The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow, who shares the following in reply to my recent post about the Yaesu VX-3R: Yes, it’s indeed true the VX-3R is discontinued and is already pretty much sold out. Rumors of a VX-4R has been around for years and let’s hope that happens–?? Have a sneaky feeling […]

(Source: CBC News) A Mi’kmaq group has bought the land outside Sackville where 13 Radio Canada International towers stood for decades, CBC-Radio Canada confirmed Friday. Five years after the Tantramar Marsh site was put up for sale, the New Brunswick non-profit Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn bought it for an undisclosed price. “This transaction closes the book on […]

Hi there, I’ve just returned from a business trip to Genoa, Italy and took the Eton Satellit with me. Now, I’m sure many of you know from your own experiences that DXing from a noisy hotel room can be just about impossible – and so it was in the main. I did however manage to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares this message from Radio Romania international: World Radio Day 2017 On February 13th the radio community celebrates World Radio Day, which over the years has had themes such as “Gender Equality” and “Women’s Empowerment”, “Youth”, and “Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster” This year, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley who shares the following video of VL8A Alice Springs signing off for the final time on January 31, 2017: Operator at the Alice shortwave transmitter sends a parting message via morse code: Goodbye this is station vl8a ceasing transmission. pic.twitter.com/l48bYKe2QI — Tom Maddocks (@MaddocksThomas) January 31, 2017 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Stiles, who writes: I was sent a new Eton Executive Satellit Shortwave Radio to review and here are my initial findings: Click here to view on YouTube. Here is the link to my Playlist of the predecessor radio which they appears to be very similar in functions: Click […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares a link to the following video from Shepparton News on YouTube: Click here to view on YouTube.

Yesterday, while comparing the new Tecsun S-8800 with the PL-880 and ICF-SW7600GR (on the tail gate of my truck) I tuned to Radio Guinea and was instantly reminded why I love music over shortwave. Here’s a clip I kept rather short for fear that YouTube might note the off-air music and pull the video for […]

While I have a number of amateur radio handheld radios, one of my favorites is the recently-discontinued Yaesu VX-3R. Saturday morning, I took my father to the his local regional airport’s café (KHKY). It’s a frequent stop when I’m in town visiting. While sipping coffee, talking with friends and watching GA aircraft land and take off, I tuned […]

(Source: RadioWorld via Dan Robinson) The move from AM and FM transmitters to DRM+ technology is currently underway in Pakistan, according to a recent report from Radio Pakistan. With DRM technology, Radio Pakistan will be able to air three channels from a single transmitter, as well as provide listeners with access to text services.[…] Read […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares the following from a Tecsun Radios Australia press release: Public support has been steadily increasing in favour of the #saveshortwave campaign. Opposition leader Bill Shorten has written to the Prime Minister to ask him to step in urgently to stop the ABC from carrying out […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rich Kuzma, who writes: I’m a long time reader, and wanted to share this amazing deal I just stumbled across and maybe you would like to pass down to your readers. Cabela’s is a national chain and I’ve never seen a price this low on the Skywave. I’m also […]

Yesterday, I received a Tecsun S-8800 from Anon-Co in Hong Kong. As I always do when a new radio comes on the scene, I requested to purchase an early release of the Tecsun S-8800 radio for review months ago. But this time, my contact at the Chinese distributor Anon-Co, Anna, insisted on sending us one “as […]

(Source: RNZ Press Release via London Shortwave) Press release: Following the ABC’s decision to cut shortwave radio transmission in the Pacific, Radio New Zealand International wants to reassure our listeners that we are committed to our Pacific broadcast partners. Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) continues to serve people across the Pacific region, delivering essential day […]

(Source: Radio New Zealand via London Shortwave) The ABC ends its short-wave service to the region from 1pm Solomon Islands time and says it will focus on FM and online services. Ruth Liloqula said people from Choiseul to Malaita and as far south east as Tikopia tuned in to the ABC because the signal was […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alexander (DL4NO), who writes: Hello Thomas, I just heard a short feature on Deutschlandfunk: 75 years ago today VoA started transmitting – in German. vy 73 Alexander DL4NO Many thanks for the tip, Alexander! The Deutschlandfunk article, of course, is in German. I found, that Google Translate did an […]

This morning, I woke up, tuned to 9,580 kHz and all I heard was static. Other than when the Shepparton transmitting station has been silenced for maintenance in the past, 9,580 kHz is one of the most reliable frequencies I’ve ever know on shortwave. Radio Australia has met me there every morning I’ve listened since I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following report via ABC News 24 on Twitter: The ABC has shut down its shortwave radio service to remote parts of Northern Australia and the Pacific. @MaddocksThomas reports pic.twitter.com/VPD3deSR9Z — ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) January 31, 2017 Click here to view this video on […]

Hi Folks, Today I listened to Radio Australia for the very last time. 15240 kHz and 15415 kHz were plagued with local noise and not especially strong signals. So 17840 kHz was the best option for my final moments with this grand old shortwave broadcaster. Mount Evelyn is about 200 km south of the Shepparton transmitter site […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), who notes: Ham Radio Outlet has the SDRplay RSP2pro in-stock for $192.95. As a reminder, the SDRplay RSP2pro is the version enclosed in a full-metal case for maximum RF shielding. Like the SDRplay RSP2 it has three software selectable antenna connections (long wire and two SMA), […]

As I write this post, I’m listening to Radio Australia on 9,580 and 12,065 kHz. Other than the sports reports and weather, world news is chock-full of stories–many of which are quite sad. This will likely be the last morning I listen to Radio Australia on shortwave. SWLing Post contributor, Phill Brennan–who has done a […]

Introduction I’m very fortunate to live across town from my good radio hobby pal Gary DeBock. He has been responsible for the rapid growth in Ultralight radio DXing and the construction of Ferrite Sleeve Loop (FSL) antennas. Living near each other as we do, I’ve benefited a lot from his expertise and creativity in the […]

From the Isle of Music, Week of January 30-February 4, 2017 This week we get back to Una Mecanica Diferente for lovers of Concert Music, the new album by Septeto Santiguero for lovers of traditional Son, the recent album by Roberto Fonseca for Cuban Jazz lovers and some vintage Los Tainos and Orquesta Estrellas Cubanas […]

SWLing Post readers know that I’m a big fan of the, now discontinued, Sony ICF-SW7600GR shortwave portable. I try to post ‘7600GR deals when I find them and they’re beginning to become more scarce as retailer inventory depletes. This weekend, I found another deal via Blinq/Amazon. They have a number of new ICF-SW7600GRs for $138.39 and […]

(Source: The Australian via Andy Sennitt) […]In a statement yesterday rebutting opposition claims that the ABC’s decision was somehow linked to government funding cuts, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the ABC’s ­decision, announced unexpectedly in December, had since been “confirmed”. “While the ABC has confirmed its decision I think the public broadcaster has learnt some […]

I’ve just discovered our buddy, Tom Stiles, has taken delivery of the new Eton Executive Traveler III. He’s posted a casual overview of this little receiver on his YouTube Channel: Click here to view on YouTube. Click here to view Tom’s Channel–Tom’s Radio Room Show–on YouTube. I’m looking forward to comparisons between the two versions […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), who writes: At HRO we’ve just taken delivery on two new SW radios from Eton, the Field BT ($129.95) and the FRX5-BT ($79.95) Field BT – http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-014067 FRX5-BT http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-014593 Thought you might be interested. Thank you for the tip, Ken! I’m very curious if anyone has […]

Hi there, I’m sure some of you will read the title of this post and conclude ‘that’s exactly that the Eton Satellit could never be’. I was of the same opinion, having read many reviews online suggesting this little radio on shortwave at least was essentially a bit ‘duff’ as we say in the UK. The […]

When I first saw this item on Popular Mechanics, I spent a bit of time fantasizing about an interference-free half year DXpedition: This Tasmanian Island Will Give Any Couple Willing to Move There a House and Job Depending on how strong your relationship is, this will either sound like a romantic six-month getaway or the […]

A few weeks ago, I received a message from SWLing Post reader, Dean Denton, who lives in Hull, UK. Dean is not your typical contemporary shortwave listener–he’s twelve years old and has been DXing since the age of eight! While, decades ago, that used to be the norm–indeed, I started SWLing at eight–Dean is bucking the trend […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Phil Brennan, who shares the following letter sent to The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister, by Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition: The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Prime Minister I write in relation to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) […]

Only last week a reader had asked me about a good analog shortwave receiver for her grandfather. Among a few other receivers (including the Sony ICF-SW11) I had recommended the original Sony ICF-7600 with the caveat that it’s a little long in the tooth (i.e. vintage), but would likely give him years of enjoyment if […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Ally, who writes: [Grundig/Eton] radios are going back down in price. [This] isn’t the lowest price I have seen for the Grundig Satellit 750, but now is a good time to get this model if you don’t have it as that is not a bad price! Click here […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors, Thomas Ally and Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), who note that TX Factor have just published their 14th episode. I look forward to watching this episode later today. Here’s the description via TX Factor: For your winter entertainment – enjoy part two of our informative series on HF and VHF propagation. Steve […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, for sharing a PDF copy of the English Operation Manual via Australian distributor Tecsun Radios Australia. Click here to download (PDF).

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Ally, who shares this note from WRMI: The January 29 edition of Wavescan (which will begin to air on January 29 and will be repeated several times over the following week) will be a special program about Radio Australia, which will be ending its shortwave broadcasts on January […]

(Source: Mike Terry via Southgate ARC) Caroline North is back this weekend Caroline North is back this weekend live from the MV Ross Revenge on the River Blackwater Estuary near Bradwell, Essex. Relayed on 1368 kHz with a transmitter power of 20kw from the Isle of Man. According to Manx Radio’s website as well as being heard in the […]

This morning, I noticed that the Swiss radio and Morse key manufacturer, Stampfl, is selling some of their products on eBay. In particular, they’ve listed the Junior 1 shortwave radio receiver kit (above) and the STM-11 Classic Morse Code straight key (below). Stampfl was founded by Heinz Stampfl (HB9KOC)–I’ve been following his work the past few years, especially fascinated […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes: I spotted a Sony ICF-SW7600GR in episode 5 of the Netflix bio-thriller ‘Helix‘: On a roll, I spotted another shortwave radio [in a different scene]. You’ve got sharp eyes, Mark! Thank you for sharing. Can anyone identify the solid-state receiver in the second screen shot? […]

(Source: NPR) It’s likely the only time you really notice one of your neighborhood broadcast and cell towers is at night when they’re lit up with conspicuous bright red lights. Those lights help pilots see the huge metal structures that can reach 1,000 feet into the air — but they can spell disaster for birds. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares the following announcement from a Tecsun Radios Australia email newsletter: Tecsun Radios Australia owner Garry Cratt was interviewed by ABC Rural this week about the ABC’s decision to end their shortwave radio transmission after almost 80 years. Click here to listen via YouTube. The ABC have decided […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, John, who hosts TheReportOfTheWeek channel on YouTube and writes: My radio program “VORW Radio International” is now regularly back on shortwave, heard weekly to Europe and North America. VORW stands for “Voice Of theReportoftheWeek” – TheReportOfTheWeek is my YouTube Channel which mainly features reviews of various items, as well as […]

Many thanks to Jon Hudon of SDRplay who shared the following on the SDRplay Facebook page: One of the SDRplay user community, Jukka, has started an interesting discussion on what he has called ‘propagation-triggered recording’ – he outlines the concept, and what he is doing, on our forum – see http://www.sdrplay.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1839 The idea is that […]

(Source: Forbes) In one of his first official acts, President Trump designated Commissioner Ajit Pai as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. He is the first newly appointed Republican chairman since Kevin Martin nearly 12 years ago. Many have asked: how will the FCC change under Chairman Pai? Until recent years, the FCC […]

Every year, I look forward to the only event I know that brings together both my avid interest in radio and my loyal radio-listening friends: the Winter SWL Fest. This is the one place where, among the 125-plus attendees, you can talk freely about all aspects of the shortwave hobby without any need of explanation […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who notes that Universal Radio has a used Tecsun PL-880 with box, manual and accessories for $119.95 + shipping. This radio is listed as being in “good” condition. Universal Radio backs their used equipment with a 60 day limited warranty, so you can buy with confidence. You’ll […]

This morning, while browsing the latest ARRL QST magazine, I noticed an advertisement for the new Icom IC-R8600 wideband receiver. If you recall, last August, Icom made the announcement that it was introducing two new receivers: The IC-R8600 and the IC-R30 handheld. The IC-R30 is the successor to the IC-R20 compact handheld receiver, but will have […]

In reply to our Tecsun S-8800e overview, SWLing Post contributor, Hymefly, comments: I own this radio. Its performance on AM and shortwave is better than my Kaito 1103 and Sangean ATS-909x. My Grundig Satellit 750 beats it on SW. The 8800 is a bit better on AM than the 750, though. The 8800 and my GE […]