G 4 0 0 0 A O P E R AT I O N M A N U A L
9MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHORTWAVE
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHORTWAVE continued
Listed below are the characteristics of the major shortwave bands. Follow these guidelines for best listening results. Because shortwave signals depend on such factors as the sun, the ionosphere and the earth itself, signals cannot 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 IS A SHORTAVE BAND?” on page 11.
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 thistime. 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 late afternoon and evenings. The best bands are BOLD.
EVENING LISTENING | America. These bands may be extremely good |
| around sunset and sunrise too. Best bands are |
This is the best time to listen, because the broad- | BOLD. |
casters are deliberately transmitting to North |
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NIGHT BANDS | CHARACTERISTICS |
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19m | Summer months. |
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22m | Summer months. |
25m | Best 2 hours before/after sunrise/sunset |
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31m | Good all night everywhere |
41m | Good all night in Eastern North America; |
DAYBANDS | CHARACTERISTICS |
13m | Results vary. Worth trying. |
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16m | Similar to 19m. |
19m | The best daytime band. |
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22m | Similar to 19m (fewer stations). |
25m | Best around sunrise/sunset. |
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31m | Similar to 25m. |
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| varies in Western North America |
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49m | The best night band everywhere. |
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NOTE: Getting close to a window may substantially improve your reception.
16 | 17 |
