Shortwave radio broadcasts between 3 and 30 MHz (3,000 kHz to 30,000 kHz), and signals can be heard across long distances. They were frequently used during World War II, usually transmitting coded messages.
First introduced in the 1920s, shortwave broadcasts revolutionized the world of radio, making international broadcasting and international communication possible. Shortwave broadcasts work in conjuncture with the ionosphere... the frequencies fall into the ionosphere and bounce back, broadcasting across the globe.
Although radios that pick up shortwave broadcasts can still be bought today, vintage shortwave radios are a fun (and useful!) collectible.
Interviews & Articles
Understanding Antique Radios

You've just acquired an old radio, but apart from the manufacturer's name on the front, you don't know a blessed thing about it. L… [more]
Vintage Transistor Radios of the 1950s and 60s

Perhaps you recently saw a picture of a cool looking pocket radio from the early 1960’s and were reminded of your carefree, youthf… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
Jim's Antique Radio Museum

Jim Tripp's showcase of radios from the 1920s to late 1950s, organized by style and theme (wood, console, plastic, … [read review or visit site]
The Radio Attic's Archives

This photo gallery of over 7800 vintage radios, categorized by manufacturer and model number, is a group effort wit… [read review or visit site]
AntiqueRadios.com

Alan Voorhees' reference resource for vintage radio collectors includes a photo gallery, article library, PDF archi… [read review or visit site]
Radiomuseum.org

This vast archive and community of radio collectors features over 120,000 radio model listings and 350,000 photos a… [read review or visit site]
Phil's Old Radios

This extensive collection of antique radios includes beautiful photos and detailed historical descriptions. The sit… [read review or visit site]
Radiophile.com

John Pelham's collection of wood and plastic radios from the 1930's and 40's. What sets this site apart is the deta… [read review or visit site]
Radio-Guy

Steve Erenberg's extremely wacky and well-done collection of vintage mad-scientist devices and contraptions. Writte… [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations: Radios
- Antique Wireless Association
- Southeastern Antique Radio Society
- New Jersey Antique Radio Club
- British Vintage Wireless Society
- California Historical Radio Society
Discussion Forums: Radios
Other Great Reference Sites: Radios
Top eBay Auctions
Recent News: Shortwave Radios
Source: Google News
End times for doomsday-linked radio network?
CNN (blog), May 16thIt was through Family Radio – and its multitude of U.S. stations, satellite feeds, shortwave radio use, Internet reach and translation machine – that Camping's teachings and 2011 predictions spread across the globe. His doomsday message was bolstered...Read more
Police confiscate 10 motorbikes during MDC office raid
SW Radio Africa, May 9thPolice in Matebeleland South seized 10 motorbikes meant for election campaigning, during a raid on the MDC-T party office in Gwanda Thursday. MDC-T spokesman Douglas Mwonzora told SW Radio Africa that police said the vehicles were smuggled or...Read more
Africa: Digital Did Not Kill the Radio Star
AllAfrica.com, May 3rdThroughout today's modern digital world, short-wave radio is given short shrift. But in Zimbabwe, on the verge of holding presidential elections, police have staged a nation-wide crackdown, declaring possession of short-wave radios illegal, without any...Read more
Shortwave Radio Operator – Eternal Word Television Network, Inc. (Vandiver, AL)
DFW Catholic, April 25thGENERAL SUMMARY: Responsible for all electronic, electrical, and mechanical equipment including, but not limited to the generator, the transmitter, and all associated broadcast and production equipment required for normal day-to-day operations of WEWN...Read more
Independent Radio Broadcasters at Peril in Taiwan
The Epoch Times, April 25thRTI's plan to dismantle its substations looks like “some black box operation,” using shortwave radio as a bargaining chip in exchange for political interests on the other side of strait. Translation by John Wang. Written in English by Gisela Sommer...Read more
Puntland: 15 4x4s for local police and short-wave radio station
StarAfrica.com, April 24thROME, Italy, April 24, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Brand new vehicles and a fundamental instrument for radio communication to lead the population of Puntland toward a future of renewed development: a ceremony was held in Garowe, the...Read more
SW Radio Africa Scoops Two Gongs At ZAA Awards
AllAfrica.com, April 24thSW Radio Africa won two awards at the annual Zimbabwe Achievers Awards ceremony in London at the weekend. The radio station, which has been broadcasting on shortwave from London to Zimbabwe since 2001, was voted best in the Media House of the...Read more
Student finds shortwave radio stardom
WISH, April 19thBLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - A Bloomington High School South student is making a name for himself in amateur radio circles. Padraig Lysandrou has received the highest amateur radio license possible and has made the cover of one of the country's top ham...Read more
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Gloriously Grotesque 19th-Century Pipes
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Blood, Sweat, and Steel: My Afternoon with the Ace of Swords
'The Great Gatsby' Still Gets Flappers Wrong
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