The SWLing Post

Tuesday evening, I picked up a package from Anon-Co with the new export version of the Tecsun PL-330 inside. Anon-Co sent this unit to me for evaluation at no charge to me. Anon-Co will start shipping the PL-330 next week and the price will be $59.99. By request, I took a few photos of the […]

The correct featured country for this week is Belarus. Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, January 10-16: In episode 199, we enjoy traditional and modern music from Belarus. The transmissions take place: 1.Sunday 2300-0000 (6:00PM -7:00PM EST) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe 2. Tuesday 2000-2100 UTC […]

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, Fastburstradio23, who shares the flyer above for the next KMTS broadcast. Looks like another fun show scheduled for January 10, 2021 at 01:00 UTC (20:00 EST January 9) on 7780 kHz.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, April TimeLady, who shares her latest collection of Japanese language WebSDR recordings–this time, for December 2020. April notes: Please find in this email a link to another batch of SDR recordings I have uploaded on archive.org that I made over the course of December. I concentrated mostly on mediumwave stations […]

Many thanks to Jon Hudson with SDRPlay who notes: Want to add SDR software to an existing Raspberry Pi setup? Check out our new SDRplay-related software installer scripts: Add SDRplay-related software to your existing Raspberry Pi SD card – SDRplay Click here to view at SDRplay.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: Appearing on the Japanese Buyee website is this RF-9000, which was the “King of Radios” of the heavy multiband “portable” era. In recent years, RF-9000s in excellent to LNIB condition have sold for $10,000 or more. A tour d’force of technology in its day, the […]

From the Isle of Music, January 10-16: This week, we present a Cuban dance party. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 UTC on SpaceLine, 9400 KHz, from Sofia, Bulgaria […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Devin, who writes: I am a game historian conducting research on early computer games. There is one radio program of particular historical significance called The Famous Computer Cafe that interviewed all the early movers and shakers of early computing, including Philip Estridge, Bill Gates, Bill Atkinson, Gene Rodenberry, and […]

Many thanks to Rob Sherwood (NC0B) who shares his recent assessment of the new Yaesu FTDX10. In short: the FTDX10 is now number 3 (at time of posting) on Rob’s receiver test data table— a table sorted by third-order dynamic range narrow spaced. Most impressive! Click here to download Rob’s full HF test results and […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who writes: Schulman Auctions scheduled another on-line auction, lots of ham gear and accessories. A few shortwave radios in this auction. Thanks for the tip, Mario! Looks like the online auction starts in two days (from time of posting). Lots of great gear to browse! Click here […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank, who writes: Hi there, I have written a manual for the Tecsun PL-330 in German after getting only a Chinese one. Perhaps it is helpful for somebody? With friendly regards Frank from Germany Click here to download Tecsun PL-330 Deutsche Bedienungsanleitung (PDF 1.8 MB) Thanks so much for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Giuseppe Morlè (IZ0GZW), who writes: Dear Thomas, I’m Giuseppe Morlè (IZ0GZW) from Formia, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, in Italy . I built this simple rotating directive ferrite antenna for medium waves and the 160 meters ham band. Inside the tube there are 2 ferrites with 43 cable windings and […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who shares his latest update to his B20 season guide to music on shortwave. Click here to download as a PDF.

I remember back in 2007 when Amazon announced their first Kindle E-Ink portable reader, I honestly couldn’t imagine how it could be useful. Why in the world would I abandon print books and stare at yet another screen? A couple years later, I sat next to a (rather talkative) passenger on a trip to Seattle. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who notes a National Panasonic Cougar RF-2200 that’s currently available on eBay. The Cougar is an Asian version of the venerable Panasonic RF-2200. This model appears to have an original box in great shape. The price is steep, though at roughly US $563.35 as a Buy It […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Patrick, who writes: Many of us have more time during the holiday season to watch good old movies on either streaming services or just old-time DVD. My favourite pastime is to watch James Bond movies, based on the books by Ian Fleming. The iconic British agent in Her Majesty’s […]

Last August, SWLing Post contributor, Andy (G7UHN), shared his homebrew project with us: a genius companion control display for the venerable Yaesu FT-817 general coverage QRP transceiver. Andy’s article caused me (yes, I blame him) to wax nostalgic about the popular FT-817 transceiver. You see, I owned one of the first production models of the […]

This morning, I’m catching up with email and posts as I’ve had less online time these past few days (not a bad thing). I’m also trying to sort out and organize some of the gear in my compact shack/office. As I do this, I can’t help but think through some of the radio projects 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 […]

You might recall that there was a proposal, earlier this year, for a $50 fee to accompany pretty much any amateur radio license application. Today, the FCC published their Report and Order (MD Docket No. 20-270) adopting a $35 licence fee after reviewing numerous requests from amateur radio operators and organizations like the ARRL stating […]

WBCQ’S Escape from 2020! will air at 10pm EST December 31 (0300-0400 UTC Jan 1) rather than the originally advertised 11pm EST (0400-0500 UTC) on 6160 and 7490 kHz

Shortwave Radio Audio Archive contributor, Tom Gavaras, shared this studio recording of Radio Moscow from January 1, 1980. We posted this recording on the SRAA, but I also wanted to share it here as I’m sure there are readers who might have even heard this show over shortwave live back in the day. I’m certain […]

(Source: CBC Yukon) From Yukon to Finland: CBC’s radio signal heard from afar Host Elyn Jones heard saying ‘this is Yukon Morning,’ about 7,000 kilometres away A keen listener has managed to hear CBC Yukon’s radio broadcast from about 7,000 kilometres away. Jorma Mäntylä lives in Kangasala, Finland. On Oct.15 he was scanning the airwaves […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares the following note from SwissInfo.ch: Since you’re no doubt wondering what Christmas sounds like in Switzerland’s four national languages, we’ve dusted off an old radio interview, produced in 1975 by the Swiss Short-wave Service, later Swiss Radio International and ultimately SWI swissinfo.ch: https://media.swissinfo.ch/media/audio/feecfc39-3630-4394-b5b4-612c272e1c7d/audio/54a5555c-01e5-4da6-aec2-fde4ebf00475.mp3 Thanks […]

Both Radio Channel 292 and WBCQ The Planet will have New Year’s Eve specials organized by Bill Tilford (aka Uncle Bill) featuring multiple programs: 1. On December 31, Radio Channel 292 will present a 2-hour special, Neujahrsgrüsse von Radio Channel 292 featuring segments from nine different music programs with classical, jazz, rock, Cuban and volksmusik from 2300-0100 […]

From the Isle of Music, January 3-9: This week, our first episode of 2021, we present experimental music from 1980 by Arte Vivo. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 […]

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, Sorin, who writes: Hello Thomas, I’ve read with interest your blog and inputs about the XHDATA radio. Now since yesterday I own such a radio, and I’ve noticed it has aspects that are superbly resolved, but I miss a complete Instruction Manual. The pdf you have there (the same […]

This morning, I’m looking at the calendar and I see and end in sight for 2020. I think most of us can agree that 2020 will be one for the history books, in large part due to the Covid-19 global pandemic which has had a pretty dramatic affect on many of our lives. It certainly […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Rawdon, who shares the following: [This is] a recording of a story featured on HCJB’s DX Party Line hosted by Clayton Howard. As far as I remember it was recorded in December 1974. It’s a short story from SPEEDX about the reception of Tristan Da Cunha and St […]

Note: Jeff Murray and I posted at Christmas in 2014–I thought it would be fun to dig it out of the archives once again. Enjoy! Dear Editor— I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no shortwave. Uncle DX Dash! says, “If you see it on the SWLing Post, it’s […]

I’ve just heard from SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who now works at KSKO in McGrath, Alaska. He’s paid to broadcast KSKO 89.5’s special 2 hour all-Christmas music show on shortwave via WRMI’s 100,000 Watt 5950 kHz transmitter in Okechobee, Florida. The broadcast will take place from 2300 UTC on Thurs. Dec 24th to 0100UTC […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who shares the final update of his Holiday Broadcasts on Shortwave Guide. Click here to download (PDF). [V5 Update] Again, thank you so much, Alan, for curating this guide and sharing it!

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 […]

(Source: SAQ via Jake Brodsky, AB3A) As a result of the prevailing circumstances in our society, we unfortunately have to inform that the traditional Christmas Eve transmission with SAQ is cancelled. We find it sad to have to make this decision, but see it as a necessary measure to protect everyone involved. While waiting for […]

From the Isle of Music, December 27-January 2: This week, we present an evening of romantic Cuban music from the past several decades, so you can invite your sweetie into the radio shack. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Roseanna, with Radio Northern Europe International who shares the following announcement: Hei all, After lots of work and careful song selection we have completed our Christmas special show for 2020 and we hope you get to hear it and love it! Musical Features: Some Norwegian cheese to open the show Some […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald Kuhl (DL1AX), who shares the following announcement from the NDR regarding the annual Gruss an Bord Christmas Eve broadcast. Harald notes: Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) published frequencies for this year’s shortwave transmission on 24 December: ————————– 1900 UTC till 2100 UTC: Frequency target area 6080 kHz Atlantic – North 11650 kHz Atlantic – […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Justin (N2UJZ), who shares the following Icom IC-7300 tip: I was looking for a way to completely disable the TX (to share an antenna) on a IC-7300 and found this article. I didn’t get any answers saying “yes” but I just figured it out and yes it can be […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Zack Schindler (N8FNR), who writes: If anyone wants to listen to archives of VOA’s Music Time in Africa many are now available. I received this email from the archivist at the University of Michigan “At the present time we have roughly 600 shows online here: http://mtia.sites.uofmhosting.net/ Click on the […]

If you missed the KMTS (or is that KTMS?) test broadcast on the 17th of December 2020, you’re in luck. I’ve just discovered a studio recording of the entire broadcast on Soundcloud, via a Post reader tip. I’ve embedded a Soundcloud audio player below, but you can also listen via Soundcloud: I’ll admit that this […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Porter (G4OYX), who shares the following news: Hi All, I am pleased to report that following the efforts of two Communication Engineers at the former BBC/VoA Transmitter site at Woofferton, Shropshire there is again an amateur radio club callsign allocated there. Jon Norton G1JOD and Matt Porter G8XYJ […]

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 […]

If you’re an Icom IC-705 owner and have been waiting for Mat-Tuner to address the design shortcomings of their original mAT-705, you might want to check out my initial review of the new mAT-705Plus ATU posted over on QRPer.com. It includes a video of the new ATU in action. In short, this upgraded model looks […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Benn Kobb, who shares the following press release from the FCC: Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC ENFORCEMENT BUREAU WARNS PROPERTY OWNERS AND MANAGERS OF SIGNIFICANT NEW FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR ALLOWING ILLEGAL BROADCASTING ON THEIR PROPERTY Notice Could Precede Fines of Up to $2 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, for sharing the following video:

After posting recordings of 630 AM WAIZ’s “Wacky Wake-Up Crew” recently, a few readers asked for yet another recording, so here you go! I made this recording yesterday morning (December, 16, 2020), starting around 5:30 EST with the Icom IC-705 connected to my homebrew NCPL antenna: https://archive.org/download/waiz-630k-hz-20201216-143239/WAIZ-630kHz-20201216_143239.mp3

From the Isle of Music, December 20-26: This week, we present a Navidad Cubana with Cuban Christmastime music from the past several decades. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who writes: I have been collating a list of programming on shortwave over the forthcoming holiday period. The programmes listed are predominantly, but not necessarily, seasonal. Here is the first edition of this compilation, which will be updated and redistributed if and when more information becomes available. […]