"jawod" wrote in message ...
DaveM wrote:
I'm curious about what your opinions of the ARRL Handbook. In terms of
technical content, such as theory, construction projects, etc., which years
are generally regarded as the best of the modern (solid state) era, and which
issue for the vacuum tube era?

I'm interested in hearing about specifically those issues with really useful
construction projects in the areas of complete homebrew receivers and
transmitters, test equipment for the bench and field use and articles about
RF circuit design.

Thanks for your opinions.
The newest one is very good, I think. This is the first time I"ve read
chapters all the way through. I am re-entering ham radio after a long
absence.

I think the technical writing varies among chapters but on the whole is quite
readaable without being "dummied down". This is more difficult to achieve
than it sounds. Technical writing CAN be an art, though it seldom is. ARRL
editor deserves a lot of credit.

There are probably fewer homebrew projects (or at least they are simpler) than
the old days. But, there seems to be more info for building than I
remembeer...ordering PC boards, sources for parts, etc. I think blending them
into the theory within chapters is a very good idea.

That's my $.02 worth.
John
AB8WH


Thanks for that John.
I haven't seen the latest issue, but have a 1995 issue. It has a number of
construction projects, but certainly fewer than the older issues. And those
that it does contain are solid-state related. I guess that falls to the modern
times.
I'm specifically looking for projects and articles related to vacuum tubes and
their uses in ham radio.

I totally agree that technical writing is an art, and should be practiced by
someone who has a good knowledge of the subject being documented. Lack of
knowledge results in confusing writings, which at times can be totally wrong. I
develop computer software for the US Navy, and see more of that than you might
think. No wonder those weapon system manuals cost so much to produce. Paying
competent tech writers what they deserve is an expensive task.

Thanks!@!!!
--
Dave M
MasonDG44 at comcast dot net (Just substitute the appropriate characters in the
address)

Some days you're the dog, some days the hydrant.