The SWLing Post

By Robert Gulley K4PKM The SIHUADON R-108 is a compact, inexpensive and capable radio with many features radio hobbyists have come to expect. While I no longer have one of my earliest AM transistor radios, it is comparable in size, but not much else!! Being a radio old-timer", I never cease to be amazed at [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor Michael (BD4AAQ) and Xusheng Niu (BH4BFS), who share the following revised announcement: 120 Years of XSG: World Radio Day Commemoration Revised Notice from Shanghai Coast Radio Station (XSG) Dear SWLers and Amateur Radio Enthusiasts, In celebration of World Radio Day and the 120th anniversary of Shanghai Coast Radio Station (XSG), [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following article from Radio World: NRSC Releases Details of AM Band RF Noise Study (Radio World) Noise levels remained consistent throughout different environments, even in downtown Baltimore The National Radio Systems Committee's AM Improvement Working Group has published a study examining the effects [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio 2 broadcast. Carlos notes: Part of Argentina's Radio 2 news bulletin (in Spanish), 1230 kHz AM, listened in Porto Alegre in a Sony ICR-N20 receiver: Gender violence in Argentina, according to a new report by the Observatory [...]

UPDATE: The USPS has reversed this decision and parcel delivery has been resumed. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Eric, who notes that if you live in the US and have incoming packages from China or Hong Kong, you may experience delays. Here's the story from the BBC: US Postal Service halts China parcels after [...]

Good day all SWLing Post community! FastRadioBurst 23 here with what Imaginary Stations will be bringing you this week for your listening pleasure. On Saturday 8th February 2025 at 1200 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 9th February 2025 at 1000/1400 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2100 UTC on 3975 kHz via Shortwave Gold [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jason Harvey, who writes: Just thought I'd share, I've seen the bandaid dial scale mod for the D-220 to help with tuning. Not sure if anyone else has been able to mod the actual dial marker yet to make it more visible on the orange D-220 though, but it's [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Van Hoy, who writes: Because I [purchased a RT-470L last year], Radtel sent me news of their brand new RT-860. No need to mod the radio like a Quangsheng. It does LW/MW/SW with SSB/CW (rx only, of course) out of the box for less than $50! I just [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Don Moore-notedauthor, traveler, and DXer-for the latest installment of hisPhoto Album guest post series: Don Moore's Photo Album:Guatemala (Part One) - The East by Don Moore More of Don's traveling DX stories can be found in his bookTales of a Vagabond DXer[SWLing Post affiliate link]. If you've already read [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Nikkei 1 broadcast. Carlos notes: Full Nikkei Electronic News" bulletin (in Japanese) from Radio Nikkei 1, Japan. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil. - Trump's first round of tariffs - Trump intends to meet with PM Ishiba - [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Mark Hirst, who writes: I spotted this radio in the Korean zombie outbreak drama Happiness' currently showing on Netflix. You've got sharp eyes, Mark! Can anyone positively identify that transceiver in the background?

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he's published a new post on his blog, The Herculodge. This time, Jeff examines the Tecsun PL-880 vs. PL-660, exposing the quirks and realities of DSP-based radios in his interference-heavy household. Jeff finds that in real-world conditions, the trusty PL-660 often outperforms the PL-880-especially [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following news via Radio World: Markey, Cruz Reintroduce AM Bill in the Senate (Radio World) The legislation would require AM radio reception in new cars The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has been reintroduced on Capitol Hill. The legislation passed the Senate Commerce [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Carlos Latuff, who shares the following Radiofax news via the Kyodo News Agency. Carlos Notes: [No survivors] 28 bodies recovered." Headline from tonight's Kyodo News Morning Edition. Radiofax received in Porto Alegre, January 30, 2025, 23h00 UTC, 16970 kHz.

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonistCarlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Nikkei 1 report focusing on the aviation disaster that took place today at Reagan National Airpot in Washington DC. Carlos notes: Part of Radio Nikkei 1 Nikkei Electronic News" (in Japanese) about the plane and military [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recentVatican Radio broadcast. Carlos notes: Vatican Radio's African News Panorama on the conflict in D.R. Congo. Click here to view on YouTube.

Good day all SWLing Post community far and wide! FastRadioBurst 23 here with what Imaginary Stations will be bringing you this week for your shortwave listening pleasure. On Saturday 1st January February 2025 at 1200 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 2nd February 2025 at 1000/1400 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2100 UTC on [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Bill Tilford, who shares the following announcement and schedule: From the Isle of Music, February 2025 February's program will feature recent Cuban jazz from musicians who participated in Havana's Jazz Plaza 2025: Friday, February 7: 3955 kHz at 2200 UTC Saturday, February 8: 3955 kHz at 1800 UTC simulcasted [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David, who shares the following news items via WVXU and Spectrum News: A first look inside the renovated VOA Broadcasting Museum (WVXU) Visitors to theNational Voice of America Museum of Broadcastingin West Chester Township will notice the first improvement immediately after turning into the driveway off Tylersville Road. New [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dale (W4OP), who shares the following guest post: Going Old School: The Lowe HF-150 by Dale (W4OP) Lowe Electronics of Great Britain introduced their first shortwave receiver, designed by Jon Thorpe, in 1987: the model HF-125. The HF-125 was a 30 kHz to 30 MHz compact receiver with three [...]

Welcome to theSWLing Post's Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories making waves in the world of radio.Enjoy! Many thanks to SWLing Post contributorDavid Iurescia for the following tips: RNZ Pacific - 35 years of broadcasting to the region (RNZ) January 24, 1990, the same day the Auckland Commonwealth Games opened, RNZ International [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Michael (BD4AAQ), who shares the following announcement: Notice from Shanghai Coast Radio Station (XSG) on Hosting the Global Amateur Radio Communication Event Dear Amateur Radio Enthusiasts, To celebrate World Radio Day and foster communication and interaction with amateur radio operators worldwide, Shanghai Coast Radio Station (XSG) is pleased to [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adi, who shares the following news about Austria's historic 500-kilowatt shortwave transmitter in Moosbrunn: ORF has Austria's 500-kilowatt short-wave transmitter blown up This massive, unique rotating HF antenna, capable of broadcasting to the furthest corners of the globe, is set to be demolished. The article explores its rich history, [...]

Don Moore's Photo Album Museum Findings: World War II by Don Moore More of Don's traveling DX stories can be found in his book Tales of a Vagabond DXer. Learning should be a life-long pursuit for all of us. One of my ways of doing that is by visiting museums while traveling, whether in the [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon over at The Herculodge for his recent post, Dude, You Really Love Radios: A Nostalgic Ode to the Tecsun PL-660." Jeff reflects on rediscovering the Tecsun PL-660, a Pre-DSP Glory Era" classic, sharing insights about its design, performance, and the irresistible pull of nostalgia. Like many of [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Nikkei 1 broadcast. Carlos notes: *Better listened with earphones* Part of Radio Nikkei 1 news bulletin (Nikkei Electronic News) in Japanese. BYD, a major Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced on the 24th that it will launch [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who shares: Running into an old friend Hi Thomas I was doing some random tuning on shortwave this evening using the KiwiSDR at VK2ATZ in New South Wales, Australia, when I came upon a repeating music box-like tune on 13705 kHz that I thought had a familiar [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he's recently published a short review of the Tecsun PL-880 on his blog, The Herculodge. Jeff has discovered something that portable radio enthusiasts have known for more than a decade: the PL-880 sports some of the best audio fidelity in a modern portable radio! [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan, who shares the following YouTube video about Worldspace satellite radio. If you're not familiar, WorldSpace Satellite Radio was a pioneering satellite radio network that operated from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. It provided digital audio broadcasting services to underserved regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community! FastRadioBurst 23 here with news of this week's Imaginary Stations shortwave output. On Saturday 25th January 2025 at 1200 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 26th January 2025 at 1000/1400 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2100 UTC on 3975 kHz via Shortwave Gold we'll be bringing you WARM [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Alan, who writes: Thomas, You have been reviewing radios on your site lately, which has prompted me to produce an up-to-date table of all frequencies allocated to radio and TV broadcasting. Worldwide radios need to tune any frequency up to 240 MHz. DAB+ in the 1.452 - 1.492 GHz [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Alan, who writes: Thomas, I came across this PDF from the ITU: Use of International Radio for Disaster Relief frequencies for emergency broadcasts in the High Frequency bands With so many disasters, may be of interest to your posters. Click here to download (PDF). Thank you, Alan!

Good Morning, Readers, Over the past few weeks, I have received messages from several of you stating that you are no longer getting email notifications via WordPress when new articles are posted on the SWLing Post. I have contacted support, and they believe they may have resolved the issue. I had the same issue with [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Carlos Latuff, who shares the following guest post: Exploring Radio Radio Nikkei by Carlos Latuff It's been a while since I listened to Nikkei Radio, a Japanese commercial broadcaster that operates on shortwave for a domestic audience. If I remember well, the signal was very weak and, since I [...]

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM There was quite a bit of excitement in the ultralight radio community in 2024 when folks discovered" the Qodosen DX-286 radio. The very first version of this radio was the Qodosen SR-286. Its Big Trick was that it was based on the NXP TEF6686 DSP chip which is designed for car [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent NHK broadcast. Carlos notes: Part of NHK news bulletin (in Japanese) about the 30th anniversary of the Kobe earthquake. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Click here to view on YouTube.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Bob Colegrove, who writes: Hi Thomas, No mention of UTC or frequency in the attached. Made my day, but some folks apparently were not amused. Source was Short-Wave Report" by Hank Bennett, Popular Electronics, Ziff-Davis Publishing Co., New York, p. 86, March 1959. Regards, Bob Colegrove This absolutely made [...]

Finding Rare DXwith the Data File Analyzer By Don Moore Don's DX traveling stories can be found in his book Tales of a Vagabond DXer. I've been a real jack-of-all-trades in my over five decades of DXing. I began with SWBC (shortwave broadcast) but soon branched out to medium wave and voice utility. Later I [...]

When the SWL and Amateur Radio hobbies meet by Dan Greenall Many of us who are also amateur radio operators, got their start in the hobby through simply listening to shortwave radio, or perhaps, to stations in the AM or FM broadcast bands. I suppose it is then inevitable that these two hobbies are bound [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he's published his thoughts about the Qodosen DX-286 [SWLing Post affiliate link]over on his blog, The Herculodge. While the DX-286 had solid AM reception, its audio quality and build didn't quite meet his needs. In the end, Jeff opted for a more robust choice [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following article on the Archiv.org Blog: Vanishing Culture: Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who writes: Hi Thomas, I hope all is well. The fires here in Los Angeles prompted me to buy 3 radios, including this Sangean PR-D12 (a Tecsun PL-990X arrives in a few days). This is my first radio review in about 10 years: Click here to check [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community! FastRadioBurst 23 here letting you know what the Imaginary Stations crew are putting out over those airwaves this week. On Saturday 18th January 2025 at 1200 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 19th January 2025 at 1000/1400 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2100 UTC on 3975 kHz via [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who writes: Hello Thomas, This short message to draw your attention on the following: The theme of World Radio Day on February 13, 2025 is Radio and Climate Change": https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio?hub=66636 https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/radio-climate-change?hub=66636 I hope this information is helpful to you. All the best. Paul JAMET Thank you so [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who shares the following guest post and asks, Wonder who can add to this list?: A Look Back - DXing between 1610 and 1700 kHz by Dan Greenall 1. The Caribbean Beacon, Anguilla West Indies 1610 kHz (1985 QSL) 2. NDB stations (non-directional beacons) transmitted call letters [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening reports, all covering the ongoing Los Angeles Wildfires. Part of Vatican Radio's news bulletin (in Portuguese), listened in Porto Alegre: In a telegram to the Archbishop of Los Angeles, in the United States of America, Dom Jose Gomez, Pope [...]

Don Moore's Photo Album: Chota, Peru by Don Moore More of Don's traveling DX stories can be found in his book Tales of a Vagabond DXer. For DXers of Latin American stations, the period from about 1978-1998 was the golden age of DXing Peru. Those years saw an explosion of shortwave broadcasting from small towns, [...]

by Dan Robinson This article appearing in the Washington Business Journal reports that President Joe Biden signed legislation that orders the sale of the Wilbur Cohen Building at 330 Independence Avenue, which has been headquarters to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (ex-Broadcasting Board of Governors) and Voice of America for many decades. Relocation of [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia, who shares two articles of interest: Radio Prague's New 2025 QSL Card Series Radio Romania International's Personality of the Year 2024

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Steve Allen (KZ4TN), who shares the following guest post: SDR Signal Enhancer by Steve Allen I came across this HF Signal Enhancer for SDR on the RTL-SDR.com website. It was designed and built by Peter Parker, VK3YE from Melbourne, Australia. Below is the link to the video of the [...]