Log / Q
Query Log
Q01 · Is it legal to listen?
In most countries, receiving public broadcasts needs no licence. Some countries, including the UK under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, make it an offence to disclose or act on the content of messages not intended for general reception. Listen freely to broadcasts; keep private traffic private.
Q02 · Do I need to buy a radio?
No. Start with the University of Twente WebSDR or any receiver on the KiwiSDR network. See Stage 01 for when and what to buy.
Q03 · When is the best time to listen?
High bands (19 m, 16 m) by day; low bands (41 m, 49 m) after dark; 31 m in between. The half hour around sunrise and sunset is often best for distant signals. Details in Stage 02.
Q04 · Is shortwave still active?
Yes. Several large broadcasters have reduced services, but the bands still carry international stations, time signals, amateur radio, aviation weather broadcasts, digital modes and numbers stations.
Q05 · What is The Buzzer?
UVB-76, a Russian station on 4625 kHz. It sends a short, repeating buzz, broken on rare occasions by voice messages in Russian. Its exact purpose has never been officially confirmed. See Stage 03.
Q06 · Why do I only hear noise?
Two usual causes: local electrical interference (LED lamps, chargers, solar inverters) or the wrong band for the hour. Move the antenna outdoors, switch devices off one by one, and check the K-index at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Q07 · What does SINPO mean?
Signal, Interference, Noise, Propagation, Overall. Each is rated 1 to 5. It is the standard code in reception reports. See Stage 04.
Q08 · Do stations still send QSL cards?
Some do, including broadcasters with long card traditions such as Radio Romania International and Radio Taiwan International. Policies change; check each station's website before you send a report.
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