Short Wave Portable Radios

[star gazer]

Any one use a short wave portable radio cruising? I want to purchase one that gives reasonable reception.

Thanx

[bubbadog]

buy one with 15 mile range,have fun;)

[star gazer]

buy one with 15 mile range,have fun;)

A 15 mile range would work for the Sapphire now between LA and Catalina; I was thinking of more like a couple thousand miles range.

[jlp20]

Because the ship is steel, a built in antenna "may" not work. If you have a balcony, the MAX you can expect is 14 feet, if your on Caribe. The other decks will be less.

 

You may get better info on a HAM radio board

[Habs_Fan]

Are you actually looking for a short wave radio to receive radio/news (such as VOA and BBC) broadcasts from around the world that transmit in the 3-30mhz range?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortwave

 

 

Or are you looking for an FRS setup so you can communicate with family on board. These are like walkie talkies that operate in UHF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service

 

 

EDIT: Just saw your second post so it is a sw radio. Wasn't sure based on the other replies.

 

I think a portable unit such as a Grundig would probably work fine. I have seen reviews of some where people have taken them on cruises.

[star gazer]

Are you actually looking for a short wave radio to receive radio/news (such as VOA and BBC) broadcasts from around the world that transmit in the 3-30mhz range?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shortwave

 

 

Or are you looking for an FRS setup so you can communicate with family on board. These are like walkie talkies that operate in UHF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service

 

 

EDIT: Just saw your second post so it is a sw radio. Wasn't sure based on the other replies.

 

I think a portable unit such as a Grundig would probably work fine. I have seen reviews of some where people have taken them on cruises.

 

A Grundig is a good suggestion and Jlp20 recommend a ham radio board. Both were good ideas.

Thanks

[northernsw]

For really cheap, look at a grundig mini 300. For $99, look at a grundig g6 which will also give you airband. For $200, you might try the yaesu vr-500 which is dc to daylight. All use 2 AA batteries, the yaesu will need an extra antenna for sw use.

 

For $150, the sony icf-sw7600gr is probably the best all around performer and value. It is a little bigger than the list above. Book size as opposed to pocket sized, it uses 4 AA batteries

 

These guys are reputable and can help you:

 

<http://www.rffun.com/>

 

My experience with sw and ham radio on board is that the ship is a high rf noise environment. You'll get best results from the top decks.

[star gazer]

Thanks to all who gave input on SW radios. Yesterday, I ordered a Sangean ATS 505 from Amazon. If only I could attach an antenna from the top deck to my balcony on our next cruise.