| Short Wave Listening
 Not everyone who has an interest in ham radio is a licenced operator. Many people derive great pleasure from just listening to shortwave radio broadcasts or amateur radio stations. Such a person is known as a shortwave listener or SWL. In contrast to amateur radio operators, the SWL’s goal is to receive as many stations from as many countries as possible. Receiving signals from distant stations is known as DXing and the DXers often test the limits of their shortwave equipment by listening to military, maritime, aviation and naval signals. Other listeners concentrate on the numbers stations but many derive pleasure by tuning in to their favourite shortwave broadcast station or tracking ham radio operators.
Those who listen to broadcast stations may either listen for a few specific programmes or, alternatively, listen to many broadcasts from a small number of selected stations. Most, however, listen to the broadcast bands for news and programming information.
The standard antenna used for shortwave listening is the dipole which can be readily purchased or easily made from rolls of wire and a couple of insulators.
Reception reports from listeners are usually welcomed by amateur and broadcasting stations alike. QSL cards are often issued by ham, broadcaster and utility stations in response to reception reports received. Many stations now also accept reception reports in the form of e-mails or provide report forms on their websites.
Many organisations exist for the purpose of representing the SWL. Of these, the best known is probably the International Shortwave League whose website may be found here Updated 13 June, 2010 21:32:10 GMT
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