The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete Eaton (WB9FLW), who writes: From the fertile mind of QRP Hall Of Fame Pete N6QW comes a new Radio Project, the Sudden QRP SSB Transceiver. If you have never Scratch Built such a Rig and would like to N6QW’s latest offering deserves close inspection. Using only readily available […]

I’ve owned my Elecraft KX3 for five years, and this little rig continues to amaze me. In 2013, I gave the KX3 one of the most favorable reviews I’ve ever published–and it continues to hold its own. That’s why last year I recommended the KX3 to my buddy and newly minted ham radio operator, Sébastien […]

(Source: arstechnica via Scott Schad) A new antenna using single atoms could usher in the age of atomic radio The team tested their device by recording themselves singing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” JENNIFER OUELLETTE In the 1950s, atomic clocks revolutionized precision time-keeping. Now we may be on the verge of so-called “atomic radio,” thanks […]

(Source: IEEE Spectrum Magazine) Several public radio stations that have broadcast the time of day continuously for nearly 100 years are on the chopping block By Julianne Pepitone Starting in May 1920, the U.S. federal WWV radio stations have broadcast the official time without fail. For ham radio fans, hearing the friendly “National Institute of […]

I mentioned in a previous post that, this year, QRM levels here at the condo in Québec are higher on our balcony than they are inside the building. I think I found the source. A couple weeks ago, on my morning walk, I passed underneath some high voltage power lines about 1 km from the […]

(Source: The Next Web via Kim Elliott) Devs used solar-powered radios to complete first ‘off-grid’ cryptocurrency transaction Could blockchain help after disaster strikes? A group of developers claim to have performed a solar-powered cryptocurrency transaction, using shortwave radios and blockchain tech. While it might not be the world’s first radio-transmitted cryptocurrency transaction, the devs insist […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kanwar Sandhu, who shares the following QSL information from Wantok Radio Light: Wantok Radio Light is a Christian Radio Station operating in Papua New Guinea. We broadcasts 24 hours, seven days a week on 93.9 FM in Port Moresby, 105.9 FM in other provinces and short wave on 7325 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Dave Zantow (N9EWO) and Larry W who both note that the IC-7200 has been discontinued once again by Icom. Universal Radio has even listed it as discontinued on their website and doesn’t appear to have any in new inventory. You might recall that Icom discontinued the IC-7200 in early […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Sarkis, who writes with the following inquiry: I thought I would turn to the SWLing Post for some advice please. I am trying to find recordings of Radio Bulgaria’s Italian Service which was taken off the air in 1997. I’m after a jingle with which the current affairs programme […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who notes that Radio City in Mounds View, MN, will be closing its doors soon. Ham City owners, Dan and Maline Fish, are retiring. They posted the following message on their website: Sept. 11th, 2018 It’s Time to Retire. It’s been a wonderful 36 years for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christian, who writes: Another Grundig/Eton deal on Amazon. This time the Eton Exectutive Traveler for $46.65 shipped. One of the lowest prices I’ve seen on this one. I already have a Traveler so no plans to purchase, but thought your readers might be interested. Good little radio if you ask […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Fahey, who shares the following comment in response to our KiwiSDR post from yesterday: [T]here are now so many [KiwiSDR] receivers – how do you know which ones are best? Why not use this map as an alternative to sdr.hu/map: [A]ll the same receivers are shown in a […]

(Source: Tom Taylor Now) The FCC last night reported that more FMs were out (20) than AMs (three). While nearly 14% of cell sites in the affected areas were out of service – and like the AM/FM picture, virtually all the outages are in coastal North Carolina. Forecasters had predicted the brunt of the storm […]

Some of you might recall that I’m spending the months of August and September in a condo near Québec City, Canada. We love it here, though it does present some radio challenges. Unlike our rural/remote mountain home in the States, I’ve always had to cope with QRM (manmade radio interference) here at the condo. Not […]

(Source: Radio World) More broadcasters than you might realize are helping keep the ionosphere warm (and the power companies happy) In the May 9 issue of Radio World, I reported on a recent power upgrade at TWR’s Bonaire AM facility that brought that station close to the half-megawatt level (440 kW), allowing the station to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Marcus Keulertz, who writes: I would like to [share a] picture of our other female family member. I’m not quite sure if she loves the shortwave chirping signal which was emitted from Radio Taiwan’s English Service. What I observed is that she stayed calm while listening to their evening broadcast. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following information about the VoIP Hurricane Net in which he is heavily involved: **VoIP Hurricane Net will activate starting at 9 AM EDT Thursday Morning through 11 PM EDT Saturday Evening for Dangerous Hurricane Florence which is expected to be a major hurricane and […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Justin Patrick Moore (KE8COY), who is a radio host, radio enthusiast and musician. At my request, Justin has shared the following article excerpts from his blog that discuss the convergence of music and radio: Imaginary Landscapes The development of telecommunications technology and electronic circuits had a major impact on […]

As Hurricane Florence starts to make landfall today, it is expected to have a serious impact on coastal South Carolina and North Carolina. Florence is currently a category 2 hurricane, but they expect wind speeds to diminish quickly upon landfall. No doubt, we’ll remember Florence for the tremendous amount of rainfall she packs–there will be significant flooding […]

Described as “an antidote to today’s frenzied world”, the BBC has launched a new radio program with 30-minute recordings of “the sounds of birds, mountain climbing, monks chatting as you go about your day.” With the popularity of Slow Television and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) I imagine Slow Radio will be quite popular. Of […]

Many thanks to an SWLing Post reader who has shared the following document which was published during the IARU Region 3 conference in Seoul. The document is titled “The evolution of spectrum management in the era of hyper-connectivity and its impact on the amateur service.” Certainly a tough look at the realities of spectrum use […]

(Source: Marketplace via Richard Cuff) The Trump administration wants to shut down two shortwave radio stations that broadcast time signals from the nation’s master clock. The administration’s budget proposal would eliminate nearly $27 million in funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the two stations. WWV, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, has been transmitting one rock-steady […]

Remember the American television game show To Tell The Truth? This very long-running show challenged four celebrity guests and viewers to identify the real “central character” in the midst of two impostors.I was reminded of this game show when attempting to tell the difference between the original and recently updated versions of C. Crane’s CCRadio-EP […]

From the Isle of Music, September 16-October 6: September 16-22, our special guest will be Alejandro Vargas with his excellent Jazz. September 23-29, we will feature the music of several of Cuba’s excellent female vocalists from various decades. September 30-October 6, we will feature Rafael Monteagudo with his excellent Jazz. The transmissions take place: 1. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Christian, who writes: Hi Thomas. Just thought you should know that Amazon has lowered the price of the Eton Field BT to $89.99 shipped. For how long this will be the price I don’t know. This is only $5 more than the lowest price I’ve ever seen for the […]

As I write this post, Hurricane Florence has her sites set on eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. In terms of her path and potential for flooding, Florence is already looking like an extraordinary storm and certainly one for the history books. It’s a scary situation. My family is all about practical preparedness. Where […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who reminds us that today is Class D CB radio’s 60th anniversary. From Wikipedia: On September 11, 1958 the Class D CB service was created on 27 MHz, and this band became what is popularly known today as “Citizens Band”. There were only 23 channels at the time; […]

(Source: The Guardian) For 70 years, far-flung listeners knew they had found the BBC on their radio dial when they heard the jaunty notes of the Irish jig Lillibulero. Its brassy, old-fashioned sound spoke of men in dinner jackets and vintage radio microphones, and there was a minor public outcry when it was formally dropped […]

From Spaceweather.com: “NOAA forecasters say there is an 80% chance of minor G1-class geomagnetic storms on Sept. 11th when a stream of solar wind is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field … There’s a chance that the storm could intensify to category G2 (moderately strong).” Image: Solar Wind flowing from this canyon shaped coronal hole could reach Earth on September […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gary DeBock, for sharing the following guest post: Supercharging the XHDATA D-808 Installation of High Performance AM and LW Loopsticks By Gary DeBock, Puyallup, WA, USA, September 2018 Introduction As a stock receiver the Chinese-made D-808 AM-LW-FM-SW-AIR portable is a very capable performer, with AM reception superior to that […]

Many thanks to Jon Hudson with SDRplay who shares the following on the SDRplay Facebook page: We have released a new YouTube video which covers some items that have been asked about by our users. First up we talk about synchronizing VFO A and VFO B between SDRuno and the rig. This leads into a […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric (WD8RIF), who writes: This came in the most recent ARRL Contest newsletter: The Sun, The Earth, and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System by J. A. Eddy is a readable and accessible textbook that explains the dynamics of the Sun and its interaction with the Earth’s […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rich (WD3C), who writes: Was browsing the Anon-Co site the other day and noticed they are selling replacement rotary encoders for the some Tecsun models. As I have a PL-660 with a bad encoder decided to order one and replace it. The cost was only $5.95 with free shipping and […]

Many thanks to Bennett Z. Kobb, Kim Andrew Elliott, and Christopher Rumbaugh for authoring “Comments of the High Frequency Parties” that is now filed with the FCC. Update: please also check out this FAQ. Here’s the introduction: The Public Notice in MB Docket 18-227 requests comment on “whether laws, regulations, regulatory practices or demonstrated marketplace […]

Yesterday, the weather was gorgeous here in Québec, thus a prime opportunity to find a beach, start a new book and, of course, play radio! I found a fantastic spot on the north bank of the St. Lawrence river near Baie-St-Paul, Québec. There were only a few folks at the beach, so it was all […]

(Source: RadioInfo via William Lee) NZ gives $10 million for Pacific Broadcasting While Australia’s ABC is cutting shortwave Radio Australia broadcasts to the Pacific, the New Zealand government has just announced a NZ$10 million grant for an enhanced free-to-air Pasifika TV service across the region. NZ foreign minister Winston Peters announced the plans at the […]

So as many of you now know, I’m in Québec, Canada, at the moment, and was here when Scott Simon with NPR’s Weeked Edition called. The show’s senior producer, Ned Wharton, asked if I would mind stepping into the Radio Canada/CBC broadcast house in Québec City for a studio-to-studio interview. It’s perhaps a thirty minute drive […]

Back in February 2014, I first published a post about Outernet: a company with a goal to provide free access to information across the globe through a network of satellites. I was an early backer of their crowd-funded all-in-one self-powered satellite receiver and digital storage wifi hotspot device, the Lantern. (That’s a mouthful.) In short, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Larry, who notes that the price of the Grundig Mini has just dropped to $24.99 shipped on Amazon.com. Larry notes, “I believe this is the lowest price I’ve ever seen for the Mini which is a decent little pocket radio.” I should add the standard Amazon disclaimer noting that […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who notes that, “Jackie Gleason was a radio nut during his last years.” He shares the following quote from Gleason’s stepson [source]: “The majority of his time at home was spent quietly,” he said. “He was a prolific reader. Constantly reading. There was a store called Bookland… Every […]

From the Isle of Music, September 9-15: In one of our occasional episodes off-island, our special guest this week is Steve Roitstein, leader of Palo!, an Afrocuban Funk band based in Miami. This is one of our rare interviews in English, and if this doesn’t make you dance, you might need a nurse. The transmissions […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tim, who writes: I am a regular subscriber here, but until now have not formally commented. I’ve been an avid SWL since 1977. I am intrigued by your in-depth article on understanding and setting up SDR’s. But, what about an antenna? How well will these radios work for someone […]

(Source: Atlas Obscura via Eric McFadden) One of the most stunning sights of the Bay Area is the historic KPH Radio Station, also known as Marine Coast Station KPH. To reach the station, you must first pass through a clerestory tunnel of cypress trees near the Point Reyes National Seashore.[…] KPH began providing Morse Code […]

(Source: New York Times via Howard Bailen) Since 1851, obituaries in The New York Times have been dominated by white men. With Overlooked, we’re adding the stories of remarkable people whose deaths went unreported in The Times. By Rebecca Halleck Every so often our sun emits an invisible burst of energy. This energy ripples through […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Barraclough, who notes the following update to BBCeng.info: Skelton, Penrith and the World 1943-1993 A personal account by the author Ken Davies. Following my request I have been notified that Cumbria County Council, the publishers of this book, would have no objection to it being on bbceng. Unfortunately I have […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian D. Smith (W9IND), who shares the following information about SWL-friendly awards offered by his amateur radio club to commemorate the three major auto races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brian writes: W9IMS: Last special event station of 2018 Amateur radio station W9IMS will conclude its special event season during […]

Many thanks to an SWLing Post contributor who shares this item which was originally posted by Kai Ludwig on the Shortwave Sites email group. Kai writes: There is a new name to get familiar with: Encompass to Acquire Babcock’s Media Services ENCOMPASS TO ACQUIRE BABCOCK’S MEDIA SERVICES Note the statement from Encompass about their reasons […]

The following article originally appeared in the June 2018 issue of The Spectrum Monitor magazine: SDR Primer Part 1: Introduction to SDRs and SDR applications I author a radio blog known as the SWLing Post; as a result, I receive radio-related queries from my readers on a daily basis. Among the most common questions are these: […]

Many thanks to reviewer Jay Allen for sharing the news that a significantly updated version of the CCRadio-EP Pro is now available: C. Crane CC-EP Pro AM/FM Analog-tuned Radio The update eliminates the “false signal peaks” (images) of the EP Pro, a tuning anomaly that was widely criticized at introduction of this model. In addition, a […]