Shortwave listening and everything radio including reviews, broadcasting, ham radio, field operation, DXing, maker kits, travel, emergency gear, events, and more
For many listeners outside of the shortwave community, this may seem like an insignificant footnote in a world dominated by smartphones, GPS timing, and internet-connected everything. But for those of us who have spent decades tuning the HF spectrum, stations like CHU and WWV are far more than the typical gov’t/utility broadcasts.
They are constants.
When I tune to CHU or WWV, I’m not simply checking propagation conditions or listening for a time tick. I’m reconnecting with something deeply familiar—something that has changed very little since the very first days I turned on a shortwave radio as a child. Their steady pulses and calm voice announcements have always been there in the background of the hobby: reliable reference points amid an ever-changing radio landscape.
In many ways, they are the sonic equivalent of “all things held constant” on the shortwaves.
A year ago, we experienced an unexpected loss of both power and mobile internet service in my neighborhood. The timing was unusual enough that the very first thing I did was tune to CHU. The moment I heard its steady, metronomic broadcast, I knew instantly that what I was experiencing wasn’t some larger, global outage—just a freak local loss of both services at the same time.
In the United States, we narrowly avoided losing WWV nearly a decade ago when funding for the station was threatened. Thankfully, enough support emerged to keep it alive. I sincerely hope we never lose WWV—or NOAA Weather Radio, for that matter. These systems still serve practical purposes, especially during emergencies and outages, but they also represent something more difficult to quantify: continuity.
Services like CHU also remind us that resilient communications infrastructure still matters. A simple shortwave time station can provide a reliable point of reference completely independent of local internet providers, cellular networks, and modern digital systems. In an age when so much depends on fragile, interconnected infrastructure, there is real value in maintaining at least a few systems that remain accessible with nothing more than a basic radio receiver.
If CHU truly does go silent next month, the shortwaves will feel just a little emptier.
And for many of us, that steady Canadian voice and ticking seconds will be deeply missed.
I bring to the brothers-in-radio of SWLing Post a short report on my recent listening sessions of the BBC’s emergency radio service, which broadcasts half an hour of Arabic-language programming from Sunday to Thursday to Sudan and Gaza on the frequency of 15280 kHz. The programming consists of a podcast entitled “Middle East Diaries,” which can be accessed on the BBC Arabic website. Basically, it consists of news about Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Sudan, and other regions of the Middle East, and in one specific case, a public service announcement teaching water purification techniques, vital information for those who live (or try to survive) in regions whose civilian infrastructure has been destroyed by bombings.
These listening sessions were conducted between April 20th and May 21st of this year, in front of the Guaiba River in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The receiver was the reliable Xhdata D-808, and a 3-meter long wire antenna. Transmissions always begin at 12:00 PM Brasília time (3:00 PM UTC), the worst time since the sun is at its zenith, which negatively impacts shortwave reception. The signal is weak; most of the time, it was only possible to save a few audible fragments, and in some cases, it wasn’t possible to record anything; it was almost all noise. Reception usually improves slightly after 12:30 PM. Now, the transmitter, located in Talata Volonondry, Madagascar (about 9800 km from Porto Alegre), is directed towards Sudan and Gaza, so receiving this signal in Brazil is already a stroke of luck!
(Listening session held on May 1st, one of the days with better reception)
One problem I detected was on April 30th, when the Radio Romania interval signal interrupted the end of the programming. Radio Romania broadcasts in Arabic on the same frequency, but at 12:30 PM. The interval signal started at 12:27 PM, when the BBC program had not yet finished.
I also noticed interruptions that seemed to stem from technical problems and/or power outages, as happened on May 4th, when I missed the first three minutes of the broadcast due to a signal interruption.
Four days ago, I was in another city in southern Brazil, Florianopolis, 463 km from Porto Alegre, and there, on the campus of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, I tried to listen to the BBC broadcast but noticed strong interference from a Chinese radio station (CNR ?) on the same frequency. I imagined it was something related to my geographical location. However, today, May 21st, back to Porto Alegre, I found the same problem, which practically made listening impossible. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to listen to those broadcasts again.
Too bad, ’cause I was really enjoying listening to the BBC’s emergency radio service, as it became the only time BBC broadcasts in Arabic, since the station ended its regular service in that language in January 2023. I’m making available here a PDF with all the illustrated radio listening reports I produced during this period.
The MLite-880 portable has been on the market for some time now. There have been a number of important developments, so it’s time to update my original articles for those who already own the receiver and those who are still considering purchasing. A note to begin: I have no financial interests with either Russia-based Malahiteam or China-based Elecevolve.
I have not changed my view of this receiver — this was a major step forward in portable design, providing a spectrum display that dominates the LCD panel. Users have commented that this has an addictive quality about it — there’s just something different to picking up a portable that doesn’t have a numerical frequency as the dominant factor but allows you to quickly view a 40 khz segment and see what other signals may be there. While not the more involved color display one finds on current China-made DSP-2 units, it is a very good basic monochrome that more than accomplishes the task at hand.
But as with any new device, issues always arise and that is the case too with the MLite. I’m going to assume that those who are now MLite-880 users are also members of both main Facebook groups. If not I highly recommend joining one or both of those groups for the latest discussions about firmware and issues that have arisen. They are: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ChxSTA7Lw/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14XV4Vxefej/
We are now at 1.52 firmware, but here is the changelog for 1.51:
New features in version 1.51:
Added another brightness control option – manual mode
Fixed a file naming error in the recorder
Bug with range presets exceeding their limits
Fixed a frequency shift in CW mode
Added duplicate encoder switching with the # button
Added recording disable when running SQL
Added the ability to listen to memory cells when cycling through cells in Menu 8
Added the ability to directly enter a cell number when working in Menu 8
Added the ability to resave a cell in Menu 8
Fixed a bug with the receiver freezing when trying to play a file with size 0
Changed the cursor movement direction when working with the list in Menu 7
The frequency range has been expanded to 165 MHz. This is beyond the stated frequencies; sensitivity above 148 MHz decreases, which is normal
Universal firmware, suitable for all circuit design versions
According to Malahiteam, 1.52 fixed a bug with the memory menu though it’s possible there were other changes we’re not aware of. The most important headlines involve the additional tuning range to 165 mHz and the VOL/TUNING function. It’s now possible to switch between VOL and TUNING with a push of the # button — this is great because anything that reduces the wear on the plastic encoder is very welcome. Though 1.51 provided expanded tuning to 165 mHz this was broken on some units. Now at 1.52 most of us now can enjoy listening to local EMS and NOAA weather frequencies. Also very welcome is the ability to monitor memory cells while cycling through them. And yet another change involves expanded flexibility in the brightness control.
All of this is great news — for me it’s nice to be able to hear local emergency and weather frequencies. And I am now more impressed with the capabilities of the MLite in AIR band, though listening to aircraft frequencies requires careful setting of AGC or manual gain levels and be sure also to adjust the length of your whip antenna.
Now for the issues we’re seeing at the 1.52 level.
IMAGES: I and other users have noted images, appearing in the 130 mHz to 165 mHz range. While tuning NOAA frequencies I see an image on 141.050 mHz which as a friend noted is “exactly 21.4 MHz away from their freq of 162.45 …. 2x the standard FM IF of 10.7 MHz. We have also noted EMS on 132.76, which as my friend noted “would be the image of their regular freq, 154.160 mHz.”
I have alerted Malahiteam to this and the response is that “using a high intermediate frequency (IF) is a rather expensive solution—ranging from the filters to the frequency synthesizer. This issue has been completely eliminated in the new hardware version, which is currently on sale. So, it appears that Malahiteam and Elecevolve have already moved to address this issue, though I’ll be awaiting new reports from users as to whether the problem has been resolved or minimized. What specific new hardware changes have taken place we don’t know yet.
CALIBRATION: It’s important to note that the calibration function on the MLite (called F-Correct on DSP units) has separated sections, one for HF, another for higher frequencies. Thus it’s possible to correct/re-calibrate when tuning say 154.160 mHz and separately fine correct for zero beat at 15.770 mHz. Longtime DX’er Guy Atkins states: “My MLite 880 on new 1.52 firmware (updated from 1.3) seems be working flawlessly; I spent an hour today trying all features, bands, and functions. Very pleased! I now have working NOAA weather band frequencies too. This is a very early MLite 880 radio that originally had version 1.1 firmware. I purchased it through Banggood weeks before Elecevolve appeared on the scene. I did need to adjust the freq calibration on the weather band with 1.52, but that did not affect HF and below, fortunately, as my 880 is spot-on for those frequencies.”
OVERLOADING/BLEED-THROUGH: On my MLite I have noticed only one case of bleed-through from strong local AM/FM stations. One user states: “I’ve had an 880 for about 2 months and I haven’t experienced those problems, even using a large outdoor antenna.” Another user states: “I have an FM transmitter about 300 metres from my house yet had nothing.” Another stated: “I initially had quite a few of these issues , however, narrowing the filter settings helped remedy these challenges immensely.”
MEMORY MANAGEMENT: This is an area where more work could be done. Right now the MLite has “Pages” each containing 50 “cells” But it’s impossible to scan through each page, or label the Page, or set a range within the page. So for now we’re left with having to just jam in a bunch of frequencies and scroll through them, though we can not monitor each cell in the process. Malahiteam and Elecevolve are aware of user comments on this and hopefully there will be improvements in new firmware updates.
REVERSE TUNING: I and other users have confirmed an issue of reverse tuning, notably in the 150 mHz+ range. One user notes that this seems to start at 151.000 mHz. I’m still gathering information about this and Malahiteam and Elcevolve are aware of the issue.
VOLUME: A number of users have noted that the volume on the MLite is low overall, forcing users to increase level to 70 to 80 percent. This too is something the manufacturer and software designer are aware of.
Stepping back and looking at the big picture, the MLite–880 represents a huge step forward. Here we have a manufacturer in China, working with the Malahiteam software, that brought about a major change by providing a spectrum-dominant receiver in what I call a traditional portable cabinet.
In a recent message, Elecevolve stated: “We are truly grateful for the valuable suggestions you consistently provide and welcome all reasonable requests from our users. Of course, the MLite-880 is an innovative product, and no radio is perfect—but we are committed to continuous optimization and improvement. Thank you once again for all your support throughout this process.”
As of this writing, the price for the MLite–880, as shown on the Elecevolve website, increased by $15 dollars to $195. Even with shipping and any potential extra charge due to tariffs this makes the receiver an excellent choice for anyone who is willing to step into this new world in which, as the Elecevolve description states: “The spectrum display helps users quickly identify distant stations and weak signals.”
As I have stated before, I am waiting for the day when other of the remaining manufacturers finally jump into the game by providing this kind of spectrum-dominant display.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Andrew, who shares the following article from Business Insider:
An AI startup asked four of the world’s top language models to run radio stations. So far, they’ve had a rough start.
Claude tried to quit after deeming 24/7 broadcast stations unethical, while Grok had a hard time getting started, according to posted results.
Andon Labs, a research lab that’s also behind an AI-powered boutique in San Francisco, has quietly been running four radio stations, all operated by Grok, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, for about five months.
“There’s been some funny quirks,” Lukas Peterson, cofounder of Andon Labs, told Business Insider. [Continue reading…]
It’s back to the track for amateur radio station W9IMS. Less than 2 weeks after concluding their first special event of the year, members of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Amateur Radio Club will take to the airwaves from now through Sunday, May 24, to commemorate the legendary Indianapolis 500.
If you already worked or tuned in W9IMS during the initial event, the IndyCar Grand Prix, this is your chance to snare the second of three contacts required for the 2026 Checkered Flag Award. To earn this certificate, radio amateurs must contact all three W9IMS events in the same year (SWLs may substitute reception reports). The third special event, honoring the NASCAR Brickyard 400, will fire up from July 20-26.
Even if you missed the Grand Prix, you’re still eligible for a colorful and collectible QSL card marking the 110th running of the Indy 500. The current operation is slated to conclude at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 25 (Indy time) or 0359 UTC Monday, May 26.
Tips on finding W9IMS:
Check DX Summit (www.dxsummit.fi) for spots listing the current frequency or frequencies of W9IMS. You can customize your search by typing “W9IMS” in the box at upper right.
Go to the W9IMS page on QRZ.com (short cut: www.w9ims.com) and look for the heading, “2026 Operating Schedule.” The Indianapolis 500 link opens into a weeklong schedule of individual operators and their reserved time slots. Although the special event can be activated at any time throughout Race Week, your odds of snaring the station improve dramatically during hours with a listed op.
Look for the Indy 500 station on 20 and 40 meters – on or near 14.245 and 7.245 MHz – and there’s a bonus band if you plan to attend the race or be in the Indianapolis area on Race Day. Each year on the morning of the 500, W9IMS operates simplex FM on 146.52 MHz, working hams situated in the grandstands and the infield of the track, as well as those en route or residing in the local area.
Remember that the published schedule can be shortened by adverse circumstances, such as local thunderstorms, solar flares, and a lack of calling stations. Don’t wait till the final hour to hunt W9IMS!
However, radio amateurs who still haven’t worked W9IMS by Sunday may benefit from the policy changes that usually kick in at the end of Race Week. W9IMS ops tend to start calling for “only stations that have not worked this event” and may switch to contest-style operations, exchanging only signal reports to put more contacts in the log.
Keep in mind that both hams and SWLs are eligible for QSL cards and the certificate. So if you’re unable to work W9IMS by Sunday night, you can create a reception report by copying down details of other contacts – such as date, frequency, UTC, and the callsigns of a few stations you heard W9IMS working. SWL reports count as credits too, but the certificate will likely feature your name instead of your call.
If you succeed in bagging W9IMS, congratulations! The station website (www.w9ims.com) contains everything you’ll need to know about obtaining your QSL cards and certificate.
Hams: If you can hear W9IMS but can’t complete a QSO in the waning minutes of the special event, don’t give up. You can still create an SWL report by jotting down the details of other W9IMS contacts – including frequency, UTC, a signal report and the callsigns of several stations that you heard W9IMS contact. A valid report satisfies the requirements for a Grand Prix QSL card and the first of three credits for a certificate. SWL certificates feature operators’ names instead of callsigns but are otherwise indistinguishable from awards issued to amateur radio operators.
Remember to stay on your toes once the Grand Prix operation is over – the Indy 500 special event begins only nine days later!
Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here’s news of what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to those shortwave transmitter sites this week coming.
Thanks to the services of Shortwave Gold we have a few programmes this week coming. The first show is WMMR – Mystery Mix Radio. As usual, the show has a theme that you the short-wave listener, will have to guess what it is. There’ll be a special e-QSL for the lucky winner, and as ever, we will not give any clues away here (even on the flyer above), the clues are in the show. Tune in and play some guessing games via the shortwaves.
The schedule for the show is on Saturday 23rd May at 1100 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and then again on Sunday 24th May at 0900/1300 UTC on 6160 kHz and 2000 hrs on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz. Hoist up your antenna and tune in!
Then on Monday 25th Mayat 20:00 UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz, we have the repeat of “Skybird Soul on Shortwave 2”. There’s more wonderful examples of Soul and Soul inspired tunes on this special Monday night slot.
On WRMI on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 0200 UTC on 9395 kHz we have TheAncient Analogue Archive, where DJ Frederick selects and picks all sorts of genres from out of the archives. Tune in and be surprised yet again.
For more information on all our shows, please write to us at [email protected] and check out our old shows at our Mixcloud page here.
