[Boatanchors] REIEW: SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS PAST AND PRESENT, Fourth Edition, By Fred Osterman, N8EKU

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SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS PAST AND PRESENT,  Fourth Edition,
By Fred Osterman, N8EKU
Universal Radio Research, 1014
Reynoldsburg OH 
ISBN 978-1-882123-02-5
800 pages Hardbound
$49.95 
 
Reviewed by Michael, W1RC  (subs at w1rc.net)

Fred Osterman has done it again.  His 4th Edition recently published is a huge
encyclopedia of communications receivers manufactured worldwide covering a
seventy year period, from 1943 through 2013.  This 800 page work is reminiscent
of another outstanding radio reference source, the four-volume WIRELESS FOR THE
WARRIOR published in the UK several years ago.

The introduction contains an interesting short essay on the importance of
shortwave broadcasting during the Cold War and supports the idea that there is
still a place for it in today's Internet age.  

There are over 1,700 receivers listed with commentaries on an additional 1,200
variants; indeed there have been close to 1,000 new receivers added since the
Third Edition that was published in 1998 and quickly became the standard
reference book on the subject. 

Receivers are grouped by manufacturers with a thumbnail sketch of the company as
well as detailed info on the receiver along with a guideline to prices and
approximate contemporary values.  "China" is considered a manufacturer.  Photos
are clear and of high definition.  The book is printed on superior paper stock
and the glossy paper will definitely not yellow or deteriorate over time.

Some companies, like Eddystone, Hallicrafters, Collins, National, etc, occupy
many pages while many others only one.  Of course not all radio receivers
capable of receiving shortwave are listed; it is by author prerogative.  

The reference work does not include "radios" that may have shortwave tuning
capability. Classic radios such as the Zenith Transoceanic are not listed but
there are many highly collectable military radios included, such as the Emerson
R-174/URR (AN/GRR-5) and of course what receiver book would be complete without
the venerable R-390A.  I was pleased to note George Rancourt's name listed as a
contributor along with Chuck Rippel, both internationally acknowledged
authorities on this receiver.

My favorite Collins, the 51S-1 is there and Osterman even mentions the military
nomenclature, the R-1122/GR which is rarely indicated.  Even the Cincinnati
Electronics R-1444/UR, Eldico R-104, TCS receiver and the venerable Belmont
(Wells-Gardner and Stromberg Carlson too ) BC-348 are included.  Low end radios
are listed as well.

The famous Collins-designed TCS is listed several times because they were
manufactured by several manufacturers.  As for the BC-348 there were several
contractors who made them as well.

My overall impression is that this is Fred's masterpiece.  Yes, there are some
radios that many would like to see included in a future edition.  In my case it
is the Braun T-1000CD which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful shortwave
radios ever made, but obviously Fred does not agree and thus it has been
omitted.  But he is the author/editor, not me and it's his call.  

SHORTWAVE RECEIVERS PAST AND PRESENT,  Fourth Edition, is an essential and
comprehensive reference work for anyone interested in shortwave receivers from
all over the world spanning from 1943 through 2013.  It will occupy a prominent
place on my radio reference bookshelf until the Fifth Edition is published which
probably won't happen for many years.  This is truly a definitive work.  Thanks,
Fred, for your extreme efforts.

More information, orders:  www-universal-radio.com