How Radio Signals Work (Paperback)

~ (Author) "In the list of subatomic particles, electrons are the smallest and lightest (and often the fastest) of those that are definitely known to be capable..." (more)
Key Phrases: prerequisites for this section, sectioning point, prerequisite for this section (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book provides a basic understanding of the way radio signals work-without becoming bogged down with the technicalities. It covers all kinds of radio signal types--including mobile communications, short-wave, satellite, and microwave. No detailed knowledge of electronics or mathematics is required. A-Z coverage of radio signals including satellites, mobile communications, and short-wave radio. No math or electronics background necessary.

From the Back Cover

Understand Today's Communications- No Technical Background Required. Radio waves poer not only radios, but TVs. They make our cell phones work. They enable the airplane we ride and the ships we sail to navigate in unfamiliar locales. Radio waves are even at the heart of our most powerful telescopes, permitting scientists their clearest look into deep space. Most of us use radio waves every single day - and most of us have very little idea of how they work. In a reader-friendly style requiring no technical or mathematical background, this concise and clearly-written book explains the basics of radio signaling. You'll learn how: Energy carries information. Messages are imprinted on energy. Signals move across space. Signals are detected and amplified. Electrons, watts, amps, volts, and other "mysterious beasties" owrk. If you're curious about the phenomena that make modern communications work... if you want a fascinating, across-the-board tour of the entire field of radio communications, including career posibilities... or if you want to buttress a radio license application, you've found the right book. How Radio Signals Work is the most pleasant path to enlightenment in the Age of Communications.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics; 1 edition (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070580588
• ISBN-13: 978-0070580589
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,528 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Electrical & Electronics > Antennas & Radar
  #3 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Radio Operation
  #14 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Telecommunications > Radio & Wireless

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Beginners & Non-techies, February 17, 2001

By	"hic_dic" (USA) - See all my reviews

This book was definitely written for non-technical people. In order to enjoy this book, one does not have to have great knowledge in electronics and mathematics. As matter of fact, the author completely avoids using mathematical equations and replace it with very easy-to-follow graphs to explain the complex "Radiophysics". The author did a very good job of explaining difficult topics of "Radiophysics" using normal everyday language. An excellent starter book for anyone who is interested in learning how our modern communication works. I wish I had read this book before I started my college engineering courses. Concepts mentioned in this book can be a stepping stone for anyone(high school students, people in technical sales, non-technical managers, and even tax agents) who is considering a career in RF/wireless communication field. This book will definitely set you in the right path for an introductory communication class.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome intro to theory behind RF!!, July 28, 2001

By	"scsicat" (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews

I'm just beginning to get into Amateur Radio (ie: Ham radio) to move my career more toward RF technology. This book really lays out the info very gently, doesn't try to impress you with huge words or complex theorems. For anyone trying to gain insight into RF, this is a GREAT starting point. But, if you're trying to get into Ham radio, get the test book first from the ARRL and pass the Technician's exam. After that, you can apply practically all the theory found in this book and expand your knowledge further through experience.