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In our quest to learn about the basics of radio, radio waves, radio design and function it has become abundantly clear that, although radio is not rocket science... it is not entirely far off! There is obviously lots to learn - and better to have a tad too much information than too little.

So far we have learned about some of the frequencies involved with radio (long wave, AM-FM and shortwave), some of the basics for radio operation - why things work the way they do - how things have improved over the last 40 years - what is competing for your attention in the World of radio and Internet media - and so on.

Photo right - The Eton E100 is a great example of an extraordinary radio packed into a very small space. It is sensitive as heck and adequately selective (we have discussed these issues in a previous chapter) and it is often available on EBay for as little as $40!

We are currently using the Grundig G3 as an example radio because it tunes all the frequencies that we are interested in - and some of the most desirable features; like Sync select sideband, single sideband reception, a good visible digital display and more. Let's proceed to talk about what else is important in a radio like this - or any radio...

In the good old days of World Band radio - like the 50's, 60's, 70's and maybe even the 80's, a radio was a radio. You would turn it on. Connect an antenna if necessary. Tune to a frequency manually... and listen. If conditions were right, you might actually hear something.

In the late eighties the concept of computer memory for radios appeared - and it wasn't like memories or presets were created for radios exclusively - because they weren't. The technology existed and it just made sense. And in a way, it has revolutionized how we listen to radio and "stay in the habit" as it were by being able to have "instant recall" where radio waves are concerned.

So. How does this work for the "Modern radio"? Simple. You find something you like on the radio dial (and anywhere on the radio dial) and you follow the "memory" sequence for the radio in question. In the case of the Grundig G3, it has a total of 700 memory presets (enough memory presets for the most obsessive compulsive radio listener on the planet!) and each of those presets might include frequency, mode of operation (AM-Sync-SSB) and whether or not RDS (Radio Data Display) is on [more on RDS later]. You can even type in a text label or title for the station you are listening to! Examples would include; PUNKROCK, Reggae, MOSCOW, or a call sign and the like - 8 character limit. That's plenty for me thank-you very much!

So, for those just joining us in the radio hobby that are under 30 years of age, this whole conversation about memory presets and digital dials must seem pretty quaint - I mean, there was a time not too long ago when it was all "seat of the pants." And for those youngsters that have not drifted off to sleep at this point - yes, every modern radio has a digital display so you really, really know what part of the dial you are on. At the very least, this series of articles should illustrate exactly what a radio dial is and how it all fits into the grand scheme of things.

Photo above right: The Drake R8 receiver - arguably one of the World's best. In an up coming chapter we move up to the big leagues - table top communications receivers... what they are and why you might want one - where size is everything.

Give your antenna some air - no, seriously!

Up until now I have been discussing the basics of the radio and what is on the inside - what I would like to move on to now is the antenna... because every radio has one. AM, FM or SW - there has to be some way to pull the radio waves out of the air. Get this: A radio is only as good as the antenna... and every radio needs one.

Photo left - The ETON E100 is a great example of a super-sensitive radio with a medium-small whip antenna that is perfect for FM and really good on Short-wave.

In the case of the portable radio, almost without fail they come with a telescoping whip antenna for SW and FM reception. For the AM or LW bands, most radios have an internal "ferrite" antenna which is efficient and directional. With the E100 Eton above and the Grundig G3, they have telescoping whip antennas - and they work well. In fact, most portables are often so sensitive that one does not need to fully extend the antenna.

Quite a few advanced portable radios come with an 1/8" plug for an external antenna - but unless you are in a rural location, far from big FM and AM transmitters there is little need for this. With the big tabletop radio above (The Drake R8) an external antenna is a must - and we will dedicate an entire section to antennas... maybe even two sections!