Ham and Shortwave Radio for the Electronics Hobbyist

Book excerpt: Get up and running as a ham radio operator—or just listen in on the shortwave bands! Ham and Shortwave Radio for the Electronics Hobbyist shows you, step by step, how to set up and operate your own ham radio station. It’s also perfect for those interested in shortwave listening, without getting a ham radio license. This practical guide covers communications modes, assigned frequency ranges in the United States, details on fixed, mobile, and portable ham stations, antennas, and much more. Ham radio will work even when the Internet and other utilities fail. So get on the air and keep the lines of communication open in any situation! Inside, you’ll find out all about: Radio waves and how they travel Shortwave and allwave listening Communications modes for ham radio operators, including using the Internet as a supplement Ham radio licenses and assigned frequency ranges (bands) used in the United States Wave-propagation characteristics and tips on the bands best suited for use at different times of the day, year, and sunspot cycle Selecting and installing equipment for fixed ham radio stations Setting up mobile and portable ham radio stations Antennas and transmission lines for various frequencies and station types How to operate your station using popular voice and digital modes Schematic symbols and Q signals for ham radio operators