Customer Reviews

The ARRL Operating Manual For Radio Amateurs (Arrl Operating Manual)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of those books you can pick up and read random chapters, or even individual pages and find value. The book is organized topically and covers a wide variety of interests, so whether your interest is RTTY, DX, moonbounce, or whatever, you'll likely find it covered here - not just in shallow survey form, either (in spite of its wide coverage), but with usable advice and perspective. I think this is one of ARRL's better titles, along with their license manuals and the Antenna Book. Highly recommended for the newer ham or experienced ham curious about unfamiliar operating modes.

Good book for newcomers to amateur radio. It has many tables and figures that are helpful/required for operation, though just about all of them can be found online somewhere. The first couple chapters deal with the purpose of HAM radio and etiquette (operating procedure, band plans, etc). This is helpful for those who are getting ready to transmit, but don't really know what to do when they do transmit. The majority of the book explains many of the activities possible in HAM radio (DX, QRP, mobile, etc). The final chapter talks about the regulatory side of things, including the FCC, ITU, does/don't, etc. There is hardly any technical information (ie types of antennas, how to build a tuner, etc), The ARRL Handbook does this.

I used the book to help orient me after I finished my General license. Helped me understand numerous operating areas and specialties within ham radio. Not much depth on any topic, but enough to get you started. Highly recommended.

Like most of us just starting out, I studied hard to pass the Technician text. I read the ARRL study guide, Gordon West's study guide (great help, by the way), and subscribed to HamTestOnline (another real asset). When I took the test and got a great score, I had a real feeling of accomplishment. Until I started thinking about what I was going to do next...
I knew the answers to all the questions, and had some intellectual understanding of what was going on, but no idea at all how a ham functioned, what could be done, where to find information and help, and a whole list of other things. I bought this book when I bought my handheld, and reading it was the best decision I made. If the test books cover the nuts and bolts of the technology and the rules, this book covers what you do once you have your call letters!
I especially liked Chapter 2--VHF/UHF: FM, Repeaters, Digital Voice and Data. It was very well written, funny at times, answered nearly all of my questions, and also answered lots of questions I hadn't even formulated yet.
There are a few chapters I decided to put off until I get into HF with a base station, but for anyone just starting out, this will help allay the confusion and panic you run into between getting your slip and going on the air!

Are you new to ham radio? This is the best book to learn about the many things you can do in the hobby. Even old hams will learn a thing or two.

Tony says this edition is out of date and I say Hogwash! The one offered on the AARL Website for $29.95 is THE SAME ONE offered at Amazon-- THE 9th EDITION!!

While the Handbook is a tome of technical goodness... the Operators Manual is a much more enjoyable read for the average ham This book really helps you understand a lot of the different parts of the hobby. I'd probably buy a new one every 5 - 10 years.

ordered ARRL operating manual as addition to ham shack for visitors. Great source of answers for prospective hams visiting. Has been read by more than 4 people already. Good job ARRL

If you are new to ham radio or simply want to know more about the hobby this is the publication for you. If covers just about any topic you can think of with respect to amateur radio. It is easy to understand and clearly explains different modes of operation, from voice to digital. Many technical topics involving antennas, radios, cable, emergency operations, and much more are covered. It will help you to explore the hobby. Even a seasoned veteran of ham radio is likely to learn from this book.

I often get asked "Why would you want to pay to talk on the radio? I can talk to people anywhere in the world for free on the Internet!" This manual shows the many reasons you might want to "talk on the radio." Hams provide valuable services during disasters and public events. They work at the frontiers of communications science. Did you know hams even send television messages?

But the biggest attraction is that amateur radio is a fun way to participate in technology. This manual not only explains all the many ham activities, it also teaches you how you can participate. Since it is published by the American Radio Relay League, the national organization for hams, the information is authoratative and up-to-date.