Using the electrically charged particles in the ionosphere, under certain conditions it is possible for a shortwave signal to 'skip' through this layer and be heard hundreds or thousands of miles away. This provides a challenge to the shortwave listener, who must optimize their receiving antennas and other equipment to best pick up these whispers of pirate radio. The FCC has a network of automated monitoring stations scattered throughout the United States that have proven quite efficient at pinpointing the locations of shortwave stations. While they're active year-round, shortwave listening is best in the winter months, when the threat of thunderstorms is lessened. Thunderstorms contain lightning, and such large electric discharges can wreak havoc on a listener's ability to pick up a station.
Storms also destroy the possibility of good 'signal skip' conditions.
Because of this, the shortwave scene has really picked up as of late. Holidays such as Christmas and New Year's always bring out lots of broadcasters, but activity on the shortwave bands has been running especially high recently. At least one pirate in South America has also successfully reached the U.S. recently as well. We manufactur and sell the finest in miniature recording microphones and accessories. We provide every thing you need for live sound recording with ADAT or mini-disc.