Ham and Shortwave Radio
Shortwave Radio, also referred to as SWLing, is a popular hobby that involves receiving shortwave radio signals broadcast globally.
Enthusiasts use basic or advanced receivers to capture transmissions from international broadcasters, ham radio operators, utility stations (such as aviation or maritime communications), and far-off signals for enjoyment, exploration, and discovery.
Shortwave listening is the hobby of tuning in to shortwave radio broadcasts from around the world, often to hear international stations, amateur radio operators, utility signals, or distant transmissions using simple receivers.
Radio-Hobbyist is a personal blog run by Canadian amateur radio operator Rick Blythe (VE3CNU), offering approachable guides, tutorials, and equipment reviews for ham radio beginners, shortwave listeners, and scanning enthusiasts. Perhaps you’ve come across my YouTube channel: The Radio Hobbyist, with over 9,000 subscribers. Common Challenges for Beginners in Ham Radio – And How This … Read more
If you are reading this in late 2025, congratulations: you are alive during one of the best HF propagation windows any living radio amateur will ever see. Solar Cycle 25 has already shattered almost every forecast. As of November 2025, the 12-month smoothed sunspot number sits between 145 and 160 and is either still climbing … Read more
Shortwave radio is far from dead! In 2025, dozens of international broadcasters, religious stations, pirate ops, and utility signals still fill the HF bands 24/7. Whether you’re DXing with a $30 portable or a high-end SDR, these are the most reliable, interesting, and regularly heard shortwave stations right now — plus the best time of … Read more
Here’s the best step-by-step approach to get accurate, local results quickly instead of wasting time on dead ends. Finding a reliable ham radio repair shop can be challenging — especially since amateur radio is a niche hobby and many general electronics repair places won’t touch transceivers, linear amplifiers, or vintage tube gear. Start with the … Read more
Choosing a Shortwave Radio That’ll Ignite Your DXing Passion I’ve scoured the latest reviews, forum rants, and hands-on tests to distill what really matters. We’ll break it down into must-haves for killer reception, user-friendly features that won’t frustrate your late-night sessions, and build quality that survives a backpacking adventure. Plus, I’ll toss in a handy … Read more