The SWLing Post

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 →

(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 →