Passport to World Band Radio 2001 [Paperback]

Lawrence Magne (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0914941518 | ISBN-13: 978-0914941514 | Publication Date: December 1, 2000

The world's #1 selling short-wave publication.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: International Broadcasting Service (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914941518
• ISBN-13: 978-0914941514
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,540,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is worth its $ if just for the 72 radio reviewed!, May 9, 2001

By 

Allan M. Gathercoal "fdoamerica" (Norcross, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Passport to World Band Radio 2001 (Paperback)

A "must have" for those who are interested in entering the growing society of world band radio enthusiasts. This unique book is a consumer's guide, radio guide and excellent introduction to shortwave radio.

Consumers Guide. This book is worth its price if just for the 72 digital radios reviewed in the book. From pocket to professional radios, each professional review gives you a `PRO', `CON' and `VERDICT'. Rating each unit with one star (junk) to five stars (stellar) you will find Sony's 7oz `cigarette pack size' receiver, rate three stars, quote "Superior overall world band performance for size"; to ICON's 44lb professional receiver, five star, "exceptional." . Prices range from ICON's mere $8,500, to the star and a half portable Chinese Bolong HS-490 , $45 dollars. The reviews of the receivers are followed up by a even dozen reviews on antennas.

You can shop the net for these radios and save an average of 15 to 20% over the recommended retail listed in the book. CON: Sadly there are NO listings of contact information for any of the manufacturers. There are NO side-by-side comparisons which would help make this a comprehensive reference. And, finally, these reviews DO NOT list size or weight of these radios; all of these points would greatly enhance the value of these reviews.

World Band Radio Guide. There is a wonderful channel-by-channel guide to world band schedules. So if you are a BBC junky, or need to tune in China Radio, `Passport' has conveniently listed their air-time schedules for you. Surprisingly, even though `Passport' fails to list the contact information for radio and antenna manufactures, they list addresses for hundreds of radio station throughout the world that broadcast. So, if you have been desperate to tell `Radio Vanuatu' your thoughts on the cross pollination of pineapple, the address and contact persons' name is here.

Especially useful is "Passport's" listings of broadcasts in English around the globe. So if you can't sleep, flip to 3:30am and find Radio Prague or Radio Tirana.

Solid Introduction, for entering the world band radio fraternity. Voice of Russia or Voice of America, you choose, throughout the world you are able to listen to world news in English. If you are a frequent world traveler, the world band radio becomes a friendly voice.

VERDICT: Get this book, even if you were just contemplating dropping into the world of shortwave. The ratings, the `when' and `what' to tune into, and the introductory information to World Band Radio makes `Passport to World Band Radio 2001' highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for beginners to pro's, April 25, 2001

By 

TRACY L DALE (ST. PETERSBURG, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Passport to World Band Radio 2001 (Paperback)

I just obtained this book last night and I'm very impressed with the set-up, the tremendous blue pages lay-out of radio stations, and the extensive "what's on" time section of radio as to when, where and what. I am amazed! The reviews are excellent as well and they do give great detail into what to look for in a radio, both portable and tabletop to professional. They include things such as antennas, frequency responsiveness, etc. Everything anyone starting out would need, and all the information someone well into this hobby would desire.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Shortwave Guide, August 10, 2001

By 

"_nraizen" (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Passport to World Band Radio 2001 (Paperback)

This book is the ultimate shortwave guide. It has reviews of all the radios and a listing of every station. It is a good book for both beginners and experienced listeners.