Amateur Books

Here are what I think are the pluses and minuses of this book:

Pluses: The "style primer" section gives tips on color and paint, proportion and scale, furniture and floor plans, art and arranging, patterns and fabric, accessories and collections, lighting and lamps, storage and display, and sources and resources. This section alone will probably be worth the cost of the book to most people. Most of these tips can be generalized to different styles. Also the tips at the end of each case study can be useful to many people.

Minuses: However, the case studies themselves leave something to be desired. Even though the book supposedly shows the homes of a cross section of people, the style is the same through out the book. What I call "modern country." It has a country feel, but more choices of color than traditional country and some unusual eye catching design-elements.

If your style is modern country, or if you like a wide variety of styles and want a book representative of this type of style for your book colletion, like I did, then you will enjoy this book. Everyone else might want to pass.

I found this book to be fun, accessible and full of great ideas for people in all stages of life. I have already recommended it to many friends and suggest it as a "must have" for the home design library. The ideas are timeless and creative and the sources given are practical and fit the average homeowners budget.

There are so many decorating books out there that you can spend a fortune buying them. My mode of operatus is to check the book out of the library and if it is a "keeper" I purchase it. I am ordering this book today. Even though not all the styles are like mine, the glorious pictures and variety of decorating options represented definitely provide a great jumping off point. I would actually have given this book a 4.5 stars if that option was available, but felt it was better than 4 stars.

The book addresses several "styles" of decor and includes the actual homeowners and their comments about their decorating tastes. The pictures are beautiful and each section includes "real life lessons." These "lessons" are tips and secrets for incorporating each type of style into your decor. My one complaint - I do think there was often too much of the homeowner's "stories" and would prefer more tips and lessons. One great things included is the Sources & Resources section in the back of the book.

I found this book to be fun and completely accessible. I enjoyed the stories about the 10 Real Life Decorators in the book and how their styles evolved. I found Real Life Decorating to be practical, creative and filled with timeless ideas and tips from people who actually "live" in the houses they decorate. This is a great book for all and I have already recommended it to many friends as a "must have" for the home design library.

I owned the first edition of this book and decided to upgrade. That was a good choice. The discussion of USB-based devices is very valuable and explanation of Firewire helped me pick a video camera.

This is the easiest book on PC upgrading money can buy. A 10!

As a "computer senior citizen" -- most of this is new. This book helped me install more RAM and a new disk drive. Step by step pictures made it very easy. My kids were impressed!

My system was SLOW. Over the weekend, I followed step-by-step instructions to add RAM, defragment my disk, reorganize my file, and fine tune a couple settings. In a few hours, my system was running much faster. I'm a novice. The book made these intimidating operations VERY EASY.

Make existing capabilities better by adding disk-caching software and more RAM, defragmenting the hard disk, doubling disk storage capacity for compressing the hard disk, restarting your system daily, and upgrading to the latest version, especially with a computer less than two years old. Install and plug in to a surge suppressor as the first upgrade. Add a math coprocessor to run complex spreadsheets and math-intensive programs such as computer-aided design. Save money by replacing hardware: only hardware technicians know how to repair most PC hardware devices. Make repairs by beginning with the cheapest, easiest fix and working to the hardest and most costly. Think about basic physics for how computers work, and the problem area may show up. Find an area user technical support group for common fixes to common mistakes. These are some of the many clearly illustrated and reader-friendly comments author Kris A. Jamsa shares in RESCUED BY UPGRADING YOUR PC. His book stands out in a crowd, sharing concerns and information with Wayne N. Kawamoto's BUILD, UPGRADE AND REPAIR YOUR PC NETWORK ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET, Mark Minasi's THE COMPLETE PC UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE, and Aubrey Pilgrim's UPGRADE AND REPAIR YOUR PC.

This is the ultimate hybrid of reference book and page-turner, thanks to Harry Helms' superb writing style. Prose is liquid, even in the sections that have a lot of reference information. Absolutely recommended.

This is the ultimate hybrid of reference book and page-turner, thanks to Harry Helms' superb writing style. Prose is liquid, even in the sections that have a lot of reference information. Absolutely recommended.

I picked up the first edition of this book when I first became interested in shortwave radio about five years ago. Even now I still love going back to it. Harry Helms writes in such a clear and readable style, it's easy to find yourself breezing through chapter after chapter. Harry presents just enough technical information to give you a good understanding of the principles, without putting you to sleep with lots of equations and theory. This book is a great resource for those casually interested in short wave as a hobby and are looking for a book that will just "tell it like it is"...in a no-nonsense fashion. If you're interested in ham radio at all...I can also highly recommend All About Ham Radio by the same author...written in the same informal and easily readable style. Thanks for getting me on my way Harry!

As a newcomer to Shortwave listening, I found that Harry Helms' "Shortwave Listening Guidebook" has been the perfect introduction. It covers the technical aspects (such as the different parts of a shortwave receiver and how to use them, radio wave propagation, and antennas) in enough (but not too much) detail to be of use to the casual listener. There's an overview of the various shortwave bands, as well as what you may find between the bands. The many aspects of shortwave listening are covered, from listening to major broadcasters such as the BBC to such specialities as trying to hear distant stations, "pirate" broadcasters, and so on.

All in all, armed with both this book and "Passport to Worldband Radio", anyone should be able to enjoy shortwave listening.

Probably the most complete work on trapping I have seen. This one was for a teenager and he was able to read it and understand the instruction and teaching. He also enjoys reading it for pleasure when not needing specific references in the book.

This book was extremely to the point and gave lots of helpful information and trap setting sequences. It also had very good lure making recipies.

I found this book to be filled with helpfull hints on trapping beaver, fox, mink, muskrat, otter, etc. and hunting black bear, deer, and bees. Good reading!

I was fortunate to have someone show me the trade of Fur Trapping, and with the guide, Trapping North American Furbearers, it fine tuned my adventures in trapping. I am glad I paid the few dollars for it, it's well worth the money. I find myself reading my book just before every trapping season because there are so many ideas in it. I have been trapping for 26 years now. Ed Collins

I completed remodeling my basement to add a bath, office, large family room and even re-located the 20A laundry circuit. This book helped me so much, I can't understate it. Passed my city inspection 1st try. Added 6 or 7 new circuits overall for the house.

Anyone with a screwdriver can change outlets or replace switches, but for more complex tasks, I wanted a reference book.

*Plain, easy to read wiring diagrams for 3-way switches and lights. - which can be tricky to get right.
*Tips on keeping up to code (such as Arc-Fault breakers in sleeping rooms!)
*Clearly explained how to install a 240V line for my bathroom heater.
*How to wire my fire alarms all together for all three levels.

I'm so happy with my addition, and this book was the go-to source. I couldn't believe I was changing Breakers myself! (along with the Creative Homeowner plumbing book-also highly recommend)

Though I feel this book was written for the newbie and the weekend warrior do-it-yourselfer, it has some pretty advanced stuff in it too. But if you think about it, most electrical projects are the same, just with different uses and boxes.

Along with installations, the book covers tests, troubleshooting and upgrades of outlets, fishing cables and wires, drywall cutting, plugs and wires (and much more.) There is way too much stuff in this book to list here, so the highlights are:

GFCI outlets (where to install and why)
Tools, wires, fittings (when, how and where to use them)
Standby generators
Outdoor installations
Telephone wiring and hook-up

Something it doesn't cover: solar power. It would be nice to cover this growing issue.

You should have no trouble finding your particular problem / project in this book. The step-by-step instructions (with many many pictures and diagrams) make it so easy. I highly recommend this book.

I also highly recommend purchasing a Fluke T5 Electrical Tester along with this book. It is absolutely imperative that you have a *dependable* tester when you are working with electricity. The T5 is one of the easiest to use, just turn it on and the voltage, amps and ohms are given automatically.

This book was a real easy to read and well diagram book. I was very please. It also had the 3-way switch wiring that I needed. I would recomend this book to anyone. You want be disappointed.

I haven't really required this book for any real-world projects yet, however I am very impressed with the coverage. The great detailed colored illustrations, as well as the large 8 1/2" X 11" pages ensure that it will be a very useful reference for the future. I was an electrical engineer by trade (now retired), but this book is extremely well-written for the layman, as well.

This book was purchased as a gift for our daughter. She was remodeling a beautiful apartment and needed instructions on some of the repairs, but daddy wasn't nearby. She said the book was a wonderful gift, and used it often. In fact it gave her some ideas of other projects she could and would undertake.
I liked it so much I bought myself one also!

This is the perfect book for those of us who know nothing about home repair. Its step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, without technical jargon or mystery widgets. The cautionary notes help allay my fears that I could do something dangerously dumb, especially in the electrical and plumbing sections. This book is a "must" in homes where no one's "handy!"

This book paid for itself the first time I changed an electrical switch. I am getting psyched up for working on the drippy faucet. I am now enlightened about the mysterious workings of the toilet and know I will probably never have to meet the plumber. My only criticisim is that I thought the lesson on installing an underground sprinkler system was a bit far out and doesn't truly fit the category of "Incredibly Simple Weekend Projects" I was researching how to change a toilet, which turned out to be simple enough after I watched and paid someone to do it. I would definately include that how-to in the next edition.

This book is a must-have for anyone doing their own home repairs. Step-by-step directions are presented in clear, simple language. Each section begins with a list of all necessary tools--no surprises just when you've got that toilet tank in pieces! Illustrations actually look like what you need to see. Even my dad asked for a copy of this book!

Just starting to dabble in woodworking as a hobby, I have acquired several books, but this is definitely one that I keep coming back to, and there a several reasons for that.

First and maybe most important is that it's bound in such a way that I can lay the book flat on the table. It allows me to go set up a tool, and constant refer back to the book without having to put weights to hold the book open, photocopies, etc. It's at much a tool as anything else in the shop.

Second, it covers all the major power tools, and their intended uses. It doesn't just tell you what each tool is, and how they work, but the best methods of how to use the tool.

Third, it is chock full of all sorts of tips and tricks to help make the work that you're doing easier and/or more precise. While sometimes it may be hard to remember exactly where a particular trick may be, the book does have a well put together index to help finding things.

This is easily the most important book that I have in my workshop, and have recommended it to others that I know. Now if only other book manufacturers would bind their books in the same way.

This is a great reference. There is so much information in this book, in an easy to read format, that is has become my primary reference around the shop

As other reviewers have noted this is a great reference book for the workshop and I know I will use it constantly. My disappointment lies in the fact that the book jacket is terribly flimsy and made of really thin card. I can't imagine it lasting long even given that the spiral binding makes the book easy to use.

This is a good reference book - there's just enough information to be useful, not too much so that it's overwhelming. If you are looking for your first woodworking reference, this is a good overview of all the basics, from wood types, to tools and techniques, project design concepts, and home shop setup. There's a really nice appendix at the end the book, with a list of other recommended reads, and lots of "woodworker geek charts and graphs" to ensure that this book stays in the shop. Lots of good info at a value price.

The ARRL Handbook is a world renowned "bible" of communications. In teaching ham radio classes, where I use my own book "Ride the Airwaves with ALFA & ZULU", the ARRL Handbook is recommended to students of all ages as the ultimate source of information. Years ago, when I was studying electronic engineering in college, I used the ARRL Handbook often for a clear, practical explanation of technical material. Whether you become a ham or not, this is one book that is a "must buy"!

The ultimate book on radio technology for over 75 years. The ARRL Handbook is a must in any ham's, technician's, or engineer's technical library! No book in the wireless field is more respected and admired for its in-depth coverage of RF circuits, ham projects, practical theory, and operating practices than the ARRL Handbook.

Cotter W. Sayre, Author of "The Complete RF Technician's Handbook"

My last ARRL Handbook I purchased was in 1980. I kept putting off getting another for the past 10 years and kind of glad I did! The 1999 ARRL Handbook is jammed packed with valuable electrical formulas and theories, componant data and any degree of challanging projects you desire from the beginner to the advanced. Satellite communications and data tranmission protocols are well covered. This book is a must have for those who want everything in one place and not needing 3 or 4 different books to reference.

I first read Helms when I became interested in Ham Radio. His book was an excellent introduction. This book is also first-rate. Harry makes the subject very interesting and gives a lot of practical advice. This is what I found to be the best part of his book(s). He let's you in on the secrets. It's very much like having a very experienced DX'er chatting with you and giving you friendly advice. He takes the time to explain the technical terms, the options, the 'real world' of short wave listening so that you have a very straight foreward explanation of what it's really all about. And he has strong opinions! And a sense of humor! He has stories to tell about the excitement of DX'ing and relates it very, very well. I found out more about the technical and practical aspects of short wave radio from this book than from Mange's Passport [Which is an excellent serial book] Excellent advice about selecting your first SW radio, great advice about an outside antenna, a honest discussion about the need for 'grounding' your antenna (this will surprise you because of his contrarian view and logic) This book and Mange's Passport book are all you need to enjoy this hobby and save $.

If you've ever wondered why your neighbor has more aluminum above his house than Alcoa, or thought it would be fun to talk to people around the country or world, buy this book!!

When I first thought about becoming a ham, this is the volume that convinced me I could and should. Mr Helms presents the varied world of amateur radio in a simple, informative, and humorous manner. The best first step into a wonderful hobby that he'll show you isn't as difficult as many think.

In comparison to other ham books, this is agreat first ham book. It's easy to understand, and it covers everything. If you already understand this stuff, get "Now You're Talking". If you already have your license, and want technical info, by all means, buy "The ARRL Handbook"! But, if you have ANY interest in ham whatsoever and you don't know a lot about it, BUY THIS BOOK!!! Trust me.

This is a delightful book and CDROM which are full of useful tips and info. Hopengarten impressively thought of everything and still expresses interest in learning and sharing more.

We're certainly fortunate in this wonderful hobby of ours to have talented individuals like Fred Hopengarten, Jim O'Connell and other volunteer counsels to share valuable insight into the various aspects of our hobby.

Whenever another ham knocks the ARRL, my response always includes remarks to the effect that everything I know about ham radio comes from ARRL literature. This magnum opus certainly further justifies my thoughts in this regard.

For those who find themselves facing potential new, adverse local government regulation, ARRL has recently released a new publication, Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur by Fred Hopengarten, K1VR. This is an excellent new publication that provides a lot of material to help you as you approach local governing bodies to be able to put up an antenna.

There is a CD ROM with documents you can use directly to aid your efforts. The book may seem a bit pricey ..., but if you find that you are in need of an attorney's services in your quest, you can save more than the cost of this book in attorney's fees because the book provides a treasure chest of material your attorney will not have to search out! I highly recommend this book!

I am really excited about this book. I get a lot of e-mails and telephone calls asking for zoning information. This new ARRL book is a MUST read for anyone planning to put up a tower. Get the book and read it before you even look at an antenna catalog.

Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, a communications lawyer and contester, has written a truly fine book designed to save the serious amateur a lot of money, time and grief. It is a must read for any ham who plans to buy a house and put up a dream antenna system. Even before you buy the house or begin looking at tower and antenna catalogs you should get a copy of the book. There is practical advice on selecting a real estate agent, dealing with a town clerk, and getting a copy of the local building codes. Fred covers every subject you can think of and then adds quite a few you didn't think of but should have.

Don't be put of by the ... price tag as it will be the best money you will spend on the entire house and antenna project. Your initial reaction may be that this is way too much for a book that is only 286 pages long, but be aware that you also get a CD-ROM crammed full of precedent setting cases, sample letters and documents designed to help you and your lawyer prepare you zoning application and or appeal. Director Jay Bellows, KØQB, a Minnesota lawyer who serves on the Tower Assistance Committee with me, feels that the CD-ROM is the best part of the book as you or your lawyer can edit the PDF files using Word and tailor them to your needs.

Even for an old veteran of many tower battles this a truly invaluable book. Fred takes us through the entire process providing detailed guides along the way with tips on how to talk to town officials and what not to say. These are very important things easily forgotten. He makes the point that you should at all times be the good guy in the white hat who lets the town know what he is doing an why. It is surprisingly easy to read which is a real accomplishment with a subject as detailed and complicated.

The book is designed to give you a view of the entire process and help you avoid the pitfalls that others have fallen into along the way. It is a college course in the subject at a graduate level. Some few may discover after reading it that they came across the book too late in the process and would be better off changing their plans or looking for a second dream house.

It will save me hours on the telephone when a local ham calls for advice. But even for them the book may be helpful in making that decision possible. The best advice I can now give is before you even begin to look for a house, read Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur. Failure to buy and read it is almost certainly guaranteed to cost you many times more in money and time wasted.