Speaking of shortwave radio . . . I’ve long wanted to get a shortwave radio and now I’ve got the time and financial wherewithal. But I’ve read that shortwave isn’t what it once was, with everything now available on the internet. (I have no interest in listening on my iPad.) Is that true? Or is it still as bustling and interesting as ever? If so, is it possible to get a good shortwave radio for under $150? Any recommendations? Thanks!
I try going on occasionally, pretty much all there is now is religious broadcasters
You can hear a lot of things streaming on the internet. You can go directly to some websites. A good app is called Tune In Radio. You can set up a free account. There is an Android and an Apple TunIn Radio app. I can also use their website to stream from on my PC. You set up an account and choose what stations you are interested in. You can organize them any way you like.
A lot of apps are music apps where you can listen to snippets of music from whatever genre or band, so it is not like listening to radio broadcasts. TuneIn Radio is more like tuning in on live broadcasts. Also look up http:/radio.garden - that is also like tuning in a radio on your conputer or phone.
As far as a shortwave receiver, Sangean and Tecsun make good portable shortwave radios. I don’t have this one but the Tecsun PL880 is something I have heard good comments about, and it is around $170. And there are other models. I think Tecsun and Sangean are good bets. Avoid really cheap (under $100) radios that have shortwave - their receivers are poor and you won’t be able to hear much.
Shortwave broadcasting has diminished greatly in the last 10 years. You might be able to hear regional broadcasters from South America, Africa, or Asia. Most of these are hard to receive without a good antenna and a really good radio. There are religious broadcasters - mostly just faith healers and end-of-the-world “prophets” - so I consider that a waste of time.
If your radio has Single Side Band you might be able to hear ship and long distance aircraft communication, and also ham radio conversations. The radio spectrum is split up into bands. On shortwave there are bands for ham radio, there are bands for broadcasting, and bands for utility stations (including ships and aviation).
I still use a DX-440 I bought from Radio Shack over 30 years ago.