PC Controlled Shortwave Receivers

PC controlled shortwave receivers have been around since the 1990s and are steadily growing in popularity with the shortwave hobbyist. Linking a shortwave receiver to a PC allows users to quickly access shortwave databases, identify stations and even record transmissions.

PC controlled shortwave receivers can perform a wide variety of operations. While some PC shortwave receiver options can be found on stand-alone receivers, most are unique to PC controlled receivers.

Access to online, real-time databases is one of the most useful options on PC controlled software receivers. Users can quickly determine which stations are on the air at any given time. Shortwave transmission databases also allow users to quickly identify stations (a valuable tool, especially if the station broadcasts in another language).

PC controlled shortwave receivers build on the scanning ability of older shortwave receivers. Here is an outline of how they work:

A PC controlled shortwave receiver may allow users to access a conference server, where radio hobbyists can receive frequencies from other radios. Such servers often include chat lines, bringing some interaction to a hobby that is often performed solo.

Some PC controlled shortwave receivers include software that filters stations by preset conditions. For instance, a user might set the program to only display stations broadcasting in a specific language.

The ability to add new software is one of the great bonuses of PC controlled shortwave receivers. Manufacturers can develop new software that can be downloaded by the user, or the user can find free programs online. Programs are available for use in Linux as well as Windows.

To connect a shortwave receiver to a PC, your receiver and PC both need serial ports. Most PCs have serial ports, but if yours doesn’t, a USB/serial port converter usually works.

For shortwave hobbyists on the go, it’s possible to connect some makes of shortwave receivers to PDAs or notebooks, instead of to a PC.

Software defined radios are the most complex versions of PC controlled shortwave receivers. In most PC / shortwave receiver systems, the receiver performs signal manipulation, filtering and modulation, and the computer monitors the results.

Software defined radios take a different approach. Filtering and other operations traditionally handled by shortwave receivers are run by computer soundcards and software.

The ability to record radio transmissions for later playback is the great strength of software defined radios. Transmission can be saved directly to the PC.

The cost of PC controlled shortwave receivers starts around $300. While more complicated, higher-end receivers can cost much more, for the hobbyist exploring PC controlled shortwave receivers for the first time, a $300 system is probably sufficient.

A basic package for a PC controlled shortwave receiver usually contains a: