Network Radio For SWL’s
As a shortwave radio enthusiast interested in radio since I was a kid, being around CB & HAM radio most of my life; I have never been real interested in getting a HAM license. I have been having so much fun expecially since technology has finally caught up with radio doing everything from decoding FT8 / DMR/SSTV/ISS images /CW /Air Traffic Tracking and more that having a HAM license never was that important.
That does not mean I will never get one, it’s just not a priority! When we want to chat we use Hamsphere which is digital and operates like the HAM radio environment and you don’t need a HAM license, I’m always surprised about the number of HAMs I meet on the service. We also use Network Radio’s for communications and have started our own Channel on the ZELLO Service Channel Name SWLQSL – A place where people that may be SWL’s can come and talk radio and give people tips on anything in radio!
We run it with the HAM radio concept of having a call sign which you can get FREE or use your Hamsphere call & like HAM’s use QRZ.com we get all people on the channel to register their call sign on SWLQSL.Com FREE! The reason we started the channel is we have met through our YouTube channel and social media some really cool SWL people and because our hobby is more about listening we all don’t get to chat much!
So the Zello platform for our Networking radio or mobile phone is a great way to bring people together from all over and compare and learn and just meet some cool likeminded people.
How do Network Radios work?
Network Radio devices operate by transmitting and receiving very low power radio frequency energy propagated through free space to connect to RF equipment located at mobile phone cell tower sites using GSM/2G/3G/4G/LTE/WCDMA radio communications modes/protocols.
Network radios (and mobile phones) establish data connections with ‘cell-phone sites’ The global network of ‘cell-towers’ operate as RF gateways operating on allocated mobile device communications bands including 800MHz, 900MHz, 1.8GHz, 2.1GHz and 2.6GHz (New 5G devices also operate on other UHF and microwave bands)
*What I like is when I am out in the field which I do a lot – I can go onto a channel use my SWL call sign and have people from all over the world come back to me. In our group when you have a chat with someone you can go to their SWLQSL page and learn more about them – their city – equipment – other hobbies and more which is really cool. I use my mobile for now but have ordered the Anysecu Unlocked Phone IP66 W8 2GB+16GB POC Radio Work with ZELLO Real PTT with WiFi 4G Band Network Radio with Earphone – I have a friend that uses this one and he loves it. (Below)
Why Use A Network Radio?
- Some people in radio for years may have injuries or getting older and can’t move or change antenna’s and HAM radio up keep.
- Some people cannot put up antenna’s because of HOA or STRATA restrictions & rather than put antenna in roof or balcony and rather not take chances with interference to neighbor’s home appliances.
- SWL’s that are not interested in getting a HAM license this opens up everything now you have the best of both worlds.
- DATA– your internet data if you have an unlimited plan the amount of data used is no concern if you don’t you can use the service for a while and only use up around 200mb in a few days which is nothing.
- Pricing – you can use an old cell phone but if you want a nice radio that will give you the feel of being on a radio, a decent handheld you can pick up around $200 USD or cheaper depending on brand.
The great thing I like about the Network Radio:
- I can use it in any country when I travel – just internet connection needed & I have unlimited Data plans wherever I am.
- There are lots of channels that work like HAM bands cool
- Public & Private Chat
- Pricing – once you buy your radio if you choose to buy one there is No Monthly FEE’s or Licensing Required! I Love that!
- **My Top Reason** Is I Feel The Radio Vibe When On The Service & Using The Network Radio in the field or at home which is cool with me.
Well I hope you like this post check out on our website on how to join our channel click on the icon SWLQSL Chat and we look forward to have a chat with you on our new channel as we launch and start growing it.
73’s and all the best CJ Henderson VK2021SWL WRYG735
We write rarely, but only the best content.
