The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley, who shares this link to an eBay auction for a Zenith Transoceanic D7000Y in an unopened box! Let’s be clear here: this is no “Black Friday” deal. The seller has this gem listed at $5,800 plus shipping! I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen […]

If you’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger on an Elecraft transceiver, now may be a good time. Elecraft is throwing in free accessories and free shipping on a few of their products. Here’s their full Black Friday advertisement: Even if you aren’t a ham, you might consider an Elecraft KX3 or even the new […]

It’s Thanksgiving here in the 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. You make this a terrific place for everything radio! […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors R. Lewis (KF5GV/HS1) and Dave Zantow (N9EWO) who’ve both noted that the CommRadio CR-1a receiver has been listed as “discontinued” by Universal Radio, and HRO. I imagine CommRadio has stopped manufacturing the CR-1a as they gear up for production of the new CTX-10 10 watt QRP general coverage transceiver. If […]

(Source: Shortwave Service via Richard Langley) On Tuesday, 29th November 2016 from 0230-0300 UTC on 7250 kHz (to NoAM) we will broadcast our first English edition. The topics: we speak with Rimantas Pleikys about radio jamming in former times and today. He wrote a book about it and made a very interesting film documentary. And: 4 […]

(Source: BBC via Richard Langley) “With our world-class content, we could use our current output and the richness of our archive to create a Netflix of the spoken word,” said Lord Hall. … “One of the big challenges I have set my teams is just that: to enhance our global audio offer. The BBC makes the […]

(Source: Radio Mi Amigo via Harald Kuhl) Hello to all Radio Mi Amigo friends, Special Broadcast Sunday, November 27: 6145 kHz – 20:00 – 22:00 hrs. [cet] Sunday evening November 27 from 20:00 – 22:00 hrs CET we will do another special event show, this time to promote our new daily transmissions on 6085 kHz. The […]

Yesterday, after SDRplay announced the new RSP2 software defined receiver, HRO included the original RSP (the RSP1) in their holiday “Pre-Sale Specials” and lowered the price to $119.95. An excellent bargain in my opinion! Many thanks to intrepid SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley, for the excellent tip! Click here to view the SDRplay RSP1 at HRO. Click here to […]

Regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m a big fan of the, now discontinued, Sony ICF-SW7600GR shortwave portable. Recently, I even wrote a post about finding some of the remaining units online. This morning, I noticed that Amazon.com has some “Used – Like New” ‘7600GRs available via the seller Blinq for $113.39 shipped. At first, I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who writes: In case anyone is mildly curious, this is the spot where I sit to DX. Equipment in photo above: Grundig Satellit 750, Lowe HF225, 2 225 foot long wires, a Wellbrook ALA1530LNP magnetic loop and DX Engineering HF Preamp. It was warm today, 4F above zero […]

I just received this message from Filmmaker, Amanda Dawn Christie: Just finished an interview with Christian Milling from Germany Shortwave Service about Spectres of Shortwave. The interview will be translated into German and is planned to be broadcast for Sunday, 27th November from 0900-1000 UTC on 6045 kHz in Europe and a Repetition the week […]

This morning, SDRplay Limited announced the release––and availability––of their second generation software defined radio, the RSP2. Regular SWLing Post readers will note that I’m a pretty big fan of SDRplay’s first SDR, the RSP, or “RSP1,” as I’ll now call it (I published a review of the RSP1 in July 2015). To me, the $129 RSP1 […]

SWLing Post readers are likely aware that contributor, Dan Robinson, is the former White House, Congressional and foreign correspondent for the Voice of America. I’ve just learned that Dan has authored a piece questioning the viability of the BBG as the US presidential transition take place. Dan’s commentary titled “What’s A President-elect To Do . . . With […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jim (W4FJT), who writes: I was surfing Amazon.com and saw this hard shell case made specifically for the Skywave and thought this might be of interest to the travelers out there: Click here to view on Amazon.com. Thank you, Jim! I might grab on of these for my CC Skywave […]

SWLing Post reader, Lindsay (VK3CML), recently contacted me with the following question about his Dansk RX-4000 receiver: I’m in need of a set of EPROMs, for my Dansk RX- 4000. It uses three EPROMs to program the micro; one of these has developed a fault, which shuts the radio down. Could be interested in another […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Black, who reminds us why the Squires Sanders SS-1R receiver (Dan recently spotted on eBay) was so innovative at the time: It’s legendary because it leaped forward in receiver design, at least at the amateur level, and there was the article in QST in 1963 by Squires about […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares this recent find on eBay and notes: Extremely rare Squires Sanders on Ebay….amateur receiver….only the second time in recent years one of these radios has come up on the used market… Click here to view on eBay. I was not at all familiar with this […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Cuff, who shares this press release from ABC International: ABC International focuses investment in region ABC International will increase its investment in media services for Chinese, Indonesian and Pacific audiences to offer more comprehensive coverage for regional audiences. These new initiatives, the result of a strategic review, mean […]

(Source: Hobart Radio International) This fortnight we’re airing a special documentary over shortwave radio and FM: WW2: Thru The Radio In this special show we’re looking at listener’s perspective of WW2 through the radio; featuring Medium Wave, Long Wave and Short Wave recordings. We include famous speeches aired by Chamberlain, Churchill and Truman and live […]

(Source: Tom Taylor) Hamurger Lokal Radio via Shortwave Station Göhren, Germany with 1KW to Western Europe: 6190 KHz Every Saturday 07.00 to 11.00 UTC 7265 KHz Every Saturday 11.00 to 16.00 UTC 9485 KHz Every Sunday 10.00 to 13.00 UTC Contact email: redaktion@hamburger-lokalradio.de European Music Radio via: WBCQ to Central & North America on 7490 […]

Hi there, after conducting a total of 14 reception tests comparing these two vintage – but excellent portable shortwave radios, there was a clear winner – the ICF-2001D. Interestingly, the second half of the testing identified yet another example of synchronous detection lock dropping out on the ICF-SW77 (during reception of Radio CANDIP, Democratic Republic of the Congo […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares the following guest post: Review: DoxyTronics Portable HF Magnetic Loop 8020CA -by Troy Riedel Before I purchased the DoxyTronics 8020CA antenna, I emailed the owner/manufacturer and asked if he felt this antenna would be a good choice with the radios that I own. He promptly […]

(Source: BBC News) The BBC World Service will launch 11 new language services as part of its biggest expansion “since the 1940s”, the corporation has announced. The expansion is a result of the funding boost announced by the UK government last year. The new languages will be Afaan Oromo, Amharic, Gujarati, Igbo, Korean, Marathi, Pidgin, […]

Hi there, after the first set of recordings were analysed, the score was 4-3 to the ICF-2001D, demonstrating how similar these two great receivers are in overall performance. There were a copule of notable differences however. The synchronous detection circuit on the ICF-2001D allows the user to effectively tune through a signal in 01. kHz […]

Lately, fires have been on my mind. No doubt, this is because there are so many wildfires in the greater southern Appalachian region right now, which is in the midst of a record drought. Brush fires start up almost daily, and no rain is in sight. In the mountains, the air is hazy with smoke, and it’s […]

Hi there, here is a summary of the first half of tests comparing the Sony ICF-2001D against it’s replacement the ICF-SW77. Both receivers are widely acknowledged as being amongst the best shortwave portables ever made, but how close are they in performance? Is there a clear winner after the first 8 reception tests? I hope […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Ally, for sharing the following article by James Careless in Radio World: Well, if you are the engineering firm PantronX, you have the Titus II software-defined radio. And when you plan to sell this ultimate receiver for less than $100 each, you hope you have a consumer sensation for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following item from the Sudan Tribute: November 12, 2016 (JUBA)- The African Centre for Transitional Justice (ACTJ) has called on South Sudanese authorities to reconsider their decision to reopen the unilaterally closed independent radio station, asserting it is a clear violation of press freedom. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who writes: Have you heard? Amanda Dawn Christie’s “Spectres of Shortwave” sound track will be broadcast over WRMI this Sunday evening from 23:00 UTC to 01:00 UTC on 7570 kHz. The broadcast will coincide with the screening of the film at the Festival International du Cinéma Francophone […]

(Source: SDRplay Press Release) Today, we released version 1.1 of SDRuno, specifically for RSP. New features include a calibrated power measurement facility, an SNR meter and automatic S-meter calibration. There are many additional improvements and fixes. To find out more about all the additional features, documentation can be found on: http://www.sdrplay.com/docs/SDRplay_SDRuno_Release_Notes.pdf and the software is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Paul, who writes: While putzing around with my new Tecsun PL-880 that I got while browsing at Universal Radio’s store in Columbus OH, I found what appears to be an adjustable noise reduction function. Firmware level: 8820 Mfg date: probably August 2016 (201608 from the serial number inside the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who shares this recording from his home in Galena, Alaska. Paul notes: Radio Thailand (13745 kHz) English service to North America at 0000UTC on November 8th, 2016: Click here to view on YouTube. Not the strongest I ever hear them, but a good solid clean nearly noise […]

Hi there, subscribers to my YouTube channel Oxford Shortwave Log will be aware that I currently operate both of these wonderful vintage portables. I purchased the ICF-2001D only 18 months ago from eBay, based largely on its reputation as one of the best performing portables ever made. Previously I had been using my excellent ICF-SW55 as the […]

A guide by London Shortwave Radio interference is a major problem in big cities when it comes to indoor shortwave reception. One effective solution I have found is to head for the local park and engage in scanning the bands there. However, since my time for making such outdoor trips is limited, I would always […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Phil Brennan, who writes: Your readers might be interested in this article from today’s Guardian: Hoax radio transmission at Melbourne airport forces plane to abort landing Police are investigating 15 incidents of illegal radio transmissions with aircraft at Melbourne and Avalon airports, including hoax calls that forced at least […]

On November 15 (November 14 local date in the Americas), our special guest will be Cuban Jazz phenomenon Harold López-Nussa, who will share some of his wonderful new album El Viaje. We will also play some new Timba recordings and other excellent Cuban dance music. Then, the next two weeks, by popular demand, we […]

Many thanks to Nicholas Pospishil, who shares this photo and notes: “VOA Radiogram on 5745 kHz. No fancy equipment needed.” No kidding! Mobile phones and tablets now have more than enough horsepower to decode most VOA Radiograms. Nicholas uses the free AndFlmsg app for Android to decode. Note that AndFlmsg is not available in the Google Play store, you […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Fahey, who shares the following: It’s been a fun weekend getting the first two remote modules for the Spectrum Project MK2 together. These modules tune into and then digitally preserve broadcasted human communication; music, discussion, culture for future generations to study and ponder. This initial version of the […]

(Source: Parliment.UK via Andy Sennitt on PCJ Media’s Facebook Page) Government should fund BBC Monitoring, not the licence fee payer 29 October 2016 It was a mistake to end Government funding for BBC Monitoring in 2013 and that change should be reversed, say MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Read the report summary Read the full […]

Many thanks to Jim Veatch (WA2EUJ) who shares the following: HobbyPCB is offering their RS-HFIQ 5W SDR on Kickstarter starting at $239. Check it out here: Thanks, Jim-I wish you success in this campaign (though it appears you’ve met your base goal and are now into stretch goals). While there are a fair amount of […]

(Source: DXtreme Press Release) Product Announcement: DXtreme Station Log 12 DXtreme Software™ has released a new version of its popular logging program for Amateur Radio operators: DXtreme Station Log 12™. New Features in DXtreme Station Log 12 Automatic LoTW Upload — Users can set Station Log 12 so it uploads each log entry to LoTW automatically […]

Hi there, here is part 2 of my reception videos taken in the tropical rainforest of Pará, Northern Brazil. As I mentioned in my previous post, I took a Tecsun PL-680 with me on the trip because I didn’t want to risk losing or trashing one of my precious vintage portables but also because of the […]

The shortwave bands are in a constant state of flux. And radio reception varies with the seasons. As a result, radio stations often need to alter their frequencies and times for best all-year-round reception at the listener’s location. There are two seasonal changeovers: the “A” transmission period coincides with the northern hemisphere summer (March to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andy Yoder, who shares the following: I’m just writing with a reminder about the Global HF Pirate weekend is just starting. This is the revival of an idea from a few years ago: Stations broadcast on high frequencies in an effort to be heard across long distances and in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John Cooper, who writes: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN NASWA, Universal Radio, Inc. and CIDX, is sponsoring the North American Shortwave DX contest “The Final Countdown” which will start on 00:00 UTC hours on 7 January 2017. The contest is open to all North American SWLers and DXers. Contest forms for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Jon Tabor, who writes: I’m new to SWL, but found your site a few months ago, and have been loving it ever since. I recently picked up, for about $11 off eBay, a cheap MW/SW/FM radio called the VITE VT-111, which appears to be a rebadged (updated?) Basbon DS-858, […]

Hi there, I was fortunate enough recently for my work to take me to a very remote area of tropical rainforest in Pará, Northern Brazil and of course, I travelled with a shortwave radio. In fact I take a portable with me everywhere – even to work – just in case. During this trip I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andrea Bornino, for sharing the following article from espressonline.it: Goodbye, Jesuits. Vatican Media Get a New Face and New Boss And this with a Jesuit pope, no less. Vatican Radio will stop broadcasting on shortwave. And “L’Osservatore Romano” will also be absorbed into a single “content hub.” Under the command […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Mike Ladd who notes that HDSDR has just published a new 2.75 Beta release. Mike included the screenshot (above) which includes the following release notes: Click here for the HDSDR website and to download the new Beta release. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kris Partridge, who writes: A day or two late, but I don’t know if you have this about CBC: (Source: Southgate ARC) Canada’s public broadcaster, the CBC, is 80 years old Modelled somewhat on the BBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation came into being on November 2, 1936. Surprisingly many […]