H. Ward Silver

Ward Silver has been a ham since 1972 when he earned his Novice license (WNØGQP). His experiences in ham radio led him to a 20-year career as an electrical engineer, designing microprocessor-based products and medical devices. In 2000, he began a second career as a teacher and writer, leading to his receiving the Bill Orr Technical Writing Award in both 2003 and 2016. He was inducted into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in 2015 and in 2008 was recognized as the Dayton Hamvention's "Ham of the Year". Ward is Lead Editor of the two primary amateur radio technical references, both published by the American Radio Relay League -- the ARRL Handbook and the ARRL Antenna Book. He is the author of all three ARRL licensing study guides and writes QST magazine articles, receiving the QST Cover Plaque for most popular article four times. He has written two other Wiley titles, as well; Two-Way Radios and Scanners, and Circuitbuilding Do-It-Yourself. His most recent ARRL book, Grounding & Bonding for Radio Amateurs, will soon release a second edition. He has also written the mildly amusing ham radio detective mystery, Ray Tracy: Zone of Iniquity. On the air, he enjoys DXing, contesting, building antennas, and participating on his local emergency communications team. He is a founder of the World Radiosport Team Championships and President of the YASME Foundation's Board of Directors. Outside of ham radio, Ward plays the mandolin, dabbles in digital photography, and enjoys biking, camping, and canoeing or kayaking (not at the same time).