Author Archives: Thomas

Raddy RF-919: First New Portable to Feature Recording?

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who writes:

SWLing Post readers have no doubt seen the appearance of the Raddy RF-919, which is manufactured by Hanrongda in China. I have generally not been impressed by some receivers from this company, notably the HRD-747/757 and the reviews seem to support this.

However, from first appearances the RF-919 may be an exception. I am expecting a RF-919 soon, but one of the more recent reviews was by the very popular YouTuber NotaRubicon, and I was surprised to see that according to this review, the RF-919 actually is capable of recording to microSD.

Indeed, when checking the manual available online (Section 8.3) this feature is confirmed. This is an extraordinary development in the portable receiver market and it makes one wonder again why other manufacturers chose not to add this feature. Though we are lacking information about production decisions, it does seem like Tecsun in particular, with its otherwise excellent 990/501 portables, could have implemented recording to microSD.

As of the time I am writing this, there seems to have been surprisingly little discussion by those who have obtained a RF-919 about the recording feature, but I expect there to be more about this when users discover it. As for performance, I hope to have my 919 in hand in coming days and will review it for SWLing. From observing initial user videos, this radio is packed with some impressive features and coverage.

Thank you, Dan! I look forward to checking out the recording function. It would, indeed, be wonderful to finally have a capable portable with proper built-in recording.

Radioddity Discount: In the spirit of full transparency, Radioddity is a sponsor of the SWLing Post and they also offer us an affiliate code and link that will save you $15 off the purchase of an RF-919. Click here to save $15 off your purchase at Radioditty.

In addition, the RF-919 is also available on Amazon.com (affiliate link).

If you’ve purchased an RF-919 and would like to share your review, please let us know in the comments!

Dan’s digital archive of QSL Cards

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Greenall, who writes:

Hi Thomas

In addition to digitizing many of my old SW and BCB audio files, I have begun setting up some of my QSL galleries on the internet archive in order to help preserve radio history. I am sending along a few links that perhaps old timers and newcomers alike might find of interest.

SWBC stations (sorry, only scanned one side so far)

https://archive.org/details/radio-tampa-tokyo-japan-1987

Utility stations

https://archive.org/details/zhh-st.-helena-inside-view

Time signal stations

https://archive.org/details/vng-australia-1971

BCB stations (mostly my own except for a few very old historic ones that I bought from eBay)

https://archive.org/details/ckoc-hamilton-on-1983

Small Sample from Dan’s QSL Collection:

Frans puts his new KiwiSDR2 on the air and online

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frans Goddijn, who writes:

Dear Thomas,

Last week I bought & installed the new KiwiSDR receiver and shared it on the web so anyone can use my setup.

I posted a blog about it:

https://kostverlorenvaart.blogspot.com/2024/04/kiwisdr2-radio.html

Excellent, Frans! Thanks for sharing!

Readers, you can check out and use Frans’ KiwiSDR 2 online by clicking here. As you can see in the photos above, he is in an urban area and uses indoor loop antennas. 

Replacement power supplies for WJ-8711A/HF-1000A series receivers

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Photo by Paolo Viappiani

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dean Bianco, who writes:

Inspired by Chuck Yarbrough ‘s YouTube video, I ordered one of the newly-manufactured replacement power supplies for the WJ-8711A/HF-1000A series from WJ Systems, a new company run by noted WJ master technician Stephen Pappin. For those of us who own one (or more) of the dozen or so variants of these now-classic early DSP receivers, these new PS’s can provide an extension of their useful lifespans. These units are direct substitutions for the flawed Condor switching supplies, the Achilles heel of an otherwise fine general coverage radio. Nearly all of the original Condors have lived past their useful, in-spec lifespans and have become (or soon to become) malfunctioning ticking time bombs that will summarily go off the rails (pun intended) and spike all kinds of nasty voltages that will destroy your pricey beauty forever. While admittedly there are other inevitable EOL issues endemic to the 87xx series, e.g., expired time-keeping battery RAM and aging encoders making it harder to find spare parts, a well-cared for receiver can enjoy a much-welcomed rejuvenation and keep the grim reaper of radios at bay for a while!

The official website for WJ Systems is: www.wj-systems.com

Chuck Yarbrough’s YouTube videos demonstrating the installation and testing of the new power supply:

Part 1 of 2:

Part 2 of 2

Thanks!

Dean

Thank you for sharing this, Dean!  This is a brilliant upgrade for an iconic receiver!

MFJ ceases on-site production in Starkville, Mississippi

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Many thanks to a number of readers who’ve sent me the following email announcement (that I unfortunately) also received today from Martin Jue at MFJ Enterprises:

Heavy Sad Heart

Dear Fellow Hams and Friends,
April 25, 2024
Dear Fellow Hams and Friends,

It is with a sad heart as I write this letter.

As many of you have heard by now, MFJ is ceasing its on-site production in Starkville, Mississippi on May 17, 2024. This is also the same for our sister companies’ Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft, Mirage and Vectronics.

Times have changed since I started this business 52 years ago. Our product line grew and grew and prospered. Covid changed everything in businesses including ours. It was the hardest hit that we have ever had and we never fully recovered.

I turned 80 this year. I had never really considered retirement but life is so short and my time with my family is so precious.

I want to thank all of our employees who have helped build this company with me over the years. We have many employees who have made MFJ their career for 10, 20, 30, 40 and more years.

We are going to continue to sell MFJ products past May 17, 2024. We have a lot of stock on hand. We will continue to offer repair service work for out-of-warranty and in-warranty units for the foreseeable future.

Finally, a special thanks to all of our customers and our dealers who have made MFJ a worldwide name and a profitable business for so many years. You all are so much appreciated.

Sincerely Yours, 73s

Martin F. Jue, K5FLU

May 2024: From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bill Tilford, who shares the following broadcast schedules:

From the Isle of Music, May 11, 2024 Broadcast:

The main feature will be special guest Kiki Valera with some of his new son cubano album “Vacilón Santiaguero”.
Broadcast times: May 11: 0900-1000 UTC 9670 kHz &
1900-2000 UTC 3955 and 6070 kHz

Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, May 18, 2024 Broadcast:

The main feature will be special guest Eugene Pao, Hong Kong’s foremost jazz guitarist, with some of his new album “Jazz at Lincoln Center”, recorded live during a tour of the US.
Broadcast times: May 18 0900-1000 UTC 9670 kHz &
1900-2000 UTC 3955 and 6070 kHz

Both programs will feature additional music to round out the hour.
It’s great to be back on Channel 292!