Whether it’s a natural disaster or a man-made crisis, having backup communication plans is essential. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and even a widespread pandemic can disrupt cell towers, landlines, and the Internet. And there will always be times when these services are either non-existent or unavailable.
We need to carefully review our communication channels and plan accordingly. When a natural disaster strikes or an EMP explosion shuts down power grids, we want to be prepared with multiple options for staying in touch with loved ones and emergency services. In this article, you’ll learn what shortwave radio is and why preppers love it so much. You will also learn how to choose the right shortwave radio for your needs and get tips on how to set up your own shortwave radio network!
What is shortwave radio?
Shortwave radio is an extremely long-distance radio transmission method and is used for long-distance communication using radio waves. The frequency range for shortwave is between 3 MHz and 30 MHz. Compared to AM radio, FM radio and SW radio, shortwave radio has a much longer wavelength and is less affected by atmospheric conditions.
Shortwave radio is used to transmit music and talk radio. It is also used for long-distance communications, including intercontinental communications, and is commonly used by ships, divers, and others outside the normal range of land-based services.
Why preppers love shortwave radio
Shortwave radio is a great way to communicate when all other options fail. Shortwave will always work when all other means of communication fail because the ionosphere doesn’t care if the sun is out or if it’s in the midst of a solar flare or a geomagnetic storm. Regardless of the weather, solar activity, or whether the sun rises or not, shortwave radio gets through, while other means of communication may not be so lucky.
Shortwave radio is a type of radio transmission and, as discussed above, is used to transmit speech, music and other forms of audio programming. It is also used to disseminate news and information, as well as for propaganda and censorship purposes.
The network independence makes shortwave radios a very popular and common gadget in the prepper scene. FEMA also recommends always having a network-independent radio ready for emergencies.
How to choose the right shortwave radio
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a shortwave radio, including frequency coverage, noise reduction, power source, and ease of use. You should make sure that the shortwave radio covers all of the following frequencies:
3.2MHz (80 meters), 7.6MHz (40 meters), 9MHz (33 meters), 11MHz (27 meters), 13MHz (22 meters), 15MHz (19 meters), 18MHz, 22 MHz, 25 MHz (19 meters), 31 MHz (16 meters), 39 MHz (9 meters), 49 MHz (6 meters), 59 MHz (3 meters), and 63 MHz (3 meters).
The shortwave radio should have an extendable antenna to boost the signal and noise reduction to block out background noise. It is also helpful if the shortwave radio has an audio connection so that several people can listen to the same program at the same time. Finally, it is important to choose a shortwave radio that is easy to use so you can get started as soon as you buy it!
If you are interested in purchasing one of the recommended shortwave radios from the video, you can find them right here.
2. Kaito KA500
1. Tecsun PL880
Construction of a shortwave radio network
With a little tinkering, you can build a network of shortwave radios with their own frequencies. In this way, you can communicate with several people at the same time without having to flip the number switch. Make sure you assign an ID to each radio so you can communicate with specific people in an emergency. You can also build an antenna to boost the signal and add a noise reduction system to get a clearer sound.
Make sure you also think about communication security. We explain the relevance of this here.
Conclusion
Shortwave radio is a great way to stay connected when all other means of communication fail. They are particularly useful during solar storms and geomagnetic activity when the ionosphere is disturbed and other forms of communication are impossible. If you live in an area with little or no cell phone coverage, consider having a shortwave radio in your emergency kit.
You never know when a natural disaster or man-made crisis could disrupt all other forms of communication. When choosing a shortwave radio, make sure it covers the required frequencies. It also helps to choose a model with an extendable antenna and noise reduction for clearer sound.
When you build a shortwave network, you can communicate with multiple people at the same time over specific frequencies. This is a great option for large families or groups who need to stay in touch during a disaster.
