Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

eBay Find: Dan’s thoughts on the Galaxy R-530

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Robinson, who recently spotted a Galaxy R-530 on eBay and notes:

Some observations on this. The R-530, and military version R-1530, were considered fairly top of the line when they were made. They’re still among the rarer radios on the used market, though not the rarest. The R-1530 is not seen often. On performance, these receivers were not on the same level as National HRO-500s, 51Js, and R-390s. This was made by Hy-Gain after all, which was not top of the heap in receiving design. However, the R-530/1530s are great looking pieces. Anyone considering these should make absolutely sure that the PLL circuit functions on all bands. Poor cosmetic condition is a tipoff that the radio had a hard life.

Click here to view on eBay.

PRI: How a shortwave radio network is helping to counter Boko Haram

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GSM Bohnso School, Cameroon (Photo courtesy of ETOW partner, EduCare Africa)

(Source: PRI)

It’s easy to overlook the power of radio, when being hit by a firehose of apps, websites, video and social media. But when you’re out in the sticks, especially if there’s crisis or unrest, radio saves lives.

“In crisis situations, information is very, very important. Sometimes more than food, you need information,” says Faruk Dalhatu, managing director of Dandal Kura Radio International in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, a former Boko Haram stronghold. “Because, if you’re on the run, you need to know which direction is safe, before you even think of close family members that have been separated from you.”

What’s more, you don’t need to know how to read to listen to radio. You don’t even need to own a radio; you can just listen to someone else’s. And if you’ve got a cellphone — and many people even in remote parts of Africa do — you can call in and have a voice.

Click here to listen via PRI.

2017 Hamvention photos: Friday Flea Market

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We had a rather long day here at the 2017 Hamvention, but we had a fantastic time. It was especially fun meeting so many SWLing Post readers and contributors in person! Thank you for stopping by our booth at 6508.

Below, I’ve posted well over one hundred photos I took at the Hamvention Flea Market this morning. Click on the thumbnail to expand each photo. I’ve tried to include price tags when available! I plan to post inside exhibit photos tomorrow.

The R-902 (XE-2)/PRD: Ed’s flea market mystery radio

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Edward Ganshirt, who writes:

This radio followed me home from a flea market and I am trying to find out what it’s mission was.

I think it is a surveillance radio from the Vietnam era because of it’s low serial number #7 R-902 (XE-2)/PRD.

I can’t seem to find anything on it. It tunes from 96 to 404 MHz FM AM CW is battery powered and is totally waterproof (this would be the radio to take white water rafting) .

I would like a schematic or manual for it.

Does anyone in SWL world know anything about it?

Wow! I’m afraid I would have taken that heavy metal home with me too, Edward! And it’s waterproof? What a bonus! 🙂 Actually, I imagine since it’s waterproof, the internals are likely well-preserved.

Post readers: If you can shed some light on this model R-902, please comment. If you have a service manual or schematic, I’m sure Ed would appreciate a link/copy!

RAE Argentina to the World now in more languages via WRMI

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adrian Korol, of RAE Argentina to the World, who shares the following news:

We are happy to announce that RAE Argentina to the World will broadcast on shortwaves in its 8 languages starting May 22nd.

Click here for PDF Schedule (in Spanish today)

Thanks for your attention.

Regards

Adrian Korol

Many thanks, Adrian. It’s been great to hear RAE on the shortwaves again! Thanks for keeping us updated!

The EDXC Conference in Tampere, Finland

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(Source: Risto Vähäkainu via the WRTH Facebook group)

Dear friends,

It is high time to register to this year’s EDXC Conference which will be held in Tampere, Finland on 18-20 August organized by the Finnish DX Association.
…
We have already received about 30 registrations from abroad and registration of the Finnish participants will also activate these days. Altogether we expect to have a participation of 120-150. This meeting will most probably be the last big DX and shortwave meeting in Europe, so don’t miss it!

We are working hard to have a comprehensive conference program. A new version has just been updated to the conference website http://www.sdxl.fi/edxc2017. More details will be added later, when some still tentative sessions have been confirmed.

A tour to the beautiful Finnish Lapland will follow after the conference for those interested. We do have already a good list for tentative participants of the tour, but the possibility to join the tour will still be open for 10 days, so if you want to join it, act quickly. After 26 of May we will make a final decision on how the tour will be done and what the costs will be.

Conference registrations, tour inquiries and all questions are welcome to rv at sdxl dot com.

Welcome to Finland for a great DX conference!

On behalf of the organizers,
Risto Vähäkainu
FDXA
http://sdxl.fi/edxc/

WRTH update to A17 schedule

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(Source: Sean Gilbert via WRTH on Facebook)

WRTH has now released the A17 International broadcasting schedules file.
The PDF file is 75 pages long and contains the broadcast schedules of nearly 200 International and Clandestine/Target broadcasters; Selected language broadcasts; International DRM broadcasts; International MW and SW frequency listing and an International transmitter site table.

The file is free to download and can be used as a standalone item, but it is best utilised in conjunction with the printed WRTH.

Go to http://www.wrth.com and follow the links for the A17 pdf download.
Please feel free to propagate this message to your friends/colleagues and via your various social media platforms and groups.

Happy listening/DXing,
WRTH Editorial Team