Ham Radio Books For Studying And Learning

  One of the best books I ever bought was the 1986 ARRL Handbook. I bought that way back in 80s when I was in college in Electrical Engineering. Back then I was not in Ham Radio, I was using it for Electronics in college. I was always looking at all the information on Ham radio and thinking about going for my license. Well I was young, married and had my first daughter. I was so busy with everything I just never got to it. I finally got my Technician License and then my General License in June of 2010. So as you can see I have not been a Ham all that long. I am always learning something new or thinking or building some kind of antenna.
  So if you are looking for good books on Ham Radio, Studying for your License, Building Antennas or whatever you are doing look into one of the ARRL Handbooks. If you are studying for one of your Ham Radio Licenses I would definitely recommend one of the books by Gordon West. I had bought some through Radio Shack years ago and I still have them. I do like the newer books by Gordon West, because they are easy to read and learn from. I intend on buying one to use to study for my Extra License pretty soon.

 

  There are plenty of other books available through Amazon, Ebay or from one of the local Ham Radio Dealers on the internet. Some of my favorites are Universal Radio, DX Engineering, Ham Radio Outlet and AES Electronics. Of course there are other very good Ham Radio Dealers out there as well to choose from. You can also find good books on building Ham Radio Antennas if that is what you like to do. I would also suggest books on shortwave radio as well. The list of books just goes on and on. If you find a book I would look at the reviews on it and then decide if you want to buy it.
  If you are looking for a book or license manual check out the stores below the posts.
  Thank You for reading and Happy Holidays from Dan KC2YTI 73s.
       

The Solar Storms Are Still Affecting Transmissions and Propagation

  I was checking over facebook and noticed that they are expecting another big solar storm from the sun. I have noticed that it is affecting other fellow Ham Radio Operators when they are transmitting and receiving signals. I always here someone say how they can hear another Ham Radio Operator that they usually can't hear. The only problem with this solar storm is that they are saying it may knock out power in certain areas. If you are looking for a website on solar activity here are a few links http://www.solarham.net/ and http://dx.qsl.net/propagation/ . Of course there are plenty of other websites out there with information on Ham Radio and these types of events. Here is a link to one of those websites http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/propagation/ionospheric/solar-flares.php .

                                     
                                        20110607_193304_combo_small.mov                                                                           by SDO | Solar Dynamics Observatory

Christmas Is Only A Few Weeks Away

  Christmas is only a few weeks away and that Ham Radio Equipment is waiting just for you. Some of the pieces of Ham Radio Equipment I would recommend of course is a good Base or Mobile Radio. There are plenty of awesome radios depending on your budget. The popular brands are yaesu, icom and kenwood. Remember you don't always have to go with a new Ham Radio. There are plenty of used Ham Radios to choose from. If you are looking that way I would recommend to use Ebay. There is an abundance of really good Ham Radios and Ham Radio Equipment to choose from. The other place online is through Amazon.com and there are some excellent deals. If you do not want to go that way I would check out the ham radio dealers like Ham Radio Outlet, Universal Radio and DX Engineering.
  The other Ham Radio I would put on tour list is either a good SWR Antenna Analyzer especially if you are going to build an antenna like a yagi or moxon antenna. Also don't forget about a good Antenna Tuner and a good SWR Meter to go with it. There some SWR Meters that are more expensive than others. MFJ does make some nice meters for the price. If a meter is not on your list then how about a nice microphone.
  Some other items I would get on your list is a nice Ham Radio Amplifier. Once again amplifiers can be bought new through amazon.com and you can also find used amplifiers. Yes you can also go through Ebay for used and new Ham Radio Amplifiers. But don't forget about that power supply for your Ham Radio Shack. This is another item where you have got a lot to choose from. My best advise is to find a model and check out Eham.net for tons of information and reviews. That goes for whatever piece of Ham radio Equipment you are looking for.
  Just remember there are many more items to choose from for your Ham Radio Shack.
  Thank You for reading and Merry Christmas.