Posted: 5/2/2012 6:05:39 PM EDT
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Had a nerd moment last week and picked up a Shortwave radio at the local radio shack. I had been looking for something loud enough to take out on the deck for FM stereo, act as an iPod speaker, and tote around the house that ran on batteries, and this radio fit the bill for $79.99. Figured I'd dip back into SW listening again. (I bought a Sony 7600GR 5 years ago, but was never very impressed with it.)
Anyone else into this?  What are good websites to learn about broadcasts and clandestine stations?
So far, I'm having a lot of fun with it picking up the dwindling number of non-religious broadcasts, but still finding plenty to hear. Have heard a few hilarious pirate stations, but no number stations as of yet. This radio does not have SSB unless I buy an adapter, so for now, I'm deaf to HAM, VOA, and most utility stations like VOLMET, etc. So far I've been able to hear the national news from Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Cuba, Romania, Russia, China, Australia, and South Africa. I'm sure I'll be able to hear more as I get used to how the bands are set up and broadcast times. It's a Grundig 450DLX, it is a good radio, but a Grundig in name only. (Same radio as C Crane SW and Redsun 2100) The old West German sets were obviously a different caliber altogether. So far it is much more sensitive and a LOT more fun to use than my old Sony 7600GR. I've also figured out how to decode CW/Morse Code and Fax transmissions with computer software from the Sony. I'm currently trying to figure out how to use the Sony radio to inject a SSB BFO into the Grundig so I can actually hear SSB. Anyways, Kind of neat stuff. Thinking I'll rig up a simple long wire antenna and grounding line too over the next week. I know that I'm on the low end of the spectrum here as I'm sure that some of you guys have impressive rigs and antennas for this type of activity. If I really get into this, I'll be looking at some of the new SDR radios that are on the market. 
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www.primetimeshortwave.com
Also, if you want a good SW receiver, find an old ham rig. |
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Quoted:
no bfo or ssb. check the outdoors forum here for the ham radio sub forum. Not that big of a loss for program listening But I'm going to order this guy tonight http://www.ebay.com/itm/TG37-SSB-BFO-ADAPTER-S450DLX-REDSUN-RP2100-CC-SW-KA2100-RADIO-RECEIVER-/160658380225#ht_43812wt_665 My sony has SSB, but it's ridiculously touchy, and the radio's interface makes it a chore to tune. I'm trying to beat out a conversation on 14.202, but I can't get it to become intelligible. |
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Quoted:
no bfo or ssb. check the outdoors forum here for the ham radio sub forum. http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_10/22_Ham_Radios.html |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
no bfo or ssb. check the outdoors forum here for the ham radio sub forum. http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_10/22_Ham_Radios.html Thanks. Would like GD's wider audience's take on it though.
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