Short Wave Listening (SWL)

Hello dear SWL enthusiasts,

Short Wave Listening (SWL) is a fascinating and accessible hobby that allows you to receive radio broadcasts from all over the world and immerse yourself in the rich world of shortwave communication. By tuning across different frequencies, you can discover a wide variety of stations and programs—from international broadcasters to amateur radio operators in the most remote corners of the globe.

What makes SWL so special is the diversity of signals and content. You will encounter broadcasts in many languages, covering news, music, culture, and amateur radio activity. Each reception is like a small journey around the world.

Getting Started

To begin as an SWL listener, all you need is a shortwave receiver and the ability to scan the bands. SDRs (Software Defined Radios) are particularly interesting and affordable options. A suitable antenna is also important for effective reception.

Familiarity with shortwave frequencies, patience, and perseverance are key. Propagation conditions vary depending on weather, time of day, and atmospheric factors. Participation in SWL communities—such as within the RL—can greatly enrich your experience.

Recommended Knowledge

Technical Knowledge

  • Modulation and transmission methods
  • Transmitters and receivers
  • RF connector systems
  • Wave propagation and the ionosphere
  • Lightning protection

Operational Knowledge

  • International spelling alphabet
  • Operating abbreviations and Q‑codes
  • Callsigns and country prefixes
  • Signal reporting (RST)

Regulatory Knowledge

  • Amateur Radio Act (ILR)
  • Callsign usage
  • Frequency ranges
  • Telecommunications and data protection regulations
  • Liability and antenna‑related risks

A document summarising these requirements is provided when applying for an SWL callsign and must be respected.

The SWL Callsign

SWL activity remains very popular among beginners. The RL supports this by assigning LX‑000 SWL callsigns to its members. Foreign amateur radio clubs also issue SWL callsigns. With these internationally recognised identifiers, SWLs can participate in global QSL services.

SWLs may propose a preferred LX callsign, which will be assigned if still available. Licensed radio amateurs may also apply for an LX‑SWL callsign. Each Luxembourgish receiving station receives an official certificate from the RL.

LX callsigns beginning with zero are SWL training stations (club stations).

The SWL Report

When listening to amateur radio bands, it is essential to accurately copy the callsigns of both stations involved in the QSO. A reception report includes:

  • callsign of the station heard,
  • date,
  • time (UTC),
  • frequency,
  • mode,
  • signal report,
  • your own name, callsign, and address.

Many SWLs also include equipment and antenna details, membership information, and award eligibility.

SWLs must also indicate the callsign of the station with which the monitored station was communicating (“QSO with…”). This allows the receiving operator to verify the report against their logbook.

LX stations additionally provide WAZ Zone 14, ITU Zone 28, and their Maidenhead Locator.

Including your postal address is recommended, as many radio amateurs reply directly by mail to a good SWL report.

SWLs may apply for awards using QSL cards received from radio amateurs. Radio amateurs should therefore fill out incoming SWL QSL cards just as carefully as those sent to their own contacts.

The radio amateur being monitored fills out their own QSL card using the information provided on the SWL card—only insofar as it matches their logbook—and confirms the accuracy of the SWL’s observations.

Designing the SWL QSL Card

The back of the card must follow certain guidelines to ensure smooth processing. These requirements are shown in the illustration below.

The QSL card should follow the IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) recommendation of 9 cm × 14 cm, with a card thickness between 170 and 220 g/m². It should not be smaller than 8.5 cm × 13.5 cm and not larger than the German postcard format DIN A6 (10.5 cm × 15 cm).

The front of the QSL card may be freely designed — for example with an image, your LX callsign, or logos.

Required Information on the QSL Card

The essential details of the reception must be documented on the QSL card. These include:

  • the callsign of the station heard,
  • the date,
  • the time,
  • the frequency,
  • the mode of operation,
  • the signal report for the station,
  • the listener’s own name, callsign, and address.

Many SWLs also include information about the equipment and antennas used, membership in amateur radio associations, and whether the QSL card counts toward specific awards.

SWLs should always include the callsign of the station with which the monitored station was having the QSO (“QSO with…”). This allows the receiving operator to verify the SWL report against their logbook entries.

LX stations also indicate WAZ Zone 14, ITU Zone 28, and their Maidenhead Locator. The locator can be obtained from the RL or found on a locator map.

It is advisable to include your postal address on the card design, as licensed radio amateurs often reply directly by mail to a good SWL report.

QSL Cards and Awards

SWLs can apply for awards using QSL cards received from radio amateurs. Therefore, it should be self‑evident for every radio amateur to fill out incoming SWL QSL cards just as correctly as the QSL cards they send to their own contacts.

The radio amateur who has been heard and asked for confirmation fills out their own QSL card using the information provided on the SWL QSL card — only insofar as it matches the data in their logbook — and thus confirms the accuracy of the SWL’s observations.