The ARRL has just released two new books and a digital software library that you are going to want to have in your shack: Hints & Kinks for the Radio Amateur (18th edition) and Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio by Grant Bingeman, KM5KG. The newest version of Software Library for Hams is also available for both as an immediate download or on CD-ROM.

Hints & Kinks for the Radio Amateur (18th Edition)

The 18th edition of Hints and Kinks for the Radio Amateur gathers the best projects and problem-solving tips, spanning eight years from 2004 through 2011. It’s more than 170 pages of practical information you can use every day. QST’s monthly “Hints & Kinks” column is one of the most popular sections of the magazine -- and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the mood for an evening or weekend project, you’ll find it in “Hints & Kinks.” And if you’re looking for a solution to a problem, chances are you’ll find it there as well.

Contents include: equipment tips and modifications; batteries and other power sources; mobile and portable stations; software and computers; troubleshooting/test gear; restoration; construction/maintenance; antenna systems; operating; around the shack, and interference (RFI/EMI).

Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio

Learn the secrets of compact design for 160 meters! Even though antennas for 160 meters can be large and difficult to install due to lack of available space, Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio dares to discuss the possibility of smaller antennas for top band. Grant Bingeman, KM5KG, walks you through the theory behind innovative designs for relatively compact antennas. You’ll learn how to enhance bandwidth, minimize loss, and employ other techniques to enjoy 160 meters with limited real estate.

Contents include: short antenna behavior; a better way to define antenna bandwidth; why top-loading can improve short antenna performance; top hat arrangements; inverted cone antennas; closed antennas; antennas with two driven elements; T-shaped antennas; inverted-L-shaped antennas; antennas with four driven elements; spiral antennas; small horizontal antennas, and

quadrature feed arrangements.

Software Library for Hams CD-ROM (version 4.0)

The content in this library is divided into folders, containing software for a variety of ham radio applications. You’ll find handy software tools for decoding CW, creating custom DSP audio filters and more. Bonus files include ARRL screensavers, audio samples and PowerPoint presentations.

Contents include: videos, image editor; DX Cluster client software (CC USER); software defined radio; HF digital software for PSK31, MFSK16, MT63, RTTY and JT65, and WSJT software for meteor scatter and moonbounce.

These two books and CD_ROM are available from your ARRL Dealer or the ARRL Store; the software library is also available for immediate download from the ARRL online store. Hints & Kinks for the Radio Amateur (18th Edition) (ARRL Order No 5200), ISBN 978-0-87259-520-0, $22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95 (limited time only), plus shipping; Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio (ARRL Order No 5798), ISBN 978-0-87259-579-8, $22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95 (limited time only), plus shipping. Software Library for Hams CD-ROM version 4.0: physical version -- (ARRL Order No 4364), ISBN 978-0-87259-436-4, $22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95 (limited time only), plus shipping; downloadable version -- ARRL Order No 4364D, $19.95 retail. Telephone 860-594-0355 or toll-free in the US 888-277-5289; www.arrl.org/shop; pubsales@arrl.org.