The SWLing Post

Yesterday, while driving home from the Winter SWL Fest, I learned that inventor Trevor Baylis passed away at the age of 80. Many thanks to a number of SWLing Post contributors who sent me news articles and obituaries. I’m honored to have spoken with Mr. Baylis over the years; he’s a brilliant, caring fellow with […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rob Gray, who writes: I took this snap today while visiting in St. Petersburg Russia for a few months. Not exciting radios by any means, but given this store was something like a Best Buy, I thought it was interesting that shortwave still has a small presence. Thanks for […]

Here at the Winter SWL Fest, there has been much chatter about the new Ampegon rotatable antenna and transmitter system at WBCQ. WBCQ made the following press releasee yesterday: (Source: WBCQ) For Immediate Release: March 2, 2018 WBCQ The Planet Announces New Showcase Radio Facility Plymouth Meeting, PA: WBCQ The Planet announced today that it […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, TheReportOfTheWeek, who writes: Starting this Thursday (March 1st) I will be conducting a test transmission of VORW Radio Int. on 5950 kHz via radio station WRMI. The intended reception area is the state of Florida! This is understandably tricky considering that the transmitter site is in the target area […]

(Source: Bloomberg via Dave Zantow) IHeart Prepares for Bankruptcy as Soon as This Weekend Embattled IHeartMedia Inc. is circulating documents for a bankruptcy filing that could come as soon as this weekend for the biggest U.S. radio broadcaster. Advisers to some of iHeart’s senior creditors have been shown bankruptcy papers that would be used on […]

(Source: The Hundu via Mike Hansgen) After facing criticism for its failure to warn fishermen at sea during Cyclone Ockhi, the State government plans to use shortwave radio broadcasts to provide vital information. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) will soon hold a meeting with the Regional Meteorological Centre and All India Radio […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes: While it can be useful for picking up components at short notice, sells kits, and has a small amount of CB / licence free radio equipment, it seems to be a peculiar mixture of computer cables, battery powered children’s cars, overpriced PC parts, chargers, disco […]

(Source: ARRL via Ron) ARRL has asked the FCC to expand HF privileges for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75, 40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters. The FCC has not yet invited public comment on the proposals, which stem from recommendations […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Svein Tore, who writes: I’m blind. The type of shortwave radio I like best, is the analogue type with a tuning wheel, because I don’t need sight to use it, and I have full control over the receiver. I would like to buy a radio with SSB, but it seems […]

From the Isle of Music, March 4-10, 2018 Part 2 of 2 parts This week, Part 2 of our special guest, saxophonist/composer/bandleader Alexey León, 1st Place winner in the Interpretation category at JoJazz 2017. He already has a very impressive musical resume, and in one of our rare interviews in English, we’ll talk about his […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who adds the following to our growing archive of radios in film. Mark writes: I’d spotted this radio in the Netflix time travelling series Travelers early on, but it was never in focus to nail a decent image. In spite of that, it does have a distinctive design that SWLing readers […]

(Source: Vimeo via David Korchin) A short teaser for the documentary RAMS, about legendary German designer Dieter Rams. A film by Gary Hustwit (Helvetica, Objectified, Urbanized), with original music by Brian Eno. hustwit.com/rams For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design and the world at large […]

(Source: Henley Standard via Jonathan Marks) THE BBC wants to install 18 new satellite dishes at its monitoring station at Crowsley Park, near Sonning Common. Two existing dishes would also be removed and three others would be relocated. The BBC uses the site as a receiving station, working in tandem with the BBC Monitoring Service […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Aaron Kuhn, who shared the following story from CBS News: Recreated Al Capone cell inaccurate — and teen notices PHILADELPHIA — A sharp-eyed boy who noticed that the vintage radio inside gangster Al Capone’s recreated Philadelphia prison cell wasn’t historically accurate has delivered a replacement. Thirteen-year-old Joey Warchal — […]

A few months ago, the radio manufacturer Tivdio contacted me to see if I would be interested in evaluating their new Tivdio HR-11S self-powered emergency radio. I receive requests like this frequently, and often pass on the opportunity since I generally don’t have the time to evaluate the overwhelming number of inexpensive DSP radios that […]

I just noticed that the price for the TIVDIO V-115 has been lowered to $18.99 US shipped on Amazon.com. Click here to read our previous reviews of this radio. This is the lowest price for the V-115 I’ve seen on Amazon. As I mention with any Amazon sale–a now standard disclaimer–the price could change at any moment. […]

I’ve been following news about the Yaesu FT-818: the next iteration of the venerable Yaesu FT-817ND QRP general coverage transceiver. The FT-817 series has been on the market for nearly two decades. I remember purchasing one of the first production models when I lived in the UK in 2001. It was a revolutionary radio at […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, TomL, who writes: Regarding the last couple of posts recently about what affects Space Weather (and HF radio communications), this talk last week from Solar scientist Joan Burkepile of the High Altitude Observatory discusses what causes Radiation storms from Coronal Mass Ejections. She makes it interesting from a physics […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mad Radio DXer, who writes: I said I would share my results for attempting to receive LW signals on the XHDATA D-808, & if I can use a longwire to improve reception on this radio. This was after posting videos when I used around 50 metres of longwire connected […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Seyfi Genç, who writes: I’m a strict follower of your blog and of course a SW listener and HAM (TA2MOK) from Istanbul Turkey. I bought a Harris RF 505A last week for just $30 US! I need to datasheet to repair it. I didn’t find it on internet. Thank you. […]

Posted by SWLing Post contributor Troy Riedel: I just noticed something on eBay. Seller “playloudfm” based in Greece (100% feedback rating), the first to offer the high gain external ferrite antenna for the Tecsun PL-360/PL-365/County Comm GP5, has a new offering: From the seller’s listing: – Frequency: 530Khz – 1710Khz – Tunable – Passive, No […]

From the Isle of Music, February 25-March 3, 2018 Part 1 of 2 parts This week and next, our special guest is saxophonist/composer/bandleader Alexey León, 1st Place winner in the Interpretation category at JoJazz 2017. He already has a very impressive musical resume, and in one of our rare interviews in English, we’ll talk about […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ralf Bender, who writes: Here a link to a German radio station website, which yesterday released that a Russian broadcaster is back on air. In times when many broadcasters/stations are closed [this is] good news. Here there original German website: https://www.radioeins.de/programm/sendungen/medienmagazin/radio_news/beitraege/2018/kamtschatka.html And here with automatic Google translation: Kamchatka on shortwave […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ralph (AJ4BI), who writes I absolutely love your blog! Herrington is having a half-price sale on their Grundig Executive Satellit for $99.95 Click here to view the deal. Frys has dropped the price to $81.91. They now appear to be only available through the local Frys stores. Thanks for the […]

Many thanks to Jon Hudson at SDRplay who produced the following excellent instructional video about setting up SDR-Console V3 for remote use. Jon writes: For SDR Console users, this video guide shows you how to access other people’s SDRs and how to add your own. If you are wanting to add your own SDR for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Grant Porter, who notes that YouTube reviewer TheReportOfTheWeek talks his obsession with shortwave radio in his latest episode: Click here to view this video on YouTube. Note that the TheReportOfTheWeek produces a weekly shortwave radio show called VORW International. Check out his schedule is below: THURSDAY VORW Radio Broadcasts: […]

(Source: Mauno Ritola via WRTH on Facebook) From Alfredo Cotroneo of IRRS-Shortwave: Dear Listeners and Friends, We were approached by colleagues who produced a special one-hour’ tribute’ program to Tom Taylor, and we decided to air it on our station in the coming days. A very great deal of effort has been taken to produce this […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: The Mexican Diexist Group has created a petition on the Change.org platform to ask that Radio Taiwan International don’t finish broadcasting their programs on the shortwave. Those who want to add their signature, can do so by following this link. Thank you very much […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Larry W, who writes: The Grundig Satellit 750 is now on sale on Amazon.com for $255.95 shipped. This is the best price I have seen in ages! Typically the 750 floats between $300-320. I thought you might want to post this because 750 sales are so rare compared with […]

Encouraged by SWLing Post contributors Guy Atkins and Ivan Cholakov, I recently installed the latest version of SDR Console on my PC. I had not tried SDR Console in many, many years, but after Guy announced that SDR Console had moved from preview to Beta, I decided it was time to try it once again. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Sandipan Basu Mallick (VU3JXD), who shares the following guest post: Dear Thomas, On the even of World radio Day, 10 DXers of Kolkata, India gathered while the radio enthusiast around the world are coping with bad news for the hobby. In this regard, please find a guest post written by […]

Some of you might recall our story about this 1940s RCA transmitter–here’s is the follow-up: (Source: CBC via Mike Hansgen) The massive transmitter is being moved from the former RCI site to the former Dorchester jail Bill Steele is a collector of odd things. A year ago, for example, he bought the site of the […]

Note that the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station–the last VOA/BBG transmitting site in the US–is the main provider of Radio Marti over shortwave. No doubt, this proposed cut could close the site permanently. The end of an era. (Source: Miami Herald via Mike Hansgen) Trump’s budget includes drastic cuts to Radio and TV Martí President […]

(Source: Radio New Zealand via Mike Hansgen) Papua New Guinea’s communications minister, Sam Basil, says he plans to grow radio services in PNG. He marked this week’s World Radio Day by saying radio is a medium that reaches the widest audience, including vulnerable communities in remote parts of the country. Mr Basil has announced the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kim Elliott, who shares the following story from the Odisha Sun Times: Bhubaneswar: Only a lucky few get to live and breathe their passion and Rajendra Sahu, a carpenter, is one of them. From Odisha’s capital city of Bhubaneswar, Sahu steals time to give shape to his imagination. He […]

From the Isle of Music, February 18-24, 2018 This week our special guest is Tony Avila, whose 2016 album Que se haga la luz is one of the most interesting Nueva Trova albums we have heard in many years. Also, some excellent Cuban Jazz. 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area […]

Rob Sherwood, at Sherwood Engineering, has now published test results of the Icom IC-R8600 wideband receiver. The IC-R8600 is (impressively) second from the top of the list sorted by third-order dynamic range narrow spaced if phase noise limited: Click here to view the full list at Sherwood Engineering. Click here to check out Dan Robinson’s recent […]

Several SWLing Post readers have sent me a link to this item on BCL News (originally posted by Takahito Akabayashi via WOR) stating that Sony will cease production of all shortwave radios this month: SONY Japan declared in January that they ended the production of ICF-SW35 shortwave receiver. They also declared in February that they end the […]

(Source: UNESCO World Radio Day) The seventh edition of World Radio Day will be held on 13 February 2018 under the theme: Radio and Sports, with all radio stations, regulatory bodies and related organisations invited to celebrate radio and its contribution to democratic debate through information, entertainment and audience interaction. As we look forward to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi (N2HUN), who shares the following guest post: Battery Testers; Don’t Get Caught Without One! by Mario Filippi, N2HUN (All photos by author) Ever consider what life today would be like without the humble dry cell battery? Old timers know the term “dry cell” as opposed to “wet cell.” […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mario Filippi, who writes: Hope you are doing well. Spotted this J.I.L. receiver on eBay, never heard of this unit before. Click here to view on eBay. Thanks for the tip, Mario! This is a new one for me as well–what an interesting stack-able set of up/down converters. RigPix […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Hansgen, who shares the following article by Paul Litwinovich at WSHU: In this article I’ll look at two things that, unless you are a serious ham operator or an absolute radio geek, you probably are unfamiliar with. First, we will take a look at a very rare phenomenon first […]

Simon Brown, G4ELI’s widely used, free SDR-Console V3 was upgraded from “Preview” to “Beta 1” level today. Many SDR enthusiasts have waited for this next step; even in Preview form, Version 3 has performed nearly as well as a production release in many ways. I have briefly used SDR-Console (V2 and V3) off and on for […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes: Nothing that an SWLing Post reader doesn’t already know–more for general consumption: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-42819704/numbers-stations-the-spy-radio-that-anyone-can-hear For decades, people around the globe have been able to listen in to mysterious spy broadcasts from all over the world with just a radio. Gordon Corera has been investigating the strange […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank M. Howell, who left the following comment on our indoor antenna post yesterday: You omitted the MFJ Receive Loop….it outperforms my Wellbrook ALS-1530+. Very competitive price point! See http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1886. Thanks for pointing this out, Frank. You’re right in that I had forgotten about the MFJ receive only loop antenna. It’s […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Chris Freitas, who writes: “I am thinking of the new RSP1A SDR. Would you know of a good indoor antenna that would work well with it?” Your antenna question is simple, but the answer is complex! First off, I think the RSP1A is a great choice as it’ll give […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Curtis, who shares the following video from NBC Left Field: Hawaii’s recent false nuclear missile alert showed us how reliant we are on cell phones and modern technology—and how unprepared we are if they become inaccessible. But in case the unexpected happens, an unlikely group of hobbyists—ham radio operators—are […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rawad Hamwi, who writes: When I bought my Sony ICF-SW7600GR back in 2014, I was happy with the included case that came with it. However, signs of wear and tear started to be visible. This inner fabric lining was peeling off, since it was rubbing against the antenna both plastic […]

Amazon has just posted an excellent price for the Eton Grundig Edition Traveller III shortwave portable: $35.83 shipped! This is the lowest price I’ve seen for the Traveller III since December when it hit this lowest price for a very brief period of time. As with any Amazon spricing, this could end at any time. […]

From the Isle of Music, February 11-17, 2018 More of Alejandro Falcón and his new album Mi monte espiritual; also some great music from Yunior Terry, Yosvany Terry and Estrellas de Areito. 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and […]