National Association of Broadcasters Engineering Handbook, 11th Edition

Chapter7.20

HF Shortwave Radio

J. Fred Riley, JD, MBA

W8OY

John O. Stanley

K4ERO

Introduction

HF Broadcasting Definition

HF (High Frequency) broadcasting uses the 2–26 MHz range of frequencies—from just above the MW (Medium Wave) AM (Amplitude Modulation) broadcast band to near VHF; three octaves of frequencies coverage.¹ The 2–5 MHz section is generally denoted Tropical Band. The transmissions are typically conventional AM.

General Introduction to HF Broadcasting

HF broadcasting is different from conventional AM on the MW (Medium Wave) broadcast bands. Everything about HF broadcasting is dependent on propagation via skywave. Domestic MW in the days of the clear channels was dependent on skywave and ground wave at night but now is primarily a ...