The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adrian Korol, who writes: On December 10 [today], a new President will assume office in Argentina. The ceremony will be re-broadcast from LRA36 at 1200 UTC on 15476 still with the emergency Collins transmitter, less than 1 kw but with better antenna conditions. Many thanks for the tip, Adrian!

(Source: DXtreme) DXtreme Software™ has released a new version of its popular logging program for radio monitoring enthusiasts – DXtreme Monitor Log 12 – which lets listeners and DXers log the stations they’ve heard using features that enhance their monitoring experiences. User’s Choice of Country Formats When starting Monitor Log 12 the first time as a new […]

(Source: Radio Romania International) Broadcasting of RRI short wave programs is back on track – Dear friends, the short wave transmitter in ?ig?ne?ti, BD 300-1 near Bucharest is up and running. It has been out of order for several months and it’s now broadcasting RRI’s programs again. The transmitter has been repaired by RADIOCOM. We […]

I mentioned in a previous post that SWLing Post contributor, Ed Earps, recently gifted me his Sony ICF-7600A. I’ve been having a field day with this radio! Well, many field days, in fact. Early on, I packed the ‘7600A in my Red Oxx Hound EDC pack–it fits in the Hound’s interior pocket perfectly and is […]

(Source: SpaceWeather.com via Michael Bird) ONE WEEK FROM A SPACE AGE RECORD: 2019 is about to set a Space Age record. So far this year, the sun has been blank (no sunspots) for 261 days, including the last 24 days in a row. If the streak continues for only 7 more days, 2019 will break […]

Several readers have written recently asking about the DRM tests we mentioned in a previous post. These tests are being sponsored by the Budapest University of Technology from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020–thus, they’ve been on the air for several months already. The programming, which was produced by Radio Maria, is being played […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Thomas Ally, who writes: The new World Radio TV Handbook is on Amazon. Click here to view on Amazon (affiliate link). Or the WRTH shop: http://www.wrth.com/_shop/ Thanks for the heads-up, Thomas. Also, I see that both Universal Radio and the Book Depository has posted the new addition on their […]

This coming weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will be broadcasting on a third frequency again: The folks at WWCR in Tennessee are transmitting the show for the fourth week running at 01:00 UTC Sunday 8th (Saturday evening 7th local in US) on 6115 kHz. However – next weekend Saturday 14th December we […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans (W4/VP9KF), who shares the following article from Hackaday: The origin of the term “breadboard” comes from an amusing past when wooden bread boards were swiped from kitchens and used as a canvas for radio hobbyists to roll homemade capacitors, inductors, and switches. At a period when commercial […]

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: This year on December 24 Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) will again broadcast its program “Gruss an Bord” on shortwave. They verify reception report by a detailed QSL card. gruss-an-bord@ndr.de […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald Kuhl (DL1AX), who shares the following announcement from Grimeton Radio SAQ: Scheduled transmission from Grimeton Radio / SAQ on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019 On the morning of Christmas Eve, December 24, we will try to start the old Alexanderson 200 kW transmitter, from 1924 and send out […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), who shares a link to this excellent article by Steve (VE7SL) where he explores his success DXing utility stations on shortwave: (Source: VE7SL) DXing The Utilities (Part 1) After building the house here on Mayne Island, in the early 90’s, it was several years until I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jeff Chilton, who writes: I’ve been finding myself at your excellent SWLing Post site frequently of late. I wonder if you’ve seen my online shortwave receiver website. It’s been online since 1995, when it looked like this: It still controls the same old Drake R8 receiver at my house, […]

(Source: Pete Madtone) Next Sunday 8th December at 1700 UTC/UK will be a new transmission from DJ Frederick’s Free Radio Skybird on 6070 kHz shortwave via Channel 292 and if you haven’t got a suitable radio it can also be heard on the SDR link on their site here. The show will be rebroadcast the week after on Sunday 15th December at 1100 UTC/UK also on 6070 kHz. This month’s programme will […]

Anon-Co just announced that Tecsun has released their new portable, active loop antenna – the AN-48x (27.99 plus shipping) – and it is available for purchase. Copied below is their announcement: Tecsun has launched its latest antenna which is now available at Anon-Co! This active loop antenna has a portable design and aims to enhance […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) The Los Altos History Museum serves up “Ham for the Holidays: Amateur Radio Operators, Then and Now,” a historical perspective on how radio hobbyists help keep neighborhoods safe during disasters, in an exhibit appearing in the J. Gilbert Smith House through January 5, 2020. They say: Tis the season for giving thanks, and around the holidays […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ed, who writes: The new 6-part Netflix series ‘The Spy’ about the Mossad agent Eli Cohen (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) who infiltrated Syrian military intelligence from 1962-1965 dramatizes his careless use of QRP HF CW transmissions in Damascus, which were DF’d to track him down. SWLing Post readers […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Bird, who shares a link to RadioInfo that summarizes the recently-released “Review of Australian Broadcasting Services in the Asia Pacific” by the ABC. Micheal notes: So what do we take from this report? No recommendations. The status quo continues although there were many respondents who would favour [shortwave […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Martin Butera who shares the following note: A small action to change our world. Fulfilling our commitment to get involved in causes of direct action, instead of only DX we decided to do something. For this reason we planted in the Marajó island a small tree in the name […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor from China, Mei Tao, who writes: I would like to share the latest news about Tecsun’s New Products: the PL-990 and H-501. These day I found that several Chinese BCLers who received the PL990 or H501 one after another–they posted many a detailed pictures of these two radios. Lots […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Martin Butera who shares the following note: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ The DXcamp that took place between November 15 and 18 on the island of Marajó was the first event of this kind held in Brazil and perhaps in South America. This DXcamp got the attention of several sponsors who helped the […]

From the Isle of Music, December 8-14: This week our special guest is Yanela Brooks, who will discuss the her new album Top of Cuba in English; we will also listen to some jam sessions by Estrellas de Areito. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan (NO2CW), who writes: The new RSPdx has what they call “High Dynamic Range: (HDR) mode below 2 mHz. I tested a day after receiving the new unit by turning HDR mode on and off. It seemed to make quite a difference when receiving Non Directional Beacons. As far […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jiri Kaplan, who writes: Is it possible to modify the new (DSP) DEGEN DE1103 for VLF reception? Like before, the old Degen version (without DSP), see these videos: I wonder if instead of the DE1103 I should buy the PL-660 or PL-680? I think DSP is worse and the […]

This morning, I’ve been searching for Cyber Monday specials that might appeal to radio enthusiasts. The following are the radios and station accessories I found in Amazon’s Cyber Monday sales section. Sadly, there are no Tecsun or Sangean radios in this category, but Eton still has excellent pricing on the Elite Executive and Mini. I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Zack Schindler, who writes: In the early 1980’s CBC Radio 1 had a radio play show called Nightfall. Most episodes dealt with the supernatural. I used to listen to this from CBE (1550 khz) in Windsor Ontario. One episode that aired in 1981 was called Shortwave Goodbye and the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Martin Butera for the following guest post: Radio Guarujá Paulista AM/FM and Ex tropical waves AM: 1.550 KHZ/FM: 104,5 (ex-101,7) MHZ ex Ondas Tropicales: 3,385 kHz – 90 Mts, 5,940 kHz – 49 Mts. Guarujá, São Paulo – Brazil Report and research by: Martín Butera Photographs and Video (under […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Peter Marks, who was recently invited to attend an ABC celebration. Peter wrote up a summary of the event on his blog: 80 years of international broadcasting by the ABC was celebrated this week at the headquarters in Ultimo, Sydney. David Hua, ABC Head, International Strategy introduced the event. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Harald Kuhl (DL1AX), who shares the following note posted on the 5N7Q DXpedition page: UPDATE from Bodo, DF8DX. 5N7Q is QRT for now. Rene DL2JRM and Bodo DF8DX enjoyed this activity very much. We logged more than 20,000 QSOs in 9 days of operation. We were active from 10m […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Schuster, who writes: Attached image [above] is extracted from a PDF of the 2020 catalog, it shows the upcoming Sangean DT-140 and SR-32. Wondering if the SR-32 (from the almost-defunct “slide rule” series) uses DSP-as-analog tuning like its larger sibling with speaker. Thanks for the tip, Mike! Yes, […]

This coming weekend Encore – Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will broadcasting on a third frequency again. WWCR in Tennessee are transmitting the show at 01:00 UTC Sunday 1st December (Saturday evening 30th November local in US) on 6115 kHz. Encore – Classical Music this weekend is – of course – being broadcast as usual […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Walrus, who notes that the Eton Elite Executive is currently $100 shipped and with free returns via Amazon.com. Click here to check out this deal at Amazon (affiliate link supports the SWLing Post). Check out all of our holiday sales tips by bookmarking the tag Black Friday Radios 2019. […]

Here in the States, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving today. It’s my favorite holiday because it’s all about giving thanks and spending time with friends. family, and eating some amazing food. Another great thing about Thanksgiving is it also equates to a long extended weekend for many who have full-time careers. That includes, of course, shortwave radio […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alexander (DL4NO), who writes: For a very long time Radio Luxembourg was *the* pop music radio in Europe, especially in Germany and GB. At a time when Germany only had its public radio system, the Radio Luxembourg was the one and only. But this is history. At Christmas, several […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who shares this article from The Verge: When she was growing up in East Flatbush among the Haitian diaspora, former pirate broadcaster Joan Martinez — no relation to the New York radio legend Angie Martinez, despite what Joan claimed to her friends as a youth — said […]

After recently checking out a number of photos on the Radiofreunde NRW Facebook page, I asked if a member of this group could give me a little more detail about their DXpeditions. Many thanks to Joachim Geisau who writes: Radiofreunde NRW is an independent association of SWL, radio amateurs and technology enthusiasts. We meet 2-3 […]

(Source: Radio World via Michael Bird) BUDAPEST, Hungary — Digital Radio Mondiale transmissions began from Budapest, Hungary, last June. Although two Hungarian broadcasters previously tested DRM on medium wave, the transmissions are the country’s first DRM trials on shortwave. The Department of Broadcast Info-Communications and Electronic Theory at the Budapest University of Technology is conducting these latest […]

From the Isle of Music, December 1-7: This week our special guest is Ricardo Oropesa, who will discuss the new album by Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro, Para Siempre Embale with us. We will also enjoy some tasty charanga by Orquesta Original de Manzanillo. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley (K4PKM), who notes that HRO’s Black Friday sale also features one of his favorite full-featured mobile HF rigs: the Yaesu FT-891 for $589.95. Click here to view this deal at Ham Radio Outlet. Check out all of our holiday sales tips by bookmarking the tag Black Friday Radios […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans (W4/VP9KF), who notes that HRO’s Black Friday sale features the Icom IC-7300 for $899.95 after rebates. That’s the lowest price I’ve seen on the IC-7300! Thanks for the tip, Paul! Click here to view this deal at Ham Radio Outlet. Check out all of our holiday sales […]

After looking at the Eton Elite Mini sale Christian shared, I discovered that the Retekess V115 is currently $14.00 shipped on Amazon “for a limited time.” Click here to read our previous reviews of this radio. The V-115 makes for a great portable broadcast receiver/recorder and has very pleasant audio–certainly a benchmark performer in the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christian, who writes: Thomas: the new Eton Elite Mini is on sale for $19.99 plus free shipping from Amazon.com. This is the latest in Eton’s series of “mini” radios. If you’re looking for a nice stocking stuffer radio, this is a great one! If you already own a previous […]

Just discovered through the AirSpy Twitter account that they’re offering 30% off all of their products via their authorized retail outlets. This morning, I posted an article featuring their $169 HF+ Discovery. Another AirSpy SDR I highly recommend is the $199 HF+ SDR. This deal would give you 30% off those prices. According to AirSpy, […]

Last week, we packed the car and headed to coast of South Carolina. The trip was a bit impromptu but through the creative use of hotel points, we scored a two bedroom ocean front unit with a fantastic little balcony. The vacation gave me an excuse to test the new passive loop antenna my buddy […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares the following announcement from Radio Romania International: Dear friends, RRI continues its traditional polling of listeners on short wave, the Internet and social media, with a new challenge that, we hope, you will find interesting. We would like to ask you which person you […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ed, who writes: SWLing Post readers might be interested in hearing this BBC World Service radio documentary about a political tech art project that uses visible light beam voice comms across the Mexico<>U.S. border to bridge communities. There’s a website that explains how it all works. I guess ~500 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who notes this is the first time he’s seen a Winradio G39DDCe ‘Excelsior’ on eBay. The asking price is a steep $1,999.99 shipped. That may seem like a high price but, new, these retail for well over $4,000 US. The Excelsior is an uncompromising, benchmark wideband receiver. […]

Those of us who purchased the Passport to World Band Radio will no doubt remember Gahan Wilson’s whimsical illustrations and cover art. I looked forward to each edition of PTWBR and, especially, seeing the cover art for the first time. Wilson was a noted illustrator and cartoonist who did work for a numberof major publications. […]

(Source: Radio Insight) The FCC approved today the adoption of a rulemaking allowing AM stations to transition to all-digital operation. Hubbard Radio’s “The Gamut” 820 WWFD Frederick MD has been operating in all digital mode since July 16, 2018 in collaboration with HD Radio owner Xperi. The new rulemaking will allow AM stations to go […]