The SWLing Post

(Source: WRMI via Facebook) Dear Friends and Colleagues: December 1, 2017 will mark the 4th anniversary of WRMI’s broadcasts from the Okeechobee, Florida transmission site. We broadcast from a site in Hialeah, Florida for 20 years prior to that. To celebrate our 4th anniversary in Okeechobee, we cordially invite you to join us for an […]

From the Isle of Music, December 3-9, 2017 This week our special guest is Emilio Martini, guitarist, composer and leader of the Natural Trio. We will feature songs from this year’s Cubadisco-winning album Notas al viento. Also, some classic Timba and Cuban Fusion. Four opportunities to listen on shortwave: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible […]

Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) and a number of other SWLing Post contributors who’ve noted that Universal Radio is listing the Grundig Satellit 750 as “Not Currently Available.” Universal offers the following explanation on their product page: UPDATE: 11/21/17 Eton-Grundig has informed us the Satellit 750 is currently not available. They cannot provide an availability […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Larry W, who writes with the following tip: Thomas, this isn’t a deep discount, but the Tecsun PL-310ET price has fallen to $40 even on Amazon. It usually floats around $42-43. Price includes shipping. You might wish to post because this is a lot of “bang-for-buck” when it comes […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who adds the following to our growing archive of radios in film. Mark writes: Quite a haul this time! In episode 20 of ‘Designated Survivor‘, FBI Agent Hannah Wells tries to get a message out before being recaptured…. Many thanks, Mark! Another good one! Are those Kenwood transceivers in the background? […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that C. Crane’s Cyber Monday sale includes 10% off everything sitewide (including the new CC Skywave SSB). You’ll need to use the code CM2017 at checkout.

Since I purchased the Elecraft KX2 last year, I find I do almost as much SWLing with it as I do ham radio activity. The KX2 is actually a brilliant shortwave broadcast receiver–check out these audio samples. It’s incredibly sensitive, selective and outperforms all of my portables. It’s also a joy to operate, once you […]

Some of you might recall a post I published a few weeks ago about my friend BJ Liederman and how he introduced me to Bose QuietComfort headphones. Since then, I’ve been watching the prices of both the wired QuiteComfort 25 and wireless QuiteComfort 35 models. This morning, the price of the QuietComfort 25 dropped dramatically at […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares this news from radio Romania International: Dear friends, RRI continues its traditional polling of listeners on short wave, the Internet and social media, with a new challenge. We would like to ask you which personality you think left their imprint on the world, in a […]

If you’ve been considering an Elecraft transceiver, you might want to take a gander a the discounts Elecraft has posted for Black Friday. Two of my favorite portable transceivers are in the sale: The KX2 Transceiver + FREE MH3 Microphone ($699.95 US) The KX3 Transceiver (modular kit) + FREE MH3 Microphone ($874.95 US) Click here to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares his latest shortwave radio schedule for the BBC World Service technology program, Click. Click on the image below to view the schedule, or simply click here to view the schedule as a PDF. Richard notes: As with previous versions of the chart, a “bullet” indicates a broadcast on line or […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who points out that C. Crane’s Black Friday Sale includes the CC Buds Pro-Mic earbuds and Senta-40 headphones at 50% off: Click here to view C. Crane’s Black Friday sale items.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Golan Klinger, who comments: Radioworld has the Eton Traveller III on sale for $39.99 CAD (about $32 USD) and the Eton Satellit Grundig Edition for $99.99 CAD (about $79 USD). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lower price for the Satellit. https://radioworld.ca/eton-traveleriii https://radioworld.ca/eton-satellit Thank you Golan! Those are excellent […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Scott Gamble, who writes: I noticed a special today on the Eton Grundig Executive Traveler – it is on sale (only) via the Woot.com app (not online) for $44.99 [plus shipping]. A quick search of the site shows this is one of the lowest prices I have seen for […]

It’s Thanksgiving here in the United States–without a doubt, my favorite holiday. What’s not to love about family, feasting, and, of course, friends? To that end: I’d like to take a moment to offer my thanks to all of you who read, comment, and otherwise contribute to the SWLing Post community. I’d especially like to thank our […]

Amazon.com has lowered the price on the Eton Mini shortwave receiver to $26.10 with shipping. This is about the lowest price I’ve seen for the Mini (a radio that makes a great stocking stuffer). Standard Amazon pricing disclaimer: this might not last long as they shift pricing without notice. Click here to purchase via Amazon.com […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor,Rocky Robello (KA7EII), who writes: Just got my new C. Crane Skywave SSB radio. Same size as my wife’s C. Crane Skywave. AM, FM, WX and Airband all work just as well on the Skywave SSB as the regular Skywave. So far, I am very satisfied with the SSB reception […]

Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) who notes that GigaParts, like HRO, is offering the Icom IC-7300 general coverage transceiver for $999.95 shipped after rebate. As I mentioned yesterday, the IC-7300 is a fantastic general coverage transceiver with built-in sound card for digital modes, touch screen spectrum display and brilliant performance overall. Check out our review […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who notes that Ham Radio Outlet has a “Back Friday” special on both the Icom IC-7300 transceiver ($999.95 with shipping after rebate) and the IC-R8600 wideband receiver ($2,299.95 with shipping). According to HRO, these prices will expire on November 27, 2018. While the IC-R8600 wideband receiver […]

SWLing Post readers are likely aware that contributor, Dan Robinson, is the former White House, Congressional and foreign correspondent for the Voice of America. Dan has just published a two part article on the Center on Public Diplomacy website exploring how the effectively the current US administration has been at restructuring and resolving inherent issues at the BBG/VOA. Click […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan, who shares the following internal photos of the XHDATA D-808 (which we believe may be a rebadged Digitech AR-1780): Many thanks, Ivan. Perhaps someone can compares these with that of the Digitech AR-1780.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Morton, who comments with assessment of the Digitech AR-1780: I’ve been using [the Digitech AR-1780] in Australia (southern Tasmania) for about 5 weeks. In the last 10 or so days, I’ve got a 26m long wire hanging fairly reliably on a N-S bearing. My history is that I trained […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that C. Crane has developed an enhanced version of the original CCRadio-EP AM/FM portable. C. Crane includes the following description on their website: The new CC Radio-EP PRO is an enhanced version of the original EP. It has the same simple controls and the same […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Lekuecher, who writes: A technology forum friend recently noticed Universal Radio listed a new Sangean HD portable (HDR-14) on their website which is very similar in form to the Sangean DPR-65 and I was curious if you are considering reviewing it. https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/spcialty/0214.html Thanks for the tip, Steve! Yes, I’ll […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gregg Freeby, who writes: As a regular reader of the SWLing Post I wanted to share with you a book I came across recently that your readers might be interested in reading. Shortwave radio provides the backdrop of this Pulitzer Prize winning story that takes place during WWII. You can […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), for sharing the following guest post: In October, 2017, Universal Radio moved from their large Reynoldsburg, Ohio retail store and warehouse to a smaller retail store and warehouse at 651-B Lakeview Plaza, Worthington, Ohio. This is actually Universal Radio’s fourth location in its 75 year history. In 1942, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, R. Lewis (KF5GV), who writes: Just noticed on Universal Radio web page the Comm Radio CTX-10 has been approved by the FCC. They are accepting pre-orders on Dec 1. No indication of pricing but hope they announce it soon. Thanks for the tip! I’m looking forward to checking out the […]

(Source: TX Factor) In this show we kick off with part one of our reports from Hamfest 2017 with a preview of the Icom IC-7610 and IC-R8600 rigs. We meet the new owners of PW Magazine, and Pete tries his hand at the RSGB on-line exam. There’s also an update on the RSGB’s EMC Committee’s findings. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: A couple of years ago I did a talk a the annual SWL Fest on the best radios of all time (in my opinion anyway). The SONY ICF-6800W was among them, for reasons I think are valid — high sensitivity and beautiful audio, the major […]

Note: Our previous post had incorrectly noted the date in the title. The show is today, Sunday November 19: (International Radio Report press release via Sheldon Harvey) NOTICE: 30th Anniversary edition of The International Radio Report on CKUT-FM 90.3 MHz in Montreal Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM Eastern (1530 to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who writes: The radio is the PHILIPS AE3905 – and made in … wait … Austria! There is one on eBay right now. The first listing started at $275 – there were no takers – so now the second listing is set at $250. Phillips still has […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave, who shares this article by John Kieswetter at WVXU: Maybe you have one of those refrigerators with a TV screen built into the door… Or you like reading news stories from TV/radio stations on your tablet or phone… Well, WLW-AM founder and Cincinnati industrialist Powel Crosley Jr. was […]

Most recently, I received correspondence from Golan Klinger who has been bitten by the radio bug (he calls it “radioitis”). He has been acquiring portables and comparing them, seeking his favorite overall. Golan had an epiphany he recently shared with me: Thomas, in your “Mega Review” [summarizing your radio preferences] you wrote: “But this is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following: This does not appear to have the AC adaptor — not all kits included that, but they are findable on Ebay] OK, folks here’s your chance — a Panasonic RF-B65, one of the best portables of all time in terms of overall sensitivity […]

(Source: Wired UK via Mark Hirst) Records kept by people living in Korea, China and Japan in 1770 have revealed evidence for the longest geomagnetic storm in recorded history Almost 250 years ago, for over two weeks, the skies above parts of Asia lit up in what looked like a burst of fiery red. Those who […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who writes: Thought I had seen them all, but here is the military version of the S-38: Click here to view on eBay. Also an earlier version of the Echophone: Click here to view on eBay. I’m a huge fan of Hallicrafters radios–especially from this era. I’ve a […]

The following was posted through an email from Heil Sound: When the producers of the popular TV show, “Last Man Standing,” needed an authentic ham radio set-up to use in the show, they turned to Heil Sound’s Amateur Radio Division, helmed by Bob Heil. Now, thanks to the generosity of the show’s star, Tim Allen, […]

Today, SDRplay, the UK-based manufacturer of affordable software defined receivers, announced a new addition to their product line: the SDRplay RSP-1A. The RSP1A joins the SDRplay product line of the RSP2 ($169.95 US), and RSP2 Pro ($199.95 US). The new RSP1A will retail for $99.00 US. But what of this SDR’s performance? In a […]

C. Crane has lowered the price of their new CC Skywave SSB from $169.99 to $149.99. I’ve confirmed with C. Crane that anyone who ordered the Skywave SSB at the $169 price level will be reimbursed $20 on their invoice. I ordered a radio from the first production run and just received it. While $149.99 […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Software Defined Radio pioneer Dr. Vanu Gopal Bose passed away on November 11, 2017 aged 52 In 1998 he founded Vanu Inc. which pioneered the commercialization of software-defined radio and was the first company to receive FCC certification of a software-defined radio in 2004. The firm’s technology, which grew out of Bose’s graduate research at MIT, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who adds the following to our growing archive of radios in film. Mark writes: A Sony ICF-SW1S spotted in the 1993 Clint Eastwood film, In the Line of Fire. The radio belongs to the villain played by John Malkovich. Thanks, Mark! Sharp eyes! I’ve always thought the ICF-SW1S was one of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tim, for forwarding a link to this deal which includes two Grundig Mini receivers for $44.99 via Woot. Note that at time of posting Woot is only offering this deal for 7 more hours or until sold out. Click here to view this deal on Woot.

Besides being a radio enthusiast, regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m also an avid traveler and, as a result, something of a pack geek. In September, I posted a review of the Red Oxx “Lil Roy”–a small, relatively inexpensive multi-purpose bag that I love to haul my radio gear in. In the spirit of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Bott, who noticed that the Grundig Executive Satellit is on sale at Frys.com for $127.99 shipped. Great price! Thanks for sharing, Mike! Click here to view this deal at Frys.com.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan, who shares the following: In December, sales of this radio will begin. The seller promises to put the price of 60 US dollars. Radio of a level not lower than Tecsun PL-660 for such a small price is great! There is a video review on YouTube. Unfortunately in […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Iceland plans to end ham radio call sign discrimination On November 9, 2017 Iceland’s Ministry of Transport and Local Government has published draft changes to the Radio Regulations for comment The national society, Icelandic Radio Amateurs (IRA), had proposed ending the practice of highlighting amateurs who had Novice call signs, an N was added […]

(Source: Southgate ARC via Mike Terry) Caroline 648 testing A test signal with continuous music and announcements reported today. Reception reports on Facebook from the UK, Holland, Belgium, France and Austria. Some reports from mainland Europe refer to a co-channel Romanian or Slovenian station. I think this is at a lower power than the permitted […]

(International Radio Report press release via Sheldon Harvey) NOTICE: 30th Anniversary edition of The International Radio Report on CKUT-FM 90.3 MHz in Montreal Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM Eastern (1530 to 1630 UTC) The International Radio Report, is a radio program conceived by Sheldon Harvey and submitted to CKUT’s first […]

As reported recently on the SWLing Post that the Airspy HF+ would be available “really, really, really soon”, the rumor has become reality–this new SDR receiver is for sale on Airspy’s main sale site www.Itead.cc. The direct link for purchase is: https://www.itead.cc/airspy-hf-plus.html. The price in US dollars is a very reasonable $199.00, considering the high performance evident […]