Customer Reviews

Passport to World Band Radio, 2005 Edition

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The other reviewer who focused on the English language issue is way off the mark. I've been reading this book faithfully for over 10 years now - and it's the most useful SWL (short wave listener) guide available.

It not only reviews the latest consumer radios and gadgets, but gives you comprehensive listings of times, stations, and showings. Trying to surf the waves without it would put you at a disadvantage.

One of my favorite features is a listing that - given a frequency and time of day - will tell you what you're probably listening too. In other words, if you're surfing the waves - this book is indispensable to have at your side. Not to mention all of the other listings it has.

I recently received a shortwave radio as a gift. Without this guide, however, I would have quickly given up trying to listen to shortwave! This is an indespensible guide to learning how to get the best reception, what frequencies to listen to, and what times to listen. The book is easy to browse through and find information regarding broadcasters, specific programming, and frequencies.

This is an essential purchase for anyone getting their first shortwave radio.

Well it IS the official list of the List-loggers Association of America.

Yes there are errors, what do you expect from an annual publication trying to cover a subject that changes daily, and the articles are frequently lame from the perspective of a long-term hobbyist, but the blue pages are the 'real' reason to buy this book. [Don't believe anyone who says 'I get Passport for the articles -- they ARE lying :) ] For radio hobbyists, it is far easier to use than the WRTH, and the info in the blue pages is 90-95% (if not better) accurate.

Overall, this isn't perfect, but if you are new to the 'hobby' of Shortwave, or an old hand looking around the bands for new stuff, this book is the generally acknowledged 'go to' source for info. If you want more, you need to seek out a local or regional club and join -- cause you won't find better in 'mass market' publications -- for that you need to get the 'insiders' sources available only in clubs.

I received the grundig FR200 for christmas and was a little lost on how to use it. I was just getting info off of the web and then I received this book as a gift this week and I must say it really helps, The station guides are very helpful and the articles that highlight stations are really informative.I also liked the product reviews and the beginners guide, really answered my questions. I feel this book will be very helpful when I upgrade radios in the future.

I buy the PWBR every year, and this year's issue was excellent as usual. This is the book to get if you want to get started listening to shortband radio. The equipment reviews are excellent; most every radio you'd want to own is reviewed. The articles are interesting, and the schedule, although not as up-to-date as a monthly listing such as Monitoring Times magazine, will definitely get you tuned in to the station you're looking for, or just some random interesting programming.

If you're into shortwave listening or are thinking of getting into it, this is the book to own. It has honest reviews of many different shortwave radios and an excellent program guide to what you can listen to and when.

Whether you are a tyro or and old hand (or even an old Ham), this book will be invaluable. The excellent equipment reviews by Lawrence Magne and crew are well worth the price, but the frequency guide is the most thumbed section in my copy. It really helps me pinpoint what station I've tuned in quickly without having to wait for a station ID. I also refer to the WRTH occasionally but my "Passport" is the one reference I will never be without.

I think it is a great shortwave guide. I use it when I listen' and it has a lot of useful information about radios and world band stations.

Passport to World Band Radio, New 2006 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio)by Lawrence Magne is laid out in kind of a TV Guide format. This lends itself to finding the station or type of shortwave programming you seek quickly. Like past editions there are articles on shortwave and equipment reviews. While not as thorough as its European counterpart, the WRTH (World Radio TV Handbook) it is easier to use. I find myself referring to Passport to World Band Radio, New 2006 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio)by Lawrence Magne and WRTH on an equal basis. Both compliment each other and should be in the libraries of any Shortwave Listener.

If you are an enthusiast of short-wave radio, then this publication offers much in the way of general and technical information regarding broadcasting from near and afar. My introduction into the realm of short-wave reception came via a present: Sangean ATS 803-A. Immediately I searched for information as to broadcasting frequencies and times;and, this was prior to the Internet -- therefore, there was very little data to be had until I discovered Passport to World Band Radio.
I commend this publication to anyone, beginner or professional, who has has a significant interest in short-wave. The 2005 edition includes many interesting articles; however, of particular note is the data concerning antennas. And the section entitled "What's On Tonight?" is especially invaluable for its brevity and information. So, if you are either a beginner or long-term enthusiast in the realm of Short-wave, then purchase the 2005 edition. You will be impressed at the thoroughness of the text; and the advertisements are well-designed.