Here’s a collection of SDR videos for you to chew on – without a lot of time or money – you can get started in Software Defined Radio – and you can fart around with it on just a few bucks – or – you can spend to your hearts content – and you can listen to stuff besides the propaganda you are being spoon fed . . .

This next one is 2 years old – and the technology is constantly improving – but it will give you a view of what’s out there . . .

And you already have a computer – right? You can even use your smart phone . . .

These last three – if you’re still here – are from Ask Dave – if you have questions about “radio” – chances are Dave has already answered them .

I actually have 2 or 3 of the little dongles floating around hear – and I may have given 1 or 2 away – or not – but . . .

My two primary SDR’s are the DX-Patrol MK4 SDR Receiver from DXEngineering and the Airspy HF + Discovery from from Nevada Radio / UK – Why 2 you ask? The DX-Patrol is way cool – GREAT high frequency coverage – but – it only tunes down to 100 khz – the Airspy only tunes up to 31 khz – but – tunes down to .5 khz ( that’s 1/2 khz! ) – way down in the basement – submarine comm link basement levels – there is a whole ‘nother world of low – emphasize LOW – frequency traffic out here to listen to – there are a number of forums devoted to that type of traffic.

The other issue(s) with low freqs becomes the antenna – 600 foot plus (1200 foot is better) longwires start to get you there – but they also start to become somewhat directional – though a loop antenna will get you close the efficiency takes a dive below 50 khz . . .

This little post will get you started if you are so inclined – and remember – the cheapy little dongles? – like most other things – you are pretty much getting what you pay for!

Have Fun! – Run the Gun! – and remember – Fish Heads are Cheap!!

Are YOU monitoring this frequency as well?? If not you need to pay closer attention to the last post – LMAO!

All joking aside – the easiest way to get started with short wave listening is simply go to YouTube – watch a few videos and decide which SDR dongle catches your fancy – and dive right in – it’s a complete hoot and the simplest way to start. I will try to get some time tomorrow and grab a few videos to get you started . . .

Have Fun! – Run the Gun! – and remember – Fish Heads are Cheap!!

I finally took a deeeep breath and boxed up the eton 750 and brought the computer and monitor down hooked up the Air Spy – less than a week in using it exclusively and I have to admit – I’m hooked. For a desktop set-up – SDR is the way to go. There is a learning curve – as with almost anything – but it is worth the effort . . .

Got mine from Nevada Radio in the UK – ended up slightly more than buying here – but didn’t have to have a thing to do with PAYFUCKPAL . . .

Realize one thing folks – SDR receivers don’t replace any of these – within their design uses these are all good receivers – especially the sweetheart on the bottom . . .

This next one?? I will run it as long as it ( or me ) lasts – I truly enjoy digging signals out with the DX 160 . . .

And for a “portable” – the Sony ICF-2010 is an absolute stellar receiver – performance wise most of these are equally up to the task of SWL – So the question becomes “Why SDR?”

The ability to “see” at a glance 8.5XX to 9.1XX – and any signals worth listening to – another benefit – it is very easy to clarify SSB signals . . .

Have a quick listen to message traffic on 8.992 upper side band on the HFGCS – this is a bit of a 55 character message – station was using the call sign “symbolic” . . .

Rabbit Hole Alert – Just reading a portion of the stuff out there on the web about the military com system will snow you under – good luck!

My partners in crime helping me listen to shortwave . . .

Conditions this morning – 5am to 6am central – were very good – was listening to Yemen yesterday afternoon about 2pm central – very strange – but – conditions are the key – you can have the biggest bestest antenna ever – and if the conditions are poor – you are just not going to hear much – if the conditions are right you can just about listen on your can opener . . .

The Chameleon Antenna CHA RXL Pro Receive Loop Antennas RXL-PRO – from DXEngineering– has caught my eye – there may be one in my future at some point – who knows?? Performance wise? – not a lot of difference over a long wire antenna – however it has two null spots that can be rotated ( if mounted on a rotator ) to help cancel out noise . . .

Have Fun! – Run the Gun! – and remember – Fish Heads are Cheap!!