Mike Tschel. wrote:
Hi,

Well, as usual, I have another question for the experts.

When the Tsunami hit last week, I grabbed my shortwave and tried to
find
'live' info as fast as I could. Understanding that power might not be
available in the region, I just tried some of the larger outlets and
didn't
hear anything I couldn't hear on CNN or CBC. In fact, even during the
'shock
and awe' campaign - I was not really hearing up-to-date info from a
foreign
country. So, I gotta' ask:

What's the secret? I'm pretty new to shortwave and really might be
expecting
too much, but I assume using SW for local / regional updates on
serious news
is part of the fun. I understand the time differences and programing
schedules, but I've never heard "Up to the Minute" disasters,
assasinations,
etc. I mean God forbid this stuff happens, in fact I hope there won't
be
earthquakes or tornados - but they certainly do happen and I bought
my radio
*exactly* to hear these broadcasts.

Would anyone please provide me with some instruction, a weblink or
some
plain common sense in trying to listen to radio ' Live as it
Happens'.

I constantly read posts on folks hearing the USS YorkTown on XXX USB,
but
when I try to tune in, I've never heard the ship. (I *do* understand
how to
enable these modes on my radio.) Do I need a mega antenna - I only
use the
coil-out wire or whip. However, if I can receive Radio Japan clearly,
surely
I should be able to hear anything inbetween that location.
(T.X.Wattage /
time of year / weather all being equal - not that they are either.)

Can anyone help me advance to the next level of this hobby? Yes, VOA
and
Radio Canada are great, but I know there's more and I wanna' hear it.
And,
I'm willing to put the effort in - it's a great hobby.

I live on the east coast of Canada and use a Sony ICF GR7600GF with
syncro-lock when DX'ing.

Thanks, any help would be great.
Mike T.


What are your circumstances? Do you live in a relatively quiet area? In
a house or a condo? Do you have a large yard? Knowing some of these
details would help.

The Sony 7600GR is a great radio, but it's not intended to be a DX
machine. In order to get the most of out of it, see how long a length
of wire you can attach to it before you have problems with overload.
You might also considering getting the AN-LP1 active loop, which works
well with the 7600GR.

Eventually, I predict you'll want a more robust receiver, since this
will both expand your listening capabilities and at the same time
increase the number of antenna options open to you. If you're patient,
you can find something nice on ebay for a reasonable price. (Do you
homework though, as it's also possible to get ripped off this way.)
Steve