I have known about amateur radio for a long time, but never really looked into it. Thanks for the tip. It actually seems really interesting.
There’s lots of software defined shortwave radio (SDR) receivers that are available on the web. You don’t really need a physical radio anymore to listen to the audio that is constantly flowing on the airwaves. This is one of many places to start: http://websdr.org/
I’ve heard of “pirate radio” since decades ago but never understood what is pirated about it.
are they broadcasting pirated music? broadcasting from ships committing maritime piracy? drinking Captain Morgan?
I think what it means is that they broadcast on restricted wavelengths.
How many people actually own shortwave-receiving radios though?
I bought a Tecsun PL-330 on eBay last year. I can’t say I use it very often, but once in a while I roll out my cable antenna (and try to avoid the multiple China Radio International channels which are everywhere).
It’s funny, I was JUST hankering to take my SW out to browse the airwaves, and then I log on to see this post.
I have a Halicrafters S-119, still runs on tubes. Picks up 2-16MHz.
I already spent some time rummaging around for my antenna, but I can’t find it and don’t have a spool of wire handy, so I’ll need to work on that,
Just alligator clip it to your gutter, should be fine.