It seems pretty hard to distinguish some of the noises (and languages) that you'll pick up sometimes. I tried picking something up around that frequency and its constant static.

If it is just a signal bouncing off a stellar body it would seem odd it would be that constant.

Interesting though. Tonight, I listend to World Cup reports from a station in Mexico, and Sister Angelica on some Catholic station, she has a very soothing voice.

North Korean shortwave station Voice of Korea is quite glorious tonight. If only I knew what they were saying. Upbeat songs, and quite a lot of loud yelling. It also curiously is coming in better than it ever has before...

Anyway, I thought this was of importance considering they've been in the news as of late.

It is. They were doing their latest round of nuclear missile tests yesterday, I think. I wonder if the celebrations are connested - it's that kind of country, and shortwave stations do tend to exist to 'toe the party line'. I also remember reading that in some places (South Africa was one) early july (1st - 10th I think) was being used by communist groups to remember and celebrate Kim Il Sung, so maybe that's connected?

I haven't listened for a few days, but I'll have a scan tonight.

Radio China, and Taiwan International have all but ignored the situaution, which I also find odd. Given the vicinity of these two countries to North Korea, I would have figured they would have a large report about it, but it was only mentioned in brief. I wonder why they would try and down play it?

On the contrary, stations from Europe felt as though it was the only thing happening across the globe.

I also saw something this morning that there were worries one of the missles was headed for Hawaii.

I really think I might get one of these; cash coming in, and I need something interesting to do.
Though I'm sure I'll check; are they common enough to be found in wal-mart or somewhere similar? Or should I just order one on-line?

Walmart or wherever might not have them easily avalable; shortwave isn't a popular medium, as reception tends to be poor and is very dependent upon atmospheric conditions. The benefit is that you can send the signals much further ie around the world - ideal for governments reaching expats and giving a rose-tinted view of their country to anyone who cares to listen. I think this is relected by the fact that a great many of the main broadcasters are either current or former communist states - the party line and all that.

The programmes are fascinating though, if you're interested in the history, culture and news of other countries then it's worthwhile. There are expert sets available for large sums (Пятхъдесят Шест knows about these, I think) or there are much cheaper sets that start from about £30 over here ($50-60?!?). Lots of fun to be had, sometimes intersting and sometimes bizarre. There are good websites with full listings.

I was looking at that site you posted on page 2 maybe, Hip Priest, and saw some station, maybe called everything science, or something that seemed really interesting. I would be interested in listening to other countries news and culture and whatnot, but I fear the language barrier. I only speak English..
I've looked at a couple digital ones, which I guess would work for me. I weary of the reception, though, as I might not be able to get very good reception with a small radio. I'm still on the look out, though. I'll keep an eye out in thrift stores and pawn shops. I'm sure there are some to be sold at places like that.

There are plenty of radios to pick from, and the more you pay the better quality you get. The ones that are $50-60 aren't the best, and you won't pick up much outside of North and Central America, at least this is with my personal experience. Your best bet would be to buy one in the $100-150 range, which is actually a good deal. Radio Shack has a lot to pick from, or you can buy online here: http://www.universal-radio.com/

Also, something good to pick up is The Passport to World Band Radio book. It has a wealth of information, inculding schedules and station addresses in case you want to correspond with the stations. Great companion when listening.


Don't worry about the language barrier as most stations broadcast in their native language AND English. But if you're studying a language, its a great way to test your skill.

Let us know how it goes!

haha wow
thats tripped out
same thing happened to me and a couple of friends

but why mexican radio stations?!
i never understood

Well, today I got a second hand D2935 in perfect condition for a few pounds, which was nice. It's not a top-range thing by any means, but the digital tuning allows for much more exact scanning:



It's the saame one, but mine says 'philips' rather than 'Magnavox'.

Ah, quite nice Hipster!

How much did you pay for that beauty?

£5.00 (about $10.00, I think) from a charity shop. A bargain.

I'm going to connect it to my special aerial (a load of telephone wire attched to the electricity meter) and see what I can get.

Bargain to say the least.

Looks like that ones got an output line as well. Mine is missing that. I basically just got a new one, but I'm sort of tired of it already. Maybe go after something a little more pricey. Japan Radio Company has some nice ones that aren't a total fortune.

Has anyone (and it would appear as though this may be directed to Hip Priest, as it seems no one else is a regular listener, considering Lone Flanger is MIA) been picking up Radio Canada International?

They have never been a big favorite, mostly due to poor reception, but as of the late, they have had some great programs. Incredible interviews, and a lot of music . Check out the Maple Leaf Mailbag.

I've been listening a lot online too:

http://www.rcinet.ca/rci/en/radio.shtml

I've had real problems with reception for the last week or so; tonight I caught snatches of programmes about education in China (parents are being encouraged to edit their children's homework for grammar), a Russian programme about the art of writing and an article from Radio Romania International discussing the mounting criticism of it's government's (lack of) foreign policy.

But I'm having another scan right now.

Radio China International is a terrific station! The standard for shortwave, I'd say. I think you can pick that up just about anywhere on the globe, which is saying something about China's current and future place in the world. Extremely strong signal.

Voice of Russia? I've not picked that up in a long time. I get a station that broacasts out of Irkusk all the time, a music station. Good for a laugh or two.

9829kHz on the 31m band - I've just caught the first in a series of very dry programmes discussing the nature of terrorism. Today's episode was about the terrorist/freedom fighter viewpoints. Fairly basic stuff. They're playing a song right now, so I still don't know what station it is.

It's an Armenian station, which is pretty cool - it's one I've had before, but not often. They're discussing the terrorist organisation the 'Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia', and the history of Turkish-Armenian animosity. The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia have since been discredited and passed their baton onto to the PKK.

I saw a documentary about Armenian - Turkish relations a few weeks ago. Sad to see the Turkish goverment still denys the Armenian genocide. There is also a good book on the subject, but the name escapes me.

hah. i knew this turkish-armenian girl who didn't know a thing about the genocide. she had to be told about it by this (angry) dude from cyprus. a fun little spectacle they made...

That story needs a Greek to top it off. Or least include a Gyro, or falafel balls.

i have balls the size of falafels. does that count? :eek:

and...
sorry for the lowbrow humor.
i'm annoyed after a long meeting, plus a long wait for it to start.

I suppose. Though, I no longer crave them.

And I was totally about to walk down the street to this ice cream place owned by an Egyptian that sells them. Forget that.

fucking meetings.

they can ruin an afternoon. now i need coffee.

It may be worth your while making the effort to listen to Radio Prague this week - they're having their 70th birthday celebrations (Thursday seems to be the main day). I've just heard the end of a fascinating report about the construction of the nations recievers and transmitters.

I love Radio Prague's trumpet signiature.

you know guys it's funny that i don't have a shortwave radio so i shouldn't even be posting in this thread. but i understand that the u.s. is cutting funds from their own shortwave radio programs. it's all web now i think.

There is another station that is pretty popular but I seem to miss.

I think they stream online too. I will take a look.

Radio Habana Cuba tonight, its Cuban Music Review night!!

bastards. you're going to make me spend money in a short wave radio i don't need.

Its sad what has become of Voice of America. They're not web only...YET. They still have dozens of broadcasts to Asia, Africa, and of course the Middle East. But those aren't in English. They used to have a country music (don't laugh) program that I enjoyed.

Lets hope BBC doesn't go this way too.

so do you guys think there is any future in short wave radio? i mean, at least a few years worth of enjoyment? or no??

You could always get a radio - a good solid investment, I'd say.

The dropping of shortwave is a common thing now. The BBC is also cutting its World Service broadcasts. The idea of government-line shortwave broadcasts to the world is an old-fashioned one, really. You'll find that the nations who still take it most seriously are generally either communist or former communist, and apart from giving news to ex-pats, the whole point of the broadcasts was mainly to spread propaganda to the world.

The internet is becoming the most efficient way to do everything, it would seem.

see i live in a rural hellhole, so this could provide some entertainment.

communist propaganda is usually fun to hear, if not taken seriously.

hm i might stop by radio shack & check out their selection. or is there a better place to get these?

Like Hipster said, the rogue nations of the past (and present) will stay on air for some time to come. At least I hope so... Though, I don't think we'll see as many broadcasts in English.

I also believe China will keep shortwave radio relevant in the years to come. This seems to be their choice way of reaching distant lands, without filters.

Its an antique hobby, but its still amazing.

Well, the best make in the UK is Roberts, but I wouldn't know if they're known across the world. One of my radios is a very small (ie approx 14 x 7 x 3cm) radio and it's excellent. The Roberts R862, if that helps.

oh, thanks very much. i might be joining this thread in earnest soon...

Do they sell Etons in the UK?

Also, if you go back a few pages, there is a link to Universal Radio, where you can buy radios online. They have a huge selection!

there is a radio station i listen to every tuesday, its about an hour south of me but i cant pick it up on a normal station so i listen to it on the internet. it shounds terrible and ive been told a shortwave will likely be able to pick it up, so i think im gonna look around for one.

Be careful shelling out the money for one, because this is not always true. Using the AM band should be helpful though, at the very least you should be able to curb some of the distortion from the station, but unless you have a high end one, it won't always mean stations will come in better. Of course, even if this doesn't work for you, you'll still have a shortwave radio to hear all kinds of blissful things.

Also, being the noise enthusiast you are, scanning through the shortwaves will be of pleasure to you.