Historically HF radio has been the backbone of military communications in all conflicts since WW2. Able to provide long distance communications via skywave or short range communications via ground wave, manpack transceivers have become the norm in most conflicts.
The advent of satellite communications has opened up real time broadband links from command centre to front line, provided there was sufficient space and power available. HF still rules where SATCOM is not viable, ie in jungle, polar regions, valleys and where a clear sky is not possible.
One important consideration of modern military communications is the vulnerability of satellites in space, which can be disabled or jammed. Countries of significant military capability have demonstrated the capability of destroying in orbit satellites and jamming spaceborne navigation networks.
In this scenario HF communications becomes a viable backup to SATCOM. It is for this reason that in addition to routine communications, Emergency Action Messages utilize HF. This may be of interest to shortwave listeners.
The term EAM refers to plain voice encoded messages sent on shortwave (HF) frequencies by the US military to communicate with nuclear capable assets. Such communications are normally used for training, but can be used to authenticate and authorize deployment of strategic nuclear weapons.
Frequency of EAMs can vary with current military threat levels and hold more importance during times of conflict.
The frequencies used are public knowledge and are used to routinely broadcast several times each day. They are intended to be heard and used by aircraft and nuclear silos to issue commands and to confuse enemy intelligence. These messages generally originate in the Northern hemisphere but shortwave propagation means they can be heard around the world at various times.
With the advent of a world wide network of online SDRs, listening has been made even easier.
The frequencies used are part of the High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS) and include 4724, 6712, 6739, 8992, 11175, 13200, and 15016 Khz. These transmissions are always in USB mode and form another interesting facet of shortwave listening.
Apart from EAMs, there are many country specific military HF communications networks that can prove interesting to shortwave listeners. Both the Australia and New Zealand military have HF networks. Information on these networks including voice frequencies are public knowledge.
Voice frequencies reportedly used in Australia include: 12172, 15962, 9047, 5878 and 22868 Khz.
5696 Khz has been reserved and allocated for military distress traffic.
Whether you have been tuning the bands for decades or have only recently discovered the hobby, there is every reason to spend a little more time with a shortwave receiver.
The Sun Is Still Putting on a Show
One of the biggest influences on shortwave reception is the Sun. We are still experiencing the effects of Solar Cycle 25, which has brought a welcome improvement to HF propagation compared with the quieter years not so long ago.
There have been a number of strong solar flares this year. While these can occasionally cause temporary radio blackouts and poor reception, they also remind us that the ionosphere is very active. Between these disturbances, many listeners have enjoyed excellent long-distance reception across the HF bands.
As always, conditions can change from one day to the next, which is all part of the attraction of the hobby.
Better Opportunities for DX
Many Australian listeners have reported improved reception on the higher shortwave bands, particularly during daylight hours. Signals from Asia continue to be reliable, while Europe and North America have been appearing more regularly when conditions are favourable.
For those who enjoy chasing distant stations, 2026 has already produced some rewarding listening opportunities.
New Listeners Are Discovering Shortwave
It is pleasing to see more people showing an interest in shortwave radio. Some are looking for a hobby away from computer screens, while others are discovering the enjoyment of hearing voices and music from around the world using nothing more than a radio and a length of wire.
Modern DSP receivers have also made the hobby much more accessible. Many compact portable radios now offer impressive sensitivity and selectivity at prices that would have seemed remarkable only a few years ago.
Australian Listening
Australia continues to have an active community of shortwave enthusiasts. Local amateur radio activity remains strong, and the few remaining Australian shortwave stations continue to provide interesting listening for both local and overseas audiences.
The Australian winter months are traditionally a good time to explore the bands, with longer nights often bringing improved reception of distant stations.
A Good Time to Enjoy the Hobby
Shortwave listening has always rewarded patience and curiosity. No two days on the bands are ever quite the same, and that unpredictability is one of the reasons so many of us continue to enjoy the hobby after all these years.
If you have not switched on your receiver for a while, now is an excellent time to do so. You may be surprised by what you hear.
At Tecsun Radios Australia, we pride ourselves on offering gear that’s been selected and tested by a genuine radio enthusiast who understands what Australian operators actually need. The latest addition to our range is the Endfed 4 Band Antenna (Cat # Q5014)—a practical, efficient solution for amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners alike.
This antenna has been chosen for its simplicity, flexibility, and dependable performance across multiple HF bands, making it an excellent option whether you’re operating from home or heading out portable.
Multi-Band Capability Without the Complexity
The Endfed 4 Band Antenna is designed to resonate on four key amateur HF bands:
- 40 metres
- 20 metres
- 15 metres
- 10 metres
Because these bands are harmonically related, the antenna achieves effective multi-band performance without requiring complex switching or tuning arrangements. This makes it especially appealing for operators who want to keep things straightforward while still enjoying broad band coverage.
Efficient Matching with a 49:1 Unun
A key feature of this antenna is the integrated 49:1 unun, which allows efficient impedance matching of the 20 metre wire radiator. In practical terms, this helps the antenna perform reliably across its intended bands, even when installed at modest heights.
Unlike many antennas that require significant elevation to work well, this design can operate effectively with the radiator positioned as low as one metre above ground level, giving you far more flexibility in how and where you deploy it.
Easy Installation in Real-World Conditions
One of the standout benefits of this antenna is just how easy it is to set up. It’s well suited to a wide range of installation scenarios, including:
- Backyard setups with limited space
- Portable or field operation
- Irregular layouts where a straight run isn’t possible
The radiator wire can be routed around corners without significant performance loss, which is a major advantage in suburban environments or when working around natural obstacles.
Ready to Go Out of the Box
To make setup as simple as possible, the antenna comes supplied with:
- 10 metres of RG-58 coaxial cable
- 2 x PL-259 to BNC female adaptor
- 1 x BNC to 3.5mm male adaptor
This means you can connect to a wide range of radios, including portable receivers and SDRs, without needing additional accessories. It’s a practical, all-in-one solution designed to get you on the air quickly.
Suitable for Transmit and Receive
Rated at 100 watts PEP, the Endfed 4 Band Antenna is suitable for most QRP and standard amateur radio transceivers. It provides reliable transmitting capability while also performing well on receive.
For shortwave listeners, this antenna offers an easy way to improve reception across multiple bands without the need for complicated antenna systems. It’s a great option if you’re exploring HF listening and want something effective yet straightforward.
Why We Recommend It
As with everything we stock, this antenna has been selected because it delivers where it counts. It offers:
- Dependable multi-band performance
- Simple setup with minimal tuning required
- Flexible installation options
- Compatibility with a wide range of equipment
- Strong value for both new and experienced operators
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a reliable addition to your station, it’s a solution that balances performance with ease of use.
Pricing and Availability
- Cat # Q5014
- Price: $155.00 AUD
Available now through Tecsun Radios Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Endfed 4 Band Antenna is a practical, no-nonsense option for anyone wanting to get on the HF bands without dealing with complicated antenna systems. Its combination of multi-band coverage, flexible installation, and user-friendly design makes it a solid choice for Australian conditions.
As always, this is gear selected by someone who actually uses it—so you can be confident it’s been chosen with real-world performance in mind.
73 and happy listening.