I would like to start learning rf electronics, mostly because it is a branch of the hobby I haven't yet explored.
Currently, I am reading the often recommended "RF circuit design", by Chris Bowick. I am enjoying it, and I'm pretty sure from a standpoint of acquiring knowledge on the matter, it has most of what I need.
I also have "Build your own Transistor Radios" by Ronald Quan. It also seems like it will be useful, but doesn't start you off very simply.
I'm looking for something that maybe starts with building simple crystal radios, explains the deficiencies, and slowly expands your knowledge, rather than springing fully functional super heterodyne receivers at you on chapter 2.
My immediate goals in the field are simple. I'd be pleased as punch if I could understand the subject enough to build a set of walkie talkies similar to what I played with as a kid in the eighties. Or an AM receiver with which I could listen to the Seahawks on!.
It seems in this world of Arduino, there is less interest in fundamental analog electronics, because I can't seem to find a good web resource for learning basic transistor radio design.
Any resources to point to?