The SWLing Post

Shortly after posting a set of photos I took at the 2018 Hamvention, I received a number of reader inquiries regarding one particular radio: The Mission RGO ONE. I found this cool tabletop transceiver in the flea market area of the Hamvention early Saturday morning and included it with my inside exhibits photos. I wasn’t […]

Regarding our recent review of the Sangean WR-7, SWLing Post reader, Donald Brown, writes: Hi, my name is Donald Brown, and I did a video review of the Sangean WR-7 and I thought that you might want to have a look at it and even place it onto your site as well. The YouTube address […]

(Source: TV Technology via Bill Patalon) Dr. Byron St. Clair, president emeritus of the National Translator Association, died May 20 in Denver of brain cancer. He was 93. St. Clair, who served as president of the National Translator Association for 19 years, is known as the “father of translators, LPTV and low-power FM,” the association said. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Balazs, who has spotted a number of radios recently on Netflix. Balazs notes: The Snow Walker (2003): Barry Pepper tries to fix a radio: Maze Runner – The Death Cure (2018): as scanners: The Rain – new Danish post-apocalyptic series from the Netflix: field comm found: Many thanks for sharing these, Balazs! Post […]

SWLing Post readers: If you’ve tried to contact me in the past week, I’m sorry if I haven’t replied yet. I spent a week on the road attending the 2018 Hamvention and as soon as I arrived back home on Tuesday, I started more family travel. I’m trying to catch up on on email and […]

I discovered a photo of the The Listener by E.R. Fone via Dan Wilson’s Twitter feed. What a fascinating piece of vintage gear! Post readers: Any other radios in disguise that you’ve discovered? Please share links, photos and/or details in the comments section!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares the following news items from Radio Prague regarding the 95th anniversary of Czech Radio’s first broadcasts: Listening Sessions at a Prague Cinema: Czech Radio’s First Broadcasts Recalled, 95 Years Later A historic moment occurred at 20:15 on Saturday May 18, 1923 when the first ever […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor John with TheReportOfTheWeek who writes: Since our last update, a few additional time and frequency changes have been made to our shortwave airings of VORW Radio Int. Each broadcast features a fun hour of misc talk and commentary as well as a wide variety of listener requested music! The […]

From the Isle of Music, May 27-June 2: This week we re-broadcast a conversation that we had with Arturo O’Farrill in the Iris Jazz Club in Santiago de Cuba in December 2015 and listen to some excellent Cuban Jazz and dance music. 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who discovered a very rareHammarlund SP-600 JX21A on eBay. Dan writes: Collectors of classic boatanchor gear know what has been probably the rarest of tube sets year after year, decade after decade. That set is the Hammarlund SP-600 JX21A. While there have been numerous JX21s on eBay, […]

Saturday and Sunday were long (though fun–!) days at the 2018 Hamvention–I did have a moment to visit most of the inside exhibit tables. Most of the following photos were taken (in no particular order) in the main Hamvention buildings and tents at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Again, it was especially fun meeting so many […]

It was a long day at the 2018 Hamvention Friday, but we had a brilliant time. As always, it’s a pleasure to meet so many SWLing Post readers and contributors–thank you for stopping by! Below, I’ve posted photos I took at the Hamvention Flea Market this morning. Note that most of these photos were taken […]

Moments ago, I posted a press release from the UK-based software-defined radio manufacturer, SDRplay, announcing their latest product: the RSPduo: a 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR. I should start with the disclaimer that, not only was I sent an RSPduo to review and evaluate, but SDRplay has been a supporter of the SWLing Post for a […]

(Source: SDRplay Press Release) SDRplay announces the RSPduo – A 14-bit Dual Tuner SDR Today at the Dayton Hamvention, SDRplay Limited is announcing the launch of a new Software Defined Radio product – the RSPduo. The RSPduo is a radical new addition to the RSP line of SDR receivers from SDRplay. Architecturally, it is different […]

For the ninth year in a row, fellow volunteers and I will be representing the charity Ears To Our World (ETOW), at the Hamvention now in Xenia, Ohio. You can find us at booth 6509. (Click here for a map.) I always enjoy meeting SWLing Post readers who stop by our booth to introduce themselves! If you’re not […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF) who writes: [Here’s a] picture of the new QSL Card from KBS World Radio dedicated to the Inter-Korean Summit that took place last April 27th. Whoever sends a reception report to KBS will be answered with this QSL Card. Thank you, David! You’d better believe I’ll snag […]

Dave Zantow (N9EWO) notes that his radio receiver page has moved and the URL has changed as well. Please bookmark the following site to follow his updates: http://n9ewo.angelfire.com/ Dave also encourages you to engage popup blockers on this site because Anglefire (the host) does inject some popup windows.

From the Isle of Music, May 20-26: No interviews this week, rather a concert hall of Academic, Chamber and Concert music recorded in Cuba. Four opportunities to listen on shortwave: 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 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan, who shares the following note from SDRplay on the SDRplay Forum: It has come to our attention that a consignment of RSPs that was recently stolen from our manufacturing partner have appeared for sale on eBay. If you have any of the following devices and have purchased them from […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Hansgen (K8RAT), who notes that Italian manufacturer, ELAD, has introduced a new speaker, an amplifier and the FDM-S3 SDR is now available to purchase. The ELAD FDM-S3 was first announced last year, but has only recently started shipping. We know its processing bandwidth is impressive–wide enough to include […]

In March, we mentioned that WBCQ is building a new multi-million dollar 500 kW shortwave station on their transmitting site in Monitcello, Maine. WBCQ did not mention the name of the private investor behind the construction. Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kim Elliott, who shares the following note: On “Allan Weiner Worldwide”[…]Allan mentioned that […]

(Source: Radio World) TWR’s Bonaire Facility Gets 440,000 Watt Makeover In an era when most operators are reluctant to spend even very modest sums maintaining AM broadcast facilities, a southern Caribbean Island medium-wave broadcaster has “gone for the gold,” rebuilding its transmission facility and boosting power nearly five-fold from 100 kW to 440 kW. The […]

Later this week, I’m looking forward to attending the 2018 Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio. Hamvention is always a highlight of my year. Last year, the Hamvention moved to their new location at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. As the 2018 Hamvention quickly approaches, I’ve been asked by a number of readers and friends what […]

Folks have been known to say that good things come in small packages. And, do you know what? They’re sometimes right. [Spoiler alert: This review features a good thing which comes in a small package.] I’ve been in the process of evaluating some pretty complicated pieces of communications equipment lately. So when Sangean approached me […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dean Denton–our intrepid 13 year old DXer. Dean writes: How are you doing? I have found a recording on the archives of a recent North Korean recording of the Voice of Korea on the Panmunjon Summit, between both North and South Korean leaders. Not only am I pleased with the news, but […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul McDonough, who notes that CountyComm is once again offering $20 off the price of their GP5-SSB this weekend: Click here to view the sale at CountyComm. Click here to read out review of the GP5-SSB.

(Source: Radio World via Mike Hansgen) LONDON — The BBC World Service, available on radio, TV and online, is part of one of the largest news organization in the world, the BBC. The weekly reach of the World Service on all platforms accounted for 269 million (up from 246 million in 2015–16). […]Large numbers of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Cripe (NM0S) for sharing the flyer above announcing the first annual Midwest STEM TechFest. This looks like an exciting event and frankly where I believe where most amateur radio conventions should be investing their time: in recruiting future engineers and makers! Well done!

(Source: Michigan Public Radio) In a world of Skype and FaceTime, a Kettering freshman is bringing back ham radio club She may be busy with her double major in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Physics, but Kettering University student Ruth Willet always finds time for her passion: amateur radio – also known as “ham radio.” And even in this era of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gary DeBock, who shares the following notes from his Cook Islands Ultralight DXpedition: Aitutaki Sunset DX Aitutaki in the Cook Islands had some dazzling sunsets, and [my wife] loved to take sunset pictures with her new phone. Of course, I participated as well. As a result, sunset DXing was […]

Many thanks to Dennis Walter at Bonito for sharing the following product announcement: MegaDipole MD300DX wideband active dipole The MegaDipole 300DX is a broadband active dipole with a maximum upper working frequency of 300 MHz. The dipole reacts to the electrical component (E-Field) of the electromagnetic field and will deliver best results regarding signal strength […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Brian D. Smith (W9IND), who shares this information about SWL-friendly awards offered by his amateur radio club to commemorate the three major auto races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis Motor Speedway special event stations: Act now for your shot at a 2018 certificate! Attention, paper chasers: Amateur radio station […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov (NO2CW), who shares the following: Thomas, there has been a lot of discussions regarding Airspy HF+ ever since it came out – heated exchanges regarding comparisons with peers, modifications and firmware updates. I took my Airspy HF+ and conducted two tests with it: Airspy HF+ vs. SDRPlay RSP-1A […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, William Lee, who shares the following links to articles regard cuts faced by the Aaustralian Broadcasting Corporation and other Australian media news: ABC hit in Federal Budget ABC Adelaide sound library axed as jobs shift to eastern cities US public radio consortium buys Australian podcasting app Pocket Casts Regarding […]

(Source: DVIDS via Kim Elliott) Going the Distance! 1BTC Uses HF Radio to Go Far and Wide FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES 05.03.2018 Story by Capt. Ed Robles 1st Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division (LI) FORT DRUM, New York (May 3, 2018)–Captain Luke Reese, commander of C Company, 7th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Brian Smith (W9IND), who shares the following press release regarding the historic U.S. Navy callsign NSS that will be reactivated during the 100th anniversary of the former Naval Radio Station in Annapolis, Maryland: Historic NSS Call Sign to be Reactivated During its 100th Anniversary Historic U.S. Navy callsign NSS […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), who notes that Elecraft co-founder, Eric Swartz (WA6HHQ), is featured on the latest episode of Ham Radio Workbench. Here’s the description of the interview provided by Ham Radio Workbench: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ, co-founder of Elecraft, joins us to guide our understanding of RF receiver performance specifications. […]

(Source: Radio World via Mike Hansgen) Pirate Radio Bill Formally Introduced Bipartisan legislation designed to thwart and penalize radio pirates and supporters BY SUSAN ASHWORTH, MAY 9, 2018 Another legislative step has been taken in the effort to fight illegal pirate radio operations. On May 8, Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who notes that he has now compiled his Music on Shortwave listing for the A18 broadcast season. Alan, thanks so much for keeping this excellent guide updated each broadcast season and for sharing it here with the community! Click here to download Alan Roe’s A18 Shortwave Music Guide version […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, London Shortwave, who shares this fascinating article which takes a look at high-frequency trading firms: (Source: Sniper in Mahwah & Friends) Shortwave Trading | Part I | the West Chicago Tower Mystery Since 2014 this blog has extensively covered the wireless networks built by high-frequency trading (HFT) firms or network providers to […]

(Source: SDRplay) Steve Andrews contacted the SDRplay forum recently to share ideas for a new Spectrum Analyser tool for use with SDRplay RSPs. A lively discussion started, with a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement from the user community, for something optimised for these devices. Steve is progressing well with the software development and hopes to […]

From the Isle of Music, May 13-19: No interviews this week, rather a potpourri of new releases of new Cuban Jazz and Popular Dance Music Four opportunities to listen on shortwave: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Radio Caroline Trip 2018 The Martello Tower group will once again be running a special event station GB5RC from the Radio Caroline ship the MV Ross Revenge over a long weekend 3rd to 5th August. This weekend we have arranged 6 trips out to visit the ship for a tour of the ship including studios, transmitter room etc. […]

(Source: Deutsche Welle) Deutsche Welle marks 65th anniversary For six-and-a-half decades, Germany’s international public broadcaster has been providing the world with news and information. Deutsche Welle’s offerings are more diverse and widely used than ever before. “Dear listeners in faraway countries” — with these words from German President Theodor Heuss, Deutsche Welle (DW) began broadcasting on […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader @medmouad who recently shared a link to the following article by Kenji Rikitake at Medium.com: I’m sure Japan is one of those countries which implement the worst online broadcasting policies. You cannot listen to Japanese internet radio stations from outside the nation, thanks to the geotagging technology for the IPv4 address; most […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Gulley (AK3Q), who notes that Black Cat Systems has developed a simple 22 meter beacon kit. The price is $20 shipped! A few details: The kit includes the PCB and components, including a custom programmed microcontroller that will continuously transmit the ID / callsign of your choice, up to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill Hemphill (WD9EQD) who shares the following: I went to the Warminster Amateur Radio Club (WARC) hamfest [yesterday] in Bucks County, PA. For some time, I have been thinking about making a loop antenna for AM DXing. It was my lucky day. When I walked to the inside tables, […]

Rather than take pictures of the Milky Way, astronomer Mark Heyer decided to capture it in a completely different art form. This amazing video is part of an article from Interesting Engineering depicting the motion of the Milky Way translated into a musical score. While most astronomers love capturing unique and stunning images of the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: Here’s a blast from the past that might be interesting reading for the SWLing Post. Back in 1986, just before ending my three year tour as VOA East Africa bureau chief, I had an opportunity to visit Zanzibar, with a group of journalists. Back then, […]