QTH.COM Swap Chat

Hi Listeners,

Being new you may jest at this post but I need advice on monitoring shortwave radio and in particular the 3-30mhz range.

I was considering purchasing a basestation to monitor the above but I wonder if there may be software out there which would not cost as much as a basestation but would still provide the functions of a basestation?

Further still, I imagine if there are computer software deals for me, I just know its going to be very technical and I would not really know where to start, so if you are tuned into the subject and do have a solution, please offer a low-middle and high budget option if at all possible.

Regards,

Berne...

well first yes and no.
alaong with the computer you would need more hardware, called a 'software defined radio' more bucks.
better Idea is to go to local or near by hamfests and try and pick up a old tube type reciever. they were usually continuous coverage ,not ham band only.
That is if your interest is short wave broadcasting. Its mostly AM ( as in broadcast band radio) radio.
If you are mostly interested in Ham radio then that option is not as good as most ham radio is SSB (single side band).
while some of the newer tube type recievers had a more or less SSB capability it is not as good as a reall SSB radio.
prices. at ham fests..
old hallicrafters S38 to S38e around $75
National SW54 about same.
bigger radios like hallicrafters s85 , sx 101 , national nc303 , are in the 150 200 $ range.
also there are new transistor portables in the 50 range that have both am fm and ssb.. emerson is one at $49, or grundig and more .55 to 30 mz..

hope this helps

Hi k9yli,

Good to hear from you, good advice too, but to be more specific, its transmission on the SW bands Im interested in, so the computer software would need to have that capability and Im sure costs will not be cheap...

If you know of a solution by all means refer back to me with a medium and high cost package, alternatively if it would be much simpler in your experience to buy a Transceiver then advise this.

Regards,

Berne...

you said you wanted to monitor using a computer. There are software defined radios but you need the hardware as welll as the comuter and software.
You now say appearantly you want to "transmit also" ?????

I don't know what country you are from but you would probably need a amateur radio license to do that , in any country.
So lthis whole discussion gets deeper..
You can't "just buy a transceiver"" and start transmitting.
except for CB within the 3 to 30 mhz region..
I guess the term 'shortwave' brings some confusion into the picture.

k9yli,

Hi there, I got to aplogise, being new to this industry is my excuse. In fact I have been monitoring SW for several years on a small reciever....and have now I feel graduated to a point where transmission seems to be the next logical step...exam syllabus is required under both the Irish and British legislation your are very correct there.

Since last I posted I have found what I hope to be my introduction to transmitting, the ICOM 718 with I think the SM-20 microphone, although I wont get the opportunity to transmit until examinations have been passed. I will I assume be able to monitor the 3-30mhz bands until my licence arrives.

So, there you have a whole new ballgame from the original post and you are quite correct again, SW does involve some in depth technical jargon and reading but then again it does seem to be an interesting hobby to take an interest in.

Are you big into Ham Radio?

Bye for now,

Berne...