No Shortwave radio reception

[Avocado Dream]

[QUOTE=SuperPsycho]I obviously am going to have to put more effort(...and more money...) into this if I'm going to get anywhere with this.

Nah, I've found many very capable portable and tabletop short waves at the thrift and flea markets in the 2-10 dollar range. Once you get the hang of knowing which bands are open at which time of day, you will find lots to listen to.

A full coverage receiver is best, usually 1.5 to 30Mhz, Radio Shack sold a ton of them in the 70's and 80's. Digital readout is helpful for the beginner, my first serious radio was a Realistic DX440. Most of the cheaper portables leave out large chunks of the band leaving not much more than the standard european broadcast bands - kinda boring.

The only antenna I am able to have here is a 30 ft. wire clamped to my balcony - it works fine, though not as good as a proper long wire.

Good luck, have fun

-Dave