The 16th Edition of the 2012 Shortwave Frequency Guide, one of several annual radio reference books and CDs available from Klingenfuss Publications, has recently been released.This year’s 408 page book starts out with a general overview of radio observations by Joerg Klingenfuss (author/publisher), followed by a section devoted to monitoring utility stations. This chapter will be of special interest to utility listeners and includes a basic explanation of the various aspects of utility monitoring and a by-frequency listing of stations with call signs, station name, mode and details.
The heart of this book and its primary focus is on shortwave broadcast stations, frequencies, and schedules. The 2012 Shortwave Frequency Guide covers the latest 2012
schedules for all clandestine, domestic, and international broadcast stations worldwide, which is derived from the Klingenfuss 2012 Super Frequency List on CD.
In the broadcast radio stations by frequency section there is some introductory material and a segment devoted to Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) that includes a comprehensive list of DRM schedules. A brief look to the future of shortwave and the continuing debate over it's decline. The by-frequency list starts at 2310 kHz and goes to 26060 kHz. Each frequency listing includes the station name, location, start and end times of each broadcast, language, target area, and selected remarks.
If focusing on a particular country of interest is useful to you, then the by-country section of the book, labeled the “Alphabetical List of Broadcast Radio Stations” in the Table of Contents, will be of particular interest.
Frequency information for international broadcast stations, clandestine, and domestic stations are accurate at time of publication and does include seasonal frequency adjustments. Klingenfuss uses a volunteer staff of radio listeners and broadcasters worldwide that contribute information to this publication and keep its information accurate and up-to-date.
The easy-to read book is a real asset in the radio shack, regardless of whether you monitor the utility bands or enjoy transmissions from shortwave broadcast stations. The 2012 Shortwave Frequency Guide is an excellent annual publication for the beginner or experienced radio hobbyist who wants a complete HF spectrum reference book (utility/broadcast station listings). This is a basic no-frills radio reference guide and it will definitely complement your monitoring time at the dials.
To order the 2012 Klingenfuss Shortwave Frequency Guide book, go to the Klingenfuss website at www.klingenfuss.org or order from U.S. source Universal Radio at www.universal-radio.com . From Universal, it is book number # 5799 selling for $49.95 plus shipping and handling. You can also order from Universal via phone 1-800-431-3939 or Fax at 1-614-866-2339 (postal mail: Universal Radio, Inc., 6830 Americana Parkway, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-4113 USA).
Review by Gayle Van Horn, W4GVH
Monitoring Times, March 2012