1280 pages

Publisher: The American Radio Relay League, Inc.; Ninety-Fifth Edition/First Printing (October 2017)

Language: English

Hardcover Edition: ISBN: 978-1-62595-072-7
Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
Product Dimensions: 8 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches

Softcover Edition: ISBN: 978-1-62595-071-0
Shipping Weight: 5.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 8 3/16 x 10 7/8 inches

Introduction

What is Amateur (Ham) Radio?

 

Fundamental Theory

Electrical Fundamentals

Radio Fundamentals

Circuits and Components

 

Practical Design and Principles

RF Techniques

Computer-Aided Circuit Design

Power Sources

DSP and SDR Fundamentals

Oscillators and Synthesizers

Analog and Digital Filtering

Modulation

Receiving

Transmitting

Transceiver Design Topics

Digital Protocols and Modes

Telemetry and Navigation

RF Power Amplifiers

Repeaters

 

Antenna Systems and Radio Propagation

Propagation of Radio Signals

Transmission Lines

Antennas

 

Station Construction, Maintenance, and Management

Component Data and References

Construction Techniques

Assembling a Station

Test Equipment and Measurements

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

RF Interference

Safety

 

Downloadable Content and Tools

Space Communications

Digital Communications

Image Communications

Digital Basics

Station Accessories and Projects

2018 Annual Transceiver Survey

Thank you for purchasing the 2018 revised ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications. You have acquired an invaluable companion to your exploration of the radio sciences. Edition-after-edition, year-after-year, the Handbook is universally recognized as the comprehensive RF engineering reference manual used by Amateur Radio enthusiasts of all levels of proficiency and also by many professionals in the wireless communications field.
In this major revision, almost every chapter has been updated. In addition, Chapters 8 to 14 have been rewritten to incorporate more material on software defined radio (SDR) and digital signal processing (DSP). Among the new offerings in these chapters is a discussion of SDR and DSP fundamentals by Doug Grant, K1DG, and numerous explanations by Steve Hicks, N5AC. There has also been a comprehensive update of the RFI material. The grounding and bonding discussion has been updated by Ward Silver, NØAX, based on his highly successful Grounding and Bonding book published by ARRL earlier this year.
If you’re acquiring the Handbook for the first time, don’t be intimidated by the chapter headings or the topics. This publication is suitable for anyone, no matter their background or skill level. The book begins with a thorough introduction to the art of Amateur Radio with lots of helpful information about getting licensed, joining the community of amateurs, how to set up your first station, getting on the air, participating in public service, and it concludes with a glossary of helpful resources for newcomers of all backgrounds.
The second chapter is devoted to the science of radio, beginning with — the beginning. It includes a thorough grounding in electronic fundamentals commencing with an elementary discussion of basic electricity for students at any level. Perhaps you’ll find this material a good refresher course in topics you studied in high school science. If you’ve bought the Handbook for the first time, you’ll quickly learn that it can take you from direct current to Gigahertz, from zero to sixty, in 28 chapters plus three online operating guides.
If you believe you’d like to build some of projects described throughout the Handbook, and you’re new to construction, then Chapter 23 is required reading before you begin. You’ll learn what tools you need (not many, in fact), where to find them, and how to build almost anything. You’ll receive expert instruction on completing a quality solder connection, undoing (desoldering) a connection, working with surface mounted components, and even mechanical fabrication.
For the new ham, the Handbook is a great deal to absorb taken at once; but if you stick with it, you will be amazed at how quickly you become familiar, not only with the theory, but also with the practical aspects of radio — from long waves to microwaves. There’s a life-time of learning between the two covers.
So, stick with it!
But if you’re an experienced hand, and this is not your first copy of The ARRL Handbook, then you’re in for a surprise and delight when you see the extent of its latest revisions. Every year, the editors try to make the Handbook better. This edition is the most comprehensive revision since the 2014 edition. In addition to the revised grounding and bonding material earlier mentioned, you will find a number of new projects that include:
• VHF/UHF/microwave filters and transmission lines by Paul Wade, W1GHZ.
• Software-controlled and manual preselectors by George Hirschfield, W5OZF.
• A digital mode audio-based VOX/PTT interface by Julian Moss, G4ILO.
• A PICAXE-based timer by Darrell Davis, KT4WX.
• An Arduino-based CW IDer by Bob Anding, AA5OY.
• A 6-meter halo antenna by Jerry Clement, VE6AB.
• An off-center end-fed portable 40-6 meter antenna by Kai Siwiak, KE4PT.
• A crossed-dipole omnidirectional antenna for 1296 MHz by Paul Wade, W1GHZ.
• A Spudgun antenna launcher by Byron Black, W4SSY.
• A CW reception filter by Jim Tonne, W4ENE.
The digital world is quickly descending on Amateur Radio, and our reference book labors hard to keep up with this fast-changing dimension. You’ll find entries on digital mode audio interfaces and Arduino-based CW IDers. Looking back, however, Jerry Clement reworks the venerable 6-meter halo antenna, which many of us used in our first experiments with VHF AM: a Heathkit Sixer lunchbox feeding a halo on the rear bumper. Of course, you recall it! New to 6 meters? You’ll love this sturdy new design! And there’s QEX editor Kai Siwiak’s latest refinement to a classic off-center-end-fed portable antenna for 40 through 6 meters.
Old hand or new, the ARRL Handbook will stay with you for a lifetime.
I also want to point out that by purchasing the Handbook you continue to encourage the teams of contributing authors who write and edit the Handbook. This is an eclectic group of subject matter experts in all fields of radio who create this valuable reference every year. They are hams like you. Some are professional engineers, others spare-time tinkerers and experimenters — each of them broad in their interests and deep in their expertise. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of them for creating this year’s 2018 Handbook. But especially, for this compendious work of knowledge and know-how, I thank Ward Silver NØAX, its editor along with that long list of talented collaborators who make the Handbook possible.
It’s also possible that you’re not a ham radio operator yet, so I invite you to become one. Earning a license is relatively easy at the entry level, and a great deal of fun. If you’re a ham and you are not a member of ARRL, please consider becoming one. ARRL is the largest repository of Amateur Radio art and science in the world. And this edition of the Handbook, the 95th in a series, is merely a small part of that prodigious collection.
Thanks again, and 73,
Tom Gallagher, NY2RF
Chief Executive Officer
Newington Connecticut
August 2017

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