Many technically inclined people have discovered shortwave listening in their youth. Years later they continue to the fascinated by what can be heard on the shortwave bands. This is my story…. As a teenager, I became interested in radio by reading the hobbyist magazines of the day. There were tantalising ads for army disposals stores […]
Shortwave radio listening is a hobby that allows you to fully immerse yourself in a separate world of international events. From listening to a shortwave broadcast station, long-distance aircraft travelling around the world or even international amateur radio operators, this hobby allows you instant access, to the exclusion of those physically around you. To further […]
The thing about emergency kits is you don’t need them till you do. As the name states, “Emergency” Meaning: A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action Having a prepared Emergency Kit on hand, filled with items that will help you survive a bushfire or natural disaster, easily accessible and ready to […]
We were delighted to watch this review by Troy & Pascale from Free Range Sailing who are currently exploring our beautiful country in a 30-foot yacht called Mirrool. Whilst sailing through northern Australia as well as the west coast of Tasmania there are limited coastal stations broadcasting on VHF. Using a shortwave radio like the […]
Q codes were developed by Morse Code operators as a method of communicating quickly and accurately. Rather than send a complete phrase, Q codes were developed to cover most operational situations. Q codes can be used to ask or answer a question, and can be used by operators who speak different languages. Q codes […]
Amateur Radio networks are providing worldwide communications and vital social communications during the current pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, most of the population have resorted to Chat and video conferencing Apps to stay in touch. Around Australia, there are hundreds of people staying in touch using an older, more traditional means, […]
On the 99 year anniversary of what could be considered the most catastrophic geomagnetic event in human history, we should consider our vulnerability. Geomagnetic storms are caused by immense activity on the surface of the Sun. Events such as Sunspots, solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections of billions of tons of plasma into space at […]
Shortwave radio, the original and most crucial form of radio communication in our history, and dropped by many countries 20 years ago, is set for a resurgence! Used heavily during the Cold War, shortwave was vital for communications in isolated areas. After the war, listenership dwindled and as the equipment aged and the energy bills […]
The Tecsun Shortwave Outdoor Antenna significantly enhances reception of signals in the medium wave (AM) and shortwave antenna bands coving 0.5-30 MHz. The Tecsun Shortwave Outdoor Antenna is based on the longwire antenna design but provides significantly improved reception over a longwire because the Tecsun Shortwave Outdoor Antenna utilises a matching transformer that acts as […]
The introduction of switch mode power supplies, light dimmers, flat screen TV sets, computers and their monitors, printers, modems, USB hubs etc and energy saving light bulbs has bought with it a range of interference problems for users of AM and HF shortwave bands.