The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who recently discovered two note-worthy items on eBay. The first is a WinRadio Excelsior SDR. Dan notes: A seller on eBay is offering the WR-G39DDCi. Just picked one up on a Buy It Now for $200. He still has some up without Buy It Now but the […]

Earlier this week, I stumbled upon this Bell Telephone short film about the beginnings of the mobile phone network: I don’t know about you, but I love the view inside the trunk of the car! I bet that tube receiver and transmitter both weighed over 100 pounds. Although the system wasn’t full duplex, it must […]

I have enjoyed three to four medium wave and shortwave DXpeditions per year since 1988, to sites on the Washington and Oregon coasts. I love the chance they give to experiment with antennas in a (hopefully!) noise-free location, and concentrate on catching stations that might not be heard from home. All of my DX trips […]

From the Isle of Music, February 23-29: This week, our special guest is Jesus”Aguaje” Ramos, a veteran of the Estrellas de Areito, Buena Vista Social Club and many other projects, who will present his excellent new big band recording, De Vueltabajo Llegó. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the […]

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’sRadio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Van Hoy (K7DAN), who shares the following comment in reply to our recent KGEI post. Dan writes: It was my privilege to work at KGEI as a broadcast engineer and antenna rigger with FEBC from 1981-85. After that we went off to serve FEBC in Davao City in […]

(Source: Southgate ARC via Jake Brodsky, AB3A) Not an everyday find: Archaeologists from the Rhineland Regional Council were amazed when they came across a Russian spy radio instead of Roman traces in the Hambach open-cast mine during excavations. Hidden in a large metal box. “When the box was opened, it hissed,” Dr. Erich Claßen, head […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tracy Wood (K7UO), for sharing the following article from The Daily Journal. Tracy’s notes follow this excerpt: KGEI, a shortwave radio station in Redwood Shores that was the only voice from home for GIs in the Pacific during World War II, has its call letters back. The letters on […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans, who shares his insight regarding the 5G band grab. Paul writes: The ramifications of the FCC selling big chunks of spectrum with existing users in the name of 5G goes on: (Source: Radio World) Radio World has learned it’s possible that thousands of radio stations in the […]

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’sRadio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories […]

Many thanks to Martin Butera and Ivan Dias who inform us that their first logs from the Marajó Island DXpedition have been posted. They provided a link to both a full story (click here) and a direct link for the logs (click here). They note that the logs will be updated monthly. They expect the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who writes: If you know any DXers out in western US… pass the word: Saturday night/Sunday Morning, at 12 AM Pacific KKOH 780 will be off the air for about 6 hours to do some maintenance. Thanks to Chief Engineer Daniel Appellof for letting me know well […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Nigel Holmes, who writes: Those of you who hold amateur (VK) licenses – form an orderly queue to book a spot. Those of you who listen – make space on your shack wall for the last QSL card from Shepparton IHFTS. A special callsign has been issued by ACMA […]

Earlier this week, I mentioned in a Patreon post that if you’re plotting to buy a radio or other consumer electronics currently in development or production in China, expect delays. Due to the spread of the Coronavirus, a number of factories have been shut down and production effectively frozen since the beginning of the Chinese […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Roseanna, who shares the following announcement posted on her blog: (Source: The Girl With The Radio) I would like to share something very exciting that I’ve been working on since May 2019: Radio Northern Europe International RNEI will be the station for pop and dance music from Northern Europe […]

(Source: Pete Madtone) It seems like it’s been a while since DJ Frederick’s Free Radio Skybird was last on the shortwaves. Don’t worry, it won’t be long until the next one on Sunday 16th February at 1400 UTC/UK on 6070 kHz via Channel 292. The show will be rebroadcast on Sunday 23rd February at 1100 UTC/UK on 7440 kHz. If you haven’t got a shortwave radio it can also be heard on the […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) The Leicester Mercury reports on the top secret wartime listening station role of a Leicestershire mansion As we approach the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May, a Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer (LLLSV) tells the fascinating story of Beaumanor Hall’s crucial role in the Second World War. Many readers may not […]

Today is UNESCO World Radio Day and this year the theme highlights diversity on the airwaves. Here’s the announcement from UNESCO: On World Radio Day 2020 (WRD 2020), UNESCO calls on radio stations to uphold diversity, both in their newsroom and on the airwaves. Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its […]

EUROPE: This coming weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will be broadcast again at the NEW TIME in Europe of 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz by Channel 292. There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. There are two repeats – 19:00 UTC Friday on 6070 kHz and 09:00 […]

From the Isle of Music, February 16-22: This week, we listen to some of the music of Ernán López-Nussa, who performed the gala finale at Jazz Plaza 2020 (no interviews) 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 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares the following story from The Print: Emotional emails & offers to crowdfund — how fans tried to keep BBC Hindi radio on air The service fell silent last month with its last transmission on 31 January. The BBC management now plans to boost its […]

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’sRadio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who provides this update to his article on the Belka DSP receiver. Dan writes: One of the other DSP radios shown being demonstrated on YouTube is this one by Georgy Yatsuk, presumably from somewhere in Russia. In his comments posted on January 14th, Fernando Duarte who runs […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kanwar Sandhu, who writes: Following email was received by Radio Taiwan International, French Service: French service will collaborate with Space Line from Bulgaria for a daily broadcast of thirty minutes from 19:00 to 19:30 UTC from Sunday March 29, 2020. Broadcasting will be provided from the city of Kostinbord […]

Many thanks to Paul Jones with ELAD who recently shared the following photos and specifications of the upcoming FDM-S3 SDR: ELAD FDM-S3 Direct Sampling Wideband Receiver JAN 2020 SPECIFICATIONS 2 switchable HF Antenna inputs direct sampling 1 VHF Antenna input direct sampling Works with FDM-SW2 ELAD Software & SDR Console Optional: Antenna RF input downconversion […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), for the following guest post: A Look Back: Memories of the Panasonic RF-2200 and its Sibling, the National Panasonic DR22 by Mario Filippi, N2HUN All photos by author unless otherwise noted One of the preeminent AM/FM/SW portables of all time is the venerable Panasonic model RF-2200 […]

EUROPE: This weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will be broadcast again at the NEW TIME in Europe of 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz by Channel 292. There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. There are two repeats – 19:00 UTC Friday on 6070 kHz and 09:00 UTC […]

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Broadcasting 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 stories […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ian Harling (G7HFS), who writes: I have been a SWL for about 50 yrs and also hold an amateur radio license, but here is where I need some advice. Can you recommend a portable radio that performs well longwave and also NDB reception? I do have a Datong VLF […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Joachim von Geisau (DH4JG), for the following guest post: Signal distribution at SWL camps: The new JK-1000 HF distributor by Joachim von Geisau (DH4JG) The Friends of Radio NRW – an independent group of shortwave listeners and radio amateurs in Germany – have been organizing 2-3 SWL camps per […]

Many thanks to Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station Chief Engineer, Macon Dail, who shareds the following announcement regarding their Radio Marti broadcasts: We just powered up our 50 kW transmitter using DRM. We are on a frequency of 7345 kHz and will be on daily from 1700-0200 UTC. We would love hearing from anyone that […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ian, who shared the following response to our post regarding the best shortwave receiver for you boat or yacht: An icom M802 package can be had for less that $3k… but the installation may run up anywhere up to $5k hence the OP’s ~$8k cost and request for alternatives. […]

From the Isle of Music, February 9-15: This week, a Cuban dance party (no interviews) 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, Dan Robinson, who shares the following guest post: An Initial Review of the Belka-DSP Shortwave Receiver by Dan Robinson A few weeks ago, during daily online excursions, I ran across the Belka-DSP receiver. This is not really a new receiver. Demonstrations have appeared on You Tube going back […]

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 stories […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tracy Woods, who recently contributed information about Radio Arcángel San Gabriel’s special January broadcasts and added: The next southernly-most radio station that is available on the Internet would probably be FM 89.5 Radio Navarino from Puerto Williams, Chile. They’re at www.radionavarino.cl. Thanks for sharing this, Tracy! I’ve been listening […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans, who writes: I see this receiver as a remarkable break through. Using audio processor to emulate modes from IQ is very, very clever. This is perhaps the article of the year!: (Source: Circuit Salad) […]This is a revised version of my FV-1 based SDR. I replaced the CS2100 clk generator […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who recently shared his observations about low self-discharge batteries with me. He has kindly allowed me to post his message here on the SWLing Post. Troy notes: I’ve lauded Tenergy rechargeable NiMH batteries and I wanted to share something with you. I have a box of Mighty […]

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 stories […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian Penney, who writes: I saw your post about the availability of the Perseus SDR. They are still available brand new through HRO. I ordered one in the fall of 2019. HRO said they were getting them new from SSB-Electronic GmbH in Germany. Click here to view at HRO. […]

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, Mark Hirst, who writes: One of my favourite YouTube channels has just published a video talking about number stations. There’s nothing there that seasoned SWLing.com readers don’t already know of course: Thanks for sharing this, Mark! I just subscribed to Curious Droid!

EUROPE: This weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will be broadcast again at the NEW TIME in Europe of 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz by Channel 292. There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. There are two repeats – 19:00 UTC Friday on 6070 kHz and 09:00 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 […]

(Source: The Washington Post via Davud Iurescia, LW4DAF) […]“Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history,” British Transport and Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said in a statement. “This momentous agreement with the United States to preserve the wreck means […]

From the Isle of Music, February 2-8: This week our guest is Dayramir González, who led the opening Gala concert at Jazz Plaza in Havana this year. We talk to him before the rehearsal for that concert, and we will listen to some of his wonderful recordings. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Ladd with SDRplay, who shares the following PDF primer on decoding NAVTEX with an RSP series SDR. Click here to download “Basics to decoding NAVTEX using an RSP and SDRuno” (PDF). Thanks for sharing this excellent guide, Mike. Without a doubt, SDRplay has some of the best documentation and primers in […]

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’sRadio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories […]

(Source: FCC via Paul Evans) For Immediate Release FCC AUTHORIZES FULL COMMERCIAL DEPLOYMENT IN 3.5 GHZ BAND, ADVANCING AMERICAN 5G LEADERSHIP WASHINGTON, January 27, 2020—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai today announced that the agency has certified four Spectrum Access System (SAS) Administrators, paving the way for full commercial operations in the 3.5 GHz band. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald Kuhl, who notes that LRA36 (Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel) has published the following new email address to be used for reception reports: tranalra36@radionacional.gov.ar Thanks for sharing this Harald as I have not had luck with the former email address. I’ll re-submit my last report!