25
26
KA009R
KA009R
Kaito
Kaito
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO THE SHORTWAVE BANDS
Listed below are the characteristics of the major shortwave bands. Follow these guidelines for best listening
results. Bucause shortwave signals depend on such factors as the sun, the ionosphere and earth itself, signals
canot be heard on all bands throughout the day. Some bands are best during the daylight hours, and some are
best at night. If the term "band" is new to you, please read the section titled
WHAT ARE BANDS
?
EVENING/NIGHT LISTENING
This is the best time to listen, because the broadcasters are deliberately transmitting to North America. These
bands may be extremly good around sunset and sunrise too. Best bands are
BOLD
.
NOTE:
Getting close to a window may substantially improve your reception.
The construsion materials of
some buildings simply do not let signals in very well. Signals penetrate wood frame buildings easiest, while
concrete and brick buildings usually block signals. If you are in a building with one or more stories above you,
signals can also be impaired in strength. In such a situation, position yourself and especially the radio's antenna,
as close to a window as possible while listening.
WHAT ARE BANDS?
If you have ever listened to AM or FM radio, then you already know what a band is. The AM band is 530-1600
13m Results vary. Worth trying.
16m Similar to 19m.
19m The best daytime band.
22m Similar to 19m with fewer stations.
25m Best around sunrise and sunset. Results vary during mid-day.
31m Similar to 25m.
19m Summer months.
22m Summer months.
25m Best two hours before/after sunset/sunrise.
31m Good all night everywhere.
41m Good all night in Eastern North America; varies in Western North America.
49m The best night band everywhere.
DAY BANDS
NIGHT BANDS
CHARACTERISTICS
CHARACTERISTICS
DAYTIME LISTENING
Shortwave listening is generally at its poorest during the daylight hours of about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The major
reason for this is that the broadcasters are not transmitting to North America at this time. They assume that we
are all either at work or at school and are not able to listen during the day. If you want to try daytime listening,
use the guidelines below. You will have some success, but not nearly as good as during the evening hours.
The best bands are
BOLD
.
