wrote:
On 7 Dec 2006 17:00:06 -0800, "Too_Many_Tools"
wrote:

As Christmas draws near, I remember the thrill of getting my first
shortwave radio for Christmas.

If you were going to buy a shortwave radio for a kid today, which one
and why?

Thanks

TMT

frankly I would give a good crystal kit for the kind needing no
bateries
http://kb9rqz.blogspot.com/
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It is very difficult to recommend a shortwave radio for a kid
without knowing a bit more about the kid. First is the age and
interests. If this is to be a useful gift, it will have to be a match
for these factors. I would not spend much money on the radio. The first
radio should be considered as a trial run and not create any pressure
to enjoy an expensive gift Just because you were interested in
shortwave does not mean that the kid will be interested. If he shows an
interest, a better radio could come later. There are lots of radios
under $100 that would do for a start.
Times have changed and the new generation is quite different than
previous generations. They have shorter attention spans and a kit would
demand too much concentration for most kids. They are greatly
influenced by their peer group and shortwave radio is not cool. I
think that the radio could be related to school as a science project or
"bring and brag" for elementary. The kid is not likely to enjoy
listening to current programs but could develop a knowledge of
geography which could help in school. It would help to have a map of
the world Kids are quite good at learning digital skills so I would
not worry that he could not navigate menus on a digital radio.
The radio should be of good quality and inexpensive which probly
means Chinese. I have an Eton E10 which I have found quite
satisfactory. It is inexpensive, sensitive, sounds good, and is widely
available. Purists may object, and others may have other favourites,
but this would do the job.

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