Author Archives: Thomas

Shortwave radios keep Burmese informed

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Filed under our ever-growing tag, “why shortwave radio“:

(Source: The Guardian, via Kim Andrew Elliot)

Zigon does, however, have electricity – unlike 90% of Burmese villages – installed by the government late last year. This has meant a number of changes. One of the more significant is the arrival of television. A satellite dish has now been installed at the village tea shop, largely used to watch state TV networks and Premier League football.

Though censorship has been eased in recent months, information is still tightly controlled. News of the Arab revolts last year was blocked for weeks – though millions use cheap Chinese-made radios to listen to the BBC, Voice of America or other networks broadcasting in local languages.

The Grundig G2 Reporter – a new shortwave radio from Eton Corporation

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(Photo source: Eton Corporation)

It looks like a new Grundig shortwave radio is in the works, with availability as early as 2nd quarter.

I was just sent the following press release which was published prior to the 2012 CES:

(Source: Eton Press Release)

(Palo Alto, CA – January 9, 2012) – Etón Corporation, a leading creator of high-performance, green-powered consumer products, announces the Grundig G2 Reporter. The Grundig G2 is a portable travel radio that features multi-language capabilities and five tuning methods, providing a convenient way to listen to your favorite content wherever you go, from anywhere in the world.

The G2 Reporter is another reliable radio and information source added to the Grundig series. Use the five tuning methods – jog, manual, auto, memory, or ATS (Auto Tuning Storage) – to quickly scan or browse stations from anywhere in the world – hearing broadcasts in each country’s native language. The G2 furthers its international appeal with multiple language capability, allowing users to choose from a variety of languages to be shown on the LCD display.

Additional features of the G2 Reporter include:
AM/FM/WB frequencies
Dual stereo speakers with digital volume control
Signal strength indicator
Sleep timer and alarm clock functions
Multiple language selection
Ports: 3.5mm headphone output, line-in, MIC,
MINI-USB 2.0 jack (high speed)
Rechargeable lithium battery (1250mAh), charge through USB

“Etón has partnered with Grundig for the past three decades and we are proud to continue the brand’s long-standing quality tradition with the introduction of the G2,” said Esmail Amid-Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. “Grundig enthusiasts remain loyal and we know they won’t be disappointed with the innovative products in our 2012 line.”

Weighing only 9.6 oz. (272 g), The Grundig G2 Reporter is the ideal product for global travelers. Available in Q2 2011, the Grundig G2 Reporter will retail for $150 USD. For more information on Etón Corporation and its products, visit www.etoncorp.com.

Though very similar in appearance and features to the Tecsun PL-398MP or, better yet, the future Degen DE1128, I imagine that Grundig has put their own spin on this small rig. I have found that quality control tends to be much better via Grundig than Degen. With these specifications, it would indeed be a great portable SW radio for travel.

Update 1/11/12: Universal Radio has now listed the Grundig G2 in their catalog.

Pop’Comm Monitors – get your own shortwave listening post call sign

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At SWLing.com, one of the most frequent email questions we’ve  received over the years is regarding the availability of call signs (station identification) for shortwave monitoring stations.  Until today, I’ve had to tell these inquiring folks that there was no known organization managing such a program. Some people have even suggested that SWLing.com begin one, but this sort of program needs to be organized, maintained, and curated–no small task, and one which is frankly outside our scope at SWLing.

I’m delighted to report that Popular Communications Magazine has stepped up to the plate and is now steward of just such a radio monitoring  program, to be known as Pop’Comm Monitors.

So, Pop Comm is granting shortwave listening post call signs. What’s more,  you can request–much like amateur radio’s vanity callsign system–the 3 letter suffix of your choice.

What is the utility of a SWL callsign?  I think fellow radio listener and operator, John Harper sums it up quite well on his site.  In my view, it’s just one more way to conveniently connect and engage radio hobbyists across the globe.

Click here to go to the dedicated website for Pop’Comm Monitors, and sign up! There is no cost for joining the program.

WRMI/Radio Republica Special DX Test

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Radio Miami International

(Source: Jeff White WRMI and Mike Terry, Cumbre DX)

Radio Miami International, in cooperation with our client Radio Republica, will be conducting a special DX test at 2000-2100 UTC January 7, 2300-2400 UTC January 7, and 0200-0300 UTC January 8, 2012 on the frequency of 5954 kHz from Cariari, Costa Rica. (These times are 3-4 pm, 6-7 pm and 9-10 pm Eastern Time Saturday, January 7 in North America.) The programming aired will be Radio Republica in Spanish. The power will be 10 kilowatts.

Shortwave listeners may be aware of the fact that Radio Republica has used this frequency in the past, but it has been off the air for several weeks now. Radio Miami International will verify all reception reports with a QSL card indicating the special tests. Reports may be sent to Radio Miami International, P.O. Box 526852,… Miami, Florida 33152 USA, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you to the DXing community worldwide for monitoring these special tests and for letting us know if you are able to hear them in your area.

WRMI Radio Miami International
175 Fontainebleau Blvd., Suite 1N4
Miami, Florida 33172 USA
Tel +1-305-559-9764
Fax +1-305-559-8186

“Radio Moscow and the Western Hemisphere”–more Cold War recordings

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If you haven’t gotten your fill of Cold War shortwave yet,  you’ll love these recordings posted on YouTube–Radio Moscow and the Western Hemisphere 1961 by Cook Labs. There are four separate recordings representing two LP’s, both side A and B. Here are direct links to YouTube:

Radio Literacy program in Zabul

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(Source: DVIDS via Kim Andrew Elliot)

(Photo credit: DVIDS)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LAGMAN, Afghanistan – It’s said that education is power and nowhere is that truer than in Zabul province, Afghanistan, where for a time the Taliban controlled the populace by means of intimidation which included preventing people there from working at, or having their children attend school. The end-result was an undereducated, illiterate people who were powerless to prevent their schools from being under-populated, underfunded and undermanned, which in-turn allowed the Taliban to control the dissemination of knowledge – and therefore power – in Zabul province.

[…]Villagers that participate in the project receive one Radio Literacy handbook per family – sometimes two if theirs is a large family – which includes 15 weekly modules, and forty-some odd lessons, all of which are very rudimentary.

[…]In addition to the Radio Literacy handbook, participating villagers also receive 1 hand-crank radio per family which can receive AM and FM frequencies, as well as shortwave 1 and shortwave 2. Shortwave radio, more commonly known as ham radio in the United States, is able to reach areas where AM and FM frequencies cannot.

Read the full article here.