Beginners Guide to Radio Scanning

Short Wave Listening.

Short wave listening ,is a very interesting and varied aspect of radio, the 0-30Mhz band covers everything from domestic radio stations, amateur radio,intercontinental radio stations and CB .

It is not unusual on the right day with the right equipment to here stations from as far a field as Australia and New Zealand .

Stations from all parts of the world can be heard on a simple domestic radio which is equipped with either A.M. or F.M. the B.B.C world service is a prime example and strong stations from Europe and North America can be found with a little careful tuning and a keen ear.But to hear in earnest more professional, but not necessarily more expensive,there are many Short wave receivers available from high st. outlets which are fitted with A.M,F.M, and S.S.B. this last mode is Single Side Band an integral part of all good receivers,it allows you to hear amateur and CB transmissions from all over the globe with extreme clarity.

Side band usually comprises of two modes Upper and Lower and requires a B.F.O. (beat frequency oscillator ) a device which inserts a tone into the incoming signal allowing the listener to resolve it clearly.Almost all amateur transmissions on the H.F. bands are in this mode as the signal is clearer and travels greater distances due to the use of reduced band width.

Listed below is an outline of some of the bands to listen to on Short Wave.

O.500-1.500Mhz.......Broadcast band.

1.800-2.000Mhz..........Amateur band (160 metres) Mostly SSB.

3.500-3.900Mhz..........Amateur band (80 metres) Mostly SSB.

7.100-7.300Mhz..........Amateur band (40 metres) Mostly SSB.

14.000-14.350Mhz........Amateur band (20 metres) Mostly SSB.

21.000-21.450Mhz.........Amateur band Mostly SSB.

24.890-24.990Mhz.........Amateur band Mostly SSB.

26.965-28.000Mhz.........Citizens Radio band Mostly F.M. but some A.M. and SSB from abroad.

28.000-29.700Mhz.........Amateur band (10 metres) Mostly SSB.

Antennas.

The antenna for short wave is not as critical as it is for the higher frequencies,a good length of wire attached to the back of the receiver and suspended from a high point outside,a tree or mast placed at the bottom of the garden is usually sufficiant ,although the longer the wire the better for the lower frequencies.Be careful to avoid over head power cables and telephone lines if not just for safety's sake it will also minimise your interference and increase your listening enjoyment .
If you find any interesting frequencies let me know .

E-mail to duncanh@totalise.co.uk

Some useful links you might try.
Oldham CB radio page.
Flat Tyre's CB home page
Radio Resources page

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