Shortwave radio for under £100 capeable of picking up Number Stations?

Question

Hello! I'm rather new to amateur radio so i'm incredibly confused when it comes to looking for radios. Basically i'm interested in the 'Number stations' broadcasted on 2-30MHz and am looking for a good quality Shortwave radio that can pick them up. (Threres other things i want to find and that but that'ss what i am primarily looking for). I have a MAX budget of £100

I have a feeling i'm going buy one that doesn't pick up what i want. So was hoping you could help. =] Thank you!

Answer 1

The Sony ICF-7600 or Yaesu FRG-7 are good choices. There's Eton, Grundig, and others. I would recommend a Sangean ATS090. Check eBay and similar for used units.

Any radio with at least double conversion PLL tuning and single side band will be good enough for numbers stations. Even analog tuned radios will work.

More important is the antenna. You don't need anything special. A random long wire will work. Some numbers stations are quite powerful and can be received on small 'whip' antennas but a long wire will perform much much better.

Technically numbers stations are not amateur radio.

If you're getting numbers stations you should browse for pirate stations. They're often very entertaining. These signals, amateurs, pirates, numbers are significantly weaker than the international broadcasters so an adequate antenna is key.

Answer 2

Numbers stations are very hard to track as they change frequencies often and are on the air only for short periods at random times.

You have a decent budget for a receiver. Any good one that can take an external antenna and covers the entire 2-30MHZ bands will work. Realistic, Grundig and Pioneer made good ones. Try Ebay for best selection.

Answer 3

100 pounds, thats what, about $250.00US



For $250, you can find a used Yaesu FRG-7 or a Kenwood R-1000



If not, you can buy a new portable that has SSB/AM from www.ccrane.com C Crane Company.



Remember that the antenna is the biggest, most important part of any station.



73, BobB, a US ham.

Answer 4

If all your wanting to do is listening, I've heard good things about some models of Grunding radios. They range in price from a $ (US) to about $1000(US). If you want to read reviews for this or any other brand I would recomend eham.net and scroll down to the product review section.

Answer 5

Mine only picks up the John Tesh radio show

Answer 6

Sony ICF-7600GR