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Review used with permission. Monitoring Times Magazine © December 2004, from ON THE HAM BANDS, by T.J. "SKIP" AREY, N2EI
No ham should be without a current copy of The Handbook. In addition to having the most up to date information on the amateur radio art, you have the added opportunity to pass along your previous edition to someone interested in or new to ham radio. It's a great opportunity to be an Elmer to someone.
But beyond the above reason, the 2005 Edition is billed as one of the most complete updates to the handbook in a decade. A lot has happened in ham radio in the last 10 years. And, while Ohm's Law has not been repealed, new theories and practices have come at a very rapid rate. For this reason, entire sections of the 2005 Handbook have been completely reworked to provide state-of-the-art information in a useful format for every ham.
Up to date information is provided on a number of subjects including analog and digital signals and components; working with surface-mount components; High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM); antennas and baluns; satellites (including the new Phase 3E) and EME; oscillators, DSP and software radio design. There is also an excellent new chapter of Internet tips for hams, Wi-Fi, and other wireless and PC technology. I remember Handbooks that didn't even mention personal computing. Now I cannot imagine one not including this information.
The new 2005 Edition of The Handbook includes thorough coverage of theory, references and practical projects. I can't begin to count the number of fun projects I have built through the years using the schematics and information from the Handbook. You would be hard pressed to find a better source for building receivers, transceivers, power supplies, RF amplifiers, station accessories and antenna construction projects. This 82nd edition includes many new antenna projects and even a new 10-W, 60-meter SSB transceiver. I may never come out of my basement workshop this winter!
The Handbook now includes a CD-ROM. For the first time, this edition is bundled with The ARRL Handbook CD (version 9.0)--the fully searchable and complete book on CD-ROM (including many color images). This used to be a separate item and, as such, was well worth the price. Kudos to The League for adding it to the mix.
So anyone who is stumped for a gift for you could certainly put a Handbook under your tree. And you know something? If you get more than one you don't even have to return it. Just pass the additional edition on to those future hams you know. Even better than passing on last year's edition.
