With more than 60 authors and reviewers contributing over 70 percent of new or completely revised content, The 2010 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is the biggest Handbook ever. Since it was first published in 1926, the Handbook has been a mainstay for the radio electronic experimenter. A core resource for radio amateurs, hobbyists, engineers and scientists, the Handbook is the single most authoritative reference on practical communications topics. It is both reference book and tutorial, woven together with practical applications and solutions. The 2010 Handbook -- the 87th edition -- is both a useful introduction to radio communication and features the most current material on electronics and Amateur Radio.

As Handbook editors H. Ward Silver, N0AX, and Mark Wilson, K1RO, dove into preparing this 87th edition, they kept in mind what F. E. Handy, W1BDI -- author of the first edition -- wrote in that book: "Written first of all for the beginner, such an amount of useful and up-to-date information has been added that the Handbook in its present form is equally valuable as a compendium of information for the experienced brass-pounder and the beginner alike." The same idea that prefaced the 176 page Handbook in 1926 permeates the more than 1250 pages of the 2010 version.

For 2010, The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications has been reorganized into five major sections, making it easier than ever to find exactly what you are searching for: Fundamental Theory, Practical Design and Principles, Antenna Systems and Radio Propagation, Equipment Construction and Maintenance, and Station Assembly and Management. "Each chapter has been designed to be either an 'encyclopedia' (providing descriptive overviews of current practices and technology) or 'practical handbook' (focusing on techniques, designs and projects)," Silver explained. "In either case, Mark and I tried to ensure that there was enough introductory material to get the newcomer started, as well as plenty of in-depth discussion the experienced amateur will expect."

Nearly every chapter has been rewritten or reworked, with many projects making their first appearance in the Handbook. Take a look at some of the new and exciting topics you will find:

• A full suite of new or revised chapters address the burgeoning digital modes: Modulation (by Alan Bloom, N1AL); DSP and Software Radio Design (also by N1AL), Digital Modes (by Scott Honaker, N7SS, and Kok Chen, W7AY), and Digital Communications (by Steve Ford, WB8IMY). There's also a new section on D-STAR digital repeaters by Pete Loveall, AE5PL and Jim McClellan, N5MIJ.
• The ever-popular chapter on RF Power Amplifiers has gotten a thorough refreshing by experts John Stanley, K4ERO (vacuum tube technology) and Dick Frey, K4XU (solid-state amplifiers). You'll find new software, expanded design examples, and a new 250 W solid state amplifier project to get you started toward that bigger signal.
• Power Supplies -- a chapter that every ham turns to regularly -- received the attention of world-class authority Rudy Severns, N6LF. As a result, there is a detailed introduction to switch-mode power conversion -- arguably the most common power supply technology in the world and whose coverage was long overdue in the Handbook.
• If you're learning electronics from the Handbook, as many do, the Fundamental Theory section sports reworked and expanded chapters on basic electronics and analog design (both by H. Ward Silver, N0AX), and digital design (by Dale Botkin, N0XAS), including analog-digital conversion and microprocessor interfacing.
• New resources for experimenters include a chapter on Computer-Aided Circuit Design by Dave Newkirk, W9VES. The Component Data and References chapter received needed updates to the information on component characteristics and surface mount devices by Paul Harden, NA5N.
• In recognition of the growing range of operating modes and activities, you'll find updated and expanded chapters on Space Communications (satellites by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and EME by Joe Taylor, K1JT) and Image Communications (ATV by Tom O'Hara, W6ORG, and SSTV by Dave Jones, KB4YZ).

The book's accompanying CD-ROM inside the back cover once again includes a searchable PDF version of the entire book, including graphics. Construction information and PC board templates for all projects are included, as are the original QST articles, if that was the project's source. Jim Tonne, W4ENE, has again generously provided his powerful filter design and analysis software, Elsie, as well as other useful applications. Recognizing that the printed Handbook and CD-ROM support a dynamic activity, a Web page has been created to provide links and supplemental information that may change with time.

For more than eight decades, hams, hobbyists, engineers and scientists have used The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for both practical solutions -- and as a teacher to open doors of understanding. Available in hardcover and softcover, make sure you get yours today. If you order by October 31, 2009 (or while supplies last), you can receive the hardcover version for the softcover price of $49.95.