Shortwave Radios: Your Best Friend in a SHTF Scenario
Shortwave radios have been used for decades as a way to transmit information and stay connected before the advent of digital technology. Broadcasts can be heard for hundreds of miles, thousands if a repeater is used, and they have been considered the “go-to” resource to fall back on during a crisis. However, many people have simply forgotten about them as the Internet and satellite communication has swept the world.
They Are Still Broadcasting
Many entities still use shortwave radios to broadcast messages, especially in areas where normal radio transmissions may be regulated or blocked by the government. Spies, yes spies, religious groups, pirate radio stations and government propaganda services still avail themselves of this resource to get their messages out to the world. Many amateur radio operators use shortwave broadcasts to say whatever they want as well. In a nutshell, you can find a wide-range of broadcasts to tune into and catch some really interesting stuff.
They Are Still on the Market
Old shortwave radios used to have slide-rule dials and came in portable or base-station models. Digital variants exist today that allow the listener to have an array of options at their disposal. This includes being able to tune into a specific frequency, record simultaneous broadcasts over a broad spectrum and automatically tune into broadcasts once they come on the air.
They Are Still Perfect for Post-Disaster Broadcasts
If you think of the communications blackouts that can come from a wide-array of disasters, the world will be plunged into chaos. Consider how sensitive electronics are to everything from solar flares to an EMP or a short circuit due to flooding from a severe storm. Governments as well as individuals will most definitely use shortwave radios to communicate to those who are listening, and this could very well be the only way to get current and reliable information in a SHTF scenario.
Antennas Matter
The most important thing to remember about shortwave radios is that the quality of the receiver and antenna will determine how many stations you can pick up. Your location also influences reception. If you can put an antenna at a location that is higher than the surrounding terrain, chances are that you will be able to pick up signals from great distances. On the other hand, if you are using a portable radio with a built in or telescopic antenna, your capabilities will be limited.
Consider getting a radio that gives you the option to attach a coaxial cable and wire it up to an antenna on a tree or long stand. This will allow you to capture more broadcasts and get information when you need it the most.
A shortwave radio is a very small investment in terms of obtaining equipment and rigging a good antenna system, and it can be easily dismantled and moved from place to place. While this may be something far from the minds of most people in the modern world, having one on hand can give you a distinctive edge in terms of getting and relaying information to others. Give some serious thought to getting one just to have as a backup, and you may find yourself in an advantageous position during the aftermath of a major disaster.
