"Informative but informal and interesting. A superbly researched and prepared read and a very useful reference book. Highly recommended." Practical Wireless

Overview:
This book gives a comprehensive and practical guide to the fascinating hobby of short wave listening. It is written in an easy to understand fashion and covers the practical aspects of listening as well as the more technical topics. In this way the reader will be able to make the most use of the receiver and related equipment as well as knowing which bands or frequencies to use at different times of the day.

On the technical side a description of radio wave propagation on the HF bands is given. It is explained in a way that aims to give the listener an understanding of how conditions on the bands may vary and it gives the reasons why. Descriptions of particular bands used for amateur radio and broadcasters are given in their relevant chapters. The different modes of transmission from the more traditional types like Morse, AM and SSB are given along with more recent ones like fax and data.

Receivers are described. The basic operating techniques and how to get the most from them are addressed and then some of the technical issues are described. The way in which receivers work is detailed along with explanations of the specifications for receiver parameters which are encountered in the technical literature.

Antennas are described showing what types are available, how to install them and something about how they work. This should enable the best choice of antenna to be made before one is installed.

Listening on the bands is described in some detail. Amateur and broadcast listening are addressed in separate chapters detailing the various bands that are available and what is likely to be heard. Aspects like QSL cards and operating awards together with contests are also covered.

Contents:
What is short wave listening? Radio transmissions; Radio waves; Radio receivers; Aerials; Ancillary equipment; Users of the radio spectrum; Amateur radio; Broadcast listening; Setting up a station; Appendix

Published by Newnes (Butterworth Heinemann), 1997, ISBN 0 7506 2631 3