From: ralph@cbnews.cb.att.com (Ralph Brandi) Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave,rec.radio.info,rec.answers,news.answers Subject: Welcome to rec.radio.shortwave Date: 2 May 1996 17:23:40 GMT Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2 Archive-name: radio/monitoring/introduction [Last modified: June 30, 1995] By Ralph Brandi, ralph@mtunp.att.com Welcome to the rec.radio.shortwave newsgroup. This group was created late in 1989 after a suggestion by Richard Shapiro, in order for those of us who are interested in the hobby of monitoring radio communications to have a friendly place to exchange messages, tips, and opinions. If you are interested in this sort of hobby, then we think that you will be at home here. This is a set of monthly postings put together to answer some of the more commonly asked basic questions about the hobby. There is a posting explaining some of the basics of shortwave (HF) radio, and one covering medium wave (also known as AM) and FM DXing. There is also one covering scanning the higher frequencies (VHF and up) that appears in the newsgroup rec.radio.scanner. If you find that you have other questions, either following up items mentioned here, or other questions, please post. There are a number of people here with varying degrees of expertise and experience who are more than willing to help. We hope we've anticipated many of the questions the beginner will have. And so, without further ado.... o What is rec.radio.shortwave for? As stated above this group was created for USENETers to have a place to discuss the radio monitoring hobby. This group is not moderated, however 'serious' arguments and any kind of flame wars are strongly discouraged. That is not to say that genuine disagreement and discussion of differing opinions is not welcome. We only ask that you keep the tone friendly, and in the spirit of international cooperation upon which the hobby is founded. This group is intended to be a place where ANY radio monitoring topic can and should be discussed. We are happy to hear from posters who listen to any part of the radio or microwave spectrum, from DC to daylight. We discuss topics of almost any kind, ranging from (but not limited to) shortwave broadcasting, DXing small or distant shortwave stations, utility and teletype monitoring, military eavesdropping, station schedules, QSLing sw broadcasters, spectrum usage, equipment design and modifications, antennas, receiver reviews and recommendations, and many more. Despite what the newsgroup name might imply, we definitely DO NOT limit discussions to shortwave only. Any radio-related topics are welcome. People interested in scanning VHF frequencies may find that the rec.radio.scanner newsgroup more accurately reflects their interests, and people interested in pirate radio may want to check the alt.radio.pirate newsgroup, although this group seems to be more interested in building small FM transmitters than in hearing distant shortwave pirates. For more in-depth answers to questions you may have, we direct your attention to the postings entitled "Welcome to rec.radio.shortwave (Shortwave)", and "Welcome to rec.radio.shortwave (AM/FM DXing)", depending on where your interests lie. Scanner enthusiasts are also encouraged to read Bob Parnass' excellent monthly FAQ postings on rec.radio.scanner. FAQ, of course, stands for Frequently Asked Questions. It is considered good form to read the FAQ(s) for a newsgroup before posting to ensure that ones posting is appropriate. You can find FAQs for most newsgroups at ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet by anonymous ftp, or on WWW at http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/FAQ-List.html . Look under the following URL for a list of all radio-related FAQs. http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/radio/top.html P.S. For those of you without the patience to look in the appropriate place, the BBC World Service can be reached by e-mail at worldservice.letters@bbc.co.uk. This has become probably the single most frequently requested piece of information on rec.radio.shortwave. -- Ralph Brandi ralph@mtunp.att.com att!mtunp!ralph Stay idiot-proof. --Log, "Idiot Proof"