Getting the Most from your Handheld Transceiver Modern technology has allowed manufacturers to pack a wealth of features into handheld transceivers. With so many features, however, it isn t always easy to get the full benefit from your investment. Even the user manuals don t tell the whole story. Your radio may have hidden capabilities that aren t described in the manual at all. For example, did you know that a dual-band 2-meter/70 cm handheld transceiver can be used to communicate through Amateur Radio satellites? It s true, but you usually won t see this discussion in your average user manual. If you own a handheld transceiver, or if you re trying to decide which transceiver to buy, Radios to Go! is the essential guide. 
 Helpful topics include: Why Are They Called HTs? (And Which One Should I Buy?)
 The Care and Feeding of Batteries 
 Memories 
 Scanning 
 Alphabet Soup: CTCSS, DTMF and DCS 
 IRLP and EchoLink 
 Antennas 
 Microphones and Headsets 
 Software Management 
 Expanding Your Horizons: APRS and Satellites

Radios to Go!

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

ARRL Inc.

Steve Ford WB8IMY

Crafts & Hobbies

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio

Getting Your First HF Station Started!
 Setting up your first HF Amateur Radio station can be a complicated task. From selecting your first radio to putting up your first antenna, there are a number of important choices you ll need to make.
Your First Amateur Radio HF Station is the most complete guide to setting up your station and getting started in HF communications. It s filled with practical advice you can put to use right away. Whether you re new to Amateur Radio or HF operating, live on acres of open property or in a tiny apartment, this book will show you how to get on the air and enjoy all that Amateur Radio has to offer. What kind of antenna should you use? Your antenna is by far the most important part of your new station. The type of antenna you choose will determine how well your station will function for years to come. Learn not only the technical advantages and disadvantages, but the economics of choosing one type of antenna over another. Includes antenna designs you can build yourself! What radio should you buy? Get the most radio for your money. Should you buy new or used? What features are most important? You ll find the answers here! Do You Need an Amplifier? Amplifiers are handy, but they can also be expensive. Find out if you really need an amplifier and, if so, how much you may need to invest. What About a Computer? Computers and software are important components of modern Amateur Radio stations. Save trouble and money when shopping for one. What Types of Accessories Do You Need? An HF station is more than just a radio and antenna. Find out which accessories will add the most operating pleasure and convenience. Electricity Good and Bad. Learn how to supply proper power for your equipment, and how to keep Mother Nature - power lightning! away from your gear.

Your First Amateur Radio HF Station

Reference

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

Digital communication via Amateur Radio!Explore a New World of Digital Communication 
Thanks to these two revolutionary digital communication modes, any radio amateur can easily make contacts throughout the world. You don t need high power or large antennas with JT65 or JT9. Ham radio operators have already used these modes to earn awards such as ARRL s DX Century Club with nothing more than 5 watts RF output and indoor antennas. 
Work the World with JT65 and JT9 shows you how to assemble an effective station and configure the software for best performance. You ll learn how to make contacts, and also how to use these modes as tools to test your station and study HF propagation. 
Includes:Getting to Know the JTs Get the facts about JT65 and JT9. Learn how these protocols work and the advantages they offer. 
Let's Build a JT-Capable Station Pull together all the hardware and software you ll need to get on the air with JT65 and JT9. Chances are, you own several items already. 
On the Air with JT65 and JT9 Set up your software and start making contacts! 
Tricks and Tips Learn how to get the most from JT65 and JT9.

Work the World with JT65 and JT9

Amer Radio Relay League

Antenna Designs to Fit your Space! 
 Amateur Radio operators love antennas the bigger the better -- but if you don t have acres of property to erect the antenna of your dreams, does it mean you re effectively off the air? Not at all! This fascinating hobby is still yours to enjoy. With the right antenna design you'll be on the air today! 
 Fully updated, the second edition of ARRL s Small Antennas for Small Spaces is a valuable resource for radio amateurs who live in apartments, condominiums, or houses on small lots. Filled with practical advice, this book guides you to finding the right antenna design to fit whatever space you have available. In Small Antennas for Small Spaces you ll find ideas and projects that will get you on the air regardless of where you live!

ARRL's Small Antennas for Small Spaces – Projects and Advice for Limited Space Stations

The beginner's guide to FT8, WSPR, PSK31, and more! The popularity of HF digital communications among Amateur Radio operators continues to grow rapidly. A few watts of RF power are all it takes to work the world – digitally! Fully updated, the second edition of Get on the Air with HF Digital is a step-by-step guide that’ll get you started in the fascinating world of HF digital technology. Written in an easy to understand style, this book will show you how to set up and operate your own HF digital station. The text includes instructions for configuring software programs for popular modes such as PSK31, RTTY, FT8 and JT65. You’ll also learn about other digital communication modes such as MFSK, Olivia, PACTOR, and WSPR. It’s a fun and easy way for beginners to get on the air!

Get on the Air with HF Digital 2nd Edition

You can make contacts through amateur radio satellites, and even with the International Space Station, using equipment you probably own right now! All it takes is the right information, which you ll find in Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners. There are dozens of spacecraft in orbit just waiting for your signals, and more are being launched every year. This book is your guide to a whole new world of operating enjoyment. Inside you will: Be able to locate satellites and determine when they will be available in orbit. Gain tips for building your own satellite station even if it s just a dual-band FM transceiver and a mobile antenna. Find a simple step-by-step guide to making your first contacts. Discover satellite antenna projects you can build at home. Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners will introduce you to new experiences that you may have thought were out of your reach. Start reading and discover how easy it can be!

Amateur Radio Satellite for Beginners

Join the Ranks of Digital Amateur Radio Operators! 
Get On the Air with HF Digital third edition by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, includes everything you need to set up a station and get on the air using a variety of digital modes. You’ll learn how to make contacts using 11 different digital modes, including the lightning-fast PACTOR system, the weak-signal WSJT-X modes, and relative newcomers like VARA and JS8Call. 
Station Hardware and Software: Building a station for HF digital operating is easier than you may think. 
RTTY: Radioteletype is one of the oldest digital modes, but is still enjoyed by many hams. 
FT8 and FT4: Get to know the undisputed kings of HF digital. 
PACTOR: One of the most powerful error-free workhorses in the HF digital world. 
WSPR: When you need to know how well your station is performing, or when you’re curious about propagation conditions, WSPR gives you the answers. 
VARA and Winlink Express: Two software applications that will give you access to the Winlink email network from anywhere in the world. 
JS8 and JS8Call: This mode and its accompanying software allow you to carry on conversations — and much more — even with low power and poor antennas. 
PSK, Olivia, Contestia, and MFSK: Four powerful “legacy” modes still heard on the air today.

Get On the Air with HF Digital

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Books by Steve Ford WB8IMY