I'm posting in this forum for those who have considered using amateur ham radio transceivers for SWL only. Typically you read that these radios require a substantial 12VDC power supply that you might can't afford, or can't afford to run it, or just don't want a big power supply in your monitoring space. I'm one of those people that uses a transceiver for SWL. I use an ICOM IC-7600. If you were a ham and intend to use this you'd have to procure about a 25 amp power supply! However if you're using it for receiving only, the specs say it only requires ony 3.0A on standby and 3.5A at full audio. That might convince you to consider using a transceiver which often make superior receivers!
Note: In the U.S. you do not require a license of any kind to purchase or use a amateur-ham transceiver for receiving only. Never be tempted to transmit, in fact disconnect the microphone just to make sure!
Note: In the U.S. you do not require a license of any kind to purchase or use a amateur-ham transceiver for receiving only. Never be tempted to transmit, in fact disconnect the microphone just to make sure!