{"id":11498,"date":"2014-12-15T09:55:17","date_gmt":"2014-12-15T13:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=11498"},"modified":"2014-12-15T09:55:17","modified_gmt":"2014-12-15T13:55:17","slug":"shortwave-receivers-past-present-a-book-for-every-radio-enthusiast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/shortwave-receivers-past-present-a-book-for-every-radio-enthusiast\/","title":{"rendered":"Shortwave Receivers, Past & Present: a book for every radio enthusiast"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ShortwaveReceiversPastAndPresent\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Last month, I received an unexpected\u2013and most\u00a0welcome\u2013package: a copy of\u00a0Fred Osterman’s Shortwave Receivers Past & Present<\/em>, now in its fourth edition<\/a>. My copy was a signed version, sent to those who contributed to the volume. Although my contributions to this impressive and highly comprehensive\u00a0work\u00a0are quite modest,\u00a0I was \u00a0grateful nonetheless; author Fred Osterman is not only a\u00a0good\u00a0friend, but a radio\u00a0mentor. \u00a0He’s also a supporter of\u00a0my non-profit,\u00a0Ears To Our World (ETOW)<\/a>; indeed, without his warm encouragement, I doubt I would have launched that enterprise so successfully.\u00a0 Fred\u00a0continues to support ETOW in innumerable\u00a0ways. And more than anyone else I know, Fred is\u00a0a guru of all that\u00a0is shortwave radio. As the president of Universal Radio<\/a>, he has the good fortune of seeing a number of new\/used radios<\/a> appear on his doorstep every day, many of which\u00a0are quite rare. In short, Fred Osterman\u00a0knows his stuff.<\/em><\/p>\n

But what a pleasure, to be able to recommend whole-heartedly this book, not because my long-time\u00a0mentor penned\u00a0it, but because it is…well, good. \u00a0Really<\/em> good. \u00a0The first time\u00a0I opened Shortwave Receivers Past & Present<\/em>, I couldn’t put it down for nearly an hour.<\/p>\n

Why? First of all, to say that this reference\u00a0is chock-full of information about shortwave receivers is an understatement. It catalogs\u00a0virtually every model<\/em> of any significant receiver about which I’ve ever heard;\u00a0that alone is fascinating. \u00a0But there’s more. This volume lists\u00a0receivers\u2013and even manufacturers<\/em>\u2013that are entirely new to me. \u00a0Clearly, if you’re intrigued by all things\u00a0shortwave, this book has much to teach…<\/p>\n

\"ShortwaveReceiversPastAndPresent-HQ-180\"<\/a>

Each section of Shortwave Receivers Past &\u00a0Present<\/em>\u00a0lists the most\u00a0relevant\u00a0information about each receiver model\u2013features, specifications, internal components, accessories, readout type, physical dimensions, review notes, current pricing. (Click to enlarge)<\/p><\/div>\n

The book is logically laid out by manufacturer and model;\u00a0each section devoted to a particular model and all of its iterations are noted. As you can see in the example above, in-depth information including the author’s comments are provided, as well as\u00a0the vitals on each rig\u2013features, specifications, internal components, accessories, readout type, physical dimensions, review notes, current pricing\u2013all\u00a0beautifully and clearly presented. Clear black-and-white pictures of the radios as well as manufacturer logos are also shown.<\/p>\n

While one can, of course, research radios online, rarely can\u00a0you find all the information you seek so complete; this book has done all the painstaking work for you, and made it infinitely\u00a0more convenient.<\/p>\n

Secondly, Shortwave Receivers<\/em> is a quality<\/em> publication. \u00a0Back in\u00a0the 1990s, I had the good fortune to work in university archives for a period of time; since then, I notice things others might overlook\u2013binding, paper, quality of print. This book feels like the archival volume it is, with heavy, glossy pages, a robust binding and sturdy spine. It feels like one of those heavy\u00a0encyclopedias you might have found in libraries in the past, created to\u00a0endure many page turns and, indeed, stand the test of time.<\/p>\n

As heavy as this book is\u2013and\u00a0it is very<\/em><\/strong> heavy, I admit\u2013I think I might start carrying it to hamfests,\u00a0especially to those with antique radios (i.e. “boat anchors”) on offer. With this work\u00a0in tow, not only could I determine, on the spot, if a particular model of radio is a bargain, but also tell at a glance if it’s rare, if the components can be sourced readily, and anything else noteworthy I really ought to know about it. This would give me a leg up when bargaining, not to mention,\u00a0make the whole radio\u00a0experience\u00a0more fun.<\/p>\n

Indeed, if you collect or restore vintage shortwave receivers, or dream of doing so, this book is an absolute must.\u00a0<\/em>That’s the power of a proper reference book with an author who is as passionate about these receivers as the readers.<\/p>\n

In short: \u00a0I highly<\/em> recommend Shortwave Receivers Past and Present.<\/em>\u00a0At\u00a0$49.95 US, it’s pricier than most individual books;\u00a0however,\u00a0considering its\u00a0role as an all-in-one encyclopedic reference, it’s\u00a0a value that will serve you for decades.<\/p>\n

But if you do obtain a copy of Shortwave Receivers,\u00a0<\/em>I leave you with a\u00a0warning: if you’re like me, you may find it just about\u00a0impossible\u00a0to put this book\u00a0down.<\/p>\n

Purchase Shortwave Receivers Past and Present, Fourth Edition<\/em><\/a> at Universal Radio.<\/p>\n

[Note to international readers: international shipping costs are substantial on this book, no doubt due to its significant weight and\u00a0dimensional\u00a0size. Just make sure you note\u00a0shipping costs prior to purchasing.]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last month, I received an unexpected\u2013and most\u00a0welcome\u2013package: a copy of\u00a0Fred Osterman’s Shortwave Receivers Past & Present, now in its fourth edition. My copy was a signed version, sent to those who contributed to the volume. Although my contributions to this impressive and highly comprehensive\u00a0work\u00a0are quite modest,\u00a0I was \u00a0grateful nonetheless; author Fred Osterman is not only […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1271,251,836,3,26,43],"tags":[1326,391,3264,3263,58,3447,681],"class_list":["post-11498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boat-anchors-2","category-books","category-new-products","category-news","category-radios","category-shortwave-radio","tag-antique-shortwave-radios","tag-book-reviews","tag-fred-osterman","tag-shortwave-receivers-past-present","tag-universal-radio","tag-used-shortwave-radio-buyers-guide","tag-vintage-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-2Zs","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10841,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/now-shipping-shortwave-receivers-past-present\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":0},"title":"Now shipping: Shortwave Receivers Past & Present","author":"Thomas","date":"September 23, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"My buddy, Dave (N9EWO), writes: Yes, it has finally hit the store shelves. Universal Radio received shipment of the (long awaited) updated publication this morning. \u201cShortwave Receivers Past & Present, Communications Receivers , 1942-2013\u201d 4th edition It can be ordered today, see here for more information : http:\/\/www.universal-radio.com\/catalog\/books\/0004.html Many thanks\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Books"","block_context":{"text":"Books","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/books\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"SW-Receivers-Past-And-Present","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/SW-Receivers-Past-And-Present.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":21447,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/swling-post-reader-contest-remembering-your-dream-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":1},"title":"SWLing Post Reader Contest: remembering your “dream radio”","author":"Thomas","date":"October 2, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Fred Osterman, President of Universal Radio, recently\u00a0expressed his interest in supporting another SWLing\u00a0Post Reader Contest. Of course, I eagerly agreed, and we quickly came up with a theme: Think back to your first days in radio...What was\u00a0your\u00a0\"dream\" receiver? \u00a0And why? Or--if you're new to shortwave radio--what is your \"dream\" receiver\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Contests"","block_context":{"text":"Contests","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/contests\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"The Sony ICF-2010 was my dream portable in the 1980s.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Sony2010.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Sony2010.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Sony2010.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/Sony2010.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":21766,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/contest-reminder-remembering-your-dream-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":2},"title":"Contest Reminder: Your \u201cdream radio\u201d","author":"Thomas","date":"October 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Think back to your first days in radio\u2026What was\u00a0your\u00a0\u201cdream\u201d receiver? \u00a0And why? Or--if you're new to shortwave radio--what is your \"dream\" receiver currently, and why? Many of us had\u00a0a radio they dreamed of in their youth, or when they first began to hanker after the radio experience. What was yours?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Contests"","block_context":{"text":"Contests","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/contests\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"dial_closeup_1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":21809,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/ends-today-dream-radio-contest\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":3},"title":"Ends Today: “Dream Radio” Contest","author":"Thomas","date":"October 16, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Think back to your first days in radio\u2026What was\u00a0your\u00a0\u201cdream\u201d receiver? \u00a0And why? Or--if you're new to shortwave radio--what is your \"dream\" receiver currently, and why? Many of us had\u00a0a radio they dreamed of in their youth, or when they first began to hanker after the radio experience. What was yours?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Contests"","block_context":{"text":"Contests","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/contests\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"dial_closeup_1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/dial_closeup_1-1024x683.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46586,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/11\/end-of-an-era-universal-radio-is-closing-shop\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":4},"title":"End of an Era: Universal Radio is closing shop","author":"Thomas","date":"November 21, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"While I'm very happy for my friends Fred and Barbara Osterman as they head into a well-deserved retirement, I'm very sad that Universal Radio will be closing. I've been a Universal Radio customer since before I was a licensed ham radio operator. They have been--and are to this day--the one\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Universal-Radio-Showroom-e1503534854861.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Universal-Radio-Showroom-e1503534854861.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Universal-Radio-Showroom-e1503534854861.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Universal-Radio-Showroom-e1503534854861.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":26458,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2017\/06\/ebay-dan-discovers-a-furuno-rv-103sr-marine-receiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":11498,"position":5},"title":"eBay: Dan discovers a Furuno RV-103SR marine receiver","author":"Thomas","date":"June 16, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following regarding a Furuno RV-103SR marine receiver he discovered on eBay: Recently, I came upon two great rarities in the world of receivers. Furuno is a Japanese company known for maritime equipment, and is featured on one or two\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Furuno-RV-103SR-1024x404.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Furuno-RV-103SR-1024x404.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Furuno-RV-103SR-1024x404.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11498"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11498\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}