How to Use Shortwave Radio to Follow Natural Disasters and Political Crises
Everyone wants the latest information when a natural disaster strikes or there's a political crisis. Shortwave listeners can be the first to get the word directly from the source.
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Things You'll Need
- Deep-cycle Battery
- 12-V Battery Chargers
- Antenna Coaxes
- Dipole Antennas
- Dual Headphones Ham Radio Accessories
- Ground Wires
- Shortwave Radio Receivers
- Copper Rods
- UTC Clocks
- Aluminum Push-up Pole
- Cable Ties
- Copper Wire
- Electric Drill/assorted Bits
- Electrical Testers
- Soldering Guns/irons
- Wire Nippers
- Wire-insulation Strippers
Instructions
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Consider installing an outdoor dipole antenna for good reception under all conditions.
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Turn on your shortwave radio when you hear word of a political crisis or a natural disaster.
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Tune in the major broadcasters like BBC, VOA, and Radio Netherlands for first-hand accounts and the latest word.
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Tune around various bands at random times.
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Check your frequency lists to find broadcasters in the affected area.
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Check your frequency lists for frequencies normally used for military communications.
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Tune ham radio frequencies. During crises, ham radio operators in affected areas sometimes try to relay important information.
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Trade information with fellow participants in SWL e-mail discussion lists and SWL clubs.
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Keep a log of stations heard during the crisis for ready reference.
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Remember to account for the time differential.
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Tips & Warnings
Serious SWLs join Internet discussion lists like SWL Mailing List. Mail a request for an "info" file to the server address, majordomo@qth.net. Put this single line in the mail message: info swl
"Monitoring Times" magazine and its Web site keep SWLs abreast of the latest in the hobby.
The country of origin of ham radio operators can be determined by prefix of assigned call letters. Check www.arrl.org for lists.
Unhook any lead to an outdoor antenna during lightning storms.
