. CUL. (That’s Morse Code for “see you later.”)

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Science, Technology, How To, Ebooks

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2004

Reviews

[Justin]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. There are some parts that didn't translate well, like when the reader is reading URLs, or charts of things that would be a handy reference. It would be great if I could see a list of all the URLs and if I could see all the charts and pictures in the print version.

Aside from that. I can't complain. Between this book and a few days doing practice tests (and reading the explanations) at hamstudy.org, I passed my Technician exam.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 2021 ed. I found it useful as I prepare for my exams to get on the air. Silver presents an impressive array of material in the comprehensive manner familiar to audiences who've benefited from other titles in this long-standing series. He's especially informative about the SWR scene and the interfaces between transceivers and computers, software and programming, which characterize today's cutting edge.

I'd have liked more on the basics for a base station. Although many newcomers acquire a handheld or mobile device, some of us don't have cars, or may live in areas far from other hams, diminishing opportunities for local contacts at shorter ranges, at least non-digital options. I reckon that either the author or the editors discourage naming brands, but given the dominance of Baofeng at the HT level, a few Chinese manufacturers for dual-band VHF/UHF portable rigs, and three Japanese-prominent makers of upper-end pricier base units, I think naming names, or at least directing novice users towards comparison sites directly might have increased the useful resources within these pages.

It's clear that Ward Silver with his half-century of experience in the amateur radio field represents a well-known figure to guide the curious bystander into what can be a complicated mass of acronyms, codes, electronic components, accessories, and insider knowledge. He offers advice on how to navigate the airwaves, why protocols matter, how preparation ensures readiness when emergencies loom, and the fun of the many contests which unite hams while keeping them alert for opportunities to serve the wider community, in public service and civic pride.

[W Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned operator, or someone getting back on the air after a long absence, Ham Radio for Dummies (you'll want the updated 4th edition that covers the latest technologies) is one of a select number of references that belongs in every amateur's shack. Distilling the many facets of this complex hobby into a single, accessible book is a Herculean feat, but Silver has done it, always employing a conversational style that makes for informative and enjoyable reading. Within the text, you'll also find prompts that direct you to additional online material written for the book (this proved particularly useful when delving into emergency communication, Autopatch, etc.). For those who have just received their Technician license, you won't find a better Elmer than N0AX. Highly recommended.

[Cody O'Connell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish it. This book is kind of backwards because it starts by talking A LOT about ham radio as a hobby, before I fully understand how it even works. I don't know if I want it as a hobby yet! I don't understand it! Iirc it also says this book is not meant to prepare you for the test. But you can't do ham radio without passing the test!

I ended up buying the ARRL book instead and liked that much better since I'm interested in taking the test to get a ham radio license. That book teaches the concepts pretty well and is interesting.

Maybe after I've passed the test I'll return to this book and learn more about the hobby aspect of it

[AttackGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

While splitting wood for this cold weather, my house has 4 fireplaces porch/bathroom, kitchen, front room/dining room and the library/office no power no problem since I don’t have enough to power the 5t hvac installed so why use a ham during Emergencies which is the whole intent of the book mentioned at the end when perhaps the beginning would have been the place to spell it out then discussion of batteries or how to run the radios…. On to names.

Why is the military not partnered with this to make sure to grow and license all those people especially since it’s for emergency fun…

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great resource I found in this book. It is filled with just the information I was looking for. As a new Ham Operator, I didn't know much, but this book gave me a once-over-the-world look at Ham Radio. I learned a great deal and will keep it as a resource for the future. There are also references in the book I want to look up for myself.

[Andy Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book, I guess, but I think I just read the wrong thing. I was looking for more of a manual on the exam, etc. This is more of a general-purpose read that, really, I didn't find particularly useful.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and cannot recommend it enough. It's got a lot of information, but is organized in a way that you can easily skip over anything not interesting to you. Loads of good information in here, definitely recommended if you are interested in getting started on amateur radio

[Tao · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little outdated, but still very informative and helpful for HAM newbies.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of amateur radio. A nice supplement for the license manuals, or to read if you are curious about the hobby and want to know more about it before studying for a license.

[David Magnuson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good complete introduction to the hobby. Lots of useful information and advice.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little long in the tooth. Some of the urls are no long active. That being said, it is a simple introduction to the hobby and generally fits the “for Dummies” series quite well.

[Julio Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good information.

Excellent overall book on ham radio. I recommend It. Useful and relevant information for everyday use about the hobby. Thanks.

[Ciprian Bujor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cam ce ai avea nevoie sa știi dacă devii interesat de radioamatorism... dacă ai locui în SUA. Altfel destul de inutila pt spațiul european și mai ales românesc, dar o lectura destul de okish

[AL Kepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has good information for the uninitiated like me. I found it a useful resource.

[Caleb Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would suggest this if you're curious about amatuer radio, or before you get the technician manual for licensing.

[Shreela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audiobook version sounded so robotic - imagine AI reading search results.

[Audrey White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Print is slightly out of date.

[Edward Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some good info, but mostly fluff and generalities. Poorly written and edited, but lots of references to websites and other books.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book and I think it would be much better to read.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book for the new ham radio operator. It's basic enough to give an understanding and detailed enough to challenge. Covering a wide range of areas, it's not meant to be read cover-to-cover like a novel. Pick out a chapter and dive in. If you have additional questions or want more, references are provided. Informative.

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after becoming licensed to fill in any gaps left from cramming for all three exams with the ARRL manuals. The well-organized nature of this book alone helped to smooth over some wrinkles in my understanding of some concepts. I intend to read more by this author.

[Patrick Pilz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a basic introduction into what ham radio is, but I expected more material towards the tests, exams and training. This is more a 'what-is' book and 'how-to-get-into-it' book than a 'how-to' book.

[Louis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valid for all types of radio comms. Teaching tool for crew.

[Susanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ham requirements have changed, so I perused the book and then gave it back to the friend who loaned it to me.

[Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It some good overall descriptions of what's available in Ham Radio but doesn't do much for passing the exams.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok but learned more talking with Elmers and internet resources.

[Drew Kerlee · Rating 1 out of 5]

garbage. Too much technicality, not enough friendly. Usually Dummies books are friendly. This one is intimidating.

[Petr Rataj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect!

[Mills College Library]

621.38416 S5872 2013