Short wave Radio

I have a sony multiband that is quite small and works very well. My mate has a tandy/dick smith unit (I think sangean) that also works very well and I think the sony is actually no better.

They do come in handy in very remote places and provide some interesting listening if you have the patience to scan all the frequencies.

Sean

Trevor, have a look at some of the radios in the Sangean range. Most of them have digital read out and some of them have the capability of listening to hams using the SSB mode. Performance is quite good from the built in whip antenna but much better if you chose a model that can accept a small external antenna. I have had one for several years now and am more than happy with its performance, while not as good as that of a proper communications receiver they are not too bad. I am sorry I do not know the current model range but I think Tricky Dicky stores still sell them. Just do a bit of hunting around. The model I have has provision for external power form a plug pack but if you want to run it from 12 volts get a voltage reducer from 12 volt to that required for the radio.
Keith

If you can afford it, get one with a digital tuner. The cheaper ones with the winding tuner will move off frequency too easily. Sangean have a good reputation.