Category Archives: Radios

Video: Build a radio in less than one minute

DIY-Radio(Source: Southgate ARC)

“Due to the numerous requests from his Build-a-radio-in-5-minutes, radio amateur Tommy Helgevold OZ4KID decided to make a better video with explanations on how to make a radio like this

He also decided to beat his old challenge as well…

…so without further ado, I present to you – How to build a radio in less than 1 minute, can you build it?

There’s even a schematic in the end of the video + an animated version of the entire breadboard setup.

Thanks for watching, & enjoy.

Watch Build a radio in less than 1 minute”


Click here to view on YouTube.

While less detailed, you can also view OZ4KID’s DIY Radio in less than 5 minutes by clicking here or viewing via the embedded video below:

WAMU Metro Connection visits the Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club

MAARC-ClubMany thanks to SWLing Post reader, Paul, who points out this episode of WAMU’s Metro Connection where reporter Rebecca Sheir visits the Mid-Atlantic Antique Radio Club (MAARC).

You can listen the report on Metro Connection, or simply click here to download the whole podcast (MAARC is the first piece).

Click here to check out the MAARC website.

Video: Ken operates his Hallicrafter S-120 for the first time

The Hallicrafters S-120

In response to our last post regarding Hallicrafters’ promotional 45 RPM record, Ken Carr comments:

“I got the entire promotional kit for the [Hallicrafters] S120 when I was a kid. My parents even bought the radio for me. I still have everything, including the record. How could you not want to get into SWL after listening to it?

My dad took an 8mm film of me using the new radio. I have since digitized it.”

Ken then kindly shared his video (which can also be viewed on YouTube):

Thanks for sharing, Ken! This stuff is priceless.

The Tecsun ICR-110 packs AM/FM and digital recording/playback

Photo: BigBargainsOnline from eBay

In a comment, SWLing Post reader Owl mentions:

“Tecsun has just released ICR-110 which is as BIG as the PL-880 and seems to have the same speaker too.”

The ICR-110 can be found on eBay–click here to search. At $46.00 US shipped, I’m very tempted to purchase it. Though it lacks shortwave, it appears that it can record AM (MW) and FM broadcast stations in either MP3 or WAV formats. While I’ve yet to find a radio that can make a digital recording with acceptable fidelity (the CC Witness Plus being a notable exception) I would like to think the engineers at Tecsun have nailed it.

I have a friend who has recently purchased the ICR-110, and am looking forward to his review! (hint, hint)

CommRadio CR-1 and WRTH: Power outage essentials

20140107-092801.jpg
Like much of North America, we’re currently experiencing record low temperatures and strong winds here at our mountain home. This morning, I woke to no power and no Internet. My iPhone still works though, hence the ability to publish this post.

But no power is really no problem when it comes to SWLing. Indeed, for those living in urban areas, power outages represent temporary refuge from all of those electronic noises (RFI) that plague daily listening.

I’ve spent the morning SWLing with my CommRadio CR-1. The beauty of the CR-1 is that it can operate for hours on its internal battery and can also be charged/powered via USB or anything from a 6V to 18v DC power source. I’m currently charging the CR-1’s battery from our solar-powered battery bank. It makes me realize that the CR-1 is an ideal, top-shelf radio for off-grid DXing.

Additionally, I received my 2014 WRTH yesterday in the post. The WRTH is always a welcome delivery, but this morning was even more appreciated since it requires no power source whatsoever to work!

No power? No worries! With a WRTH and CommRadio CR-1 combo, I’m a happy listener!

Etón introduces two travel portables: the Etón Traveler III and Mini 400

Eton-shortwave-radio-family-001

In addition to the shortwave portables we mentioned earlier this morning, SWLing Post reader, Tom, points out two more radios Etón will introduce at CES:

[Etón is] showing off 2 other models all under the label of the World Travel Radios at CES.

They posted the others on the following page
http://blog.etoncorp.com/index.php/2014/01/ces-2014-travel-radios/

Your leaving out the Traveler 3 at
http://www.etoncorp.com/en/productdisplay/traveler-iii

And the Mini at
http://www.etoncorp.com/en/productdisplay/mini

Eton describes these radios on their press release:

The Eton Mini 400

The Etón Mini 40

Etón Mini – This compact radio gives you access to news and music from across the globe, right in your pocket, whether on an AM, FM or Shortwave frequency. The Mini’s built-in digital tuner and internal and telescoping antennas easily identify stations, which can be viewed on the high-contrast digital display. The radio also features an alarm clock, sleep timer and earphone jack. Perfect to listen to the radio broadcast at your favorite sporting events.

Features:

  • Frequency coverage:
    • AM:  520 – 1710 kHz
    • FM: 87.5 – 108 MHz
    • SW1: 3.2 – 10 MHz
    • SW2: 11.65 – 18 MHz
  • Digital tuner and display
  • Digital display frequency timer and alarm activation
  • Key lock function
  • Band selector on left side
  • Tuning/Volume knob
  • Metal speaker grill
  • Sleep timer
  • FM telescopic antenna
  • Rich orange LCD display
  • Earphone jack (3.5 mm)
  • Powered by USB cable (provided) or 2 AAA batteries (sold separately)
  • Click here to download spec sheet
The Eton Traveler III

The EtónTraveler III

Etón Traveler III – The Etón Traveler III receives a multitude of radio wavelengths – AM(MW), FM with RDS, Longwave and Shortwave. Providing four options to tune the radio including auto, manual and Auto Tuning Storage (ATS), the Etón Traveler III also boasts internal and telescoping antennas to ensure your reception is clear and crisp. The Etón Traveler III can store up to 500 stations in the memory and the rich, orange LCD display allows you to see temperature and time. The perfect travel companion, the Traveler III also features an alarm clock and sleep timer.

Features:

  • Frequency coverage:
    • AM: 520 – 1710 kHz
    • FM: 87.5 – 108 MHz
    • LW: 150 – 285 kHz
    • SW: 3150 – 21950 kHz
  • FM with RDS (Radio Data System)
  • Automatic or manual digital tuning
  • Auto tuning storage (ATS) function
  • 500 memory stations
  • Local/world time setting
  • Sleep timer
  • Single alarm clock (by radio or buzzer)
  • Snooze
  • Rich orange LCD display
  • Earphone jack (3.5mm)
  • FM telescopic antenna
  • Reset/lock function
  • Power supply: Use USB cable (included), 4 AA batteries or 6V adapter (both sold separately)
  • Click here to download spec sheet

Traveler III will most likely become a part of my portable collection. I loved the Traveler II as it had great overall performance on all bands and was very compact for travel. As a (major!) bonus, the Traveler III has RDS.