Since I am a writer—or at least used to be one—I’ve been thinking of writing a series of books on basic topics for amateur radio operators. These might include:
- How to Operate CW
- How to Build a Dipole Antenna
- How to Find and Build Kits
Well, recently, someone e-mailed, noting that he was trying to learn how to use complex numbers to determine impedances. That got me thinking about writing a small book that explains the mathematics that we use in ham radio. Unlike most math books, I wouldn’t get into long, drawn-out derivations, but just lay out in simple language—with lots of practical examples—the mathematics and how to use it.
Here are the topics I’ve come up with so far:
- Fractions
- Operations with Powers and Roots of Numbers
- Logarithms
- Scientific Notation and Powers of Ten
- Units – Measurements and the Metric System
- Decibels
- Complex Numbers
- Computer Numbering Systems
Can you think of anything I’ve left out? Is there a book like this currently on the market? Has there been one in the past?
Andy Bullington W1AWB says
Unlike a lot of hams, I have no engineering or electronics background. I am a musician. This makes CW easy but electronics hard so I would welcome such a book. I have been studying phased vertical antenna systems and I quickly bog down in the math. What I would love to see in such a math book would be real world ham radio applications and how the math applies and why it works. Actually the phased verticals is a pretty good example of what I’m talking about. The article on this subject in “Vertical Antenna Classics”
made my eyes roll back in my head, the math was so impenetrable. I’ve been trying to wade through The Art of Electronics text for a couple years but always get waylaid by the math. I’ve come to regret my inattention in High School math, that’s for sure.
Andy W1AWB
Gene, K5PA says
algebra and algebraic operations
Accuracy and resolution concepts
Under complex numbers, polar and cartesian systems and how and why (when) to go between them
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I’ll have a look at that book for their discussion on phased vertical arrays.
Ronny, KC5EES says
As I began the path to becoming a ‘real’ Amateur Radio operator (i.e. upgrade to General with HF privileges, and later Extra Class), I began to understand that I knew little to nothing about how electronics worked. I bought books and looked at 100-in-1 electronics kits to read circuits, and eventually I came to understand the basics. But, I must admit that I still do not ‘really’ understand it.
It is one thing to be able to pass a test and quite another to be able to build the circuit. In my quest to understand it all, I searched for books that would start with ‘this is how a resistor works’ and work up to building a complete radio (simple AM/FM) from component parts. I wanted one that would get progressively more complicated while EXPLAINING how it operated at every turn. I found that the 100-in-1 electronics kits came closet to doing this but they did not continue beyond the really basic and the explanations were not geared toward preparing one to understand RF circuits.
Any chance you could undertake putting together a ‘Step by Step’ guide to understanding electronics for Amateur Radio? Start with experiments in resistors, capacitors, coils, transistors, and move to op amps, ICs, and oscillation, feedback, impedance, etc.. The most confusing thing for me was current flow in a circuit depending on whether it was PNP/NPN transistor! Almost no one ever explains this in their books. Using terms without explaining them or using components without explaining why doesn’t help the beginner very much.
I always wondered why ARRL had not put together a series of books that took you from step 1: resistance, to step 100: building a complete radio with photo-transistor controls. Perhaps that is the goal of the ARRL Handbook, but it doesn’t seem very user friendly for the beginner.
Of course, this was and is just my experience with attempting to move from 2m/440 Repeater user toward HF proficiency hoping to arrive at Homebrewer status. As a social studies teacher, I found (find) the task somewhat daunting. I know the task is large, but it would really help lure newer Hams into the real fun of building something.
Sincerely,
Ronny, KC5EES
Round Rock, TX
P.S. Two of the best books that I found to explain basic electronics were:
1) Olsen & Mims: The Beginner’s Handbook of Electronics (excellent, but written in 1980)
2) Amdahl: There are no Electrons: Electronics for Earthlings (odd writing style, but good to understand such things as low/high frequency signals and their interaction in capacitors/coils)
Robert says
Here are some more ideas:
Ohms law relationships
Power calculations, units, kilo, mega, milli, micro
Satellite orbit calculation
radiation exposure calculations
Dan KB6NU says
Great idea, guys.
Ronny, could you perhaps give me the ISBN number of the book by Amdahl? I used to work for a company named Amdahl (they made IBM-compatible mainframe computers), and I’m wondering if the author is the guy who started the company. It sounds like an interesting approach to the topic as well.
shawn hawkins says
Antenna theory simplified. I am always looking to build my own antennas and some of the math is just way over my head.
Robert says
Dan,
I have always had a hard time trying to learn with self teaching books…
Most so called “basic” math books start out the first paragraph or two very basic, then they jump way too far ahead in the rest of the chapter (with too many assumptions made for the reader).
I’d love to get a book regarding decibels, tuned circuits, etc. that starts out with the very basic basic concepts, theories, and uses, which then travels gradually to build up some of the fun math that can be derived using decibels, trig, etc.. Same for all the other radio and antenna related studies.
I like lots of graphicals and pictures, and oscillosope pics when discussing those types of radio related electronics…real life visuals help a lot!
Thanks! Can’t wait for your volumes…Robert KF6FGH (Brentwood, CA)
[email protected]
ANITA AKRIDGE says
Sounds like a very very useful book for a lot of people. If you need any help or an editor, let me know. My degree is in math and I had a tutoring practice for the last two years of high school and the first two years of college, through integral calculus. I would love to see such a book available. I am currently the training coordinator for the two clubs in my area in West Central Florida and I would certain take advantage of such a book. Thanks for thinking of it. Anita Akridge, AI4YV
Gerald Gaule says
LET ME KNOW WHEN IT IS DONE…THX DE KE7GGV 73
Gordon Cooper says
It would be nice to see at least the basics of the Maxwell equations and the Shannon equation covered. WIth so many digital modes appearing quite rapidly an understanding of the limitations and potentials of each mode could nicely be covered via the Shannon equation. The mathematics of solar/space weather would be good too.
Tish says
I happen to be on this site trying to get any help for the studying I’doing for my extra ticket and the equations are driving me crazy. Perhaps a book of practice equations for the extra exam might be an addition to your list.
Thanks for reading this
Tish kb3rok
Dan KB6NU says
I like this idea, Tish. Now, if I can find the time to do some of this…….
Give me an example of a particular problem that you are having.
Fabio Flosi says
Is the book ready? Where to find it?
Dan KB6NU says
Sorry, but I still haven’t found the time to do this.
B,W,BROOKS says
You must include good explanation on ACand DC theory ,waveform,resonance etc I find this the most difficult section
Art Nickel says
The whole thing would be great, but a booklet that shows the working of the problems in the question pools would be of great help to those of us who block some things. This would be great for us who want to do more than just memorize the correct choice for the question.
Thanks
Paul Flesher says
I concur! This would be a great book! I’m here looking for help with the math too. I’m surprised no one has done this already. Having forgotten my high school math over the last 50 years, I am being driven mad by a lot of the math, even in the General exam. Please hurry and get this done! I’d stand in line to buy it! :)