It also came packaged with a cassette tape (Yes, I still remember them). Even for the late ’90s, it was a bit outdated but there were some interesting tips about shortwave. I also bought a book from Radio Shack titled Listening To Shortwave. However, my father conceded to a birthday wish and bought me a Radio Shack DX-397 (my dad told me that he still has it). Unfortunately with all good things, the band knob on my Worldstar radio broke. My parents “loved” it, as I annoyed them with loud static. There were great programs like Musical Mailbag, live sports, DX Partyline, and Play of the Week that I would tune into every week. I wrote to Boy’s Life about it and they paid me some money for the article. I would sit outside on weekends with my radio and listen to the BBC, RTI, RCI, HCJB, VOA, RNW, and many others.Ī QSL collection grew and station stickers littered the top of my radio. My first two years as an SWL were amazing. It was my first shortwave radio: the Worldstar Multi Band Receiver MG 6100 sold by Sears. I already owned a shortwave radio and just realized it at that moment. Months before reading the article, my next-door neighbor friend sold me his radio for $25. Before buying one at Radio Shack, there was an epiphany. Using slow dial-up internet and reading Passport to World Band Radio, I learned more about shortwave radio, international stations, and frequencies. Thus, I went to the Millington Public Library (Millington is a suburb north of Memphis, TN and my hometown). While reading the article, I was amazed that there were radios capable of receiving global signals. In the December 1997 issue, there was an article titled “ Tune In To The World.” This printed piece literally changed my life. Being 13 years old, a young Chris Freitas was a member of the Boy Scouts.īecause I was a part of this organization, Boy’s Life magazine shipped to my mailbox each month. Let’s hop into the Tardis and go back to 1997. I have an interesting story on how I got into shortwave radio. In the meantime, many thanks to Chris for sharing his personal radio history (note that Chris has also posted this story on his new blog): If you would like to add your story to the mix, simply send your story by email! Chris Freitas’ radio story is the latest in a our series called Listener Posts, where I will place all of your personal radio histories.
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