Thanks [code name] Guysmiley for passing these videos along. This is a great resource for helping to get more out of your shortwave receiving. The videos are from the Youtube channel ‘OfficialSWLchannel’
Part 1:
Shortwave radio Basics Radio Setup and noise level in your home
Tecsun PL-660 Shortwave Radio w/ Single Side Band
Sangean ANT-60 Short Wave Antenna
Part 2:
Shortwave for Beginners – The antenna
Shortwave for Beginners part 5 When to use SSB USB and LSB modes on a shortwave radio
Communications S.O.I. by John Jacob Schmidt
I find this site very useful for finding what is on the air or who you are listening to. Also good for identification of broadcast QRM. Many times I discover they are signing off about the time a net is scheduled to start.
http://www.shortwaveschedule.com/index.php?now=true
[…] during the 20m net. If you are non-licensed for 20 meter band, you can still monitor the net via Shortwave Radio w/ Single Sideband and check-in using the monitoring only […]
[…] Here’s a previous article on Short Wave Radio Basics: https://amrron.com/2015/10/11/shortwave-radio-basics-parts-1-2/ […]
Will the Tecsun PL-600 be able to do the same as the 660 or 680 ? From being able to pick the digital coded info on SSB? From what I’ve read the only difference between the 660 & 600 is the 660 will pick up the aircraft band. The 680 just has more bells and whistles. I want to be able to practice with SW & SSB and hook it up to my PC and be able to monitor.some nets and digital coded info. I have a HAM radio and working on getting my ‘Tech’ license. From listening to JJS podcasts, one of these radios is critical to have in a emergency/off grid situation. Lots of learning to do! Thanks.
We recommend the Tecsun PL-660 Portable AM/FM/LW/Air Shortwave World Band Radio with Single Side Band, Black https://amzn.to/2GETxE9
https://youtu.be/rJL3Q_3vI1M
If that is out of your budget, there is a smaller shortwave radio by County Comms. That is a good little shortwave with SSB and is less money. https://countycomm.com/collections/radio Polly-01! Welcome aboard!
Hi Polly-01, thanks for your quick response. Before reading the above, I ordered the PL-600 from Amazon and is comimg today for $84. How is the 660 better then the 600. I hear everything from nothing much to better speaker,electronics,etc. Some say the 600 is just as good or better. So I got my hands up!!
I planned on the 660, but the price went from $106 to $131. I can just send back the 600 hassle free as it’s Prime. I just looked again and found the 660 for $115, but not ‘Prime’ on Amazon. The CountyComm GP-5 SSB ( GEN 3 ) looks nice too with great reviews. So I’m going to go on your recommendation, since you’ve been around the block :). I’ll send back the 600. Should I go with the PL-660 for $115 or the CountyComm GP-5 SSB ( GEN 3 ) for $89.95 (free ship). I want to be able to use FLDigi with it, and it appears both will work with each having headphone jacks & support SSB. Remember I’m a noob too :).
Thanks, I really appreciate your help. (Apologies if I double posted this response, as I wasn’t sure it took)
Juliet Romeo-10
Juliet Romeo-10,
Here is some feedback JJS provided. Let us know how it works out! Polly-01
“I only have personal experience with the PL-660, PL-880, and the County Comms GP-5. All are excellent. Unfortunately I don’t have direct hands-on experience with the PL-600. The GP-5 is an outstanding performer, especially for the price. However, in my observations I’ve
noticed slightly better reception in the Tecsun PL-660/880) radios. Hope that helps. -JJS”