In playing with my SW radio's, researching stuff on the web, I've discovered something that really has me fascinated. Something I had no idea that it even existed.

It's called SDR or software defined radio. Search websdr and you'll find quite a few hams that are supporting this on the web from around the world. 

You simply visit the individual site and you have full access to their setup. You'll see and hear the radio spectrum from their antennas point of view. Some sites have pretty much what would be the full active spectrum, others maybe just the most active like 80/40meter bands. But regardless, it's really a cool toy that lets you see what is on. The Websdr tool is neat in that it is fully interactive, and allows you full control and filtering just like on a higher end desktop unit. It's easy to use, and you'll pretty much be able to figure out all the functionality pretty quick. The beauty is you can actually see the spectrum, learning what voice communication looks like and searching those frequencies. The site usually will also describe what equipment they are using.

I'm using it now to take a look at what is on and where before I turn a vintage radio on. Sometimes things are very active, other times quiet to the point I won't bother. Last night 20m (14.300 or so) was really open, so I spent some time there on my radios. There was a guy in Italy calling out CQ to North America, and I heard a clear reply all the way from west Texas.

But anyway, if you're on CP, you probably spend a fair bit of time on the computer, so if at all interested in SW listening, this is a neat way to listen...and you are all but a mouse click away from trying it.

My next thing will probably be my own SDR. SDRplay is a neat little receiver that is only about a couple hundred bucks and has a ton of features. Just hook up a simple wire antenna from outside, a USB cord to your PC, download the free desktop dashboard and you have your own SDR system. You can get even a simple receiver dongle for as low as $50 to get started. It's amazing technology. And you can play with better antennas later as time and budget allow.

Here's the link to the SDR station I listen to in Ormocto NB. (link corrected). Todd, this location should be somewhat representative of what you could receive at any given time.

Here's the link to websdr listings,

And a link to the SDRplay unit.

Cheers,Mark