The SWLing Post

Shortly after posting some of my initial impressions of the Xiegu G90, SWLing Post contributor, Guy Atkins, encouraged me to upgrade the stock G90 tuning knob/encoder with one that is highly recommended by the G90 community. While I didn’t really have an issue with the stock plastic knob, I couldn’t resist a larger, slightly heavier […]

We posted an update about the new Tecsun PL-330 in late April 2020. While we didn’t have a lot of details, it’s worth reading. We still don’t have a lot of details (as of today, July 3, 2020) but readers have been contacting me and commenting recently with links to online retailers who are already […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who writes: Just a quick note to let you know that Radio Algérie Internationale is now broadcasting for an hour on SW using an Issoudun transmitter. The multilingual (French, Arabic, English, and Spanish) broadcast is at 18:00 UTC, presumed daily, is on 13820 kHz. I heard it […]

Although I’ve been rather busy the past few days, I have managed to fit in a little radio time. On Wednesday, I spent part of the day doing the RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada) Contest to celebrate Canada Day. My simple goal in mind was to work as many provinces as I could. Although I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tracy Wood (K7OU), who writes: I found a modern replacement for RDP- English. Perhaps even better! My Portuguese knowledge remains limited to two quarters of university courses; similar Spanish cognates help bridge the Luso-English comprehension gap. Could I find an English-language radio show that would help revive my interest […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jim Salmon, with Radio Emma Toc World Service, who shares their July 2020 schedule: Happy listening! If you are outside the transmitter coverage areas, why not listen via the broadcasters’ online services. Website details for the above stations are listed on our own website here – www.emmatoc.org/worldserviceschedule If you […]

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, Ahmet (KD2AQU), who shares the following item from NASA: As of June 2020, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory – SDO – has now been watching the Sun non-stop for over a full decade. From its orbit in space around Earth, SDO has gathered 425 million high-resolution images of the Sun, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian D. Smith (W9IND), who shares the following announcement: W9IMS: A delayed start for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway special event station by Brian D. Smith, W9IND It’s a late start for auto racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the amateur radio station that honors this century-old […]

Many thanks to Paul Jones with EladUSA who notes that they now sell the venerable Microtelecom Perseus via their online store. Paul also notes that each purchase comes with full factory support from Microtelecom. Price is $760 US. Click here to view at EladUSA.

From the Isle of Music, July 5-11: This week, guitarist and bandleader Héctor Quintana discusses his new album Benny Moré – un siglo después with us as we listen to some beautiful tracks from this live recording. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of […]

If you’ve been reading the SWLing Post for long, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of portable radio gear. Whether it’s a portable receiver, an SDR, or a ham radio, I believe radios are made to be taken outside––rain or shine; hence I love programs like Parks On The Air (POTA ) and Summits […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rob, who writes: Thank you for your informative blog. As a longtime SWLer I enjoy reading up on your posts. A few months ago I was considering the purchase of a magnetic loop antenna. Based on your “YouLoop is a freaking brilliant passive loop antenna” article, and the fact […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gareth Buxton, who writes: I “watch” the Anon-Co new additions page for changes and this morning I received an update that the PL-365 has been added. I think they only used to stock the non-usb Pl-360 version. Click here to view the PL-365 page at Anon-Co. Thanks for the […]

Special Simulcast: WBCQ’s 4th of July in the Park Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 8pm-9pm EDT (0000-0100 UTC July 5) Frequencies: 6160 and 7490 kHz 4th of July concerts at the bandshell (usually a concert band or orchestra sometimes followed later by a rock or country band) are a long tradition throughout the United States. Take […]

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, Bruce Atchison, who writes: I’m hearing an intermittent buzzing noise on 9820kHz each evening at around 4:00 UTC. What could it be? Sorry the quality isn’t as good as I’d like, but here’s a recording: Thank you for sharing this recording, Bruce. My hope is an SWLing Post reader […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andrew, who correctly identified the radio Ed spotted in The Last Man On Earth as the Allocchio Bacchini RF4D. Andrew shared the following notes and links: That radio is an Allocchio Bacchini RF4D (see photo below from this site): Here’s a snippet from an Italian movie showing the same […]

This weekend is the 2020 ARRL Field Day! Typically, I’d be telling you about the benefits of finding a local club’s Field Day site and getting on the air for the first time. This year? Not so much. 2020 being a pandemic year, many clubs that would normally host a large public event are asking […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares a link to this radio project by Emanuele Pizzolorusso who wishes to combine a modern Internet radio with old-school city-labeled memory buttons. From Wallpaper.com: CityRadio, designed by Emanuele Pizzolorusso for Italian design brand Palomar, allows you to access local radio around the world, with a […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ulis Fleming (K3LU), who shares the following video via Twitter and notes: Spain: Must see newsreel video of the 1954 inauguration of REE/RNE shortwave radio transmitters: NOT N 604 B Click here to watch video at the RTVE archives. Many thanks for sharing this excellent bit of radio history, […]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Special Broadcast: WBCQ’s 4th of July in the Park Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 8pm-9pm EDT (0000-0100 UTC July 5) Frequencies: 6160 and 7490 kHz 4th of July concerts at the bandshell (usually a concert band or orchestra sometimes followed later by a rock or country band) are a long tradition throughout the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ed, who writes: Recently I’ve been watching some pandemic-themed movies and found “The Last Man on Earth”, a pretty good 1964 post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film (which was remade in 1971 and 2007 with different titles.) In this film, the main character (well played by Vincent Price) uses an […]

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 […]

From the Isle of Music, June 28-July 4: This week, violinist/composer/guitarist/bandleader Christopher Simpson helps us present Absolución, the debut album of his group Elevación. It was nominated in the Pop Rock category of Cubadisco 2019. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern […]

This past weekend my wife suggested that I do a Parks On The Air (POTA) activation. I think she wanted me out of the house so that she could prepare a birthday and Father’s day surprise with my daughters. Of course, I happily obliged. My motto in French: “Profitez-en bien!” or “Make the most of […]

I’ve just learned via Paul (N0CTF) that Gerry Thomas of Radiosplus passed away on June 19, 2020. Many of you are likely familiar with Gerry’s excellent antennas and accessories, especially the Quantum Loop series and Q-Stick. Gerry was always very kind to work with and obviously a very talented engineer. He will certainly be missed.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Stutzer, who recently shared the following listener post: I started SWLing as a teenager. My favorite uncle gave me a Hallicrafters S-120. My dad hung a longwire under an eave and through a casement window frame into my bedroom. I marveled at all the AM international stations broadcasting […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christian, who writes: Thomas: the original (not Elite) Eton Mini is on sale for $26.00 shipped from Amazon.com right now. The price for this radio has been around $30-33 in the past few months. As I’ve said before, I like the mini. Nice functional little radio. Click here to view on […]

Every year, the BBC broadcasts a special program to the scientists and support staff in the British Antarctic Survey Team. The BBC plays music requests and sends special messages to the small team of 40+ located at various Antarctic research stations. Each year, the thirty minute show is guaranteed to be quirky, nostalgic, and certainly a DX-worthy catch! After […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank (ON6UU), who shares the following guest post: Building EA3GCY’s DB4020 QRP Transceiver kit by Frank Lagaet (ON6UU) In May, I discovered via a newsletter that a new kit was available from Javier EA3GCY in Spain. I was immediately sold as this was a kit from my favourite kit […]

SWLing Post contributor, Pete Madtone just shared the Free Radio Skybird graphic above announcing their broadcasts on Sunday, June 21st (today), and repeated on Sunday, June 28th, 2020 at 1100 UTC on 6070 kHz (Channel292). Thanks for the heads-up, Pete!

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 […]

The BBC Antarctica winter solstice broadcast will take place on June 21, 2020 at 2130-2200 UTC. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who confirms the three frequencies the BBC plan to use this year: 5790 kHz from Woofferton UK 7360 kHz from Woofferton UK 9580 kHz from Ascension Island Recording the Midwinter Broadcast […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill Hemphill (WD9EQD), who shares the following guest post: My First DX Contest by Bill Hemphill, WD9EQD Being a recent new member of NJARC, this is my first time competing in this contest. I have always been a big fan of BCB DXing and have recently got back into […]

Yesterday, my family packed a picnic lunch and took a drive through Madison County, North Carolina. It was an impromptu trip. Weather was forecast to be pretty miserable that afternoon, but we took the risk because we all wanted to get out of the house for a bit. Although that morning I had no intention […]

A number of SWLing Post readers have been contacting me this month regarding the lab599 TX-500 Discovery QRP general coverage transceiver. Since its announcement around this time last year, a number of radio enthusiasts have been seeking any updates or information regarding price and availability. Spoiler alert: Sadly, I have no meaningful updates at present. […]

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, Al Holt, who shared the following QSL and note on Twitter: The posting about WRM and its originating from Denmark got me thinking about my early days SWLing and the wonderful QSL card I got from R. Denmark. I hope to tune WRM on 19m soon! Thank you for […]

As I’ve noted in the past, I love my Elecraft KX2 and routinely use it for SWLing. I just learned that Elecraft has published a new KX2 firmware update that even includes some minor tweaks for AM mode reception. A proper nod to the SWLs in the Elecraft community. From the release notes: AM Receive: […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald Kuhl, who shares the following from Stig Hartvig Nielsen with World Music Radio. I’m testing a new audio feed for the 15805 kHz transmitter. Hopefully more stable than the previous one, which sometimes would run 24 hrs without a single drop out – at other times produce drop […]

From the Isle of Music, June 21-27: This week, a special conversation recorded in the home of César López in January with three members of the Cuban Sax Quintet including music from their album Saxofones Live Sessions, a winner of Cubadisco’s Grand Prize in 2019. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible […]

You might have noticed from recent posts, I’ve been on a bit of a POTA (Parks On The Air) kick lately. I’ve been enjoying taking the Xiegu G90 to the field and seeing just how well it performs under intensive use on battery power. So far, it has certainly proven itself to be a capable […]

Every year, the BBC broadcasts a special program to the scientists and support staff in the British Antarctic Survey Team. The BBC plays music requests and sends special messages to the small team of 40+ located at various Antarctic research stations. Each year, the thirty minute show is guaranteed to be quirky, nostalgic, and certainly a DX-worthy catch! After […]

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 the British DX Club who shares the following information about a BBC Midwinter Broadcast test being held later today: The annual 30-minute Midwinter broadcast to British Antarctic Survey staff in Antarctica is scheduled by BBC WS for Sunday 21st June. Ahead of this, two frequencies will be tested Sunday 14th June 2130-2145 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alexander (DL4NO), who shares the following announcement from Markus (DL8RDS): This year’s Software Defined Radio Academy is taking place as an online conference. Because of the great number of contributions, we are spanning the conference over two days: Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28 2020. We also decided […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill Hemphill (WD9EQD), who shares the following guest post: Benefits to Social Distancing I have discovered that there is a positive side effect of social distancing. With so many organizations using Zoom and other video methods for their meeting, the volume of great videos to watch has drastically increased, […]

Over the past few weeks, I have been building curated lists of ham radio transceivers. It all started when I needed to learn about multimode VHF/UHF transceivers for my EME project. As I got deeper into the process, I decided to make my master list of VHF/UHF multimode transceivers public. The goal with the list […]

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. 16:00 – 17:00 UTC Sunday 7440 kHz Channel 292 to Europe 21:00 – 22:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe 02:00 – […]