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G 4 0 0 0A O PE RATI ON M AN UAL
21
HOW IS IT THAT BROAD CA STS
FROM AROU ND THE WORLD
CAN BE HE AR D ON A SHORT-
WAVE RA DI O?
Shortwave radio can be heard around the world
because of the earth’s ionosphere. Think of the
ionosphere as a cloud-like layer enshrouding the
earth at an altitude of 140-250 kilometers (90-160)
miles). It consists of electrons and ions, the density
of which are governed by the sun and the earth’s
geomagnetic forces. Radio waves virtually bounce
their way around the earth, bouncing off the
ionoshpere, back down to earth, often repeating
this process several times. The low angles at which
this takes place enable the radio waves to travel
great distances with each bounce.This whole
process is called radio wave deflection and ionos-
pheric propagation.
WHAT ELS E CAN AND CANNOT
BE HEARD ON SHORTWAVE?
You can hear long distance two-way marine, aviation,
and amateur radio (ham). To receive such communica-
tions, an advanced shortwave receiver with single
sideband (SSB) capability must be used.The more
advanced Grundig radios can do this. Local VHF/UHF air
traffic, police, fire, ambulance, and weather services
CANNOT be heard. For these, use a VHF/UHF scanner.
CAN DISTAN T AM/FM BROAD-
CAST STATI ONS BE RECEIVED?
FM is strictly for local stations. Daytime AM stations
usually have a maximum distance of 50-100 miles. At
night, AM broadcast signals can sometimes be heard
over much greater distances, hundreds of miles away.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHORTWAVE continued
20
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SHORTWAVE continued
For fully comprehensive listings of the broadcast
schedules of all countries, see the broadcast guides
recommended in the section titled SHORTWAVE
GUIDES AND MAGAZINES on page 23.
IS THERE ENGLISH LAN GU AGE
PROGRAMMI NG ?
Yes! Many major international broadcasters
incorporate English programming.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM
CONTENT L IKE?
This can vary considerably from country to country;
however, programming usually consists of world
news, local news from the country of origin, news
commentary, interview programs, culturally oriented
programs, music oriented programs, and even political
propaganda.
ARE THE S IGNALS CLEAR?
Often, but not always.Today’s technology has greatly
minimized the fading, static and interference that are
natural aspects of international broadcast listening.
CAN I HEA R A SPECIFIC
COUNTRY?
Yes, if that country is transmitting its signal specifically
for listening in your part of the world. Otherwise,
it may range from good to impossible.
IF A COUN TRY IS NOT
TRANSMITT IN G ITS SIGNAL
SPECIFICA LLY FOR RECE PT ION
IN NORTH AMERI CA, IS THERE
ANY CHANC E OF RECEIVING IT?
Yes, with detailed research into broadcast time and
frequency and patience, it is possible but never
guaranteed. A professionally engineered outdoor
antenna can make a major difference. Call Grundig
technical support for advice on such antennas.