Eton DUAL CONVERSION G5 User Manual

Page 20

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38

GETTING CLOSE TO A WINDOW

Getting close to a window may substantially improve reception.
Shortwave signals penetrate single-level wood frame buildings easiest,
while concrete and brick buildings, multi-story and metal roofed struc-
tures often block signals. In such situations, position the radio as close
to a window as possible. Holding it may also help. Use an external
antenna if necessary.

SHORTWAVE ANTENNAS

An external shortwave antenna, especially when mounted outside,
can greatly enhance shortwave reception. Some radios are equipped
with special antenna sockets. Eton Corporation does not manufacture
or sell shortwave antennas, however, there are many excellent models
available. A web search such as ‘shortwave antennas’ will result in
many sources for such products.

INTRODUCTION TO SINGLE SIDEBAND (SSB)

Many higher-end shortwave radios have special circuitry enabling
SSB, a highly efficient way of electronically processing transmitted
and received signals for two-way communication. Examples of this
are amateur radio (hams), maritime and aeronautical communication.
Either upper side band (USB) or lower side band (LSB) can be used.
Non-voice methods of communication can also be heard, including
CW (Morse code) and RTTY (radio teletype).

Receiving SSB signals is not always easy. Since this is two-way
communications, transmissions are often very short and sporadic.
Also, most two-way communication uses relatively low power, 50 to

INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE

continued

39

1000 watts. The amateur radio operators are easiest to find, Best
results are experienced when using an outdoor shortwave antenna
such as a dipole.

Follow your radio’s instructions on how to engage its SSB feature.
Shown next are some selected frequency ranges on which SSB com-
munications can be found. All frequencies are shown in kilohertz.

AMATEUR RADIO SHORTWAVE BANDS (M=METERS)

80m: 3500-4000

17m: 18068-18168

40m: 7000-7300

15m: 21000-21450

30m: 10100-10150

12m: 24890-24990

20m: 14000-14350

10m: 28000-29700

AERONAUTICAL SW FREQUENCY RANGES (USUALLY USB)

2850-3155

11175-11400

3400-3500

13200-13360

4650-4750

15010-15100

5480-5730

17900-18030

6525-6765

21870-22000

8815-9040

23200-23350

10005-10100

INTRODUCTION TO SHORTWAVE

continued

G5

OPERATION MANUAL

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