[Towertalk] A couple of book reviews

[Wes Cosand]

Wirebook IV, by our own Press Jones, N8UG

Press has brought out a new edition of his book on coax, antenna wire, 
balanced line, grounding, and baluns.  It is worth reading.  One aspect 
that makes it valuable is that it is quite opinionated, and the opinion is 
informed by years of working in the field.  I found the discussion of coax 
and antenna wire especially valuable, even provocative at times.  And then 
there are his common sense tips that made you wonder why you didn't think 
of that!

I would have liked to have seen somewhat more discussion of working with 
hardline and of connectors for hardline and the larger LMR cables.  Much of 
this is not very accessible to the ham community and may be rather 
intimidating to many of us.

This is a purchase well worth the $12.  I bought it from Marshall Emm 
at  http://www.morsex.com/books/  (that URL stands for Morse Express-- 
don't let your imagination get the best of you!) but I am certain Press 
will sell it to you at http://www.thewireman.com/wirebook.html


DXing 101X by Rod Dinkins, AC6V

The eham web site has very few reviews of books.  But one very big hit 
among the hams that frequent the site is AC6V's guide to DXing.  I ordered 
a copy from HRO at http://www.hamradio.com/  (search on DX101).  This book 
would make a great gift to the library of the fairly new ham.  It might be 
a useful reference to the more experienced ham but you probably already 
know much of this material (or at least have known it at one time and can 
figure out where to go to jog your memory).  This is a valuable book, but 
probably not for the readers of this reflector.

Wes, WZ7I