On 2006-10-21 20:19:16 -0400, "Joe Analssandrini"
said:

Dear Ed,

I do not know if this is a sincere question but, on the assumption that
it is, I recommend the following:

1) Do NOT buy a first shortwave receiver on eBay.

2) As this would be your first shortwave receiver, I STRONGLY recommend
that you purchase from one of the reputable radio dealers, such as
Universal Radio, Grove Enterprises, AES, or C. Crane. The people there
will be able to advise you concerning your purchase and will be able to
offer any technical help necessary after the sale.

3) Do NOT even consider an analog-tuned shortwave radio such as the one
on the eBay link you posted here or any other of that type. These
radios are generally of inferior quality and are technologically
obsolete. In my opinion, they will "turn you off" to shortwave
listening.

4) Again assuming you are serious, be prepared to pay anywhere from
$80.00 to $150.00 for your first receiver. Radios in that price class,
all digitally tuned, will afford you a very satisfying experience.
Lower-priced or "cheap" shortwave receivers will probably prove
disappointing. In general, you DO get what you pay for!

5) I should recommend the Sony ICF-SW7600GR radio as a first shortwave
receiver. This radio is an excellent performer and is constructed to a
high standard. With reasonable care, it should last for many years and
is, in fact, so good that you will not "outgrow" it no matter how
"serious" a shortwave listener you become.

6) Be prepared for a fairly long learning curve. You MUST carefully
read the owner's guide of any receiver you purchase and I recommend
that you purchase some basic shortwave books. A good dealer can make
recommendations for you. Tuning in shortwave stations is not at all
comparable to tuning in your local AM or FM radio stations. Do not let
that deter you - learning shortwave listening is a lot of fun and
affords the listener a great deal of satisfaction.

I hope the above will be of some use to you.

Best,

Joe



All good advice! Then go here for programs:

http://www.primetimeshortwave.com/

Selecting a shortwave radio:
http://www.dxing.com/swrx.htm

Intro to listening:
http://www.dxing.com/swlintro.htm