Amateur radio is a vast world. Perhaps you are hesitant to get started with this hobby? However, in 2026, it is much easier to begin thanks to the internet. Amateur radio listeners are known as SWLs (Short Wave Listeners), even if they listen to frequencies outside the shortwave range. Over the past four years, I have written numerous articles on my blogs. Personally, even though I hold an amateur radio call sign, I am far from knowing everything. I didn't stay in school long and started working at age 16. I admire people who build their own transceivers—for QRP operation, for instance—but that is something I am unable to do myself. I am an older man now, dealing with significant health issues, so I cannot listen to the radio anywhere other than at home. Radio is my passion. Before I started listening to amateur radio bands, I was active on CB radio and listened to shortwave and medium-wave broadcast stations. My English was decent because I had traveled extensively, which helped me when listening to amateur radio bands. But even if you don't speak a word of English, you only need to know a few phrases to follow a QSO (conversation) between amateur radio operators. So, don't get discouraged!
If you don't own a shortwave receiver with SSB (single sideband) capability, you can listen to amateur radio bands for free using your computer.
I explain all of this in the articles I have already written.
Well, I hope that—like me—you will become passionate about amateur radio.
Thank you, and happy DXing. 73 from Frank (SWL F-14368 / FØDUW) near Paris, France.
