https://chinaradiosswl.blogspot.com/ Hello, I am SWL 14368 Frank near Paris FRANCE. This blog is for listeners and BCL of amateur radio bands in SSB an AM radio stations on MW and SW. This is my blog number 3 and I have 5 blogs. I also like listening to AM radio stations on Shortwave and MW. Thank you. 73 and good DX. Frank SWL F14368
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est The two main problems of SWL (shortwave listeners an MW listeners). Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est The two main problems of SWL (shortwave listeners an MW listeners). Afficher tous les articles
In the 80s, the major problem of QRM (interference) RFI wasn't a problem because there were no computers, no plasma TV screens, no powerline communication, no internet routers, and no LED light bulbs. In 2026, it's really rare not to have QRM, especially if you live in an apartment with neighbors. Personally, I suddenly had an S9 QRM that forced me to stop being a shortwave listener (SWL), even though I had a good antenna on the roof of the building housing the apartments. This QRM was coming through the building's 220-volt electrical current. I asked the authorities to come and try to find the source of the QRM, but at that time I wasn't yet a licensed amateur radio operator, and when they saw that it was coming from the electrical current and probably from faulty ventilation systems on the roof of the building next to my antenna or a neighbor's, they told me they couldn't do anything.
What to do
The poorest shortwave listeners (SWLs) have inexpensive radio receivers with an internal antenna for medium wave and a telescopic antenna for shortwave. Some receiver models have an input for connecting a wire several meters long, which will improve shortwave reception. These radio receivers lack single sideband (SSB) reception, which is mandatory for listening to amateur radio bands. AM radios on medium wave and especially shortwave have very high power outputs and good directional antennas. In contrast, SSB amateurs often have only 100 watts and modest antennas. Some, however, have more power and large directional antennas, making them easier to hear. SSB requires less power than amplitude modulation (AM). Whether you enjoy listening to radio stations on medium wave, shortwave, or the amateur radio shortwave bands, you need the best possible receiving antenna. And that's not easy, especially if you live in an apartment or a building where rooftop antennas are prohibited. If you're lucky enough to live in a detached house, you can, with care, put an antenna on the roof or in your garden. For listening to medium-wave radio, there are small loop antennas that work well and are inexpensive. For listening to shortwave radio, depending on your radio receiver, run a wire outside in your garden (backyard), and you'll get much better reception.
There are hundreds of types of antennas. You can buy one ready-made from a retailer or build one yourself for a few US dollars or euros. Since we're only listening, it's much less complicated than antennas for amateur radio operators who transmit and need to be precisely tuned. In the links I'm providing, you can see all kinds of antennas and also radio receivers at all price points. I'm not a handyman or a technician. I started getting interested in listening to radio stations and Citizen Band in 1980. Now I still listen, but with my QRM (RFI) problems, I use a Web SDR or a Kiwi SDR with my PC, these SDRs are located not too far from my home.
My blog with all MW and SW radios i have listened to via WEB SDR in The Netherlands
