How to find the best shortwave radio
Shortwave radio shares a lot in common with the typical AM/FM radio, in the sense that it has a digital tuner keypad or a knob for setting the radio frequency to listen to. You normally surf through different frequencies on an AM/FM radio until you find something that you like. In this type of radio, however, it’s much harder to find the best shortwave radio frequency by accident. In most cases, you will need to know the frequency band that is being used to tune into the radio.
Another similarity is that listening to shortwave broadcasts and listening to AM/FM frequency bands are practical straightforward. The more in sync you are with the frequency band, the higher the overall quality of the broadcast. In order to find the best shortwave radio frequency, it’s important to follow some steps. And here they are:
Know the shortwave radio station to listen to. You may need to know, too, whether or not your radio is analog. A digital radio is much easier to use if you know the radio station, but it’s harder to find a random frequency. The advantage of digital shortwave radios is that they are higher in audio quality and can provide aesthetically attractive sounds, which an AM/FM radio cannot. One difference is that when the signal suddenly cuts off, you will hear only silence and no static interference, which you normally hear on analog radios of all kind. The signal is filtered for interference in a digital shortwave device, which makes the sound quality even better, the vocal detail more audible.
If you are more of a traditionalist, then you can still find shortwave radios being sold on the market. Make sure that you read customer buying tips and buyer’s guides before you make a purchase. This will help you find the best shortwave radio for sale. You will also get the most bang for your buck in this way.
You have to be able to tell time. Depending on where you live, international shortwave radio frequencies will differ in terms of signal strength. You should be able to hear some frequencies, but others will only give you a blank station. The times of broadcast and the strength of signal varies on different places. It’s advisable to be familiar with your location and the availability of the radio frequencies at different times of the day.
The third step is to improve your signal quality. Shortwave radio uses a similar signal type that AM/FM radio uses. The frequency bands’ quality, therefore, can be improved by positioning your radio where there is less obstruction and it is more open. Reducing the shortwave radio’s proximity with objects that have the potential to interfere with radio frequency signals will also help boost your reception.
Read some more tips online on how you can boost your radio signal. Sometimes, tapping directly into good signal will lead to better results, but may require additional tweaking or the use of a signal amplifier. Find out more information about this to improve your shortwave radio listening experience.
Still looking for the best shortwave radio? How about taking to the internet to find some amateur radio equipment which can include shortwave radios?