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...