Is Short Wave Radio Relevant For Preppers Today? 

Yes, but the test is multiple guess...

​@@HarryHamsterChannelNot if you get the wrong answers!

Love your story. It is amazing how experiences shape our future. Cherish those memories and create new ones with the next generation!!

OUTSTANDING! Buy what you need today, while you still can get it and before the price doubles.... We are heading in some very dark times.

Great post and thanks for mentioning this!!

Thanks for posting. I believe that people need more data points to come to their own understanding. Again, thanks for sharing your 2 cents!!

Your right and I wish I could edit this but with RU-vid, once it is out - no editing. Thanks for taking the time to call this out. I have addressed this in earlier post but will always thanks those who bring up corrections!!!!!!!

@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you! A few folks think 'freedom seeds' (bullets) will fix everything, planting real seeds and farming is better!

@@hamradiomadesimple TY! Sad but true.

So now the strong will know where the food is -----in that man's small farm. Sorry Sir, but the strong and well armed are unlikely to arrive to barter with you. I suspect in real SHTF genuine conditions" taking" will replace bartering very soon.

@@hs0zcw I agree, no bartering likely. But they may be eaten before they get past the second gate, LOL !

@@hamradiomadesimple I have found that to be true. Anything inside your home will not work well. Just taking the rig outside will make it work much better. There is an old unused TV antenna from the 70's on my roof that I find works nearly as well as a random wire for several of the shortwave bands.

@@hamradiomadesimple You can still get them of course but this is one a previous owner had installed. It suffered what looks like wind damage and they never bothered to take it down. Its not idea but since it is already there.... Its not really worth the hassle of replacing it with a proper antenna.

@@hamradiomadesimple Is there any value (or downside) in somehow using a currently functioning tv satellite antenna on the roof for SW or other reception needs? Maybe only to attach a wire antenna just for the support?

Thanks! 👍

Let me know what you think of the indoor loop antenna. I am curious to hear your results!!

Thanks for your encouraging words. Many people have different views and I don't mind as long as they don't get personal. One did and I called that person out. Never heard from him again LOL....

Hope it was helpful.

I hope they are helping you!

You bring up some good points. 1st, SSB is a mode. Sorry about misspeaking on this one!! Don't do this for a living so no 2nd party to check and edit. Low cost shop here LOL.... 2nd, "back in the day" when there were a lot of SW stations. A lot has changed and many have shut down that at one time were available. The internet revolution made this happen. Cheaper to run something online that maintain a massive antenna array. What is left I would not trust for honest information anymore but if you do, the BBC is still out there but for how long, I do not know. Mostly government paid content and religious broadcasting. 3rd, On my IC-7300, I can pick up SW and Ham. I have been documenting what stations I can reach that have value for information. Recently, I have group of preppers from all over North America that we connect via digital apps to pass information along. I think that has been the best way to connect (directed call verses random call) so far. Thanks for posting since there is much to learn in what you have stated!!

I’m commenting along with several others that a lot of this information isn’t accurate. “ the single side band” isn’t a secret place where radio waves are. SSB only describes the way information is imparted on the radio wave before it’s sent out. Obviously you need a radio that decodes ssb to be able to receive that info. Most shortwave is in AM, a lot of ham traffic is in SSB. Am, SSB, and fm are all synonyms that describe how the information is imparted on the radio wave.

I agree with @johngarry7098: I've spent a decent amount of time on 80m and although I have heard _some_ AM; it's overwhelmingly LSB on the phone portion of the band.

Make your own video then dude

​@@Bhaas-ei5nrPoor attitude dude! He's just wanting to get accurate info out there. You can do better!

Thank you so much for you generosity! I hope these videos are helping you in your ham radio journey and preparedness.

You're welcome and thanks for letting me know.

If you are picking up the SSB ham stations, that is good and useful. A lot of the SW radios don't do that, like I mentioned in the video. Glad you are having fun and keep listening! Thanks for taking the time to let me know your experience.

@@hamradiomadesimple I appreciate your comment..

You are correct and I mis-spoke. I should have caught that. Thanks for taking the time to point that out. I try and listen to what I recorded before posting but missed that one completely!!

No problem, glad to help.

Thanks for taking the time to let me know!

Thanks for posting this. Hopefully others will take note of this!

Yes I am! Just recovering from several surgeries and one still to go. I should have another one out next week on EFHW HF Antennas. Best multifunctional antenna for the price and space required. Thanks for asking.

Thank you for stating this clearly my friend!

Your absolutely right. Wish I could have edited this out a LONG time ago but it's a gift that keeps on giving....

Their not adding it to "many" others. A lot already have that function.

It will be night for someone in the world. When it happens it will be lights out so let's call it "dark time" LOL. So many have no clue what is coming but I am glad you do!!!!!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to post this my fellow comrade.

​@@hamradiomadesimpleReally? Just "what's coming"? And how would you know? Paranoid much?

This is a UHF/VHF band radio. This will not do SW but will do SSB on the 2M and 70cm Bands (local area coverage mostly). If someone can show you how to program the area Repeaters, you will hear a lot of more conversations. I would recommend the Signal Stick Antenna. Make sure you choose the right kind of adapter for your radio when selecting the antenna. Link: signalstuff.com/products/#signalsticks

@Ham Radio Made Simple The kenwood TH-D74A is a tri-band shortwave with SSB plus CW capability. I'm looking for a good shortwave antenna for it. I'm using a Diamond SRH-320A for 2m, 1.25m and 70cm.

@@hamradiomadesimple that's not correct. The Kenwood D74A can receive LF, MF and HF in all CW, SSB, AM and FM modes. It's not only a VHF/UHF radio.

@@nine7295 Did not know and really appreciate you taking the time to let me and others know!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks.

SWEET. I live in NC and use to live in Williamson County south of Nashville.

No, but I sold software to hospitals and many times to the C suite. I sold for startup companies that had innovative / cutting edge software. I learned that you had to repeat the key concepts in order for them to grasp the concepts. Thanks for nice compliment!!!! I must be doing something right :-)

SW was the beacon of light in those days. Really nice story. Thanks for taking the time to post this!!

Exactly, I have been telling all those who think SW is their go to. IF you don't know the best stations / frequencies - you can reach successfully - you will not be able to get the most out of the radio. Not all stations are giving you the correct information. Know today which ones you can count on. Again, great post.

Thanks for taking the time to post this. Many options out there but getting access to them now is critical. The old tube type radios are more harden to EMP's but getting the tubes are more challenging (there are many Ham Fest out there where you can score some of them). I always say something is better than nothing. If you are more technical by trade, fixing them is a fun project too.

But it's not used much in the states. Mostly just for NDBs for aircraft.

More and more people are now looking to Ham Radio (in light of what is happening these days) as a mode to gather info and communicate when SHTF. Still, many are clueless (in the USA) as to what is coming and just view ham radio as a hobby. You are already in a SHTF situation, with the more dire events heading your way. I always say "something is better than nothing." so being able to listen is the base line. Good for you! I prepared through the lens of no internet, no cell and no electricity. That means I have a solar generator, solar panels and a battery box to stay up as long as possible. So, WHEN every thing is off for periods of time, I still can operate and make decisions, based off of the information I am collecting. I use the digital apps on the HF bands. They use less power, goes further in distance, and can operate with a less than a stellar antenna. Again, you have to work within your means. Top priority are the following. 1. Battery Backup - no power, no SW or ham radio 2. Antenna - your only as good as your antenna. A good Wire Antenna will work wonders on a low budget 3. Short Wave - Know the right stations to get info. Many are propaganda machines, especially here in the USS. 4. SSB listening - think of it as boots on the ground info. a. If money and time permits, get at least a Ham Radio Receiver. b. Ideal, get a HF Transceiver and learn the digital apps My prayers are with you. Your country is in a war zone and it won't get better anytime soon. Let me know how I can help!!

@@hamradiomadesimple You are right - unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this war will be over anytime soon. I recently purchased a 12V to 220V inverter from China and am also considering acquiring a GEL-based battery (12V 45Ah). I understand it may not be very powerful, but I hope it will at least provide enough energy for lighting in my apartment, especially since the kids are often playing, and my older son is doing homework to reduce eye strain (also for us) So, if I understand correctly, you're suggesting to buy something like the Baofeng UV-5R over the Sihuadon d808? I'm still uncertain about whether I need another, more powerful radio with features like SSB and air band. Additionally, I'm unsure if I might encounter any issues if someone sees or hears me when I'm using the ham radio receiver, as it could potentially raise suspicions Thank you for your kind words and advice

Good for you on getting a backup power setup!! What is your goal with the Baofeng? That is a line of sight UHV/VHF HT. This means you will only hear what is very near to you on the 70cm & 2M bands. It does give you the ability to talk but IF you are concerned about someone looking for you, when you TX, they can find you. You may want to consider a Short Wave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) where you can listen only to both SW and Ham Radio operators. This way no one will know you are using this. You may want to string a small gauge BLACK wire (15 - 20 Meter) in the attic or outside. Add an alligator clip to one end and connect to the radio's antenna. This way you can pick up stations farther away. Thoughts or questions?

​@@hamradiomadesimple I misunderstood the term "Ham Radio Receiver" in our previous conversation, thinking it was akin to a Baofeng station. To be honest, I considered acquiring two Baofengs for potential communication in case there is no mobile coverage, but now I realize the potential complications outweigh the benefits On a different note, I saw this wired antenna hack on RU-vid and experimented with it using around 10 double-ended crocodile clips connected with wire together and connected them between (and hooked that to my radio antenna), and it really improved the signal reception of a radio station. It was just a test antenna, so now I'm considering to develop a more robust setup (at least with a longer wire). Additionally, I'm exploring the possibility of acquiring the Sihuadon d808 at a reasonable price (I saw in some photos it comes with the additional wired antenna - is it true, will see). Thank you for your advices, I really appreciate this!

A good tube type transceiver means you have a receiver able to listen to many possible informative discussions or broadcast. The main limitations of a shortwave setup is the need for high power output and thus a good supply of AC electric, and a very visible outdoor antenna. A typical ham radio setup which can talk around the world from time to time may not be the ideal for preppers who are trying to hide, perhaps. It can be very important especially to have a receiver can listen to other activities and maybe emergency warnings. However most preppers communication need to be lower power and short distance such as talking to each other within the group and maybe using a small walkie-talkie to call the children inside when necessary. Another limitation is if a non licensed and inexperience operator gets in the mix, the ham radio will run into resistance from a license hams who know the lingo and are protective of others using their airwaves. So a long distance shortwave radio is not a blessing for most PREPPERS. Preppers should try to recruit a ham or someone who knows their way around radios to advise the group when collecting equipment and then using it.

Yep, setting up a local network for you community needs to have a skilled ham radio operator. Just one of the skills sets required. Nice comment.

I pushed the wrong button and we'll have to continue as a reply.................. Or for general information and entertainment like you would expect out of your car radio. If you have one of the little $40 Chinese made PLASTIC (not metal) box radios that cover many bands from below the normal AM band and upward usually to 30 megacycles. Those are called the low medium and shortwave bands. When you select one of these little radios, be sure it has a CW or Morse code switch selection which is usually along with the AM and FM mode switch. When you switch to CW you have a chance of being able to tuneIn the voices using single sideband transmissions. If you want to listen to ham's talking, today, you're switch to CW where it electronically switches in a beat frequency oscillator or BFO which injects a signal to combine with the incoming signal. In The CW switch position, choose a frequency somewhere around 7.230or 14.200 megacycles and tune 4 a loud voice in English and slowly slowly tune across this loud signal, meaning back and forth until you have a point where the voice is reasonably clear. You have tuned in hey single sideband station. Without The CW position, single sideband will not sound very perceptively. Your little radio sometimes for only $30 new may include a CW position usually selected on the same knob as AM and FM. Now you all have a radio which will let you hear all of the voices i know you are likely to pick when you tune any frequency INSIDE of the ham bands, see the chart on this RU-vid, The CW position well let you hear single sideband with careful tuning and also some Morse code segmented in those bands. When you tune any of the OTHER frequency bands, and you hear that a loud signal with a voice you can't make out, switch to AM

I hit the wrong button again--------------- because AM is likely what the voices will be in. Outside the ham bands if the AM position does not give you a clear voice, try FM. When you outside the ham bands, do not expect to hear lots of English language voices unless they are talking about religion. There are some shortwave broadcasts with non-english news type or some kind of music, but religious broadcasters are big users of shortwave these days. They small Chinese plastic box little radios will also deliver lots of signals that are just beeps and boops that won't make much sense unless a voice talks. Don't lose heart, make a note of the station frequencies that do transmit things you want to listen to, and learn to move the tuning knob very gently to receive single sideband with the switch in The CW position. I receive things cheaply from China because of the nation where I live, BUT, postpaid, for $30 I just ordered a TECSUN 110 which has no CW but I selected it because it has an audio input that I hope will feed out from my laptop computer or otherwise from my Samsung handphone. I am looking for a cheap way to get more volume from speakers or telephone. If you look for plastic boxed China made radios sold as "all wave" in the US for around $45, be sure your choice has CW. Actually you're going to have to step up for a middle I feel more dollars to , for example, a XHDATA brand radio at $93USD where it appears has lots more which is what I will really want including advertised upper and lower sideband as well as AM and FM and, read carefully, " all wave" 3 to 30 megahertz AND and air band which will let you hear airplanes talked to the ground and vice versa. The XHDATA model D-808 is well worth checking out and really appears to have it all. XHDATA brand is touted to be a "leader" of Chinese radios and this 808 appears to be a good cut above the plastic box AM-FM radios. Also looks like the 808 is what I would want BUTI did get the TECSUN 110 in a RED plastic box and I sure hope it hears with good volume from my apple laptop

Again, thanks for sharing your insights and experience. People who know what is coming need more data points to determine what options they have going forward. The most important part of all this is "you better know how to use your equipment BEFORE SHTF" and why not have fun learning this stuff too!!

Simple? YES but limited. Have you written down the stations you know you can pick up yet? I have. Do you trust that you will get the correct and complete information? So much propaganda on both sides of the isles these days. The more data points you have, the better chance of getting to the truth. Thanks for posting and glad you have practiced and know where to go before the grid goes down.

@@hamradiomadesimple Yes, I keep a log book of many regional/world broadcasters and top HAM radio nets that I can listen to. Also I have a simple solar/battery backup to keep the radios running. Thanks for the video.

GREAT!!!!!!!!! I love to see someone who is prepared NOW. Nice job.

​@@hamradiomadesimple"The grid" isn't going down anytime soon! You apparently don't know how it works. It's split into several parts. That way, a problem in one part of the country doesn't bring down everyone else! Paranoid much? May want to see a local mental health professional!

Yes and prepared means practicing how and when to use it. Great post!

66 to 108. Russia still uses 66 to 73, because the characteristics are better for their topology, and Japan uses 76 to 90? Not sure why, though.

I said something is better than nothing so your right, if you only go with SW. However, this is a much more available out there. Why settle with the least option out today? It like using a bow and arrow for hunting while there are cross bows and more lethal options to us. Glad you have your radio, antenna and stations up and working.

Good question. One who is a student of history and knows it tends to repeat itself. Have the foresight to see what is coming (storms, earthquakes, wars, civil breakdown, economic collapse etc) and prepares to endure and overcome. Prepping takes shape in many aspects. Casual prepping which is short term (couple of weeks). Mid-Level is more like several months. Serious is like 6+ months. Hardcore are those who go "off-grid" and learn to be self sustaining. What preparations are we talking about? Food, money, power back-up, medical / first aid, Comms, security measures. Also, they prepare mentally (to deal with life changes out of their control), spiritually and physically (stay in dissent shape). Bottom line, preppers don't want to wait in long lines when major disruptions occur. They want to be able to maintain a normal lifestyle as much as possible in a time of trouble. I hope this helps.

Preppers are also known as paranoids! They think there's a commie under every rock, or that everyone is out to get them. Really sad folks!

Your right, you have to run a random wire antenna outside to pick up most stations. Just using the radio antenna (especially in the house) does not work too well for most people.

@@hamradiomadesimple That doesn't work, the hills here are hundreds of feet higher than you seem to be imagining. In order for an extended external wire to work you need very low hills.

​@@WgB5Have you tried this? I live amoung mountains. A wire hung out the window works just fine on shortwave!(as well as for AM DX)

@@Robbie-sk6vc I live in a deep valley, surrounded by mountains. I am cut off. My wire would have to be higher than the hills- I envy you.

I want to thank you for taking the time to post your comment. I really mean this. Iron sharpens iron and different view points are critical in the thought process. First, I no longer belong to the ARRL so not a sales pitch lol... I could be missing some good data points. Could you please send me a list of SW stations that are not religious stations and not government funded? If there are enough stations out their that good objective news or information outlets and where most people can access them in the USA, I'm open to change my view. Again, help me to see what I'm missing. THANKS!!

Great point and thanks for taking the time to post this!!

WHAT? Have to find like minded people. The ham community groups are all over the map. It is nice when you find others like you and make it fun.

You must be a licenced amateur radio operator to legally use the 144MHz band. It's as easy as that. And you will be brushed off if you are not.

​@@rolandlemmers6462 I dont give a shit. Wil c ontinue to use the 144 mhz band

@@rolandlemmers6462 And I dont give a shit. If I'm in my little 13ft boat in the middle of the atlantic I will reach for the unlincenced radio and call for help, and the Vodka bottle as well..

@@hamradiomadesimple Thank you.

Sorry for the late response. It just showed up in the "Administrative Section" of comments. Yes, so you need to make sure your antennas are grounded properly and that you use lightning arresters (fuse) to prevent damage to your equipment.

@@hamradiomadesimple Okay, thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to post your comment Clive. As a student of history, I look at patterns and then draw a conclusion. When governments fund the media, they have control over the narrative. In the end, it is for their benefit not ours. "The license fee raised £3.8bn ($4.7bn) in 2022 for the BBC, accounting for about 71% of the BBC's total income of £5.3bn - with the rest coming from its commercial and other activities like grants, royalties and rental income. The BBC also receives more than £90m per year from the government to support the BBC World Service, which predominantly serves non-UK audiences." I don't trust any government funded media. They have a major say as to what is broadcasted. Just like corporate boards have a major say for their own news services, it is no different. Some are more independent than another but for the most part, they control what goes out over the airwaves. More so today than just 8 years ago. Case in point, just yesterday Jerome Powell states that the "US Banking System is sound and resilient". Three more banks stock crashed 30 minutes after making this statement. In a much larger crisis, do you think they will tell you the truth? History says no.... I respect your view and if you trust them, then we both have to accept the outcome of our own decision as to whom we will put our trust in.

FM is a band (rock band) according to the British.

​​@@MacroTh3oryright. Am and fm are bands. Sad hams point out modulation to show how smart they are 0:24 .

Thanks for your nitpicking scolding. You offer so much.... LMAO

SO TRUE BRO!! I always seem to catch them AFTER I post the video. Oh well, I don't get paid to produce these LOL

Did I really say that?? If I did, wow, my bad.