Yearly Archives: 2017

Mark spots a Transoceanic in “Kiss Me Deadly”

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes:

Following your recent post about Hemingway, I spotted what looks like a Zenith Transoceanic in the the classic film noir, “Kiss Me Deadly” – a favourite of mine with such memorable moments such as the “What’s in the box” scene.

That does, indeed, look like a Transoceanic–possibly the Model T600? Great catch.  Thanks, Mark, for sharing your film and TV radio sightings!

Click here to see Mark’s previous contributions.

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Radio New Zealand reports: Vanuatu asks senate for reinstatement of ABC shortwave

(Source: Radio New Zealand via Nigel Holmes)

The government of Vanuatu sent a formal submission to the Australian Senate asking for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to resume its shortwave service.

[…]In a letter, Vanuatu’s prime minister Charlot Salwai said removing the shortwave service to Vanuatu could cost many lives in the likelihood of a major natural disaster, like cyclone Pam two years ago.

The Daily Post said radio broadcasts to remote parts of the country have been cited as a reason the death toll from the category five storm was relatively low.

After the storm there was practically no domestic communication, with shortwave the only radio means to reach a scattered population.

Mr Salwai said it could be reasonably stated that Australia’s shortwave service helps save Pacific lives and Australian tax dollars.

Click here to read the full article at Radio New Zealand…

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Advice on cancelling locally generated noise

An SWLing Post reader recently contacted me with the following question:

“What devices work well to cancel out local RFI? I’ve been told that both the Timewave ANC-4 and a number of BHI products are all worth considering.”

Unfortunately (or fortunately, for me) I’ve no experience with outboard DSP or noise cancelling devices because I live in such an RFI-free area.

I know this reader already has a Wellbrook Loop, but he’s looking for a way to even increase noise mitigation further at his home listening post.

Post Readers: Can you help guide him?  Please comment with your experience. Is a product like the Timewave or BHI the next logical step? If not, what is?

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New radio museum in Derby, UK

(Source: Southgate ARC)

Radio Communication Museum of Great Britain

This is a brand-new museum which, as the name suggests, is focussed on all aspects of Radio Communication. It is located in the city of Derby in Central England.

This web site is under construction and will be expanded as the museum itself is built.  It will grow to become both an overview of the museum, as well as an information resource for people with an interest in radio communication.

The current status of the museum is that the building is complete and was handed over to the museum’s team of volunteers in mid-February 2016.  That is when the real work began in earnest; laying out the display galleries, creating the mechanical workshop and the ESD laboratory / workshop; creating the Operations Room where radios and transmitters will be live and connected to antennas.

Read more at:
http://radiocommunicationmuseum.org/

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VORW Radio International expands in Asia and North America once again

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John from VORW Radio International, who writes:

VORW Radio International has now added a new weekly transmission to Japan and East Asia as well as an additional frequency to North America!

Each broadcast features a mixture of my commentary and listener requested music. You’ll hear a great variety of music in this program, from Classical to Classic Country, from Rock to Smooth Jazz, you’ll hear it all!

If you’re interested in listening, the updated broadcast schedule is as follows:

Thursday 1200 UTC – 9875 kHz – Tashkent 100 kW – East Asia
Thursday 2000 UTC – 11580 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – Europe
Friday 0000 UTC – 9395 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – North America
Friday 0000 UTC – 7490 kHz – WBCQ 50 kW – North America

Questions, comments, reception reports and music requests may be sent to [email protected]

Reception reports will receive a QSL!

Many thanks, John! Your program is truly becoming a global tour de force on the shortwaves! Keep up the good work!

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Alex’s updated frequency charts

SWLing Post contributor, Alex, has just informed me that he’s updated his printer-friendly BBC global shortwave broadcasting chart and in the process of updating his international broadcasting charts for the 2017 summer broadcasting season.

Note that Alex creates his charts based on listening to broadcasters rather than importing schedules from other sources.

You can download the free charts on his website:
Shortwavetimes.com

Many thanks, Alex!

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British mast owner Arqiva on the block and attracting international attention

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Porter (G4OYX), who shares the following item from The Telegraph:

An array of international infrastructure investors from the US, Asia and Europe are sizing up the £6bn mobile and broadcasting mast giant Arqiva as its current owners prepare to put the company on the block.

The crucial infrastructure provider, currently owned by Macquarie and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), is being eyed by at least half a dozen buyers, City sources said.

Discussions are at a preliminary stage, with a formal process to begin in the next few weeks, but known suitors include CKI, the Hong Kong-listed holding company controlled by Asia’s richest man Li Ka-shing. […]

Continue reading at The Telegraph.

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