Shortwave Listening with The Tech Prepper
Shortwave Listening with The Tech Prepper (SWL with TTP) is a monthly, one-hour radio show dedicated to amateur radio, off-grid communications, preparedness, and related topics. The show airs on shortwave radio on the last Sunday of every month on WBCQ and the last Thursday of every month on WRMI.
The show is built around the idea of deliberate content consumption. Unlike a podcast or online stream, the experience requires listeners to set aside time, tune their radios to the correct frequency, and listen as the program is broadcast over the airwaves. There is no pause, rewind, or on-demand playback. The goal is to bring back the experience of intentionally tuning in to a scheduled radio broadcast.
What is shortwave radio?
Shortwave radio allows broadcasters to transmit programs over long distances, often reaching listeners hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Unlike Internet-based streaming, all you need is a radio capable of receiving shortwave frequencies.
Why do I broadcast on shortwave?
My goal with this show is simple: to encourage intentional listening. In a world of on-demand content, I want to bring back the experience of tuning in to a radio broadcast at a scheduled time.
This is the primary reason I produce and pay to broadcast this show. If you want to listen, you need to tune in during the scheduled airtime. At this time, I do not plan to distribute recordings of the broadcasts online.
How can I listen?
There are three recommended ways to listen to my shortwave broadcasts:
HF Amateur Radio: If you already own an HF amateur radio transceiver, you can use it to receive shortwave broadcasts. You do not need an amateur radio license to listen.
Shortwave Receiver: An inexpensive, portable shortwave radio is one of the easiest ways to get started. I recommend the Tecsun PL-330.
Software-Defined Radio (SDR): An SDR allows you to receive radio signals using your computer and a compatible antenna. I recommend this SDR receiver.
If you're new to SDR, I recommend watching this introductory video before getting started.
When and where can I listen?
Below is the regular monthly broadcast schedule:
WBCQ – 7490 kHz
Last Sunday of every month
10:00 PM Eastern Time
Duration: 1 hour
WRMI – 9455 kHz
Last Thursday of every month
11:00 PM Eastern Time
Duration: 1 hour
Note: Times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Eastern Time changes between EST and EDT depending on the time of year. Reception will vary depending on your location, antenna, and propagation conditions.
I also publish upcoming broadcast dates, times, and frequencies in my Buy Me a Coffee member announcements.
73,
Gaston KT7RUN
The Tech Prepper