Shortwave Radios Are Important
Anthony Hernandez
Volunteer at Scobee Education Center and Educational Volunteer (NASA-STEM), Planetary Society-Member
What are shortwave radios? Shortwave radio signals can travel several thousand miles. It is also used in over-the-horizon radar and two-way international communications. This radio signal has been employed for global transmissions and diplomatic communications since the turn of the century of WWI and WWII. Listening to shortwaves is also considered an exciting hobby, of tuning into the world and listening to music, news, bulletins, radio shows, and advertising messages like in WWII during wartime. There is also shortwave radio maritime communications between ships and seaports.
Shortwave radio stations were heavily used during WWII for people to listen to the latest news and news about the War between countries. Even governments used shortwave radio to spread propaganda against the enemy during the War.
Shortwave transmissions started the era and operated between AM and FM radio stations for receiving and listening to a favorite radio music or program. There are many places to purchase shortwave radios that cost from $15 to $500.
As a hobby, you learn to use different antennas for indoor or outdoor placement. Wire-type antennas are the best external mast antenna to increase range and clearer radio reception from international radio stations.
There is a handbook by Andrew R. Yoder titled “The Complete Shortwave Listener’s Handbook” that a person can buy on Amazon. This book is a good starter for those interested in the shortwave radio hobby.
Depending on the type of shortwave radios you want to buy and capability. A radio could cost you as little as $14.99 up to $1,000 with much more ability. I purchased both to build a form of redundancy. A radio for $14.99, $109.99, and a radio for $450. This way, the monotony of three radios of a back to a backup of the main shortwave radio. The primary shortwave radio would be the Elite 750, which has two antennas and can connect a wire-long antenna to capture more international radio stations. You can purchase shortwave radios on Amazon, Walmart, and other online stores.
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Some of these shortwave radios have NOAA weather channel receivers. Listening to shortwave opens a whole new world of receiving information and open source. Some shortwave radios have a rechargeable battery, solar power, and a crank to control the radio. Consider buying one or two radios for your home and on the go.
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