So; You have decided to purchase a shortwave radio,from an eBay Seller.

When you consider the many brands,and makes and models available,the selection process can be confusing.Good quality can be obtained however,at bargain prices.Heres how!

1.Look for a good brand name,preferably a company that will service your radio,if it should break.

                                          here is a list some of those companies.

                                        Sangean,Kaito,Grundig,Drake,and sony.

                             Radio shack also will service their radios,but its a long wait.

     2.What level of listener are you?A beginner,should look for a simple to operate analog radio,

      that they can learn on.A real plus for any portable radio of this type is an extenal antenna jack.

     This makes listening better,because the wire is obviously a longer antenna,and gathers more signal.

Medium level listeners should shoot for a BFO type digital radio,to graduate to,and learn about sideband reception.there are a few radios,like the Kaito 1102,and 1103 models,that are under 100$!Sangean Grunig and Sony also make these type radios.Most of them also have variable gain control,and a backlight for the display.

High level listeners like these features; True upper and lower sideband reception,fully controllable gain,extemely narrow band filters,and Subcarrier tuning.

Some of these radios are; Sangean ATS 909,grundig sattelit 700,grundig Xm 1000,and the yaesu VR 500

3.If you are buying used,ask lots of questions about the radio,and make te seller back his product up,if it comes to you dead.Use PayPal,as  insurance against "Dead Radio"Syndrome.Look at the pictures very carefully,and Bid with discretion.

If you are buying  a new radio,look through the sellers history for positive feedback about other radios they have sold,and go from there.If it does'nt come in its original box,its probably a store return.

                                                     4.Some brands to avoid;

Coby,Electrobrand,Jensen,techmate,and Emerson.These radios are not well made,and factory service is near impossible to obtain.Beside that,also,these brands have poor performance,and low quality control.

Sellers are really happy,usually,to answer any questions about a particular radio,if they are not;DONT BUY FROM THEM.They probably dont even have an idea of whether the radio they sell is junk ,or NOT!            Sellers of radios are often hobby listeners,or ham radio operators.

5.Pay for insurance on your radio when buying on eBay!These radios are fragile,and accidents do happen!! I have had good luck so far ,when shipping to a buyer,but I still recommend Insurance!

6.And my final,and best guide point for all Shortwave Listeners;Enjoy The hobby!TVs' got nothing on it!

                    This Guide Presented J.C.L. Hailey, President of Delta Research Group,

                           Holder of the Philips DX Cup,and International eBay Seller.