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Getting started in MW DXing
Hi,
Can anybody point to any good website or books to get me started in MW DXing. Also what's the best antenna to use. I currently have an AOR LA350 with the medium wave attachment and a 8M longwire. The longwire seems a bit noisier at my QTH. My radio is an AOR AR7030 plus. I'm located in the UK and would like to receiver American stations if possible. What's the best time to listen and what frequencies should I try. Do I need a better antenna ? Any help much appreciated. BTW I realize this is rec.radio.shortwave but I wasn't aware of a medium wave group :( Thanks, Mike |
(snip)
I don't think there *is* a MW group, this seems to be the best place. Good, then I've landed home ! Try http://www.nrcdxas.org in the States, I'd bet there's a link off http://www.skywaves.info in the U.K.. (Skywaves is a FM/TV group but I'd bet they have a link to U.K. MW DXers) The *best* antenna to use is a Beverage - a very long wire very close to the ground. As in, 150m long or longer and maybe 20-30cm to 1m above ground. :0 We only have a small back yard. Obviously few DXers have enough room to use such an antenna! I think you're going to want to look at a ferrite-core or air loop antenna. (you can make your own air loop fairly easily) A longwire will probably have to be at least 40-50m long to stand much chance of hearing American stations. Yeah, 8 metres is my max for a longwire. I've got what I think is a ferrite-core, but no loop. Virtually all American stations (except low-power outlets) operate 24/7. I might suggest your best chance is to listen at your sunrise, when Yeah I read somewhere that MWDXers tend to be insomniacs. it's already light across Europe (and the stations on the Continent are beginning to fade out) but still dark across the Atlantic. Writing from the "wrong" side of the ocean I'm not all that familiar with what's the best frequencies to check. The stations we consider most commonly DX'd here in the States are often NOT the ones that are strongest in Europe. Most U.S. stations that operate at night use highly-directional antennas to beam most of their power out to sea (and away from other American stations on the same frequency) at the nearest beach.. which means they're not well-heard in the American interior but can be plenty loud overseas. I think CBC Radio 1 on 640KHz from St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador is probably the most-often-heard American station in the U.K.. The all-sports station on 1510 in Boston seems to be fairly commonly heard as well. I'll try those tonight, thanks very much for the help. |
A good antenna to use is a loop. There are several you can buy and there are
plans to build them also. You can build something like a 2 foot loop and use it with a preamp or the 4 foot box loop that doesnt need any preamp. If you have lots of room outside, a beverage antenna would be great. There are also other types of outdoor wire antennas that many are using. One is called the EWE antenna. There are some listserve e-mail groups dedicated to MW DXing and some clubs here in the US I know of. Here is the web address for the IRCA, International Radio Club of America. All MW Dxing and their web page has lots of info. http://www.ircaonline.org/ The IRCA also has an email list group with lots of MW DX info and talk on it. Here is that address. I am sure you can ask someone there how to get on this mailing list. Here is another club for MW DXing called the NRC, National Radio Club: http://www.nrcdxas.org/ Here is the web address for I think another club and has plans for a 1 meter MW loop on it. http://www.hard-core-dx.com/nordicdx...op/1mloop.html Here is a web page with lots of info on the EWE MW antenna that many use to DX with. http://www.nrcdxas.org/articles/ewe.html You should be able to hear stations from North America there, especially in the winter when conditions are much better. US and Canadian stations are all 10 khz apart. 550-560 570 etc. Here is a good web page to search for call letters. http://www.geocities.com/amlogbook/main.htm There is also the list serve group called AMFMTVDX, I cant remember how to subscribe to them. Here is the email address. Craig |
Michael Holme wrote:
Hi, Can anybody point to any good website or books to get me started in MW DXing. Also what's the best antenna to use. I currently have an AOR LA350 with the medium wave attachment and a 8M longwire. The longwire seems a bit noisier at my QTH. My radio is an AOR AR7030 plus. I'm located in the UK and would like to receiver American stations if possible. What's the best time to listen and what frequencies should I try. Do I need a better antenna ? Any help much appreciated. BTW I realize this is rec.radio.shortwave but I wasn't aware of a medium wave group :( Thanks, Mike Ideally, you need a very long beverage antenna for MW dxing or a MW loop antenna. Have a look at the UK's very Medium Wave Circle (MWC), address below: http://www.mwcircle.org/ There is also the BDXC which is mainly SW but covers, MW, FM and pirate loggins: http://www.bdxc.org.uk/ The MWC also sell many publications relating to Medium Wave Dxing, Antennas, Probagation, etc. Im also in the UK, Transatlantic Reception is possible all year round though better in the Winter. Frequencies that come through regulary are 930KHz, CJYQ, 1500KHz,1510KHz, though what you hear depends on the time and the month you listen. At the momemnt before sunrise or 3or 4am UK time may be your best bet, someone may be able to offer further advice on listening. |
BTW I realize this is rec.radio.shortwave
but I wasn't aware of a medium wave group :( Ok, just think of us listening to very long shortwaves. |
One of the most useful things I found for MW DX is a heck of a sharp
preselector - makes it easier to pull a DX shot out of the QRM with a 50KW powerhouse only 10KHz away. -- Gregg *Perhaps it's useful, even if it can't be SPICE'd* Visit the GeeK Zone - http://geek.scorpiorising.ca |
Michael Holme wrote: Hi, Can anybody point to any good website or books to get me started in MW DXing. Also what's the best antenna to use. I currently have an AOR LA350 with the medium wave attachment and a 8M longwire. The longwire seems a bit noisier at my QTH. My radio is an AOR AR7030 plus. I'm located in the UK and would like to receiver American stations if possible. What's the best time to listen and what frequencies should I try. Do I need a better antenna ? Any help much appreciated. BTW I realize this is rec.radio.shortwave but I wasn't aware of a medium wave group :( Thanks, Mike Try the AMANDX site below for antenna ideas as well as http://www.angelfire.com/wi/dxmidamerica/ http://www.nrcdxas.org/ http://www.ydunritz.com/ -- 73 and Best of DX Shawn Axelrod Visit the AMANDX DX site with info for the new or experienced listener: http://www.angelfire.com/mb/amandx/index.html REMEMBER ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN HEAR FOREVER |
Behold, Ron Hardin signaled from keyed 4-1000A filament:
Its particular advantage is that it's outdoors but completely steerable. You can take out a noise source or a local MW station. Ooooo, I used those in foxhunts :-) -- Gregg *Perhaps it's useful, even if it can't be SPICE'd* Visit the GeeK Zone - http://geek.scorpiorising.ca |
I would say conditions tonight are unusual rather than lousy. I've got KJJK
Fergus Falls, MN wiping out KDKA on 1020khz. (running oldies). WHo knows, he may hear Africa at sunrise ! GL ! John Wilke WB9UAI Milwaukee |
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Say! Those of you who have MW loops, especially on the east and west coasts of
NA, should try pointing them at the aurora. I've noticed, during solar instability, that SW signals are one way, east bound, but that they are two-way off the aurora. Bill, K5BY |
Other good ones to try.....
850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI "Michael Holme" wrote in message om... (snip) I don't think there *is* a MW group, this seems to be the best place. Good, then I've landed home ! Try http://www.nrcdxas.org in the States, I'd bet there's a link off http://www.skywaves.info in the U.K.. (Skywaves is a FM/TV group but I'd bet they have a link to U.K. MW DXers) The *best* antenna to use is a Beverage - a very long wire very close to the ground. As in, 150m long or longer and maybe 20-30cm to 1m above ground. :0 We only have a small back yard. Obviously few DXers have enough room to use such an antenna! I think you're going to want to look at a ferrite-core or air loop antenna. (you can make your own air loop fairly easily) A longwire will probably have to be at least 40-50m long to stand much chance of hearing American stations. Yeah, 8 metres is my max for a longwire. I've got what I think is a ferrite-core, but no loop. Virtually all American stations (except low-power outlets) operate 24/7. I might suggest your best chance is to listen at your sunrise, when Yeah I read somewhere that MWDXers tend to be insomniacs. it's already light across Europe (and the stations on the Continent are beginning to fade out) but still dark across the Atlantic. Writing from the "wrong" side of the ocean I'm not all that familiar with what's the best frequencies to check. The stations we consider most commonly DX'd here in the States are often NOT the ones that are strongest in Europe. Most U.S. stations that operate at night use highly-directional antennas to beam most of their power out to sea (and away from other American stations on the same frequency) at the nearest beach.. which means they're not well-heard in the American interior but can be plenty loud overseas. I think CBC Radio 1 on 640KHz from St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador is probably the most-often-heard American station in the U.K.. The all-sports station on 1510 in Boston seems to be fairly commonly heard as well. I'll try those tonight, thanks very much for the help. |
LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI |
If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher.
Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message ... LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI |
Kent, that is an interesting site that I was not aware of. Thanks for
the link. WBZ is very strong in Boston. I can pick it up in Vermont approximately 175 miles away in the middle of the day. On Sun, 04 Jul 2004 03:43:26 GMT, "Kent" wrote: If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher. Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message .. . LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI |
newbieguy wrote: Kent, that is an interesting site that I was not aware of. Thanks for the link. WBZ is very strong in Boston. I can pick it up in Vermont approximately 175 miles away in the middle of the day. On Sun, 04 Jul 2004 03:43:26 GMT, "Kent" wrote: If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher. Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message .. . LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI Love CHWO- on a good hight, it's "local" clear here in SW Michigan. Another Eastern USA powerhouse is WBBM Chicago. WJR in Detroit used to be clearly audible in Florida most evenings, and I assume still is - ? WWL in New Orleans is an easy nightime catch right up to the Canadian border most evenings. Tony |
Try 1170 A.M ( WWVA, Wheeling West Virginia)
If the " Skip Pattern" is right, you can hear it WAY beyond it's " Night Pattern" http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N Subject: Getting started in MW DXing From: Tony Meloche Date: 7/15/2004 8:18 PM Eastern Standard Time Message-id: newbieguy wrote: Kent, that is an interesting site that I was not aware of. Thanks for the link. WBZ is very strong in Boston. I can pick it up in Vermont approximately 175 miles away in the middle of the day. On Sun, 04 Jul 2004 03:43:26 GMT, "Kent" wrote: If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher. Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...=AM&status=L&h ours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message .. . LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI Love CHWO- on a good hight, it's "local" clear here in SW Michigan. Another Eastern USA powerhouse is WBBM Chicago. WJR in Detroit used to be clearly audible in Florida most evenings, and I assume still is - ? WWL in New Orleans is an easy nightime catch right up to the Canadian border most evenings. Tony |
"Chandler7600" wrote in message ... Try 1170 A.M ( WWVA, Wheeling West Virginia) If the " Skip Pattern" is right, you can hear it WAY beyond it's " Night Pattern" http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N Subject: Getting started in MW DXing From: Tony Meloche Date: 7/15/2004 8:18 PM Eastern Standard Time Message-id: newbieguy wrote: Kent, that is an interesting site that I was not aware of. Thanks for the link. WBZ is very strong in Boston. I can pick it up in Vermont approximately 175 miles away in the middle of the day. On Sun, 04 Jul 2004 03:43:26 GMT, "Kent" wrote: If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher. Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...=AM&status=L&h ours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message .. . LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI Love CHWO- on a good hight, it's "local" clear here in SW Michigan. Another Eastern USA powerhouse is WBBM Chicago. WJR in Detroit used to be clearly audible in Florida most evenings, and I assume still is - ? WWL in New Orleans is an easy nightime catch right up to the Canadian border most evenings. Tony For me here in NJ, the champs are 1090 WBAL Baltimore, 1100 WTAM in Cleveland, 1110 WBT in Charlotte... Most of the time in the evening, they are reliable, and sometimes that sound like local stations... For the most part, I can also hear just about every other 50kW station that is east of the Mississippi so long as it is not directional and nulling away from me or on the dial right next to any of the local powerhouse stations. -- Respectfully, Michael Location: New Jersey Primary Receiver: R-75 with full Kiwa mods Antennas: G5RV, 200ft "Frankenstein" roof wire Additional Radios: KA-1101,KA-1102,PL-550, KA-989, Info-Mate 837, GE-SR III Westinghouse H-104 (seven tube) Web Site: http://md_dxing.tripod.com |
Try some of the english language stations from Canada,
CFRB 1010 kHz Toronto may not be audible. But it is is covered by WINS in New Your, NY most of the time. CFRB has a short wave relay CFRX on 6070 kHz, it may not be on the air any more! CJAD 800 kHz and 940 kHz from Montreal, should be up on the air! I can listen to 940 kHz down in the I-93 and I-95 corridor of Massachusetts. There is a stretch of I-93 in Wilmington, MA where the CFRB 1010 kHz signal lobe cancels out WINS! It's great to here CFRB direct! On week ends CFRB and CJAD simulcast evening and late night programming of CFRB! The CBC Radio 1 from Montreal on 91.7 MHz FM should be audible from Vermont! CBC is also relayed on The Quebec Northern Service on short wave 9625 kHz. AM Try 1100 KhZ Cleveland and 1210 Khz Philly! Also 680 Khz should pound into your area at night! I us a Realistic DX 440 to do may MW dxing! Jim newbieguy wrote: Kent, that is an interesting site that I was not aware of. Thanks for the link. WBZ is very strong in Boston. I can pick it up in Vermont approximately 175 miles away in the middle of the day. On Sun, 04 Jul 2004 03:43:26 GMT, "Kent" wrote: If you are "behind" the station, it will be tougher. Here is the night pattern..... http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin...atus=L&hours=N "newbieguy" wrote in message .. . LOL, I was looking thru messages and had to chuckle when I came across this one. I have a hard time getting 850 WEEI Boston at night and I am less then 50 miles away from the station. I believe the night time transmitting area is directional though for that station. I can actually get 660 FAN from New York better at night. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:45:17 GMT, "Kent" wrote: Other good ones to try..... 850 WEEI Boston 1110 WBT Charlotte 710 WOR New York 810 WGY Schenectady 660 WFAN New York 740 CHWO Toronto A 1m air loop would do you well. As would a KIWA loop if you have the money. Kent, K9EZ Menomonee Falls, WI |
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