Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies [Paperback]

H. Ward Silver (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764595822 | ISBN-13: 978-0764595820 | Publication Date: July 22, 2005 | Edition: 1

Discover a fun new hobby with helpful possibilities

Get directions, talk to folks overseas, or find out whether the fish are biting

Want to check out the morning news in London, help out in emergencies, or tune in to the big race? Two-way radios open up a world of possibilities - literally. This handy guide tells you about the equipment you need, fills you in on radio etiquette, shows you how to stay legal, and gives you lots of cool ideas for family-friendly radio activities.

Discover how to
* Use the right radio lingo
* Choose and operate different types of radios
* Get a license if you need one
* Communicate in emergencies
* Program a scanner
* Tune in to sporting events

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Discover a fun new hobby with helpful possibilities

Get directions, talk to folks overseas, or find out whether the fish are biting

Want to check out the morning news in London, help out in emergencies, or tune in to the big race? Two-way radios open up a world of possibilities — literally. This handy guide tells you about the equipment you need, fills you in on radio etiquette, shows you how to stay legal, and gives you lots of cool ideas for family-friendly radio activities.

Discover how to

• Use the right radio lingo
• Choose and operate different types of radios
• Get a license if you need one
• Communicate in emergencies
• Program a scanner
• Tune in to sporting events

About the Author

H. Ward Silver has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing Ham Radios For Dummies in 2004. He supports Seattle University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, QST, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL’s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (July 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764595822
• ISBN-13: 978-0764595820
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

H. Ward Silver has the experience of a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000 he turned to teaching and writing as a second career. He is a contributing editor to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and author of the popular 'Hands-On Radio' column in QST magazine every month. He is the author of the ARRL's Amateur Radio license study guides and numerous other articles. He developed the ARRL's online courses, 'Antenna Design and Construction,' 'Analog Electronics,' and 'Digital Electronics.' Along with his comedic alter-ego, Dr Beldar, Ward is a sought-after speaker and lecturer among 'hams.' When not in front of a computer screen, you will find Ward working on his mandolin technique and compositions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice intro in the world of airwaves..., October 1, 2005

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies (Paperback)

It must be the lurker in me... I've always been fascinated with listening to unusual broadcasts like shortwave radio and emergency frequencies. Therefore, I was happy to have the opportunity to review the book Two-Way Radios & Scanners For Dummies by H. Ward Silver. It's an excellent way to get started in this hobby (or obsession)...

Contents:
Part 1 - Making Radio a Habit, a Hobby, or a Helper: Introducing Radios and the Wireless Word; Discovering the Art and Science of Radio; Making Radio Fit Your Life
Part 2 - Two-Way Radios at Home, Work, and Play: A Radio in Your Pocket - FRS/GMRS Radios; Breaker, Breaker - Using Citizens Band; Communicating in Emergencies; Workaday Wireless - Business Radio Services; Ladies and Gentlemen, Ships at Sea - Marine Radio; Citizen Wireless - Amateur Radio
Part 3 - Listening In - Scanning and Shortwave Listening: One Adam 12 - Scanner Basics; Scanning Public Service and Safety Radio Transmissions; Radio Aloft - Aviation Radio Transmissions; Radios in Uniform: Government Radio Transmissions; Radio in Action - Recreational Radio Transmissions; Surfing the Air World - Shortwave Listening
Part 4 - Getting Technical with Your Radio: Building Your Radio Toolbox; A Spark of Electronic Know-How; Installing Radios Right; Getting a Charge Out of Batteries; Putting Your Computer to Work; Troubleshooting Your Radio
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Radio Secrets; Ten Emergency Tips; Ten Radio First-Aid Techniques; Ten New Ways to Have Fun with Your Radio; Glossary; Index

There's not much that Silver doesn't cover in this book. He works both sides of the radio spectrum, from just listening to actually participating. If the usage of the airwaves in a particular category require having a license, he covers the requirements in order to make sure you stay legal. The basics of the hardware for each type of activity is illustrated in a very easy-to-understand fashion without getting overly technical. Same with subjects like antennas. There are some really heavy-duty scientific principles behind how antennas work and how different frequency ranges really require different antenna types. Silver is able to get you through this without the eyes glazing over... My personal favorite part of the book was on the shortwave listening. I remember listening to shortwave broadcasts from Radio Nederlands when I was young, amazed that I could be hearing stuff from the other side of the earth. This book brought back some of those same feelings.

This book is a very good way to get yourself started in the business of voice communications over the airwaves. Regardless of your leanings as a lurker or participant, you'll find what you need here to make that first contact.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Background Knowledge, April 11, 2009

By 

C. Owen (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies (Paperback)

Good book to learn the basics of police or nascar scanning. This book isn't helpful with programing specific models but is well worth the money anyway.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding overview for the novice or those even curious about radio, September 6, 2010

By 

Jack Larix (Fayetteville, NC USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Two-Way Radios and Scanners For Dummies (Paperback)

This book gives a very thorough overview of the world of radio. It discusses in detail the various radio systems in use and how to determine what radio fits your needs. There is a great deal of information on selecting radios for business use, as well as the expected discussion of Ham radio and the use of radios by government agencies and emergency services. The book can be a bit technical in some sections, but from cover to cover it provides a great overview for some interested in understanding a broad range of topics related to radios.