How to Use a Shortwave Radio

A shortwave radio is similar to an AM/FM radio in that it has a tuner knob or digital tuner keypad. You can sometimes play with the tuner until you find something you like. Oftentimes, however, you will want to hone in on a broadcast that cannot be found by accident. You must know what frequency to tune into. This article explains how to use a shortwave radio in conjunction with a bit of knowledge about frequency bands and broadcast listings to get the most out of your shortwave listening experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shortwave Radio
• Antenna
• Shortwave Listings Guidebooks and Resources

How to Use a Shortwave Radio

1. Know your shortwave radio. Is it digital or analog? Most shortwave radios today are digital because they tend to produce a more aesthetically attractive sound. That is, when the shortwave signal cuts out, you get silence or clicks instead of interference.You can still get analog shortwave radios. Some people prefer analog because it doesn't "censor" the interference out, making for a "truer" signal. However, you can calibrate your digital shortwave radio receiver to not cut out, if that is what you want. Ask your digital shortwave radio reseller if modifications are possible before you buy. Read the manual.

2. Know where you live and know how to tell time. Most international shortwave radio broadcasts are directed at North America in the mornings and evenings (sunrise and sunset). If you live on the West Coast, your shortwave radio listening options are fewer in number and strength than if you live on the East Coast.

3. To really dig into the whole point of owning a shortwave radio receiver, you are going to have to invest in at least one broadcast listings guidebook, preferably two or three. These books are usually published annually, making for a decent general guide to getting to know which frequencies are broadcasting which types of programs and when they are doing it (and where they are doing it from). Once you find a few frequencies you like, you can stay up on their future programming by listening to their announcements.

4. Getting a rotten signal? It might not be your fault. Shortwave radio signals often come from halfway around the planet and must bounce off the ionosphere a couple of times before stumbling into your antenna. But just in case it is your fault, get a bigger antenna. About 20 feet of thin insulated wire ought to do it. Just clip the wire to the tip of your existing whip antenna with an alligator clip and hang the tip of the wire somewhere high, preferably near a window and not in the basement of your house.

Tips & Warnings

• Shortwave radio is in the throes of a resurgence. Many people are turning to shortwave radio for unique, unfiltered content from around the world.
• You can use shortwave radio to listen to broadcasts from most places on the planet. Broadcasts originate from large companies and private individuals in comparable amounts.
• Shortwave radio is a gateway to prohibited radio frequencies. Know your local, state, and national laws. Be smart.

Resources

• Buy Passport to World Band Radio at Amazon.com
• A constantly updated shortwave broadcasting schedule
• A tidy introduction to frequencies
• The Art and Science of listening to distant stations

[gccradioscience]

on 8/3/2009 Some shortwave radios like the small pocket type ones pick up better than the medium sized portables. I figured that the mini 300 picks up better than the G5.