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You may not be bitten by the bug but let me tell you this. If you happen to have a SW receiver or are just interested in the hobby, I say to you,this purchase will give you an opportunity to see what is available,what stations are on and at what time and a brief paragraph describing the content. When an evening approaches,you can sit down andlet your radio and this "passport" take you around the world.And it won't take 80 days. The world changes all too frequently for most of us,and to be able to go around the world,to sit in on broadcasts from every place on the globe,well,it is indeed a "window to the world". This book will answer most questions a person interested in the field would have.Written by radio enthusiasts that had the same questions when they approached this hobby and/or pasttime. Printed yearly,it is kept up to date.
Somehow or other, I found out about Passport to World Band Radio. There are quite a few resources online.But for the "total package" -- ease of use, quality of content, equipment reviews, foreign addresses, a glossary, a "TV Guide" section spotlighting major broadcasts by 1/2 hour, the frquency guide itself -- nothing I've seen comes close to Passport to World Band--the ultimate niche publication.I'm writing this in February 2010, and I would buy this 2009 edition today if I didn't already have it. I'd think this (evidently) final edition would be valuable for purchase through 2010 and into 2011, if not somewhat beyond. I first got into shortwave listening in the mid-90's on a Sangean 505. I wouldn't let the "2009" scare you.If you're interested in shortwave, grab a Sony 7600gr and a copy of Passport to World Band Radio. WRTH is great, and it inclues more frquencies than shortwave. They may be the two best deals going in the shortwave world, and they'll complement each other like white on rice.
I still have my first copy, the 1997 edition.Now I have a Hammarlund 180a, a "real" receiver that puts the likes of my beloved 505 to shame. If you're not up on "the basics," Passport will get you up to speed. Think of Passport as your "baseline" reference, your foundation. Passport is a near-requirement with better quality receivers, if only because there are so many more stations to identify. But while things have changed since publication, they have not changed so much to render the edition obsolete.
Not a great receiver, but a good one--particularly starting out. Since it's "old," why.It was old the day it was printed--a bit like a world atlas or dictionary. Monitoring Times is a great magazine, and it includes a station log every month. Passport made shortwave listening fun. There are alternatives for finding stations.
Passport tells you where to tune. I started listening to shortwave radio (world band radio) in the 60's with a Zenith TransOceanic 1000 receiver and I'm still at it today using a Sony 7600GR. Frankly, I don't know how I got along without it. Take this opportunity to get the 2009 edition while it is still available.Later update: Passport has now announced that this will be the last issue.
Perhaps the publishers will relent. Perhaps not. All good things come to an end, I guess. But now I hear this 2009 edition may be the last.
Found a station on a frequency at 0300 GMT in Spanish. This book is a true bargain. About every other year for the last 10 years or so I've purchased the yearly Passport to World Band Radio book. It also has comprehensive, no-holds-barred reviews of all types of shortwave receivers and antennas (super cheap to ultra expensive).
Want to listen to a Cuban, German or North Korean broadcast in English. Everything you need to know (and then some) about shortwave radio listening and stations is in this beautiful, glossy book. Passport will tell you exactly what station you're listening to, how long it will be on, what kind of programming to expect, etc.
This makes purchase of the book all the more desirable, initially as a show of support to the editorial staff, but alternatively to make avail of what could be the last chance to obtain this useful publication before it falls out of print. Based on recent comments from the editor, it now appears that the 25th edition (2009) could be the last (owing to the web phenomenon alluded to above as well as the high cost of producing a hobby publication these days). Passport provides inticing receiver reviews together with useful listings of stations and programs. It is an essential resource for the hobbyist and a worthwhile purchase, notwithstanding the plethora of information modernly available on the web.
This allows you to quickly look up a station you are hearing and determine where it is likely coming from, even if you cannot understand the language.The product reviews are very useful as well - and there are feature stories highlighting some of the broadcast stations around the world that make for very interesting reading. The other most used section is the "blue pages" in back which list all of the broadcasts by frequency. Great for beginners, and a must for the Shortwave enthusiast. This book is an excellent resource and will get you listening to shortwave broadcasts immediately. One of the most useful features is the "What's On Tonight" section which lists broadcasts in English based on time of day and frequency.
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