Eton G5 Getting Close to a Window, Shortwave Antennas, Introduction to Single Sideband SSB

G5 OPERATION MANUAL

INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE continued

GETTING CLOSE TO A WINDOW

Getting close to a window may substantially improve reception. Shortwave signals penetrate single-level wood frame buildings easiest, while concrete and brick buildings, multi-story and metal roofed struc- tures often block signals. In such situations, position the radio as close to a window as possible.Holding it may also help. Use an external antenna if necessary.

SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS

An external shortwave antenna, especially when mounted outside, can greatly enhance shortwave reception. Some radios are equipped with special antenna sockets. Eton Corporation does not manufacture or sell shortwave antennas, however, there are many excellent models available. A web search such as ‘shortwave antennas’ will result in many sources for such products.

INTRODUCTION TO SINGLE SIDEBAND (SSB)

Many higher-end shortwave radios have special circuitry enabling SSB, a highly efficient way of electronically processing transmitted and received signals for two-way communication. Examples of this are amateur radio (hams), maritime and aeronautical communication. Either upper side band (USB) or lower side band (LSB) can be used. Non-voice methods of communication can also be heard, including CW (Morse code) and RTTY (radio teletype).

Receiving SSB signals is not always easy. Since this is two-way communications, transmissions are often very short and sporadic. Also, most two-way communication uses relatively low power, 50 to

INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE continued

1000 watts. The amateur radio operators are easiest to find, Best results are experienced when using an outdoor shortwave antenna such as a dipole.

Follow your radio’s instructions on how to engage its SSB feature. Shown next are some selected frequency ranges on which SSB com- munications can be found. All frequencies are shown in kilohertz.

AMATEUR RADIO SHORTWAVE BANDS (M=METERS)

80m: 3500-4000	17m: 18068-18168
40m: 7000-7300	15m: 21000-21450
30m: 10100-10150	12m: 24890-24990
20m: 14000-14350	10m: 28000-29700
AERONAUTICAL SW FREQUENCY RANGES (USUALLY USB)
2850-3155	11175-11400
3400-3500	13200-13360
4650-4750	15010-15100
5480-5730	17900-18030
6525-6765	21870-22000
8815-9040	23200-23350
10005-10100

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