Ham Radio For Dummies

It's time we cleared the air about ham radio. If you think ofit as staticky transmissions sent by people in the middle ofnowhere, think again. Today's ham radio goes beyond wirelessto extreme wireless, Operators transmit data and pictures, use theInternet, laser, and microwave transmitters, and travel to placeshigh and low to make contact. In an emergency or natural disaster, ham radio can replace downed traditional communication and savelives. Whether you're just getting turned on to ham radio oralready have your license, Ham Radio for Dummies helps youwith the terminology, the technology and the talknology. Youdiscover how to:

* Decipher the jargon and speak the language * Buy or upgrade your equipment, including the all-importantantennas * Build a ham radio shack, complete with the rig, a computer, mobile/base rig, microphones, keys, headphones, antennas, cablesand feedlines * Study for your license, master Morse code, take the test andget your call sign * Understand the basics of ragchews (conversations), nets(organized on-air meetings) and DX-ing (competing in contacts tomake contacts) * Keeping logs with the vital statistics, including time (in UTCor World Time), frequency, and call sign
Written by Ward Silver, an electrical engineer, CertifiedAmateur Radio License Examiner, and columnist for QST, amonthly magazine for ham operators, Ham Radio for Dummiesgives you the info you need to delve into the science or dive intothe conversation. It explains how you can:

* Tune in to the most common types of signals, including MorseCode (CW), single-sideband (SSB), FM, Radioteletype (RTTY), anddata signals * Break in, introduce yourself, converse, and say or signalgoodbye * Communicate while traveling (ham radio goes where mobile phonesgo dead) * Register with an emergency organization such as ARES andRACES * Help in emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires, or severeweather * Pursue your special interests, including contacting distantstations, participating in contests, exploring the digital modes, using satellites, transmitting images, and more
Complete with a glossary and ten pages of additional suggestedresources, Ham Radio for Dummies encourages you to touchthat dial and take that mike.
CUL. (That's Morse Code for „see youlater.“)