Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carlos Latuff, who writes:
Here in Porto Alegre, for the past two days, it’s been difficult to receive radiofax from the USCG radio station in Boston. Weak signal, short radio propagation window and lots of noise. Only today morning I was able to receive NOAA chart featuring Cat 4 Hurricane Erin.
Collins QSL Card via the Collins Bookshop
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia, who shares this fascinating article from The Gazette:
CEDAR RAPIDS — Years before the first trans-Atlantic phone call, and decades before international direct dialing would become available, a Cedar Rapids teenager had a direct line to one of the most remote places on earth.
And decades before companies like Collins Radio and Rockwell Collins became multibillion dollar enterprises, a 15-year-old’s ham radio was connecting Arctic explorers with the world from an attic on Fairview Drive.
On Aug. 3, 1925, Arthur A. Collins made headlines as the first person to communicate with MacMillan scientific explorers in Etah, Greenland on short-length radio waves — what The Evening Gazette in Cedar Rapids hailed as “a new chapter into the history of radio.”[…]
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report incorporating four different broadcasters: ZP-30, All India Radio, CGTN and CBN.
Carlos notes:
Trump-Putin meeting: 5 audio recordings from 5 different radio stations in 5 different languages, plus a Kyodo News radiofax.
Click here to view on YouTube.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following article:
by Paul Jamet
Two and a half years ago, I shared my enthusiasm for an XHDATA receiver, the D-219, first launched at the end of 2022:
Read: Paul explores the incredible affordability of the XHDATA D-219
The XHDATA D-219 stands out for its low price and impressive performance. It combines nostalgic analog charm—with its needle dial—with the power of modern DSP technology, delivering excellent multiband performance for its class and cost. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a traveler, or simply discovering shortwave for the first time, the D-219 is a wonderful gateway into the vast world of radio.
More than 25 readers have commented on or contributed to discussions about this little receiver. The D-219 is very easy to use, has a vintage look, a classic needle dial, and runs on two AA batteries. Sources confirm that it is based on a Si4825-A10 architecture, with analog tuning (via potentiometer and voltage), mono audio output, and reception across the following bands:
Switching between bands is simple—just turn the side-mounted dial.
Recent events have also renewed interest in battery-powered radios and resilient technologies like AM radio, particularly during massive power outages such as:
In such emergency situations, the D-219 becomes even more appealing: it’s lightweight (150 g without batteries), very intuitive to use, and powered by standard AA cells. On top of that, its performance is excellent.
Until recently, XHDATA offered the D-219 in just two classic colors: gray and silver-gray.
But in the past few days, XHDATA has introduced two new finishes on its website: malachite green and grayish white—still under €9 (excluding shipping). Stocks appear to be limited.
Personally, I was immediately drawn to the Malachite Green version.
Its matte finish looks elegant and really highlights the receiver’s craftsmanship. Honestly, I think it’s beautiful! The green gives it a distinctive character and elevates the quality of the finish.
Elegance, performance, and price all come together to make the D-219 an excellent way to discover—or rediscover—shortwave across its nine bands.
With the D-219 ‘Malachite Green,’ radio isn’t just something you hear—it’s something that catches your eye.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Van Hoy, who writes:
I finally made a video that I’ve wanted to do for a long time covering the false claims on Amazon and elsewhere that portable power stations are “solar generators.” That was after I heard a radio ad by one prepper-type company bragging about the features of their “solar generator.”
Probably most of the SWLing Post crew is aware of this problem but may want someplace to send their family and friends with more details:
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 and radiofax imagery.
Carlos notes:
China raises Typhoon Podul emergency response levels, CGTN Radio, 11770 kHz
Click here to view on YouTube.
Typhoon Podul hitting China: Himawari satellite image via Japan Meteorological Agency radiofax, received in Porto Alegre, August 13, 19h10 UTC, frequency of 7795 kHz USB.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Taiwan International broadcast, plus bonus radiofax decodes.
Carlos notes:
Taiwan Prime Minister Apologizes for Poor Response to Typhoon Dana, Typhoon Podul Approaches Taiwan, Radio Taiwan International, 9740 kHz+radiofax
Click here to view on YouTube.
Radiofax (Typhoon Podul): satelitte image + typhoon warning via Japan Meteorological Agency, 7795 kHz, received this afternoon in Porto Alegre.
