Posted on 01/16/2009 5:29:03 PM PST by mylife
So why bother with shortwave?
It's easy and cheap -- and fun. You can hear and learn things that you would never find even if you work your search engine like a mule. From Swaziland to Paris to Havana, shortwave broadcasters can surprise an adventurous listener more than any MP3 playlist.
"You tune carefully, twist the radio from side to side, and there's still a bit of a 'Hey, I made this happen!' sort of thing," said Harold Cones, retired chairman of the biology and chemistry department at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.
It's also magic. Shortwave radio enthusiasts acknowledge the thrill -- the romance, in a way -- of going out at night and snaring news, music, odd bleeps, religious zealots and other broadcasts from the wild sea of frequencies in the sky.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
I'll be working 2 meter Sideband for most of it. I'm in the Chicago area (EN62) and have my 13B2 stuck east at the moment. Ahh well, I know I can reach into Pennsylvania and NY State from here.
I've lived through 4 peaks and dips that I got to work. But this dip has lasted too long. And I'm not putting up a beam. Or building an amplifier.
Or, obviously, doing any good with QRP.;)
/johnny
/johnny
I picked a particularly poor time to interest people in this hobby L0L
On the 20 meter band, 14.275 mhz?
He's hard core, hates this country with a passion, and sounds like he's operating outside the legal power limit. Surprised someone has not dropped the hammer on him.
He has gained quite a reputation on 20 meters.
That sounds like fun. Unfortunately, I don’t have a ham license. It’s on my list of things to do. :)
/johnny
Plot summary for
Frequency (2000) More at IMDbPro »
A rare atmospheric phenomenon allows a New York City firefighter to communicate with his son 30 years in the future via short-wave radio. The son uses this opportunity to warn the father of his impending death in a warehouse fire, and manages to save his life. However, what he does not realize is that changing history has triggered a new set of tragic events, including the murder of his mother. The two men must now work together, 30 years apart, to find the murderer before he strikes so that they can change history--again. Written by {jgp3553@excite.com}
Rent it, you'll like it.
I hear the Canuck Gov’s spin is “well he is just crazy, what can you do?”
Then on our side we are looking at the fairness doctrine.
160 meters is all thats seems to be working for me tonight.
73 all
I got my license Feb. of 2008 (Technician Class) and have been having a blast on 2 meters and 70cm. I’m upgrading to my General next weekend, all ready to take the test at the next hamfest in the area.
If you’re looking for a good book to study from, I highly recommend the ARRL’s Tech Q&A quick study guide. I made 6 passes through the book over three days and passed my first test getting all 35 questions correct. Getting the Tech license is easy, anyone can do it. General Class is a bit harder.
Best of luck.
Old farts need love too L0L
The Canadian Government doesn’t give a crap. Heck, I bet they fund the guy to spew his anti-American hatred on the air.
I have wondered about that.
Do the canadians give it a pass on purpose?
Thanks!
/johnny
/johnny
Actually, I think Radio Pacifica has some broadcasts on shortwave. They specialize in far left moonbat propaganda. Of course, you can listen to Radio Havana Cuba today to know what the editorial will be tomorrow in the New York Times! There is one creepy station that broadcasts a lot of populist/neo-Nazi, anti-Israel propaganda - they have conspiracy theories to explain everything, just like the left moonbats have. Most shortwave broadcasters are government-owned and the news tends to have a moderate left to a communist spin. There are some religious broadcasters. Anything from Catholic to Protestant Evangelical - there are also the type of preachers / scammers who will sell you prayer cloths, etc.
It was interesting to listen back in the Cold War days - Radio Moscow would broadcast commentary about something and the Western progressives would be saying to same talking points.
That Collins radio should be worth a fair amount of money, especially if it is in good condition - don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t worth much because it is old. You should really keep that unless you are absolutely positive you are not interested in radio. An old Yaesu is nice, too. And you can put up a simple, cheap antenna for just listening purposes.
bump for later read
Join the ranks of Amateur Radio (Hams) and you will get all the shortwave listening you can handle. I just past 52 years in the greatest hobby in the world this month.
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