H. Ward Silver

Most of us use TV, cell phones and other radio emitting equipment that operate on predefined frequencies and power. The operator has very little choice: transmit as the device is designed and that's it. An amateur radio operator, on the other hand, has control over nearly everything -- frequency, power of transmission, mode and type of propagation (antenna) -- all within the rules of the FCC. With freedom comes responsibility. To demonstrate that responsibility, one must past an FCC test. show more This book is all about teaching the reader that responsibility for the lowest level of amateur radio operation: the Technician license. There is a pool of 200 or so questions and they are all given with their answers in advance. An exam selects 35 of those questions. The book is also excellent for those interested in just finding out what amateur radio is all about. One of the most important purposes of amateur radio is to provide the general public with emergency communications when all other communications facilities are overwhelmed or destroyed by catastrophe. It is a hobby, a social club and a public service, all rolled into one. show less

Pretty good book for the new ham radio operator. It's basic enough to give an understanding and detailed enough to challenge. Covering a wide range of areas, it's not meant to be read cover-to-cover like a novel. Pick out a chapter and dive in. If you have additional questions or want more, references are provided. Informative.

garbage. Too much technicality, not enough friendly. Usually Dummies books are friendly. This one is intimidating.

The Question Pool, supplemented by the text and online quizzes, has hopefully prepared me for the exam. I'll find out in two days. Just enough time to review the questions again and take a few more online quizzes.