On May 17, 5:49*pm, Daniel Salas wrote:
Hi All,

Complete newbie here considering purchasing a shortwave radio, but
since I've heard that sw's can have trouble picking up signals in NYC
I want to get some info from the experts before I take the plunge.

I live in northern Brooklyn, NY, in a top-floor apartment that has
roof access. There are really no buildings much taller than mine in
the area (save Manhattan across the river, of course). So I'm
wondering, can I expect much success in picking up shortwave stations,
and if so, what do you think is the cheapest model I could get away
with for my area and still expect decent results? I know that sw
involves some work and hunting, which I'm prepared to do, I just don't
want to be completely out-of-luck.

Let me know how you think I should proceed.

Much thanks in advance!!!

Hi Daniel and welcome to RRS :-) You'll definitely get alot of help
and recommendations from everyone here. Brenda Ann said something that
is so true, don't get something cheap (radio wise.) It will just ruin
your radio experience and IMO by newbies going that route - they
quickly gave up on the hobby.

I can tell you from my personal experience, with the setup of you
living on that top floor and having access to the roof - you could
really put together a nice setup.

As for your radio, it all depends on how much jack you want to spend.
If money isn't much of an obstacle go with maybe an Icom R-75 to start
out, or any of the nicer tabletop models. Worse case scenario, you
give the hobby a try and don't like it or it just isn't your
bag.....then you can always sell your piece and you haven't lost a
thing.

If you don't want to spend that kind of money, there "are" workarounds
so too speak. There are all kinds of accessories that can aid in
cleaning up a signal too. You can purchase a nice portable receiver, I
have a couple and they do come in handy when or if you want to get
away, and trust me - if you get into the hobby and enjoy it....there
WILL be times where you want to get away from any RFI (interference)
and you'll flip when you see the difference. It will almost make you
want to build a small cabin ( I did ) or go to the beach or park and
have a ball.

But one of the most important things is your antenna. It could be as
simple as running fifty feet of wire and coupling it to your whip
antenna or buying one ready made that is cut for all the bands or
specific bands of your liking. But with you having access to the
roof...yeah baby...you could have a badass setup if you wanted.
Welcome to the hobby and read read read read and you'll learn alot.
Good luck and let everyone know what you chose to do. :-)