[Hoot Gibson]

Spud, if you want to get a feel for SDR receivers, there are SDRs available online. Below is a link to one located in Ottawa, Ontario, that I can confirm is working very well this morning. The SDR is connected to a very long receive-onlyantenna mounted on the ground called a Beveridge antenna.

At this time, the 20 meter band is coming in very well. For a typical day at this time in the 11-year sunspot cycle, the 20 meter band allows the longest contacts during the daytime hours. The 40 meter band has a daytime range in the 300 to 500 mile range. The 80 meter band is also a good daytime band for regional contacts. At night, the 160, 80, and 40 meter bands are the most active bands.

When sunspot activity is higher, the higher frequency bands are "open" for long distance contacts more often. (6, 10, 12, 15, and 17 meter bands) Generally, VHF and UHF bands are line-of-sight bands, which is why repeaters are commonly used for them. However, VHF and UHF are very reliable. If you talk to somebody on those bands on one day, then chances are you will be able to contact them on a regular basis. With the HF bands, you may be able to contact New Zealand today but not be able to contact a station 10 miles away. Some areas get skipped that are located between the range of ground waves and areas that are reachable by skipping signals off of the ionosphere.

Kiwi SDR Ottawa, Ontario

For voice communications on HF bands below 10 Mghz, use AM Lower Sideband (LSB), for higher HF frequencies, use AM Upper Sideband (USB).

I have not used online SDRs much but this is a great way to get familiar with the ham HF bands and to learn about SDRs without spending any money.