Is There English Language PROGRAMMING?

G 4 0 0 0 A O P E R AT I O N M A N U A L

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHORTWAVE continued

For fully comprehensive listings of the broadcast schedules of all countries, see the broadcast guides recommended in the section titled SHORTWAVE GUIDES AND MAGAZINES on page 23.

Yes! Many major international broadcasters incorporate English programming.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM

CONTENT LIKE?

This can vary considerably from country to country; however, programming usually consists of world news, local news from the country of origin, news commentary, interview programs, culturally oriented programs, music oriented programs, and even political propaganda.

ARE THE SIGNALS CLEAR?

Often, but not always. Today’s technology has greatly minimized the fading, static and interference that are natural aspects of international broadcast listening.

CAN I HEAR A SPECIFIC

COUNTRY?

Yes, if that country is transmitting its signal specifically for listening in your part of the world. Otherwise,

it may range from good to impossible.

IF A COUNTRY IS NOT TRANSMITTING ITS SIGNAL SPECIFICALLY FOR RECEPTION IN NORTH AMERICA, IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF RECEIVING IT?

Yes, with detailed research into broadcast time and frequency and patience, it is possible but never guaranteed. A professionally engineered outdoor antenna can make a major difference. Call Grundig technical support for advice on such antennas.

WHAT ELSE CAN AND CANNOT BE HEARD ON SHORTWAVE?

You can hear long distance two-way marine, aviation, and amateur radio (ham). To receive such communica- tions, an advanced shortwave receiver with single sideband (SSB) capability must be used. The more advanced Grundig radios can do this. Local VHF/UHF air traffic, police, fire, ambulance, and weather services CANNOT be heard. For these, use a VHF/UHF scanner.

CAN DISTANT AM/FM BROAD - CAST STATIONS BE RECEIVED?

FM is strictly for local stations. Daytime AM stations usually have a maximum distance of 50-100 miles. At night, AM broadcast signals can sometimes be heard over much greater distances, hundreds of miles away.

HOW IS IT THAT BROADCASTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD CAN BE HEARD ON A SHORT - WAVE RADIO?

Shortwave radio can be heard around the world because of the earth’s ionosphere. Think of the ionosphere as a cloud-like layer enshrouding the earth at an altitude of 140-250 kilometers (90-160) miles). It consists of electrons and ions, the density of which are governed by the sun and the earth’s geomagnetic forces. Radio waves virtually bounce their way around the earth, bouncing off the ionoshpere, back down to earth, often repeating this process several times. The low angles at which this takes place enable the radio waves to travel great distances with each bounce. This whole process is called radio wave deflection and ionos- pheric propagation.