The SWLing Post

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 […]

This is a guest-post by Eric, WD8RIF. I’ve had my Sony ICF-SW7600G for almost twenty years. Early on, my very young son broke the receiver’s telescoping whip antenna and it was a simple and inexpensive matter to order a replacement whip assembly from Universal Radio, the Sony dealer from whom I had purchased the radio. […]

From the Isle of Music, Week of January 23-28, 2017 SPECIAL EDITION: To honor the first anniversary of the passing of Miguel Angel Rasalps “Lele”, who sang with Elio Reve, Los Van Van and the funky, rocking yet very Cuban Los Reyes 73, music from all three groups with special guest Ricardo Delgado, who played […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bertrand Sthhle (F6GYY), who writes: Hi Thomas, The new SSB portable receiver TECSUN S-8800 has been available from Germany, since the beginning of 2017. Supplier:https://www.wellenjagd.com/ has the S-8800e, a Europeen version. I have one unit here and also being an owner of the PL-880, [I would describe it as] a […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alexander (DL4NO), who writes: I just found a German reference to the CIA Freedom of Information Act Reading room https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/ As a first test I searched for “radio design”. A few of the documents found: ACTIVITIES OF AMATEUR RADIO DESIGNERS JPRS ID: 8744 TRANSLATION ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING DESIGN FOR RADIO-ELECTRONIC […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, London Shortwave, who shares the following letter by Gary Baker, former district manager at Radio Australia, Shepparton–published in the Shepparton News. Here’s an excerpt: Recently I heard that the HF radio transmission site at Shepparton, known as Radio Australia, is to be shut down. […]I understand the ABC needs […]

Hi there, I posted an article on this brilliant little radio a few months ago because it had demonstrated a level of performance way beyond my expectations. Notwithstanding it’s incredibly small size the DX results I obtained with it were beyond my ICF-SW55 and up there with the iconic ICF-2001D. Armed with synchronous detection, selectable side bands, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Aaron Kuhn who shares this excellent article from Dazed: The influence of pirate radio has endured despite government crackdowns and the rise of legitimate alternatives – today, it continues to thrive, both legally and otherwise Drive around some parts of London today and you’re still liable to hear mainstream […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares the following message he recently received from Ray Robinson, VP of Global Operations with The Voice of Hope. This message is being relayed with Robinson’s permission: I have seen a few messages lately, regarding the non-appearance of ZNBC-1 on 5915 kHz in their early mornings. You […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Aaron Kuhn, who shares the following in-depth article from Tedium.com: The story of FMX, the wannabe radio standard that was taken out in a very public way Attempts at standard-building in the radio industry have come up repeatedly over the years, and few of them have stuck, not even […]

(Source: BBC News via Richard Langley) Ambulances in Stockholm are testing a system that interrupts in-car audio systems to warn drivers that they need to get through. The solution was developed by students at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in the city. It broadcasts a voice warning, while a text message also appears in […]

(Source: US Embassy in Sri Lanka) The United States values its strong relationship with Sri Lanka and our bilateral partnership over the past 60 years. The Iranawila shortwave station, managed by an independent U.S. agency, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), is an example of this partnership. The shortwave station has transmitted Voice of America […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, for sharing a link to this sale at Herrington, where a number of Grundig models have been discounted. Looking through Herrington’s selection of Grundig radios, I feel the best deal is the Grundig Edition Field Radio above. It’s on sale for $99.95, but you must also account […]

Yesterday, we posted a news item regarding the importance of the ABC’s shortwave service to those working and living in the Australian Outback. It appears the ABC has no intention of reversing the decision in any meaningful way. A follow-up piece from The Guardian: The ABC has remained steadfast in its decision to scrap the shortwave radio service, despite […]

Hi there, a few days ago I posted some reception videos comparing the performance of the Boni whip with a 30 metre longwire antenna at home, with a further check against the performance of the H field Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop. The conclusion of those tests was essentially confirmation that E field antennas don’t […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Phil Brennan and London Shortwave for sharing the following story from The Guardian (my comments follow): ‘It’s essential’: outback workers fight ABC decision to ditch shortwave radio For some living and working in Australia’s outback, shortwave radio is the only way they can listen to the ABC – and their […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Ham Radio – What Is a Balun and How to Make One Cheaply A Balun is a transformer which allows coaxial cable, which is an unbalanced lead to be connected to a balanced load, for example a resonant aerial. The 1:1 balun is often called a choke balun, it works by eliminating […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Sylvain (F4GKR), who writes: I am Sylvain, from Cloud-SDR, a new company selling software to get remote access to your existing SDR receivers through the Internet. Coud-SDR currently supports : SDRPlay, Perseus, BladeRF and AirSpy. LimeSDR to come when received and tested. client software is free (can be used […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jeremy Clark (VE3PKC), who writes: I have developed an SDR receiver that may be of interest to your readers. It can be used directly with the Raspberry Pi2B/3B. It comes in several versions DIP/SMD. Check out this MP4 movie: http://www.clarktelecommunications.com/images/rpizonia.mp4 I have two eBooks which are basically design manuals […]

Hi there, if like me, you live in an urban environment, chances are QRM is having a negative impact on the quality of the signals you’re receiving at home. The presence of electrical noise makes antenna choice very important, particuarly if you’re planning to spend more than a few £££s on something more sophisticated than […]

While browsing eBay a few moments ago, I noticed this Sangean ATS-818 which has a BuyItNow price of $30.00 + $15.00 shipping. If this would have been the ATS-803A/DX-440, I would have snatched it up in an instant if only for nostalgic reasons. I know many people that cut their teeth on the ATS-818 or […]

Many thanks to David Giba who shares the following via the Gary J. Cohen’s Shortwave Listeners Global Facebook page: The Boeing 707 is my favorite commercial jetliner. If one looks at the tail they will see a probe pointing forward off the top of the tail. That is the HF shortwave antenna. It was matched by an […]

–UPDATE: This item has sold. Thank you!– It’s time to thin the herd! Over the coming weeks, I’m planning to liquidate some gear here at the SWLing Post HQ. I’m selling radios and accessories I no longer use or need for comparison reviews. I’ll plan to post these on the SWLing Post before placing them on something like eBay. […]

Many thanks to Mike at PantronX who has provided the following update on the Titus II portable SDR: As you can imagine the response to Titus has almost been overwhelming! Pre-orders far exceeded our imagination and excitement from broadcasters has been very loud. DRM and digital broadcasting seems to be reinvigorated with Titus in 2017. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares the following story from Nature: “Some of the observatories targeted in the review have found potential partners: New Mexico State University in Las Cruces is leading an effort to take over the Dunn Solar Telescope in Sunspot, New Mexico. Others remain in limbo, including the […]

From the Isle of Music, Week of January 16-22, 2017 Electronic Cuba – Leonardo Pérez shares more of Una Mecanica Diferente, Jazz saxophonist Emir Santa Cruz shares some of his music, and we are going to explore some of what is happening in Cuban electronic music today. Three options for listening on shortwave: WBCQ, 7490 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who lives in New Brunswick, Canada, and sent the following update earlier this month: I often go outdoors to escape the RFI generated in and around the house, which can be even worse during the holidays with all the LED Christmas displays. Trouble is, the snow is […]