Single Sideband is a comparatively unknown, interesting and important radio format that takes a special radio for listening and a little time to learn.
If we start an hour after sunset, on a weekend, it is easier to pick up your first station. Attach and stretch out your portable shortwave antenna to the CC Skywave SSB™ and select the SW band. "SW" will show on the display. Push in on the tuning dial so that it steps 1 KHz at a time. "SLOW" will show on the display. Tune between 7125-7300 KHz until you hear a modestly strong distorted voice. Now press the SSB key and let the SSB circuit download. Then press the Fine Tune Key (both key lights be on) and turn the tuning knob up and down until the voice becomes legible. Most likely you will be listening to a ham talk to his friends. It normally takes a few successes to get the basic swing of it. You can look up call signs at QRZ.com, (you have to register) and find out who and where people are talking from. The University of Alabama has a great website on which ham bands are currently active: http://dxdisplay.caps.ua.edu/.
Note: Radio conditions on SW change every day like the weather. Sometimes you may hear many stations on the air, and sometimes just a few or even none. Evenings and weekends tend to be the best times to listen. There is more to learn by searching the web for "ham radio".
Generally higher frequencies work better during the day and lower frequencies at night.
Listening suggestions:
- Daytime - try: 7125-7300kHz (LSB), 14150-14325kHz (USB) or 21200-21450kHz (USB)
- Nighttime - try: 3600-4000kHz (LSB) or 7125-7300kHz (LSB)
Please see What in the world is SSB? Part 1 from the hams at C. Crane.
