Shortwave radio?!
Question: I am very fond of radio and would like to get into shortwave. I've never had or used a shortwave radio before, though, so I'm not really sure what I should get.
The process is further complicated by the fact that I am a college student. I don't have a lot of money to spend on a really good set, and I live in the dorms so I'm not sure that I can even get reception. (I've heard that built-in antennae are very poor in apartments and other such buildings, and I can't take the screen out of my window to run an external antenna wire. I also worry that the campus' wireless internet system may obscure the frequencies.) Even my AM and FM reception is fickle, despite the fact that I can see the broadcasting tower from my window. Do I have any chance of getting SW reception?
So what sort of radio would you suggest?
Answers: I am very fond of radio and would like to get into shortwave. I've never had or used a shortwave radio before, though, so I'm not really sure what I should get.
The process is further complicated by the fact that I am a college student. I don't have a lot of money to spend on a really good set, and I live in the dorms so I'm not sure that I can even get reception. (I've heard that built-in antennae are very poor in apartments and other such buildings, and I can't take the screen out of my window to run an external antenna wire. I also worry that the campus' wireless internet system may obscure the frequencies.) Even my AM and FM reception is fickle, despite the fact that I can see the broadcasting tower from my window. Do I have any chance of getting SW reception?
So what sort of radio would you suggest?
The website http://www.swdxer.co.nr/ will answer almost every question you have on shortwave radio , particularly when dealing with antennas.
Now days with so much man made electrical noise around cheaper sets or portables struggle to give a clear sound.
I do not recommend those sorts of cheap radios in urban environments.
In the countryside they work fine tho.
If your budget limits you to a cheap portable , be prepared to stick it in a backpack and take a walk to get away from the buildings.
Your reception will suck and, with all the computers... I doubt you will hear much more than the hash noise from computers.
You can buy shortwave receivers at Radio Shack... why not buy one and explain you may be bringing it back if it doesn't work... because it probably won't.
I bought a Grundig S-350 at Radio Shack, and I am pleased with it. It actually has the brandname "Eton" on the box, but it says Grundig on the radio itself.
If you put the radio near a window, with the antenna fully extended, you should be able to get some reception.
My favorite shortwave station is WBCQ, located in Monticello Maine, USA.
http://www.wbcq.com
When I was in High School, I interned at a local college station, WCWP 88.1 FM , Brookville, New York.
I don't think wireless internet will cause the interference, because that is around 900 megahertz. The computer itself might cause interference, but that is due to lax enforcement of the FCC's part 15 rules.
I bought a Grundig S-350 from Radio Shack and it does
a decent job for its price, which is $99. Also, you might
want to do an Internet search for "Loop Antenna", as this
type of antenna is one which can be built easily and
works well indoors.
basically i would ask at radio shack explain your fears of what may happen and they will advice you on the best set up for you
regards x Kitti x
Wireless Internet shouldn't affect SW to any great extent.
The built-in telecscopic antenna on a portable SW radio is perfectly adequate for SW reception, especially when the conditions are right.
Try it.