The SWLing Post

This unusual Ebay posting is one of the most interesting I’ve seen in a long time: a genuine, new spy radio transceiver! Given its rarity and new condition, the $1,900 asking price seems reasonable to me for what a well-heeled collector … Continue reading →

Last year, I reviewed the TitanSDR Pro by the Italian manufacturer, Enablia,. I was very impressed with not only this receiver’s performance, but also its accompanying application’s user interface. I also noted in the review that the TitanSDR is pricier than many … Continue reading →

(Source: Southgate ARC) ISS Slow Scan TV in April ARISS reports that International Space Station (ISS) Slow Scan Television (SSTV) transmissions on 145.800 MHz FM may take place between April 11-15, 2016 The schedule for the ARISS commemorative event is … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who is seeking your help. Paul writes: Well, I think I have an ID but I also think I’m wrong. I had weather in english by a female computerized voice on 6518.80USB. … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shared a link to this rack of classic cold war era receivers. The starting bid is $943.75 and there is no shipping cost as it’s local pickup only (no surprise there). … Continue reading →

As a follow-up to a previous post, many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who noted this news on the VOA Radiogram website: The German communications regulator Bundesnetzagentur has changed its mind about allowing digital modes on shortwave broadcast transmitters in Germany. Apparently … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Jonathan Marks who notes the passing this week of Frans Vossen, former journalist at Radio Vlaandern Internationaal: Belgium has lost a great communicator who had a deep understanding of international affairs, especially those connected with Belgium and the African … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Ladd, for the following guest post and overview of setting up and using the Soft66RTL3 SDR: Soft66RTL3 SDR: A low cost…Good performer direct from Japan by Mike Ladd Much has changed in the last 8 … Continue reading →

For those who receive (and send) flight data from ADS-B capable devices such as the RTL-SDR dongles or have Apps for their tablets and phones, FlightAware announced on Wednesday this change to their service: Hi from FlightAware, After months of … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post readers, Cap and Bill, who both shared this press release from the DRM consortium: (Source: DRM Consortium) First DRM European Workshop “Flexible and Complete Digital Radio for Europe” asks European Stakeholders to Support and Manufacture … Continue reading →

Regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m a ham radio operator (call sign K4SWL). Being a shortwave radio enthusiast, of course, I spend most of my time on the air in the HF portion of the amateur radio spectrum. Contacting … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill, who recently shared a link to this very affordable RTL-SDR with wideband coverage. I am not at all familiar with this model, but I do like the enclosure and the fact it has … Continue reading →

While it’s fascinating to watch the video footage of the VOA Site A towers falling, it’s also a little heartbreaking. As I mentioned in a previous post, I spent time last week at the VOA Site A’s twin site: VOA … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill Tilford, who shares this From The Isle of Music update: Since the addition of Channel 292 we are now getting excellent reception reports from as far east as Moscow. Our April 11 (in the … Continue reading →

In response to our recent thread of posts about the Crosley WLW Model Super-Power Radio Receiver, I’d like to thank both Jonathan Marks and Mike Barraclough for sharing the following video by TNT Amusements on YouTube: Click here to view … Continue reading →

In response to our recent post about the Crosley WLW Super-Power receiver, SWLing Post contributor, Larry Hagood, writes: I am an EE student at Oklahoma State (Formerly Oklahoma A&M)–the school where the designer of the WLW [Super Power receiver], Amyle Richards, … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John Cooper, who writes: I received this nice QSL package in the mail today from Radio Belarus. Since they went off the air 1 April, this might be one of the last batch of … Continue reading →

In response to an inquiry in our post about the Crosley WLW Model Super-Power Radio Receiver, SWLing Post contributor, Ken Carr, writes: I’m not sure if my radio is a ‘benchmark’ but it sure is close to it. It is the … Continue reading →

On Friday, I spent the afternoon at the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station (a.k.a. VOA Site B) in Greenville, NC. While there, I was told that the VOA Site A towers, which have long been abandoned, were slated to be demolished this morning. … Continue reading →

This announcement for World Amateur Radio Day was posted on the IARU website along with links for clubs (or individuals) to download flyers and posters to promote the event. World Amateur Radio Day Every April 18, radio amateurs worldwide take … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Steve Lebkuecher, who writes: Hi Thomas I was a little surprised to see a batch of new Grundig G3s selling for $79.99 on eBay. Given the quality issues with the G3 it may be a … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill Tilford, who shares this From The Isle of Music update: From the Isle of Music can now be heard Tuesdays from 1900-2000 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 KHz, a station in Germany, in addition … Continue reading →

LNR Precision announced two new QRP transceivers this weekend: the MTR5B and LD-11. Below, you can find details I pulled from LNR’s press release and website for both units: The LD-11 The LD-11 is a new 11-band QRP transceiver based on … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares the following message: Only a barely-detectable carrier [of Radio Canada International] on 7310 kHz from Radio 700 Kurzwellendienst (or Radio 700 Shortwave Service using the web-interfaced University of Twente SDR … Continue reading →

(Source: Kim Elliott via Richard Langley) VOA Radiogram, 2-3 April 2016: BNetzA sagt nein! New this weekend is the elimination of the digital text modes from shortwave transmitters in Germany. The German regulator Bundesnetzagentur has ruled that the digital modes … Continue reading →

(Source: Nuts and Volts) In 1935, the Zenith Radio Corporation produced a stunning radio receiver called the Stratosphere model 1000Z. The set used 25 tubes and three loudspeakers — more than any other radio to date. An amazing (for the … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who points out this Funcube Dongle Pro Plus with a BuyItNow price of $100 on eBay. The seller appears to have a long eBay history and a 100% rating. Mario and I were … Continue reading →

Every radio enthusiast knows that the Sony ICF-2010/2001D was a desirable, high performing portable receiver throughout its long production history. Manufactured from 1985 through 2003, few receivers were as consistently high on DXers’ “must have” list as the ICF-2010. These Sony … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN) for the following guest post: Receiving with a HackRF One, SDR#, and MultiPSK by Mario Filippi (N2HUN) The HackRF One is a Software Defined Radio manufactured by Great Scott Gadgets (www.greatscottgadgets.com) and … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan H, who writes: The A16 schedule is released for BBC World Service. Here is a link to the A16 frequency page which features additional links to regional frequency charts and transmitter details. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2x9tqt6mc05vB2S37j8MWMJ/global-short-wave-frequencies … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, London Shortwave, hit his local park today with his Tecsun PL-680 and Zoom H1 in tow, then recorded the final broadcasts of Radio Belarus. He has published a post on his blog with details and two recordings of Radio … Continue reading →

I’m planning to visit the Edward R. Murrow transmitter station for a few hours on Friday (tomorrow). This will be my third trip to the station and I’ll be hanging out with the chief engineer, Macon Dail. I plan to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Larry Caracciolo, who comments: I bought the AN-200 in the spring of 2015 off of eBay. I was favorably impressed with the product. Comparing it to my old 9′ diameter tuned/shielded loop from 1992, … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who shares a link to this review of the AN-200 mediumwave loop antenna by Jay Allen: Tecsun/Grundig/Kaito AN-100/AN-200 Loop Antenna I’ve had the Grundig (version) AN-200 for many years and can certainly endorse it … Continue reading →

(Source: MediaFire) At first glance, iHeartMedia looks like the model 21st century media conglomerate, truly a colossus with interests across media: owner of 858 radio stations; Clear Channel Outdoor, one of the world’s largest outdoor companies; Premier Networks, the top … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors, Richard Langley and Bill Patalon, who note the passing of legendary Canadian radio man, Wally Crouter. Richard Langley comments: I fondly remember listening to him over the years, particularly when I was working (during … Continue reading →

Regarding our previous post about Radio Belarus closing down, SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, reminds me that we should try to add a recording of the final broadcast to the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive. If you can manage to capture the final … Continue reading →

Many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who have shared this news from the Radio Belarus website. Since I rely on a machine translation of the news page via Google Translate, I’m not totally clear about the details, but it … Continue reading →

Posting the Blinq deal a few moments ago reminded me that my favorite shortwave radio to use while hiking/walking is the CountyComm GP5/SSB. I have CountyComm’s custom GP5 case which I clip to my belt or backpack. While hiking, I find it handy … Continue reading →

I just noticed that Blinq.com has a “Used – Very Good” Sony SRF-M37W AM/FM/WX digital walkman with headphones for $18.19 shipped. While I don’t think the SRF-M37W will win any DXing awards, it is a very practical and lightweight portable for … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Yothment, who writes: [Below, you’ll find] my reception report for the digital decode of the Fldigi message by Dr. Kim Elliott on The Mighty KBC (6040 kHz) Saturday night: I took Kim Elliott’s suggestion … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who notes that Radio Romania International has published their updated English language broadcast frequencies: RRI Summer Broadcast Frequencies valid March 27 to October 30, 2016 Source: http://www.rri.ro/en_gb/rri_summer_broadcast_frequencies-2544502

Tony Westbrook recently contacted me about a regenerative receiver kit he has designed and produced in the UK. It’s called the KRC-2. Here’s the product description: 1 – 30 MHz with band spread tuning. Regeneration with a difference. The regeneration setting … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Gahimer (K9ZCE) for the following guest post: Small Magnetic Loop Antenna with Broadband Amplifier for SDR Reception by Dave Gahimer (K9ZCE) Those with limited space, or antenna restrictions, might find a small 1 meter … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares a link to the Broadcasting Board of Governor’s Fiscal Year 2016 Congressional Budget Request. Click here to download as a PDF. I’ve read key portions of the request. Regarding shortwave, the BBG … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia LW4DAF, who writes: I’m sending you the new schedule for Radio Taiwan International in Spanish since March, 27: To: South America 00:00-01:00 UTC – 11530 Khz Central America 03:00-04:00 UTC – 5985 Khz … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who writes: [Check out] this site I came by accidentally, small company, USA made antennas, most are OTA TV but he has a few shortwave antennas, quite reasonable. […] Also has old vintage … Continue reading →

I just received the recently released Raspberry Pi 3 that I ordered from MCM a couple weeks ago. Now I’m plotting a few potential radio projects! Recommendations anyone? I’d love some input from SWLing Post readers as I’d like to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who shared the following story from Radio Prague: Underground agents and plots in the Cold War broadcasting war In this week’s Czech History we look at one aspect of the Cold War, the … Continue reading →