Question for Jeff / anyone into shortwave/small radios

[DH1]

A question for Jeff (or anyone else who wants to chime in)...In the BOB article/PDF you wrote you mentioned that you carry a compact shortwave receiver...do you know what brand/model it is?

I carry a Countycomm radio (GP4l or something like that) with the roll-up antenna, but I'm interested in any small radios. The one thing I need to pack also would be a small earphone; you can use less power by having a lower volume and can hear weak stations better (the antenna really helps). Shortwave is a crap shoot on small radios.

 

[HaroldB]

It's usually not a problem with the SW radio (small or big), it's the antenna.

A simple 20 -30 ft. of small diameter wire, clipped to the radio's antenna greatly increases reception. Listening is usually much better after sundown too. C. Crane makes an excellent small SW radio -

http://www.ccrane.com/radios/shortwave-radios/ccradio-swp.aspx

 

[AZWaterRat]

I agree with HaroldB, it's all about the antenna. I have carried a Grunding Mini World 100 PE for many years now and added a shortwave clipon antenna that did wonders for the reception! Lately I have had my eye on this newer model -

http://www.rei.com/product/791974

 

[ss2211]

DH1, I have been thinking about getting that CountyComm radio. For the money, would you recommend that one or to keep looking for something else.

 

[somberbear]

for the money and size the Ccomm radio is pretty nice.... frankly i rarely use SW... but weather band and general radio around here is spotty...

the coil antenna is a must.... and its adaptable a definate must. i went from 3 stations up to 18 with one...

im looking at a new one.... but down the road..... i think i might skip sw and pick up one of the new etons comming out in march.

 

[lestat23]

I've heard these are good.
PK's loop antenna.
http://www.amradioantennas.com/index.htm

 

[DH1]

DH1, I have been thinking about getting that CountyComm radio. For the money, would you recommend that one or to keep looking for something else.

Yea it's a decent radio, well worth the money IMO. I don't know if CC has the package deal anymore where you get the radio, antenna, and plastic radio case in the sealed bag, but if they do I'd get that.

 

[Nobody]

What I don't understand is why I can't find a small radio using AA batteries that can receive AM/FM/SW and NOAA weather station reports.

 

[ss2211]

I think I will probably get the County Comm radio and antenna. I already have a little Sony Walkman thats got am, fm and noaa, but I also want the shortwave capabilities.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SRF-M37W-Walkman-Digital-Weather/dp/B00140DBRY/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I69QV309Y87I0&colid=27OWYOGEIBRVH

 

[MrCoffee]

I carry the same radio, and I like it a lot. Works pretty. Most of the time I am on my 2 meter HT, but everyone once in a while I will want to tune to a none local source.

 

[DH1]

I think I will probably get the County Comm radio and antenna. I already have a little Sony Walkman thats got am, fm and noaa, but I also want the shortwave capabilities.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SRF-M37W-Walkman-Digital-Weather/dp/B00140DBRY/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I69QV309Y87I0&colid=27OWYOGEIBRVH

That looks cool:thumbup:

 

[ss2211]

Ya its a nice little radio. I have only used it in parks just outside of the city, but it stills seems to have great reception. I'm gonna try further away from civilization this summer sometime.