Ham Radio for Dummies

An ideal first step for learning about ham radio

Beyond being wireless, today's ham radio operators can transmit data and pictures; use the Internet, laser, and microwave transmitters; and travel to places high and low to make contact. This hands-on beginner guide reflects the operational and technical changes to amateur radio and provides you with updated licensing requirements and information, changes in digital communication (the Internet, social media, and GPS), and using e-mail via radio.

• Addresses the critical use of ham radios for replacing downed traditional communications during emergencies or natural disasters
• Provides updates to all documentation of the American Radio Relay League
• Explains recent changes to picking your own call sign
• Places a special emphasis on the major reasons people get into amateur radio: emergency communication, digital communication, do-it-yourself science
• Looks at online mapping and charting websites

Whether you're just getting turned on to ham radio or already have your license, Ham Radio for Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you with the terminology, the technology and the talknology.

H. Ward Silver got his first ham radio license in 1972. His ham experiences led to a 20-year career as an electrical engineer, designing microprocessor-based products and medical devices. He writes for the American Radio Relay League and publishes a popular ARRL e-newsletter, The ARRL Contest Update.