The SWLing Post

(Source: The Patriot Ledger) WHAT IS IT? Located off Hatherly Road, the Scituate Proving Grounds was used as an ammunition dump and a testing facility for artillery during World War I. During World War II, it served a different purpose, beaming radio broadcasts to occupied Europe as the transmitter site for shortwave station WRUL. The […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who notes that an eBay vendor in Italy is selling new inventory of the benchmark Microtelecom Perseus SDR. The price is 883.66 Euro or roughly $975 US. I have gotten a lot of inquiries about the Perseus over the past few years since it’s more difficult to […]

(Source: ERDavis.com) This project, like the one before it, started as an offshoot of another project that I’ll finish… someday… I start one project, which brings up questions I need to answer in other projects, so I start those projects, which lead to more questions… and before I know it I have a tangled mess that’ll […]

(Source: Washington Post via Ulis K3LU) If you tune a shortwave radio to 2.5, 5, 10 or 15 MHz, you can hear a little part of radio history — and the output of some of the most accurate time devices on Earth. Depending on where you are in the United States, those frequencies will bring […]

Yesterday, Radio New Zealand celebrated 30 years of service to the Pacific. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Jason Walker and Peter Marks for sharing the following story and audio from Radio New Zealand: On 24 January 1990, Radio New Zealand International beamed into the Pacific, on a new 100 kilowatt transmitter. New Zealand has […]

(Source: The White House) On Friday, January 24, 2020, the President signed into law: H.R. 583, the “Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act” or the “PIRATE Act,” which authorizes enhanced penalties for pirate radio broadcasters and requires the Federal Communications Commission to increase enforcement activities; and H.R. 2476, the “Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against […]

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. This is instead of the Sunday broadcast at 15:00 UTC. There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. For now – the 6070 kHz repeat will […]

One of the most amazing things about hosting and curating a massive collection of shortwave radio recordings is listening to each recording as they’re published on the site. I created the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive (SRAA) in 2012 as a dedicated space to post and share off-air recordings with the world. Listening to SRAA recordings and […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Issue 27 of Hackspace magazine features the Scottish Consulate Amateur Radio Club MS0SCZ, the free magazine PDF is now available for download The Scottish Consulate ARC is part of the 57North Hacklab in Aberdeen, the article by Tom Jones MM6IRQ is on pages 28-31. Also featured in the magazine: • Interview with Mitch Altman […]

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, Alan, who shares this editorial from Radio World that features edited comments filed with the FCC by the DRM Consortium. The following unedited letter was taken directly from the FCC comments database: (Source: FCC Filing [PDF]) In your document (FCC19-123) you rightly highlight the great advantage of AM broadcasts, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Zack Schindler, who writes: Oh this brings back memories. I bought a lot of stuff from Radio West. Here is their catalog from 1983. Had them install a Collins mechanical filter in my Kenwood R-1000. Click here to download Radio West Catalog 5 (PDF). Thanks for sharing this bit […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and supporter, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who writes: Hope you are doing well, am really enjoying the SWLing Post, it’s my daily version of the New York Times for the radio hobbyist. I realize that this is not SW related but did you know there is an unusual aircraft scanner […]

SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley (K4PKM–formerly AK3Q) recently posted two excellent articles on his website about the “care and feeding” of electronic equipment. Here’s the description from Robert’s blog, All Things Radio: Just a quick note to let you know there are two new articles published in the Reviews and How-Tos section dealing with simple […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Van Hoy, who writes: “The Last Radio Station,” an article about maritime radio station, KPH, is up on TechCrunch ( https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/18/the-last-radio-station/ ). KPH is silent on maritime frequencies, but through the hard work of volunteers continues operation 24/7 with a 3-30MHz KiwiSDR receiver (http://198.40.45.23:8073/) and various activities throughout […]

Patrick Lindecker, author of MULTIPSK, has announced an update to the software with the addition of DMR decoding (not to be confused with DRM, the subject of several recent posts – alphabet soup!!). Here is a portion of the announcement: New release of MULTIPSK (4.42) The new release of MultiPSK (4.42) is on my Web […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Van Hoy, who writes: [Regarding the reception of DRM via smart phone,] I happened to find this KTWR Guam post about decoding DRM30 with a smart phone, app, and an RTL-SDR: Convert Smart Phone to DRM 30 HF receiver! We are pleased to report successful use of an […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: “These are the new 2020 QSL Cards from Radio Prague International. The theme of this year is “Transmitters” (Antennas):” (Source: Radio Prague) The three letters – QSL – constitute one of the codes originally developed in the days of the telegraph. All codes consisted […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adid, who writes: Check this little gadget for android phones or tablets https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32976847250.html If they have the FM app installed than this will come handy. One needs to select speaker and not earphone as expected. It works fine here. (I don’t know if Apple phones have an FM module) […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans, who notes: Users of these two propagation prediction programs will find that they don’t work beyond Dec 2019 because the SSN look-up files didn’t go any further. I noticed this 2-3 years ago and added to the end of the files required. I entered guesses for solar activity values, but […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares this story by Hans Johnson at Radio World: Can an App Solve the DRM Receiver Problem? (Radio World) The Digital Radio Mondiale standard for digital broadcasting in long, medium, and shortwave bands offers the possibility to transmit audio, text and pictures. A few broadcasters use […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald (DL1AX), who shares the following message from the Southgate ARC: Southgate News is now on ShortWaveRadio We now have a regular Sunday morning news broadcast on ShortWaveRadio.de So tune in every Sunday at 10am UTC on 3975 and 6160 kHz. The programme is repeated at 14:00 UTC on […]

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. This is instead of the Sunday broadcast at 15:00 UTC. There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time – indeed we have had several reception reports […]

I just received a newsletter from C.Crane noting that they’re having an “Orphan” sale today (17 January 2020). “Orphans” are C.Crane returns and open box items that have been tested and evaluated by C.Crane. Orphans are sold at a discount and carry a full 60 day warranty. I’ve purchased a number of Orphan items in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following video demonstration of the BELKA-DSP receiver by Fenu Duarte: Click here to view on YouTube. Thanks for sharing this, Dan. I must admit, it seems the BELKA-DSP has some excellent receiver characteristics. I like the backlit display and the rugged, simple form-factor. It […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ed, who writes: Here’s some new news about low-cost DRM receiver advancement, and links to an audio presentation explaining the route from proof of concept to development of a low-cost prototype DRM receiver by Cambridge Development. SWLing Post readers might find it interesting: (Source: DRM Consortium) 16 Jan Low-cost […]

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 […]

Many of you have been asking me about the pricing and availability of the Tecsun PL-990 and H-501 receivers. Both radios were released late last year (2019) in China, but the final export version–and first full production run–has not yet hit the market. I reached out to Anon-Co to see what updates, if any, we […]

Today, the ARRL released their new electronic magazine for ham radio newcomers: On The Air. The ARRL describes On The Air‘s mission: “On the Air magazine is the newest ARRL member benefit to help new licensees and beginner-to-intermediate radio communicators navigate the world of amateur radio. Delivered six times a year, the magazine will present […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carel Kuijer, who shares the following images of the new Tecsun PL-990: Thanks for sharing these, Carel! FYI: I have not heard a solid update yet on pricing/availability of the Tecsun PL-990 and Tecsun H-501. Carel did note that the price in China is 1150 CNY, thus about 150 […]

(Source Radio.info via Michael Bird) Nearly 80 community radio stations are broadcasting in fire affected areas of Australia. With around 450 stations in the sector, community broadcasters are represented in most larger towns in Australia. Many of them are staffed by small handfuls of volunteers who keep the station on air in normal circumstances, but […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rick Slobodian, who seeks help solving a 22 year old mystery. Rick writes: [Perhaps you can help me] explain this antenna….a 22 year old mystery antenna (see photo above)? What sort of antenna is this and how does it work? It’s at 49.8994 N 24.685 E near Krasne, Ukraine. […]

(Source BBC Blog via Mike Terry) By Kieran Clifton Director, BBC Distribution & Business Development In my blog posted in the summer of 2017, I explained the BBC’s plans for local radio and the reasons for the closure of some of our medium wave transmitters – which happened in January last year. This was the first […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who writes: Just FYI, for those who may have missed this : My light reviews on the CCrane Skywave and Retekess TR604 (AM/FM only set), are now posted on my web page. These are the first 2 reviews on this page : http://n9ewo.angelfire.com/misc.html Also have updated […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tracy Wood, who writes: I listened to LRA36 streaming this past Friday with their special show, including callouts to other Argentine scientific stations via satphone and lots of greetings by ham radio enthusiasts, both recorded and via live call-in. …At the conclusion the announcer said they would be back […]

(Source: Radio World via Marty) “Opponents of illegal broadcasting scored a major and long-anticipated victory today: The Senate (finally) unanimously passed the PIRATE Act Wednesday. Short for “Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement,” only one hurdle remains for S.R. 1228: President Trump’s desk. The legislation also represents a coup for FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, who has championed […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Doug Nickle, who writes: “You once recommended some alternatives to the CCrane Solar Observer. In looking at the RunningSnail you initially recommended, I came across this other upgraded version (with a slightly larger battery bank, 2000 mAh, vs. 1000 mAh). […]I did pick up the RegeMoudal Emergency Solar Hand […]

i just learned about the passing of Rush drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart. Rush is one of my all-time favorite rock bands and their music has been an ever-present part of my life. Although all three of Rush’s members are incredibly talented musicians, Peart truly defined Rush, in my opinion. Rush is one of the […]

(Source Atlas Obscura via Paul Evans W4/VP9KF) The former Voice of America broadcast site at Bethany Station is now a museum. It covers the history and role of Voice of America, as well as the history of broadcast and radio itself. Tucked into the former equipment bays are row upon row of early radio examples. […]

This weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will start broadcasting at a NEW TIME in Europe. We have moved the 15:00 UTC Sunday transmission on 6070 kHz to 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz with Channel 292. There should be much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. For now – […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Marty, who shares this article by Mark Durenberger in Radio World: Inside the U.S. effort in a battle of the airwaves during the Pacific campaign of World War II We can’t fully appreciate the importance of news from home to those who served in World War II. In the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John Harper (AE5X), who notes that he recently worked with an FCC crew to find the source of noise that was affecting a weather radar site. In the process, John got to check out, first hand, RF Hawk and some of the equipment the FCC uses to locate interference […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Grayhat, who writes: Maybe it’s old news for you, I just discovered it and thought you may be interested, the commercial circuit simulator “Micro-Cap 12” which was sold at around $4,500 for each license is now *free*, I found the information here along with some further details: https://hackaday.com/2020/01/08/commercial-circuit-simulator-goes-free/ The […]

(Source: Jon Hudson with SDRplay) Happy new Year from all of us at SDRplay. Here’s an update on additional software for the RSPdx. SDRplay’s SDRuno fully supports the RSPdx but it takes several weeks for other software to catch up to the capabilities offered on the other RSP models. Simon Brown has released his latest […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following GoFundMe campaign by Steven Clift to help with the continued development of the 1 Radio News application. Here’s the summary from Steven’s GoFundMe page: 1 Radio News needs a total rebuild to work great on Android 9 and 10. I’ve kept this world radio news […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Bird, who shares the following story from RadioInfo.com.au: In an example of radio industry cooperation during adversity, commercial network Grant Broadcasters is working with the ABC on the South Coast of NSW to keep transmissions on air during the fires in that area. As fires raged through the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following note posted by Paul McClane at Radio World: For those who want to sound off to the FCC about using all-digital on the AM band — either “fer it” or “agin it” —- the comment deadlines now are set. Comments are due March […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who discovered via Gilles Letourneau’s YouTube Channel that the popular SDR.hu KiwiSDR portal now requires registration and a ham radio callsign. I almost didn’t believe this at first, but then checked on the SDR.hu FAQ page to find this message: What is a callsign and how do […]

Readers might recall that I picked up a Mission RGO One 50 watt transceiver from Boris (LZ2JR) at the 2019 Hamvention. I’ve been helping Boris and his team evaluate this Bulgarian-manufactured general coverage transceiver since then. I’ll be writing a comprehensive review of the Mission RGO One for The Spectrum Monitor magazine later this year, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans, who notes: The Federal Register has today published the proposed rule for AM stations to go digital. This is close to the final step. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/07/2019-27609/all-digital-am-broadcasting-revitalization-of-the-am-radio-service Comments before 2020-03-09, replies by 2020-04-06. Thanks for the tip, Paul!