UPDATE: I reached out to the ARRL and they replied that even though this link is publicly available, it is actually intended only for those who purchase print copies of the Antenna Book.
Per their request, I have removed the links in this post. -Thomas
Many thanks to Alex (KR1ST), on Mastodon, who notes that the e-Book version of The ARRL Antenna Book 25th Edition is free on the ARRL website.
Simply go to this link, click on the format and add it to your cart. At checkout, the price will be free. Once processed by the ARRL, you’ll receive a download link.
I’m not sure if this is only open to ARRL members (I am one), or if you only need an account at ARRL.org.
The Antenna Book is a MASSIVE volume an amazing reference for any amateur radio operator. I highly recommend grabbing this e-Book version even if, like me, you have a print version! I’ve no clue how long this offer will last.
Hi
Just now, when I went to ARRL site, the e-book version of Anrenna Book is $69.95.
72 Scott VO1DR
Hi, Scott–I just checked again and it still works for me. Did you follow the direct link to the e-Book in the post? Takes about 45 minutes or so after checkout to receive the download link. You might give it another go! 🙂 Thomas
Yes – Free version that had a public URL by mistake is now gone. I have the 23rd addition and that’s more than enough for me.
I believe this is the link they give you if you buy the book from a vendor other than the ARRL (like Amazon) and ask via email for the free download that comes with the print book. I don’t think it is intended for general use.
Hi, Ed,
So this whole process is done on the ARRL site and processed via the ARRL shop like any other ARRL book purchase. The link doesn’t appear to be a custom link, but perhaps it is? Seems like you’d normally be given a bespoke link for download if you made a paper copy purchase. I don’t believe they’d have a publicly-available page for free download unless this was a promotion open to the public.
Then again, who knows? I might reach out to the ARRL to confirm.
T
I’ve sent the ARRL a question about this. We’ll see what they say.
Cheers,
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
Thanks Alex. I tried the posted link and completed the order. I am waiting for the download link from the ARRL right now. The order for the antenna book was free of charge. This is a very good deal for any ham who works with antennas…most do!! I hope the link comes soon.
Thanks, Thomas,
My most recent version of this book is 28 years old – time for an update!
John, they have done updates over the years but a dipole is still a dipole.
I am curious to see what’s changed over my print versions or more recent #24
I really hope for a chapter on the longwire
KB9VBR did a comparison video on Rothhammel and the ARRL-book. He says that the ARRL-book follows trends in antennas, so non-popular models can be removed, while popular models will be added.
Thank you!
73!
Costin, YO8RCD
I can confirm that you don’t need to be a paid member, you just need to have an ARRL account to access the free version of the book. I just signed up with my Scottish callsign and it worked a treat. ????????
Ditto for me in Wales 🙂
Hi
I registered an account just now and got right through to the payment stage but the Antenna ebook still showing $69.95 in my shopping cart! When does it become free??
Thx 72 Scott VO1DR
I think you may be looking at the printed version, not the download.
Only took about 30 minutes for me to receive the download link. Thanks, Thomas!
I am not an ARRL member but was registred on the site. The download worked for me.
Thanks for the tip,
Steve G7HEU.
Download complete – it works!
Thanks for the information – very valuable resource, especially for free!
I never would have heard about this without the post on QRPer.com.
UPDATE EVERYONE: I just amended this post with the following message:
UPDATE: I reached out to the ARRL and they replied that this link is publicly available, it is actually intended only for those who purchase print copies of the Antenna Book. Per their request, I have removed the links in this post. -Thomas
Frankly, I’m really surprised that the ARRL would have a publicly available static link to free content on their website. Most publishers have links like this protected behind a checkout process or purchase page.
-Thomas
I’m far from surprised… Computers aren’t exactly their strong suit. I got fed up when they put virtual furries on the cover of QST.
Too bad, so sad. I did buy the latest Handbook and also downloaded the e-version of that.