KA009R | Kaito |
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE SHORTWAVE BANDS
Listed below are the characteristics of the major shortwave bands. Follow these guidelines for best listening results. Bucause shortwave signals depend on such factors as the sun, the ionosphere and earth itself, signals canot be heard on all bands throughout the day. Some bands are best during the daylight hours, and some are best at night. If the term "band" is new to you, please read the section titled WHAT ARE BANDS?
DAYTIME LISTENING
Shortwave listening is generally at its poorest during the daylight hours of about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The major reason for this is that the broadcasters are not transmitting to North America at this time. They assume that we are all either at work or at school and are not able to listen during the day. If you want to try daytime listening, use the guidelines below. You will have some success, but not nearly as good as during the evening hours. The best bands are BOLD.
DAY BANDS | CHARACTERISTICS |
13m | Results vary. Worth trying. |
16m | Similar to 19m. |
19m | The best daytime band. |
22m | Similar to 19m with fewer stations. |
25m | Best around sunrise and sunset. Results vary during |
31m | Similar to 25m. |
KA009R | Kaito |
EVENING/NIGHT LISTENING
This is the best time to listen, because the broadcasters are deliberately transmitting to North America. These bands may be extremly good around sunset and sunrise too. Best bands are BOLD.
NIGHT BANDS | CHARACTERISTICS |
19m | Summer months. |
22m | Summer months. |
25m | Best two hours before/after sunset/sunrise. |
31m | Good all night everywhere. |
41m | Good all night in Eastern North America; varies in Western North America. |
49m | The best night band everywhere. |
NOTE: Getting close to a window may substantially improve your reception. The construsion materials of some buildings simply do not let signals in very well. Signals penetrate wood frame buildings easiest, while concrete and brick buildings usually block signals. If you are in a building with one or more stories above you, signals can also be impaired in strength. In such a situation, position yourself and especially the radio's antenna, as close to a window as possible while listening.
WHAT ARE BANDS?
If you have ever listened to AM or FM radio, then you already know what a band is. The AM band is
25 | 26 |