AmateurRadio.com

 

Web SDRs are nothing new to shortwave listeners or amateur radios op's alike. Internet SDR's provide a portal for many to access a wide variety of listening pleasures. No longer does one need a shortwave receiver to access the air waves.  I was shocked to learn how many countries are still broadcasting on shortwave. If Shortwave is not your cup of tea, many Web SDR's offer a very wide frequency spectrum for most, if not all, interests. As for me, I like to tune into the ham bands to see what action is on the airwaves.  Also, while reading blogs, writing a post or just surfing the net I tune in some nice jazz piano tunes via Web SDR's. A few months ago I stumbled across a Web SDR that for me is a real gem! NA5B WebSDR receiver system   Among the great shortwave and amateur bands offered NA5B also has a 100 mW  medium wave radio station (FCC part 15 permits this). I found GREAT jazz piano listening, so it's my go-to place when I am doing what I am doing right now, writing a post. (1700 kHz) Last evening I shared this gem with my wife Julie, and she had a listen. (she too is a big fan of jazz piano) Right away she told me of some now and then static and hiss and asking why I just don't look up jazz piano music on the web, and it would be without the static and hiss. I informed her it adds to the shortwave listening experience. 

There are many Web SDR's on the internet, but my go-to place is websdr.org. The site has a vast bibliography of Web SDR's, and it offers band and region filters. The listed SDR site offers location, antenna and frequency information, and you have a handy link to their SDR site. One thing I have tried calling up a WebSDR in a certain country from there venture over to a ham band in the CW portion, I then transmit and find out if I can hear my signal. There is a bit of a delay, but it's cool when you hear your own signal. 

If you haven't already discovered the world of WebSDR give it a go and if you are a veteran please share what you do and where you listen.  

Having enjoyable music in the background helps me concentrate and feel relaxed, thank you NA5B for your great 100mW jazz broadcast.