Noob questions?
Over the years, I've used a portable Grundig radio to listen to both FM
and Shortwave broadcasts. I have relied on the antenna that came with
the radio, but this has, I'm sure, limited by listening capabilities.
Lately, I've been thinking about expanding my capacity: I'd like to have
more selection in my shortwave stations (this receiver, for instance,
doesn't support LSB or USB).
I've also noticed that a variety of options exist:
1) Tabletop shortwave units, combined with a quality indoor (or outdoor)
antenna;
2) Tabletop wide frequency receivers, again coupled with a quality
antenna; or,
3) Software-defined radios that essentially depend upon Windows machines
to work.
Of these, the last option doesn't appeal to me because I make a living
programming computers and would prefer a more "independent" medium. So,
that leaves me with questions about options 1 and 2.
If someone has a wide-spectrum receiver (capable of receiving SW, LW,
VHF, UHF, etc), could they also receive (digital) television signals,
allowing them to use this receiver as both a TV tuner and a radio?
Because of where I live I cannot easily install an outdoor antenna, so
I'm considering several indoor units ---again, this might depend upon
whether I'm interested in SW or a wider frequency spectrum. Is this
feasible? In other words: do any of you have experience with these units
and do they work (of course I understand that you need a lot more
information --my location, etc., but these are general questions).
Naturally, would appreciate any input from the group about reasonable
alternatives.
Regards,
Tom R
|