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UPDATE (16:15 UTC, August 14, 2026): This post has been updated to clarify that XHDATA is preparing to release two different receivers, the D-228 and D-226. The original version of this post conflated some of the specifications and features of the two models. Many thanks to Paul Jamet for the clarification.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following news:
Have you heard of the D-228? XHDATA’s new dial-type receiver? Description and additional info:
The D-228 includes reception of the NOAA weather band and is therefore primarily intended for the North American market. The D-228 is currently available only in green.
Both the D-228 and D-226 feature three power modes—rechargeable battery, AA batteries, and 5V DC—as well as a small flashlight, allowing XHDATA to classify these compact receivers as emergency radios.
There is, however, another model that should not be confused with the D-228: the XHDATA D-226, which XHDATA says will also be available soon.
The D-226 does not support the NOAA weather band and is intended primarily for the global market. Its specifications are:
Paul notes that he had initially assumed the D-226 would follow the reception specifications of the D-219, but he now believes that assumption may not be accurate. XHDATA subsequently clarified the distinction between the two new receivers.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who writes:
Hi Thomas
Radio Bonaire 1530 went on the air July 27, 2026.
According to its website,
“Radio Bonaire 1530 is your source of information during emergencies, specifically for residents and visitors of Bonaire. Thanks to an off-grid system and continuous broadcasting, you stay informed at all times, even during power outages or other emergencies.”
It continues:
How did the idea come about?
During the major, prolonged blackout of 2023, all sorts of things went wrong.
The FM transmitters located at Subi Rincon had no audio; the studio also had no power, so nothing was being sent to the FM transmitters.
Most FM stations had already gone off the air, and those still broadcasting had no sound. Eventually, these stations also went off the air as their backup power ran out.
For many, the internet was also inaccessible because the Wi-Fi modems in their homes had no power.
Phones could still be used for quite a while; however, making calls was virtually impossible because everyone wanted to do so at the same time. But after 36 hours, the telephone connections also failed one by one.
In response, a few amateur radio enthusiasts put their heads together. Some already had experience setting up so-called LPAM transmitters in the Netherlands—LPAM stands for Low Power AM on the medium wave band. These LPAM transmitters achieved a remarkably wide range despite their low power output (400 watts).”
I came across the station last night, purely by chance, while doing some random tuning on a KiwiSDR located, where else, but on Bonaire. Here is a recording that I made around 0400 hours UTC.
While most of the announcements (about the 3:20 mark) are in (presumed) Dutch, there is a brief one and a jingle in English.
It was while travelling in the Greek islands a few weeks ago, I first spoke to Paul Karlstrand.
I’d sent him an email, requesting a shipping quote from his home country in Australia to mine, Scotland, UK. I got a prompt reply, and he was only too happy to answer any questions I had, not only regarding shipping, but with any other queries I may have had concerning his loops. What a nice guy.
Fast forward to present day and I’ve been using his 36cm MW passive loop (catalogue code ‘TAM’) for a few days now. From paying the invoice through PayPal, the loop being built and assembled, to arriving on my doorstep around 11,000 miles later – it took just 10 days.
The free pen is a nice touch!
This is most certainly not a review of the antenna, it’s just a quick note on my observations and experience from the hours of enjoyment I’ve now had using it.
My conclusion? It’s brilliant.
I’ve caught several stations now generally not audible through the day with the Tecsun AN-200. The signal gain of the larger 36cm diameter PK loop compared with the 22cm Tecsun, improves reception quite drastically. Combined with a ‘split band?’ switch from 525 to 710kHz in the left position and from 710 to 1725kHz on the right, it does a great job of matching the radio’s tuned frequency to the loop without feeling finicky while turning the knob.
MW band is split into two sections
Of course, during grey line propagation or after dark, things just keep getting better. I have a few low power ‘test’ stations that I’ll use to check conditions and test radios and antennas with and am pleased to report, that the PK Loop 36cm performed remarkably in its job of funneling those weak signals into my receiver.
Pulling in some weak signals during the twilight hours
These products are very well made and are obviously manufactured with passion, care and attention. I think it would be very difficult to break or damage one, within the confines of normal use.
As soon as I can think of an elaborate enough story to tell my other half, explaining why another large package has arrived from Australia – I can see myself ordering the larger 50cm version from Paul, too.
Valdosta operator says “suspicious phenomenon” is preventing LPFM from reaching potential
[…]WFAG(LP) operates on 89.7 FM with 100 watts of ERP in Valdosta. “Supra 89.7” is licensed to the nonprofit Valdosta Alliance.
In a letter addressed to Chairman Brendan Carr, the alliance’s general manager, Paula Greer, said that the “serious, suspicious phenomenon of apparent ‘ducting’” or “illegal broadcasting” has been preventing the community project from maximizing its potential. [Continue reading…]
QSL Card No. 8: First Bulgarian radio manufacturing factory (Radio Bulgaria)
Throughout 2026, Radio Bulgaria is confirming listeners’ reception reports with a new series of 12 QSL cards. Each card highlights a significant moment from the history of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and Radio Bulgaria, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. At the beginning of each month, we present the story behind the image featured on the latest card.
The eighth QSL card for 2026 is dedicated to Svetozar Prenerov’s first Bulgarian radio manufacturing factory.
In 1925, Svetozar Prenerov, an engineer who had just completed his education in France, received an invitation to take part in the Philips project to manufacture radio sets in the Netherlands. However, the young engineer turned down this tempting offer, deciding instead to manufacture radio sets in his homeland. Thus, in 1925, the ‘Elektron’ craft workshop began operations under the leadership of Svetozar and his brother Veselin, producing ‘Universal’ linear radio sets. [Read more at Radio Bulgaria…]
Safeguarding memory before it disappears – Preserving the Radio Mogadishu archive (UNESCO)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Michael (KM7FMJ), who notes that his ShortwaveHQ directory has recently received a number of updates. Most notably, the site’s search now draws from the full EIBI A-26 schedule, with more than 4,800 entries covering 309 stations. Check it out here!
If you aren’t already a member of the Canadian International DX Club (CIDX), one of the many excellent international shortwave radio clubs, here’s a good example of what you’re missing. The August 2026 issue of the CIDX Messenger runs an impressive 73 pages and includes a feature asking, “Do People Still Listen to the Radio?“, a look at why young Africans continue to listen to radio, Canadian Radio News, and much more. The CIDX also hosts monthly Zoom meetings, with the next scheduled for August 16. All of this is available to members for a very modest membership cost. If you’re not a member, consider joining and supporting one of the organizations that continues to keep the international DX community connected. Click here to check out the CIDX!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Majid Hussain, who points us to this RadioToday report on the BBC’s continuing reduction of its mediumwave footprint.
The BBC has begun the phased closure of some BBC Radio 5 Live AM transmitters, with the first two transmitters scheduled to close at the end of July. The move is part of the BBC’s broader transition toward FM, DAB, television, and online listening, and marks another significant step in the gradual decline of AM broadcasting in the UK.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following news:
The D-226 does not support the NOAA weather band and is intended primarily for the global market. Its specifications are:
Paul notes that he had initially assumed the D-226 would follow the reception specifications of the D-219, but he now believes that assumption may not be accurate. XHDATA subsequently clarified the distinction between the two new receivers.
