Customer Reviews

The Complete Shortwave Listener's Handbook

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

 

 

Yoder's book provides a clear and useful account of a great many subjects dealing with SW listening that can be exceptionally useful for beginners without being at all patronizing. Nowhere else, for instance, have I seen as understandable a description of SSB (which I had never quite understood before), and the beginner or even devoted non-fanatical listener can learn about a large number of both essential and delightfully arcane topics (utility, number and pirate stations spring immediately to mind) that are either completely uncovered in the major guides or treated so cursorily that they are useless. On the other hand, much of Yoder's volume is devoted to a country-by-country survey of SW listening, and it is here that his guide is severely inadequate for nearly all users, for he fails to provide the detailed information about frequencies and programming that is essential for any SW listener. Much better is the superb Passport to World Band Radio and (if you can stomach it) the World Radio and TV Handbook (WRTH), both of which are far more up-to-date (since they're published annually) and significantly less expensive as well. Still, Yoder's volume contains info on a lot of topics that are either unexplained in the other volumes or explained so cursorily as to be useless. If you think of it as a book for people interested in learning about SW without having a radio nearby, then it has real merit, but if you're looking for a vade mecum to keep next to your radio, this isn't the book you want.

Andy Yoder has done a yeoman's job with this book, but calling it "far and away the #1 bestseller in the field" is beyond hyperbole. Just look at its Amazon ranking and compare it to, say, Passport to World Band Radio or other books in the field.

A solid introduction to short-wave Radios and much more (CB radio, Computers, Amateur radio, etc.). The writing is straight forward and very informative. Solid tips that include a small selection of viable radios to purchase. This book along with "Passport to World Band Radio" should be on every serious short-wave enthusiast's bookshelf. Worthy purchase 4 stars.

This book may help you to start with shortwave listening. It is a good reference, from choosing the most suitable receiver to building your own antenna. It is, however, too US-centric. European or Asian listeners may find 50% of the book useless...

I found this to be interesting and helpful in my swl hobby.
I am sure anyone interesting swl as a hobby will find this book
to be very helpful.

The new fifth edition of The Complete Shortwave Listener's Handbook compiles in one place just about everything the radio listening hobbyist needs to get the most out of their pasttime. Andrew Yoder has completely revised and updated the classic handbook with new information on shortwave and mediumwave DXing, long-distance FM listening, antennas, receivers and more. Has extensive coverage of the growing integration of computers in radio listening. While a lot of the information is probably best geared toward the beginning SWL, experienced hands will also find it full of useful reference charts and other information. Besides, it is fun just to read and re-read the various chapters. You'll love it, and keep it close to your radio table!

It is not as compelet as it can be. You are better off buying other books with more details

I have always this book handy when I listen to DX on www.dxtuners.com. It has helped me a lot in finding UNId:ed stations.
Thanks Andrew