How can I make a good, cheap LW radio?

[minidanas]

I have a question, or more precisely, a problem that needs a solution:

There are places where vast land is inhabited by sparse population. Nomads are on constantly the move, and the nearest radio station is sometimes hundreds of miles away. So the frequency that reliably works is LW - 100-300 KHz (up to 2000 meter waves). By now practically all the good, cheap radios that received LW have been discontinued, and people are struggling to find one. There is no hope that someone will start making them again, because the market is too small for mass production, and the demand is too weak.

I hear that durable radios with good antenna like GE Superadio don't receive LW, while modern, mostly pocketable LW radios by SONY, Kaito/Degen are too flimsy, and have poor reception. Is there an easy, cheap way for a DIYer to combine the two? May be convert Superadios so they can receive LW (preferable). Or maybe, use the Superadio's antenna to improve pocketables' reception. Or better yet, does Radioshack or Parts Express sell some part that could do the trick?

 

[TomT]

The Grundig G8 traveler (around $50) has long wave. Don't know how good it is--too much crud running on the power lines + nothing particular except beacons to get here.

 

[RFGuy]

I would stay far away from Grundig. I bought 2 diferent models and both were garbage. Since Eton got involved the quality of the Grundig brand has gone to pot. If you have a good SW radio, I would look into a VLF conveter. There are several Mfgr's of them and work pretty well.