Hi,
I certainly appreciate everything all of you are suggesting. I
started playing with my Kaito KA11 hoping that I could try and get
some things as I do like the size of it. Today, I am going to take it
out as see if I get AM on the outside. If not, something is definitely
wrong with this radio.
When I scan the SW bands, I am disappointed as I get nothing except
two different broadcasts, both religious. I was hoping to get the BBC
and other things. Apparently that is not to be, at least not in my
apartment. I will try outside and see what happens and post later what
I found out.
On some of the models you guys recommended, I saw different SW bands
covered. This radio has coverage of 5.80-18.10. Is that good or should
I try and get one that covers the whole spectrum. With what this
covers, should I be getting more than I am and does the BBC fall
within this range.
Again, please know I sincerely appreciate the help you are giving me
and thank you for allowing me to ask what may appear to some as stupid
questions.

Haci

On Apr 14, 7:17*am, Hacienda de Ville ferrante276-
wrote:
Hi,
* I certainly appreciate everything all of you are suggesting. I
started playing with my Kaito KA11 hoping that I could try and get
some things as I do like the size of it. Today, I am going to take it
out as see if I get AM on the outside. If not, something is definitely
wrong with this radio.
* When I scan the SW bands, I am disappointed as I get nothing except
two different broadcasts, both religious. I was hoping to get the BBC
and other things. Apparently that is not to be, at least not in my
apartment. I will try outside and see what happens and post later what
I found out.
* On some of the models you guys recommended, I saw different SW bands
covered. This radio has coverage of 5.80-18.10. Is that good or should
I try and get one that covers the whole spectrum. With what this
covers, should I be getting more than I am and does the BBC fall
within this range.
* Again, please know I sincerely appreciate the help you are giving me
and thank you for allowing me to ask what may appear to some as stupid
questions. *

Haci

HdV,

SWL -Newbies- Using Your "Kaito" AM FM Shortwave Radio for the First
Time

First - Take the Radio and the Owner's Manual out and sit
down and Handle the Radio along with Reading the Manual.
-Tip- Insert the Batteries into the Radio.

Kaito KA11 Digital AM FM Shortwave Radio
http://www.kaitousa.com/KA11.htm
http://www.radiointel.com/review-kaitoka11.htm
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...able/0011.html

Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio Controls
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011cont.jpg

Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio Specifications
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL.../0011spec.html

OK so when you take your Radio 'outside' :

1 - Make sure that the "DX/Local" Switch is in the DX position.
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011side.jpg

2 - For FM Band Radio reception Extend the Radio's
Whip Antenna fully Straight-Up.

3 - For AM/MW Band Radio reception the Radio uses
it's built-in AM/MW Ferrite Rod Antenna :
* Collapse the Radio's Whip Antenna.
* Rotate the Radio around for the Best reception of
each Radio Station Peaking and Nulling the signal.

4 - For Shortwave Radio reception use :
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...e/0011side.jpg
* Outdoor Antenna Socket and plug-in the
* Soft-Wire or Reel Antenna**; and extend the Antenna
Wire Up and Away from the Radio into the Air.
http://www.kaitousa.com/radioimages/KA11F.jpg
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...le/0011sys.jpg

For Day-Time Shortwave Listening with the
Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio try :
25m Shortwave Band : 11,500 - 12,200 kHz
22m Shortwave Band : 13,510 - 13,900 kHz
19m Shortwave Band : 15,000 - 15,700 kHz

For Night-Time Shortwave Listening with the
Kaito KA11 AM FM SW Radio try :
49m Shortwave Band : 5,800 - 6,400 kHz
41m Shortwave Band : 6,900 - 7,400 kHz
31m Shortwave Band : 9,100 - 9,990 kHz

** 23 Foot Reel {Roll-Up} Shortwave Antenna
http://www.kaitousa.com/Antenna.htm
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/3184.html

Dont leave that Kaito plugged in when you leave your house.It might burn
your house down.
cuhulin

Hello: The best thing to do if you already haven't done so is to
get a shortwave frequency guide with broadcast times for international
broadcasters, and the frequencys they broadcast on. Popular
Communications magazine, and Passport to World Band Radio have such
timetables. There are other sources also.
Also you will get much better reception at around sunset and
later.....daytime is not the best.
Reception is always better outside. Or string the wire around your
window...... If you have a lot of emi/rf souirces in your home...
that will make things worse.

My KA11 is as good little radio for its size.,.... I can pick up a
surprisingly high number of stations on all bands....

So I am still wondering if you got a bad KA11 that slipped past
their quality control inspectors. If you have your bill and the
warranty is in effect, I would think of taking it back and trying
another one or two. The only thing is... being in a store full of
electronics... and possibly with a lot of shielding in the building...
even the best radio might get next to nothing in reception on SW.

Get a couple of issues of Popular Communications..... get Passport
to World Band Radio.... do some searches on the sites that others have
mentioned here.... There is some learning to do as far as finding out
how to increase your reception with your radio.

Perhaps a short outdoor antenna would be good for you.... you
wouldn't want it very long with such a small radio.... you could
easily overload it.

Best of luck....
Cato

(Greetings Cuhulin...... I use all my radios with re-chargeable
batteries, except my Panasonic RF2200 that I have plugged in in the
back room. I don't like to leave anything plugged in that doesn't
really have to be plugged in. Is it the wall-wart that comes with the
Kaito? How about a better wall-wart? Would that stop the hazard?)

RHF has certainly put a lot of useful info here to help a newbie
with the KA11. Many thanks to him....

Cato