An Introduction to Shortwave Radio 

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.

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!

A good winter hobby with all that darkness out there.

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.

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! 😎👍

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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).

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

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.

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

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

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 😎

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

This was time well spent, thank you!

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.

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

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

Very well done. Clear and concise.

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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..

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

Such a clear explanation, thank you.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Best explanation I have seen so far.

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.

Very good introduction. Very clear and informative.

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

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

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!

That was a fascinating visual lesson. Thank you.

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!

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.

Thanks! I learned a lot in a short time.

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

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.

Excellent, thank you.

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

Really good explanations, nicely done!!👍

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.

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

I needed to learn this. Thanks!

what an awesome video. I really learned a lot.

Great lesson. This helped a lot!

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

Thanks well said. I'm gonna buy one.

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

Great video, lots of useful information.

Great info. Thank you.

A great video. Loved it.

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!

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.

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!

Can’t wait for the next video

Great video. Very informative. Thank you very much.

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.

Amazing I learned a lot! Thank you!

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

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

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

Very much appreciated.

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.

Very good video. Thank you.

This is great.

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.

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

Awesome!!

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

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.

Very well indeed ! I'm subbing !

That's a very useful video.... im new to shortwave and it was helpful....

Thank You.

Great explanation !