Ham Radio Forum

hamradio · Site Admin Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 46

From a purely technical point of view, shortwave radio refers to those frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz. Their main characteristic is their ability to "propagate" for long distances, making possible such worldwide communications as international broadcasting and coordination of long-distance shipping.

From a social point of view, shortwave radio is a way to find out what the rest of the world thinks is important. Many countries broadcast to the world in English, making it easy to find out what a given country's position is on those things it finds important. Shortwave radio can also provide a way to eavesdrop on the everyday workings of international politics and commerce.

lebron68 · Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Phoenix

Couldn't agree with you more.

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radiowave · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 23 Location: East Coast USA

Shortwave is just about the only unfiltered information that can be snatched right from the air, free of charge. All we have to do is turn it on and tune in.
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lisa · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,

Sorry for being totally clueless.

I'm wanting to listen to broadcasts from overseas (BBC, Radio Australia, Radio Togo, anything...) from here in my apartment in the middle of Osaka! Is that possible (I live next to a power line)? What's the best equipment I should get.. how much would it cost, etc.

Thanks! lisa

radiowave · Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 23 Location: East Coast USA

We've never been to Osaka but shortwave reception is usually possible, just about everywhere, even with a nearby power line. If you have family or friends who may already own a radio that has shortwave capability, you may want to ask if you can try it out to see if you can receive international shortwave broadcasts from your location, before spending money on a radio.
P.S. Placing the radio near a window, away from other electronic devices, usually helps improve reception dramatically.

Hope this helps...
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jjroz · Joined: 30 Nov 2007 Posts: 6

i would have never known about shortwave radio if i haven't stumbled upon this forum ^_^