I like that multiple users can tune it at the same time and be on different frequencies (virtual European DXpedition, anyone?). I've never been to Europe and likely won't get there, so this is the closest I've ever been to being able to DX from Europe. Of course in this land of megawatt transmitters, it'd take awhile to figure out what's DX and what's local traffic. Very cool though.
Never say never! The hardest part about of getting over to Europe is deciding to "just do it". Once you make that decision, just plan for it, save up for it, whatever, and GO. The main difference between traveling to Europe is that its a longer plane ride than you have domestically. You can always go "off season" when bargain airfares emerge. My daughter and British son-and-law make the hop 2-3 times a year.
Anyway, not only is the receiver an absolute blast, it's ridiculously easy to operate. And the more you play with it and get the hang of it, the more stuff you discover that you can do. Be sure to learn how to use the "waterfall" feature. Go to "waterfall view" and click "band". You'll see a visual display of the band you're tuned to and a depiction of what frequencies are active. You can zoom in for a closer view. Then simply move your cursor to the active frequency of your choice to listen in! And as if that weren't enough, you can click on the orange "boxes" at the bottom of the display to see stations (presumably the bigger ones) broadcasting on the respective channels. DXing made simple!
Right now, for example, I'm listening to Elvis on R. 5 Nostalgia, 747khz, from The Netherlands. Obviously a local....but I'm familiar with it from past visits. Strong enough to easily penetrate the hotel I normally use in Central London 24/7. The other usual Euro blowtorches are also all there as well. 810 from Scotland, 549 from Germany, to name just a couple. All in all, very much the same sort of stuff I've been used to over the past 15 or so years. So yes, you do get a true European DX experience "from the comfort of your own home".
One thing I particularly like about DXing in Europe is that the channels are somewhat less crowded than here. You'll typically find something on top on just about every channel. Which isn't to say there aren't numerous low power stations (the UK is full of them). And don't forget to check out the LW and SW bands. Lots of stuff on both. The only thing I haven't been able to do is snag anything from North America.....yet!
Finally, BTW based on previous posts, one channel I checked was 1350. It was blank. Both in terms of the waterfall display and me not hearing anything. My guess is that the usual occupants had signed off for the night. I saw that the BBC is one of the users of the channel, so it may be that a BBC music program might have been what had been heard early.
Anyway, guys, I predict we're all going to have a lot of fun with this great little online toy!
