Michael Lawson wrote:

"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...
Michael Lawson wrote:

One thing, isn't operation of a transceiver illegal without
a ham license??


Transmitting is. Using it to listen isn't.

Duly noted. I don't see how in the bang for the buck
terms whether a transceiver would be worth it, considering
you have to pay for the transmit circuits as well as
the receive.


Actually, transceivers aren't priced much higher than a receiver with similar capabilities.

My guess is there are more hams who are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a rig than than SWL's.

For my money, getting a better used shortwave or
improving the antenna would allow you to pull in
hams better.


Improving your antenna is bound to deliver the most bang for the
buck, but while his portable is a good one, there are other radios
that'll do a better job at picking up hams with a suitable antenna.

Granted. I'd suspect an Icom R-71A would be a good
used choice.

--Mike L.