SWL'ing: It's ALL about Learning How to Listen

Virtually everyone who possesses a valid amateur radio license began their involvement
w/radio by listening first.  In fact, in many European countries, one is required to begin as
a "licensed" SWL and are often issued a lengthy SWL-ID to get started.  My initial involvement
began by shortwave listening; first with a 1960's-era National NC-77X 5-tube Superhet, followed
by a loaner classic (85-lb) 1940-ish Hammarlund SP-210LX Super-PRO.  The power supply for
this receiver weighed-in at about 55 lbs. and sat on the floor behind the operating desk.

In the mid-60's most "significant" countries showcased one-or-more shortwave radio outlets. 
In this country there was plenty of non-broadcast activity on the so-called Longwave frequencies.  Virtually night-after-night you would find me behind the dials of the Super PRO, listening for powerhouse SW broadcasters, Longwave beacons and traffic, Coast Guard and Navy traffic,
ship-to-shore calls, and yes, even the so-called "numbers" stations.  The keyword here is LISTENING.  It was 3+ years later with my Novice license that I began to "talk back".

While the WQ6X contest Blog is largely about radiosport activities, in my opinion, shortwave
listening should still be a not-insignificant activity for serious contest operators.  Here are some
things I have written about SWL'ing:

• [X] - (08-19): Does Shortwave Radio have a Future?
  
• [X] - (09-19): WQ6X Turns Birthday into Training Weekend
• [X] - (09-21): Using Shortwave Listening as a Propagation Training Exercise
  
• [X] - (11-21): Why I still love the ICOM 7000: SWL'ing
• [X] - (11-22): Why UTE's are Alright with ME

In the 21st century, while the HF frequency spectrum is still 3 to 30 Mhz., except for
radio amateur use, the way in which the HF spectrum is used has changed dramatically. 
Here are some thoughts about the differences:

• Ship-to-shore usage been relegated to VHF/UHF and/or
  supplanted by the cellphone services.
• For the most part, Coast Guard and Navy operations no longer utilize Morse code for communications, altho (largely encrypted) digital-mode communication is still in widespread use (if you know where to look).
• Shortwave broadcasts are increasingly being moved to the internet, altho countries with little/poor internet access still rely on LW/MW/SW/FM radio broadcasts to keep in touch with the world.
• Clandestine SW broadcasts are still a way to bypass government-induced internet
  outages and "Fake News" broadcasts promulgated by state-sponsored broadcast stations.

Because it's ALL about listening, if you listen around, you will still find
the following in the 3-30mhz. shortwave spectrum:

• Shortwave broadcasts in the main SW bands on: 120m,
  90m, 75m, 60m, 49m, 41m, 31m, 25m, 19m, 16m & 13m
• Marine WX and international airline communications
• Pirate stations in the 6.9mhz and 7.3mhz spectrum
• Government sponsored beacon stations
• Military Ssb traffic communications
• Time Standard stations
• Numbers stations

While it is true that the shortwave spectrum is a far cry from what it used to be,
it is ALSO true that the 3 - 30 mhz. spectrum is teaming with interesting things to listen
to - IF you take the time and have the patience to actually listen, day after day, night after night.

What about YOU?
When was the last time YOU listened around the shortwave spectrum?
What interesting things have YOU heard?