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Shortwave radios use many radio frequency bands – Kelly KeetonThis article provides the shortwave radio user a brief and basic description of each radio wave frequency band, what they are and how they are used.

Radio Waves are transmitted and received at various frequencies that are measured in kilohertz (kHz). most shortwave radio devices provide the user the ability to select one of several frequency bands. the types of radio frequency bands are described and summarized below.

SW – Shortwave Frequency Band

The typical short wave radios have up to 13 channel settings. this is true of most models, including small portable ones as well as large desktop versions. the shortwave frequency band includes the range of 250kHz to 30,000kHz. these radio waves can be picked up from all over the earth. they are not always fully stable because shortwave signals are transmitted over very long distances by being “bounced” off the earth’s ionosphere.

As a result, it is possible that a particular radio station will be transmitting on one frequency during one part of the day and on another later in the day. the most reputable and useful shortwave radios are sold with a manual or guide that helps the user navigate the shortwave channels. Lists of the same nature can also be downloaded from the internet.

MW – Medium Wave Frequency Band (AM)

This band, which includes frequencies from 530Hz to 1710kHz, is agreed to internationally and is used for broadcasting. this band is also called the AM (Amplitude Modulation) band, the MF band, or the Broadcast Band (BCB) in different locations in the world.

Stations broadcasting in this frequency range are in every part of the world. the US has approximately 5,500 stations broadcasting on 106 different channels in the AM band. All shortwave radios are capable of picking up these waves.

FM – Frequency Modulated Band

All shortwave radios have the ability to receive signals on the FM, or frequency modulation, band. this band is made up of the frequencies from 76MHz to 108MHz. the FM band is used for short-range transmission of high quality signals by local radio stations. the frequencies in this band are known to have greater clarity and less interference.

They are basically limited to line-of-sight transmissions between the radio transmitting source and the antenna that receives the signal.

LW – Long Wave Frequency Band

This frequency band is made up of wavelengths from 150kHz to 529 kHz. It is called the Long Wave band and is used for broadcasting in North Africa, Europe, Mongolia and parts of the former Soviet Union. in other places, this frequency band is also utilized for signal transmission from navigational beacons.

SSB – Single side Band Frequency Band

The SSB band does not carry radio waves. It is actually derived from them, and that is why it is called the Single side Band. If an AM frequency radio wave were taken apart, many more bands would be found that make up that wave. there are two specifically, the Upper side Band (USB) and the Lower side Band (LSB). Shortwave radios that do not have the capability to receive side Band signals would not produce an understandable sound if tuned to a channel that was transmitting on this band. Normally, this channel allows users to receive amateur radio as well as maritime or military communications. most high-end shortwave radios can use the SSB band while most low-end models cannot.

Good shortwave radio receivers provide the user the ability to pick up signals on most or all of the frequency bands discussed in this article. It is important to understand this when considering the purchase of shortwave radio. On a final note, the content of this article is geared toward the shortwave radio receivers only. It is not meant to provide any discussion or insight into shortwave radios that transmit as well as receive. Remember to consider the different frequency bands when choosing a short wave radio that will meet your needs.