Archive-name: travel/shortwave-radios-intro Previous-version-modified: 1.i.MMIII Posting-Frequency:
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Introduction to Mobile Shortwave Radios
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CONTENTS
* [0] Intro to the Intro
* [1] What's a shortwave radio?
* [2] Why would anybody want/need one?
* [3] What do I need to know in order to use one?
* [4] What's the difference between digital & analog radios?
* [5] What radio accessories are especially useful for shortwave?
* [6] How do bands, wavelengths & frequencies, kHz & MHz, differ?
* [7] But what if I don't want to scan for stations while driving?
* [8] Where online can I get more information on SW (car) radios?
* [9] Abbreviations and Terms
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[] Intro to the Intro
The Intro is intended for those who are fairly mobile, but do not know what radio options exist,
and are neither hobby-oriented nor technically inclined (e.g. monitoring or modifying), as well
as for those who enjoy 'roughing it' and are seeking subscription-free alternatives to xm
satellite radio or similar mobile services. The target area of the readership is Oceania\America.
It is also a guide to help decide if a shortwave radio is a suitable alternative, and if so,
narrow down purchase options, particularly in the mid-price range (FRN$50-$250) of those radios
suitable for mobile use, especially travel by surface means: bike, car, rv, boat, etc.
Updates of the Intro are distributed semi-annually to rec.answers,
news.answers, and other newsgroups on usenet, freenet and fidonet:
ncf.sigs.travel, 2.automotive, etc. The model for the Intro was:
support.tandy.com66356.htmOpen ↗
and material from it has been used by the Intro, as did also the
old rec.radio.shortwave FAQ, under "Fair Use" provisions. However,
unlike the FAQ, the Intro corrects errors found in the original.
_________________________________________________________________
[1] What is a shortwave radio?
On the technical side, a shortwave radio is a receiver that can receive AM radio transmissions on
frequencies between 3 & 30 MHz. The main characteristic of signals on these frequencies is their
ability to propagate for long distances, making possible such world-wide communications as
international broadcasting and co-ordination of long-distance shipping. Most shortwave radios
will also receive AM transmissions below 3 MHz, such as those in the longwave & mediumwave
broadcast bands. Many will also receive transmissions above 30 MHz, such as those in the FM
broadcast band.
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[2] Why would anybody want or need one?
The primary reasons people use shortwave radios range from interest in the exotic, to helping
others in local emergencies. From a logistical point of view, shortwave radios are a means of
enabling the reception of transmissions of interest or utility to a target audience that may have
considerable degrees of geographic dispersion. Many countries broadcast to the world in English,
making it easier to find out the position of such a country on those things that it finds
important. In addition to providing a way to eavesdrop on the everyday workings of global
commerce and politics, shortwave radios enable reception of more AM programming from domestic
broadcasters, since they can tune in more AM-type transmissions reaching the radio, than
so-called 'AM radios'. Many will also allow one to listen to SSB transmissions of emergency (&
other) information by other radio operators: CB, marine, amateur, etc; however, none of the
traditional in-dash shortwave car radios (e.g. Becker, Blaupunkt, Mekka, Philips, Sony) can
handle SSB.
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[3] What do I need to know in order to use one?
For shortwave radios, all you need to know at first are the same skills needed for FM radios,
while putting off learning the concepts and jargon till later. A special set of radio skills is
not required, but as you gain experience and develop such radio skills, your listening enjoyment
will increase accordingly. Such skills include: keeping up on local and non-local issues which
may affect broadcasts
(e.g. strikes or ionospheric storms causing stations to 'disappear'😉; troubleshooting &
maintaining your radio; and using various types of antennas. For example, in some cases,
loop antennas may be used to null out local interfering stations or noise sources.
_________________________________________________________________
[4] What is the difference between digital & analog radios?
Shortwave radios are sometimes distinguished from each other by their readouts and internal
tuning methods, either of which may be analog or digital. With regard to the shortwave signals
themselves: analog is mostly used for voice transmissions; in contrast, CW (Morse code), RTTY &
FSK are examples of digital transmission modes.
Digital Readout: (e.g. MM.kkk MHz)
There are a variety of tuning methods that provide a digital readout. At one extreme, there are
radios which have a separate knob for each digit. There are others that have one tuning knob to
set the MHz part of the frequency, and another to set the kHz part. There are also radios which
have only one tuning knob to cover the entire range of frequencies, although most of these reduce
the amount of turns needed via knobs that have 'fast' modes, or switches that quickly select
between a number of smaller tuning bands, or both.
At the other extreme are radios with digital readouts that have no tuning knobs. Most of these
have numeric keypads for selecting a frequency. Some of these do not have numeric keypads, and
are very inflexible in use, unless you plan to listen only to the stations that you have
programmed into the radio's memories, in which case their reduced cost, size and/or weight may
better suit your needs. Recent shortwave car radios fall into the latter category, but there may
be accessories available such as remote controls with keypads or 'rotary commanders'.
Analog Readout
There is also a wide variety of analog readouts. Some use dials or drums that rotate under
indicators. Others use cursors that run along linear scales. A few old analogs have the
push-button memories also found on old car radios. Selective modern radios do not use analog
readouts, but if they do, also have digital readouts, since it can be difficult to tune in a
shortwave station using only an analog readout. Most analog-only radios on the market are small
portables that are unselective (they cannot separate stations that are right next to each other)
and only cover the main International Broadcast bands.
Digital Tuning
This uses PLLs to electronically tune in the desired frequency, and allows for easy reception of
SSB signals, and storage of frequencies in memory chips. However, the micro-electronics needed
tend to be expensive, noisy, and power hungy; Most of the cheaper ones do not exploit all
possible benefits, such as scanning. On the other hand, digital radio kits which interface with
your computer exploit most of the benefits of digital tuning for just a few hundred dollars.
Digital tuning is usually accomplished by pressing keys, and on some radios by turning knobs.
Analog Tuning
This relies on circuits which are tuned directly by you, and not via microchip control. As a
result, stations tend to drift on most radios with analog tuning, which makes SSB reception very
difficult. Analog tuning is only by turning knobs (and pushing car-radio-style buttons). However,
these radios often tolerate more abuse, last longer on batteries, and are simpler to use, than
digitally-tuned radios.
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[5] What radio accessories are especially useful for shortwave?
Antennas: increase the strength of signals fed into the radio so that more stations may be heard.
In most cases, you should receive many using the whip antenna supplied as standard equipment, but
to receive more distant and/or weaker stations, a better (outdoor) one should be hooked up.
Pre-selectors are inserted in-between to filter strong out- -of-band signals that might create
interfering ghost signals. Antenna tuners are inserted to increase the efficiency of signal
transfer to the radio. Tunable loop antennas can do some pre-selection, and are a good compromise
where space is limited: Sony's AN-LP1 tunable travel loop folds up to use a minimum of baggage
space; fully-equipped loops are quite practical for use on RVs: www.sfarc.org/artbellbrv.htm
Firefly antenna for motorcycles: www.sierra-mc.com/product.php?id=359
CB Splitter-Tuners: may improve efficiency of signal transfer from your vehicle's standard
antenna; less noisy than pre-amps or boosters: www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=4967&BQ=sv
Headphones: will let you focus on transmissions without distractions. As found on some
external speakers, they may also be equipped with circuitry to further process the audio and
enhance its quality.
Listening Guides and Technical References: can provide information on propagation of shortwave
signals via the ionosphere, use of your equipment, stations & frequencies, etc. Especially
recommended are:
Mariners' Guide to Single Sideband, by F. Graves: www.universal-radio.com/catalog/books/1046.html
The World Traveler's Guide: Shortwave Listening On The Road, by A. Yoder:
www.universal-radio.com/catalog/books/0361.html
Computer Software: does many things from decoding digital signals to storing stations,
frequencies and propagation times. Some radios can be controlled by such software. A few radios
are even dependent on a computer in order to process analog signals, yet may run on 12 VDC for
some degree of mobile use with a laptop.
NiMH Batteries & ('survival'😉 Chargers: more useful than 'emergency' radios with generators or
solar cells. (Serious survivalists should have these items separately anyway. Besides, no such
radio lets you tune in relevant SSB transmissions during emergencies. Travelers may find one
convenient, but should realise that FRN$10 can buy a smaller radio with similar shortwave
performance: Coby CX-CB12, etc.)
The last but not least important accessory is Experience. Time spent working with a shortwave
radio gives you more information to get the most out of it, such as the best times in your area
for reception of certain frequencies, and the techniques that work best for you.
_________________________________________________________________
[6] How do bands, wavelengths & frequencies, kHz & MHz, differ?
A band is a range of frequencies (in kHz, MHz etc.) on the dial. Many old analogs had dials
calibrated according to wavelengths (in metres) instead, since the tuning location of a station
can also be expressed in terms of a 'wavelength': e.g. the "16m" position on such dials is within
a sub-range of frequencies whose wavelengths are approximately 16 metres. Thus, wavelengths also
may refer to equivalent sub-bands.
* To convert MHz to kHz, multiply by 1000 kHz/MHz.
9.625 MHz x 1000 kHz/MHz = 9625 kHz
* To convert kHz to MHz, divide by 1000 kHz/MHz.
21725 kHz divided by 1000 kHz/MHz = 21.725 MHz
* To convert MHz to metres, divide 300 Mm/s by the number of MHz. 300 Mm/s divided by 7.445 MHz
= 40.29 metres
* To convert metres to MHz, divide 300 Mm/s by the number of metres. 300 Mm/s divided by 14
metres = 21.428 MHz (21428 kHz) 300 Mm/s divided by 15 metres = 20.000 MHz 300 Mm/s divided
by 16.881 m = 17.771 MHz 300 Mm/s divided by 17.320 m = 17.321 MHz 300 Mm/s divided by 19
metres = 15.789 MHz 300 Mm/s divided by 20 metres = 15.000 MHz ( Note that as frequencies get
lower, wavelengths get longer.)
Low Frequencies
The 30 - 300 kHz range is known as the low frequencies' band, and is also called 'longwave'.
Reception in the LF band is best between 6 p.m. and midnight (your time). Many stations in this
band serve as beacons for aircraft and marine navigation by continuously transmitting their call
letters. Many LF broadcasts use Morse code (CW), but some transmit in Binary Coded Decimal (BCD),
such as the time station WWVB on 60 kHz.
In Europe, N. Africa and N. Asia, the LF band contains the longwave AM broadcast band from 153 to
279 kHz, but in N. America the only AM broadcasts to be found are typically weather reports.
Medium Frequencies
The medium frequencies' band is between 300 & 3000 kHz. In America, it contains the mediumwave AM
broadcast band between 525 & 1600 kHz, extended to 1700 kHz in Argentina, Australia & the U.S. A
few more MF stations are between 2300 & 2500 kHz, esp. in Australia & Brazil.
Coastal shipping uses 415 - 535 kHz: 3 CW calling and distress stations monitor 500 kHz in Arctic
Canada; internationally, most NavTex automated warning stations use 518 kHz. Similarly, other
coastal stations & boats, especially coast guards and pleasure boaters, have use of 2000 - 2300
kHz, with 2182 kHz set aside internationally as a voice calling and distress channel.
Spanning the 160 metre dial position there is an amateur radio band from 1800 to 2000 kHz. Most
of these are SSB transmissions.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies' band is between 3,000 & 30,000 kHz, and is synonymous with shortwave. Most
frequencies within the HF band are set aside for a specific use, such as listed below:
Aircraft, Amateur Radio, CB, International Broadcast, Ship & Coastal Station, Time & Standard
Carrier Frequencies
Aircraft Frequencies
Aircraft on trans-oceanic routes often use shortwave, mostly SSB, although some might still use
AM, to communicate with air traffic controllers. Here are some bands where you might hear them:
2,850- 3,155 kHz
3,400- 3,500 kHz
4,650- 4,750 kHz
5,450- 5,730 kHz
6,525- 6,765 kHz
8,815- 9,040 kHz
10,005-10,100 kHz
11,175-11,400 kHz
13,200-13,360 kHz
15,010-15,100 kHz
17,900-18,030 kHz
21,870-22,000 kHz
23,200-23,350 kHz
Amateur ('ham'😉 Radio Frequencies
Scanning the amateur radio frequencies can be interesting and also helpful at times, because
amateur radio operators often broadcast emergency information when other means of communication
break down.
Amateur radio operators may obtain a basic licence to transmit only above the HF band, without
needing to know Morse code. Those who get the more senior amateur licences may also transmit in
the HF band, using SSB mode for voice messages, but must pass a proficiency test for sending
messages via Morse code (in 'CW' mode). Voice operators usually transmit in a band just above
that for code operators, as shown below.
.......wavelength........code.band.............voice.band............. 80 metres: 3,500 - 3,750 kHz
3,750 - 4,000 kHz 40 metres: 7,000 - 7,150 kHz 7,150 - 7,300 kHz 30 metres: 10,100 - 10,150 kHz 20
metres: 14,000 - 14,150 kHz 14,150 - 14,350 kHz 16 metres: 18,068 - 18,110 kHz 18,110 - 18,168 kHz
14 metres: 21,000 - 21,200 kHz 21,200 - 21,450 kHz 12 metres: 24,890 - 24,930 kHz 24,930 - 24,990
kHz 10 metres: 28,000 - 28,300 kHz 28,300 - 29,700 kHz
Note: These designations are not observed everywhere in the world, particularly in the United
States, as one might expect.
CB Frequencies (applies partly to Oceania: Guam, Samoa, etc.)
As does ham radio, CB radio transmissions will use SSB, but unlike ham radio, transmissions on
the CB band do not require a licence. The transmissions may also be in AM mode. Some frequencies
are set aside for controlling objects but most are for voice communications.
64 frequencies are allocated as 10 kHz channels and separated by a frequency step of 10 kHz from
26,895 to 27,535 kHz. 40 channels are for voice communications from 26,965 to 27,405 kHz. Channel
9 or 27,065 kHz is reserved for emergency use. In N. America, Channel 19, 27,185 kHz, is often
used as a highway information channel.
International Broadcast Frequencies
International and domestic broadcasts are found in the following shortwave bands. These are
usually AM broadcasts containing news, commentaries, music, and special features reflecting the
culture of the broadcasts' originators. You can often find more such stations transmitting just
above or below these bands:
90 metres * 3,200 to 3,400 kHz 75 metres * 3,900 to 4,000 kHz 60 metres * 4,750
to 5,060 kHz 49 metres 5,900 to 6,200 kHz 41 metres ** 7,100 to 7,350 kHz 31
metres 9,400 to 9,900 kHz 25 metres 11,600 to 12,100 kHz 22 metres 13,570 to
13,870 kHz 19 metres 15,100 to 15,800 kHz 17 metres 17,480 to 17,900 kHz 15
metres 18,900 to 19,020 kHz 13 metres 21,450 to 21,850 kHz 11 metres 25,670 to
26,100 kHz
* Bands reserved for stations in tropical areas, but some non- -tropical stations often
disregard this. ** Interference is heavy around 41 & 75 metres because amateur radio
operators and international stations share each range.
Ship & Coastal Station Frequencies
Most HF voice transmissions from ships & coastal stations are in SSB. You can hear these
transmissions in the following bands:
4,000- 4,143 kHz
4,351- 4,435 kHz
6,200- 6,525 kHz
8,100- 8,815 kHz
12,230-12,420 kHz
13,107-13,200 kHz
16,360-16,565 kHz
17,100-17,410 kHz
18,780-18,900 kHz
19,680-19,800 kHz
22,000-22,855 kHz
25,070-25,210 kHz
26,100-26,175 kHz
WWVH broadcasts marine weather conditions for the Pacific 48 minutes past the hour; WWV for the
NW Atlantic 8 minutes past; each does so for the NE Pacific 2 minutes afterwards, on HF
frequencies as listed below.
Time & Standard Carrier Frequencies
The following stations broadcast their carriers exactly on-frequency, which is useful to also
calibrate SSB fine-tuning dials or BFOs (even on some digitally-tuned radios). They also
broadcast the exact time of day at regular intervals 24 hours a day in standard AM mode (except
where noted). The time is given in the UTC standard. Most shortwave stations are on UTC time,
regardless of what time zone they are in.
CHU at Ottawa, Ontario: 3,330 & 7,335 & 14,670 kHz (all in a fully 'AM-compatible' SSB mode: USB
+ full carrier)
LOL at Buenos Aires, Argentina: 11-12h, 14-15h, 17-18h,
5,000 & 10,000 kHz 20-21h, 23-24h UTC only
WWVH at Kekaha, Hawaii and (or) WWV at Fort Collins, Colorado: 5,000 & 10,000 & 15,000 (&
20,000) kHz
YVTO at Caracas, Venezuela: 5,000 kHz
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[7] But what if I don't want to scan for stations while driving?
You can also lock in 'full-time' transmitters. Just be able to wait through AM-type dead-zones:
when relatively nearby your radio can be in a dead-zone; or when farther away, tuning in can be
like using an 'AM radio' at night to receive that station, although antenna use is as for FM.
Even if you stay put, a strong signal may soon fade away, since reception can also vary with time
of day, as well as location, and some other conditions. The list below has a variety of full-time
frequencies of Oceania\America. Although this information is subject to change at any time
without notice, the stations have not changed frequency very often. Average transmission time for
each frequency is over eight hours a day. The list can also help you test radios before buying
one, or program memories before departure to avoid scanning for stations while underway. Many
shortwave radios also have clock-radio functions: listed stations near to you or having good,
reliable reception may be used for when the radio is set to turn on, and should keep on
broadcasting, even if you hit 'snooze' repeatedly; otherwise, time & standard frequency stations
are well- -suited for this purpose. When 'DXing' the following stations, the 4-digit frequencies
tend to work better at night.
kHz; Station, Location
-------------------------------------------
3,205 Radio West Sepik, Vanimo, Papua New Guinea 3,210 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 3,220 HCJB,
Quito, Ecuador 3,220 Radio Morobe, Lae, Papua New Guinea 3,230 NTSS, Alice Springs, Northern
Territory 3,235 Radio West New Britain, Kimbe, Papua New Guinea 3,260 Radio Madang; Papua New
Guinea 3,275 Radio Southern Highlands, Mendi, Papua New Guinea 3,290 VOG, Sparendaam, Guyana
3,300 Radio Cultural, C.Guatemala; 3,305 Radio Western, Daru, Papua New Guinea 3,315 Radio Manus,
Lorengau, Papua New Guinea 3,315 NTSS, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory 3,325 Radio North
Solomons, Kieta, Papua New Guinea 3,345 Radio Northern District, Popondetta, Papua New Guinea
3,355 Radio Noumea, New Caledonia 3,355 Radio Simbu, Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea 3,365 Radio Milne
Bay, Alotau, Papua New Guinea 3,370 NTSS, Katherine, Northern Territory 3,375 Radio Western
Highlands, Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea 3,385 Radio East New Britain, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
3,385 FR3, Cayenne, French Guyana 3,905 Radio New Ireland, Kavieng, Papua New Guinea 3,935 Radio
Reading Service, Levin, New Zealand 3,945 RV, Emten, Vanuatu 4,755 Radio Educadasao Rural, Campo
Grande, Brazil 4,765 Radio Integrasao, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil 4,765 Radio Emissora Rural,
Santarem, Brazil 4,785 Radio Caiari, Porto Velho, Brazil 4,805 Radio Difusora do Amazonas,
Manaus, Brazil 4,815 Radio Difusora, Londrina, Brazil 4,820 HRVC, Tegucicalpa, Honduras 4,824.4
La Voz de la Selva, Iquitos, Peru 4,825 Radio Cansao Nova, Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil 4,830 Radio
Techira, San Cristobal, Venezuela 4,835 NTSS, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 4,845 Radio
Cultura Ondas Tropicais, Manaus, Brazil 4,850 SRS, Paramaribo, Suriname 4,860 Radio Federacion
Shuar, Sucua, Ecuador 4,875 La Cruz del Sur, La Paz, Bolivia 4,890 NBC, Port Moresby, Papua New
Guinea 4,905 Radio Mar, Chorillos, Peru 4,910 NTSS, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory 4,915 Radio
CBN Anhanguera, Goiania, Brazil 4,915 Radio Difusora, Macapa, Brazil 4,920 Radio Quito, Quito,
Ecuador 4,945 Radio Illimani, La Paz, Bolivia 4,955 Radio Nacional, Bogota, Colombia 4,960 Radio
Villa, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 4,960 RV, Emten, Vanuatu 4,985 Radio Brasil Central,
Goiania, Brazil 4,980 Ecos del Torbes, San Cristobal, Venezuela 4,991 Radio Apinti, Paramaribo,
Suriname 5,020 SIBC, Honiara, Solomon Islands 5,025 NTSS, Katherine, Northern Territory 5,025
Radio Rebelde, Bauta, Cuba 5,029 University Network, Cahuita, Costa Rica 5,030 Radio Catolica
Nacional, Quito, Ecuador 5,035 Radio Aparecida, Sao Paulo, Brazil 5,040 Voz del Upano, Macas,
Ecuador 5,045 Radio Cultura do Para, Belem, Brazil 5,055 Faro del Caribe, San Jose, Costa Rica
5,055 RFO, Matouri, French Guyana 5,070 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 5,085 WWRB, Manchester,
Tennessee 5,105-usb WBCQ, Monticello, Maine 5,446.5-usb AFN, Key West, Florida 5,745 WHRI,
Noblesville, Indiana 5,755 KAIJ, Dallas, Texas 5,765-usb AFN, Agana, Guam 5,770 Radio Miskut,
Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua 5,825 EWTN, Vandiver, Alabama 5,835 KIMF, Pinon, New Mexico 5,920 WVOH,
Newport, North Carolina 5,935 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 5,950 WYFR, Okeechobee, Florida 5,950
VOG, Sparendaam, Guyana 5,955 Radio Gazeta, Sao Paulo, Brazil 5,970 Radio Itatiaia, Belo
Horizonte, Brazil 5,980 Radio Guaruja, Florianopolis, Brazil 5,980 Union Radio, C. Guatemala;
5,980 Gronlands Radio, Godthab, Greenland 5,985 WYFR, Okeechobee, Florida 5,985 RMI, Mexico DF;
5,990 Radio Senado, Brasilia, Brazil 6,000 Radio Guaiba, Porto Alegre, Brazil 6,012 AFAN, McMurdo
Station, Antarctica 6,015 Radio El Mundo, Santa Cruz, Bolivia 6,020 Radio Educadora da Bahia,
Salvador, Brazil 6,020 Radio Gaucha, Porto Alegre, Brazil 6,025 Radio Illimani, La Paz, Bolivia
6,030 CFVP, Calgary, Alberta 6,030 Radio Globo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 6,030 Radio Santa Maria,
Coyhaique, Chile 6,030 Radio Marti, Marathon, Florida 6,050 HCJB, Quito, Ecuador 6,050 Radio
Guarani, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 6,060 Radio Tupi, Curitiba, Brazil 6,060 Radio Nacional/RAE,
Buenos Aires, Argentina 6,070 CFRX, Toronto, Ontario 6,070 Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile
6,080 Radio Novas de Paz, Curitiba, Brazil 6,080 HCJB, Quito, Ecuador 6,090 Radio Esperanza,
Temuco, Chile 6,090 Radio Bandeirantes, Sao Paulo, Brazil 6,090 The Caribbean Beacon, Anguilla,
BWI 6,105 Radio Panamericana, La Paz, Bolivia 6,105 Radio Cansao Nova, Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil
6,105 Radio Universidad, San Jose, Costa Rica 6,115 La Voz del Llano, Villavicencio, Colombia
6,115 Radio Union, Lima, Peru 6,120 Radio Rebelde, Bauta, Cuba 6,130 CHNX, Halifax, Nova Scotia
6,135 RFO, Papeete, Tahiti 6,135 Radio Santa Cruz, Bolivia 6,135 Radio Aparecida, Sao Paulo,
Brazil 6,140 Radio Rebelde, Bauta, Cuba 6,150 Radio Record, Sao Paulo, Brazil 6,150 University
Network, Cahuita, Costa Rica 6,155 Radio Fides, La Paz, Bolivia 6,160 CKZN, St. John's,
Newfoundland 6,160 CKZU, Vancouver, British Columbia 6,160 Radio Rio Mar, Manaus, Brazil 6,160
Sistema LBV Mundial, Porto Alegre, Brazil 6,180 Radio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia, Brazil
6,185 Radio Educacion, Mexico DF; 6,190 Radio Senado, Brasilia, Brazil 6,350-usb AFN, Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii 6,890 WWRB, Manchester, Tennessee 7,315 WHRI, Noblesville, Indiana 7,380
University Network, Cahuita, Costa Rica 7,385 Radio Miami International; Florida 7,395 WRNO, New
Orleans, Louisiana 7,415 WBCQ, Monticello, Maine 7,425 Radio Catolica Mundial, Vandiver, Alabama
7,445 RFPI, El Rodeo, Costa Rica 7,490 WJIE, Millerstown, Kentucky 7,505 KTBN, Salt Lake City,
Utah 7,507-usb AFN, Isabela, Puerto Rico 9,320 WWRB, Manchester, Tennessee 9,329.7-lsb WBCQ,
Monticello, Maine 9,370 WTJC, Newport, North Carolina 9,465 WMLK, Bethel, Pennsylvania 9,465
KFBS, Marpi, Saipan 9,475 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 9,495 WHRI, Noblesville, Indiana 9,515 Radio
Novas de Paz, Curitiba, Brazil 9,530 Radio Transmundial, Santa Maria, Brazil 9,540 Radio
Educadora da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil 9,540 Radio Nacional, Caracas, Venezuela 9,545 SIBC,
Honiara, Solomon Islands 9,550 Radio Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil 9,565 Radio Tupi,
Curitiba, Brazil 9,580 Radio Australia, Shepparton, Victoria 9,585 Radio CBN, Sao Paulo, Brazil
9,600 Radio Rebelde, Bauta, Cuba 9,625 CBC, Sackville, New Brunswick 9,625 Radio Fides, La Paz,
Bolivia 9,630 Radio Aparecida, Sao Paulo, Brazil 9,635 Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile 9,635
Radio Nacional, Bogota, Colombia 9,640 Ecos del Torbes, San Cristobal, Venezuela 9,650 Emisora C.
de Montevideo; Uruguay 9,660 Radio Australia, Brandon, Queensland 9,665 Radio Marumby,
Florianopolis, Brazil 9,675 NBC, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 9,675 Radio Cansao Nova,
Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil 9,685 Radio Gazeta, Sao Paulo, Brazil 9,705 RMI, Mexico DF; 9,725
University Network, Cahuita, Costa Rica 9,737 Radio Nacional, Asuncion, Paraguay 9,820 Radio
Havana; Cuba 9,955/65 KHBN, Aimeliik, Palau 9,975 KVOH, Simi, California 9,985 KHBN, Aimeliik,
Palau 10,320-usb AFN, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 11,530 Radio Catolica Mundial, Vandiver, Alabama
11,565 KWHR, Naalehu, Hawaii 11,690 Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile 11,725 Radio Novas de
Paz, Curitiba, Brazil 11,735 Radio Transmundial, Santa Maria, Brazil 11,765 Radio Tupi, Curitiba,
Brazil 11,770 RMI, Mexico DF; 11,775 The Caribbean Beacon, Anguilla, BWI 11,780 Radio Nacional da
Amazonia, Brasilia, Brazil 11,805 Radio Globo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 11,830 Radio CBN
Anhanguera, Goiania, Brazil 11,870 University Network, Cahuita, Costa Rica 11,895 Sistema LBV
Mundial, Porto Alegre, Brazil 11,915 Radio Gaucha, Porto Alegre, Brazil 11,925 Radio
Bandeirantes, Sao Paulo, Brazil 11,930 Radio Marti, Marathon, Florida 12,080 Radio Australia,
Brandon, Queensland 12,133.5-usb AFN, Key West, Florida 12,160 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 12,172
WWRB, Manchester, Tennessee 13,362-usb AFN, Agana, Guam 13,570 WINB, Red Lion, Pennsylvania
13,595 WJIE, Millerstown, Kentucky 13,615 WEWN, Vandiver, Alabama 13,750 University Network,
Cahuita, Costa Rica 13,760 WHRI, Noblesville, Indiana 13,815 KAIJ, Dallas, Texas 13,820 Radio
Marti, Marathon, Florida 13,845 WWCR, Nashville, Tennessee 15,040 RFPI, El Rodeo, Costa Rica
15,200 Radio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia, Brazil 15,240 Radio Australia, Shepparton, Victoria
15,325 Radio Gazeta, Sao Paulo, Brazil 15,375 Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile 15,415 Radio
Australia, Shepparton, Victoria 15,420 WRNO, New Orleans, Louisiana 15,590 KTBN, Salt Lake City,
Utah 15,725 Radio Miami International; Florida 15,745 WEWN, Vandiver, Alabama 17,495 WBCQ,
Monticello, Maine 17,600/45 Christian Voice, Darwin, Northern Territory 17,650 WHRA, Greenbush,
Maine 17,675 RNZI, Rangitaiki, New Zealand 17,680 Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile 17,750
WYFR, Okeechobee, Florida 17,775 KVOH, Simi, California 21,455-usb HCJB, Quito, Ecuador 21,500/50
Radio Voz Cristiana, Santiago, Chile 21,725 Radio Australia, Shepparton, Victoria 25,322 AAFR,
Darwin, Northern Territory 25,870-fm WFLA, Tampa, Florida 29,880-fm Radio Sideral, Quito, Ecuador
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[8] Where online can I get more information on SW (car) radios?
Google's archives of rec.radio.shortwave can get you started:
groups.google.comgroupsOpen ↗
So can these websites of radios with shortwave coverage:
Car Radios: www.jackbergsales.com/electronics/MekkaFS92AMFMAMMPXCassetteTapeRecordDeck.htm
www.shortwavestore.com/sony-shortwave-receivers.html www.shortwavestore.com/shortwave-converter.html
www.anarc.org/naswa/issues/0597/equip0597.html www.eham.net/reviews/products/8
www.rnw.nl/realradio/dc777.html
Palm-sized, Belt-clippable Radios: (recommended for bikers)
www.universal-radio.com/catalog/widerxvr/0005.html
Boom-box Radios: (recommended for boating/camping)
www.panasonic.co.id/products/nabel/audio/index.html
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[9] Abbreviations and Terms
Below is a short list of common terms and abbreviations relevant to SW radios. You can find
further explanations on SW topics at: www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/shortwave.htm
Abbreviations
AM (Amplitude Modulation) BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) CB
(Citizens' Band) CW (Continuous Wave) DX (old telegraphy code for Distant TRANSmission)
ECSS(Exalted Carrier Single Sideband) FM (Frequency Modulation) FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) GMT
(Greenwich Mean Time) HAM (AMateur radio) HF (High Frequencies) kHz (kiloHertz) LSB (Lower
SideBand) LW (LongWave)
Mm/s(Mega metres per second) MHz (MegaHertz) MW (MediumWave) PLL (Phase Locked Loop) RTTY(Radio
TeleTYpe) SSB (Single SideBand) SWL (ShortWave Listening) USB (Upper SideBand) UTC (Universal
Time: by atomic clocks Coordinated to track GMT) VHF (Very High Frequencies)
Terms
Amplitude Modulation: A technique that multiplexes audio frequencies onto the upper side of a
carrier to produce the USB, and a mirror image of the audio frequencies beneath the carrier to
produce the LSB. The resulting AM signal is also known as Double Sideband (DSB).
Beat Frequency Oscillator: A receiver circuit that generates a signal to emulate the carrier
missing in CW, FSK, RTTY & SSB signals, and so enable intelligible reception.
Carrier: a radio signal transmitted at constant strength & frequency, serving also as the
reference tuning frequency of the transmission.
Continuous Wave: a radio signal transmitted at constant frequency & strength except when
interrupted to send messages by Morse code.
DXing: listening to distant stations (D=distant, X=transmitter)
Exalted Carrier Single Sideband: a reception technique in which the BFO is used to insert a
carrier over the received carrier of a signal.
Frequency Step: the frequency increment for a radio to tune or scan from one channel to the next.
Hertz: cycles per second (= cps = c/s); metric unit of frequency.
Ionosphere: a region in the upper atmosphere where free electrons and ions abound sufficiently to
backscatter shortwave photons, so that they skip back to earth instead of just continuing out
into space.
kilo: 1,000.
Longwave: Radio signals from 30 to 300 kHz in frequency, although this term often is abused to
mean any signal lower than 540 kHz.
Lower Sideband: The sideband lower in frequency than the nominal or actual carrier of a
transmission.
Mediumwave: Radio signals from 300 to 3000 kHz (3 MHz) although this term is often limited to
mean only radio signals in the MW broadcast band (at a minimum 540 to 1600 kHz).
Mega: 1,000,000.
Shortwave: Radio signals from 3 to 30 MHz, although this term often is misused to include radio
signals as low as 1610 kHz.
Sideband: That part of the radio signal above or below the carrier frequency that either (as the
USB) directly corresponds to the original audio frequencies at the transmitter's input, or (as
the LSB) inversely corresponds in the form of a mirror image.
Single Sideband: A modulation technique that suppresses one sideband entirely (and the carrier to
varying degrees), leaving the remaining sideband essentially unchanged.
Synchronous Detection: A demodulation technique that improves the reception of AM signals.
Ironically, there is no 'AM radio' on the market that incorporates this feature. Found on many SW
portables from Sony, and on most modern desktop receivers. You will want it, if you spend much
time listening to music. For listening to voice broadcasts under poor reception conditions, ECSS
can give results as good, if not better.
Upper Sideband: The sideband higher in frequency than the nominal or actual carrier of a
transmission.
Very High Frequencies: The radio frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz. The FM broadcast band is in
the VHF band.
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