Category: Shortwave Radio

My First Truly Terrible Radio Receiver

I often write about wonderful shortwave receivers. So, it is only fair to recall my first truly terrible radio receiver from 1965. Read more

What is the SWL best time of day for listening to your radio? There is no complete answer, but here are some clues. Read more

Ionospheric D Layer absorption attenuates radio signals, mainly below 10 MHz. Here is how it is caused and when. Read more

You have probably heard people talk about ionosphere virtual height. What is it and why is it important for HF propagation? Read more

So, how exactly do oblique radio rays bend as they transit the ionosphere and return to earth? Let’s find out. Read more

Radio wave refraction depends on density of free electrons and frequency. Skip distance is tied to refractive index and height. Read more

Let’s understand radio waves, and how they behave is different media including solid wire, free space and plasma. Read more

Let’s do a level set on basic HF radio propagation through the ionosphere and around the world. Read more

So, how does a modern airplane use shortwave radio successfully? You may wonder what kind of high frequency aircraft antenna are used. Read more

If you want something else to listen to on your SDR, try shortwave aircraft radio listening for trans-oceanic flights. Read more