The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who writes: Every once in a while an IFR (Instrument Flight Research, a.k.a. Aeroflex) T-1200SRA comes up for auction, it is a sophisticated receiver covering LF-HF-VHF-UHF with built-in spectrum analyzer. Click here to view on eBay. Some claim these were used by the FCC for surveillance. […]

Like a lot of shortwave radio listeners, since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed tuning my radio to parts of the world where events are unfolding. There’s something tangible–something that is transportive–when you listen to a news coming directly from the source, on air and originating from halfway across the planet. I believe, listening to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who writes: This antenna coupler was the companion for the RF-2200, they come up once in a while on eBay. Just some radio memorabilia/trivia to store away in the SWL file of brain hihi. Click here to view on eBay. Thank you, Mario! Until last year or […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David (G4EDR), who writes: Hi Thomas I know a number of readers to the SWLing Post like to hear the UK Shipping Forecast read on the BBC. It is always transmitted by an announcer with impeccable clarity and authority. I came across the following on YouTube which, if you have […]

Many thanks to Light Coder at HDSDR who notes a recent update to HDSDR: HDSDR bugfix release 2.76 just went online. There are also some minor additions. See http://hdsdr.de/wnew.html Think it’s worth to have a look into the keyboard shortcuts: http://www.hdsdr.de/hdsdr_keyboard_shortcuts.htm Many thanks! HDSDR is a great (free!) SDR app–happy to hear about this recent […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following review: Comparing the CountyComm GP5-SSB and Tecsun PL-365 County Comm GP-5/SSB and Tecsun PL-365: a couple of years ago, I obtained a GP-5/SSB from Universal and have enjoyed using the radio. It’s extremely sensitive, often bringing in signals in the middle of my […]

As we mentioned last month, the remnants of WOO at Good Luck Point are slated to be removed soon. Many thanks to our intrepid SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following excellent photos he took at Good Luck Point yesterday. Dennis notes: I finally got to the site [Saturday] afternoon. All the towers are still there! […]

(Source: VOA News) A little more than seven weeks after the United States officially entered World War II, a live, 15-minute shortwave radio broadcast was transmitted into Germany from a small studio in New York City on February 1, 1942. It was introduced by the American patriotic song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Then, […]

In reply to my recent post about the Yaesu VX-3R, SWLing Post reader Tha Dood comments: [The Yaesu VX-3R] is a neat little HT, but the Kenwood TH-F6A is way more versatile. How? Full 5W on 2m, 222MHz, and 440MHz, and will RX 150KHz to 1.3GHz in AM, FM, FM wide, NBFM, USB, LSB, and CW. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow, who writes: I see the Tecsun PL-310(ET) has been receiving some very negative reviews over on eHam in the last days. Too bad: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/10283 Thanks for the heads-up, Dave! Perhaps these reviewers simply received faulty/lemon units? Internal soldering and construction can vary. On the other hand, both […]

From the Isle of Music, Week of February 6-11, 2017 This week, more of Una Mecanica Diferente; a tribute to the recently-departed Mayito “el Flaco” Valdés, special guest bassist Aryam Varona and some wonderful Cuban Jazz, and some recent Música Popular Bailable. Beautiful concert music, killer Jazz, and lively Cuban dance music. What more can […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Juan Pablo Carlino, who writes: Hi. I own one RF-2200 after buying it in eBay in March 2008. Since then it became my favourite portable radio and as everybody [has commented], its a pleasure to hear MW with it. I explain this due to the fact that it has a […]

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 […]