For something that is often so simple to make, an antenna is remarkably difficult for many people to understand. The antenna is one of your shack's most important elements and can make your radio system a success. Now available from ARRL, Basic Antennas: Understanding Practical Antennas and Design is a comprehensive introduction to antennas -- basic concepts, practical designs and details of easy-to-build antennas. You'll learn how to make antennas that really work. This book will provide a foundation in antenna theory and design necessary for anyone undertaking more advanced topics and projects such as those presented in The ARRL Antenna Book.

Written by ARRL Technical Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR, this new book includes:

• Introduction to Antennas
  

• Dipole Antennas
  

• Antenna Impedance
  

• Transmission Lines
  

• Practical Two Element Arrays
  

• Wideband and Multiband Antennas
  

• Monopole Antennas
  

• Reflector Antennas
  

• Yagis for HF and VHF
  

• Loop Antennas
  

• Antennas for Microwave Applications
  

• Vehicle Antennas
  

• Antenna Measurements
  

• Introduction to Antenna Modeling
  

"Most people involved in the radio arts come from a background in the circuitry required to define radio equipment," Hallas said, "and many have difficulty making the transition to the electromagnetic side of radio. Basic Antennas is intended to assist those with a basic knowledge of radio technology in making that important leap from the circuit domain to the antenna domain." Hallas said the technology presented in the book is developed using the "minimum of mathematical concepts to allow introduction of basic principles in an easy to read manner." Upon completion of this book, readers should have enough understanding of the basic principles of antenna systems to be able to make decisions about selection of antennas for their applications or proper use of more advanced materials on the topic.

Joel Hallas, W1ZR, earned his BS and MS degrees in electrical engineering. He has been a radar and telecommunications systems engineer, engineering manager, telecommunications executive and college teacher. Now QST Technical Editor, he is also the author of Basic Radio -- Understanding the Key Building Blocks.