The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, London Shortwave, who is kindly sharing this guest post–a brilliant article he recently posted on his own website. I’m very grateful: one of the most common questions I’m asked by readers is how to cope … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), for sharing the following additional update from Radio Romania International: Dear friends, As of October 25th 2015 RRI broadcasts on new SW frequencies. Please check them out:

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), for sharing the following from Radio Romania International: LISTENERS’ DAY 2015 on RRI Dear friends, on Sunday, November 1st 2015, RRI celebrates Listeners’ Day. As usual, we invite you to be … Continue reading →

Yes, the legendary Heathkit company is back and their first kit is a simple Tuned Radio Frequency (TRF) AM/mediumwave analog receiver: the Explorer Jr. I knew Heathkit was back in business and under new management, but hadn’t heard any updates as of late. Their … Continue reading →

If you’ve registered for, and plan to attend, the PARI DXPedition, please make sure you’ve joined our Yahoo Group. This is where we’re finalizing details and communicating about the DXpedition, noting any changes, updates, etc. If you’ve tried to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike (K8RAT), who writes: The Met Office has this brief introduction to the subject of space weather and the methods they use to make predictions. It may be useful to beginners in the radio … Continue reading →

SWLing Post sponsor, Bob Raymond (NE1I) at DXtreme, writes: I’m pleased to announce that the latest version of our logging software for radio and TV monitoring enthusiasts is now available: www.dxtreme.com (Version 10.0). Please find the full product announcement below: DXtreme Reception … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Alan, who writes: I really appreciate your site. It has been my favorite since I got back into shortwave listening and DXing…great enough that I actually subscribe to posts via e-mail so I don’t miss … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who writes: Yesterday, 4 October, was the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik I, the first artificial Earth satellite. The launch heralded the beginning of the space age. Sputnik I’s … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Paul Walker, who writes: Thomas.. I know this isn’t quite SW news anymore, but Radio Kiribati usedto be on SW a while ago and is now on AM. I just found out something to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Jeff McMahon, from the Herculodge, who shares an update to his Sangean PR-D4W review. The good news is that Jeff continues to be impressed with the PR-D4W and ranks it above the venerable C.Crane CCRadio-2E in almost … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, writes: Wow . . . a huge, amazing rarity…this is perhaps the rarest of radios, the HRO-600. It is almost never seen on the used market and when it is, it is usually in non-operational … Continue reading →

Want to share your shack or listening post with the world on the SWLing Post? Want a chance to win a Grundig G2? If so, keep reading…! This month, we’ll be collecting photos of our readers’ listening posts, radio shacks or favorite listening spot. … Continue reading →

Yesterday, the Dayton Daily News published an article about the problems with the aging Hara Arena, home of the Dayton Hamvention. Here’s an excerpt from the article: Fears about Hamvention leaving town because of Hara Arena’s economic struggles has local officials … Continue reading →

I recently had a conversation with my good friend Fred Osterman, president of Universal Radio. Fred told me about a couple of items on their website I thought might interest Post readers: A QRP Corner page with quick links to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Robert Gulley, who notes the following on his blog: I found this interesting post from Scientific American concerning the lack of reliable wireless communication in aircraft in 1915 – just one of those fascinating … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, writes: In a recent blog posting, you mentioned the use of Arduinos in the radio hobby. Those of us who have experimented with Arduinos (and Raspberry Pis, etc.) likely have come across Adafruit Industries when … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Stan (WA1LOU), who writes: “Enjoy your blog. I have been reading it for years. [H]ere is something your readers might be interested in that I mentioned in my blog today: http://www.horzepa.com/2015/09/computer-controlled-switch-system.html Very cool! Goes to … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Rob Wagner, who writes: Craig Seager is one of Australia’s finest SWL DXers, a longtime listener with great experience on shortwave, mediumwave and other modes. His amateur radio callsign is VK2HBT. Craig also has … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Dan Amoroso (W3DI/WPE3DNC/WPC3DNC), who shares this recent QSL from China Radio International and notes: Hello Thomas Attached is the most recent QSL card received within a few weeks from China Radio International. For reception on August … Continue reading →

My pal, Jeff McMahon, over at the Herculodge, has just posted a video review of the Sangean PR-D4 portable radio. In summary, he writes: “It’s a great radio with top FM, AM, and speaker sound. It blows away my C.Crane … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Nick, for sharing this 2013 video produced by the BBC. Here is the description from YouTube: “In the face of the internet, mobiles and instant messaging you might expect the hobby of amateur radio … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Erica, who writes: “I saw this article about the demise of the Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 Longwave and thought readers might be interested: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/11892805/End-of-Shipping-Forecast-on-long-wave-radio-could-leave-sailors-high-and-dry.html I’m not a fan of DAB radio and my … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Marty (W5MRM), comments: I recently picked up a Sangean ATS-909X to use as a bedside radio. This blog post inspired me to put together a video review of the ATS-909X as a bedside radio. The video review … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SRAA contributor, Tom Laskowski, who shares the following recording and notes: A few snippets from my old shortwave tapes that were too short to upload individually. These were made using a GE portable multi band that had poor … Continue reading →

National RF, of California, has introduced a new “semi-kit” receiver: the RF 75-NS-3. Here’s an excerpt from the product description page of the National RF website: National RF’s 75-NS-3 receiver is a complete super-hetrodyne mini high frequency receiver, designed specifically for the … Continue reading →

Many thanks to the CIDX Messenger for sharing this video:

Many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who shared this RadioWorld article about the new Avion AV-DR -1401 portable DRM receiver. According to RadioWorld, the AV-1401 will be sold through Amazon India as of October 2015 for approximately $175 US. … Continue reading →

My pal, Jeff McMahon, over at the Herculodge writes: A week ago, my Sangean WR-2 was fried when the electric company surged my house. I replaced it with the Grundig S350DL but it drifted too much. I then used my … Continue reading →

(Source: VOA Radiogram via Richard Langley) VOA Radiogram will participate in European Researchers’ Night 2015, specifically to the Notte europea dei ricercatori at Frascati, near Rome. There will be a special broadcast of VOA Radiogram Friday, 25 September, at 1830-1900 … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, John, N4HNO, who shares a link to this brilliant “go box” for the Elecraft Kx3 designed by Thomas Müllauer OE2ATN. Thomas’ design is based on a Sigg Maxi Aluminum Snack Box which seems to accommodate the KX3, … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley, writes: I recently purchased an Oxo Good Grips Turntable, 16” from Amazon. As the photos show, the size of the turntable can hold a fairly large radio (CC Radio EP and Select-a-tenna) on the turntable … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley for sharing this article from The Guardian. The following is an excerpt: Kim Cheol-su, who was born in Pyongsong City and defected from North Korea last year, says that up to 30-40% … Continue reading →

This morning, I noticed that we’ve crossed a small milestone here at the SWLing Post: as of this post, there are now 2,000 published posts in our archives. It’s a bit incredible that it’s already been almost seven years since I started this blog. … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Joris van Scheindelen (PE1KTH)–an SWLing Post contributor from the Netherlands–for the following guest post: High Tech AM-FM DSP Receiver From The old mode AM is still an interesting mode for amateur radio communication, also in amplitude CW. Building … Continue reading →

SWLing Post and SRAA contributor, Jim Clary (ND9M/VQ9JC), recorded the following final broadcast of Radio Spaceshuttle International while on board a US Navy ship off the coast of Rota, Spain. Jim notes: I was packing up to leave my ship … Continue reading →

(Source: USC Center on Public Diplomacy) BBC Russian Wants to Expand, But It’s Not So Easy The BBC, as part of its 2015 Charter Review document, announced proposals to “invest” in BBC World Service. This includes a desire for a “bigger … Continue reading →

I just received word from Dick at Radio Spaceshuttle International. Last week, they had technical difficulties which prevented them from transmitting their final broadcast. Fortunately, RSI is making a third(!) attempt to get the show on the air. Dick has informed me … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Jeff, over at the Herculodge, who writes: “Jay Allen reviewed Sangean PR-D19. He likes it a lot.” Click here to read Jay’s full review.

SWLing Post reader, Steve, writes: I check in on your blog frequently. I’ve been a casual SW and AM dxer since my childhood. I’m a mechanical engineer, and have some basic electronics knowledge, but I’m no RF expert, and half … Continue reading →

(Source: The Mighty KBC) For our listeners across the pond: Uncle Eric is testing Saturday September 26th on 7395 kHz between 23:00 – 24:00 UTC. Our normal broadcast on 7375 kHz is on Sunday September 27th 00:00 – 03:00 UTC. Please … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Claudiu, writes: I have a question regarding the ETM (Easy Tuning Mode) function on the Tecsun PL-880 model. Its indicator is visible on the LCD screen [see above], but I couldn’t find any mention of this function … Continue reading →

Are you an application developer? The VOA Radiogram is seeking a developer to create software for PCs and mobile devices “to simplify the decoding of text and images transmitted by VOA and other radio stations.” The RFQ and Statement of Work from the Broadcasting … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Muthu Kumar recently asked if I knew of a good source of shortwave radios–specifically, the Tecsun brand–in India. I’m asked this very question at least a few times each year and have always replied that eBay may be … Continue reading →

Many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who shared a link to this post on Gizmodo which focuses on preparations for a major solar storm like the 1859 Carrington Event. Gizmodo touches on several preparedness basics and specifically mentions tucking away a shortwave radio … Continue reading →

We’re absolutely chuffed to learn that the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive (SRAA) has made the pages of the October 2015 issue of the British alt music magazine, The Wire. Following are two excerpts from the brief but powerful column by Richard Thomas: The Wire October 2015 (Issue 380) … Continue reading →

My talented pal, Dave Richards, has built yet another home-brew regenerative receiver––which he dubs the Sproutie MK II––and wow, it’s a thing of beauty. Dave tells me has been working on this receiver for many months, and upon viewing the … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post and SRAA contributor, Tom Laskowski, who shares this recording of the Voice of America; recorded on July 20, 1979 at 0500 UTC on the 31 meter band. Tom notes: “The first 4:30 is from a VOA newscast … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, has learned about the new Sangean PR-D19 AM/FM stereo radio via Jay Allen’s website. Jay is in the process of evaluating this radio. It appears Amazon is selling the PR-D19 in two colors: Grey/Black (currently … Continue reading →