Ham Radio for Dummies is intended to reach those with an interest in Amateur Radio or a new ham in search of a little advice.
Ham Radio for Dummies is intended to reach those with an interest in Amateur Radio or a new ham in search of a little advice. |
NEWINGTON CT, Apr 13, 2004--Thought the For Dummies series of how-to guides was only aimed at computer users? The wide-ranging series now also covers Amateur Radio. Authored by QST Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, Ham Radio for Dummies hit both online and retail outlet bookstores April 12.
"I wanted to write the kind of book that I wanted when I was starting out," Silver said. "The ARRL Handbook can be a little intimidating for someone who's just starting to learn about ham radio, and a lot of the little books don't give enough information."
Silver says his book is intended to be a bridge. "For someone who's just passed his or her first exam, this can be a 'desktop Elmer.' Utility was incredibly high in mind as I wrote this book."
The 384-page book is also intended for people who are
inclined to be attracted to things like Amateur Radio, Silver said. Those who
are into technical gadgets, want to expand their use of wireless communication
or are just looking for a fun new hobby can benefit from the book, he said.
 Ham Radio for Dummies author Ward Silver, N0AX. |
Ham Radio for Dummies got its start last year when representatives of Wiley Press, which owns the For Dummies series, approached the ARRL in search for an author. ARRL Media Relations Manager Jennifer Hagy, N1TDY, suggested Silver--a prolific author on all things ham radio. Silver was up to the challenge of writing for the series that covers--among other things--computers, finances, leisure, health and travel. They even have new books called Sleep Disorders for Dummies and Being Vegetarian for Dummies.
"They asked me some questions about marketing, and I let
them know what ham radio is and what it is not," Silver said. "I proposed an
outline, and, after several reviews I started writing in September [2003] and
was finished by Christmas. They gave me their well-known Dummies
structure with icons, lists and humor to work within, which fit well with my
natural and breezy writing style. I wrote it so it would feel like someone was
just sitting down with the reader and answering their questions. There's a lot
of reference material, pointers, tips and other useful stuff. It's an open and
friendly type of book."
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