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Updated 2025-04-22 17:33
TC notes differences between Kenwood TH-D74 and TH-F6A on MW/SW
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, TC, who shares the following response to Ivan’s post about the Kenwood TH-D74 on mediumwave: A couple of years ago, I published a side-by-side comparison of the TH-F6A and the TH-D74 on YouTube comparing reception of a local AM broadcast station. The F6A was far more sensitive on the […]
Radio Deal: Eton Executive Traveler $49.93
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christian, who writes: Just a note that the Eton Executive Traveller’s price has dropped to $49.93 shipped on Amazon.com. It’s the lowest price I’ve seen for this radio in a few months. Thought your readers might be interested. As I’ve said before, I think it’s a great little radio. This is Amazon, […]
Photos from the 2019 Charlotte Hamfest
Yesterday morning around 5:30 AM I started my nearly three hour pilgrimage to the 2019 Charlotte (North Carolina) Hamfest. The Charlotte Hamfest is one of the larger regional hamfests in the area–due to its central location, it attracts people from all of the surrounding states. The Charlotte Hamfest typically falls on the heels of (or […]
Guest Post: 2019 Henry’s Island DXpedition catches
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Sandipan Basu Mallick (VU3JXD), for sharing the following guest post: 2019 Henry’s Island DXpedition with Perseus – Logs by Debanjan Chakraborty (VU3DCH) This year’s DXpedition to Henry’s Island on 10th -13th Feb 2019 witnessed some of the finest receivers available in the country. Among them, there were 3 Perseus […]
Ivan checks out the Kenwood TH-D74’s mediumwave performance
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan (NO2CW), who writes: One category of receivers not much talked about are the wideband handhelds. I first owned one of those in 1992 when I paid a ton of money for an AOR-1000. Not only did it cost me a lot but I also ordered it from the […]
Advice on preserving 1940s era homemade records
At the Winter SWL Fest last week, my friend, Andrew Yoder (author of the Pirate Radio Annual) told me about a recent find: homemade records by amateur radio operator W3JJN. Andrew wrote about these recordings on his blog: […]Before open-reel decks were wire recorders. Information was magnetized onto a fine reel of stainless steel wire. […]
Guest Post: Repairing the National Panasonic DR22, the Panasonic RF-2200’s Euro-Sibling
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who shares the following guest post: National Panasonic DR22, the Panasonic RF-2200’s Euro-Sibling By Mario Filippi, N2HUN (All photos courtesy of author) Thomas, your recent and thoroughly excellent post on the Panasonic RF-2200 was the inspiration for this short review of the RF-2200’s European sibling, the […]
1964 Radio Veronica QSL
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Lennart Weirell, who shares the following in response to our Radio Veronica post yesterday: Hi Thomas, I heard and reported Radio Veronica end of 1964-11-06 and got the enclosed QSL [above]. Regards, Lennart Weirell What a brilliant QSL, Lennart! Thank you so much for sharing.
Scott stumbles upon Radio Veronica at the NDSM Wharf
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Scott Gamble, who writes: [I was in Amsterdam recently] and was in a meeting over at the NDSM Wharf, and I happened to stumble upon Radio Veronica next to the office where I was meeting. Never though I’d be so close to it. Such a cool piece of history. […]
Radio Fun: Monitoring ISS Astronaut David Saint-Jacques as he answers student questions
Many thanks to my good buddy Eric (WD8RIF) for reminding me about a scheduled ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) contact between Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques and Faith Christian Academy in Orlando, FL, USA. Living in the mountains, I miss a lot of low angle ISS passes due to ridge lines blocking my […]
FCC Enforcement Actions Against Pirate Radio by Location
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Hansgen, who notes that the FCC Enforcement bureau now has an interactive map showing actions against pirate radio stations by location. Click here to view on the FCC website.
Mornings with the Panasonic RF-2200
It’s been a busy winter season here at SWLing Post HQ. Many of you might have noticed a slow response time if you’ve tried to contact me. I’m in the midst of a rather involved investment property renovation that’s consumed nearly all of my spare time. Still, I’m keeping up with the Post and even […]
Video: The Secret Life of Radios
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Skip Arey (N2EI), who shared the following video on Facebook: Any electrical spark creates radio waves and acts as a transmitter. You hear sparks on a radio as interference. That’s why lighting makes radios crackle, and even the tiny spark in a switch is enough to make a noise on […]
Spectres of Shortwave streaming online for limited time
Many thanks to Amanda Dawn Christie, who writes: I also want to let you know that Spectres of Shortwave is currently screening online, for a limited time (March 4), on this science film website: https://www.labocine.com/film/2172 I think it costs $3 for the month to access all of the films on this site. Feel free to let […]
Mark spots a self-powered radio in “The Division”
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who shares the following: I’ve recently got back into computer games after a gap of several years, and have recently discovered one called “The Division”. The level of detail in the game is amazing, and the representation of parts of Manhattan compare very favourably with Google Street […]
Stan compares the C. Crane CCRadio3 with the CCRadio2E
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Stan Horzepa (WA1LOU), who shares the following post originally published on his blog: I bought a first-production-run C.Crane CCRadio3 AM/FM/WX/2-Meter receiver after reading K4SWL’s preview on his blog, The SWLing Post. I already own the highly-regarded C.Crane CCRadio 2E Enhanced, which I reviewed here five years ago, so I decided to compare […]
Video: N1SPY brings a GE seven band radio back to life!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov, who writes: Thomas Cholakov (N1SPY) picked up an old General Electric radio from the 2019 Orlando Hamcation and brought it back to life. Unfortunately with all of the radio’s 7 bands, it did not have shortwave. Click here to watch on YouTube. Brilliant job resurrecting that GE […]
Target Jim Creek: is an Obscure Washington State Naval Radio Facility in Russia’s Nuclear Crosshairs?
A new article in the Seattle Times newspaper discusses a large VLF radio facility that many people even in nearby Seattle, WA are not aware of: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obscure-snohomish-county-navy-radio-station-named-as-top-russian-target/ This story reminds me of my 1960s childhood, growing up with a father who worked on the USA’s Minuteman ICBM missile defense program. This Cold War era missile […]
Channel Africa and other broadcasters affected by closure of Meyerton Shortwave Station
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gaétan Teyssonneau, who notes that Channel Africa will end their shortwave service on March 31, 2019. The Meyerton Shortwave Station is closing which will effectively end Channel Africa’s shortwave service but also end Africa relays for a number of other major international broadcasters. Alokesh Gupta reports: “It is confirmed […]
“This Is A Music Show”: Thursdays at 0100 UTC on WRMI
Many thanks to “Your Host” who writes with an announcement about his new weekly radio show via WRMI: Just wanted to give you (and your readers) a heads-up about a new show I’ve started called “This Is A Music Show” which can be heard Thursdays 0100-0200 UTC (Wednesday evenings in the Americas) on 5850 kHz […]
Ed restores a Hallicrafters S-72L cabinet
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Edward Ganshirt, who shares the following: This is a Hallicrafters S-72L “barn find” I restored. This turned out to be a furniture refinishing project and not a radio (electronics) restoration job. It is a 1949/50 era portable with batteries and 1 volt tubes. When I brought it home the cosmetic […]
Guest Post: A Visit to Radio Tarma
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Don Moore–author of Following Ghosts in Northern Peru–for the following guest post: A Visit To Radio Tarma By Don Moore (Note: A more extensive set of photos from Radio Tarma, and other Peruvian radio stations, can be found at Don’s website. The website also contains details of the Peruvian […]
Chairman of DRM Consortium looks at the current state of shortwave
(Source: Radio World via Maichael Black) Note that the excerpt below is only a portion of the full article. Read the full piece at Radio World. Does Shortwave Have a Future? by RUXANDRA OBREJA When is the last time you heard a shortwave radio transmission? And why should you put up with possible crackly audio and some […]
Guest Post: Report from the 2019 Henry’s Island DXpediton
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Sandipan Basu Mallick (VU3JXD), for sharing the following guest post: Henry’s Island DXpediton 2019 World Radio day is observed by the UNESCO on 13th February every year. This year is the 8th year world day being celebrated with theme “celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives”. In recent […]
WRTH 2019 B18 Updates & Questionnaire
(Source: WRTH) Dear WRTH reader, We have uploaded a pdf of updates to the B18 schedules in the International section of WRTH 2019. Visit Updates and click the “International Updates” link to download the file from the WRTH store. If you haven’t yet got your copy of WRTH 2019 you can buy one NOW using […]
eBay find: New In Box Sony ICF-2010, AN-1, AN-3 and AN-LP1
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares a link to this amazing eBay find: A Sony ICF-2010, AN-1, AN-3 and AN-LP1 all new in box. Here’s the description: SONY ICF-2010, AN-1, AN-3, AN-LP1 Short Wave Radio Monitoring Package Complete package of SONY Short Wave Radio Items. Originally purchased by me and in […]
Guest Post: Rawad shares his radio story
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rawad Hamwi, who shares the following guest post: My Story With Radios by Rawad Hamwi My passion for the world of radios started 15 years ago when I “accidentally” got my hand on a vintage Sanyo U4SS radio/cassette player. At that time, FM didn’t mean that much to me, and […]
Bonito tests the SDRplay RSPduo paired with two high-performance antennas
Many thanks to Dennis at Bonito, who notes that he has just tested the SDRplay RSPduo on two of Bonito’s high-performance antennas: the MegaLoop FX and the new MegaDipol MD300DX. Bonito posted a detailed article about this on their website. Click here to check it out! SDRPlay RSPduo – Lasst die Spiele beginnen!
This NYC vintage vault is a source of electronics for movies and TV shows
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Kevin and Stan who share the following article from Gizmodo. Stan notes: You (and your readers) often comment on radios in movies and tv shows, so I thought ya’ll might be interested in the following article: “Where Movies Get Their Vintage Electronics” https://gizmodo.com/where-movies-get-their-vintage-electronics-1832218560 Turns out, some come from an […]
FTIOM & UBMP, February 24-March 16, 2019
From the Isle of Music, February 24-March 16, 2019: Our next three weeks: A. February 24-March 2: Our special guest is Yadiel Bolaño, the leader of La Tabla, whose album Tablero was nominated in the Música Bailable – Nuevos Talentos category of Cubadisco 2018. B. March 3-9: Our special guests are members of Conjunto Roberto […]
VKS-737 Australian HF Communications services for travellers
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Jerome van der Linden, who writes: At the Adelaide Caravan & Camping Show this last weekend, I picked up a brochure outlining the services of the VKS-737 HF Radio Network operated by a Public Benevolent Institution Established in 1993. Its mission statement is to provide emergency and general radio communications […]
United Nations: Radio still a powerful worldwide tool for ‘dialogue, tolerance and peace’
(Source: United Nations News via Mike Hansgen) “Even in today’s world of digital communications, radio reaches more people than any other media platform” explained the UN chief, adding that it “conveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues”. “And it is a personal, interactive platform where people can air their views, concerns, and grievances” he added, noting […]
“How one tiny Ontario station keeps listeners tuning in”
(Source: TVO.org) At Amherst Island’s CJAI 92.1 FM, volunteers host shows, work the mixing board, and woo advertisers — it’s just one of many small local radio stations across the province trying to do more with less AMHERST ISLAND — Radio host Brian Little takes a quick break from playing hit songs from 1975 on […]
Remembering “The Professor:” Micheal Pool, radio zealot and host of WFMU’s Audio Kitchen
Regretfully, I’ve had to bid farewell to few radio friends in the past few months. But until very recently I never dreamed I’d be saying goodbye to my great friend and radio arts mentor Michael Pool, known to the radio world as “The Professor.” Michael was an interesting individual, to say the least. His curiosity […]
Guest Post: Bolivian Miners’ Radio Station Documentaries
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tracy Wood (K7UO), who shares the following guest post: Bolivian Miners’ Radio Station Documentaries Bolivian mine workers’ radio stations have long held an affinity among these Altiplano communities. Many were stations were targeted for shootings, bombings, etc. by forces loyal to earlier dictatorships. Today, few stations remain as the […]
Weekend Broadcasts of VORW Radio International
Hello readers! I just wanted to provide an updated schedule for this weekend’s broadcasts of VORW Radio International. For any new listeners – VORW Radio International is an hour long music based program, featuring listener requested music. It’s a very diverse show where you are guaranteed to hear music of many genres and eras! Here’s […]
FY 2019 NIST budget looks good for time stations
Many thanks to the number of SWLing Post readers who have forwarded this article from the ARRL News that notes the WWV Special Event Station, planned for later this year, is a go. This is great news indeed. With regards to the FY2019 budget uncertainty surrounding NIST radio stations WWV, WWVH and WWVB, the ARRL notes: […]
International Space Station SSTV Event Feb 15-17
(Source: Southgate ARC) Space Station Slow Scan TV Event Feb 15-17 ARISS is planning another of their popular Slow Scan Television (SSTV) experiment events from the International Space Station on February 15-17 Transmissions on 145.800 MHz FM are scheduled to begin Friday, Feb. 15 at 08:45 UT and run through Sunday, Feb. 17 at 17:25 […]
Radio Deal: ELAD USA’s February sale
ELAD has just announced new sale prices on their radios and accessories through their US store. These prices will be valid throughout the month of February. If I had the spare change, I’d buy the red DUO! Click here to check out these products online.
Eton/Grundig Satellit: Michael seeks advice on enabling DAB reception
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael Meyer, who writes: Hi Thomas. I have a question regarding the Eton Grundig Satellit’s DAB function – or rather: It’s missing DAB function. The Eton Grundig Satellit was reviewed in WRTH 2016 by John Nelson, demonstrating its capability of receiving DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast in Europe – some […]
Adam spots a Racal RA17 in Johnny Mnemonic
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adam Sampson, who writes: One for your “radios in movies” collection: in “Johnny Mnemonic” (1995), there’s a Racal RA17 in one of the racks in the Lo-Teks’ headquarters. There’s also a Rohde and Schwarz SMDF/SMDA RF signal generator in the next rack which plays a pivotal role in the […]
Bitcoin sent over national borders via shortwave radio
(Source: cryptovibes.com via Jesse C.) Bitcoin Sent Offline from Toronto to Michigan Through Shortwave Radio The protocol used is identified as JS8Call which enables users to connect a shortwave radio to a computer. Although the crypto winter seems to have prolonged into 2019, it has not stopped various inventions and developments to take place. In […]
Happy World Radio Day 2019!
(Source: UNESCO World Radio Day) UNESCO invites all radio stations and supporting organisations to join us for World Radio Day 2019, a chance to strengthen diversity, peace and development through their broadcasting. World Radio Day marks a time where people around the world celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives. Radio brings together people […]
FTIOM & UBMP, February 17-23
From the Isle of Music, February 17-23, 2019: This week, our guest Pablo Menéndez, leader of Mezcla, shares some of their album Pure Mezcla with us and talks about their current projects. Also, some vintage music from Irakere. The broadcasts take place: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most […]
Preview: The C. Crane CCRadio3 AM/FM/WX and 2 Meter receiver
In early January 2019, C. Crane sent me a pre-production unit of their latest radio for evaluation: the C. Crane CCRadio3. Since I received the CCradio3, I’ve had it on the air and have been evaluating it in real-life listening conditions, searching for any potential quirks that C. Crane should address before a full production […]
Radio World: “China Makes Its DRM Move”
(Source: Radio World via Michael Bird) The nation becomes world’s leading Digital Radio Mondiale shortwave broadcaster in just one year Hans Johnson BEIJING — It appears as if China has jumped into Digital Radio Mondiale shortwave broadcasting with both feet. Some DRM infrastructure has been in place for over a decade, but up until recently […]
Book Review: “Radio Reader: Essays in the Cultural History of Radio”
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Kolesar, who shares the following review: Just finished another excellent read: Hilmes and Loviglio’s collection “Radio Reader: Essays in the Cultural History of Radio.” Very little scholarship exists about the cultural impact of radio in America, and this volume explores the history highlights (long partial list): the initial […]
Shortwave Radio Recordings: Voice of Peace from Baghdad – December 29, 1990
Many thanks to SWLing Post and SRAA contributor, Richard Langley, who has recently uploaded an off-air recording of the Voice of Peace to the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive. This is a fascinating recording that I thought I would re-post here on the Post. Richard notes: Live, off-air, approximately twenty-minute recording of the Voice of Peace […]
Gary regrets getting his refurbished Sangean PR-D4W
You might recall this previous post regarding a limited number of refurbished Sangean PR-D4W units on Amazon.com. Gary notes that he regrets making this purchase: “Sadly, my refurbished PR-D4W only worked well for a little over one day. Now, medium strength and weaker AM stations have a greatly reduced audio level. Before, they sounded fine. […]
2019 Orlando Hamcation Flea Market Photos
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rich Nowak, who kindly shares photos from the Orlando Hamcation Flea Market. Click on each image to enlarge: What an impressive amount of vintage radios! I’m planning to attend Hamcation next year (2020)–now I know I’ll need to bring my truck to haul back all of the boat anchors! […]
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