The SWLing Post

From the Isle of Music, December 24–30: This week, a potpourri of excellent albums from 2017 plus a touch of Cuban Christmas Jazz. 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 100Kw, […]

(Source: Southgate ARC via Mike Terry) Radio Caroline AM service to open Weather and technology permitting, our programmes on 648 kHz will commence originating from the Ross Revenge at 7.00 AM on Friday 22nd December. The changed schedule for the day will be : 7am Johnny Lewis 9am Top Fifteen 10am Ray Clark – with the official launch at […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post friend “Karen” who writes: My husband reads your website every day and is a dedicated radio geek. I’ve decided I’d like to get him an extra last minute stocking stuffer for Christmas. Any suggestions? We buy a lot from Amazon and are Prime members but any retailer that could get […]

Update: Stair has waved his rights to a bond hearing. See details and video at bottom of page. I’m sure many–if not a majority of–shortwave listeners have heard the Overcomer Ministry on the air via various private broadcasters. Ralph G. Stair, the leader and voice of Overcomer was taken into custody this morning on eight […]

(Source: BBC News via Kris Partridge) Belgium’s telegram service is about to stop. Stop. One hundred and seventy-one years after the first electrical message was transmitted down a line running alongside the railway between Brussels and Antwerp the final dispatch will be sent and received on 29 December. The fact that this 19th-Century technology is still […]

(Source: The Times via Richard Cuff) There should surely be a queue down the street for a steady job in a subtropical climate with beautiful beaches and ocean views, especially after you have climbed a 413ft radio mast. But contractors running the BBC Atlantic relay station on Ascension Island in the south Atlantic have had […]

I just received Alcaraván Radio’s annual Christmas and New Year eQSL card: I enjoy tuning in Alcaraván Radio–they’re one of many low power shortwave broadcasters in South America that make shortwave listening and music discovery so fun! Click here to listen to an Alcaraván Radio recording I made several years ago.

(Source BBC Genome Blog) The BBC Genome Project is releasing the next batch of pages from Radio Times, this time covering the 1930s. Genome users will now be able to access the articles, editorial material, letters pages, illustrations and photographs from the 1930s. We hope this will help users correct some of the errors in the […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Anderson, who writes: Attached is the manual for the new XHDATA D-808. Your readers who have ordered the D-808 may be interested in downloading this: https://www.digitalnomad.nz/downloads/XHDATA-D-808.pdf Many thanks, Dave! I’ve ordered the D-808, so I appreciate getting a sneak peek at the manual. I did note one thing […]

On WBCQ’s Twitter feed, Allan Weiner announced that the station’s transmitter building suffered a fire on December 10, 2017: Lost one of our main transmitters in a fire. Total loss. Need to replace. Please help. https://t.co/DItb23ZHE0. Donate what you can. pic.twitter.com/x6K0XwxXDF — Allan Weiner (@AllanWBCQ) December 15, 2017 Allan has set up a Go Fund Me […]

One of our SWLing Post contributors recently sent the following message with a request: I have a suggestion/challenge for a post: what’s out there for low cost, off-the-shelf HF antennas? I simply can’t drop $500 on a Wellbrook. The AirSpy HF+ and the new $100 RSP1A SDR are super enticing, but then I look at […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Benn Kobb (AK4AV), who notes: This routine FCC HF announcement indicates that it has received an application from WINB. http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db1213/DOC-348229A1.pdf According to Ms. Ghavami, the FCC’s engineer on HF broadcast matters, the application is to add a transmitter to the existing station, for which a new construction permit is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Guillermo, who writes: I own the PL-880 and just discovered a new feature : a 1.0 kHz bandwidth mode on shortwave (SW only not in MW). The procedure to get it is as follows: Tune to any frequency on shortwave and connectan external antenna (indoor or outdoor) via the miniplug […]

(Source: The Guardian) Digital switchover means that only the country’s local radio stations continue to use FM frequencies Norway has completed its transition to digital radio, becoming the first country in the world to shut down national broadcasts of its FM network. The country’s most northern regions and the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic switched […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Don Moore, who writes: I’ve been traveling through northern Peru and I’ve made some SDR recordings along the way – medium wave, long wave, and some shortwave meter bands. I hope to eventually get through them all! I have also uploaded some recordings to a shared Google drive so […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul McDonough, who notes that CountyComm has posted a 48 hour sale on the GP5-SSB (click here to read our review). The price is $71.99 US. Click here to view on the CountyComm website.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Kim Elliott, who shares this link to a French company called a.bsolument who specializes in converting vintage valve radios into hi-fidelity Bluetooth-connected audio devices. According to a.solument’s introduction video, they take vintage radios in disrepair, gut the insides and replace the components with modern hardware which includes Bluetooth 4.0 […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ferruccio Manfieri, who writes: I bother you to mention this uncommon radio listening project i’ve just found via The Guardian: Green Bank telescope in West Virginia will listen for radio signals from ‘Oumuamua, an object from another solar system Astronomers are to use one of the world’s largest telescopes to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Lennart Weirell, who writes: Hi Thomas, I have received a QSL-card from Radio Mi Amigo with a special individual stamp. Radio Mi Amigo announced this in the Newsletter in December: “Unique Radio Mi Amigo stamps: We are proud to announce our own official Radio Mi Amigo stamps. They are […]

Though not a shortwave radio (the SWLing Post loves ALL radios!), C. Crane’s latest special involves free Priority Mail shipping to U.S. customers for their CC Pocket Radio. Just use the Promo Code: CCPKTSHIP. This special ends at midnight PST on 17 December. The CC Pocket Radio comes standard with the CC Buds earphones – […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Phil Brennan, who writes: I spotted this article in the Australian edition of the Guardian about a local community radio network for Yolgnu people here in the NT: ‘We’re not going anywhere’: how cyclones failed to batter Yolgnu Radio In 2015, when two cyclones battered the northern coast of […]

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 ever seen for a new Traveller III, which is a very capable little radio! As with any Amazon sale, this could end at any time. Click here to view on Amazon.com […]

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 […]