[Boatanchors] Which Handbook?

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Philip Atchley wrote:

> I have "always" had
>an ARRL handbook around since I was a pre-teen (early 50's).  When I bought
>my new one in '93 I "gave away" the old ones I had to some people "learning
>radio".   Unfortunately the "new" one just covers AM in a general fashion
>and does NOT cover the finer points of "Ancient Modulation" etc.   (You
>know, things like modulation monitoring, etc).
>
>The next time I have a little extra "jingle" in my jeans I plan on taking
>care of that.  About what approximate "year" should I look for (I know they
>only made minor changes year to year back then). 
>

Phil -

I'd suggest you get a copy of the 'West Coast' Handbook, known also as 
Bill Orr's Radio Handbook. Don't get me wrong, the ARRL handbooks are 
okay and have nice catalog sections, but the 1950s Radio Handbook is the 
way to go. Can't remember what year, maybe '54, but it's red. Really any 
of the early-mid 50s would be excellent. Especially if you like AM. I 
have a bunch of duplicate ARRL handbooks and a very few Radio handbooks 
to trade, if I can ever sit down and make a list of years and conditions.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ