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In all honesty I doubt whether the ARRL's new Digital Handbook will make the New York Times list of best sellers. Nor will it show up as a runaway favorite at Amazon.com. But, Steve WB8IMY (the Managing Editor of QST Magazine) has crafted a credible new resource for those interested in our world of computers, TNC's, soundcards, cables and transceivers. The small volume should be a 'must read' for anyone who wishes to chase the digital portion of the radio hobby. Needless to say, the book makes the almost perfect gift for anyone you think might be digitally-inclined! |
The HF DIGITAL HANDBOOK is a slim 150 page volume that manages somehow to touch almost all the bases. A neat job of editing, space is allocated for each of the modes as well as the mandatory 'Assembling Your Station' chapter. The assembly chapter runs to 22 pages and is well done and, although it won't lead a tyro by the hand to a complete setup, it does present a good review of the gear required, where to buy or how to build them. There are ample photos of the commercial products with which we are all familiar, circuit diagrams for a modem, a sound card interface and attentuators. Finally, the simple sketches also outline the general approach to hooking up the various and sundry stuff we call a station. At the very least, if the beginner studied this material and couldn't quite get on the air with a good signal, he or she would surely ask intelligent and relevant questions of you. That's a lot more than can be said for most product manuals these days!
Then, Steve wades into a description of the individual modes and devotes 9 pages to RTTY, 19 to PSK31, 14 to Pactor I and II, 9 to Clover, 7 to GTOR and 5 to Hellschreiber. Nineteen pages to PSK31? You bet, for Steve not only fell in love with this new mode but sees it as the probable successor to some or all of the other modes (particularly RTTY). This chapter is a complete lesson and covers the history, theory and practice of G3PLX's new toy. Veteran or beginner, you should buy the book for this chapter. Very well done, indeed.
The other modes are treated to brief descriptions of their basic characteristics and theory. That's sufficient for those who have been around for a while and, since few beginners would jump right into Pactor II or Clover, probably adequate for the task. Interestingly, Steve introduces the worldwide BBS network in the Pactor section, touches the subject again in the Clover chapter. This is obviously the other major thrust of the author. After the introduction, he devotes Chapter 9 to HF Email via the Winlink and Netlink networks, then devotes 14 pages to the subject in the Resources Appendix. The entire ZS5S list of stations/modes/ frequencies is published. (As GAZETTE readers know Joost ZS5S updates this list every month.) Instructions for linking with and communicating through BBS stations is rather well done. Software is given the proper attention and sources are identified on both a free and shareware basis. So, even though the error-correcting modes are not extensively discussed, one of their most important applications is given plenty of space and discussion. Again, this is a good read for beginner and veteran alike.
There is one chapter devoted to contesting and it lists the major events, pays homage to WF1B RTTY and WriteLog and lays out a few basic rules and suggestions. Nobody will become an expert from being exposed to these pages, but that is not the purpose. Something of a surprise is the wee bit of attention paid to the favorite subject of many--DX! It is mentioned here and there, but DX activity interests the majority of our crowd and is a distinct passion of many. Though we don't know the numbers, there are probably more serious DXers than contesters (that'll stir up the flames!).
Packet doesn't rate a chapter either. But, Steve handles the subject quite well. Basically, he says it isn't suited for HF and its use on VHF/UHF is disappearing as fast as the Internet is growing. He's got that right. Hi! Hellschreiber I leave to the aficianado. I presume those who use this ancient mode know far more about it than Steve and tend to recruit and train their own newcomers.
This modest-sized book costs $15 (US, plus $4 shipping, $5.50 International). While that may seem a bit steep as books go, I consider it well worth the price, an excellent gift idea and a good reference for all, regardless of one's experience level. Thanks to Steve for filling the digital vacuum!
73 de Jim N2HOS
