38
GETTING CLOSE TO A WINDOW
Getting close to a window may substantially improve reception.
Shortwave signals penetrate single-level wood frame buildings easiest,
while concrete and brick buildings, multi-story and metal roofed struc-
tures often block signals. In such situations, position the radio as close
to a window as possible. Holding it may also help. Use an external
antenna if necessary.
SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS
An external shortwave antenna, especially when mounted outside,
can greatly enhance shortwave reception. Some radios are equipped
with special antenna sockets. Eton Corporation does not manufacture
or sell shortwave antennas, however, there are many excellent models
available. A web search such as ‘shortwave antennas’ will result in
many sources for such products.
INTRODUCTION TO SINGLE SIDEBAND (SSB)
Many higher-end shortwave radios have special circuitry enabling
SSB, a highly efficient way of electronically processing transmitted
and received signals for two-way communication. Examples of this
are amateur radio (hams), maritime and aeronautical communication.
Either upper side band (USB) or lower side band (LSB) can be used.
Non-voice methods of communication can also be heard, including
CW (Morse code) and RTTY (radio teletype).
Receiving SSB signals is not always easy. Since this is two-way
communications, transmissions are often very short and sporadic.
Also, most two-way communication uses relatively low power, 50 to
INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE
continued
39
1000 watts. The amateur radio operators are easiest to find, Best
results are experienced when using an outdoor shortwave antenna
such as a dipole.
Follow your radio’s instructions on how to engage its SSB feature.
Shown next are some selected frequency ranges on which SSB com-
munications can be found. All frequencies are shown in kilohertz.
AMATEUR RADIO SHORTWAVE BANDS (M=METERS)
80m: 3500-4000
17m: 18068-18168
40m: 7000-7300
15m: 21000-21450
30m: 10100-10150
12m: 24890-24990
20m: 14000-14350
10m: 28000-29700
AERONAUTICAL SW FREQUENCY RANGES (USUALLY USB)
2850-3155
11175-11400
3400-3500
13200-13360
4650-4750
15010-15100
5480-5730
17900-18030
6525-6765
21870-22000
8815-9040
23200-23350
10005-10100
INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE
continued
G5
OPERATION MANUAL