Good starter Shortwave Radio?
I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to
have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Zach Edwardson wrote:
I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) To answer you questions backwards, don't buy a battery independent radio, unless you need one. For example in your fallout shelter. Buy either a radio that runs on household current, or if you want a portable, buy one that uses AA batteries. Then go out and buy a set of slow discharge NiMH batteries, such as the Sanyo Enerloop, and use them. They charge in any standard NiHM charger, but take longer to charge. They also will hold 80% of their charge for a year. The don't take a charge well the first few times you use them, so expect them to need to be recharged relatively quickly the first few times. They will last about 1,000 charge/discharge cycles, or 3 years if you run them down to empty and recharge every day. Now to a radio. You can look at the website of Universal Radio (www.rffun.com) and see what they have. Look at their used radios too. Don't buy anything with tubes in it, no matter how good it looks, how well they say it works, nor how cheap it is. Tube radios are fine if you understand the care they need, but as a first radio, it's not a good idea. Before you buy anything, put an ad up on the local mailing lists, looking for one for free. You would be surprised what people have, and won't get rid of because they think it might be valuable, but really want out of their homes and would gladly give away to someone who asked. You could also go to www.qrz.com and put in your zipcode in the advanced search option. That will give you a list of hams that live near you. If you recognize any names, give them a call. If you don't send them an email, or if they are a neighbor, knock on their door and explain why. Hams love to show of their stations and help prospective hams. Geoff. -- Geoffrey S. Mendelson N3OWJ/4X1GM To help restaurants, as part of the "stimulus package", everyone must order dessert. As part of the socialized health plan, you are forbidden to eat it. :-) |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 12, 12:14*pm, Bob Dobbs wrote:
Zach Edwardson wrote: I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. *I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) You're probably going to end up with something used, with that level of expenditure restriction, because new radios in that range won't deliver anywhere near the performance that will sustain an interest in the hobby. Trying to guess what will be available to you at the time of your purchase is no trivial challenge. Good Luck. -- Operator Bob Echo Charlie 42 Well, I called around and to make a long story short (Someone I knew knew someone who knew this guy type deal) and picked up a new in box Grundig Traveler II Digital G8 for a song (20 USD) that I will get tomarrow. I know its not a Ham quality radio, but the price was right and I might have fun with it. So, I guess the question is now "How good/bad is a Grundig Traveler II Digital G8 as a portable Shortwave radio?" |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 12, 1:32*pm, Bob Dobbs wrote:
http://bit.ly/cx7j5f Thank you Bob. Seems by the reviews online it is a decent radio at a good price. I figure if I buy it, never use it, I could sell it on, and if I did like it, I could put it in my office/car, use it as a portable system, and get something like a Ten Tec RX-320 for home use. Might be good for me to learn how to spool up and make some home made attennas for better SW service. My grandfather was a Ham, but I am completely new to the whole true radio experince. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Zach Edwardson wrote:
I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) If you want to just listen why not use web streams? They are much easier on the years. Are you intrigued by the technology? The idea of sparks heard around the world, etc? If so, beware. There is a lot of hardware out there.. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Zach Edwardson wrote:
Well, I called around and to make a long story short (Someone I knew knew someone who knew this guy type deal) and picked up a new in box Grundig Traveler II Digital G8 for a song (20 USD) that I will get tomarrow. I know its not a Ham quality radio, but the price was right and I might have fun with it. So, I guess the question is now "How good/bad is a Grundig Traveler II Digital G8 as a portable Shortwave radio?" That looks like a fun radio. It uses a real old tuner chip from the late '80s. Sensitive as all get-out. I wouldn't add more than a couple clip leads to the antenna. You can tune stations in the gap adding (or subtracting) 900kHz to the frequency you want, as the radio is single conversion with a low IF (450 kHz [sometimes 450]). |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
It is good enough for an inexpensive starter radio.Have fun with it.
cuhulin |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Look around in your area for Amateur Radio Clubs.They will help you.
cuhulin |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Check out any thrift stores in your area for any radios you like.I own
over 300 old radios, most of them I bought at thrift stores and junk shops and flea markets.Check out the yard sales too. No such thing as owning too many radios. http://www.shopgoodwill.com cuhulin |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 12, 6:36*pm, wrote:
Check out any thrift stores in your area for any radios you like.I own over 300 old radios, most of them I bought at thrift stores and junk shops and flea markets.Check out the yard sales too. No such thing as owning too many radios.http://www.shopgoodwill.com cuhulin Well the old adage of "be careful what you wish for you just might get it" Someone offered me a Hammerlund HQ-129x if I carted it off...now I know why they are called boat anchors! I know it works, as i was able to get a country radio station on it, but i hope the poor reception was due to my improvised antenna (some co-axle cable) and not the radio. I downloaded the manual so I know how to warm up the tubes and all that. (Has original knobs i think) So now I am trying learn with about 20 foot co-ax antenna. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
And sorry that my last post came in my old "Drgong" name. Anyways,
the tube radio is nice, but I suspect that if just for power usage, I will not be overly using it. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
My brother in law (he is a retired Air Force Colonel) has a big old boat
anchor radio.I never said anything to him about that radio before because most likely he would shoot me the ''evil eye''. cuhulin |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
|
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 12, 7:10*am, Zach Edwardson wrote:
I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. *I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) ZE, Try eBay for "Shortwave Radio" under $100 USD. http://electronics.shop.ebay.com/Sho...=p3286.c0.m282 You might want to take a look at a new Redsun RP2100 AM / FM / Shortwave Radio http://cgi.ebay.com//290387798172 -or- the C. Crane Co. -model- CCRadio-SW Radio -note- same basic SW Radio as the Redsun http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/2678.html http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwa...cradio-sw.aspx both can be run for Hours on Batteries or your Home's AC Power. Another 'new' Shortwave Radio to consider is the Tecsun AM FM Shortwave World Band Radio Receiver http://cgi.ebay.com/150440623793 -or- the Grundig S350-DL AM/FM Shortwave Radio http://cgi.ebay.com/120608458478 http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...able/0043.html -note- same basic SW Radio as the Tecsun Finally Check-Out the "Used" Radio Lists at Universal-Radio .Com http://www.universal-radio.com/used/used1.html hope this helps ~ RHF |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Zach Edwardson wrote:
On Aug 12, 11:46 pm, wrote: wrote: Look around in your area for Amateur Radio Clubs.They will help you. cuhulin Tell 'em Coohoo sent you! One of my co-workers is part of the radio club, I will have to ask him about it, from what impressions I have had in the past, it’s very much of a "Ham good old boys" but I am sure they will help me set up something if I join. I just realized that while I live in a apartment, I have a six foot Attic area that I never used, I still have to figure out how I will get it into the main room without drilling, but its at about 40 foot long, so I am sure that if I get into the hobby, I know where I can set up some sort of antenna. (I know it’s not as good as an outside antenna, but you have to use what you have.) As for the Hammerlund, I will be keeping it around as I have the space and it might be a converstation starter, even if so far I have only been able to pick up the local AM station. (Live out in a rural area) I will get the Grundig G8 later today and start fiddling around. I have a whopping 70' X 100' property. My antennas take about 15 square inches on the ground (not counting all the chicken wire buried everywhere.) |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 13, 10:06*am, dave wrote:
Zach Edwardson wrote: On Aug 12, 11:46 pm, *wrote: wrote: Look around in your area for Amateur Radio Clubs.They will help you. cuhulin Tell 'em Coohoo sent you! One of my co-workers is part of the radio club, I will have to ask him about it, from what impressions I have had in the past, it’s very much of a "Ham good old boys" but I am sure they will help me set up something if I join. * I just realized that while I live in a apartment, I have a six foot Attic area that I never used, I still have to figure out how I will get it into the main room without drilling, but its at about 40 foot long, so I am sure that if I get into the hobby, I know where I can set up some sort of antenna. *(I know it’s not as good as an outside antenna, but you have to use what you have.) As for the Hammerlund, I will be keeping it around as I have the space and it might be a converstation starter, even if so far I have only been able to pick up the local AM station. (Live out in a rural area) I will get the Grundig G8 later today and start fiddling around. - I have a whopping 70' X 100' property. -*My antennas take about 15 square inches on the ground - (not counting all the chicken wire buried everywhere.) Dave does all that Chicken Wire in the Ground keep the Reptilians from the Under-Earth from eating-up your Marijuana Plants . . . http://www.greatdreams.com/reptlan/reps.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...lian_humanoids Some reports say that the Reptoids like eating the fresh un-cooked flesh of Hu-Man Marijuana Smokers cause it has such a 'mellow' taste. take care dave and stay 'mellow' and alive - pal ~ RHF |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
My property area is about 70 feet by about 140 or 150 or 160 feet.I once
measured it a bunch of years ago, but I forget. I also own a half acre of land in Florida, does that count too? cuhulin |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
In article ,
Zach Edwardson wrote: I am totally new to the hobby, so I was thinking it would be nice to have a shortwave radio that I could listen to some broadcasts. I would prefer a radio that is battery independent (So I don't spend a fortune on getting new batteries for a radio, plug in or wind up is fine) and I really do not want to spend a ton of money on something that I won't use much if I don't like it, so it needs to be inexpensive (as in under $100 USD.) I really like my Crane CCRadio-SWP. It's only $50 and lasts 70 hours on 2 AAs. I use NiMHs which are rechargeable. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 13, 2:15*pm, Bob Dobbs wrote:
Zach Edwardson wrote: I just realized that while I live in a apartment, I have a six foot Attic area that I never used, I still have to figure out how I will get it into the main room without drilling, but its at about 40 foot long, so I am sure that if I get into the hobby, I know where I can set up some sort of antenna. *(I know it’s not as good as an outside antenna, but you have to use what you have.) - There's stories of folk installing 'slinky' antennas in an attic space. - - -- - - Operator Bob - Echo Charlie 42 ATTIC LOOP ANTENNAS seem to be a better and more effective use of the 'Space' in an Attic and generally have lower noise pick-up too. * simple Square for a Square Attic Area * simple Rectangle for Rectangle Attic Area * Bow-Tie Dipole Antenna in a Figure '8' [X] can be either Square of Rectangle ** Center of '8' [X] Feed-Point ** 2 Opposite High Corners and 2 Opposite Low Corners -Tip- Using TV Wire Stand-Offs to Rig the Antenna Wire http://images.philips.com/is/image/PhilipsConsumer/SDV9490_27-GAL-global?wid=430&hei=430&$jpglarge$ -Wire- TV 300 Ohm Twin-Lead for the Antenna Wire; either Wired as a 2 Parallel Twin Loops or as a Series 2-Turn Loop. http://therealcableguy.com/300%20ohm...20lead%202.jpg -MLB- TV Matching Transformer 300 Ohm Twin Lead to 75 Ohm "F" Coax Connector http://www.summitsource.com/images/products/COTRAN.jpg -Coax- RG6UQ 'Quad' Coax Cable feed-in-line http://www.limesat.ca/images/rg6cut.jpg * Use 'White' so it will blend-in -Note- All of this is available just about anywhere WalMart, RadioShack or a Hardware Store. hope this helps - iane ~ RHF |
=INFO= RX-320D HF Receiver Shortwave Radio ?
On Aug 13, 2:12*pm, Bob Dobbs wrote:
dave wrote: Same goes for the RX320. *It is not a true SDR; it is an old fashioned superhet with a DSP demodulator. - http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...mrxvr/0320.jpg - I can't see any knobs on this thing, they must all be in the back? - - -- - - Operator Bob - Echo Charlie 42 Virtual Knobs on your PC. http://xclass.sourceforge.net/rx320.html or in the Palm of your Hand . . . http://www.cogwheel.com/rx320/ |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Bob Dobbs wrote: RHF wrote: http://therealcableguy.com/300%20ohm...20lead%202.jpg What's that coin with the duck, goose or whatever? That's a coin known as a 'Loonie', ($1), used by the dumbass Canucks! -- Operator Bob Echo Charlie 42 |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
|
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
Bob Dobbs wrote:
dave wrote: Same goes for the RX320. It is not a true SDR; it is an old fashioned superhet with a DSP demodulator. http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...mrxvr/0320.jpg I can't see any knobs on this thing, they must all be in the back? You need a computer in lieu of a front panel. Not much of one, either. It's still an old-school superheterodyne double upconversion RF chain with a DSP demodulator. |
Good starter Shortwave Radio?
On Aug 14, 11:29*am, dave wrote:
wrote: My property area is about 70 feet by about 140 or 150 or 160 feet.I once measured it *a bunch of years ago, but I forget. I also own a half acre of land in Florida, does that count too? cuhulin Only if it has antennas on it. One hell of a feed-line _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:59 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
RadioBanter.com