the very best personally recommended electronics reference and text books from Ian Purdie, VK2TIP - especially for my great many Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish (I'm a mixture of all) friends, even a few of my relatives who don't live in the Australian colony!.
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RECOMMENDED REFERENCE AND TEXT BOOKS FOR ELECTRONICS
The very best personally recommended electronics reference and text books from Ian Purdie, VK2TIP - especially for my great many Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish (I'm a mixture of all) friends, even a few of my relatives who don't live in the Australian colony!. Yes I'm part of all those, my wife and I have relatives in the U.K. and Ireland where we have visited a number of times, so don't consider me an outsider - merely a non-resident. We shan't discuss cricket, that discussion gets me into too much trouble...
PURCHASING RECOMMENDED BOOKS THROUGH AMAZON U.K., IS THIS THE BEST FOR YOU?
This book page largely refers to Amazon.com in the U.K. If this is not particularly appropriate for yourself then you might prefer to try pages more specific to your locality. Titles unavailable from Amazon U.K. may also be featured on this page
ANYTHING ELSE APART FROM REFERENCE BOOKS ON ELECTRONICS?
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WHY DO I RECOMMEND THESE PARTICULAR REFERENCE AND TEXT BOOKS?
I'm sometimes asked about the books I recommend and use. Here are my principal selections and my reasons in choosing them:
1. I personally own and use most (but not all) of these titles, of course some of mine are the older editions. Others have been enthusiatically recommended and endorsed by contributors. Again some titles simply come up on a regular basis from Amazon reports, a kind of "what others recommend by buying". Often some of these titles come from solid recommendations from the Electronics Q&A group.
Recently, January 2002, McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing sent me a number of interesting titles to review personally. I will of course present these book reviews in coming weeks.
2. If you are really serious at all about learning AND understanding electronics you need many of these books in your personal library.
3. The very modest (about 6.5% - average £1.08) commission revenues earned on new book sales through Amazon here helps maintain and, more importantly, expand this FREE educational site.
Amazon pay no commissions on used books so I need to provide you with an alternative. Of course you need to consider what represents best overall value for yourself, that must be your paramount consideration.
Here are a few real quality books I can really personally recommend with absolute confidence, all written by highly respected authors, some who are personally known to me. Don't be put off by the word "amateur" in some of the titles, such as the famous "electronics bible", The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs these are comprehensive electronics reference and how-to-books.
Note disclosure: - I have affiliate programs with Amazon Books (FRANCE, GERMANY, JAPAN, U.K. & U.S.A.) and all details were correct when I last checked. Reviews - Portions copyright Amazon.com and/or respective publishers and/or authors.
RETURNS ARE EASY!
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THE ARRL HANDBOOK FOR RADIO AMATEURS 2015
ARRL
The ARRL Handbook 2015 edition. Up-to-date and always
revised!
The ARRL Handbook on CD-ROM version 11.0. Included with every
book.
About the 2015Edition:
The ARRL Handbook is the greatest applied electronics
and communications reference of all time (first published in 1926)! The
content of this 86th edition reflects the latest aspects of today’s
Amateur Radio: fundamental electronics concepts, components and building
blocks, analog and digital radio design, troubleshooting techniques,
antennas and much more. Comb through its pages, and you will quickly see
why generations of radio amateurs, engineers and technicians have relied on
its thorough coverage of theory, references and practical projects.
The 2015 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications
uniquely serves both amateur experimenters and industry practitioners,
emphasizing connections between basic theory and application. This 85th
edition is both a useful introduction to radio communication and a source
for answers to questions about every aspect of the state-of-the-art. Topics
include Amateur Radio licensing requirements and operating activities,
fundamental and advanced electronics and communications concepts, radio
propagation and antenna theory, practical projects, repair techniques,
references and much more.
The Handbook includes descriptions for new and
emerging wireless technologies involving digital signal processing (DSP)
innovations, and radio applications utilizing software and the internet.
The book is filled with valuable references, practical examples and
projects.
CD-ROM Included. The CD-ROM at the back of the book
includes all of the fully searchable text and illustrations in the printed
book, as well as companion software, PC board templates and other support
files.
Always Revised!
New filter theory and design examples, including a HF/6 meter high-power
low-pass filter project Revised and expanded RF safety content—including new insights
into RF safety regulations and research
New Projects:
o MKII updated universal QRP transmitter
o MicroR2 receiver and MicroT2 transmitter
o ID-O-Matic—10-minute ID timer for individual, repeater or
beacon control
o Simple computer-to-transceiver serial port interface and USB
interface
o Keying adapter to interface vintage radios with modern gear (CW
keying or amplifier TR keying)
…and MORE!
Fundamentals of RF System Design and Application (With CD-ROM)
By Alan Bensky
Written for technically oriented readers, this book offers a basic but comprehensive understanding of radio communication, including satellite and cellular systems, with an emphasis on short-range or low-power wireless applications.
This book fills the void for those looking to develop wireless digital communication between personal computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices using short-range RF. Illustrative examples and diagrams accompany basic theoretical discussions. Information is included concerning rules and regulations governing unlicensed short-range radio equipment for the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The accompanying CD-ROM contains real-world examples of engineering worksheets for short-range communication system designs.
HOW TO TEST ALMOST ANYTHING ELECTRONIC (Paperback)
by Delton T. Horn (Author) "IN SOME CASES, YOU CAN DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM SIMPLY BY EXAMINING the symptoms logically ..."
Staying away from hard-to-understand theory and mathematics, this practical handbook show you how common devices such as multimeters, frequency and logic probes, signal traces, and oscilloscopes are used. You'll pinpoint problems in everything from TV sets and computers to automotive electrical systems.
A practical, hands-on guide to troubleshooting with electronic test equipment - revised to include current testing techniques and new chapters on mechanical repairs and flowcharting.
A remarkably successful book (Cambridge reports sales of 125,000 copies of the first edition in eight languages). Emphasizes the methods actually used by circuit designers -- a combination of basic laws, rules of thumb and a large bag of tricks.
Retains the informality and easy access that characterized the first. Responding to the rapid changes in electronics, they offer many new tables as well as new and revised topics. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Ian Pool, G3YWX is well known among QRP circles and is a fine fellow indeed. His book HF Amateur Radio comprises 128 pages!
Ian Poole is an experienced author in the field of radio and electronics. He is professionally involved in the electronics industry with a career of over 25 years. He has held an amateur radio licence for over 30 years and has written many articles for the amateur radio and electronics press.
Book Description
For short wave listeners and radio amateurs, the HF or short wave bands are one of the most interesting areas. Stations from all around the globe can be heard and many interesting contacts can be made. Operating on these frequencies requires many skills if the most is to be made of the time that is available. This book describes the radio spectrum from 1.8 to 30MHz. The book takes the reader through setting up an efficient amateur radio station, which equipment to choose, installation, and the best antenna for your location. It is packed full of vital information including which frequencies to use, how to operate on the bands, and the advantages of each type of transmission. HF Amateur Radio will benefit those new to amateur radio, anyone contemplating exploring the world below 30MHz, and just about any short wave listener or licensed amateur who feels he could get more out of their station.
ORDER - U.K. - HF Amateur Radio - Radio Society Of Great Britain
VHF / UHF Antennas
by Ian Poole G3YWX
Book Description
The book is aimed at amateur radio and short wave listening enthusiasts although it will provide a valuable reference for anyone interested in antennas for these frequencies. The VHF and UHF bands provide an exciting opportunity for experimentation with antennas. Their size at these frequencies means that they do not occupy great amounts of space and most people can experiment with constructing their own antennas.
"VHF / UHF Antennas" contains both the basic theory and constructional details for many antenna designs. The book takes the reader through the essentials in an easy to understand fashion. Antenna fundamentals as well as vital information about feeders are included. Chapters are then devoted to different types of antenna from dipoles to Yagis, and verticals to log periodic antennas giving details of the way in which they work and constructional details for a variety of designs. The final chapters in the book cover measurements that can be undertaken and installation techniques. The book is a gold mine of information for anyone wanting to understand more about antennas for the VHF and UHF bands as well as constructing them. As such it will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in antennas whether newcomer or experienced hand.
TURN ON THE LIGHTS - FROM BED! : Electronic Inventions, Contraptions, and Gadgets Kids Can Build
by Robert Carrow, Rick Brown (Illustrator) - Paperback - 111 pages (December 9, 1996).
From the Back Cover
Amazing, useful and educational gadgets kids can build! With the help of this book, children can have fun impressing family and friends with all kinds of cool electronic gadgets and contraptions. all the while, they'll be learning about electricity and radio waves. In addition to making these irresistible projects, children are encouraged to create their own inventions.
Ideal for middle school children, these useful and whimsical contraptions can be made with inexpensive, easy-to-find materials such as recycled toy parts and motors, flashlight batteries, and other everyday household items.
Simple-to-build gadgets and contraptions include: Remote-controlled fan; Mousetrap alarm; Canned laughter; "Someone's outside my door" light; Wireless magic tricks. Each thought-provoking activity comes with complete, clear instructions, but that's not all. Plenty of suggestions are included for varying and changing each project to help children brainstorm their own cool inventions.
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ORDER - U.K. - Turn on the Lights - From Bed! - We expect to be able to find this title for you within 4-6 weeks. Please note that titles occasionally go out of print or publishers run out of stock.
ENGINEERING FORMULAS
by Kurt Gieck, Reiner Gieck - Hardcover - 572 pages 7th edition (August 28, 1997).
Book Description
A comprehensive revision of the famed pocket guide giving engineers, scientists and other specialists a wide range of technical and mathematical formulas in a handy format. Now including a new section on control engineering, this edition is updated throughout and includes 50 additional pages.
This perennial best-seller puts engineering formulas most used on the job at the user's fingertips.
Thoroughly practical and authoritative, it brings together in one source thousands of formulas and hundreds of diagrams to simplify all engineering and technical calculations.
Comprehensive section cover: Units, Areas, Solid Bodies, Arithmetic, Functions of a Circle, Analytical Geometry, Statistics, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Statics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Hydraulics, Heat, Strength, Machine Parts, Production Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Radiation Physics, Chemistry, Tables.
HIGH SPEED DIGITAL DESIGN: A HANDBOOK OF BLACK MAGIC
by Howard W., Ph.D. Johnson, Martin, Ph.D. Graham - 384 pages.
Book Description
Focused on the field of knowledge lying between digital and analog circuit theory, this new text will help engineers working with digital systems shorten their latest design problems. The scope of the material covered includes signal reflection, crosstalk, and noise problems which occur in high speed digital machines (above 10 megahertz). This volume will be of practical use to digital logic designers, staff and senior communitions scientist, and all those interested in digital design.
REVIEW: Very good balance of theory and practice, nice examples from the real world, must-read for anybody designing high speed digital logic and having PCB board design in mind.
by Joe Carr, Keith Brindley, Joseph J. Carr - 344 pages.
Book Description
* Core title in Pocket Book series. * Updated by leading US electronics author, Joe Carr. * Covers European and US practice.
Newnes Electronics Engineer's Pocket Book is a unique reference source concise but comprehensive, and designed to be an essential tool for a wide range of engineers and electronics enthusiasts.
This is a book written to be used, not to gather dust on a shelf, so unlike most reference books it is designed for the workshop and lab. This compendium includes: component data, IC pin-outs, tables, formulae, principles of circuit design, circuit diagrams and a substantial glossary of terms.
[Ian Purdie VK2TIP says:]
"There is no way I would be without my copy of this fine reference, you will wear it out with constant use..... Absolutely brilliant for students preparing for exams."
The second edition includes expanded material on circuit design covering amplifiers, bridge circuits, filters and lasers. The editor of the second edition is Joe Carr, a leading US electronics author who has published numerous books and magazine articles, including several titles with Newnes.
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND SECRETS OF AN OLD-FASHIONED SPY
by Sheldon Charrett
Book Review
In this information-run-amok age of pencil-necked pencil pushers, who can an aggrieved party call on for an old-fashioned spy job? Why, an old-fashioned spy, of course! Let Sheldon Charrett, the last of the old-fashioned spies and author of Modern Identity Changer, show you how to build bugs or take advantage of those already in place (be they cordless phones, baby monitors or cell phones); assemble a DTMF decoder with LCD readout or decode the phone tones without one; construct a red box for free pay phone calls; map a cellular coverage area; modify a Mr. Microphone to broadcast outside the commercial FM band; crack answering machine passwords in seconds; make a crystal-controlled FM phone tap for those annoying subjects who refuse to use cordless phones; defeat digital and spread-spectrum cordless phones with an FM phone tap and much more!
Many of these procedures in this entertaining, fact-filled book have not been published anywhere, and the photos and drawings make following them a snap.
This is the book old-fashioned spies everywhere have been clamoring for. For academic study only.
I've now read this one and a great many people have purchased it through the general link to Amazon. Highly popular, I consider that in itself a considerable recommendation.
Editorial Reviews - Book News, Inc.
Presented as a self-instructional guide for professionals, hobbyists, and technicians desiring to competently enter the world of circuits (ac and dc), measuring devices, resistors, cells and batteries, semiconductors, computers, and the Internet. The author adopts an informal and visually-oriented style, estimating that a daily hour investment for eight months and taking the chapter-end multiple choice tests, in combination with no higher than junior high school level math and physical science, will earn self-didacts basic mastery in this area.
Book Description
In the field of introductory electronics, Stan Gibilisco wrote the book. Now this gifted teacher / author has updated his best-selling guide to reach audiences interested in the latest electronic technologies: wireless communications plus computers and the Internet. Like its predecessor, the Second Edition is a complete self-teaching tool. Because it assumes no prior technical knowledge, true novices can use it at their own pace to master the fundamentals of electronics for work or hobbies....
TROUBLESHOOTING ANALOG CIRCUITS (The Edn Series for Design Engineers)
Robert A. Pease
If you are an analog or digital engineer/technician, experienced or neophyte, you'll find the legendary Bob Pease's approach to problem identification and isolation to be applicable to a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines. Based on Pease's immensely popular series in EDN MAGAZINE, he provides clear explanations and proven techniques.
Proven methods for troubleshooting analog circuits * Disk with approximately 60 pre-built Electronics Workbench circuits. * Electronics Workbench software required. * Part of the EDN Series for Design Engineers. - 224 pages
O.K. why is Ian recommending a non-reference book?. Because this is simply the most fascinating book I have ever read and, it is all true. This is not fiction electronics.
I am a particular admirer of Dr. Jones. Over a fair period of time I've read and re-read this particular book three times, lent and recommended it to countless people. Simply amazing the part science, electronics in particular, played in WW11.
When I first read this book (an earlier edition) I was left with the overwhelming feeling of being a real mental pygmy. Dr. Jones experimented with infra-red, as one example, back in the late 1930's when it was considered pure science fiction.
This compelling book goes into great detail how science played such a huge part in allied success in WW11. It covers the fascinating topic of the "battle of the beams", that is, radio beams.
You can not help realise that if Dr. Jones did not have the personal ear of Winston Churchill the results might well have been quite different. This text is Jones's account of his part in British Scientific Intelligence between 1939 and 1949. It was his responsibility to anticipate German applications of science (electronics) to warfare, so that their new weapons could be countered before they were used.
Much of his work had to do with radio navigation, as in the Battle of the Beams, with radar, as in the Allied Bomber Offensive and in the preparations for D-Day and in the war at sea. He was also in charge of intelligence against the V-1 (flying bomb) and the V-2 (rocket) retaliation weapons and, although the Germans were some distance behind from success, against their nuclear developments.
AMAZON'S RETURN POLICY - U.K.: Note under Amazon's Return Policy, you can within 30 days of receipt of your book, return your book in its original condition, for any reason, for a full refund (Amazon will also refund the shipping cost if the return is a result of Amazon's error). Please read Amazon's Return Policy.
TOWERS' INTERNATIONAL TRANSISTOR SELECTOR - Update 5
- Foulsham - Anthony Cawkwell CEng MIEE
Internationally famous this publication, "Towers' International Transistor Selector". A user friendly transistor characteristics - substitution book. You can't be without it.
The latest edition of a title which now includes around 2000 new entries and has been updated to take account of new technology.
Ideal for the engineer, technician and experimenter. My copy is an old edition.
482 pages Rev. Ed., Update 5 (19 July, 1996), published by Foulsham.
Hundreds of the very best projects from the G-QRP Club's magazine Sprat are brought together in this handy book. Includes low power transmitters, simple receivers, accessories, circuit and construction hints and antennas.
Ideal for the experimenter or someone who likes the fun of building and operating their own radio equipment.
A wealth of DIY and hobby projects written by experts who really understand home electronics construction.
Includes factsheets to help you learn electronics basics as you work through the book. The RSGB Electronics and Radio Cookbook is a unique collection of electronics projects, ideal for all electronics enthusiasts and experimenters. The simple step-by step instructions also make this book ideal for DIY enthusiasts and radio amateurs seeking to build up their electronics skills and knowledge. - 304 pages, NEW I haven't actually read this one yet.
MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUITS - Oxford Series in Electrical Engineering. Hardcover - 1360 pages 4th Bk&cdr edition (June 1997)
I quote -
"Dear Ian,
I strongly recommend Microelectronic Circuits by Adel Sedra and Kenneth Smith. It's a basic analog and digital electronics book that no person dabbling, for want of a better word, should be without. Perhaps some of the latter portions are more for an Electronics Engineer in VLSI - but it doesn't hurt to know ANYTHING. :) "
Book Description
Microelectronic Circuits, Fourth Edition is an extensive revision of the classic text by Adel S. Sedra and K. C. Smith. The primary objective of this text remains the development of the student's ability to analyze and design electronic circuits, both analog and digital, discrete and integrated. Fundamental developments in modern technology, particularly the increased emphasis on integrated circuits and the profusion of advances in digital electronics, require that engineers today be aptly...
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ORDER - U.K. - Microelectronic Circuits - Oxford Series in Electrical Engineering - A reference book highly recommended to me - Availability: We expect to be able to find this title for you within 4-6 weeks.
I personally own two well worn out copies of this book although my copies are the 1977 editions. Absolutely superb value with so much easy to follow general design information. Full of information on Amateur Radio circuit design and applications, descriptions of receivers, transmitters, power supplies and test equipment. Much of the data cannot be found elsewhere. Essential for every technical library. 256 pages. Extremely cheap at the price and and an excellent "general electronics reference book".
ORDER - U.S.A. - Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur - ARRL - again another book I can highly recommended to everyone with absolute confidence - Availability: This title usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Please note that titles occasionally go out of print or publishers run out of stock. Amazon will notify you within 2-3 weeks if we have trouble obtaining this title.
ELECTRONIC HOBBYISTS DATA BOOK
R. A. Penfold - Babani 256 pages
This book by Bob Penfold provides a very inexpensive source of a wide range of data. The subjects include:
common circuits and related data,
pin out details of a wide range of CMOS and TTL devices,
colour codes,
data and lead out of fets, transistors, diodes, triacs, thyristors.
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ORDER - U.K. - Electronic Hobbyists Data Book - R. A. Penfold - This title is currently on order. We expect to be able to obtain it within a month.
W1FB's DESIGN NOTEBOOK
- The American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Practical Circuits for Experimenters by the late Doug DeMaw, W1FB.
Just the book for the avid builder of Amateur Radio equipment. This plain-language book is filled with simple, practical projects that can be built using readily available components and common hand tools. There are explanations of how the various circuits work without heavy mathematical analysis. 200 pages.
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ORDER - U.K. - W1FB's Design Notebook - ARRL - yet again another book I can highly recommended to everyone with absolute confidence - Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours.
RADIO HANDBOOK
Bill Orr W6SAI
My copy of Bill Orr's Handbook is the 19th edition, 1975. Fortunately you can have later and revised editions. 672 pages 23Rd/Rpt edition (May 1997).
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ORDER - U.K. - Radio Handbook - Bill Orr W6SAI - This title is currently on order. We expect to be able to obtain it within a month.
PRACTICAL RF DESIGN MANUAL
- Doug DeMaw, W1FB
Another famous title from our icon the late Doug DeMaw, a true "gentleman's gentleman" and a very innovative designer who affected and changed so many lives for the better.
ORDER - U.S.A. - Practical RF Design Manual - Doug DeMaw, W1FB - This title usually ships within 4-6 weeks.
LANCASTER'S ACTIVE FILTER COOKBOOK
Don Lancaster
A further title from this prolific author, perhaps this one is my personal favourite from Don's long list of contributions to electronics.
Considered by many as the definitive book on Op-Amps. Terrible shame Walter's famous book on "555 Timers" is no longer in print, why?, if you ever see a second hand copy grab it.
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ORDER - U.K. - The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs - ARRL - A reference book I can highly recommended to everyone with absolute confidence.
