The SWLing Post

I received a number of messages from Post readers who logged one or more of the simultaneous Requiem For Radio broadcasts. Many discovered that each frequency of the broadcast was actually a separate track of the piece. Indeed, SWLing Post contributor, Shelby Brant, posted the following comment yesterday: Listening right now, 11580, 9690, 9620, and 5130 are on, […]

I’m finally back from a week of travels which included the 2017 Hamvention held a the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. As an inside exhibitor, I was quite busy at Hamvention–indeed, my voice is only now recovering. I did manage to sneak away from our table on several occasions to visit with vendors, friends, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Ron and Troy who note that Jay Allen has posted a review comparing FM performance on a large number of radios. His takeaway? Modern portables do an exceptional job receiving FM broadcasts. He’s got a great point, too. While I don’t spend a lot of time testing FM on […]

(Source: BBG Press Release via Dan Robinson) FY 2018 budget request reflects key BBG priorities amid spending constraints WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Broadcasting Board of Governors today released the FY 2018 budget request to support key U.S. foreign policy goals by providing news and information around the world while accommodating the current tight fiscal climate. “As […]

(Source: Mauno Ritola via the WRTH Facebook Group) From Christian Milling: A classical piece for 5 voices will be also sung where bass comes eg. from Nauen, alto from Moosbrunn, tenor from WRMI etc… The European tx antennas are directed towards Canada / NAm. Airtimes: 25th May 2017 2300-2400 UTC 26th May 2017 2300-2400 UTC […]

Saturday was another long day at the 2017 Hamvention, but I did have a moment to visit most of the inside exhibit tables. The following photos were taken (in no particular order) in the main Hamvention buildings at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Again, it was especially fun meeting so many SWLing Post readers and contributors […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who recently spotted a Galaxy R-530 on eBay and notes: Some observations on this. The R-530, and military version R-1530, were considered fairly top of the line when they were made. They’re still among the rarer radios on the used market, though not the rarest. The R-1530 is […]

(Source: PRI) It’s easy to overlook the power of radio, when being hit by a firehose of apps, websites, video and social media. But when you’re out in the sticks, especially if there’s crisis or unrest, radio saves lives. “In crisis situations, information is very, very important. Sometimes more than food, you need information,” says […]

We had a rather long day here at the 2017 Hamvention, but we had a fantastic time. It was especially fun meeting so many SWLing Post readers and contributors in person! Thank you for stopping by our booth at 6508. Below, I’ve posted well over one hundred photos I took at the Hamvention Flea Market […]

We’ve arrived at the 2017 Hamvention–the first year at the new venue at Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. By request, I’m posting photos taken today of the new site while exhibitors are setting up. Since the Greene County Fairgrounds lack the number of indoor exhibitor space, they are using large white event tents to add covered […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve, who notes that the ARRL has updated their downloadable Frequency Band Charts. I find it interesting that the ARRL also noted the following on their download page: NOTE: The new 630-meter and 2200-meter bands are not yet available for Amateur Radio use. The effective date of the recent FCC Report […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Edward Ganshirt, who writes: This radio followed me home from a flea market and I am trying to find out what it’s mission was. I think it is a surveillance radio from the Vietnam era because of it’s low serial number #7 R-902 (XE-2)/PRD. I can’t seem to find anything […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adrian Korol, of RAE Argentina to the World, who shares the following news: We are happy to announce that RAE Argentina to the World will broadcast on shortwaves in its 8 languages starting May 22nd. Click here for PDF Schedule (in Spanish today) Thanks for your attention. Regards Adrian […]

(Source: Risto Vähäkainu via the WRTH Facebook group) Dear friends, It is high time to register to this year’s EDXC Conference which will be held in Tampere, Finland on 18-20 August organized by the Finnish DX Association. … We have already received about 30 registrations from abroad and registration of the Finnish participants will also […]

(Source: Sean Gilbert via WRTH on Facebook) WRTH has now released the A17 International broadcasting schedules file. The PDF file is 75 pages long and contains the broadcast schedules of nearly 200 International and Clandestine/Target broadcasters; Selected language broadcasts; International DRM broadcasts; International MW and SW frequency listing and an International transmitter site table. The […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who shares an eBay link to this Panasonic RD-9820–the matching antenna coupler for the Panasonic RF-2200. Mario notes that RF-2200 owners might take note as the auction price is on a more reasonable trajectory than ones have in past auctions. This 9820 also includes the box. Thanks […]

Many thanks to an SWLing Post reader who recently asked the following question: Hi Thomas: I rely on my SONY Shortwave in case of emergency, but it’s occurred to me that relying on the alkaline batteries inside to be fully charged and not corrode wouldn’t make sense. I am thinking it would be great to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Cuff, who shares the following news: The feedback from the 30th SWL Fest in March was consistently positive: People enjoyed having the extra day for forums and fun. We’ve decided to keep the 3rd day for 2018 — so begin making your plans now. The 31st (!) Annual […]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ll be attending and hosting a booth for ETOW at the 2017 Hamvention this week. Indeed, I’m spending today (Sunday) gathering all of my booth supplies, then organizing and packing them. I’ll be on the road for the better part of a week, so keep this in mind […]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been browsing the Google Play store this morning in search of an Android app that would help one of our readers decode HF digital modes. I suggested Tivar, which is essentially FLdigi for Android devices. The app was originally created by Dave (W1HKJ) and published on Google Play by […]

This morning, while browsing for an Android app, I noticed that SWLing Post contributor, Stephen Cooper, has published a simple app for adding interval signal ringtones to your Android device. Interval Signal Ringtones appears to have a very simple interface and over 40 interval signals included. The price is very modest at $1.98. Click here […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Nigel Holmes, who writes: ABC anxious to annihilate HF as soon as possible. (ABC is Broadcast Australia’s largest customer by far, BAs income from Auntie is the ABCs largest sink of funds after salaries – several hundred million bucks per year) http://www.sheppnews.com.au/2017/05/11/88161/radio-australia-for-sale Radio Australia for sale For sale, one […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Phil Brennan (VK8VWA), who shares the following: I spotted this bit of research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority regarding radio listening habits of people living in remote Western Australia. Click here to download report (PDF). It shows that radio very much remains a big part of people’s lives […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian D. Smith, who writes: Longtime SWLs will recall the repeating CW messages of Coast Guard station NSS and its distinctive “DAH-dit di-di-dit di-di-dit” ID. There’s even a nostalgia page created in its honor: http://hawkins.pair.com/nss.shtml – along with a Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSS_Annapolis – and an online history: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/greenbury-point.htm – among other […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, London Shortwave, who recently shared this post from the blog, Making It Up: Shortwave Radio Diversity Reception Shortwave radio diversity reception provides a way to combine several fluctuating signals and get a solid result. It provided the foundation for most radio news received in America for years. During World […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Cuff, for sharing this column from The Athens News. I’m sure many of us relate to Dennis E. Powell (note this is only an excerpt): If you lose power at just the right time, it can enrichen your life This is being written last Monday night. Several hours […]

(Source: RNZ via Dennis Dura) ABC opposes bill to restore Pacific shortwave service The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has made a Senate submission opposing a bill which would force it to restore its shortwave services for the Northern Territory and the Pacific. The bill was introduced by South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon after the ABC switched […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rafman, who shares the following info regarding the Shepparton broadcast site “Land Banking Opportunity” posted on Sunday. Rafman writes: I found an excellent slide show & the the listing at http://property.cbre.com.au/properties/490-verney-road-shepparton-north-vic-3631/ [T]hey’re marketing it as “agricultural” Thanks, Rafman. Here’s the current property description from the ad: 490 Verney Road, […]

If you’ve been considering either the Bonito Boni-Whip or MegaLoop NTI ML200, you might check out these second-hand units at Universal Radio: While browsing Universal’s used list this morning, I noticed the two Bonito antennas. Both are listed in “good” condition and Universal Radio backs their used equipment with a 60 day limited warranty. The […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Nigel Holmes, who shares the photo above and notes: Better get your cameras & long lenses oiled & hard hats, safety glasses & ear plugs ready. Or see your bank manager about an investment loan. I wonder if Babcock want a site down here? Certainly not encouraging in terms […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Kalinichenko, who shares the following review: The Shoroh R-326 military radio by Dennis Kalinichenko I believe the piece of Soviet military equipment I recently bought to my collection would be interesting to all readers and contributors. This is the R-326 “Shoroh” (“Rustle”) general coverage military tube shortwave radio receiver. These were […]

Yesterday, I had to make a pilgrimage to IKEA. As I walked into the main entrance of the showroom, I noticed this display for the Isberget tablet stand. Of course, I din’t see a tablet stand; I saw a potential radio stand. I snapped a couple of shots and meant to go back and purchase […]

Attention: communications receiver collectors! Not one, but two vintage ICOM IC-R series receivers have been listed on Ebay by the same seller. Presumably the same individual owned and stashed away both units, and now they are offered by the Ebay store “Mikes Emporium“. Both receivers are described as “new in box”, with a variety of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Ladd (with SDRplay) who notes that he has been working on a series of tutorials for operating the SDRuno. In the past week, I’ve had no less than two readers ask about tutorial resources for SDRuno, and the RSP series software defined radios, so Mike’s message is timely. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian D. Smith, who writes: My radio club is about to begin another year of W9IMS special events commemorating the 3 major auto races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. We’re among the most popular annual special event operations in […]

(Source: Micromedia Publications) BERKELEY – A few poles, a couple new osprey nets, make up the new horizon of Good Luck Point’s marshland. Once home to hundreds of telecommunication poles that made up a ship-to-shore communication system, the poles were taken down from mid-January onward as part of a United States Fish and Wildlife Service […]

Many thanks to Raoul van Hall, producer of Jazz from the Left, who shares the following news: WRMI is adding two more weekly frequencies for Jazz from the Left starting this week on 9395 kHz at 0000 UTC Saturday. For the moment, they are simulcasting the 0000 UTC hour on 9455 kHz, so the program would be on both frequencies. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Trevor, who writes: You might wish to share this with your readers. An example of an excellent commercial rack-mounted receiver at (what I would consider) a reasonable price on eBay: the Harris RF-550. If I lived in The States, I would buy it. Sounds like it’s had a go-over […]

Many thank to SWLing Post reader, Stefano Mollo–a licensed Australian broadcaster–who shares the following news: Hi, Thomas, I have started test transmissions from Perth, Western Australia, on 5,045 kHz, at 75 watts (300 PEP). For the time being, I am using the same audio of my other station–77.4 MHz FM–which you can also find and stream […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John from VORW Radio International, who writes: Thanks to the support of our VORW Radio listeners, I am proud to announce that VORW Radio International now has a transmission to South America on 9955 kHz! Each broadcast features a mixture of my commentary and listener requested music. You’ll hear […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) FCC to modernize Part 95 Regs – GMRS, FRS, CB The FCC is to legalize 27 MHz CB DXing and boost power of license exempt UHF FM Family Radio Service (equivalent of UK PMR 446) Under its new Chair Ajit Pai, the FCC is seeking to modernize radio regulations and is scrapping […]

For the eighth year in a row, fellow volunteers and I will be representing the charity Ears To Our World (ETOW), at the Hamvention now in Xenia, Ohio. Note that this is the first year the Hamvention will take place in Xenia–a major change for the largest amateur radio convention in the world. Please note that we will be […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gary DeBock, who shares the following notes and recordings from an Ultralight DXpedition in Kona, Hawaii: April 2017 Kona, Hawaii Ultralight DXpedition The first long-range test of a “Frequent Flyer” FSL Antenna By Gary DeBock, Puyallup, WA, USA April 2017 Introduction Ever since the U.K.’s Graham Maynard published his […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mick Holland, who shares the following: This popped up on my Facebook news feed this week. Posted by Giampiero Bernardini in the WRTH – World Radio Tv Handbook Facebook Group: “Arctic Radio Club in Sweden celebrates the 2017 Convention in Jönköping, Sweden May 6 & 7th. Our radiostation ( the […]

(Source: WRMI) Recently Radio Tirana in Albania ended its broadcasts on shortwave. Radio Tirana’s programs were legendary during the years of the Cold War, when it was one of the strongest signals on the shortwave bands. Its programming is entirely different now in a free Albania, but the signal was quite poor in recent years, […]

Hi there, subscribers to the Oxford Shortwave Log YouTube channel and regular readers of this excellent website will be aware that I have been using a Bonito Boni whip E-field wideband antenna for a couple of months now. You may have seen my previous post here, detailing some excellent initial DX results achieved with the Boni Whip. […]

Many thanks to Adrian Korol, at RAE Argentina to the World, for sharing the following update: During the time that requires the repair of our shortwave transmitter, we are going to maintain our HF presence both in English and Spanish, via WRMI relay station It is fundamental for those who love the short wave sharing of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Porter (G4OYX), who shares a link to this excellent video tour of the ABC Central West radio transmitter in Cumnock, NSW, Australia. Click here to view at ABC.