2006 Handbook, Not Just for Hams Anymore

[K2WH]

Just got the new 2006 Handbook and I am very disappointed.

First off, the front cover doesn't say it is for "Radio Amateurs" or "The Amateur Radio Handbook", or whatever. #It does not mention amateur or ham radio at all. #It now says "The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications". #"A Comprehensive RF Engineering Resource". #Say what?

Secondly, leafing through the book, I have come to the conclusion, that it is no longer a book of projects with a little theory thrown in for good measure, it is now an engineering reference with a little bit of projects thrown in for good measure.

The lack of construction articles such as HF and VHF amps is startling. #Not a single reference to Varactor doubler or tripler circuits. #Nary a mention of the 902mhz band and how to get on it. #I could go on and on.

It has simply become an engineering resource and it is as bland and boring as my other engineering reference books.

I am thoroughly disappointed and will be selling the book on Ebay. #I cannot recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading and implementing projects and construction articles. I never thought I would say this, being an avid ARRL supporter, but hey ARRL, remember the hams!

K2WH

[WB2WIK]

Don't hold back, Bill, tell us how you really feel. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ne3r]

Burn it!!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Just kidding, I think the one I have is 2005, came with an old one bundled with it. I haven't taken it out of the wrap, too busy reading the antenna book and general manual.

[KD7WHQ]

Sounds like the 1966 and the 2001 books are the only ones I'll have in the li rary.

Technical references can be easily had through the library, and those would be an as-need thing..

[WD8OQX]

THIS is the kind of **** that will "KILL HAM RADIO"

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Experimentation & home brewing is what makes us - without it we are just another bunch of radio jockeys!!! - if I wanted a text book I'd use a text book & frankly I have to many now!

[N5LRZ]

@ WD8OQX

We already are merely radio operators. Just look at the radios of today with their Surface Mount Technology. I hope you do not think that any one with old eyes syndrome is ever going to make repairs on that stuff.

R Arceneaux
N5LRZ

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ] hope you do not think that any one with old eyes syndrome is ever going to make repairs on that stuff
Oh, now, it's not impossible. Difficult, but not impossible.

A good light source and decent magnification help tremendously.

[NY7Q]

One more nail in the coffin. The ARRL has abandoned ham radio.
one third of the hams belong and support them, WHY?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[n0iu]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Dec. 17 2005,07:42)]one third of the hams belong and support them
You are being overly generous - its more like 22% of US hams are members.

[WA2ZDY]

I have yet to see the 2006 Handbook but it's on my Christmas list. I'll let you know what I think about it next week if the fat cat in the red threads delivers.

What I can tell you though is that during my short career as an electrical engineering student, there were ARRL Handbooks all over the classrooms and labs at the college I attended. And it wasn't because there were so many hams, there weren't. It was because the Handbook has always been a respected technical reference. Now if the ham radio stuff has been pared down to nearly nothing, that is a shame.

And yes, one should have Handbooks from a few different eras. I keep my 1976 edition just for the tube reference in the back. I also have a couple older than that. They're fun to read if nothing else.

ARRL abandoning ham radio . . . what else is new? Notice how the cover of QStreet says "devoted entirely to amateur radio?" Now go look at some of the drivel in that rag, both articles and advertisements. One company that sells only scanners. There have been articles on short wave listening and copying commercial stuff. All worthy activities to be sure, but not the amateur radio to which they claim to be entirely devoted.

[wb7dmx]

I have a 1949 edition, and still read it.
the last one I bought was a 2000 edition and was unhappy with it, the best ones were the 58 60 and the 80 era's, and I have noticed over the years lately the gradual decline in projects.

my all time favorite was the popular electronics magazine from the 50's.

[N5RLR]

Quote[/b] (KD7WHQ @ Dec. 16 2005,21:53)]<span style='color:green'>Sounds like the 1966 and the 2001 books are the only ones I'll have in the library...</span>
I set the record for checkouts in my high-school library with their copy of the 1966 Handbook. #They had to have it re-bound, I wore the covers off. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Anyone know where I can get good [or better] copies of the 1963 and 1966 Handbooks?

It's a bloody shame that the ARRL seems to be shifting its focus regarding Amateur Radio. #And I'm sure that someone there wonders why many are PO'd at the organization. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[WA2CWA]

Where ya been; this title has been around for the last several years.

From the The ARRL Letter, dated September 22, 2002:

"The 2003 edition of the famous reference book, dubbed "the most respected communications resource
for hams, engineers and technicians since 1926," is advertised for the
first time on page 7 of the October issue of QST and is now available for
ordering. Starting with the 2003 edition, it's now officially called The
ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications.

"The name change from The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs epitomizes the
Handbook's known appeal in non-amateur circles," says ARRL Marketing
Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. "The book remains largely written by radio
amateurs for radio amateurs."

Inderbitzen notes that for many years, the Handbook has enjoyed broad
appeal among electronic technicians and engineers, instructors and
students, and even government and private researchers, whether or not they
also happened to be Amateur Radio licensees. "We hope the small name
change will make it easier for users in our non-traditional markets to
locate this excellent ARRL resource," Inderbitzen said."

Nothing mysterious here, no back-room dealing, no plots to end amateur radio, etc. It's a reference publication not a construction publication.

Pete, wa2cwa

[wb7dmx]

I wish they would put all of them on a cd, then we could buy which ever one we wanted at any time.

[w8znx]

Quote[/b] (N5RLR @ Dec. 17 2005,12:30)]Anyone know where I can get good [or better] copies of the 1963 and 1966 Handbooks?
hello gang

two good places to look for used books on line

are
www.abebooks.com
and
www.alibris.com

found copies of 1950,1967,1968,1969,1973,1974,1977,1978
ed of the handbook

also check out the radio handbook
( the west coast hand book ) realy worth having
a copy also worth owning is a copy
of the RSGB handbook

if you do not find what you are looking for
keep checking there are new listings
nearly all the time

Mac dit dit

[K2WH]

Quote[/b] (WA2CWA @ Dec. 17 2005,08:36)]Where ya been; this title has been around for the last several years.

From the The ARRL Letter, dated September 22, 2002:

"The 2003 edition of the famous reference book, dubbed "the most respected communications resource
for hams, engineers and technicians since 1926," is advertised for the
first time on page 7 of the October issue of QST and is now available for
ordering. Starting with the 2003 edition, it's now officially called The
ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications.

"The name change from The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs epitomizes the
Handbook's known appeal in non-amateur circles," says ARRL Marketing
Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. "The book remains largely written by radio
amateurs for radio amateurs."

Inderbitzen notes that for many years, the Handbook has enjoyed broad
appeal among electronic technicians and engineers, instructors and
students, and even government and private researchers, whether or not they
also happened to be Amateur Radio licensees. "We hope the small name
change will make it easier for users in our non-traditional markets to
locate this excellent ARRL resource," Inderbitzen said."

Nothing mysterious here, no back-room dealing, no plots to end amateur radio, etc. It's a reference publication not a construction publication.

Pete, wa2cwa
You are correct. #Grabbing my last handbook (2002), it still says "The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs". #The 2002 edition also states (lower right hand corner), "ARRL the National Association for Amateur Radio". #The 2006 book - nothing.

Pardon me, but this deliberate avoidance and distancing by the ARRL from their base, their loyal members is getting me pissed. #I understand why they are doing it, it doesn't necessarily mean they should do it.

It is as though they are ashamed to associate the publication with "Amateurs". #I regularly give $$$ every year to them and now I must reconsider if I should continue to be so generous. #Sorry ARRL but, you are losing me.

K2WH

[WD8OQX]

Quote[/b] (N5LRZ @ Dec. 16 2005,01:03)]@ WD8OQX

We already are merely radio operators. Just look at the radios of today with their Surface Mount Technology. I hope you do not think that any one with old eyes syndrome is ever going to make repairs on that stuff.

R Arceneaux
N5LRZ
That may be true as for commercial - but there is (at least used to be) a lot of kit & home brewing as well as experimenting. I know, I did it. - But try to find any kits or info to peek your interest in doing something like this these days. very few & far between. Then if you DO, try to find the parts without going through a hassle. (I do NOT like ordering & waiting - then not be what I wanted)

THIS is the "dumbing down" of radio....

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

I know - been that way but the last few years has really accelerated. - this needs to stop.

[K0RGR]

Hmmm....this is what's supposed to be in it -

Table of Contents

Introduction to Amateur (Ham) Radio
Activities in Amateur Radio
Safety
Electrical Fundamentals
Electrical Signals and Components
Real-World Component Characteristics
Component Data and References
Circuit Construction
Modes and Systems
Oscillators and Synthesizers
Mixers, Modulators and Demodulators
RF and AF Filters
EMI/Direction Finding
Receivers and Transmitters
Transceivers, Transverters and Repeaters
DSP and Software Radio Design
Power Supplies
RF Power Amplifiers
Station Layout and Accessories
Propagation of RF Signals
Transmission Lines
Antennas
Space Communications
Web, Wi-Fi, Wireless and PC Technology
Test Procedures and Projects
Troubleshooting and Repair

That ain't there? Are there no receivers and transmitters in that chapter? I see they are supposed to have a design for a new linear in this one.

I wonder if the varactor triplers have moved off to another book? Or maybe you can't get a varactor anymore?

[ae4fa]

Quote[/b] ]Anyone know where I can get good [or better] copies of the 1963 and 1966 Handbooks?
I've got the 1963 in good condition (cover price $3.50), but it ain't for sale.

Mike, you might slow down at hamfests when you see a table with books. #I've found Handboods for every decade from the 50s forward and QSTs going back even farther.

Haven't seen the new one, so I don't really know about whether projects have been stripped. But the Handbook remains a valuable tool for study and reference purposes.

[K2WH]

Posted with permission from a soon to be ham - Mike in North Carolina:

Well, I was a technician in the 60's and let it lapse. K2WH and I were childhood buddies, and he says that he tells everyone that I was the one to get him into amateur radio. Not sure if that is true, but he has stayed with it all of these years.My interest is renewing, I'm SWL'ing now, listening to everything including ham QSO's.

I asked my wife to get the latest addiition of the 'handbook' for my birthday in November and she did: 2006, with a copy of the first (1926) thrown in as a bonus. I emailed to Bill that I thought a lot had changed. For example, the handbooks I recall over the years (I did get one once in a while even though I was no longer active) provided information on techinical requirements for the different classes of licenses. Now there are only three, and there are just a few paragraphs in the book dealing with licenses.

I can see many, many changes having been away from the service for 35 years or so, both in the handbook and the service itself. I recall as does everyone else all of the far ranging projects it used to detail, but as someone else noted it was never intended as a project book, but a technical reference. More important though, it was an Amateur Radio reference, which as everyone has noticed seems to have declined.

I'm not so sure that it has declined as much as it has changed with changing technologies.

Bill has been urging me on to get my ticket again, and I likely will, but I explained to him that my 'kick' with ham radio 'way back when' was the tinkering, fixing, building, etc, etc. The enjoyment of the QSO came partly for using gear that I had built or fixed.

And of course that is an aspect of the service that is fading. People are taking great pleasure out of refurbishing older gear and using it, and this is one way of keeping that same 'kick' alive.

But building new gear? It would be the rare (and likely loaded) individual who could build communications equipment providing the same technical capabilities that can now be had with commercial gear. And certainly not for the price that commercial gear can be had.

I'm not biased in one directional or another, just making an observation. I think the ARRL book has changed to reflect my last paragraph. It does have projects, but most are geared just for those who want to use their hands. I mean, a couple of regen (or superregen) receivers? (I was amazed to see those projects.) But, at the same time, what would you guys LIKE to see for projects.... Something based on discrete components like tubes or transistors?

Amateurs have always been at the forefront of communications technologies. I applaud anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy, hell immerse themselves in older technologies, but the 'book' is dedicated to keeping up with the state of the art, and it does just that.

That said, I'm not sure how I feel about the reduced bias towards the Amateur Radio Service in this manual. I think it is a reflection of the immense leaps technology has made, and that IS changing amateur radio. Is it perhaps a true statement that the manual is a reflection of the service as it is today?

Lastly, regarding the 'dumbing down' of the exams. That saddened me, but at the same time I suppose it may be very true. Having been away from all of this for so many years, just for the hell of it I took an online practice test the Extra Class license and scored 64%. I didn't expect to pass, but I did far better than I expected. Having read the comment about 'dumbing down', maybe now I don't feel as good about it.

<FONT FACE="Times New Roman" size="+2" color=green>Mike Mancuso x-WB2LAL, (Raleigh, NC)

[kd6jhv]

You should send or take it back to where you bought it and request a full refund or a replacement with the Amatuer Radio Version.

Noel

[N5PVL]

This, from the same ARRL "leadership" that is trying to sell the ham bands down the river, to be used for Internet applications.

Time for an organizational enema at ARRL HQ, folks.

Way past time, in fact... Let's put the "Ham Radio Hobby" back into the ARRL - or shut down the ARRL if they no longer want to be associated with it.

[K2WH]

"he tells everyone that I was the one to get him into amateur radio. Not sure if that is true,"

But it is true Mike. I remember the exact moment when I was on CB in the 1960's and you took the plunge to get your ham ticket and I tried to impress you with my Connecticut contact on 27mhz. You then proceeded to impress me with a 2 watt Heath Twoer, regenerative receiver/transmitter talking with a guy in Rhode Island. That was a defining moment for me.

K2WH

[N5PVL]

This kind of reminds me of Ronald Reagan discussing his move from the democratic party to the republicans, years ago in California:

" I didn't leave the democratic party, the democratic party left me! "

I got a letter from the ARRL a few days ago, wanting me to renew my membership.

[N8CPA]

I wonder if the League is trying to become an organization parallel to IEEE. Hmmmmm. :rock:

[N5PVL]

They appear to be edging away from Amateur Radio - but still want to speak "on behalf of Amateurs" to the FCC, farming out our spectrum to Internet-related applications, in direct competition with commercial ISP's.

Amateurs should be telling the ARRL to buzz off, IMHO. - Or have that 'organizational enema' I keep mentioning and get the ARRL back on track as an organization FOR Amateur Radio Operators.

[K8AG]

One of the shortcomings with the handbook has always been clean clear explanation of theory. #I realize that ham radio is a hobby and not a job, but cookbook reproduction of gear that one could purchase new is an expensive way to approach our hobby.

I applaud the ARRL and their newer handbook coverage of theory. #For example, their explanation of the ISO communications layers is the best I have seen anywhere, and this includes IT and networking books. #I actually think there is enough information in the handbooks lately to assist newcomers in understanding what they are doing, and not just reproducing other people's work.

Perhaps we should consider 3 classes of hams, appliance operators, tech lights and engineers.

My 2 cents worth.

73,

JP, K8AG

[W3MIV]

Hey, Mike. ex-LAL:

Gee, aren't you glad nothing in society other than amateur radio has changed since you've been gone?

Let's also whine about and blame the ARRL for the loss of morality, the removal of anything and everything that smacks of either Judeo-Christian heritage or Western Civilization, and the fact that Johnny can't read. What the hell, why limit it to ham radio?

And what, pray tell, have any of you whiners done to stem the tide?

[K0RGR]

I see that they also have a new book on 'Basic Radio' which is supposed to be in between 'Now You're Talking' and the League's electronics courses, and contains several receiver and transmitter projects.

Like most technical areas, what used to be one book has now grown into a library, I suspect. When I was one of 3 people around here supporting TCP/IP networks, the book was a half-inch thick. In about 5 years, it was a foot thick and I had written a lot of it. Now, it's all electronic and it would be huge if printed. In fact, since TCP/IP is 'generic' we no longer attempt to document most of it! Want to know how it works? Go to Barnes and Noble and buy a generic book!

Dumbing down, in many cases is a misnomer. People used to be "an inch wide and a mile deep". Now, most of them are " a mile wide and an inch deep". I think that is also true to some extent of our question pools, unfortunately.

[W0MT]

I just got this included in an email from the ARRL. It just about says it all!

********************

NEW!
Two-Way Radios & Scanners for Dummies
Only $21.99 Order Now >

*********************

Maybe this is to be the new licensing manual.

[WA2ZDY]

i saw that book at B&N. It is NOT a book for the ham. Maybe the newbiest of newbie hams but that book is a generic "one size fits all FRS/GMRS/CB/some ham/ETC" book.

Another fine example of the "devoted entirely to amateur radio" ARRL.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Dec. 16 2005,18:35)]Just got the new 2006 Handbook and I am very disappointed.


Secondly, leafing through the book, I have come to the conclusion, that it is no longer a book of projects with a little theory thrown in for good measure, it is now an engineering reference with a little bit of projects thrown in for good measure.

The lack of construction articles such as HF and VHF amps is startling.
Which is precisely why I'll never give up my 1966, 1978, and 1986 copies of "The Radio Amateur's Handbook, the Standard Manual of Amateur Radio Communication." No matter HOW tattered and torn.

It appears the ARRL wishes to increase revenue by requiring homebrewers to subscribe to QEX.

And just a little off the point, it seems most of the projects the ARRL does publish in QST has "details" and parts lists on the Web for "members only." A fat lot of good THAT will do 20 years from now when some new operator or operator-to-be looks up a project in QST at their library, only to find the article useless because the construction details are no longer available.

[WD8OQX]

Another observation I've made is, not only are all these publication (all not only ARRL) becoming more like textbooks but they are PRICED as such as well. - to me this is just as bad.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[w8cbc]

I've the 1958 and 1990 editions, have learned loads from both and built many of the smaller things in them. I'll never give up either of them. Even though the '58 is literally falling apart after 25 years in my hands.

[KD7WHQ]

You can always rebind, or have books rebound.

Paperbacks, trade publications, etc rather NEED to be bound if they are going to see use, or they will shed pages.

The rebinding won't turn it into a hardback, as the manufacturing is significantly different, but they will last considerably longer..

[k4kyv]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Dec. 17 2005,13:13)]It is as though they are ashamed to associate the publication with "Amateurs".
You think maybe they find amateur radio "faintly embarrassing?"

[N5PVL]

Aparrently they do... Not mentioning Amateur Radio on the cover of the handbook is simply inexcusable.

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (WA2ZDY @ Dec. 19 2005,21:56)]i saw that book at B&N. #It is NOT a book for the ham. #Maybe the newbiest of newbie hams but that book is a generic "one size fits all FRS/GMRS/CB/some ham/ETC" book.

Another fine example of the "devoted entirely to amateur radio" ARRL.
Give 'em a break, Chris. They didn't publish the book, the are merely selling copies.

This thread is becoming sillier with every post.

[w8cbc]

WHQ - Clear packing tape saved the '58's covers and spine. It does a nice job of it. A few pages are loose but I just put 'em back and vow each time to eventually do something about it.

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (kd8bsr @ Dec. 20 2005,18:07)]I've the 1958 and 1990 editions, have learned loads from both and built many of the smaller things in them. #I'll never give up either of them. #Even though the '58 is literally falling apart after 25 years in my hands.
Your '58 handbook is falling apart from 25 years in your hands? You must have missed the math part. HI!


eric

[K9STH]

He might have purchased the 1958 Handbook at a used book store!

Glen, K9STH

[ab8ma]

Or his post took 22 years to arrive at QRZ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WA2CWA]

Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ Dec. 22 2005,07:25)]Aparrently they do... Not mentioning Amateur Radio on the cover of the handbook is simply inexcusable.
Silly statement. Another poor attempt to ARRL bash. It's mentioned on the front and back covers.
"The Radio Amateur's Handbook" is stated to the left of the large "2006" on the front cover and in the overview on the back cover in a number of places.

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/images/NO-HB2006.jpg

Pete, wa2cwa

[w8cbc]

Quote[/b] (kl7aj @ Dec. 22 2005,10:58)]Your '58 handbook is falling apart from 25 years in your hands? You must have missed the math part. HI!


eric
I didn't say I got the thing new, did I?

Grmmph.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WA9SVD]

Maybe a more appropriate subject would be:


"2006 Handbook, Not ____ for Hams Anymore."

[K2WH]

Quote[/b] (WA2CWA @ Dec. 22 2005,07:42)]Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ Dec. 22 2005,07:25)]Aparrently they do... Not mentioning Amateur Radio on the cover of the handbook is simply inexcusable.
Silly statement. Another poor attempt to ARRL bash. It's mentioned on the front and back covers.
"The Radio Amateur's Handbook" is stated to the left of the large "2006" on the front cover and in the overview on the back cover in a number of places.

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/images/NO-HB2006.jpg

Pete, wa2cwa
This is true but, even you say the words are "mentioned" on the front and back (thats nice of them). #I wonder what your opinion would be if in 5 years, it is mentioned only on the back?

These key #words are relegated to a small side bar or box and are no longer prominent and if one just glances at the cover (as most book readers do), the words can be completely missed. I actually had to scan the cover closely to finally see the words on the front. I was somewhat relieved they were still there. Small albeit, but there.

Go back 5 years, and the biggest words on the front cover were "The Radio Amateurs Handbook" instead of today's #"The Handbook of Radio Communications". #I am not a ARRL basher and am a strong supporter for their efforts on my behalf, and contribute (financially) every year way beyond the dues. #True, this change apparently happened about 5 years ago and I did not notice it since I just recently purchased the new book. #However, this felt like a kick in the stomach after supporting the organization both finanacially and in other ways to suddenly find the book no longer addresses only amateur radio matters, but has gone the way of a typical IEEE or NFPA publication. #Maybe that's their goal. #To become the new IEEE.

K2WH

[WA2CWA]

Quote[/b] (wa9svd @ Dec. 22 2005,22:29)]Maybe a more appropriate subject would be:


"2006 Handbook, Not ____ for Hams Anymore."
I like: "2006 Handbook, Not ONLY for Hams Anymore."

We should be proud that a handbook that many of us have used over the years has gained such wide acceptance in many other arenas. This minor name change has no bearing on the content between the covers and its usefulness to all radio amateurs. It’s still probably one of the best sources for “radio type information”.

Pete, wa2cwa

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (WA2CWA @ Dec. 23 2005,10:59)]Quote[/b] (wa9svd @ Dec. 22 2005,22:29)]Maybe a more appropriate subject would be:


"2006 Handbook, Not ____ for Hams Anymore."
I like: "2006 Handbook, Not ONLY for Hams Anymore."

We should be proud that a handbook that many of us have used over the years has gained such wide acceptance in many other arenas. This minor name change has no bearing on the content between the covers and its usefulness to all radio amateurs. It’s still probably one of the best sources for “radio type information”.

Pete, wa2cwa
Peter,

While I agree that it's nice to have the "Handbook" recognized as a resource not JUST for Amateur Radio Operators, I fear that lately, it has less to do with Amateur Radio and Amateur Radio communications, which should be it's MAIN focus. Too much droll theory, too much "here's what you CAN do" but no explanation or examples "HOW to do it;" too few "hands on" projects or ideas are included. If THAT is now the focus of ARRL publications, despite the emphasis of lowering the standard for licensing (I refrain from using the expression "dumbing down,") it seems the ARRL has lost it's touch with reality.
The Handbook USED to be a treasure trove of practical ideas and projects. I no longer see that. I will always treasure the Handbooks I own from the years gone by, (1971 to 1988) because they contain ideas and projects that can at least be incorporated into present day operations. I fear the current Handbooks lack that type of appeal.

[WA9SVD]

As a follow-up comment:

I see the most recent "Handbook" editions similar to manufacturer's "Data sheets," SANS the schematics.
"This IC is for power supply regulation: 0.001% regulation@ 100 amps, 0.1-500 Volts." And the data sheet provides no schematic (or other) examples of it's use. Just the "black box" claims.

To be of ANY practical use, particularly to Amateurs. REAL, concrete (or is it copper) examples of useful circuits are necessary!

[KD6NIG]

I don't know what is so shocking about this.

The ARRL is the American Radio Relay League, not the American Ham Radio Relay League, though they do claim QST is "devoted entirely to Amateur Radio".

I wouldn't be overly shocked if they are broading the horizon because they are what they are-and thier name plainly states that fact purely. Radio includes Ham Radio, but Ham radio doesn't include all forms of radio.....personally, I think they are living up to what thier name plainly states, though they will deny that I'm sure http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WA2ZDY]

Ok kids, I did indeed just get a new 2006 Handbook. I looked through it for a good half hour and have a few observations.

There are not a lot of projects. But if there were, who would build them? If they used today's technology, most of us couldn't build them. If they used 1980 or dead bug construction, who would build them? I think ARRL thought that one through and realised more contruction projects would have been a waste.

Not ham related? Bite me. That whole book is one ham related chapter after another. Go look at it again.

How about all that super technical stuff. Ham related? I dunno, but how many of us have sat here griping for years now that ham radio has been dumbed down, theory is passe, and nobody even knows Ohm's law anymore? Well stop crying about that, this Handbook makes that knowledge available to anyone who wants it. I'll sure be reading it.

What about the folks who don't want to know this stuff? Well, either they'll buy "two way radio for dummies," a case of beer, or they'll have wasted their money on a Handbook they'll gain nothing from.

For my money (well, in my case Santa's money,) I like the 1926 reprint. I'm not sure if I'm better for it or not but I was brought into ham radio by guys who were on the air when 1926 was "today." So that stuff is not foreign to me. And I am liking reading in "modern terms" about the stuff I'd heard so much about.

Hey, go read the book. Then come back and tell me it's not ham related. Not that I would know what's ham related and what isn't. I've only been a ham 30 years and 11 months now.

[K2WH]

Quote[/b] (WA2ZDY @ Dec. 25 2005,03:34)]Ok kids, I did indeed just get a new 2006 Handbook. #I looked through it for a good half hour and have a few observations.

There are not a lot of projects. #But if there were, who would build them? #If they used today's technology, most of #us couldn't build them. #If they used 1980 or dead bug construction, who would build them? #I think ARRL thought that one through and realised more contruction projects would have been a waste.

Not ham related? #Bite me. #That whole book is one ham related chapter after another. #Go look at it again.

How about all that super technical stuff. Ham related? # I dunno, but how many of us have sat here griping for years now that ham radio has been dumbed down, theory is passe, and nobody even knows Ohm's law anymore? #Well stop crying about that, this Handbook makes that knowledge available to anyone who wants it. #I'll sure be reading it. #

What about the folks who don't want to know this stuff? #Well, either they'll buy "two way radio for dummies," a case of beer, or they'll have wasted their money on a Handbook they'll gain nothing from. #

For my money (well, in my case Santa's money,) I like the 1926 reprint. #I'm not sure if I'm better for it or not but I was brought into ham radio by guys who were on the air when 1926 was "today." #So that stuff is not foreign to me. #And I am liking reading in "modern terms" about the stuff I'd heard so much about.

Hey, go read the book. #Then come back and tell me it's not ham related. #Not that I would know what's ham related and what isn't. #I've only been a ham 30 years and 11 months now.
30 years and 11 months? #Just goes to prove, you don't know s--t.

I've been licensed 37 years and know everything. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

K2WH