An Introduction to Shortwave Radio

An Introduction to Shortwave Radio
by Radiodog
Time to get back to basics! What is shortwave radio? Why should you care? In this video, I explore what SW radio is, particularly in relation to the other bands. As thoroughly non-technical and simple to understand as I can manage, I hope this video will help newcomers get a basic idea of what shortwave radio is, and why it's fun to explore.
"It's fun and magical!"

[@asherdog9248]

When I was a kid I learned this in Scouting and listened to SW every night. Now that I am retired I want to get back into it.

[@user-fg4vi2xi8f]

Thank you sir. This was one of the very best introductions to shortwave radio and shortwave reception. Most unfortunately, I live in a part of the city we're short wave reception is almost impossible: Power grids, many concrete buildings surrounding me etc. What a fun it was back in the old days to explore the world through that medium!

[@weiyuan20]

Why do I feel like he should have a British accent?

[@tpe54]

A good winter hobby with all that darkness out there.

[@1985Fritz]

I was a radio and telegraph operator in the army in the 60's. We had basic radio theory and of course Morse code training. Morse is firmly embedded in my memory bank. I am thankful however for the refresher on the basics of frequencies and wavelength etc. Yesterday I took delivery of a TECSUN R9012 from Amazon for under CDN $30. Amazing reception and great sound especially through a stereo headset. Aside from the enjoyment of SW listening during the pandemic lockdown this pocket sized radio may prove useful if (when?)the power grid or cellular service (or both) shut down. I may look into getting a Ham license and and a transceiver that fits my limited budget. Looking forward to more helpful videos from you.

[@alitlweird]

It’s been over a year… did you get back into it? I hope so. 😃

[@1985Fritz]

@@alitlweird Not quite back into it because during all those lock-downs, I turned my attention elsewhere and have been going on KZbin to learn guitar, mandolin and more recently 5-string Bluegrass banjo. But I dd upgrade to a TECSUN 600 AM/FM/SW receiver with SSB and listen in once in a while. Radio Havana booms in quite well, and of course there are a few of those odd-ball religious stations with their conspiracy driven end-of-the-world huckster preachers. Unfortunately we don't have room for a long wire antenna so my SW listening is somewhat limited. I actually built an Altoids box receiver with a 1N34a diode, a capacitor and a coil made from some left-overt 16 gauge house wire. It was supposed to pick CB. But what I got was the local 91.7 FM Classic Rock station. I have an old Morse key that I wired to an LED, and a speaker from a scrapped headset. It's powered with a 9 Volt battery so I have sound and flashing light when I practice. Which is not often enough. My other hobby is HO model railroading. Country, Bluegrass, trains and radios seem like a natural combination.

[@danielgiraud2192]

I was introduced to Shortwave Radio by my Uncle before the 90's and have been hooked on it ever since. I bought my 1st World and Radio in 1990,a Philips D2935. With digital readout. It is a great hobby.

[@bst4lst]

I have been searching for information for a beginner For about three weeks. This is the first information that I could understand. Of course I subscribed. Thank you for your clarity.

[@NeverGiveUp-ib3xb]

You're a great teacher! Thank you for your knowledge. Look forward to your future vids. "Radio magic", sounds interesting and fun.

[@CaptainGanja]

Been an SWL here since I got my first portable shortwave radio for Christmas in 1973. Been big into it ever since. I came here to find a good channel to start learning about shortwave for my friends saying they wanted to buy shortwave radios, but needed to learn about it first. So anyway this looks like a great place to start if they want to get the best from it. I will be letting them know about you so they can check you out. Useful education for beginners here. Take good care, my fiend & 73! 😎👍

[@carolynladellebennettphd8134]

Recently discovered Radiodog (Tom) - Thank you, sir, for your clear, simple and helpful information on radios. I also appreciate your non condescending personality as one person sharing something he likes with others (that takes special talent!). My budget especially appreciates your passing comment: “you don’t have to pay that much” for a shortwave radio. I’m an audio person (lifelong listener, musical, verbal, theater of the mind content person) more than a visual person (haven’t owned a television for years!). I have a 20-year old Grundig, and in recent years have purchased the Eton mini Grundig edition and the Eton Executive Satellit (the latter has more features than I need or understand, and, I now know, is overpriced for my purposes. I came across your site while searching for an additional AM/FM MW/SW radio that is relatively simple and effective (with good reception to an apartment complex in Western NY from at least Ontario, Canada). Your discussion of Analogues v. Digital also helped. So, in recent days, I studied and purchased one of your examples (Tecsun R9700DX 12-Band Dual Conversion AM/FM Shortwave Radio from Kaito). Thank you so much for your discussions. I expect I’ll return to your site as time permits.

[@KimDaddyO]

Such a great video. Great pace, explanation level, tone…. Thanks Tom

[@moniquelegarda1842]

Thank you for this intro. I've always been fascinated by shortwave radio and with the world such as it is, now might be a good time to pick up on this hobby.

[@n3tfury]

same!

[@gwlane5509]

Such a great video for a beginner like me who trying to learn how to properly find stations. Thank you so much for the simple to the point explanation. Great high level view to help one get started to enjoy the hobby....at 50 I've always been fascinated by radio. Life was so busy, now I have the time to get into the hobby and really enjoy it.

[@maupalo2]

I found an old radio I had from when I was a kid, which reminded me that my grandpa once told me I could hear radio stations form all over the world with it. I wanted to try it but I wasn't sure how and this video as been very helpful so far!

[@Eponymity1000]

Well done, Tom. Looking forward to a similar beginner-level discussion of single side band.

[@ronalddaub5049]

Single side band is an excellent way to talk on shortwave HF without going through all the rigmarole

[@CaptainGanja]

@@ronalddaub5049 Yup, SSB can cut through and get out further. Great if you want to check out hearing more hams plus airliners, military flights, ships at sea, radio pirates, etc. It goes on and on if you have single sideband. You can even see SSTV slow scan television QSL images on 14.230 kHz USB with MMSSTV ham radio software running between your SW radio's audio output and your computer's audio input jack. You can find MMSSTV software free on the HamSoft site. That's where a lot of my Ham & SWL buddies get that. Thought I would add my input to this. Been enjoying the shortwave hobby for years at age 59. It is so much fun and highly educational. 73!

[@devinsword5777]

take an AM signal, you have a center tone, and signal on either side of it. with ssb you get rid of the center tone and one half of the signal, and you end up with a ssb signal- either usb or lsb depending on which half you got rid of

[@joshburns493]

Thanks.... when I was young a lot of radios had short wave on the old big radios.

[@dylandopsovic7045]

Excellent video! I enjoyed how you put it into terms easy to understand especially as I'm relatively newer to the hobby. I find it to be a great thing and I can only hope that radio in all forms continues to live on in this world of ever increasing complexity. 73

[@Okimyhome]

Just found your channel and I’m impressed. I’ve always enjoyed listening SW but I was confused on many levels. Your explanation cleared up many questions. Thank you for sharing 😎

[@henryjohnfacey8213]

Good job very interesting. I've learnt a lot. I'm a licensed amateur UK but been out of the loop a long time due to commitment of work. All this takes me back as a child listening to crystal sets and short wave listening on an old radio. Great style of teaching thank you.

[@DFYMarketingSolutions]

Thanks Tom, great primer on shortwave radios, and the differences between what we older folks all grew up listening to. I don't think my adult children have ever listened to radio, unless they were in the car with us. LOL I'm looking forward to learning more about this subject, and believe it will become more important in the very near future. Thanks again! Great job!

[@edtriana6250]

Excellent educational video! Really pulled together and cleared up a lot of gaps a had regarding the association between the different bands. Felt like I was in a class listening to a knowledgeable professor. Thanks!

[@sheepdog457]

Watched this vid a second time now that I have gotten my SW and am more familiar with the concept. This is invaluable info. for a noob like me. I will be watching at least one more time and taking notes, so I can understand this hobby even better. Thanks!

[@informedpantry6257]

Thank you. I just bought a shortwave radio and want to learn how to use it. Looking forward to learning more from you.

[@kissingbanditt]

I love love love the explanation, the video quality and the story line...Thumbs up my friend...Absolutely amazing video....Thank you for making them, please make more..

[@denniskwahl]

Thanks Tom for explaining short wave radio in terms that a newbie like me can understand , and enjoy. I just purchased my first all band radio ,( Eton Executive Elite )with SSB capability and I'm off to the races, if you will. Explaining SW without all the technicalities that some do, is really refreshing to me. I'm here to have fun, and you do make it easier for people like me...thanks again . New Subscriber.

[@daved57]

Very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to create this.

[@MrWmburr7]

Hey Tom, you have a real knack for explaining things clearly. I enjoy listening to you. Thank you, sir. AA8VA

[@tsukareppi]

Just found this. What a great and easy to understand intro. Thank you for taking the time to explain this!

[@EletroRafaVideo]

Hi Tom! I am from Brazil and I like very much your video. You explain very well and I can understand what you say because you explain very clearly. I have an analogic radio, a Toshiba Radio model TR 949 GL (made in Brazil). Thanks for this video! (I subscribed of course).

[@ThisTall]

It has taken great effort to find shortwave instructional dumbed down sufficiently for me. And you sir, have at least scratched the surface.

[@ronaldzuccala1889]

Well. Wow i love it. I wondered how you were going to tie this altogether but simply sun up go up sun down go down. Very good. When a young person comes to visit my shortwave and toy robot museum i give them a book titled discover dxing and if they are young i give them their first world band radio. Now i have something else to show them. I do this for children 15 yrs. Of age and younger. So thank you. Ron. Z. Pgh. Pa.

[@bikeboomer2617]

Very well presented. I appreciate learning what shortwave and longwave are and I am now interested in making radio a hobby.

[@freeroamer9146]

That is a great intro. Just what I was looking for. Looking forward to learning more!

[@TerexJ]

Great video, man. I'm a bit more familiar with current technologies as far as communications and computers go, but have recently become interested in old school radio communication and I found this a helpful introduction. Thanks for uploading.

[@AuntieRhonda]

So glad I found your videos, Tom. I just bought a Tecsun PL-880 because I’ve wanted to get into shortwave radio for a while. The extra time at home during COVID is finally giving me the opportunity. I’ve subscribed to your channel now and am going to keep watching. Keep up the good work.

[@ronalddaub7965]

I've always had shortwave radios but until I heard single side band I didn't know what I was missing

[@garyoliver8183]

Smooth presentation is a real strength! You have it. Thanks.

[@bradnicoll2282]

This is a really good intro video. I don’t think I’ve seen a good shortwave radio intro video like this before. Over the past year I have immersed myself in amateur radio. I really wish somebody had introduced me to the radio hobby when I was a kid. You’re right, there is something special about listening to radio waves from great distances. Really looking forward to your next video on what to listen to. 73! ~ Brad W8RAD

[@bradnicoll2282]

Your intro is great. Short and to the point. Pleasant intro music. Good job.

[@MaryCasey1100]

In times such as this, when communication avenues are being censored or there is a possible expectation of media interruptions for several reason, many people know just enough to purchase a SW receiver, but then sit and stare at it overwhelmed by all the buttons, static and noise...so appreciate your video.

[@RJDA.Dakota]

Knew a lot about this but I watched the video anyway. Beautiful presentation and very useful and easy explanation for everything. If I had to explain shortwave to someone I’ll just set them up with this video.

[@Philip-yf7tn]

Thanks for the clearest explanation. Always been curious, now I understand.

[@ericcornell3243]

The best most simple intro I've found! Thanks!

[@hughdavies9888]

Thank you for a really good explanation. I enjoy watching your channel very much.

[@GroverCricketDaisy]

Thanks for the intro I have an old Stewart Warner model 325 (1925 ) vacuum valve radio I am trying to set up and listen to so learning what short wave is all about is great!

[@HarryKiniption]

Just picked up a ETON Digital Mini Shortwave Radio. This was a good precursor to my understanding. Thanks !

[@HAMHAMAT]

Thanks a lot for sharing this info with us, It was very helpful to me. Many thanks from Saudi Arabia. Wish you all the best

[@blackmaxima]

Greetings from the USA!

[@robertopohl4007]

Great channel! I had a map up on the wall where I marked each of the places whose radios I managed to hear. It is indeed magical!

[@iHeartAmySue]

Good idea!!

[@landonkeller1821]

This is a perfect explanation. Thank you. I have a tecsun 310 coming in the mail. Can't wait. Thanks again!!

[@RR-wb4uh]

This was time well spent, thank you!

[@gartmorn]

Takes me back to my old cb days. Did a bit of dxing and remember sitting out in the car on a bit of high ground hoping the skip would be good!

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Thanks. Great info.for a novice like me. Just got a Tecsun 380. It reminds me of when i was growing up and my dad used to listen to sw radio. Really enjoying the new hobby, and will be getting a Homebase radio setup soon hopefully.

[@bryanparks6958]

Thank you for the introduction. I just ordered a small and simple SW radio to get back into the hobby. Oh, and I love your logo of the radio dog in his spacesuit and helmet!

[@jediwompa]

Which one did you buy? I'm looking to buy one as well.

[@Arizona_Skin_Walker]

Thank you very much, I finally understand what short wave is.

[@refinedrapture_]

this was a huge help for me to understand the basics!

[@nickmolonlabe5780]

That was a good lesson well explained. Thank you Tom.

[@richardcorsillo9819]

Getting me pumped. Ready for the next video! Thanks, Tom

[@PortlandiaScott]

I stumbled across your videos and decided to buy myself a shortwave radio because of you! Thanks. I'm looking forward to a new hobby.

[@tommyleddy8728]

Wow. Tom, what a great video. I have finally found someone who explains radio in a calm rational non-technical way. No stupid intro’s. I am very interested in the hobby and don’t have a clue about SW listening. I have ordered a Tecsun 680 and I’m waiting patiently for the ship to come in, lol. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@Funk-DX]

all thumbs up for such a good video !!!!! thank you, dear Tom !

[@gracewright7938]

Thank you this was most informative. I bought a Kaito digital and I did not realize analogs were still sold. I'll get an analog.

[@mansurazeez2229]

Very informative introduction on radio basics to novice listeners on SW. I like your frank, laid-back style of presentation and the surrounding atmosphere of your listening room. Yes, the beauty of capturing that faint distant signals and to enhance it's capture using whatever wires or gadgets available is a satisfaction. I still remember the thrills listening to radios using tubes glowing in a dark corner at night when I was a kid. The magic eye was the center of attention as its glow dances in sync with the strength of the captured signals. I really miss those days when things were more simple and fun. Anyway good to have your channel as a guide to any thing about radios.

[@user-fg4vi2xi8f]

Well, Sir, you spoke from the bottom of my heart. I enjoyed the hobby the same way as you so eloquently described it. Now, with the internet everything became so mundane. Those days, listening to the world was an adventure. I wish you all the best, Мурис Калајџија (Muriz Kalajdžija)

[@user-fg4vi2xi8f]

Dear Mr Azeez, you spoke from the bottom of my heart. Today, connecting to the world via the internet has lost its attraction, it became so mundane. What's more, these days I have difficulties in reception of short-wave radio (that is, none at all). It is in the middle of town where power grids, concrete buildings surrounding me in close proximity etc. make it impossible. I remember it so romantically, when short-wave listening was still an adventure, as you so eloquently described it! I wish you all the best, greetings, Муриз Калајџија (Muriz Kalajdžija)

[@GunsandGuava]

Thank you for explaining it so easy to me. Radio is such a fun hobby.

[@PauloBoute]

Congratulations, from Brazil!!! Very Good Video! I have a CCrane Radio. I recommend!

[@kslifter1]

Thanks for the info! I just picked up a Philco 40-150 Shortwave tube radio from 1940. It is in decent condition so I plan to restore it and begin the cool journey into Shortwave radio.

[@Radiodog]

That sounds very cool. I don't have a tube shortwave....maybe someday.

[@Michael_Livingstone]

Very well done. Clear and concise.

[@SlumberBear2k]

what an awesome video. I really learned a lot.

[@wolfmesssing]

Your videos are so kind and cozy. Looking forward to your return to the channel!

[@Synergist2112]

Great overview. Learned a lot. Great job, I subscribed.

[@mathanprasath_krishnasamy]

Really helpful. I learned a very basic thing in a much easier way. I'm a big radio lover. Thank you and Take care.

[@jcardenas4551]

Thank you boy, I'm beginning in the SW hobby and this was useful. I like the fact that nobody can manipulate a wave once it is transmitted.

[@dosgos]

That was a fascinating visual lesson. Thank you.

[@whippoorwillholler740]

Hi Tom, I'm new & learning. I've always been interested when many years ago, I could pick up a AM radio station in Chicago usually at night. I lived in Ohio. That always stuck with me. Something about AM transmissions. I'm a bit overwhelmed right now but hope to stick with this. Thanks, for the video. It helped ;)

[@EricAdamsYT]

Very good explanation. I've been aware of shortwave for most of my life but never understood how it works. Thanks!

[@ronalddaub7965]

It's just a higher frequency of am. Only I'm single side band you can tune between and hear the ham guys

[@javiergarciasalinas3827]

Hola, lamento no poder escribirte esto en tu idioma, y espero lo traduzcan. Te felicito por tu contenido, soy ingeniero electrónico y entusiasta a la radio afición desde hace años. Me alegra a ver encontrado un canal con calidad... mis saludos y felicitaciones por tus adecuadas explicaciones 👍

[@davidnelson6986]

Very good introduction. Very clear and informative.

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

Great video, lots of useful information.

[@onedirection3510]

Good stuff! In these indoor times this may be a new hobby.

[@BBalz89]

Need more simple plain English videos for us newbies like this. Please keep them coming I learned a lot.

[@rocklicker639]

Just found your channel. I've loved swl'ing for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I got a Panasonic rf-2200 from my grandparents. Somehow I misplaced it over the years. I'd love to get another one someday but geesh the prices have gone sky high on those things. Anyway thanks for the videos. And happy listening!!

[@GareauRA]

Great info. Thank you.

[@martinwood9014]

Thanks Tom, things feeling a bit shakey in Europe at the moment, so glad to see your video. I'm on vacation and forgot to bring my conventional radio.I shall buy a sw compatible set tomorrow.

[@chrislloyd4984]

Best explanation I have seen so far.

[@andyblue99]

A great video. Loved it.

[@GWGMJ]

I didn't know the simplest basics, thanks to you sir now i do.

[@MyMusicalHeritage]

Excellent, thank you.

[@oldhamhotspot]

Fantastic video Tom. I recently bought a vintage sony sw radio. I was going to put a google nest mini pcb inside it for the cool factor. Its great listening in to broadcasts which some arr a little crazy. Thanks again

[@JonathanMoore3fecta]

Thanks! I learned a lot in a short time.

[@chrwil1973]

Such a clear explanation, thank you.

[@remy1945]

Great lesson. This helped a lot!

[@h.upmann]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you very much.

[@petercallenjr]

I just got a grundig 800 and this video has really helped.

[@Lecturas.]

Gracias por tu aporte, ha sido muy constructivo e instructivo. Me has enseñado cosas que no sabia y me has creado mas interrogantes. Gracias.

[@cdaworldnav]

this was great for me as a beginner. Hope to find another VDo for me. Thank you

[@SteveH-gt3wz]

Thanks Tom, enjoyed your video. It explained a lot about short wave... I'm in process of learning to use a RTL-SDR on my computer to access Shot Wave. Need to make a long wave antenna first. Will be watching you next video part 2. :)

[@c4mailmanpb]

Very good video. Thank you.

[@davidjones4452]

great video.... that cleared up a few things for me

[@orgonsolo6291]

I needed to learn this. Thanks!

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

Can’t wait for the next video

[@billpradzinski7397]

Thanks well said. I'm gonna buy one.