The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who writes: Just how many MW stations in North America are broadcasting in “C-QUAM AM Stereo” these days?? I found this reference which appears to be the most accurate list around the internet. http://www.meduci.com/stations.html I have taken this list and have edited it and converted to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete Eaton (WB9FLW), who shares pricing and additional information about the uBITX general coverage QRP transceiver: Here are the details, if purchased before Christmas $109 delivered! http://www.hfsignals.com/ From uBITX creator, Ashhar Farhan: 1. The ubitx is now available for sale, for $109 dollars (includes the shipping), but only until […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bruce F, who writes: HI Thomas, I thought I would put this idea out to your site – in case it isn’t already there. It’s a brilliant solution to the apparent lack of a working Air Band scan function on the Tecsun PL-660. Note – I did not come […]

Quite often, I’m privy to information that has yet to be refined into a public post here on the SWLing Post. In the past, I’ve simply kept the new information and/or evolving posts to myself. But as a small perk for supporting the SWLing Post via Patreon, I’ve decided to share this informal information privately […]

(Source: WRTH Facebook group via Sean Gilbert) It’s here!! WRTH 2018 has been published and is available to order from www.wrth.com or your usual supplier. Orders direct to our website will usually be dispatched the same day, or the first business day after (if ordering at the weekend or after business hours). Other publications or […]

Ham Radio Outlet has a holiday sale on the pro (metal case) version of the SDRplay RSP2. The price is $172.95 ($20 off regular price). Click here to check out this deal at HRO.

Overnight I received the following email: This is Sylvia from global radio store in Aliexpress platform, I want to inform you that XHDATA D-808 radio will start to selling at American time 2017/12/09 13:00. The sale price is $69.98[…] I’m sure we’d all like to hear from anyone who takes the plunge on this unit. […]

I just noticed that the price for the TIVDIO V-115 has been lowered to $19.99 US shipped on Amazon.com. Click here to read our previous reviews of this radio. At this price, it would make a great stocking stuffer! Click here to view on Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Through 11:59 P.M. on 12/13/17, C. Crane is offering 50% off their popular SoftSpeaker & SoftSpeaker2. These are “pillow speakers” with soft, washable covers – great for listening while drifting off to sleep. For the SoftSpeaker, use this promotional code: PS17 For the SoftSpeaker2, use this promotional code: SSV17 I must admit, I don’t own either but […]

Is this a receiver designed by MacGyver? The Toshiba RP-2000F was a portable radio designed for the 1970s Japanese BCL (Broadcast Listener) and is not often seen on the used market. A fine example of this model is on the USA Ebay site right now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TOSHIBA-RP-2000F-Shortwave-Radio-Full-88-108-FM-Dial-Great-Cosmetic-Condition/253300518829 The $495.00 starting price is steep, but probably inline with […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete Eaton (WB9FLW), who writes: Last March, Ashhar Farhan (VU2ESE) the designer of the very popular BITX20 and BITX40 series of mono-band HF Transceivers announced a new low cost rig called the uBITX (micro BITX) a full blown 80-10m 10 Watt SSB/CW Transceiver. Now comes word that after many months […]

President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”–the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by air. This morning, I was reminded of an off-air recording I made in 2013 of the pirate radio station, Radio Free Whatever. Please enjoy this bit of history from the Post archive: For your […]

In memory of Peal Harbor, Spec-Ops Brand is hosting a flash sale on three of their packs. The backpack geek in me wants to spread the word. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, Spec-Ops packs are of excellent quality, mil spec, widely used in the military, backed by a lifetime warranty, and made here in […]

(Source: Stuff.co.nz via Trevor R) […]In the longer term, the report raised RNZ’s wish to divest from broadcasting infrastructure. “RNZ currently owns a significant property portfolio and other related equipment required to support its AM radio services,” it said. “While the AM audience is declining, the cost of maintenance and upkeep of the property, buildings […]

Just last month, the little radio that I found most exciting this year hit the market: the C. Crane CC Skywave SSB. Why the appeal for me? Frankly, since I do most of my portable radio listening while traveling, and since I typically travel out of one bag, having a compact radio with performance and […]

I recently discovered a bi-weekly experimental arts-and-culture program called The Organist at KCRW. The latest episode is simply brilliant for those of us who love radio nostalgia. Here’s the description for Part 1: This week, we’re sharing a highly subjective journey through one narrow, eccentric, corridor of radio advertising, as heard through the ears of one man. His […]

I’m very pleased to have received the 8th edition of John Figliozzi’s Worldwide Listening Guide (WWLG), the latest, most updated version of the excellent guide I’ve often reviewed. SWLing Post readers know that I’m a huge fan of the Word Radio TV Handbook (WRTH); it’s my go-to guide for radio frequencies and schedules. Figliozzi’s Worldwide Listening Guide is my go-to for programming and content, not only helpful on the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who notes: I have now compiled my Music on Shortwave listing for B17. Extracts listing music programmes in English language transmissions have been listed in BDXC-UK Communication and in NASWA Journal. I now attach a consolidated version listing a selection of music programmes in a variety of language transmissions. […]

Regarding our recent post about Miki Gurdus, SWLing Post contributor Dan Robinson, writes: Went through my books and found it, the Gurdus handwritten note to me. It appears to have been during a visit he made to Washington, likely in the period I was in college 1975-1979 but could have been later during the 80’s or 90’s. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Keith Batari, who shares the following: I have just got the AR1780 and comparing with others I’ve had especially the PL-660 and PL-880 beats them both. Firstly the SSB does have an annoying mute when running, but the sensitivity and sound quality is fantastic, and that goes for all […]

>>>>>UPDATE: This radio has been sold! Thanks for your interest!<<<<< I’m in the process of thinning the herd around here at the SWLing Post HQ! I have dozens of portable radios that I rarely use–many I keep solely for review comparisons and benchmarking. I’ve always loved the PL-600, but I rarely turn it on these […]

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail containing the new Airspy HF+ software defined radio receiver. It came as a bit of a surprise. I’ve been busy lately with humanitarian work, the radio spectrum archive, product evaluations and travels–not to mention an active family life. I had completely forgotten that about a month ago, I […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Cap, who shares a link to the international trailer of Sergio & Serguéi: a new Cuban film featuring shortwave and ham radio: Click here to view the trailer on YouTube. Looks like a fun film! Thanks for the tip, Cap! Click here to read more about Sergio & Serguéi […]

(Source: Mike Terry) The next broadcasts of Marconi Radio International are scheduled as follows: today, Sunday, 3 December 2017, from 1100 to 1400 UTC on 11390 kHz and from 1415 to 1630 UTC on 7720 kHz (USB mode) and on Saturday, 9 December 2017, from 1415 to 1630 UTC on 7720 kHz (USB Mode). All […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Daniel Hawkins, who shares the following guest post: LE Book Light as an SWL Accessory by DanH The LE Book Light (Lighting Ever, LTD.) is a handy portable LED lamp that provides light for reading, music stands, or even use with portable radios. I have run into very bad […]

(Source: The Tablet via Richard Cuff) With a powerful shortwave radio and a battery of TV screens, he broke national news long before the internet, scooping everything from the Entebbe raid to the first Gulf War Had he been born two or three decades later, Miki Gurdus would probably have been just another middle-aged man […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kris Partridge, who writes: I think you might like the [link] below, I’m thinking that the British Vintage Wireless Society’s auction would be of much interest to your readership: https://www.bvws.org.uk/auctions/photos.php/2017-12-03-royal-wootton-bassett Wow–thanks, Kris! What a fantastic array of vintage radios. I’m so happy I don’t live anywhere near Royal Wootton Bassett–the last […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov (NO2CW), who shares the following video and notes: Comparing side to side reception performance on RSP1A vs. RSP1 on medium wave and shortwave using SDR Console 3. Audio level is uneven because two laptops were used. Antenna is the same, 80m OCF dipole. Click here to view […]

In today’s episode of absurd eBay prices, I present the Tecsun PL-680: A price of $513.03 US (shipped) from an eBay seller with a 96.3% approval rating, when you could purchase the same radio from the excellent Anon-Co for $111 US shipped? When I see over-inflated eBay listings, I feel so sorry for the unlucky […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Luke Perry, who writes: Hi Thomas, Just [wanted to share] a little bit of shortwave good luck that I had when tuned to 3925 kHz. That is the frequency for Radio Nikkei 1 if I am not mistaken. They have a similar frequency that I can usually get at […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) More BBC AM transmitters to close On the British DX Club (BDXC) Yahoo Group Nick Buxton reports that BBC AM stations in Lincolnshire and Nottingham are to close In his post Nick says: In an e-mail reply today (29/11) from Andy Roche, BBC R. Lincolnshire’s Acting Programme Editor, he says 1368 kHz will cease […]

I’m incredibly proud of my friend, Macon Dail, who was recently awarded the Gold Medal Award from the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Post Readers might recall that Macon is the Chief Engineer at the Edward R. Murrow Broadcasting Station in Greenville, North Carolina and was featured in our 2012 tour of the transmitting site. Here’s […]

(Source: Jon Hudson on the SDRplay Facebook page) This latest video from Mike starts by showing the differences between the RSP1 and the RSP1A, and then gives an excellent demonstration of how the latest SDRuno works – this is a great place to start for any newcomers to SDRuno – https://youtu.be/qUZerxeHJvc We continue to regularly […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who shares the following: Anon-Co has just placed the Degen 1128 on “special offer” for $46.99 plus $9 shipping to the U.S. The Degen 1128 is – or was – the Grundig G2 Reporter. Dave (N9EWO) conducted a great review of the Grundig G2, Degen 1128 & the Degen […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Scott Gamble (W5BSG), who writes: Hi Thomas, I read this on one of the Japanese blogs I follow. It is a company release from JRC announcing the end of factory repairs for the NRD-545 series receivers on December 15, 2017. The announcement is in Japanese, so you need to […]

(Source: WRMI via Facebook) Dear Friends and Colleagues: December 1, 2017 will mark the 4th anniversary of WRMI’s broadcasts from the Okeechobee, Florida transmission site. We broadcast from a site in Hialeah, Florida for 20 years prior to that. To celebrate our 4th anniversary in Okeechobee, we cordially invite you to join us for an […]

From the Isle of Music, December 3-9, 2017 This week our special guest is Emilio Martini, guitarist, composer and leader of the Natural Trio. We will feature songs from this year’s Cubadisco-winning album Notas al viento. Also, some classic Timba and Cuban Fusion. Four opportunities to listen on shortwave: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible […]

Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) and a number of other SWLing Post contributors who’ve noted that Universal Radio is listing the Grundig Satellit 750 as “Not Currently Available.” Universal offers the following explanation on their product page: UPDATE: 11/21/17 Eton-Grundig has informed us the Satellit 750 is currently not available. They cannot provide an availability […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Larry W, who writes with the following tip: Thomas, this isn’t a deep discount, but the Tecsun PL-310ET price has fallen to $40 even on Amazon. It usually floats around $42-43. Price includes shipping. You might wish to post because this is a lot of “bang-for-buck” when it comes […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who adds the following to our growing archive of radios in film. Mark writes: Quite a haul this time! In episode 20 of ‘Designated Survivor‘, FBI Agent Hannah Wells tries to get a message out before being recaptured…. Many thanks, Mark! Another good one! Are those Kenwood transceivers in the background? […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that C. Crane’s Cyber Monday sale includes 10% off everything sitewide (including the new CC Skywave SSB). You’ll need to use the code CM2017 at checkout.

Since I purchased the Elecraft KX2 last year, I find I do almost as much SWLing with it as I do ham radio activity. The KX2 is actually a brilliant shortwave broadcast receiver–check out these audio samples. It’s incredibly sensitive, selective and outperforms all of my portables. It’s also a joy to operate, once you […]

Some of you might recall a post I published a few weeks ago about my friend BJ Liederman and how he introduced me to Bose QuietComfort headphones. Since then, I’ve been watching the prices of both the wired QuiteComfort 25 and wireless QuiteComfort 35 models. This morning, the price of the QuietComfort 25 dropped dramatically at […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares this news 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. We would like to ask you which personality you think left their imprint on the world, in a […]

If you’ve been considering an Elecraft transceiver, you might want to take a gander a the discounts Elecraft has posted for Black Friday. Two of my favorite portable transceivers are in the sale: The KX2 Transceiver + FREE MH3 Microphone ($699.95 US) The KX3 Transceiver (modular kit) + FREE MH3 Microphone ($874.95 US) Click here to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares his latest shortwave radio schedule for the BBC World Service technology program, Click. Click on the image below to view the schedule, or simply click here to view the schedule as a PDF. Richard notes: As with previous versions of the chart, a “bullet” indicates a broadcast on line or […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who points out that C. Crane’s Black Friday Sale includes the CC Buds Pro-Mic earbuds and Senta-40 headphones at 50% off: Click here to view C. Crane’s Black Friday sale items.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Golan Klinger, who comments: Radioworld has the Eton Traveller III on sale for $39.99 CAD (about $32 USD) and the Eton Satellit Grundig Edition for $99.99 CAD (about $79 USD). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lower price for the Satellit. https://radioworld.ca/eton-traveleriii https://radioworld.ca/eton-satellit Thank you Golan! Those are excellent […]