Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

TEF6686 DSP Chip and the Qodosen SR-286

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, TomL, who writes:

A couple of weeks ago, “Radio Jay Allen” sent out a review of a Chinese portable using a different DSP chip from NXP called the TEF6686 usually used in car radios with lots of features. I also notice that the description for the new 2024 WRTH lists an in-depth an article about the TEF6686 chip. Does anyone else know about the new chip or the portable that was reviewed? Is it better than the current crop of portables based on Silicon Labs chips?

Here is a link to the review of the portable radio:

Qodosen SR-286 AM/LW/FM/SW High Performance Portable

Click here to check out the Qodosen SR-286 on AliExpress. 

Radiofax: Japanese Astronaut to the Moon

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carlos Latuff, who shares the Radiofax news report (above) mentioning that a Japanese astronaut may step on the surface of the Moon for the first time, under a U.S.-led lunar exploration program. Click here to read a full news article.

Carlos also included this amazing artwork he created commemorating the news and his Radiofax reception:

As always, thank you so much for sharing your artwork and your radio adventures with us, Carlos!

Peter is impressed with the 2024 World Radio and TV Handbook

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Peter Luskey, who writes:

My new WRTH 2024 arrived from Germany on.the Radiodata earlybird program through their USA package fulfillment agent on Wednesday, 20 Dec. 2024, undamaged in excellent shape through USPS priority mail. This is the earliest date in the season that I have ever received my annual copy.

Editorially it seems to be a fine job, with a larger typeface in the front feature material and a slightly smaller but highly readable sans serif typeface in the balance of the book. The book actually contains more material than last year’s edition, despite being 816 pages in length, 32 pages fewer than last year.

Of particular interest is the greatly expanded SW broadcasting frequency list, which now indicates broadcasting days of the week and times of day divided by language, transmitter site and target area. All of the features from last year have been retained, including MW AM frequency lists for all major regions of the world, including North America, and the FM lists are now split by state or province for many countries, including the USA and Canada. They are again offering a digital edition updated every day, at a charge discounted for owners of a printed copy.

I am delighted by both the expanded content and the speed and quality of the shipment, and recommend that broadcasting DXers of every part of the spectrum consider either or both the print and digital editions.

Peter Luskey

Click here to order a copy of WRTH 2024 or check out the WRTH home page.

KBS Shortwave Frequency and Time Change Notice

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia, who shares the following news from KBS:

Shortwave Frequency & Time Change Notice

Due to a technical issue, KBS WORLD Radio’s English Service will make an inevitable adjustment in the shortwave frequency and time as follows as of January 1, 2024. We ask for your kind understanding. Please send your listener feedback to English Service via email, snail mail, website and social media as always. Thank you.

Happy Holiday Festive Shortwave

Hi all SWLing Post Community, FastRadioBurst 23 and all The Imaginary Stations crew, wish you a great festive season and send our best wishes to all for 2024! This week we’ve an Imaginary Stations Winter Special going out to Europe via Shortwave Gold on Sunday 24th December 2023 at 1000/1400 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and then on 3975 kHz at 2100 UTC. Pour yourself an egg nog if that’s your tipple of choice, tune in and enjoy the festive tunes.

Then on early Monday 25th December we have a show from deep within the Radio Thrift Shop archives, a Winter Holiday Special. Tune in at 0300 UTC on 9395 kHz via WRMI for the more eclectic side of yuletide/winter solstice programming featuring some wonderful tunes including a super one from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings with “World of Love” and a mini-documentary called “In Search of the Shaggs” the rock band formed in Fremont, New Hampshire in 1965. More on the Radio Thift Store show below:

Enjoy the festive season and have a wonderful 2024! For more information on the shows please email [email protected] and check out our old shows here.

Alan Roe’s 2023 Guide to Holiday Broadcasts on Shortwave (Version 3.1)!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who shares the following update:

Hi Thomas

Attached is an updated (version 3.1) list of Holiday Programming on Shortwave covering the period up to Monday 1 January 2024.

Note that this will most likely be the last version update that I will announce, however the list will continue to be updated on Box.com when and if further details are received.

Many thanks & 73

Alan Roe

Click here to download Holiday Programming on Shortwave 2023 V3.1 (PDF).

Thank you for sharing this update, Alan!