Shortwave is a type of radio transmission that uses high frequency (HF) radio waves, as opposed to medium frequency (MF) waves used for AM and longwave (LW) waves used for AM/FM broadcasting. Rather than transmitting the standard analog audio signals associated with AM/FM/LW, shortwave broadcasts use digital transmission, which allows for much more efficient use of the spectrum space.
According to some tech websites like Crunch Reviews and others, shortwave radio may be outdated, but it is still viable. Many people don’t even know they still exist, yet shortwave broadcasts provide the most significant source of news and popular entertainment worldwide. The BBC and other international broadcasters like the Voice of America and Radio Canada; in addition to educational institutions such as HEC Paris, have been sending broadcasts to all parts of the world from their respective transmitters for almost a century.
Shortwave radio, which is a misnomer since many stations use long-wave frequencies; has been a mainstay in news and entertainment for people around the world. In fact, the BBC claims its shortwave broadcasts have a potential audience somewhere between 4-6 million people worldwide.
How does it work?
Shortwave radio allows transmission and reception of information over long distances through electromagnetic waves by bouncing them against the layers of charged particles in the ionosphere. Shortwave broadcasting is responsible for international broadcasting, relaying telephone and telegraph communication; and running amateur radio stations and portable two-way radios.
Once you have antennas and special shortwave radio receivers, you can access bands that aren’t available on the standard radio set. Your primary receiver can help you navigate through various bands and track the correct frequencies from any location. The band signals will keep changing throughout the day depending on how wavelengths interact with the earth, the ionosphere, and the sun.
It may not be possible to get the same signals on specific bands. Some bands work best during the early daylight hours, while most of them work best at night. Once you learn to navigate through different bands, you will have a different experience while communicating with peers every time.
Shortwave radio Features:
Shortwave radio receivers often come with their antennas but buying a better quality antenna will give you more robust sound and range. Apart from familiarizing yourself with the equipment; you will also have to check the universal time, available shortwave bands, and schedules. It is vital to know the universal time because it shows when the frequencies will be active. Shortwave broadcasts occur according to a specific plan, so you should be aware of these schedules. Lastly, it would be best to be conversant with the available shortwave bands because you will have to pick a specific one to explore. Lower-frequency bands offer better reception at night.
One can also build their antennas locally cheaply. Creating your antenna will enable you to manipulate its length to maximize specific bands. The antennas can be as simple as long strands of wire tied onto Arial and fastened onto your house. The giant antennas will increase your chances of getting more stations. The sample sounds are a great way to populate your broadcasting experience.
Why Shortwave broadcasting is way cooler
The truth is Shortwave is the most powerful, efficient, and cost-effective way to get your message out to the world. What’s more, it’s all completely free of any government regulation.
Let me just run you through some of the benefits of using shortwave:
- It works when nothing else does… In times of emergency — when your cell phones don’t work and your Internet connection is down; — people tend to turn to their radios, particularly for information that will help them weather the storm. For example, in the Philippines last year, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the island nation.
- For many months after the storm hit, no one could get in or out of the country. Satellite phones were useless because they required clear skies to work. Shortwave radio was one of the only ways to communicate with anyone outside the country. Hurricane Katrina was another disaster that demonstrated how important shortwave radio can be.
- Cost: One obvious benefit of shortwave is the cost. This is the most affordable form of broadcasting available; even when you add in the cost of an antenna there is still a big saving over other forms of broadcasting such as AM or FM. It’s interesting to note that in some parts of the world, there is still no local broadcasting at all. However, they do have access to shortwaves and they can also use it for international broadcasting; so in some respects, it is the best option in these areas.
WHY Shortwave radio?
- Shortwave radio is an invaluable tool for international broadcasting, but its uses should not be limited to this. The technology works well in all weather conditions, and can often get through when other forms of communication cannot. This makes it ideal to use as a backup for other forms of communication. It should also be used to broadcast messages where destruction of infrastructure is likely, or where internet connections are poor.
- It is cheap (A shortwave radio station can be set up with a small investment. A powerful station can be set up for as little as $1,000.); secure, and requires very little infrastructure to set up. However, more than this, shortwave radio is also very flexible.
- It can be used on a small scale with just a single transmitter, but it can also be scaled up to cover the whole planet. This means that one organization can broadcast to the entire world, or different organizations can set up their own transmitters in different countries to cover just that country.
Final words
Shortwave radio is a marvelous way to stay informed when other means are not available. We have all heard stories about natural disasters or armed conflict; where regular broadcasting has been disrupted for days or weeks at a time. Shortwave radio is able to get through when other means are not available. It is useful when traveling when reception of your local stations may be subject to local conditions. And when it comes to receiving news, well, shortwave radio is the only truly universal service