TaimuRadiu's shortwave radio thread - At least I'm not into trains

[dugathree]

The thing that came to mind right away is a guy named Karol Madera. It looks like there is already a thread on him here. He broadcasts absolutely crazy nonsense ranging from scat fetish to pedophilia. The band he broadcasts on is 20mm, which is not supposed to be used by amateur operators You could pick the guy up on a normal radio. He has been fined massive amounts of money repeatedly and nothing seems to stop him. If you want to have a great time sifting through Blogspot pages of boomers yelling at a schizophrenic, google his name.

I have a whole library of recordings of loonies that I haven’t really shared with anyone. I’ll upload them to a Soundcloud and post them soon

 

[Hoc Signo Vinces]

When I was a kid I remember listening to shortwave radio on my grandfathers set. Back then there was a large variety of shortwave programming and I liked the radio drama shows mostly, but it was neat to listen to news from all over the world. Shortwave has shrunk considerably these days, and there aren't many stations left, but radio in general still is interesting and practical. I am using it mostly to gather information that would not be available otherwise, news from other countries and listening in on conversations about local events by amateur radio operators.

Just listening can be interesting and inexpensive. Having a shortwave capable set is a good idea for everyone, particularly to gather information in emergencies. The Tecsun models seem to be well reviewed as portable models and are powered by batteries. Eaton used to made a shortwave model that was solar and hand crank powered, but that appears to be out of production. If you get one, occasionally practice with it since finding something to listen to is different than regular AM/FM. Stations change frequency based on the time, so if you find a station you like it may have moved if you go back to it later. There are some US broadcasters, but most of the timeslots are filled with religious programming. You can find stations using sites like shortwaveschedule.com. The most interesting programming for me are the international broadcasts where I can hear news from other countries. With anything you read or hear, you will have to use discernment.

Amateur radio allows you to talk to others with a transmitter, sometimes over great distances. Getting a licence is fairly straightforward, the tests can be easily memorized since they are static multiple choice, but its a good idea to become familiar with the regulations and safety information. I normally don't talk alot, but i do enjoy is seeing what my station can do and what its reach is. In an emergency, I will be able to listen to information even if traditional communications is not functioning.

I use normal voice from time to time, but most of my time is spent in the various digital modes. A computer, I use a Raspberry Pi, makes tones and sends them through the radio, like text chatting. Another station can decode those tones to text and reply in the same way. Some modes are very efficient using low power while having greater reach then voice. My station is solar powered and my next focus is becoming portable. Backpacking isn't practical, but I am looking at some kind of cart or bicycle to transport the station, inspired by OH8STN, an off grid radio operator with a detailed Youtube channel.

Amateur and shortwave have less popularity than in years past given the Internet, but its practical applications in emergency communication remain relevant and in an emergency is to late to learn. For amateur operators, I would be interested in activities you enjoy on the air, and for those interested in starting in a radio hobby I would be happy to share what little I know. For those with a callsign, obviously do not share it here, since names/addresses are public record.

 

[Comandante Marcos]

El Comandante has been a shortwave geek since age 12 (1986) and a licensed amateur since 2012. My favorite mode is SSB voice, I simply just don't get the love of digital modes, it takes all the fun out of radio IMO. The big barrier to my getting licensed was morse code, it just didn't compute in my brain.

Listening is less popular because of all the broadcasters that have gone dark. Many many nations have suffered through "austerity" budget slashing and the expense of SW radio simply can't be justified. Even such outlets like Radio Australia that provided vital info to the Outback and Polynesia/Melanesia is no more. A group of investors started a private SW station to inform Outback residents like ranchers and aborigines. Other, poorer nations simply have their ancient transmitters decay to the point where they can no longer be repaired. So the big action is on the amateur bands.

My specialty is special event and weak signal long distance stations. I have reception reports from the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Battle, the 2020 Louisiana Purchase special event station, and a special station from the island of Bonaire. Right now the microphone on my radio died so I will have to order another one from China, which means I'm off the air for a couple months. I also have 144 Mhz and CB capability here.

 

[Troonos]

I've wanted to get licensed, not really for prepper purposes, but just for the fun of discovering an active frequency that traveled halfway around the world, and some random dude living in a hut in Iceland picks up and talks like a retard.

 

[waffle]

I'm planning on taking my tech test at the end of the month and probably do short wave after I get some money together to buy a good radio. What's a good place for pro tips?

 

[Distant Stare]

Its a boomer hobby. And it is infested with bootlickers.

 

[Grand Number of Pounds]

I'm planning on taking my tech test at the end of the month and probably do short wave after I get some money together to buy a good radio. What's a good place for pro tips?

hamexam.org is a good one for practice tests

I'd also recommend finding a good ham radio club in your area and seeing if they have an Elmer (mentor for new hams) program. A lot of clubs will allow you to borrow equipment or let you try the equipment before you buy.

 

[Hoc Signo Vinces]

Its a boomer hobby. And it is infested with bootlickers.

I love everything about ham radio, except the people.

I did try clubs a couple times, but the endless focus on administrative items was not fun so I stopped doing that. I have talked to interesting people, but it isn't often. I try to focus on what is fun for me, making the station work effectively and extending my reach as much as I can through experimentation. I have some friends that are amateurs and doing events with them is fun. I do have some memorable contracts with North Africa and Europe, these were fun people to talk to. For the radio fudds, I dial away when I encounter them, but it isn't too often on the air. VHF tends to have more of the busybodies in my area.


Waffle - you mean like for test prep? I used http://aa9pw.com/amateur-radio-exam-practice/ - basically just ran through the tests to the point where I had them memorized for the most part.


One of the US based shortwave stations has photographs of their station equipment and maintainers. The scale/size of the equipment means it would be expensive to maintain and impossible to replace anymore (http://www.wwcr.com/gallery.html). I don't think trying to start a shortwave station would be possible anymore, to expensive for what it would make in ad revenue. That Outback radio station is a neat story, and a great application for the potential reach of SW.

 

[Angeru]

Any tips on setting up my own station? I'd like to broadcast some intriguing music and political rants

Radio piracy intrigues me. Both the classical kind and the notion of sending warez over radio waves. I've been interested in fucking around with a pirate radio station, but heard the FCC can and will triangulate your ass and subsequently fine it. How true is this?

Man, would be cool if we could effectively broadcast files through the radio
Sadly though, we can't

 

[Hoc Signo Vinces]

Look for FM transmitters on amazon. I found one that goes up to 15watt there, but some digging can get you a variable power FM transmitter up to 50watt. They are popular for low power FM applications in lieu of face to face public gatherings recently, where people gather but stay in their vehicles. The 15w versions were pretty inexpensive, under $200 - https://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-...cast-Telescopic/dp/B08BBN49JC?ref_=ast_sto_dp. You can role play Christian Slater in "Pump up the volume" with this setup.

I transfer files with work radios alot, and you can do this with various amateur software packages (like GARIM/ARDOP). It isn't fast, so likely not what you you would be after if you mean transferring/broadcasting media files.

 

[Comandante Marcos]

Warning to pirates: the FCC has made an official announcement, the tl;dr of which is that anybody caught shitting up FM will quickly find a posse of FCC goons breathing up their ass. They spent several fucking YEARS to take down a couple of pirates in Boston that were run by Caribbean niggers (specifically Haitian rats) that had the backing of clueless local politicians who jabbered about underserved communities and shit while ignoring the fact that the nignogs were shitting up big chunks of Boston's FM band. Eventually the Haitian joggerz were stuck whining that they had no money for their fine, so the FCC chopped it by 3/4 just so they could get the Haitians to sign the consent decrees. Trump actually cares about this sort of thing and recently signed a law GREATLY jacking skyward the fines as well as other penalties. It'll be nice for them to get rid of the Hasidim pirates who are shitting up FM all over Brooklyn with yammering in Yiddish which not even other Jews in NYC know how to speak.

For Lolcows On The Air, 14.313 has been shitcanned and most of the old school cows are dead, including Madera and Glenn Baxter and a couple others. I've heard that most of the action takes place on 7200 now, but can't verify that since there's a solar installation in my neighborhood shitting all over the 40 meter band. Another good bet is 3800-3850 on the 75 meter band, haven't listened to that in ages but I remember it being full of really based guys who spewed racial truth all night, back when I first got my license I wasn't as into that as I am now.

And for commercial-level SW autism it's mainly WWCR. WWCR was Matrix-level shit for years, all sorts of batshit survivalist programming about the imminent end of civilization. Haven't listened in ages, but those who have tell me it isn't too far off from its singularity years in the 2000s.

Doesn't require a license to listen. I wouldn't recommend any of the shit that comes out of China, it's basically made for Chinese to listen to CNR (Chinese domestic SW) and nothing else. You really need a rather good tabletop. Sometimes receive-only tabletops pop up on ham radio for sale sites, best is swap.qth.com. Also if you live near a significant metro area you could try to find a ham radio flea market or "swap meet". They're usually held only once a year per event but there might be 2 or 3 different ones in your city.

Good rigs are the Yaesu FRG-7700 and the Realistic DX-300 which isn't as great but is the best of the GRE-made Realistics from the late 70s. If you have more money you might go for an Icom such as the R71 or R7000. Higher up is the Kenwood R1000 and R2000, and if you really are fucking Chris-level autistic with your bank account you might pay for a Drake. All of these are used of course. Only stuff being made new are transceivers (receive/transmit combo) and the shit handhelds from Shenzhen.

 

[HiramTheGrift]

Press F for Brother R.G. Stair, he died last month. Good riddance tbh. Bringing this thread back because we were talking about it in the chat, and as a memorial to that cult bastard. He was a Lolcow before the internet. If he was two decades younger (and not fucking dead) he'd have an amazing thread. I'm curious to see how/if Overcomer Ministries evolves from this.

Here is an online shortwave radio with a receiver in the Netherlands. It's really easy to get the hang of, and you can find some interesting stuff. Pirate radios are fun catches, and we were sharing military frequencies and number stations we found in the chat.
My favorite part about this particular radio is that it can record whatever you're listening to so you can save it and upload it to the thread. No account required or anything.
The radio I linked also has a chat and the people there are really helpful - all I ask is you be polite because they can't afford moderation and will take it down if it gets brigaded.
Here's a handy list of shortwave frequencies that you can use (remember the radio linked is located in the Netherlands).
And this is a little guide of how to find pirate frequencies.

As some have said, it's pretty boomerish but you can find some real hidden gems just by sifting for 30 minutes. Even North Korea has a 1 hr English news segment that airs once a week.
If you're interested in number stations, the difficulty is they will only transmit info for a few minutes then go offline. This is usually to avoid triangulation. This website catalogues them and will give you the frequencies of the next one with a countdown.

 

[Feet Seeking Missile]

Roast my antenna

 

[TaimuRadiu]

Lol I forgot about this thread. Press S to spit on Brother Stair's grave.