How to Find Interesting Shortwave Stations

Earth's atmosphere teems with millions of radio signals. A simple shortwave receiver allows us to tune in to a world of fascinating information. It's a treasure hunt on the airwaves.

Things You'll Need

• Deep-cycle Battery
• ARRL Study Material
• 12-V Battery Chargers
• Antenna Coaxes
• Ground Wires
• Shortwave Radio Receivers
• UTC Clocks
• Morse-code Instruction Software
• Aluminum Push-up Pole
• Corrosion-preventive Sprays
• Ropes
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Electrical Testers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Nut Drivers
• Pulleys
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Soldering Guns/irons
• Wire Nippers
• Wire-insulation Strippers

Instructions

1. Subscribe to a magazine for SWLs (shortwave radio listeners).

2. Subscribe to an SWL e-mail discussion list.

3. Join an SWL club.

4. Check frequency lists for major shortwave broadcasters like the BBC and Radio Netherlands.

5. Follow the news. For example, if there's a crisis in Africa, listen to Radio South Africa and other regional broadcasters.

6. Listen for any long-range military communications that are sent in the clear on high frequencies.

7. Remember that intermixed on the bands are communications from ships at sea and other interesting commercial traffic.

8. Spend time simply tuning around the bands.

9. Tune the international bands between 5.9 and 17.9 MHz regularly.

10. Establish a log of stations heard for ready reference.

11. Keep a 24-hour display clock set to UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) near your SWL receiver. All time references in shortwave radio are expressed in UTC.

12. Consider learning Morse code.

13. Listen at different times of the day and night - lower frequencies during the night and higher frequencies during the day. For example, more stations broadcast around 6 MHz during nighttime hours.

Tips & Warnings

• "Monitoring Times" magazine (see Related Sites) provides SWLs with abundant technical information.

• A simple outdoor wire antenna greatly improves reception.

• SWL Mailing List is an e-mail discussion list. Mail a request for an "info" file to the server address, [e-mail]. Put this single line in the mail message: info swl.

• Be sure to disconnect outdoor antennas during lightning storms.

• Electrical power can be interrupted during emergencies. Use a 12-volt, deep-cycle battery and charger as a backup system.