World Radios SW1 SW2 .......

[mrtexmex2007]

Hey guys just want to ask you what is the deal with these types of radios??? I saw one today and it said that you can here stations from all over the world. Is this true? And if its true why are they so cheap?

 

[DJboutit3]

SW = Shortwave most of these stations are religious they have ranges of 1000 to 2000 miles

 

[davideduardo]

SW = Shortwave most of these stations are religious they have ranges of 1000 to 2000 miles

Most of them are not religious, and the ones in the international bands have a range of 8 to 12 thousand miles.

I suggest this topic move to the DX forum to which it is related.

 

[CW]

SW = Shortwave most of these stations are religious they have ranges of 1000 to 2000 miles

Shortwave is the range of frequencies between 3Mhz and 30MHz...SW Broadcaster shave specific bands within that range for use(Voice of America, BBC, etc)....NO station in the US is allowed to program FOR the US..it must be programmed or its programming aimed at outside....(even though KUSA on shortwave played Top40 back in the 80s and I think 90s and had a pretty good audience in the US)...
Shortwave does not use groundwave like the MediumWave AM broadcast band (like the high end of the BC AM band, SW is more subject to skywave and it changes from day to night)...MOST US SW broadcasters are religious as pointed out...and they cover MUCH further than 2000 miles..try 20,000 miles!!! (YES around the WORLD!) and some have powers in excess of 500,000watts. There is one SW station I know of that runs 1 MEGAWATT power and we aint talking ERP (effective radiated power) but true TPO (Transmitter power out)..
Because propogation changes, SW stations usually have two or three frequencies scattered throughout the 3-30MHz range...and change them daily...Google Shortwave stations or World Radio and you can get more info.

 

[mrtexmex2007]

Is there a specific website where I can get a list of SW radio stations??

 

[ChuckTiller]

Mr Texmex, read the post above yours and get your answer.

 

[Mediafrog+]

Is there a specific website where I can get a list of SW radio stations??

Two books to recommend: The World Radio TV Handbook, and Passport to World Band Radio. The 2008 editions of both are available on Amazon.com, or in better bookstores such as Barnes & Noble.

I've used the WRTH for over 40 years, and Passport for 15. Keep in mind that you won't be able to pick up everything that is listed, but both will give you an idea of what goes on around the world.

Also, check Glenn Hauser's website www.worldofradio.com and click on the DX Listening Digest links. Current international broadcast news, plus years of archives. Glenn is one of the most prominent shortwave experts in the World, having been at it for over 50 years.

 

[fredcantu]

Shortwave is on its last legs.

BBC no longer beams programs to North America. Their audience research found more people here listen to them on the Internet and satellite radio than shortwave.

When you google shortwave (or international) broadcasters you will find many stream their programs on their sites. Save yourself the cost of a radio.