The SWLing Post

The November 1st deadline for our latest Reader Challenge is approaching! In exchange for sharing a photo of your favorite listening post or your radio shack with the SWLing Post community, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Grundig G2 portable … Continue reading →

Many thanks to Robert who comments on our post about the Sony SRF-39FP: Here’s a Suped-up Version of the SRF-39FP made for me by Gary DeBock. [see above] As if the Prison Radio wasn’t already good enough…this 7 Inch loopstick … Continue reading →

I have two of the Sony SRF series pocket AM/FM radios: the grey SRF-59 and the clear SRF-39FP. The venerable SRF-59 has long been one of the least expensive, quality analog AM/FM receivers on the market. I originally purchased one new for … Continue reading →

SWLing Post reader, “Oxford Shortwave Log” recently noted the following on our Facebook page: “Hi there, I received some very nice feedback regarding almost perfect reception of Radio Australia during a mini DX-pedition into the Oxfordshire countryside and thought I … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert (AK3Q), who shares this news item: “This was first reported by the Telegraph and picked up by Fox News website:” (Source: The Telegraph) Russia has run large scale experiments to test the feasibility … Continue reading →

This morning, before heading out the door, I tuned around the 31 meter broadcast band. I’ve actually been recording 640 kHz of the 31 meter band for almost 24 hours, trying to capitalize on the fact that propagation conditions have been … Continue reading →

The SWLing Post attracts readers and enthusiasts from all walks of life. In the past, we’ve put together Reader Challenges based on actual questions we receive from readers, usually looking for the best radio kit for a unique situation or location. … Continue reading →

Though I’ve spent the entire day sawing and splitting firewood, I’ve been actively recording spectrum on the 31, 25, 19 and 16 meter bands with the WinRadio Excalibur, Elad FDM-S2 and the SDRplay RSP. Why? Propagation–especially on the higher bands–has … Continue reading →

(Source: BBC Media Action) On Global Handwashing Day, Diana Njeru looks at how a radio station constructed from a shipping container is helping people improve their health in one of Kenya’s largest slums. On the banks of a slimy grey … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Charles, who writes: Thomas, you might find this movie review of “The Russian Woodpecker” interesting. Looks like the film is more conspiracy than investigative reporting. Too bad. Having dealt with Woodpecker noise during my ham … Continue reading →

Two weeks ago, I received a mystery package in the mail: a copy of the October 2015 issue of CQ Ham Radio magazine, sent directly from the publisher in Tokyo, Japan. Since I can’t speak or read Japanese, I was … Continue reading →

As many of you know, I’ve been catching up on correspondence recently as the past few weeks have been quite hectic. SWLing Post reader, Andy (G0FTD), sent the following message several weeks ago, but is still seeking help: I came across … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, David LW4DAF, who shares this link from RCI news: After seven days of walking, a group of supporters of Canada’s public broadcaster, has reached its goal on Parliament Hill in the national capital, Ottawa. … Continue reading →

I’m having difficulty remembering who sent me a link to the ITU Monitoring Programme, but I am most grateful. What is the monitoring programme? Here’s the description from the ITU website: “The objective of this monitoring programme is to identify stations whose … Continue reading →

Tom Laskowski, has been generously contributing a number of off-air shortwave radio recordings to the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive (SRAA). Recently, he shared a series I’m sure many of you remember. Tom writes: “My first contribution of many recordings I have … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post readers, Mark and Alan, who were both recently notified by C.Crane that the CC Skywave has been updated. Mike purchased the CC Skywave early this year after reading our review. He was disappointed to find out, … Continue reading →

While browsing the front page of Universal Radio recently, I noted that the AOR AR-Mini B handheld communications receiver is currently on sale. This surprised for two reasons: I thought the AR-Mini B was discontinued. This receiver used to sell for … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), for sharing information about this initiative by Radio Taiwan International: Radio Taiwan International began broadcasting in 1928. In an era when information did not travel as quickly as today, RTI programs could … Continue reading →

(Source: CNN Money via Andrea Borgnino) It turns out that radio still gets results. Amid all the changes in television and digital media, a report from Nielsen released Tuesday found that radio’s nationwide audience reached an all-time high during the second … Continue reading →

(Source: Southgate ARC) Extra Grimeton Radio/SAQ transmission There will be a transmission with the Alexanderson VLF alternator on 17.2 kHz on ‘United Nations Day’ October 24th, 2015 at 10:00 UTC (12:00 local time). Start up and tuning from about 09:30 … Continue reading →

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), for the following guest post: International Radio Broadcasts via Satellite by Mario Filippi I find your SWLing Post blog a constant fountain of information on the world of shortwave listening. Having been … Continue reading →

The SWLing Post DXpedition at PARI is going very well. We started yesterday around noon with beautiful fall weather; late last night, it started raining but that hasn’t dampened our spirits today. Despite the wet, chilly weather, Gary Donnelly (above) … Continue reading →

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: