3 Reasons To Get A Shortwave Radio.

I get comments from time to time claiming that Shortwave is dead. It's not. It's not like the 50's, but then again nothing else is either. That said, there are a lot of great reasons for a person that is paying attention should consider a Shortwave radio. Here are my top three!
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[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

Every prepper needs a short-wave radio (with SSB preferably). What's more important is how to use it (external antenna, listening at night), saving stations (writing them down with times heard), ways of recharging the batteries (solar panel). If the grid goes down this is the only information available to know what's going on.

[@TruthVSLies]

100%.

[@barrykelly2722]

I've had a retikiss v115 for a year or two now. Still trying to work out the kinks. And I've only reached across the border into Canada. No success getting across the pond yet. Have a wire antenna in my attic. Seem to only find stations in South America and religious channels. Would be nice to have a channel listing.

[@TruthVSLies]

@@barrykelly2722 google SHORT-WAVE INFO for channel listings.

[@ferdinandmeyer8354]

@barrykelly2722 look up WBCQ ,WWCR AND WRMI. Lot of different shows coming from them.

[@FarpointFarms]

There are also plenty of shows that are not listed on their sites. Noting times heard is a good way to catch them.

[@mattstosh6960]

As a Ham Radio Operator who does a lot of contesting and Special Events, I still receive quite a number of SWL cards (in paper and electronic format) and I make absolutely sure I respond to those QSL requests. The SWL exchanges are my favorites. Even in North America only contests, many of the SWL requests come from Europe especially Germany. So there are a large number of SWL operators out there - I would actually say the SWLs are increasing in numbers.

[@FarpointFarms]

I still have a bunch that I have gotten over the years.

[@9mmARman]

OK, you've convinced me, I'm going to pick up a shortwave receiver. You're 100% responsible for me getting back into CB after so many decades away from the hobby, and I settled on the President McKinley because of your videos. And I was recently given an older base station which also has SSB, so I'll not only have my mobile unit, which I've spoken all around the world with (definitely not using an RM Italy amp), but as soon as I figure out an antenna for my base station I'll be talking on there, too. I hope to hear Farpoint Farms on the other end sometime all the way up here in MassaTwoShits. I have spoken with Mower Junkie once, so it might just happen sometime! Thanks for all your videos, and for getting me back on the air!

[@FarpointFarms]

Glad that I could do that for you. I have never heard Mass being called that- many other things, just not that one.

[@keithp115]

Always appreciate your vast knowledge on this nostalgic hobby, which is hopefully making a comeback!

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@LTHanlon]

I agree entirely with the importance of free speech. Allan Weiner's WBCQ is among the few media outlets committed to it. But how ironic that to freely listen to shortwave broadcasts, we buy radios manufactured in one of our planet's most repressive, freedom-restricted, xenophobic dictatorships.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree that it is ironic-

[@kirktinsley5397]

I’m glad you mentioned VORW (voice of review of the week). I’m new to shortwave listening and discovering his show made SW listening even more interesting. He does a great job of replying to listener emails too.

[@FarpointFarms]

It is kinda cool that a younger person is taking the time to host his own show.

[@JamesWilliam70]

Those fluctuating signals alone on short wave add a certain mystery and nostalgia of olden days. Days when radios were a large piece of furniture with warmly lit readouts and dials you could spin and let go whilst they continued rolling across the spectrum.

[@FarpointFarms]

I have an old SW radio from the 40's and love to listen to it. The cracking and popping noise makes me think of the olden days where families would all gather round and listen.

[@mhammer5]

@@FarpointFarms A family was more connected to each other.

[@hatchetjackphillips]

Shortwaves a fun hobby! I usually scan the bands on Friday and Saturday nights.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Me, too!

[@audiophileman7047]

It's kind of like a treasure hunt for me, just a lot of fun. 👍👍👍

[@FarpointFarms]

You just never know what you might catch.

[@scuzzytwo7556]

cheaper and healthier than going to the bar.

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

Love your show. You're a great ambassador for our hobby. Keep up the fabulous work. From New Brunswick Canada. Be well.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you very much!

[@millardscott5646]

Thank you Eric. My introduction to Ham radio was by listening to hams on shortwave with Am signals that were clear as a bell. Since it was AM and not Side Band I could understand them. That fascinated me, and many years later I eventually got my license.

[@FarpointFarms]

You made a great point on the clarity. I am glad you enjoyed it so much you got your license.

[@mountainslimb8911]

Listening to you on WBCQ right now on the Radio Garden app, good stuff!

[@FarpointFarms]

Yup! It's on the air as I type! Shortwave is a great way to get your own show on the air.

[@kurttuttle1817]

I miss Radio Moscow vs Voice of America. Growing up in the mid-60's, Nam was going on, and then you have E/W Germany etc. SW is still great to listen to.

[@FarpointFarms]

Agreed, I am sure back in the 60s you heard some wild stuff

[@audiodaze]

Good points! It's a shame so many SW broadcasters have pulled the plug, but I also enjoy the ease of listening to them streaming without the fading and static crashes. But that can certainly be taken from us with a flick of a switch. Apps like Radio Garden and Tune In make exploring the world of radio very easy these days, but I agree with your premise and I'll always have a variety of radios available to cover various listening hobbies.

[@FarpointFarms]

For many stations, it is hard to get enough advertising to cover the expenses. The power bill alone is staggering.

[@LTHanlon]

There is nothing like stumbling across a numbers station for the first time.

[@FarpointFarms]

Whyfiles did a really cool episode on the number stations- You should check it out if you have not already seen it.

[@barrykelly2722]

@LTHanlon this is an embarrassing question coming from a Ham but what is a numbers station?

[@audiodaze]

@@barrykelly2722 Barry, a numbers station is used by intelligence agencies of various countries to transmit coded messages to agents in the field. The broadcast message will consist of a series of numbers only. The agents on the receiving end have a code pad or program to decode the series of numbers into a message. The listener would simply hear something like: 77, 59, 38, 66, 22, 81, 96, etc, etc. There's a article in wikipedia with some history and some famous examples, just search for numbers station.

[@njlauren]

​@@barrykelly2722 I have seen programs on this,they are these sw stations that every once in a while some guy starts saying numbers, seemingly random. They were more prevalent during the cold war. Theory was they were testing out emergency transmitters ( usually eastern block ) or it was talking to spies. IDK what the real reason was or is.

[@radioweebdx7680]

Plenty of videos of number stations on my channel.

[@leewattenbarger650]

Enjoying your KZbin channel for several years, thanks! After a decade or so of acquiring several radios with SW bands, you've inspired me to actually try to receive some broadcasts tonight. Wish me luck.

[@FarpointFarms]

Rock on! I hope you have a ton of fun. Just watch the solar activity as they can wreck havoc on radios some days

[@giffjim55]

Great! Thank you.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are welcome!

[@dennisyoung4631]

“… and to stay in touch when the power goes out…”

[@FarpointFarms]

Agreed!

[@daviator4720]

Useful for world travelling... I lived overseas and could easily listen to my home country ( Canada ) as far as PNG... Propaganda, yes, but they all do it .. Thank you for your presentations ! ( and when the NET goes down ... )

[@FarpointFarms]

You are welcome.

[@user-fh7fq8bc1c]

Very cool. Have to check into it. Thanks for all your radio reviews.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are welcome

[@mikecricket113]

Eric, Doing great Brother. Glad to see you doing so well!! Thanks for the Plug a few years ago. I appreciate you! You and Mower Junkies Channels are the Most Fun and Honest on KZbin. Keep up the Good work. P.S. How's the Garden this Year? 73

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you for the kind words, the garden this year is doing well- it would be better if the deer would not think it is an all you can eat buffet.

[@mikecricket113]

@@FarpointFarms Eric, sorry about the Deer. My neighbor has same issue. So last year he put up 8 foot tall fencing around his. 12x 20 garden. I’m glad you’re doing well. Thanks for replying.

[@johnkelley6278]

I have caught old radio shows probably from the 40s on my shortwave and a channel with constant pinging which I still don't know what it is. I used to think well that's a ship or submarine.

[@FarpointFarms]

That is interesting for sure, depending on your location, It might have been

[@ERICtheLATE]

Don't forget to sweep the 11 meter sw band 👍

[@FarpointFarms]

Good point

[@odamade772]

I love my DX-440 but my Elite 750 kicks butt!

[@FarpointFarms]

I could not agree more.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

i realize its expensive to run a shortwave station but dang i wish there was more here in the US besides a bunch of screaming preachers.

[@FarpointFarms]

That is advertising, you see it to who ever is buying.

[@64samsky]

I love my antique shortwave radios. Shortwave was always on the older cosumer table top radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

Me too! I have everything from tube console radios to modern pocket ones.

[@ferdinandmeyer8354]

Another good video Eric, agreed on all points. I listen to the voice of review on sunday nights here. And the other guy you were talking about booms in every week night. Enjoy his news show also.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thank you

[@audiophileman7047]

The reach and freedom of it is very attractive. Free opinions are what have brought me back to shortwave.

[@FarpointFarms]

I encourage everyone to listen to all kinds of broadcasts, it will help give a broader picture and help those form their own opinions

[@scuzzytwo7556]

Everyone should have one even if you don't use it.

[@FarpointFarms]

better to have an not need then need and not have.

[@richmonroe203]

What's interesting to me about foreign news broadcast is that everyone sounds reasonable and believable

[@FarpointFarms]

Especially the ones from Great Britain- they can curse you out and sound so professional.

[@richardmerriam7044]

I had the same Realistic mixer that's behind your right shoulder. Great rig for the money. I've spoken with Alan at WBCQ. Great guy. I just got a Qodosen DX-286, and I'm floored by it's performance. Both Todderbert and Jay Allen gave it good enough reviews that I had to get one. Being a lifelong MW Dxer, it's perfect. Shortwave should still have good news programs. I miss Swiss Radio International and the Christian Science Church broadcasts from years ago. They were factual honest programs that you don't hear anymore. Although you didn't mention it, I think that the best reason to get a shortwave is to find factual, honest news. That's a real challenge! Great video. Thanks.

[@FarpointFarms]

You are absolutely right about the factual and honest news. It is good to hear other points of views. Let me hear all sides and then I can make up my mind on the truth

[@micwell2247]

What a ton of people do not understand is that, We the people are the government , not the elected... so those that come against any of our rights are comin against us..the government

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing-

[@AlexejSvirid]

These are the God's words written by king Solomon, Proverbs 22: 7: "The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender." Wikipedia says US have a national debt at least since 1900. Independence of US is more then 120 years old lie. Other countries have a national debt too. Their liders lie blatantly about "independence" of their states. The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why deception and violence are everywhere. This is the reason why Hitler got the power, but Christ was executed as "blasphemer" and "rioter" by denunciation of clergy. This is the reason why the whole world is Sodom. That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our loved ones again! :-)

[@wukket]

You should tell that to the elected because I don’t think they are aware 😂

[@thestonerguy5276]

Whaa is a "ballpark" figure on the cost of having a 30 or 60 minute show? A "guesstimate" would be fine as well. Another good video promoting Shortwave! Thanks...👍

[@FarpointFarms]

I don't think it was all too expensive when I looked a few years ago.

[@njlauren]

I was with a friend who was a ham operator. On shortwave he picked up a guy using cw ( morse code) and he said the guy was somewhere like HK ( rhis was late 70s), and guy was using a mobile rig w like 5w of power. The atmospherics were right that night. That is what makes cw cool, dx'ing on low power.

[@FarpointFarms]

Solar weather can really help with the long distance

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I used to have one of those Realistic DX-440 receivers...great radio. You could connect large external antennas to it without overloading the front end. I'd take mine with me to fire lookout towers I worked at back in the 90's.

[@FarpointFarms]

Cool- I am sure on the tower you could get some great range with it

[@ivandubinsky1857]

@@FarpointFarms Well, there was certainly no man made noise, that's for sure.

[@River5190-Actual]

WWCR Sundays are the best! There are some stations I've heard that have news that American broadcasters won't air. In fact if you want to hear what NATO is really doing, BBC and ABC (Australian Broadcast) regularly air what Local and National US news refuse to air. And then there is Military HF which isn't as busy as it used to be but its still out there. Let SHTF and find out really quick how essential a SW Radio is.

[@FarpointFarms]

Great points

[@rickreese5794]

Thx pal !😊

[@FarpointFarms]

you are welcome

[@carytomaszewski1418]

Amen farm point farms

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks

[@blakeschreckenbach679]

I have been meaning to get out one of my 4 SSB capable radios and longwire. It would be interesting to hear the true propaganda about the Old Man's state of mind.

[@FarpointFarms]

I hope you will get it out and start listening.

[@patuxenthistory6410]

6070 MHZ Toronto is a station I listen to on Shortwave.

[@FarpointFarms]

I might have to see if I can hear them at night.

[@patuxenthistory6410]

@@FarpointFarms I listen to international news on several frequencies . On 6070 mhz Canadian National News at 6 .I can hear the station when in Coastal Carolina during the day . I can't receive BBC on 21630 mhz since solar storms .

[@joshuagosnell22]

To me u hit all point. I miss times in 90s. When i could listen to countrys with teenager programs when i was 15yr old of corse. An do homework of country i listen to. In 2024 i still love magical feeling of radio New Zealand in morning. And Radio Romania Int'l in after or BBC in Africa. And evening with stations all around in evening. Good video. And still love magical feeling.

[@FarpointFarms]

I love listening to all over the world, it is cool to hear other points of view

[@RCAvhstape]

What time and station/freq is your radio show on? I'd like to check it out. On your monologue: as soon as someone tells me I shouldn't read or listen to something because it's "right wing" or something, I immediately want to check it out and decide for myself, just in my nature I guess.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I would, too!

[@FarpointFarms]

I have not done a new show in a while as life keeps getting in the way. You can check out the YT channel I have: www.youtube.com/@TheMidnightCafe

[@RCAvhstape]

@@FarpointFarms Cool.

[@bobjones9727]

Great and much needed video. Foreign propaganda bad. US propaganda good.

[@FarpointFarms]

Propaganda is propaganda no matter where it comes from. The key is to listen to all sides and find the truth. It is sprinkled in there

[@bobjones9727]

@@FarpointFarms My tongue was in my cheek. I agree 100%. Unfortunately IMO we rarely if ever get to hear from the other side.

[@ChristopherJRobin]

Sometimes I listen to North Korean radio when they broadcast in English. I'm in London. Interesting what you said about North Koreans hearing short wave broadcasts, despite the jamming. Do you know if North Koreans are allowed to have short wave receivers? I assume not.

[@FarpointFarms]

I would not think so as well. NK is very tight with what they allow their citizens to see or hear. I am glad that I do not live there!

[@ditto1958]

Hope this question is not too far out. If the internet were to get taken down (hackers, weather, war, terrorists) for more than just a few hours, do you think shortwave and ham would be useful for news and information?

[@FarpointFarms]

Absolutely- You would just have to listen to all sides to get the truth. Gotta watch out for the pesky propaganda

[@ditto1958]

Absolutely. These days we have to be more alert and more diligent than ever to discover the truth.

[@ramonortiz5651]

Always ready that's the reason I have 3 shortwave radios.

[@FarpointFarms]

Smart

[@rexoliver7780]

At where I work--VOA/MARTIis cutting back Asian programming since these are going to the internet. SW transmitters are not low cost to run-new ones are getting more difficult to obtain. There is only ONE builder OF SW transmitters in the US. At the plant where I work SW transmitters 30 or more years old. Parts and tubes are getting more expensive and harder to obtain. One of the tube types used at the plant where I work are now 1/3 of a mil to buy. Bet the station count on your Sw set are getting fewer. At the Marti plant transmitter powers is expensive 250kw and 100kw.

[@FarpointFarms]

Thanks for sharing that- it is cool to know what is going on with them on the manufacturing side

[@sshooter546]

Is it on to just listen without ground and swr at like 7 on a uniden 980

[@FarpointFarms]

I'm sorry I don't understand the question.

[@LegacyLost]

Are you on weekly on shortwave? Also what day is the guy who reviews foods etc on?

[@FarpointFarms]

I am not on weekly,

[@Sniperfox1]

Im new to SW, so can you recommend some good english speaking nighttime stations to listen for other than religious content?

[@FarpointFarms]

I would check out short-wave.info. They have a listing of all the stations broadcasting at any given time and from there you can check out their websites to see the schedules.

[@ericluther1872]

Where do you get the station and frequency info at. What is a good internet page to find this info.

[@FarpointFarms]

There are sites that have listings of what is on at what time.

[@ericluther1872]

@@FarpointFarmswhat are good websites

[@danielm978]

Hey, i live in Denmark, i wish to get into shortwave radio, talk to people all over the world and listen, can you suggest a good beginner reciever? Thanks in advance

[@FarpointFarms]

The XHDATA-808 is a great starter radio.

[@danielm978]

@@FarpointFarms thank you very much sir.

[@user-mv1zy8bv8i]

Discovery is the payoff of the radio hobby.

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree

[@amyswenson2551]

Where can I get a shortwave radio

[@FarpointFarms]

Ebay, hamfests, year sales, flea markets, amazon

[@guitodd]

You mentioned North Korea, tune into Voice of Korea (DPRK) for english propaganda broadcasts... It's fun to listen to.

[@FarpointFarms]

I have heard them before, it is entertaining for sure.

[@roberthoffman4713]

It would be great if they had a frequency guide and maybe even a guide with when they broadcast in each language. Then I could try and set time aside to try and tune stuff in. We have our own propaganda from our own country it's called the news. LOL

[@FarpointFarms]

There are a few sites that list what it on at what time.

[@kevtop351]

What's so good about owning a short-wave radio when most stations are in foreign languages?

[@FarpointFarms]

Depending on what language you speak, there might be plenty to listen to.

[@burkena]

I boughta SW radio during the Sadam war..yrs a Sony2010. Listened to EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE GERMANY BBC, Pirate Radio Luxemburg..and others.. but just starting up again, and not much to tune. Sad.. and my Tecsun680 not impressed..

[@FarpointFarms]

There are still stations out there just not as many. I am sorry that you Tecsun was not impressive.

[@miguelsolo6810]

I love shortwave radio ,listening to political propaganda from all over the place (even the U.S) is the best laughable stuff you can get for almost free . Cuba is particularly good for off the wall anti U,S, mumbo -jumbo .

[@FarpointFarms]

I agree, you can hear all kinds of goofy stuff there

[@emrilbennett8704]

@@FarpointFarms haha

[@Rvfootprints]

Thanks for your clarity regarding our First Amendment. Shortwave is very important for that.

[@FarpointFarms]

No doubt

[@fawaz5400]

I am 26 years old and I got to know shortwave radio two years ago and I have become an amateur of listening to radio stations far from me. I am from Saudi Arabia and unfortunately I am almost dying from the endless number of Chinese radio stations and I do not know you receive them in the United States or not. I think they are starting to influence me and I will become a communist soon hhhhhhhh

[@FarpointFarms]

They broadcast a limited amount of stuff here in the USA, but I understand that they are running really hard on the propaganda overseas. They want you to know that they are super cool and that being a commie is totally the right way to live. Oh, and America = bad.

[@skepticalmechanic]

Just get a Ham license…

[@FarpointFarms]

Why? That license won't help anyone when it comes to listening.

[@skepticalmechanic]

@@FarpointFarms Ham radio can do anything… along with two way communication… when the cellular and internet goes down it sure is nice to have so why not just get your ham license… cost is zero to get a license… and the money you spend on a receiver you can buy a good used ham radio…

[@AmericanConstellation]

Get a ham radio, a license and learn how to use it.

[@FarpointFarms]

also a good idea

[@williamcatlow1740]

THE FIRST TIME I HEARD ALEX JONES AND COAST TO COAST WAS ON SHORT WAVE RADIO 😎

[@FarpointFarms]

Both great shows!~!