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As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been browsing the Google Play store this morning in search of an Android app that would help one of our readers decode HF digital modes.
I suggested Tivar, which is essentially FLdigi for Android devices. The app was originally created by Dave (W1HKJ) and published on Google Play by Stephen Cooper. According to the description, the app does not have a dedicated developer, but based on reviews, it seems to work for many.
I assume this is the best (or only?) app for decoding broadcasts like the VOA Radiogram, DigiDX, etc?
I’ll check out each app and update the list accordingly over the next few weeks.
It would be very helpful if you note what you like about the app and if it’s available on multiple platforms (iOS, Android and/or Windows). I imagine there are many I’ve yet to check out!
This morning, while browsing for an Android app, I noticed that SWLing Post contributor, Stephen Cooper, has published a simple app for adding interval signal ringtones to your Android device.
Interval Signal Ringtones appears to have a very simple interface and over 40 interval signals included. The price is very modest at $1.98.
Yesterday, I had to make a pilgrimage to IKEA. As I walked into the main entrance of the showroom, I noticed this display for the Isberget tablet stand.
Of course, I din’t see a tablet stand; I saw a potential radio stand.
I snapped a couple of shots and meant to go back and purchase one, but I forgot to do so.
The stand is quite large and I imagine it would accommodate almost any portable (save, perhaps, a beefy model like the RF-2200 or Eton Field). The lip at the bottom of the stand is not deep, but I believe it would be adequate for most applications.
Color choices are white and blue.
At $2.99 US, I feel like it’s a good deal. If you don’t have an IKEA location near you, the Isberget can order one online, but shipping is very steep ($10!)–much better to stop by your local IKEA.
I wish I would have remembered to purchase one yesterday.
Have any Post readers used the Isberget as a radio stand? Please comment.
Hi there, subscribers to the Oxford Shortwave Log YouTube channel and regular readers of this excellent website will be aware that I have been using a Bonito Boni whip E-field wideband antenna for a couple of months now. You may have seen my previous post here, detailing some excellent initial DX results achieved with the Boni Whip. What makes this antenna so compelling for a DXer such as myself is simply that it’s so light and compact; I can literally take it anywhere. Currently it lives in a small flight case (see above & below) on the back seat of my car, with either my Sony ICF-SW55 or Eton Satellit, a home-brew battery pack (that literally cost pence) and some peripheral bits and pieces; spare batteries, cables etc. I think it’s probably already clear that if you consider the Boni Whip’s performance as a function of portability and price, it’s out there on its own – I’m not aware of another antenna that can match it. Of course, there are H-field antennas, such as the excellent Wellbrook active loops that will effectively reject QRM, if that’s an issue for the user, but at a significant cost delta.
Since my last posting, I have continued to use the Boni Whip regularly on my DXpeditions and upload the reception videos to my YouTube channel. I have been nothing but totally impressed with this antenna, to the point that I’ve actually been surprised by the signals I’ve caught and recorded with it. Recent catches include a number of low-power stations from Brazil, including Radio Bandeirantes – Sao Paolo, Radio Voz Missionaria – Camboriu (on the 49 and 31 metre broadcast bands) and Radio Aparecida. Some of these signals are incredibly difficult to hear in Europe at all, let alone well and yet the ultra-compact Boni-Whip running off AA batteries, coupled to the (equally brilliant) Eton Satellit managed it with aplomb. Other catches include Zambia NBC Radio 1 – Lusaka and a signal from Bangladesh Betar that sounded as if the transmitter was 5 miles down the road!
All-in-all, I’m extremely satisfied with the performance of the Bonito Boni Whip and highly recommend it to those DXers requiring a high-performance, compact antenna, for use at home in electrically quiet environments or on any DXpedition. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
Please find embedded reception videos below and text links that will take you to the Oxford Shortwave Log YouTube channel. Thanks for reading/watching/listening and I wish you all great DX.
Clint Gouveia is the author of this post and a regular contributor to the SWLing Post. Clint actively publishes videos of his shortwave radio excursions on his YouTube channel: Oxford Shortwave Log. Clint is based in Oxfordshire, England.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), who writes with the following question:
A request for assistance.
After comparing the reception of the RSP2 and 1/2 doublet to the reception of the County Comm GP-5 SSB and its little external ferrite-bar, I’ve decided I probably want to make some sort of directional antenna to use on AMBC with the RSP2. A wire loop, perhaps, or some sort of ferrite-bar thing, that connects to the RSP2’s Hi-Z input.
[Perhaps SWLing Post readers can suggest] options and then I can get the needed bits at the 2017 Hamvention.
Post readers: if you can offer Eric suggestions, or point him to antenna plans, please comment! I do believe he would rather build an antenna than simply buy one and he’s looking to permanently mount this antenna outdoors.
Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Paul Beckett, who writes with the following question for our community:
Hi Thomas
I am hoping you may be able to help identify the fly lead plug which fits on the jack plug of the Sony mains adapter lead for the 2001D. It terminates in a four pin female socket but i cannot find any description of it on the internet.
Appreciate any info if you recognise it. It is definitely part of the 2001D “kit” as the plug is clearly marked “Sony” and was among my radio “bits”.
Regards
Paul
Post readers: can anyone help Paul identify this particular 2001D plug so that he can search for a replacement on the Internet? If so, please comment!
Cross Country Wireless have released a HF Preselector.
It is a passive high Q design that does not use an amplifier or external power.
It tunes from 0.5 to 52 MHz.
It is ideal for use with simple SDR receivers like the RTF-SDR dongle with upconverter or SDRPlay. It can also be used with the new receiver socket modification on the IC-7300.
The web page has more details including network analyser plots showing the selectivity of the Preselector.
I suggested Tivar, which is essentially FLdigi for Android devices. The app was originally created by Dave (W1HKJ) and published on Google Play by Stephen Cooper. According to the description, the app does not have a dedicated developer, but based on reviews, it seems to work for many.
