The SWLing Post

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. […]

Image Credit: NASA As an amateur astronomer & SWL enthusiast, I always find it interesting when both disciplines overlap. I came across an article on the Internet posted by sciencealert.com of such an overlap. The Earth is surrounded by two radiation belts (Van Allen Belts). But something strange has been discovered. After NASA launched a […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Joe Patti (KD2QBK), who writes: Not sure anyone would be interested, but in using a Bluetooth adapter with my Belka I inadvertently came up with a little stand for it. I attached the adapter to the back of the radio with a piece of plastic 3M Command picture hanger […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Lebryk, who shares the following: I came across this youtube video about a physicist who worked there in his early years and gives this tribute to his time there. Maybe some others would like to see it too: Amazing! Thank you, Tom!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Chris Rogers, who writes: [Here’s] an interesting new amplifier that is suitable for SDR’s and antennas like Youloop etc with Bias-Tee provision. Unsure of the specifications. The ad claims made in North America: https://www.nooelec.com/store/lana-hf-barebones.html Thanks for the tip, Chris! Yes, it’s a bit of a surprise it’s made in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Lebryk, who shares the following guest post: My First Loop-On-Ground antenna A number of people have mentioned the Loop On Ground (LOG) antenna in the past as a good receive-only antenna. I did some research but could only find a few examples by amateur radio operators. Matt Roberts (KK5JY) […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill Hemphill (WD9EQD), who shares the following announcement he originally discovered via reddit user fastradioburst23: Notice of a KTMS winter test transmission beaming to Europe/USA on 9670 kHz at 2300 UTC on 17.12.2020. This transmission will consist of interval jingles, engineer test signals, rare re-media mixes of cult 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 […]

I remember when I first laid hands on a self-powered portable radio. It was the Baygen FPR1 designed by the amazing Trevor Bayliss. The FPR1 was a large portable radio with a black plastic body, large front-facing speaker, and large hand crank on the side. It was a clockwork radio, meaning you’d use the hand […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, DanH, who shares the following comment in response to this news article from the Citizen Times featured in Radio Waves yesterday: Here are my thanks to members of the Amateur Radio community and The News-Record & Sentinel for remembering the legacy of Hammarlund Manufacturing Company Incorporated. It is good […]

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 […]

I’ve been on the coast of South Carolina enjoying a little R&R with my wonderful family. We rented a vacation home on a tidal river just south of Charleston, SC and it was just what the doctor ordered. The location was gorgeous, the weather was amazing, and there was very little RF interference outside our […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, April TimeLady, who shares her latest collection of Japanese language WebSDR recordings–this time, for November 2020. Feel free to listen to her recordings via the clickable playlist below, or on her Archive.org page. Thank you, April for once again uploading and sharing your recordings! Click here for a link to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: Generally, the news about shortwave is bad (stations that close, stations that leave the short wave and go to the Internet), but this time the news is good: After 15 years, Radio Taiwan International is broadcasting again in Korean language in short wave. At […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Joshua Goldsmith, who notes that the Eton Mini is on sale at Woot for $17.99 US. That’s the best price I believe I’ve seen on this little radio–certainly a nice stocking stuffer! Click here to check it out on Woot!

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, David Korchin, who needs a little advice regarding his recently restored Hammarlund HR-10: After doing a heart transplant on my Hammarlund HR-10 Weather Sentry multi band receiver (I found a rough user on eBay and swapped out the chassis into my unspoiled case) the rig is running to spec; […]

On December 26 from 0900-1430 UTC, Radio Channel 292 will have a 100-kw Marathon on 6070 Khz organized by Max Berger of Radio SM Dessau featuring multiple programs using a transmitter in Moosbrunn, Austria. Radio SM Dessau will be handling a special QSL for the occasion. Both Radio Channel 292 and WBCQ The Planet will […]

Many thanks to Gayle Van Horn (W4GVH) who notes that her Global Radio Guide for Winter 2020-2021 is now available on Amazon.com. Click here to read the full press release (PDF). Click here to check out the Global Radio Guide on Amazon.com.

(Source: SpaceRef via Eric McFadden) In direct contradiction to the official forecast, a team of scientists led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is predicting that the Sunspot Cycle that started this fall could be one of the strongest since record-keeping began. In a new article published in Solar Physics, the research team […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Ladd with SDRplay, who shares his latest SDRuno tutorial video: Click here to watch on YouTube. Click here to purchase the new EQ plugin via Black Cat Systems.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans (W4/VP9KF), who writes: Oh no, I spotted another radio to identify in about a 1 second clip from “Death In Paradise”, Series 9, Episode 7. This should be easier, but is it? Bonus points for the name of the lizard! Oh! That’s a tough one. Thanks for […]

From the Isle of Music, December 13-19: This week, we present a musical retrospective of Candido Camero, and important innovator in the evolution of the usage of afrocuban percussion who passed away November 7 at the age of 99 years. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area […]

Many thanks to Alex (EU1ME)–developer and manufacturer of the Belka DX and Belka DSP shortwave receivers–who shares information about a new version of the Belka-DX: [Based on customer feedback, we’ve] added a built-in speaker to the Belka DX version. It’s an option that I believe also can be useful when listening this radio (broadcasts for […]

President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”–the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by air. Today (December 7, 2020) is the 79th anniversary. This morning, I was once again reminded of an off-air recording I made in 2013 of the pirate radio station, Radio Free Whatever. Please enjoy […]

The following review was first published in the November 2020 issue of The Spectrum Monitor magazine: A review of the Mission RGO One ham radio transceiver by Thomas (K4SWL / M0CYI) Wow…I love this! If I am perfectly frank, that would sum up my initial impression of the Mission RGO One. It was the 2018 […]

I’m so pleased to see a fascinating new post from our friend London Shortwave this morning. In his latest article, London Shortwave demonstrates how he has been making super simple spectrum recordings by pairing the new Belka-DX receiver (which has an I/Q out port) with a Zoom H1 handheld digital recorder. The recorded I/Q files […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric (WD8RIF), who notes that the 27th episode of TX Factor was recently released. Here’s the show summary: Another post-lockdown special? – Indeed! And we hope you are safe and well and looking forward to some TX Factor action. In this final show of 2020, we visit the home of a well-known and […]

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, Dennis Dura, who shares the following video featuring the Tecsun AN-200 on the Waters & Stanton YouTube channel: I told so many over the years that I honestly think the AN200 is one of the most useful and effective mediumwave antennas you can purchase. It’s portable and it pairs […]

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 and RX antenna guru, Grayhat, for another excellent guest post focusing on compact, low-profile urban antennas: A linear loaded dipole for the SWL by Grayhat What follows is the description of an antenna which may allow to obtain good performances even in limited space, the antenna which I’m about […]