The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Georges (F6DFZ), who writes: As you may know, a few [of us PL-880 owners] have documented the extremely annoying bug that affect the Tecsun PL-880 during Fine Tuning of SSB signals. To sum it … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN) for the following guest post: Maritime Broadcasts in RTTY, Sitor B, and NAVTEX. By Mario Filippi, N2HUN (All photos below are courtesy of the author. Click each image to enlarge.) Non-voice high … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: Hi Thomas: I hope you have started a very good year!!! I’m sending you the link where you can see the new 2016 QSLs from Radio Prague: http://radio.cz/en/static/qsl/qsl-cards These are … Continue reading →

To celebrate 37th anniversary of Iranian Islamic revolution, the first Iranian ham contest is going to be held on February 1st, 2016 and will last for 10 days. Objective: To encourage and increase contacts (especially DX ones) with Iranian radio … Continue reading →

An SWLing Post reader recently sent me the following YouTube video–a recording Hanz (W1JSB) made on the 20 meter ham band several years ago. Here’s his description from YouTube: Several years ago I was tuning around the 20 meter amateur radio band … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill, who shares a link to this Signal Identification Guide: http://www.sigidwiki.com/wiki/Signal_Identification_Guide Curious if any readers have been using this guide–seems like a convenient resource to ID those numerous signals on the bands. Entries show what each … Continue reading →

This must be the day for eBay finds! This one will not be a deal (price-wise) unless you’re on the market for a NOS (New Old Stock) classic receiver. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who writes: … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ken McKenzie, who writes: Came across this ad on the local Craigslist. I’m not interested but I know there are tube guys out there who may find this very interesting. http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/ele/5401857934.html Here’s the seller’s … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Korchin (K2WNW), who writes: I remember when I was a young kid back in Saskatoon, being invited over to a friend’s house to hear his “English stereo.” We both worked at the CFMC-FM … Continue reading →

In response to our post about the high-gain ferrite bar antenna for the Tecsun PL-360/PL-365 and CountyComm GP5/DSP and GP5/SSB, SWLing Post contributor, Ron, writes: …and it’s worth it. On MW there is a marked difference on both the low … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Gary DeBock, is an acclaimed innovator in the realm of Ultralight DXing–he’s well-known for constantly pushing the envelop on these inexpensive DX receivers. This time, Gary has published a detailed home-brew project that can turn your stock Tecsun PL-380 into a Mediumwave DX Fiend! … Continue reading →

(Source: Mike Terry via Medium Wave Circle FB Group) Ydun’s Medium Wave Info By Marcel Rommerts 12 January 2016 After switching off a number of high power transmitters in 2015, at the end of December the Dutch government has launched … Continue reading →

Reader and contributor Dr. Ed Harris recently authored an excellent article in which he describes why shortwave radio remains a practical and accessible educational technology in today’s world. And he should know. Ed––a long-time DXer and world traveler, currently studying to be … Continue reading →

Over the last year or so I have been using a really full-featured digital mode software called Multipsk, and it has become my go-to software for most digital modes. Back in September 2015 I wrote an extensive review of the … Continue reading →

I’m very pleased to have just received the 7th edition of John Figliozzi’s Worldwide Listening Guide (WWLG), the latest, most updated version of the excellent guide I’ve often reviewed. As I’ve said, you may want a copy of the WWLG in your … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alexander (DL4NO), for the following review of the new Avion DRM receiver: A review of the Avion DRM receiver by Alexander von Obert (DL4NO) The Avion AV-DR-1401 DRM receiver has appeared on the SWLing Post before … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Colin Newell who notes that the second DX Podcast has been published! You can listen to the podcast by clicking here: http://coffee.bc.ca/files/dx-podcast-2-16.mp3 The DX Podcast is also available on the DXer.ca site.

In response to my post about finding a glowing Hallicrafters radio in a scene from the Avengers: Age of Ultron, SWLing Post reader, Mike (AC4NS) writes: “I put the pic in Lightroom and pulled it out of the shadows. It … Continue reading →

I’ve received messages from several SWLing Post email subscribers stating that they haven’t received email digests or announcements lately. Our email subscription has been powered by the Google company Feedburner. Feedburner used to be the best RSS-to-email subscription service out there, … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares this CBC New Brunswick article about Amanda Dawn Christie’s film, Spectres of Shortwave: (Source: CBC) Amanda Dawn Christie launching documentary about demise of RCI towers Documentary ‘Spectres of Shortwave’ to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andrea Borgnino, who tweets: The Russian Woodpecker movie is now on Vimeo, Google Play & Itunes: http://www.russianwoodpecker.com/ Thanks, Andrea! It appears the movie costs $9.99 (buy) or $3.99 (rent) via Google Play, $12.99 (buy) … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, James Surprenant (AB1DQ), who shares this review and photos of the new Heathkit Explorer Jr. TRF AM radio receiver kit: Heathkit Explorer Jr. Review I received this Heathkit kit for Xmas from dear old … Continue reading →

With the recent posts about shortwave radio in films (Star Wars and Star Trek), I remembered a scene from Avengers: Age of Ultron where I thought I spotted a vintage Hallicrafters receiver. In the scene, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is using an … Continue reading →

In response to our recent post with a message to us from Star Wars sound designer Ben Burtt, SWLing Post reader, David Guilbeault, comments: Here’s a similar story that circulated on the Internet around 1990 (pre WEB!). I worked in … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike (K8RAT), who notes the Ten-Tec’s website has a one-page, informative placeholder. I’ve pasted the full page of content below which includes updates on service and a personal message from the new President, Mike (N8WFF): (Source: … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Phil Ireland, who shares his review of the Digitech AR1946: I’ve now purchased the AR1946 and I have to say, I’m very impressed! No noise problems at all with mine, although if you listen … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Steven Crawford, who writes: Avid follower of your SWL Blog and site. I saw these and thought your followers may find these AA and AAA lithium ion USB rechargeable cells may be of interest … Continue reading →

Sean Gilbert, WRTH’s International Editor, recently shared this audio he originally recorded on June 19, 2014. Sean writes: With all the interest in space and the ISS at the moment, I thought I would share a recording I made on … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ante, who writes: Looks like Kaito has a new radio in the works. Portable shortwave receiver with record function. It looks very much like some of the Eton portables. Here’s Universal Radio’s description: The Kaito … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Mark, writes: There [has been] an Eton NGWTIIIB Traveler III radio on sale at Amazon: $38.05 for a couple of days now. Thanks for the tip, Mark! The Traveller III is a great little radio and certainly worth $38.05. … Continue reading →

While doing a little shortwave listening in the field (obviously a very cold field) Vasily Strelnikov noted an anomaly while using the ETM function on his CountyComm GP5/SSB. He posted the following video on the Shortwave Listeners Global Facebook page and … Continue reading →

I received my copy of the 2016 World Radio and TV Handbook (WRTH) directly from the publisher on Christmas Eve 2105. As many SWLing Post readers know, I always look forward to receiving this staple radio reference guide each year. This … Continue reading →

Blinq.com has another “open box” deal on the Sony ICF-SW7600GR. As I mentioned last time one of these surfaced on Blinq, this is a great deal for an excellent radio. Actually, if you’re clever (!) you can buy this ‘7600GR … Continue reading →

If you own a Tecsun PL-360, PL-365 or a CountyComm GP5/DSP or GP5/SSB, you might take note of this large ferrite bar antenna offered by a Greece-based seller on eBay. As you can see in the image above, this antenna … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Chris Smolinski at HF Underground who has released his annual summary of shortwave pirate radio activity for 2015. The summary is built upon a computer script that parsed thread titles and timestamps of the messages from the HF … Continue reading →

Ramsey Electronics recently announced the following on their website: For more than 4 decades, the name Ramsey Kits has been synonymous with some of the neatest and the greatest electronic products and hobby kits for the do-it-yourself hobbyist. In those … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who notes that Jay Allen has posted a review of the Tecsun PL-365. Click here to read the full review. I believe the PL-365 is essentially the same radio as the CountComm GP5-SSB … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: Over $2k for this receiver, which appears to be quite unique. It is not one of the well-known and quite rare Beckman 51J4s, and likely it was re-finished to give … Continue reading →

Many of you may have seen the following announcement/casting call floating around the hamospehere recently. This casting company is seeking radio “experts” of all stripes for a new TV series centered around numbers stations. I was contact by them directly … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN) for the following review: The AOR AR-3000A Wideband Receiver by Mario Filippi, N2HUN (All photos below by author) The AOR AR-3000A is a wideband communications receiver, made in Japan, covering 100KHz – 2.036 GHz … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Anil, who writes: Here is a link to an Ebay auction for the mythical Sony CRF-V21. In all my years, I have never seen one for sale before and it might be interesting for … Continue reading →

Many thanks to several of you who recorded the final sign-ons and sign-offs of several European broadcasters who pulled the plug on mediumwave transmissions this past weekend. SRAA contributor, Richard Langley, recorded the following broadcasts and posted them to our Shortwave … Continue reading →

New legislation is giving the government of Poland control of the state media and the power to directly appoint the heads of public broadcasters. The new law may jeopardize Poland’s voting rights at the European Council. Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, … Continue reading →

SWLing Post readers may remember a post I recently published in which I believed I’d identified a familiar shortwave time signal station in the Battle of Hoth scene from The Empire Strikes Back. If you haven’t read this post, feel free … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Steve Lebkuecher, who sent the above photo; Steve notes: “What a nice cup! I wish you and all of your readers a very happy New Year!” And a happy cup of new year cheer to you … Continue reading →

Colin Newell from DXer.ca has just announced the return of the DX Podcast: The DXer.ca site has been on the air for over 20 years now! And we are now pleased to announce… the return of the DX Podcast! We … Continue reading →

Many thanks to my pal, Sheldon Harvey (of the International Radio Report and CIDX), for sharing this news item from the CBC News in Saskatchewan: Ole Forr is a 58-year-old radio lover who tunes into radio stations across the world for … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, James Patterson, who writes: I have owned the Sony ICF-SW55 for around 15 years or more. I like to change my listening pleasure from radio to radio, giving each one a rest, as they … Continue reading →

In response to Pawel’s post about a tuning bug affecting a recent batch of Tecsun PL-880s, SWLing Post contributor Georges (F6DFZ) comments: I have posted a new video about this important bug of the PL-880. I did so because it seems … Continue reading →