The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Scott Gamble, who writes: I noticed a special today on the Eton Grundig Executive Traveler – it is on sale (only) via the Woot.com app (not online) for $44.99 [plus shipping]. A quick search of the site shows this is one of the lowest prices I have seen for […]

It’s Thanksgiving here in the United States–without a doubt, my favorite holiday. What’s not to love about family, feasting, and, of course, friends? To that end: I’d like to take a moment to offer my thanks to all of you who read, comment, and otherwise contribute to the SWLing Post community. I’d especially like to thank our […]

Amazon.com has lowered the price on the Eton Mini shortwave receiver to $26.10 with shipping. This is about the lowest price I’ve seen for the Mini (a radio that makes a great stocking stuffer). Standard Amazon pricing disclaimer: this might not last long as they shift pricing without notice. Click here to purchase via Amazon.com […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor,Rocky Robello (KA7EII), who writes: Just got my new C. Crane Skywave SSB radio. Same size as my wife’s C. Crane Skywave. AM, FM, WX and Airband all work just as well on the Skywave SSB as the regular Skywave. So far, I am very satisfied with the SSB reception […]

Many thanks to Dave Zantow (N9EWO) who notes that GigaParts, like HRO, is offering the Icom IC-7300 general coverage transceiver for $999.95 shipped after rebate. As I mentioned yesterday, the IC-7300 is a fantastic general coverage transceiver with built-in sound card for digital modes, touch screen spectrum display and brilliant performance overall. Check out our review […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who notes that Ham Radio Outlet has a “Back Friday” special on both the Icom IC-7300 transceiver ($999.95 with shipping after rebate) and the IC-R8600 wideband receiver ($2,299.95 with shipping). According to HRO, these prices will expire on November 27, 2018. While the IC-R8600 wideband receiver […]

SWLing Post readers are likely aware that contributor, Dan Robinson, is the former White House, Congressional and foreign correspondent for the Voice of America. Dan has just published a two part article on the Center on Public Diplomacy website exploring how the effectively the current US administration has been at restructuring and resolving inherent issues at the BBG/VOA. Click […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan, who shares the following internal photos of the XHDATA D-808 (which we believe may be a rebadged Digitech AR-1780): Many thanks, Ivan. Perhaps someone can compares these with that of the Digitech AR-1780.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Morton, who comments with assessment of the Digitech AR-1780: I’ve been using [the Digitech AR-1780] in Australia (southern Tasmania) for about 5 weeks. In the last 10 or so days, I’ve got a 26m long wire hanging fairly reliably on a N-S bearing. My history is that I trained […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that C. Crane has developed an enhanced version of the original CCRadio-EP AM/FM portable. C. Crane includes the following description on their website: The new CC Radio-EP PRO is an enhanced version of the original EP. It has the same simple controls and the same […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Steve Lekuecher, who writes: A technology forum friend recently noticed Universal Radio listed a new Sangean HD portable (HDR-14) on their website which is very similar in form to the Sangean DPR-65 and I was curious if you are considering reviewing it. https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/spcialty/0214.html Thanks for the tip, Steve! Yes, I’ll […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gregg Freeby, who writes: As a regular reader of the SWLing Post I wanted to share with you a book I came across recently that your readers might be interested in reading. Shortwave radio provides the backdrop of this Pulitzer Prize winning story that takes place during WWII. You can […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), for sharing the following guest post: In October, 2017, Universal Radio moved from their large Reynoldsburg, Ohio retail store and warehouse to a smaller retail store and warehouse at 651-B Lakeview Plaza, Worthington, Ohio. This is actually Universal Radio’s fourth location in its 75 year history. In 1942, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, R. Lewis (KF5GV), who writes: Just noticed on Universal Radio web page the Comm Radio CTX-10 has been approved by the FCC. They are accepting pre-orders on Dec 1. No indication of pricing but hope they announce it soon. Thanks for the tip! I’m looking forward to checking out the […]

(Source: TX Factor) In this show we kick off with part one of our reports from Hamfest 2017 with a preview of the Icom IC-7610 and IC-R8600 rigs. We meet the new owners of PW Magazine, and Pete tries his hand at the RSGB on-line exam. There’s also an update on the RSGB’s EMC Committee’s findings. […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes: A couple of years ago I did a talk a the annual SWL Fest on the best radios of all time (in my opinion anyway). The SONY ICF-6800W was among them, for reasons I think are valid — high sensitivity and beautiful audio, the major […]

Note: Our previous post had incorrectly noted the date in the title. The show is today, Sunday November 19: (International Radio Report press release via Sheldon Harvey) NOTICE: 30th Anniversary edition of The International Radio Report on CKUT-FM 90.3 MHz in Montreal Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM Eastern (1530 to […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who writes: The radio is the PHILIPS AE3905 – and made in … wait … Austria! There is one on eBay right now. The first listing started at $275 – there were no takers – so now the second listing is set at $250. Phillips still has […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave, who shares this article by John Kieswetter at WVXU: Maybe you have one of those refrigerators with a TV screen built into the door… Or you like reading news stories from TV/radio stations on your tablet or phone… Well, WLW-AM founder and Cincinnati industrialist Powel Crosley Jr. was […]

Most recently, I received correspondence from Golan Klinger who has been bitten by the radio bug (he calls it “radioitis”). He has been acquiring portables and comparing them, seeking his favorite overall. Golan had an epiphany he recently shared with me: Thomas, in your “Mega Review” [summarizing your radio preferences] you wrote: “But this is […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who shares the following: This does not appear to have the AC adaptor — not all kits included that, but they are findable on Ebay] OK, folks here’s your chance — a Panasonic RF-B65, one of the best portables of all time in terms of overall sensitivity […]

(Source: Wired UK via Mark Hirst) Records kept by people living in Korea, China and Japan in 1770 have revealed evidence for the longest geomagnetic storm in recorded history Almost 250 years ago, for over two weeks, the skies above parts of Asia lit up in what looked like a burst of fiery red. Those who […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ron, who writes: Thought I had seen them all, but here is the military version of the S-38: Click here to view on eBay. Also an earlier version of the Echophone: Click here to view on eBay. I’m a huge fan of Hallicrafters radios–especially from this era. I’ve a […]

The following was posted through an email from Heil Sound: When the producers of the popular TV show, “Last Man Standing,” needed an authentic ham radio set-up to use in the show, they turned to Heil Sound’s Amateur Radio Division, helmed by Bob Heil. Now, thanks to the generosity of the show’s star, Tim Allen, […]

Today, SDRplay, the UK-based manufacturer of affordable software defined receivers, announced a new addition to their product line: the SDRplay RSP-1A. The RSP1A joins the SDRplay product line of the RSP2 ($169.95 US), and RSP2 Pro ($199.95 US). The new RSP1A will retail for $99.00 US. But what of this SDR’s performance? In a […]

C. Crane has lowered the price of their new CC Skywave SSB from $169.99 to $149.99. I’ve confirmed with C. Crane that anyone who ordered the Skywave SSB at the $169 price level will be reimbursed $20 on their invoice. I ordered a radio from the first production run and just received it. While $149.99 […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Software Defined Radio pioneer Dr. Vanu Gopal Bose passed away on November 11, 2017 aged 52 In 1998 he founded Vanu Inc. which pioneered the commercialization of software-defined radio and was the first company to receive FCC certification of a software-defined radio in 2004. The firm’s technology, which grew out of Bose’s graduate research at MIT, […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who adds the following to our growing archive of radios in film. Mark writes: A Sony ICF-SW1S spotted in the 1993 Clint Eastwood film, In the Line of Fire. The radio belongs to the villain played by John Malkovich. Thanks, Mark! Sharp eyes! I’ve always thought the ICF-SW1S was one of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tim, for forwarding a link to this deal which includes two Grundig Mini receivers for $44.99 via Woot. Note that at time of posting Woot is only offering this deal for 7 more hours or until sold out. Click here to view this deal on Woot.

Besides being a radio enthusiast, regular SWLing Post readers know that I’m also an avid traveler and, as a result, something of a pack geek. In September, I posted a review of the Red Oxx “Lil Roy”–a small, relatively inexpensive multi-purpose bag that I love to haul my radio gear in. In the spirit of […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mike Bott, who noticed that the Grundig Executive Satellit is on sale at Frys.com for $127.99 shipped. Great price! Thanks for sharing, Mike! Click here to view this deal at Frys.com.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan, who shares the following: In December, sales of this radio will begin. The seller promises to put the price of 60 US dollars. Radio of a level not lower than Tecsun PL-660 for such a small price is great! There is a video review on YouTube. Unfortunately in […]

(Source: Southgate ARC) Iceland plans to end ham radio call sign discrimination On November 9, 2017 Iceland’s Ministry of Transport and Local Government has published draft changes to the Radio Regulations for comment The national society, Icelandic Radio Amateurs (IRA), had proposed ending the practice of highlighting amateurs who had Novice call signs, an N was added […]

(Source: Southgate ARC via Mike Terry) Caroline 648 testing A test signal with continuous music and announcements reported today. Reception reports on Facebook from the UK, Holland, Belgium, France and Austria. Some reports from mainland Europe refer to a co-channel Romanian or Slovenian station. I think this is at a lower power than the permitted […]

(International Radio Report press release via Sheldon Harvey) NOTICE: 30th Anniversary edition of The International Radio Report on CKUT-FM 90.3 MHz in Montreal Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM Eastern (1530 to 1630 UTC) The International Radio Report, is a radio program conceived by Sheldon Harvey and submitted to CKUT’s first […]

As reported recently on the SWLing Post that the Airspy HF+ would be available “really, really, really soon”, the rumor has become reality–this new SDR receiver is for sale on Airspy’s main sale site www.Itead.cc. The direct link for purchase is: https://www.itead.cc/airspy-hf-plus.html. The price in US dollars is a very reasonable $199.00, considering the high performance evident […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who writes: Wow, Amazon (this morning) dropped the price on the Eton Field BT to $97.49. Given Amazon’s “stock market-like” pricing, no telling how long this price will last. Thanks, Troy! I do believe this is the lowest price I’ve seen on the Field BT, which I […]

(Source: NAB Blog via Richard Langley) https://youtu.be/NtOpsVDnJzM I recently had the opportunity of a lifetime. I was asked by my employer – the National Association of Broadcasters – to travel to Puerto Rico to help distribute 10,000 battery-operated radios to people in hurricane-ravaged island and the Virgin Islands. The idea for the radio hand-out stemmed […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gary Wise (W4EEY), who shares the following: As you might know, Dave Ivey, KE4EA, and I have been teaching Ham Radio classes in Greer, South Carolina (under the sponsorship of the Greer Amateur Radio Club – and Greer Parks and Recreation). We are completing Technician and General classes later […]

Last week, I posted a review of the Digitech AR-1780–a compact receiver that is only sold in Jaycar retail stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. Since I live in the US, I purchased my AR-1780 via an Australian distributor on eBay. Several SWLing Post readers discovered direct orders can be placed with Jaycar, thus taking […]

SDR manufacturer, Airspy, has a new product shipping “really really really soon” (per their website). The Airspy HF+ promises improved frequency agility through the use of high-performance passive mixers with a polyphase harmonic rejection structure. Airspy states that no external band filters are required as they are with many budget SDRs. There are many other […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor TheReportOfTheWeek who shares the following update: Hello Thomas, a lot of the broadcast times for VORW Radio International have changed so I would like to submit an updated schedule for your readers! All changes are in Bold. Each broadcast features a mixture of my commentary and listener requested music. It’s the […]

From the Isle of Music episodes for November 12-December 2: 1. For the week of November 12-18, our special guests are from Manguare, one of the leading bands in Cuba’s Nueva Trova movement. We will be spending the hour with them with a lot of music. 2. For the week of November 19-25, we will […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who writes: Radio Romania Internationas has started a new service every Sunday in Hebrew language, since October, 29th. All the info here: http://www.rri.ro/pages/october_29_2017_update-2571263 “As of Sunday, October 29, RRI broadcasts a weekly, experimental show in Hebrew, devoted to Jews born in Romania and their families, but also […]

(Source: The Post Courier via Bill Lee) Minister for Communication, Information Technology and Energy Sam Basil wants all 22 provinces to have short wave frequency radio stations. He said this during the Central Province assembly induction program last week Friday in Port Moresby. “My role as the minister is to make sure that we go […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Troy Riedel, who notes that Universal Radio is now taking pre-orders for the 8th edition of the Worldwide Listening Guide by John Figliozzi. Click here to check it out on the Universal Radio website.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Rolf Snijder, who writes: I did a modification today on the Tecsun PL-680 [which allows for an] external antenna on LW and MW. The internal ferriet is also working, but on my active loop, MW and LW is now working ! So far away stations I can now receive on this portable […]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Hawkins, who writes: Thomas, this RNZI transmission is on the new schedule: Click here to view on YouTube. RNZI is exceedingly well received at my location. That may have something to do with the following factors. 1. The RNZI antennas were designed, built and are maintained by a […]

(Source: Devpolicy Blog via Mike Bird) On our Australian doorstep is an amazing place, Papua New Guinea. Seven of us were there for the month of August, exploring a remote region of islands and atolls in the Massim district of Milne Bay Province by boat, visiting places most people would not think of seeing. […]As […]