How to Set Up Shortwave Radio

Even in this age of high speed Internet and satellite communications, shortwave radio is still an important communications medium in many countries. Setting up a shortwave listening post and trying to pick up these distant radio stations is an exciting and challenging hobby for many people.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shortwave receiver
• 14 to 20 gauge wire
• 50 to 75 Ohm coaxial cable
• Glass or plastic insulators (2)
• Eye screws
• Solder
• Soldering gun
• Silicone

Setting Up a Listening Post

1. 
   Grundig Yacht Boy 80

   Purchase a receiver with digital tuning, which makes it much easier to pinpoint stations. Portable receivers are the least expensive, small in size, but powerful. Portables have built in scoping antennas that are generally adequate for the novice or casual listener. Desktop models offer more frequencies and generally have better noise filters. A receiver with pre-sets allows you to pre-program station frequencies found in printed or online schedules and quickly switch to a given station.

2. Determine the best location for your receiver. If you will erect an outside antenna, locate the receiver near where you will bring in the lead-in wire, such as a window. Be sure to locate the receiver away from electrical sources such as a/c units, furnaces, washers, etc. Receivers are prone to picking up noises from such sources.

3. Determine where to place an outside antenna (if your receiver does not have a built-in antenna or you decide to use an outside antenna for better reception). Locate the antenna away from electrical wiring, utility boxes, a/c units, etc., which are prone to picking up interference.

Erecting a Simple Longwire Antenna

4. 
   A simple longwire antenna

   Measure and cut the wire so that it will reach between your house and supporting structure, such as a tree or a garage.

5. Place one end of the wire antenna through the hole of an insulator. Loop it and wrap it around itself. Do the same with the other end.

6. Attach eye screws to the two supporting structures (house, garage, tree, etc.). Connect the other end of the insulators to a short piece of rope and tie the rope to the eye screws.

7. Strip about an inch of insulation from the coaxial cable revealing the solid copper center wire. Wrap the solid wire around the antenna nearest to where you will bring the coax into the house.

8. Solder all connections and coat each with silicone for weatherproofing.

9. Feed the coax cable into your house. The way the lead-in will connect to your receiver depends upon the particular unit (refer to its owner's manual for details). If it has a telescoping antenna, connect an alligator clip to the lead-in wire and hook the clip to the antenna.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not hang your wire antenna above, below or anywhere near power lines and make sure the receiver is properly grounded according to the manufacturer's specifications.

References

• DX Zone

Resources

• Passport to World Band Radio