Who I Am
My name is Rick Blythe (VE3CNU), and I’m the owner, operator, and sole author of Radio-Hobbyist.com.
I’ve been involved in radio for over 50 years, starting with shortwave listening in the early 1970s and becoming a licensed amateur radio operator in Canada in 1992. I hold an Advanced Amateur Radio License with Morse code qualification—the highest level attainable.
In addition to operating on the air, I’ve spent decades working in IT and building websites since 2000, combining technical knowledge with practical communication.
What This Site Is
Radio-Hobbyist.com is an authority site dedicated to practical radio knowledge, focused on:
- Ham radio (getting started, licensing, operating)
- Shortwave listening (SWL)
- SDR (software-defined radio)
- Antennas and setup
- Scanner radio and monitoring
- Equipment reviews and comparisons
Everything on this site is written from hands-on experience, not theory.
Why This Site Exists
Most radio content online falls into two extremes:
- Overly technical and difficult for beginners
- Shallow, generic, and not based on real-world use
Radio Hobbyist sits in the middle:
- Clear and beginner-friendly
- Technically accurate
- Based on real testing and actual operation
The goal is simple:
Help you get on the air faster, with fewer mistakes.
Experience & Credentials
- Licensed Amateur Radio Operator since 1992 (Canada)
- Advanced License with Morse Code Qualification
- 50+ years in shortwave listening and radio hobby
- IT professional background (retired)
- Website publisher since 2000
I actively test radios, antennas, and setups in real conditions—not just specs on paper.
YouTube & Real-World Testing
You may have seen my YouTube channel, The Radio Hobbyist, with over 3 million views.
The channel complements this site by showing:
- Real-world radio comparisons
- Equipment testing in different conditions
- Practical demonstrations
This isn’t theoretical content—it’s what actually works.
My Station (Ham Shack)
This is where testing, comparisons, and on-air operation take place.
My Background in Radio
I started as a shortwave listener in the early 1970s, tuning stations like:
- BBC World Service
- Deutsche Welle
- Radio Havana Cuba
- HCJB
That early exposure to global communication is what led me deeper into radio, electronics, and eventually amateur radio operation.
Like many, I stepped away during working years—but returned with more time, resources, and focus, building both the YouTube channel and this site.
- 👉 Compare SDR Devices
- 👉 See Best Shortwave Radios
- 👉 Find the Right Ham Radio
- 👉 Choose the Best Antenna
Ham Radio, Shortwave, and Antenna Projects with Rick
Hello and welcome to the 'Radio Hobbyist' YouTube channel. My name is Rick. Here you'll find videos covering shortwave radio, amateur radio, scanning, and more. You'll ...find radio reviews and comparisons, and antenna projects I'm working on. I hope you subscribe and enjoy the channel.Show More
Other Projects
I also operate and manage several other niche websites, including:
- RadiumDial.com
- Solar-Watches.com
- TritiumLume.com
- UraniumWare.com
- ItsFridaySoWine.com
These projects reflect a broader interest in technical and niche subjects.
Transparency & Monetization
Radio-Hobbyist.com is supported in part by affiliate links.
If you purchase through certain links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps fund:
- Equipment testing
- Content creation
- Site maintenance
All recommendations are based on actual use and independent evaluation.
Contact
Based in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada.
For inquiries, see the Contact Us page.
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