Comparing and Selecting Shortwave Radios |
| Shortwave radios can in general be distinguished from and compared to each other based on six primary characteristics:
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The greater the frequency range, the more stations the radio can potentially receive. Generally, shortwave radios can receive both shortwave radio frequencies and standard broadcast radio frequencies. The common frequency bands received by shortwave radios are given below.
- Shortwave Radio: 120, 90, 75, 60, 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19, 16, 15, 13, and 11 Meters
- Standard Broadcast Radio: AM, FM, FM Stereo
Some shortwave radios also offer SSB (Single SideBand) monitoring. |
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The type of tuning affects how well the radio can access the signal, while the type of display determines how precisely the radio can be tuned.
Analog
- Analog tuning is less expensive, and will generally include a fine-tuning knob to allow for more accurate tuning.
- An analog display is less accurate, however; it is harder to tune to a specific frequency.
Digital
- Digital tuning is more accurate and allows you to enter the frequency you want to monitor.
- A digital display indicates exactly which frequency you have tuned.
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The audio type indicates whether the radio has only a built-in speaker or a mono earphone jack. With an earphone jack, the radio can be connected to an earphone, headphones, external speaker or interface with an existing audio system.
- Built-in Speaker Size
- Earphone Jack (Mono Audio Out)
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The power options cover how the radio can be powered. Basic shortwave radios may only offer replaceable batteries as an option; desktop or home units generally also offer at lease a DC power jack to allow it to be powered from an adapter, and "emergency" radios sometimes offer a built-in generator, which allows you to power the radio via a hand crank.
- Replaceable Batteries
- Rechargeable Battery Pack
- DC Power Jack
- Built-in Power Generator
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There are three antenna options available for shortwave radios. Shortwave radios will have at least a telescoping rod antenna, and many will also have a built-in antenna. Some radios offer an external antenna jack or connection point, which allows connection to a secondary antenna for greater reception. |
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The last category, physical characteristics, covers the mechanic aspects of the radio (size and weight) as well as any other physical features, such as waterproof or water-resistant, and a backlit display.
- Dimensions
- Weight
- Waterproof
- Illuminated (Backlit)
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