Customer Reviews

Basic Antennas: Understanding Practical Antennas and Design

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

 

 

This is a perfect book for those just getting started in antenna fabrication and design. Loaded with Figures.

Written on an 8th grade reading level, it contains the basic 468/f for dipoles, how to match impeadance to many different types antennas, transmission line do's and don't's, figuring heighth above ground, how to gamma match, computing SWR, using and figuring decibels on Windows Scientific Calculator... so much more.

This book is easy enough to read that my 10yr old found the 462/f for large diameter elements and cut a ground plane for 10m from a piece of toprail from a chain link fence. We now run a beacon on 28.2565 on that antenna.

If you can comprehend the Technician book, this book is on the same level.

Also, it's perfect for reference.

I'm not going to say that this book is either "good" or "bad." Rather, I'm going to tell you that the author did not explain things thoroughly enough for people who are new to antennas and electronics altogether. If you are already familiar with technical aspects of how radios and other electronics work (to a pretty good degree), you'll probably be fine with the book. Otherwise, you're going to struggle.

The book simply does not go into enough detail to explain concepts like impedance thoroughly enough for total beginners. The only issue is that the title of this book is a bit misleading and would likely attract newbies.

This is coming from a guy who is currently getting nearly 100% in my electrical and electronics class, has a background of about a year and a half of electrical study now, and wants to be an electrician.

This is an excellent book for any ham and for any junior engineer beginning work in the antenna area. Mr. Hallas unifies the discussion of antennas by using ENZEC to simulate the various antenna types. It is not an antenna textbook that uses vector potentials etc. By combining physical insight in combination with the ENZEC simulations to verify the insight, the whole field is made comprehensible. This is also done in a readable and concise style. Finally, I would mention that Mr. Halas' years of experience show up in many comments in the book.

If you need to teach a college course on antennas then this would be a good textbook. As a hands on antenna person I find it overly technical in terminology and not "Basic" at all unless you are an electrical engineer. For the average new ham or more experienced ham go online to Mr. Cebiks(SK) antenna web site at antennx for better info. Also Lew McCoy's(SK) book on antennas is well worth the money for any ham who enjoys fooling around with different antennas. Save your dough!

good book. really helped me with my exam. arrived promptly in described condition. good price

Great book for beginner. A must have for newbie or nowcomer to HAM or those who will be taking the exam.