The SWLing Post

Many thanks to our friends at Radio Survivor who share this most recent episode of Today, Explained with Noel King: The BBC is bringing back shortwave radio broadcasts to counter censorship and disinformation in Russia and Ukraine. Professor D.W. Stupples explains. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Allen (KZ4TN), who shares the following guest post: My Belka-DX: A Cautionary Tale One of the most amazing SW radios I have ever owned and listened to is the Belka-DX. Its size to performance ratio is without equal, IMHO. Late last year I dropped it on the floor […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jock Elliott, who shares the following guest post: The joys of listening to the ham bands By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM “It’s magic, but it’s real.” That statement was uttered recently by an amateur radio operator – a ham – from South Carolina. He was on the 20-meter band (around 14,187 USB), operating […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark (AE2EA), who writes: Hi Thomas, FYI, The AWA just posted a presentation by Andy Flowers, K0SM, about amateur radio transmitters from the 1920s & early 30s. Andy is a builder of beautiful early transmitters, among other ham radio pursuits like 10GHz and up microwave work. Here’s the latest […]

The following update reflects the change to daylight savings time, all programs are now 1 hour UTC earlier.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Chris Greenway, for sharing this story via Twitter: Czech Radio helping Ukrainian public broadcaster’ At the request of the Ukrainian public broadcaster UA: PBC, Czech Radio is sending technical equipment essential for broadcasting to Ukraine. Thanks to this donation it will be possible to set up temporary Ukrainian radio […]

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Because I keep my ear to the waves, as well as receive many tips from others who do the same, I find myself privy to radio-related stories that might interest SWLing Post readers. To that end: Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Zack Schindler, who writes: I have been watching a series on the Science Channel called Spycraft. It is about the “business” and history of modern spycraft and is quite interesting. The most recent episode (3/8/2022) was called “the Perfect Recruit” and was about spies inside US agencies. One case […]

Many thanks to a number of SWLing Post contributors who’ve shared the following article from The Conversation: Shortwave radio in Ukraine: why revisiting old-school technology makes sense in a war (The Conversation) Shortly before access to the BBC News website was reportedly blocked in Russia a few days ago, the BBC announced that it was […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Fastradioburst23, who shares the Flying Carpet Radio flyer above announcing broadcasts on Sunday, March 13th, 2022 at 2200 UTC on 9395 kHz (WRMI). Looks like it’ll be a hoot! Thanks for the tip!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Sheldon Harvey, who shares the following: The Canadian International DX Club, Canada’s national radio monitoring club, has prepared a special 10-page feature article “Focus on Ukraine”, providing dozens of links to information sources on the conflict in Ukraine, including a lot of radio information. The feature is available through […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rafael Rodríguez R., who writes: Greetings from Colombia! In a Chinese film called “The Captain” (2019) or in its Spanish title “Terror in the Air” that recreates the situations experienced in 2018 by Sichuan Airlines flight 3U8633, when on their trip from Chongqing to Lhasa, they lost pressure due […]

Radio Angela, WBCQ’s new music and entertainment service on 4790 kHz, retains the same eastern us hours after the change to daylight savings time (the hours will be 10pm-Midnight EDT nightly), meaning that UTC will change to 0200-0400 UTC nightly beginning March 14 0200 UTC (March 13 10pm EDT). A schedule for the second half […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Vlad, who lives in Ukraine and shares the following video/recording of Ukraine’s state radio on 549 kHz. Vlad notes: I recorded this for history where the announcer says that, “due to an air raid alert, the staff is in hiding and the live broadcast will continue after it ends.” […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mangosman, for sharing the following press release from Radio Exterior de España. Please note that the original press release was in Spanish and can be viewed at RTVE Comunicación. What follows is a machine translation: Radio Exterior de España: The Short Wave service of REE reaches Ukraine and Russia […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jock Elliott, who shares the following guest post: Keeping an ear on the US Coast Guard By Jock Elliott KB2GOM Wandering the vast expanses of YouTube, I encountered an episode of “Coast Guard Alaska” on DangerTV’s Protecting Our Waters/Coast Guard Rescue Series playlist. One episode led to another, and before long, I was […]

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Because I keep my ear to the waves, as well as receive many tips from others who do the same, I find myself privy to radio-related stories that might interest SWLing Post readers. To that end: Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who writes: Hi Thomas, Hope all is well. There’s a NIB Yaesu FRG-100 on eBay; see pic attached. Amazing that there is one around like that. Hefty price [$748.00] but reasonable as used ones go for $350 – $410 lately. Even FRG-7’s are commanding good prices. Have […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Lee Hite, who writes: Following up on Dave Snyder’s WLW post, here is the rest of the story about WLWO. Click to download: Lies, Spies and Secrets – Hidden History of Cincinnati Radio (PDF in Google Drive) Thanks Lee Hite What a fascinating read! Thank you for sharing, Lee.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who brought the “Shortwaves for Freedom” fundraising (crowdsource) campaign to my attention. I’ve confirmed with WRMI that this campaign is legitimate and that they are purchasing time from WRMI to broadcast VOA and RFE/RL into Russia and Ukraine. Here’s the description of the mission behind their campaign: […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jim Meirose, who recently shared a few photos and writes: This is the equipment currently in use here in Somerville, NJ. The Collins 75A-4 is a recent acquisition. This radio is used to cover all amateur bands. The other is the Kenwood R-600, for general coverage up to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tim Brockett, who writes: Thomas, Attached is the latest 2022 schedule for Texas Radio Shortwave. These folks have GREAT QSL cards too! The designs change frequently and each is personalized. Thanks, Tim Brockett Click here to download the full schedule as a PDF. Thanks so much for the tip, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, for the following guest post: How VOA’s Communications World Started by Dan Robinson NOTE: This exclusive is being published simultaneously with the North American Shortwave Association (NASWA) journal in its March 2022 edition. Voice of America recently observed its 80th birthday. Readers may recall that in the mid-1980’s into the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Zack Schindler, who shares the following stories all focused on US broadcasters receiving pressure from the NAB and their communities to halt broadcasts of Russian state-sponsored media like Russia Today and Sputnik: NAB Calls On Broadcasters To Cease Russian Programming (Radio and Television Business Report) It says it is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank, who writes: Thomas, I have asked for and received help from your members a couple of times during the last year. I am sending this to you in an effort to “give something back” to your members. I managed to stupidly break the built-in whip antenna on my […]

Predictions for Solar Cycle 25. Blue is the “official” prediction of a weak cycle. Red is a new prediction based on the Termination Event. Feb. 26, 2022: Something big just happened on the sun. Solar physicists Scott McIntosh (NCAR) and Bob Leamon (U. Maryland-Baltimore County) call it “The Termination Event.” “Old Solar Cycle 24 has […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Fastradioburst23, who shares the Scented Garden flyer above announcing broadcasts on Sunday, March 9th and 16th, 2022 at 1700 UTC on 3955 kHz (Channel 292). I’m under the impression this station may be a tribute to John Peel’s Perfumed Garden show on the pirate Radio London. Brilliant! Thanks for the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Snyder, who shares this presentation outlining the history of WLW for the National VOA Museum of Broadcasting YouTube channel. Video description: Behind the scenes pictures from the efforts of Powel Crosley, Jr. creating the famous WLW Radio Station, including the largest USA AM broadcast transmitter at 500,000 watts. […]

Many thanks to a number of SWLing Post contributors who share the following news item from the New York Times. I’ve included an excerpt below, but the full article article can be found on the NY Times website. You may need a NY Times account to read this article if you’re not a paid subscriber; […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Chris, who shares the following report from The Guardian: BBC website ‘blocked’ in Russia as shortwave radio brought back to cover Ukraine war (The Guardian) Website reportedly available at only 17% of normal levels in Russia, hours after broadcaster revives radio technology to reach Ukraine and parts of Russia […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following notice from ORF Austria: Please note that ORF – Austria makes two new transmissions in German towards Ukraine as follows: 1100-1200 UTC 13730 kHz and 1700-1730 UTC 5940 kHz The 17H00 UTC transmission lasts 25 minutes from Monday to Thursday. On Friday it […]

BBC World Service to Ukraine (Source: The BBC World Service via Twitter) You can listen for updates on the Russia-Ukraine war on BBC World Service live online http://bbcworldservice.com And the map shows our shortwave radio reach in #Ukraine 15735 kHz 16:00 – 18:00 GMT +2 5875 kHz 22:00 – 00:00 GMT +2 Czech Radio adds […]

From the Isle of Music, March 6-12, 2022: This week we enjoy two brand new Cuban dance music albums, Evolution 6.5 by Elito Revé y su Charangón, and Mucho by Giraldo Piloto and Klimax. Remember that Channel 292 is having a special FTIOM & UBMP Marathon 0700-2300 UTC on 6070 kHz March 8 The broadcasts […]

There’s a reason why Russia disabled Kyiv’s TV tower with two missiles on the morning of March 1, 2022. As Ukraine’s Defense minister was quoted in The Guardian: “Moscow aims to cut off communications to ‘break the resistance of the people’.” One of the first things an invader tries to shut down is a country’s […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares a link to this Sony ICF-6000W he found on eBay: The seller notes that the condition is “near mint” and the radio works perfectly both electronically and mechanically. I absolutely love the design of this radio. When this was being produced (assuming sometime in the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares his radio log art, this time along with shortwave recordings taking a look at the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China Radio International and the Voice of America: Carlos notes: Excerpts from news bulletins of Voice of America (USA) and China Radio International about the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank, who writes: Hi Thomas, Last week I acquired a HanRongDa HRD-747. Really astonishing – a good receiving mini portable with wide range and many features. Therefore the manual is very important especially because there are only a few knobs to manage all functions. In my opinion the paper […]

Farewell To Europe Special Marathon Channel 292, 6070 kHz March 8, 0800-2400 CET (0700-2300 UTC) From “Uncle Bill” Tilford, producer and host of From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot: Personal financial circumstances beyond my control recently made it necessary for me to discontinue broadcasts of my programs from stations in Europe, […]

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Because I keep my ear to the waves, as well as receive many tips from others who do the same, I find myself privy to radio-related stories that might interest SWLing Post readers. To that end: Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dirk Rijmenants, who shares the following update: Dear cryptography enthusiasts, The Cipher Machines and Cryptology website moved to a new location! Since you visited our website, contacted me, read about cryptography, downloaded the various simulators or participated in some the challenges, I would like to inform you that the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andrea Borgnino (@aborgnino), who notes: On shortwave, the BBC is adding 2 shortwave broadcasts to Ukraine on 5875 kHz from 8/10 UTC and on 15735 kHz from 2/4 UTC. On medium wave, NEXUS- of Milan in Italy on 1323 kHz and proposes broadcasting for Eastern countries from 7/11 p.m. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Vlad (US7IGN), who notes: The good news is that [Ukraine] state radio has resumed broadcasting on 549 kHz. Thank you Vlad and wishing you the best.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who shares the following news from WRMI: WRMI Resumes Broadcasts of Radio Ukraine International Due to the increased interest in the current situation in Ukraine, WRMI has resumed its relays of the daily English language broadcast of Radio Ukraine International, the official overseas service of Ukrainian Radio. […]

WBCQ’S new Radio Angela Service on 4790 kHz, which has been propagation testing during February, will begin its regular broadcast schedule on March 1 world date (February 28 US date) using the nightly hours of 10pm Eastern US time to Midnight Eastern US time (currently 0300-0500 UTC, the UTC will change with daylight savings time). […]

From the Isle of Music, February 28-March 5, 2022: This week will be our final regular episode on Channel 292, which will give us a Farewell to Europe marathon on March 8. (More about that next week.) We will feature the epic third album by Los Van Van. The broadcasts take place: 1. For the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares the following note he also posted to Glenn Hauser’s io group: As we know, Radio Ukraine International, a.k.a. Ukrainian Radio, is no longer on SW except perhaps for a one-hour German-language relay from a low-power transmitter in Germany. It is also on satellite but that […]

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio Because I keep my ear to the waves, as well as receive many tips from others who do the same, I find myself privy to radio-related stories that might interest SWLing Post readers. To that end: Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Joshuah, who writes: Dear Thomas, I recently dedicated some funding to rebuilding my shortwave listening station. I had paid attention to new amplifiers and became aware of some review data by an engineer at SDRPlay comparing amplifier performance that suggests the Cross Country Wireless amplifier, at a cost of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Fastradioburst23, who shares the flier above and notes that CTRN will return for a 7th broadcast on February 27, 2022 at 23:00 UTC via WRMI on 9395 kHz.