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I messed around with it for many months and got some good advice from the web but there is nothing like a GOOD BOOK. Never the less its an excellent way to get started in the world of radio. Really quite excellent. I enjoy making my own antenna and improving it. Also it explains the world of SW or HF (shortwave or High Freq) radio listening world wide. They not only have freq and schedules ** they feature some different stations. I have renewed my childhood hobby of radios. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE THRILL OF GETTING A SIGNAL CLEARLY 8,000 MILES AWAY.
Can you say Propaganda.There is so much to know its daunting, but this book is great in they way they explain with out talking down to you. I know SW RADIO is a little RETRO in the world of cell Phones, iPhones, iPods, Internet, WiFi Internet, satellite radio & TV and cable TV, but there is a lot of information out there on the radio. Even Pros that have been at it for awhile will love it. Freq's can change over time as stations move (some times). It has equip review of radios (receive only), antennas with detailed explanation of the who, what and why. I also work with the fairly new DRM stations transmitting digital audio over the SW freqs.
** Schedule and Freq: If you want the latest than get the newest version of Passport. They do this for many reasons such as interference or changing atmospheric conditions. Last night I was listening to Radio Cuba (in English) and it's very interesting to hear them report US news. They do detailed reviews of radios, two of which I have: TenTec RX320D and the Degen DE1103.
Indeed I'd say their shortwave radio reviews are almost too critical. The Passport to World Band Radio book series is great for honest and very crtical reviews of shortwave equipment. I bought this (2006) edition along with the WRTH book of the same year and I found the information in the Passport book to be considerably more interesting and up-to-date. However, I prefer their harsh reviews over other sources that seem to like everything. Whether you decide to save a few dollars buying this older edition or choose to buy the latest "Passport" book, you can't go wrong.
Lots of Information for Shortwave Listeners. Interesting equipment reviews and articles. Not as easy to use as the World Radio TV Handbook though.
I don't have alot of shortwave experience, have only really just basically tuned around the various bands, without really knowing much about the way shortwave works. I found the reviews to be very accurate, and they helped me make an informed decision on my latest radio purchase. This book really goes into the hows and whys of shortwave listening, and provides a great resource for the beginner. I also really appreciated the radio reviews, since I was considering a new radio, and already had two of the radios listed. I also actually enjoyed the many advertisements, they also provide interesting information on radios and other products for the shortwave listener. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to listen to shortwave radio, I know it helped me out alot.
There is nothing like the Passport to World Band Radio. If you are interested in shortwave radio, you should get every edition as soon as it is available.
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