Author Archives: Thomas

Patrizio Shares His “BCL-SWL Radio Logbook Pro” Project

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Patrizio (IN3032SWL), who shares his BCL-SWL Radio Logbook Pro, an open-source logging application that he has developed in Python with AI assistance and recently published on GitHub.

Patrizio notes that the application is designed to provide SWLs with a straightforward way to log receptions while also offering a number of additional features, including data filtering, statistics, a world map plotting logged stations, and a built-in QSL card generator. One feature I particularly appreciate is that the log data is stored in an external CSV file, making it easy to back up your records or import them into another application in the future rather than locking you into a proprietary format. The project also includes installation instructions and a README file intended to make setup as simple as possible.

I’m currently traveling with my family and don’t have a practical way to install and test the application myself, so I can’t offer a firsthand review. That said, Patrizio has done what I think is the right thing by hosting the project on GitHub, where readers can download the latest version, follow future updates, and read the documentation.

If you enjoy exploring projects created by fellow SWLs—you may want to give it a look. If you do try it, I’d be interested in hearing your impressions in the comments.

GitHub project: https://github.com/i5184an/BCL-SWL-Radio-Logbook-Pro

Patrizio has also kindly provided a short demonstration video which I’ve included below:

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of CGTN (July 3, 2026)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast.

Carlos notes:

CGTN Radio full news bulletin, 11770 kHz, July 3, 2026, 20h00 UTC

I notice that climate change—and now the expectation of an even more devastating El Niño—has been making headlines. In this bulletin from the Chinese broadcaster CGTN Radio dated July 3, we can see that out of the 11 news items presented, six cover topics related to the environment.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Hackaday Spotlights a Clever DIY Si5351 Radio Project

AM Innovation and Radio’s Reach in EVs

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Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following two articles that may be of interest to readers:

The first, from Radio World, highlights a new broadband AM antenna system designed for the upper end of the mediumwave band. The compact design promises easier installation, lower infrastructure requirements, and could offer broadcasters a practical solution where traditional AM tower installations are impractical or prohibitively expensive:
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/new-antenna-for-upper-am-band-nears-readiness

Dennis also points to a recent Westwood One analysis examining the listening habits of Tesla drivers. Despite Tesla’s increasingly streaming-focused infotainment systems, the data suggests AM/FM radio remains the dominant source of ad-supported in-car audio among Tesla owners:
https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2026/06/29/reach-future-tesla-buyers-on-am-fm-radio-the-medium-tesla-drivers-listen-to-most/

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of CGTN (June 29, 2026)

Radio Nacional da Amazônia Announces Temporary Shortwave Schedule Changes

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Walker, who shares the following:

The shortwave transmitter site NW of Brasilia, operated by the national public broadcaster Empresa Brasil de Comunicacao for the Radio Nacional de Amazonia service, has had to make a change to its SW operating schedule.

EBC’s Radio Engineering Manager Manoel Caetano tells me, “Due to technical problems and energy costs, the Radio Nacional de Amazonias service will have reduced operating hours through at least the end of the year”

11780kHz will operate weekdays from 0745UTC to 2000UTC and 6180kHz will operate weekdays from 2000 to 0300UTC.

On weekends, 11780kHz will operate from 0900UTC to 1800UTC, while the 6180kHz frequency will remain off-air.

Shortwave Memories — Castro Calling

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by Karl D. Forth

On mediumwave, Cuba was a heavyweight, with many high-powered transmitters all over the dial, exceeding the already generous allocation agreed to by the North American nations in 1941.

In 1971, Radio Havana Cuba broadcast on shortwave with Spanish to the Americas, English, French, Portuguese, and a few other languages.

Later, I saw a magazine ad from the 1960s. The ad was for Hallicrafters, a Chicago maker of shortwave radios and communications equipment. The ad showed a menacing-looking caricature of the Cuban dictator speaking and posed the question:

“Have you ever actually heard this son of a bitch?”

Fidel Castro’s understanding of radio was no accident. He studied its use in other Latin American countries and in previous coup attempts, and used it shrewdly in his own rise to power.

One program seemed to a 15-year-old to cross the line. The Voice of Vietnam was an English language program aimed at the United States that was broadcast from Havana, not Hanoi. This program seemed strident and objectionable, which may have been the goal.

Today, Cuban broadcasting is in a shambles. Hurricane Rafael flattened its largest shortwave transmitter site. Ongoing problems with the power grid and shortages of fuel have led to nationwide power outages. Many AM stations are off the air. Technicians from China who kept things running have reportedly left the country.

Karl D. Forth has been interested in radio and DXing for more than 50 years. This story was included in the book Radio Nights and Distant Signals.

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