New to Shortwave Listening

bill55 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 05:51 PM

Hi everyone,
I'd like to get started in Shortwave listening but have no experience in this area. I've used scanners and have a Ham radio licence so I have some experience in radio but not shortwave. I'd appreciate any input as to what would be a good all around short wave radio to buy. I know I want digital tuning display, scanning ability, and external antenna jack. Like to stay around $500 but can spend more if necessary.
Thanks in advance for any help in this area.
Bill

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill55

Hi everyone,
I'd like to get started in Shortwave listening but have no experience in this area. I've used scanners and have a Ham radio licence so I have some experience in radio but not shortwave. I'd appreciate any input as to what would be a good all around short wave radio to buy. I know I want digital tuning display, scanning ability, and external antenna jack. Like to stay around $500 but can spend more if necessary.
Thanks in advance for any help in this area.
Bill

In general, Bill, you cannot 'scan' on the HF bands, mainly due to the fact that noise levels tend to vary from band to band (the lower freqs tend to be noisier), and that any local noise sources could fool the radio into stopping, thinking it to be a legitimate signal.

Since you're already a ham, it would be most advantageous for you if you were to buy a used HF transceiver. These days, that would include a general coverage receiver already built in. I don't have, unfortunately, a good feel for what would be out there these days, however, radios like the Kenwood TS430 and 440, or an older Yaesu or Icom model, would be logical places to start. You ought to be able to do quite well for USD500.

There are numerous user-level reviews on EHam.com, and that's a real good place to start. You might also consider your antenna situation as well (we have a separate forum for that), as the best transceiver isn't worth much without a good antenna. When you do, be as specific as you can - particularly describe whether you can put something outdoors (that's the best option), how much room you have to work with, and so forth. We have lots of possibilities in our HF Antennas wiki, and there's even a Yahoo group devoted to the subject.

73 Mike

bill55 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 06:25 PM

Hi Mike,
I'm not really interested in transmitting . I want to put all the money into a good reciever. I want to be able to hear first hand what's going on around the world.
Thanks,
Bill

ka3jjz · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 06:01 AM

Bill, the day of the desktop HF receiver - a dedicated one - is fading fast. Portables are nice for an introduction, but tend to be somewhat limited in how much antenna they can handle, selectivity and other issues. You can find good used HF receivers out there from time to time - check Universal radio's listings, for example - but you're going to find that prices can be quite high.

If you decide to go this route, become familiar with all the receiver reviews we've linked in our wiki. They are a gold mine of this kind of information. Become informed before going shopping so you can sort the good stuff from the chaf... 73 Mike

raisindot · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill55

Hi everyone,
I'd like to get started in Shortwave listening but have no experience in this area. I've used scanners and have a Ham radio licence so I have some experience in radio but not shortwave. I'd appreciate any input as to what would be a good all around short wave radio to buy. I know I want digital tuning display, scanning ability, and external antenna jack. Like to stay around $500 but can spend more if necessary.
Thanks in advance for any help in this area.
Bill

Bill, others are correct in advising you to read the reviews, but if you're looking for a quick recommendation for a desktop receiver you really can't go wrong with the Icom R-75. It has everything you're looking for--digital display, scanning, and two external antenna hookups. If you get one, make sure you get one with the optional UT-106 DSP board installed--this gives it DSP-based noise reduction and notch filters. And they can be enhanced with all sorts of filter and audio recommendations. It was my main rig for several years and it worked great.

Suzie

nickcarr · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill55

Hi Mike,
I'm not really interested in transmitting . I want to put all the money into a good reciever. I want to be able to hear first hand what's going on around the world.
Thanks,
Bill

You're best bet might be the FT-817ND. It's a transceiver but in a semi-portable package. It only transmits 5watts, but it would make a decent HF receiver. For the price though, you get both packages. It transmits HF thru 70cm...

Its display is a tad small so if that's a problem, then you may want to look at receivers such as an Icom R75, Drake R8, Kenwood R5000. Both are fine out of the box, but of course, will do better with improved modifications.

And remember, none of these radios means diddly squat without a decent antenna system.

ka3jjz · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 09:22 PM

I had a 817 for a time when I thought I might get into PSK31 QRP (couldn't manage putting up any kind of decent antenna for it...). That has one hot general coverage receiver! I couldn't believe how good it was. Of course, it's not really a 'desktop' radio - it's actually more of a portable (although some purists will tell you that since it doesn't have a carrying handle or strap, it's not portable...). 73 Mike

bill55 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 12:54 AM

Anyone know anything about the Grundig Satellit 750. Is it a decent entry level unit ? Will a beginner SW Listener notice much of a difference from something like the Icom R75.

ka3jjz · #9 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 11:24 AM

The 750's record so far is spotty at best. I haven't heard much good about it, frankly. I seem to recall that the Satellit has issues on receiving SSB - but don't take my word for it. I wouldn't doubt that Passport has done it's own review by now. As always do your research before you plunk down any green.

Personally speaking, it appears Eton dropped the ball with the 750. It could have been a decent performer - particularly had they used the last builds of the Sony 6800W orange model as a baseline, which the radio strongly resembles. 73 Mike

nickcarr · #10 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill55

Anyone know anything about the Grundig Satellit 750. Is it a decent entry level unit ? Will a beginner SW Listener notice much of a difference from something like the Icom R75.

Bill, what is it you're expecting to hear on SW? Are you looking for general SW radio broadcasts, HAMs, military...?

Give us an idea of what you're after and we might be able to narrow a few choices down.

bill55 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 05:55 PM

I'd like to get an entry level unit to explore and get a little taste of everything. Then the plan is to move up in quality. Do you think the Grundig G6 would do the job to start or should I go right to something like a Grundig Satellit 750 or an IC-R75. I live in a rural area with no problem stringing up an antenna.
Thanks,
Bill

ka3jjz · #12 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 07:53 PM

Examining the user reviews of the 750 on EHam suggests a quality control issue. Some folks seem to have gotten a radio that works pretty well, others seem to suggest the opposite. It's entirely possible that the review Larry Magne did for PWBR (and I think was also done for MT by Larry Van Horn) was a bad batch. It's hard to say. I would bet that there's a Yahoo group for that radio (heck, there's one for just about every radio these days....) and I would start there. No better information than from actual users.

I've seen only one review on the G6 (on the DXer.ca website) and it seems that it suffers from insufficient shielding and a too-hot front end, at least in the unit that was tested. Again, ask around.

On the other hand, the R75 has a proven track record. There are even a few mods floating around. Again, I would do the research. Talk to actual users, especially those near to where you live.

73 Mike

[edit] Here are the Yahoo groups for all 3 of these receivers...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Satellit-750/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Grundig-G6/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/icomr75/

bill55 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009, 08:21 PM

Thanks for the web sites Mike.

CLynch7 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill55

I'd like to get an entry level unit to explore and get a little taste of everything. Then the plan is to move up in quality. Do you think the Grundig G6 would do the job to start or should I go right to something like a Grundig Satellit 750 or an IC-R75. I live in a rural area with no problem stringing up an antenna.
Thanks,
Bill

I've got a G6, and I've really enjoyed it. Sure, it has some small flaws, but overall it is great for the price. Check out the reviews over on eHam. I often use mine with a Radio Shack 20-280 amplified antenna, with no overload problems. You might also consider a G5, Rat Shack is blowing those out for 119.99. If you don't mind an analog set with digital readout, older Panasonics are great. RF-2200 for AM especially. My main rig is a GE 7-2990a, which is a Pana RF-2600 in disguise. I know for a fact that the RF-4900 covers 520-30Mhz continuous. The rest usually have a gap between 1600-3500 khz, if the Xband on AM and 160 meters are of importance. Of course there is the Sony 2010, overall one of the best sets ever. Good luck and good DX!

blinddog50 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 07:20 AM

No one has mentioned the Grundig Satellit 800?
Great radio, if you can find one.

raisindot, it's still working good.

nickcarr · #16 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 05:59 PM

Please read this thread for more information on HF radios: Radio's that receive HF

N1BHH · #17 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 06:49 PM

You will never get everyone to agree on what radio is the best, because reality sets in and say there is no such thing. It may be best for you while for someone else it's a piece of crap. It's just like anything you buy, some features have their pros and cons. It's always best to ask around with friends you know have certain models of radio to ask them what they like or dislike, then make your own informed decision.

bill55 · #18 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 02:48 PM

I'd like to thank everyone for your input. I've spent a lot of time reading and reading and reading some more about the many models. I've found ,as you said, they all have good points and bad points. With that said, I bought a G6 to get started and learn a little about all the different types of listening before buying a more expense rig. I've been using it for the last few nights to the wee hours of the morning and it's not bad. I even caught a few SSB conversations with just the built-in antenna. I'm going to get some kind of external antenna to help it out. I hate to bother you again but are there any suggestions on an antenna.( I've been considering the AN-200 ).
Bill, N2UNO

ka3jjz · #19 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 04:24 PM

bill we have an antennas forum...73 Mike

nickcarr · #20 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka3jjz

bill we have an antennas forum...73 Mike

Mike, it would be nice to separate the antenna forums a bit. There's a world of difference when talking shortwave antennas versus VHF, 800mhz, etc.

Any chance we could get our own Antennas forum?