HF Radio
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HF Radio
Dear all
I've searched round the web but I haven't been able to find much information on the the current "state" of HF airband radio.
The reason I ask is that back in the mid 90s I had a Lowe HF-150 and had a lot of enjoyment out of tuning into Santa Maria and New York etc. A simple long wire antenna brought in some good results, and more often than not it would be one aircraft after another for hours at a time.
Anyway, I have been reminiscing about these old days and am considering getting back into some HF listening. My Lowe is long gone, but I've seen some decent looking Grunding 750s badged as Eton which might be a good set to buy.
So, to my question, which is this: is there any point investing £300+ in a new HF radio? I've heard CPDLC mentioned a lot and am aware that HF traffic might not be what it used to be. Are there any regular listeners out there who can tell me what an average night is like tuning in? Any help/advice appreciated!
Many thanks.
I've searched round the web but I haven't been able to find much information on the the current "state" of HF airband radio.
The reason I ask is that back in the mid 90s I had a Lowe HF-150 and had a lot of enjoyment out of tuning into Santa Maria and New York etc. A simple long wire antenna brought in some good results, and more often than not it would be one aircraft after another for hours at a time.
Anyway, I have been reminiscing about these old days and am considering getting back into some HF listening. My Lowe is long gone, but I've seen some decent looking Grunding 750s badged as Eton which might be a good set to buy.
So, to my question, which is this: is there any point investing £300+ in a new HF radio? I've heard CPDLC mentioned a lot and am aware that HF traffic might not be what it used to be. Are there any regular listeners out there who can tell me what an average night is like tuning in? Any help/advice appreciated!
Many thanks.
Try Civil Aviation or Fighter Control. They have an HF section. You will probably have to register to gain access to that section?
Civilian Aviation • Home to the Civilian Aviation Enthusiast • Index page
FighterControl • Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast • Index page
TJ
Civilian Aviation • Home to the Civilian Aviation Enthusiast • Index page
FighterControl • Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast • Index page
TJ
Join Date: May 2007
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Hi Alistair
I used to be a SWL using a home made long wire antenna and now I'm lucky enough to be flying long haul and actually using HF myself!
HF radios are still regularly used over the NAT area - not all aircraft have CPDLC and even those will still require an initial HF & SELCAL check, then an initial call on entering the next OCA and any reclearances that may be required.
A website such as http://www.jetplan.com/tda/east.html will give you an indication of the tracks in use over the Atlantic that day, and if they are predominantly northern or southern. When they are northern, most of the traffic will be using Shanwick/Gander, but when southern tracks are being used, NY, Santa Maria and Shanwick will all be used. The usual rules about higher frequencies in daytime, lower ones at night, apply. However in practice, in daytime most frequencies used by Shanwick & Gander are around 8 or 6MHz, and at night, 2, 4 & 6MHz are most popular. Often the assigned freq's don't work too well so it's a case of trying any of the published frequencies until you find one that works. The audio quality of both Shanwick and Gander in particular seem to be so much better than years ago.
Dont forget the African networks too - 11300 (Khartoum etc. ) is often very busy, and the Bombay. Sorry. Mumbai, freq's can be busy too.
If I can be of any further help, feel free to PM.
Cheers
SS
I used to be a SWL using a home made long wire antenna and now I'm lucky enough to be flying long haul and actually using HF myself!
HF radios are still regularly used over the NAT area - not all aircraft have CPDLC and even those will still require an initial HF & SELCAL check, then an initial call on entering the next OCA and any reclearances that may be required.
A website such as http://www.jetplan.com/tda/east.html will give you an indication of the tracks in use over the Atlantic that day, and if they are predominantly northern or southern. When they are northern, most of the traffic will be using Shanwick/Gander, but when southern tracks are being used, NY, Santa Maria and Shanwick will all be used. The usual rules about higher frequencies in daytime, lower ones at night, apply. However in practice, in daytime most frequencies used by Shanwick & Gander are around 8 or 6MHz, and at night, 2, 4 & 6MHz are most popular. Often the assigned freq's don't work too well so it's a case of trying any of the published frequencies until you find one that works. The audio quality of both Shanwick and Gander in particular seem to be so much better than years ago.
Dont forget the African networks too - 11300 (Khartoum etc. ) is often very busy, and the Bombay. Sorry. Mumbai, freq's can be busy too.
If I can be of any further help, feel free to PM.
Cheers
SS
Last edited by Sid Starz; 23rd Mar 2011 at 23:29. Reason: spelling!
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selcal codes
there is a very good website at Selcalweb home page & database search selcal codes
and loads of information
in the UK Periods best During early morn on Shanwick to mid afternoon to
darkness Same on Santa Maria . but the Loss to listeners is no more
SPEEDBIRD CONCORDE call on HF Always a thrill on hearing that.
Its like most things on Short wave somedays good others FLAT
i have very old TRIO 9R59DS valve Coms reciever covers HAM Bands as
well. 60 ft Wire Ant Co-ax fed and copper earth rod Not mains Earth
and with Summer coming and storms suggest lightning arrester fitted
happy listening there are loads out there that still do and please
noT the usual crowd of its Illegal posters Been there read EM
Boring now .
Tony
farnborough-aviation-group
and loads of information
in the UK Periods best During early morn on Shanwick to mid afternoon to
darkness Same on Santa Maria . but the Loss to listeners is no more
SPEEDBIRD CONCORDE call on HF Always a thrill on hearing that.
Its like most things on Short wave somedays good others FLAT
i have very old TRIO 9R59DS valve Coms reciever covers HAM Bands as
well. 60 ft Wire Ant Co-ax fed and copper earth rod Not mains Earth
and with Summer coming and storms suggest lightning arrester fitted
happy listening there are loads out there that still do and please
noT the usual crowd of its Illegal posters Been there read EM
Boring now .
Tony
farnborough-aviation-group
