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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!prophet
From: prophet@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.ham-radio
Subject: Shortwave Listening--Advice Wanted
Message-ID: <4874@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 24-Jan-84 18:10:38 EST
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.4874
Posted: Tue Jan 24 18:10:38 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 08:15:23 EST
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 39


I am interested in resuming a former very much enjoyed hobby, that of shortwave
listening.  Back in the middle 70's when I was last active  in this hobby,  the
receiver that I used was a 50's vintage National HRO-60, and some 50's  vintage
Collins and Hallicrafter's equipment.  I had rigged several long-wire  antennas
in the trees of my back yard, and had very successful results.

I have two problems:

1)  I no longer have access to the equipment I mentioned above,  and so I  need
    to purchase a receiver.  I would prefer to purchase some equipment  similar
    to what I had before, but a local radio shop that carries  used  ham equip-
    ment says that the cheapest used 50's vintage receiver they carry (which is
    a Hallicrafter's) costs $400, which is more than I wanted to spend. I would
    prefer to spend in the neighborhood of $250-300 for a new or used receiver.
    Is this too little, or can I get a decent receiver  (new or used)  for that
    price range?  Sensitivity and Selectivity are very important, the  accuracy
    of the tuning dial I feel I am willing to skimp on, as long as the receiver
    has good sensitivity and selectivity.

2)  What to do about an antenna--I am now living in  a  high-rise  Condominium,
    and therefore cannot erect an outside antenna, nor can  I  dangle  anything
    from my windows.  I have heard that the metal finger  stop  on  rotary dial
    telephones can make an excellent antenna for SWL purposes, is this true? Or
    can someone else suggest something better?

I hope I have not bored you hams too muchh with my SWL questions,  but I  don't
know where else I can get this information.  I would appreciate  any  comments,
advice, or suggestions on where and how much I can purchase a General  Coverage
receiver for, plus what to do about an antenna, would be greatly appreciated.

                 Thanks,
                 Dennis

-- 
Call-Me:   Dennis Gibbs, Univ. of Md. Comp. Sci. Center.
UUCP:	   {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!prophet
CSNet:	   prophet@umcp-cs
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