The SWLing Post

From the Isle of Music, June 7-13: This week, special guest Rodrigo García helps us present Ceda el Paso’s innovative new jazz fusion album Te estoy llamando. In the second half, we listen to part of a new tribute to Orquesta Aragon’s 80 years by Maraca, Orquesta Aragón and others. The broadcasts take place: 1. […]

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, Adi, who writes: i just finished watching this BBC piece: In the background are two “blurred” receivers, they are unrelated to the story as far as being told or shown. They look as top $$$$ type but what are they? Post Readers: Can you ID the commercial-grade rigs in […]

In January, András Retzler–owner of the SDR.hu KiwiSDR portal–started requiring registration and a ham radio license in order to access their extensive online database of SDRs. Today, we learned of the site’s closure. Here’s the message posted at SDR.hu: The SDR.hu project has been finished I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who […]

Yesterday, my family watched the successful launch of the NASA Demo-2 SpaceX Dragon via YouTube. As astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley communicated with Mission Control, we heard PTT confirmation beeps after each transmission. Those beeps, of course, reminded me of past NASA missions and those iconic confirmation tones we heard in audio from the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Marwan Baayoun, who writes in response to our recent post about radio regrets: For me, my biggest regret was when in November 2018 I sold my well-protected Sony ICF-SW77. I bought it brand new over the phone from Universal Radio. My ICF-SW77 was my side kick and went with […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Shawn Bliss (KB7WYO), who writes: Hi, Thomas! I love the blog and check in every day or two to get my SWL fix. I recently purchased a PL-310ET on your recommendation (and those of many other radio people) and absolutely love it. My previous porch radio was a well-worn […]

(Source: Jim Salmon) Radio Emma Toc World Service – Schedule Summary – June 2020 Ways to listen… Radio Emma Toc World Service – programme no. 2 – June 2020 You can listen online – www.emmatoc.com – visit the ‘World Service’ page. You can listen to our shortwave or FM broadcasts via our relay partners […]

Regular Broadcast times of Encore are: 10:00 – 11:00 UTC Saturday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe – Now Simulcast on 7440 kHz Repeated: 01:00 – 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz, Simulcast on 5010 kHz WRMI to the US, Canada and Central America. 17:00 – 18:00 UTC Sunday 7440 kHz Channel 292 to Europe (Moved from 08:00 UTC) (Possibly moved again to 16:00 UTC) 21:00 […]

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 […]

Last week, I saw a fascinating post by Christoph Jahn on the SDRplay Facebook page. Christoph created a custom hotkey pad for use with SDRuno. The project is actually quite simple and his finished product looks amazing: The steps involve downloading “LuaMacros” a freeware macros utility that allows you to map macros to an external […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mangosman, who writes: There used to be magazines like Radio Electronics (USA), Practical Wireless (UK), Radio Television and Hobbies (Australia) and other magazines on electronics were sold in shops and on subscription for money which paid their writers. The internet has killed most of these magazines. There are still […]

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 […]

When the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B was introduced last year, I immediately purchased two of the 4GB models for my daughters. A the time, 4GB was the maximum amount of RAM available. Both of my daughters have been using their Pi 4’s with a Raspian distribution to learn Python, Linux Command Line and, of […]

Earlier today, I stumbled upon a very unique transceiver in Universal Radio archives: the Yaesu FT-70G. Here’s the description from Universal: The Yaesu FT-70G is a portable HF transceiver covering 2 to 30 MHz transmit. Receive is from 500 kHz to 30 MHz. Frequency selection is via BCD switches to 100 Hz. There is a clarifier […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Lebryk, who shares the following guest post: YouLoop Picnic Table Report by Tom Lebryk So, I finally got around to testing my Airspy YouLoop after the long shipping delay from China. It is simple in concept and will not repeat what others have written about it in previous […]

From the Isle of Music, May 31-June 6: This week, we enjoy a Cuban dance party with four new releases from the Bis Music label. Special guest Ricardo Oropesa will be with us for part of the program. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Day, who recently shares the newspaper clipping above. I was not aware of this Cold War era kerosene lamp generator, but it’s an ingenious use of the thermoelectric effect for power generation. I found yet another another clipping online: Devices that work off of thermoelectric effect have been […]

Many thanks to Amanda Dawn Christie, who notes that Spectres of Shortwave is once again viewable online: Hi Thomas, the [Spectres of Shortwave] video is freely viewable online for a week now. The link just went live this week, hosted by Daziabo gallery… feel free to share! It will be freely available to stream from […]

Many thanks to Matt Roberts (KK5JY) who has kindly given me permission to re-post the following article he recently published on his website KK5JY.net. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Grayhat, for the tip! Note: The Porch Loop project below is a re-configured Small Receiving Loop (SRL) antenna. For SRL construction details, check out Matt’s […]

(Source: SDRplay) SDRplay has released a new downloadable Raspberry Pi SD card image which adds support for the RSPdx and simultaneous use of both the tuners in the RSPduo. This V0.7 release is the first build to support the RSPdx and RSPduo in master/slave mode. The image also supports the RSP1, RSP1A,RSP2 and RSP2pro. The […]

Over the past week, I asked the SWLing Post community if they’ve ever regretting parting with a radio, and then what radios they’ve owned that had the most “fun” factor. The response from these two posts was pretty overwhelming. I don’t actually check the SWLing Post viewer stats that often, but I was too curious: […]

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, Paul Evans, who passes along this message from Eric Swartz at Elecraft (photos follow message): K4 UPDATE by Eric Swartz May 19, 2020 Hi Everyone, At Elecraft, like many of you, we are in our 9th week of shelter in place. This has been tough on all of us. […]

Regular Broadcast times of Encore are: 10:00 – 11:00 UTC Saturday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe – Now Simulcast on 7440 kHz Repeated: 01:00 – 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz, Simulcast on 5010 kHz WRMI to the US, Canada and Central America. 17:00 – 18:00 UTC Sunday 7440 kHz Channel 292 to Europe (Moved from 08:00 UTC) 21:00 – 22:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John R Palmer, who replied to our previous post about radio regrets with a question. John asks: Name a piece of radio gear that for some reason, technical, emotional, design etc. that you’ve gotten more fun using than you would ever have expected based on its price, maybe more […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alfred, who shares the following: I have taken my DX-150 off the shelf and renewing a long-ago hobby. Circumstances have certainly changed since my introduction to SWLing. One of the major changes is my operation of the receiver non-visually. To re-acquaint myself with the technology and new operational mode, […]

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 […]

This week’s episode of the Radio Survivor Podcast is devoted to “Radio in the Movies.” I you like classic films, and our post thread where readers ID actual radios in movies, you’re sure to appreciate this Radio Survivor episode. Here’s the description: Portrayals of radio in popular culture provide an interesting glimpse at radio’s role […]

(Source: SDRplay) Steve Andrew has released version 1.1 of his Windows Spectrum Analyser software which has been upgraded to support the RSPdx. This popular software turns the RSP into a wonderful low cost lab tool with fast scan, sample and hold, and most of the key features you’d expect in a piece of lab gear […]

A lot of radios come through SWLing Post HQ each year. Over the years, I’d like to think that I’ve become immune to the effects of giving away, trading, or selling radios that have been in the shack for a while. But let’s face it: I’m just fooling myself! As I’ve said before, I find […]

From the Isle of Music, May 24-30: This week, we add a new test transmission on 7440 kHz. The primary objective is to provide better service to North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and SE Asia, but it should be listenable beyond these zones. This week, we spend a delightful hour with Zule Guerra […]

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 […]

Rebroadcast of WBCQ’s Big Broadcast of 2020 At Later Hour + Extra Frequency Due to popular demand, WBCQ’s Big Broadcast of 2020 will be rebroadcast on Thursday, June 4 from 10pm to 11pm EDT (0200-0300 UTC Friday, June 5) on three frequencies: 5130, 6160 and 7490 kHz. This later hour should make the program more […]

I’m a real sucker for kits of any stripe. A few days ago, my buddy, Pete (WB9FLW), sent me a tip about the new QCX+ CW/WSPR transceiver by QRP Labs. I posted an announcement on QRPer.com. I’ve yet to build a QRP Labs kit, but I’ve only heard positive reviews from readers and friends. QRP […]

SWLing Post contributor, Pete Madtone just shared the Free Radio Skybird graphic above announcing their broadcasts on Sunday, May 24th, and repeated on Sunday, May 31st, 2020 at 1100 UTC on 6070 kHz (Channel292). Thanks again for another excellent show graphic Pete! We look forward to tuning in!

This is the first year I’ve missed the Dayton Hamvention since 2009. As I mentioned in a previous post–besides hanging with my friends–I really enjoy browsing the flea market and inside exhibits looking for deals and cool innovations. In 2016, I took loads of photos of both the Hamvention Flea Market and Inside Exhibits. I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: Just ran across this guy’s site Pentti Stenman, who is in Finland. Check out his audio and QLS, pennants as well… http://www.penan.net/dx-kuuntelu Pentti’s collection is impressive indeed! Since he’s in Finland, some of his site is in Finnish, but it’s still quite easy to navigate […]

If you planned to pick up a Begali key at Hamvention this year, you’re in luck. I just found out through SWLing Post contributor, Grayhat, that in honor of Hamvention, Begali is offering free shipping to the US and 50% off shipping to the rest of the world. This promotion ends tomorrow. Since Begali keys […]

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 […]

(Icom Press Release) Icom Inc. will begin to ship the IC-705, a new all mode portable transceiver covering HF, VHF and UHF, for the Japan domestic market from the middle of June 2020. Shipments of the IC-705 for international markets will follow the release of the Japan domestic model. Timing of availability depends on the […]

Encore’s usual broadcast on 6070 kHz at 19:00 UTC Friday will continue to be simulcast on 3955 kHz. It is, of course, the final repeat of the previous Saturday’s show. We are also trying 3955 at 21:00 UTC on Sundays – when it will be mostly dusk or dark and so good propagation is expected. Channel 292 will be interested in reception […]

If we weren’t all in the midst of a global pandemic, today I would be at the first day of the 2020 Hamvenion in Xenia, OH. Since I would not be hosting a table for ETOW this year, I was going to Hamvention for the first time on Press credentials. While I absolutely loved hosting […]

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, Alan Roe, who shares his latest update to his A20 season guide to music on shortwave. Click here to download a PDF copy of Alan Roe’s Music on Shortwave A20. Alan, thanks so much for keeping this brilliant guide updated each broadcast season and for sharing it here with the community!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans (W4/VP9KF), who has been following the progress of new FCC RF exposure rules and writes: “The ARRL has finally read the new RF Exposure rules and agrees with my thoughts that they are going to make quite a difference in the way the FCC sees amateur radio […]

(Source: radio six international via Gérard Koopal) Shortwave broadcast on June 6th After an absence of five years, Scottish station radio six international returns to the HF bands to mark the outlet’s 57th anniversary. Saturday Sounds with Tony Currie will air from 22:00 to 24:00 UTC on 6,070kHz (49.39m) via Channel 292’s 10kW transmitter in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dean Bianco, who kindly allowed me to share his note which accompanies the photo above: Me and my then brand-new JRC-NRD-515 in 1985. Thirty-five years later in 2020, it is still with me. It works today as it did when it was first taken out of its box! This […]

Many thanks to a number of SWLing Post readers who have pointed out the recent update from Universal Radio regarding the availability of the Eton Elite Satellit. Per Universal Radio: 05/11/20 Eton expects this new model to be available in 2021. Beacause of the date uncertainty we are not accepting web pre-orders at this time. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ed, who writes: While perusing products for a disabled family member, I came across this shortwave portable for visually impaired listeners. Its HF coverage is limited to 2300 – 21950KHz, but it also receives standard AM & FM and plays mp3 files from a microSD card. Interestingly, its advertised […]