The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Fahey, who writes: Lots happening with KiwiSDR – there are now over 130 live 0-30MHz fully controllable SDRs scatted around the world some in really interesting locations. Using Kiwi’s around the world is like being able to go on a exotic DXpedition any time. Here (attached graphic) is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, James Townley, who shares the following guest post originally posted on his Shortwave/Medium Wave blog: AM Broadcast Loop Antenna by James Townley Several years ago, I became interested in medium wave DXing. One of my limitations was the size of my yard, so I developed an interest in tuned loop antennas […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares the following sales flyer from C.Crane: NEW! CC Buds-Pro Designed and built for voice clarity and less listening fatigue A recent post from The Wall Street Journal indicates “An estimated 30 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss and the numbers are growing. A […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that Jay Allen has just published a post detailing a recent Panasonic RF-2200 restoration. Click here to read Jay’s post. I recently picked up an RF-2200 at the 2017 Hamvention flea market. Like Jay, I love this particular radio. The thing is built like a tank, […]

Many thanks to Jon Hudson with SDRplay who recently shared the following video by Kevin Loughin which details the installation and operation of of the RSP2 on Linux. Kevin has written scripts that make the installation process more accessible to those not as familiar with Linux. According to Kevin, this will run on Ubuntu 16.04 and other Debian-based […]

(Source: Southgate ARC and Mike Terry) Caroline to be on 648 kHz with 1 kW ERP We can now announce that our AM frequency will be 648 kHz with a power of 1000 watts. This is ERP or simply the power radiated by the aerial. A transmitter was imported from the Continent a few days […]

(Source: RadioWorld via Bill Patalon) Over the course of two days in May, the Federal Communications Commission took action on four allegedly unlicensed pirate radio operators. In all these cases — one in Mount Vernon, N.Y., one in Dallas and three in a single location in East Orange, N.J. — the FCC reiterated that operating […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kim Elliott, who shares a link to this RadioShack auction: UBid Estate & Auction Services LLC ICONIC RADIOSHACK MEMORABILIA AUCTION From humble beginnings in Boston in 1921, over the past 95 years RadioShack established itself as a globally recognized leader and the go to retailer for consumer electronics. RadioShack […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who provides the following update regarding the closure of several Radio Bulgaria language services: http://bnr.bg/en/post/100837500/to-terminate-radio-bulgaria-or-not-the-jury-is-still-out The Bulgarian National Radio`s Horizont Channel aired an interview, live, with BNR Director General Alexander Velev and the chair of Radio Bulgaria`s editorial staff panel Daniela Konstantinova on the plans by the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Joe, who writes: I’ve been practicing for my Technician ham radio license here in the US and am ready for the test. I’m already looking at HF transceivers even though I don’t have my General license yet. Here’s what’s important to me: I will still do a lot of […]

Many thanks to Gary Neil Carden, who recently shared the following story with friends on Facebook, and has kindly allowed me to publish it here on the SWLing Post for everyone to enjoy. Thank you so much, Gary! Enjoy: Uncle Stoogie and the Pink Radio by Gary Neil Carden Let me tell you a story. […]

Here’s an opportunity for both ham radio operators and SWLs to log this special event air mobile station throughout June and July. Based on WB6RQN’s flight path, almost everyone should have an opportunity to put WB6RQN in the logs! The following excerpt has been copied from the Project Amelia Earhart website: About Ham Radio on […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: Today the listeners of the Spanish service of Radio Bulgaria found a sad new in the website: http://bnr.bg/es/post/100837204 After the cessation of Radio Bulgaria short-wave broadcasts in 2012, the time has come when our programs will no longer be heard on the web. As of […]

From the Isle of Music, June 4-10 This week we begin featuring the winners and some of the nominees of Cubadisco 2017, Cuba’s most important music awards program. We will have Timba from Aisar y el Expreso de Cuba, winner of the Música Popular Bailable – Nuevos Talentos category and will also sample some of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Aaron Kuhn, who offers up this challenge: Here’s a fun challenge for the SWLing Post readers. On the Fox show Prison Break Season 5 Episode 7, they show this “Marine Notification System” printing out a wanted message as the captain sits in his ship and looks on. What is […]

While browsing a videos on YouTube, I stumbled across this demonstration of a brilliant little homebrewed regen receiver by Javier Guillaumet (EB3DYW): Click here to view on YouTube. What a beautiful little receiver! Though I’ve build a number of receiver kits, I’ve never built one from scratch. Someday, I will muster up the courage and […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Ally, who writes: Saw this and wanted you to know about it since you mentioned loving his past Kickstarter [for the Solo WiFi radio]. I backed the Musica model instead of the Amico since it still has 18 days left and it had a CD player in it but […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, William Lee, who forwards this review of book on domestic radio history in Russia: Russia in the Microphone Age: A History of Soviet Radio, 1919-1970 Click here to download as a PDF. Click here to view/purchase this book on Amazon.com and Google Play.

There are so many reasons having a reliable radio at the ready is a good idea. We radio geeks get it. This morning, an item from Business Insider UK appeared in my news feed. The focus of the article was what not to do after a hypothetical nuclear detonation. Researchers discovered that the knee-jerk reaction from […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: This is an example of a classic scam — and these are usually seen involving Watkins-Johnson 8711/A receivers. The seller puts a photo of what appears to be a good condition WJ up, with additional photos. But often these photos are faked or taken from […]

My good friend, David Korchin (K2WNW), has a knack for finding diamonds in the rough. He’s been known to find a radio that needs TLC, take it home and restore a bit of its former glory. He’s had some amazing luck in the past. Recently, DK sent a video of of his recent acquisition: a beat-up […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Stiles, who notes that he’s recently posted a video review of the Tivdio V-115 on his YouTube channel. He added that the V-115 is an, “amazing little shortwave radio with many functions including MP3 recording.” Check out Tom’s review via the embedded player or YouTube link below. Click here […]

(Source: VOA Radiogram/Kim Elliott) VOA Radiogram, 20-21 May 2017: Special doomed edition I will retire from the Voice of America on June 23, after 32 years as audience research analyst and broadcaster. I was hoping to continue to produce VOA Radiogram as a contractor. I approached various BBG and VOA offices. They all declined. And, […]

From the Isle of Music, May 28-June 3 We have just returned from Cubadisco 2017, Cuba’s most important music awards program, with the best new Cuban music and a lot of new interviews. We will begin broadcasting this wonderful new content June 4. Meanwhile, this week is a replay of an early 2016 episode featuring […]

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 […]