On Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:18:56 -0000, Bob wrote:

On Jun 18, 11:34 am, JeroenK wrote:
Bob wrote:
Hello,

I am new to SW and have recently purchased a ka1103 radio. It seems
to work very well, but I have trouble with SSB. I live in NY and I
don't seem to be able to pick up SSB. I am trying some of the The
SSB USB (AFRTS) frequencies listed in the SW schedule from a
magazine. I tune to the frequency, switch to SSB and then try to fine
tune into a broadcast. I just can't seem to pick anything up. Could
it be the radio or isn't there a strong enough signal? How can I
determoine the reason?

Thanks

AFRTS broadcasts dont use a whole lot of power as they are for smaller
area's instead of whole continents for example. Try the 80meter amateur
bands at evenings/nighttime in LSB mode. There should be a few HAM's
operating in NY for you to 'catch'.

There are also VOLMET stations transmitting in USB. I'm located in
Europe so I dont know any good frequenties for you off-hand. I have a
few in the UK I always use to listen for conditions or antenne testing.

Google is your friend here

HTH,
--
JeroenK

Thanks for the reply. After checking around I'm getting the feeling
that SSB is a more precise activity than just some casual tuning.
I'll carefully listen to the bands you mentioned at different times to
see what I can hear.

Bob

You'll have to tune back and forth on the signal to make it
intelligible. Too far in one direction, and it sounds high pitched and
like Donald Duck. Too far in the other direction, it sounds too low
pitched and like Darth Vader. You also have to make sure you're in USB
for upper side band signals, and LSB for lower side band signals. If
you're listening to hams, they're typically on LSB at 7.3 mhz and
below, and USB at 14.150 mhz and above. Not sure about SW
broadcasters...

bob
k5qwg