D xing - Short wave Radio Listening

DXing is the hobby of tuning in and identifying distant radio or televisionamateur radio, citizens' band radio or other two way radio communications. Many DXers also attempt to receive written verifications of reception (sometimes referred to as "QSLs" or "veries") from the stations heard. The name of the hobby comes from DX, telegraphic shorthand for "distance" or "distant".  D - distance  X Unknown. signals, or making two way radio contact with distant stations in

Tuning to short wave radio stations broadcasting for far and wide all over the world is a very interesting and involved hobby. All you need is a Radio Transistor and time to involve in.

Shortwave listening (abbreviated as SWLing) is the hobby of listening to shortwave radio broadcasts located on frequencies between 1700 kHz and 30 MHz. [1] Listeners range from casual users seeking international news and entertainment programming to hobbyists immersed in the technical aspects of radio reception and DXing.
In some developing countries, shortwave listening enables remote communities to obtain regional programming traditionally provided by local medium wave broadcasters. Some estimates have placed the number of shortwave listeners worldwide in the millions.
The practice of long distance radio listening began in the 1920s when shortwave broadcasters were first established in the US and Europe. Audiences discovered that international programming was available on the shortwave bands of many consumer radio receivers, and a number of magazines and listener clubs catering to the practice arose as a result. Shortwave listening was especially popular during times of international conflict such as World War II, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War.

Listeners use inexpensive portable "world band" radio receivers to access the shortwave bands, and some advanced hobbyists employ specialized communications receivers featuring digital technology designed for optimum reception of shortwave signals, along with outdoor antennas to enhance performance.

With the advent of the internet, many international broadcasters have scaled back or terminated their shortwave transmissions in favor of web-based program distribution, while others transition to digital broadcasting modes such as Digital Radio Mondiale that allow more efficient delivery of shortwave programming. The number of organized shortwave listening clubs has diminished along with printed magazines devoted to the hobby, however many enthusiasts continue to exchange information and news on the web.
I got interested into this hobby in late 70s and enjoyed it full. It was a simple Bush Transistor to start with for globe trotting thro medium of short waves. Then it was Philips multi - band set. To day i have sets world radio (Soni and other make)  set including one with digital tuner.  Many a time It used to be  a nuisance to other family members  who get irritated as you keep engrossed with radio and forgetting things around you.Some times it used to be late night tuning and you can guess the reaction of members at home.

You really feel delighted to tune and listen to various radio stations . I tuned to station like Radio Guam, some ham radio broad casts. I also tuned from Chennai to various radio broadcasts in languages other than English  including Tamil , Sanskrit (A german radi had sanskrit Broadcast).

Listeners often obtain QSL cards from ham operators, broadcasters or utility stations as trophies of the hobby. Traditionally, listeners would send letters to the station with reception reports and requests for schedules. Many stations now accept E-mails or provide reception report forms on their Web sites. Reception reports give valuable information about propagation and interference to a station's engineers.



 I have collected many QSL cards from Russia, Holland, Philippines, China, Canada, Guam , Radio Kiev, Radio Moscow and many other station.Postman was knocking the doors every day to deliver bunch of mails.

There are many associations within India and International dedcated to Dxing and shortwave listening.
There are very advanced radio receivers available   today with loaded Technical Features and Functions.
Further Links
http://www.dxing.com
http://www.dxing.info
http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/DX_Resources/Clubs

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