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SW receiver suggestions

Red dog

Red dog

Well-known member
#1
#1
After receiving a gift from Handload my interest in listening to SW radio has stepped up. Long ago I had a rack mount Collins, a 51J4 if my memory serves me right, that my father had brought home for me to play with. Wish I still had it but then we grow up and move on and here I am today probably 50 years later looking to reconnect. I'm figuring I can't probably afford new so what would be a good used SW receiver to look for, I have house power (solar) so I don't need something that requires battery power, I have room for antennas and I'm thinking I would enjoy spending some time hearing what the rest of the world is talking about. Suggestions? Seems strange asking, as the last 30 years in my working life were for a government contractor designing airborne and manpack radios... :) Guess this shows how much I didn't take work home!
 
HandLoad

HandLoad

Twinkle Me, LORD
Brass Subscriber
#2
#2
Shortwave Listening has diminished so very much during Our lifetimes!

I used to listen to Radio Japan and Radio Nederland (The Happy Station) and Radio Australia (Waltzing Matilda music - I can hear it in My Mind across all those Years ago (more than 60!)...

HCJB (Heralding Christ Jesus' Blessings) from Quito, Ecuador was another.

I was listening from Woodbridge, Virginia, and later, from Panama City, Florida.

So, With no idea of Your Budget, I would Point You to [CORRECTED] ([URL="https://www.universal-radio.com/[/URL]) Universal Radio, a seller/Reseller of good repute. Best Would be one of the many ICOM models, or (my Favorite) a Drake R8b (the R8a is good, too, but just a bit lesser). Harris made great equipment, as well as JRC (Japan Radio Company).

Those would be the expensive end.

For less expensive radios, but honestly presented, with fair prices, go to ccraneradio.com - they sell "Asia, INC" radios. They honor their warrantees. If You are still hesitant, due to prices, look for the "orphans" tab, to see returned or open box inventory, and keep coming back as the units move fast, and offers vary minute to minute.

You are really only a pretty short step from a Ham Radio Operator. Look into our little group here on OTGF for a Warm place. Ham Transceivers are pretty Great Receivers of Shortwave...

Happy to answer any Questions You might have.
 
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HandLoad

HandLoad

Twinkle Me, LORD
Brass Subscriber
#3
#3
That SONY You have is pretty good. Just get a good antenna up, and a good Ground, and it will come alive.

Get those up, and THEN decide if You need to Spend $250.00- $1500.00 or More on a Receiver!
 
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Red dog

Red dog

Well-known member
#4
#4
Thanks Handload, I'll do some looking and really $ don't matter too much when it comes to buying a "lifetime" purchase. Wife is interested so we're past that hurdle. I've got insulators coming in so I can get an antenna up. Part of me wants to hear for myself what the rest of the world is thinking, way past tired of MSM and I remember how as a kid I heard news on SW days before I heard it on the local stations.
 
HandLoad

HandLoad

Twinkle Me, LORD
Brass Subscriber
#5
#5
That still happens but you will have to be good at spotting "Slant" - Radio Albania is still a ravening nutcase promoting Communism, for example...

The BBC is, sadly, sorta like so many other "news" sources, slumping towards Socialism...

For a "Reasonable" receiver, look into the Grundig 750 (I have an early model) You can find them New...look around! The price on that model can vary WILDLY!

I have a Grundig Millenium 2000 as well. If You can find one used, it has a nicer (bigger) display for older eyes... I wouldn't pay much more than $250.00 for a really clean one...

If You are really only interested in Shortwave News/Commercial or National Radio Services, You need NOT buy a radio with SSB capability, which adds complexity and cost just to listen to Ham Radio Tx...
 
Red dog

Red dog

Well-known member
#8
#8
Thanks, reading the specs makes my head hurt, been seven years since I've thought about any of those things and I haven't missed it at all after a life time of it!!! Think I'll take your advice and get an antenna up and see how this sony does before taking any big steps.
 
240Geezer

240Geezer

Old dude with a ‘tude
Gold Subscriber
#14
#14
To any that are interested: I have Tech and General study guides. Also a primer on Digital modes. ( courtesy of none other than HL hisself)
Up for grabs. I’ll pay postage to whatever bunker, cave, spider hole or P.O. box you designate. Free Free Free!
 
Red dog

Red dog

Well-known member
#15
#15
Got an antenna put up today, waiting now for it to cool off before I go out and see what improvement it makes. That is if it doesn't start raining.

Edit: Well the rain came in so no listening tonight. 48 mph peak wind gust, temp dropped from 100F to 74F in 10 minutes, .38" of sideways rain.
 
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