Well, I think I'm just going to go with a modern, portable SWL receiver
for now. There are several very interesting models that are quite
cheap. New prices are about $150 for the newest and best of them.

I appreciate all the input and encouragement. I built my first
'Manhatten' constructed circuit this week - a VFO for the BITX20
transceiver. The good news it oscillates, the bad news is not at the
right frequency or the right spread but I've got an online buddy
helping me out and if nothing, I got off of dead center. I'm just
excited that it worked at all - AND - that I understand most of it and
how it works. I'm pretty sure I will understand it all before I'm
finished.

If you're intersted the radios I'm looking at are the Eton E5, Sony
ICF-SW7600G & GR, Degen/Kaito DE-1103 and a couple of other oddballs.
Hopefully I can snag one off of eBay.

Thanks again.

Dan KB9JLO