The SWLing Post

(Source: Ampegon press release) Ampegon Introduces New Folded Monopole Mediumwave Antenna System IBC 2015, September 10, Amsterdam. Ampegon, leading supplier of full range mediumwave equipment up to 1200 kW is introducing a folded monopole 50 kW antenna system with new … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, on July 25th, I made my way to Waynesville, NC, to the WCARS hamfest. This is a much smaller hamfest than, say, the Shelby Hamfest I recently attended. In the past, however, I’ve found some real … Continue reading →

Those of you who watched TX Factor Episode 9, no doubt noted the enthusiasm of Clive Ward, G1EUC of the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society. Sadly, I’ve just learned that he passed away on September 4th, after the publication of the TX … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Stephen Cooper, who recently shared a video on the SWLing chatroom: I’m a sucker for cute radio kits, so I purchased one of these from the UK-based seller on eBay as well. There are … Continue reading →

(Source: PCJ International via Keith Perron)

Another episode of the superb UK ham radio program, TX Factor has been published. TX Factor Episode 9 features ham radio “Essex-style!” Here’s a brief description: “We visit the south east to report on the work of Chelmsford ARS, Essex … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill F., who shares this message from Dick (DJ Spacewalker) at Radio Spaceshuttle International: Dear listeners, Special announcement! Wish you all to be ready to listen very last transmission of Radio Spaceshuttle on 13600 kHz … Continue reading →

(Source:RTÉ) Shortwave to Africa In Africa, where many Irish people live and work, often in relative isolation with poor communications, RTÉ is providing special transmissions on shortwave radio from 1300-1700 Frequencies: East Africa and North Africa 1300-1700 9470 kHz Southern … Continue reading →

In my role as director of our 501(c)(3) charity, ETOW, I’m always on the lookout for technologies that could improve the lives of those living at or below the poverty line in remote and sometimes politically-charged regions of the world that are usually off-grid. At ETOW, we … Continue reading →

(Source: SDRplay Facebook Page) SDRplay is pleased to announce Ham Radio Outlet as our exclusive authorized distributor in North America. Right now initial stocking quantities are in place at 10 of their 13 stores nationwide and we plan to stock … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Mauno Ritola who shares a link to the following schedule from the DRM Consortium via the WRTH Facebook page: During IBC, Babcock will be transmitting DRM service from the UK, towards Europe. [Friday September 11, 2015 to September 15, 2015] … Continue reading →

Last week, I received a tip from SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson: Radio Biafra, a new clandestine station, was audible on 15,560 kHz via the Universite Twente Web SDR. Despite miserable propagation conditions, I tuned my receiver to 15,560 kHz and was … Continue reading →

While browsing the Elad website, I noticed an End of Summer sale on their US retail page. The sale includes one of my favorite sub-$1000 SDRs–the Elad FDM-S2–priced at $499 US (originally $580). If you’ve been on the fence about purchasing … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, is not only a dedicated shortwave DXer, but he’s also on the faculty of the Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. Additionally, Richard coordinates Innovation: a regular GPS World feature that … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ulis, who recently shared a link to this story in the DailyNK. Here’s an excerpt: In the case of loudspeaker broadcasts, which roiled the North, eventually leading to artillery fire, it can only be … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Frank, writes from Germany: First let me say that I enjoy your blog a lot. After a 2005-13 hiatus, I have rediscovered a childhood hobby and your reviews have helped me find my way to the post-Sony … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill, for sharing a link to this article which summarizes the BBC’s plans for the next ten years. BBC director general, Tony Hall, said the corporation will become an “open BBC for the internet age”. While … Continue reading →

(Source: Southgate ARC) Members of the ARI Fidenza will be activating special callsigns IO4ENG and IQ4FE during the ‘Enigma Event’. The Enigma Event consists of exchanging ham radio messages over the air encrypted with the Enigma code of WW II … Continue reading →

For the first time in over a decade, my Labor Day weekend was free of travel, so I was able to make a short pilgrimage to the Shelby (North Carolina) hamfest with my good buddies, Vlado (N3CZ), Dave (K4SV) and … Continue reading →

Regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m a huge fan of the late Willis Conover. I just learned, via the Arts Journal blog, about an amazing collection of Conover audio archives that are now being shared online: “The music program at the University … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Alex, has just informed me that he’s updated his printer-friendly shortwave frequency charts for the winter broadcasting season. Note that Alex creates his charts based on listening to broadcasters rather than importing schedules from other sources. You can download the free charts … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Ken Hansen (N2VIP), writes: A few months ago I purchased a couple S9V18 18′ vertical antennas for $65 at cheapham.com, with the intention of deploying a quick HF aerial at my HOA-laden home for ham radio use. … Continue reading →

Monday, September 7, is Labor Day throughout most of North America; shortwave pirates love to operate on long holiday weekends (though you can hear them most any weekend for that matter). So, if you’ve never heard a live pirate station … Continue reading →

Despite dismal propagation, I was quite happy to receive a relatively strong signal earlier this week (31 August 2015) from Channel Africa, starting around 16:40 UTC on 15,235 kHz. This recording begins with the French language service (already in progress), followed … Continue reading →

Many thanks to my buddy, David Goren, who recently discovered that the New York Times Store is now selling fully-restored antique radios. Pricing is not for the faint of heart–at time of posting, prices ranged from $395 to $23,000 US. … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Craig Fuller who shared this excellent Aeronautical HF radio map on the Shortwave Listeners Global Facebook page. Click here or here to download the map as a large graphic. Note that this map is 13 years old and … Continue reading →

Giant Jukebox listeners take note: The Mighty KBC will be making their seasonal move to 7,375 kHz on Sunday September 6, 00:00 – 03:00 UTC. The Mighty KBC’s Giant Jukebox is an easy catch for listeners in much of North America and Europe–if you’ve … Continue reading →

After publishing the post about my PowerMate USB controller, Mike Ladd replied on Facebook: “Do what I did a couple of years ago and add a lobster claw rubber band to the [PowerMate] tuning wheel.” In case you’re not familiar, … Continue reading →

A few days ago, I tuned to 9,420 kHz and found a relatively strong signal from the Avlis transmitter site of the Voice of Greece. The broadcast was quite clear until a heterodyne (het) tone popped up out of nowhere. … Continue reading →

Icom introduced a new general coverage transceiver this year at the Tokyo Hamfair: the Icom IC-7300. Icom has released a preliminary spec sheet (click here to download), but no pricing information yet. The IC-7300 will most likely be the least … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post and Shortwave Radio Audio Archive contributor, Brian Smith, for the following guest post and vintage recording: Shortwave Radio 1974: Canada, Argentina, Spain, West Germany, Albania, utility stations -Brian Smith (W9IND) Want to know what shortwave radio … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Philip, writes with the following question: “I want to know if you are aware of any good shortwave receivers that can be used on an Android tablet.” I am aware of the Android SDR application, SDR Touch (see image … Continue reading →

Lithium primary, lithium ion, lithium polymer…want to know the differences between–and varied uses for–these diverse types of lithium batteries? You’re not alone…so did I. Recently, a reader asked about the suitability of using AA Lithium batteries in a Tecsun radio. Several knowledgeable Post contributors–including Richard … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader “RCXB” who comments: “Another radio deal, if you don’t mind the writing in Chinese, you can get a Tecsun R-911 for just $15.80… A couple dollars cheaper than its already-cheap re-branded Kaito WRX911 namesake … Continue reading →

I just noticed that Universal Radio is featuring the following used Tecsun PL-680 in their used receiver collection. Here’s the description: The Tecsun PL-680 receives longwave, AM, FM and SW bands plus VHF Airband. It features a backlit digital display, … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Bob C., recently shared his review of the C.Crane CC Skywave portable radio: Well, I just received my new CC Skywave radio and it’s terrific! I own a lot of portable radios (including several Tecsun DSP sets), … Continue reading →

Jeff, over at the Herculodge blog, recently posted that the preset #2 button on his C.Crane CC-Radio 2E had become so sticky, it was almost to the point of not being functional. One of his readers suggested that he use Deoxit … Continue reading →

While browsing Amazon, I discovered a hot deal: a new Tecsun PL-380 for $24.99 including shipping. I was very tempted to snatch this one up, but since I already have both a PL-380 and PL-310ET, I’d rather give the opportunity … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, Evans (in Greece) writes: I would like your opinion regarding two strange points we noticed in two different Tecsun PL-880 models, which a friend and I have recently purchased. In particular: The signal meter is supposed to measure … Continue reading →

SWling Post reader, Philip Dickinson, recently contacted me with the following question: “I have just bought a Tecsun 606 which takes two AA batteries which I think are normally rated at 1.2 volts. I have just ordered some lithium ion AA and notice that … Continue reading →

SWLing Post contributor, Guy Atkins, writes: My “bargain bin” $13.99 portable Basbon DSP receiver arrived yesterday from China while I was out of town. That was fortunate for the little radio, as my absence allowed it another day of life … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, I attended the WCARS hamfest in near Waynesville, North Carolina. I walked out of that hamfest carrying way more goods than I had intended to purchase (more on that in a future post–!). One of the … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Moshe, who writes: About 2 weeks ago, a very good friend called me and exclaimed, “you just have to see this radio…I’m keeping it for you!”–so, I drove to his aunt’s house and saw … Continue reading →

(Source: Broadcasting Board of Governors Press Release) WASHINGTON – The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), the independent federal government agency that oversees all U.S. civilian international media, today announced the appointment of John Lansing as Chief Executive Officer and Director … Continue reading →

In response to our review of the Sangean ATS-405–which noted DSP noises on 800 and 1600 kHz–SWLing Post reader, Steve Yothment, comments: “Yes, modern radios usually have a micro communicating with the DSP IC through I2C communications. The inter-IC communications … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, SWLing Post contributor, Ron, sent me an eBay listing for a radio with which I was not familiar: the Aiwa FR-C33. Ron wrote: “I know you are primarily HF but here is something rather special and unique … Continue reading →

Dennis Blanchard (K1YPP), author of Three Hundred Zeroes: Lessons of the Heart on the Appalachian Trail, recently contacted me from the road, en route to another lengthy trail in Vermont. Before this latest hiking expedition, Dennis spent many hours pouring over … Continue reading →

Lately, I’ve had a number of emails from new readers that read something like this: “I just purchased a new portable shortwave receiver, but I can’t seem to hear anything on it other than the strongest of stations. Should I return … Continue reading →

In June, I made a small leap of faith and purchased a (dead) Sony ICF-SW100 from Universal Radio (see the listing on right). You see, for many years, I’ve dreamed about owning this wee little receiver, now a classic among tiny radios, but … Continue reading →