There have been electronic projects for just about everything imaginable published in recent years, but a simple shortwave (sw) receiver is still one of the most interesting electronic devices that you can build.

Commercial shortwave sets are now highly sophisticated pieces of electronics, and it is probably not feasible for the home constructor to compete with these. However, at the other end of the scale it is possible to produce simple and inexpensive receivers that are fun to build and will pick up numerous stations from around the world.

The design featured here is intended for broadcast band reception at frequencies from about 4.5MHz to 14MHz. This provides coverage of the popular 49, 41, 31, 25, and 22 meter bands. It does not require an elaborate aerial or an earth connection, and the aerial is a form of loop antenna.