Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

The Shortwave Daddy SDR on 73 Radio Row

It’s not often I find a shortwave radio I’ve never heard about–so you can imagine my surprise when I looked at 73 Radio Row this morning and found the Shortwave Daddy software defined radio for $159.00.

How did I miss hearing about a radio called the Shortwave Daddy when it was on the market a few years ago?

Here’s the description lifted from 73 Radio Row:

The Tablerock Shortwave Daddy software-defined receiver connects to your computer to open up the exciting world of AM-FM-Shortwave radio. It is powered solely by your computer’s USB port via a connecting cable, which is provided. Your computer provides the audio. Except for the antenna, no external connections are required. Simply plug and play. Fully tested. The Shortwave Daddy is no longer produced. It originally cost $289.99.

For details, we strongly encourage you to read the Shortwave Daddy’s manual by clicking here.

The radio covers:
Worldwide AM Band 520kHz – 1710kHz
Shortwave Bands 2.3MHz – 26.1 MHz
Worldwide FM Band 64MHz – 108 MHz

For computer compatibility specifications, click here.

If I didn’t have so many radios on my review table right now, I’d buy this just to review it on the SWLing Post.

Post Readers: Anyone own a Shortwave Daddy receiver? If so, please comment!

Click here to view the Shortwave Daddy on 73 Radio Row.

SIGSALY and the unlikely history of the Bell Labs Voder

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One of my favorite podcasts, 99% Invisible, recently featured a story on the Bell Labs’ Voder and how its innovation lead to one of the best kept secrets in WWII high frequency communications: SIGSALY.

The episode is called Vox Ex Machina and, trust me, it’s a gem.

Stop whatever you’re doing today and listen to this brilliant little documentary.

I’ve embedded the SoundCloud audio of the episode above, but you can also listen via the 99 Percent Invisible website.

Video: Listening to Radio Australia via the BST-1 car shortwave radio

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I’ve been evaluating the BST-1 car shortwave radio for a review that will soon appear in The Spectrum Monitor magazine.

I must admit: it’s mighty fun to be able to listen to shortwave broadcasters through my vehicle’s audio system.

Last week, the BST-1 saved my sanity, too. You see, I was in a rush to get to a morning appointment in town when Murphy’s Law stopped me dead in my tracks!

A construction crew began resurfacing a two mile (unavoidable) stretch of asphalt road on my route. As the road crew set up their gear, I was forced to wait a full 20 minutes (!!!!) before being allowed to pass.

Fortunately, I remembered that I had the BST-1 hooked up in the car. I tuned to 9580 kHz and there was Radio Australia. Somehow, hearing my staple broadcaster soothed my nerves. I accepted that I would be late for my appointment and simply enjoyed the moment. In your face, Murphy–!!!!

Here’s a very short video I made while stopped:

Click here to view on YouTube.

Hammarlund HQ series: A digital display modification

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Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Jeff (KB7AIL), who shares the following:

Saw the article on the DC meter in a Hammerlund HQ180.

Another mod I have seen is replacing the meter with a digital display.

http://www.electronicspecialtyproducts.com/dd101.html

It integrates with the HQ180 nicely.

They also have digi-displays in cases or use with other receivers/transceivers.

Very cool, Jeff. While I know a digital display might kill the vintage look for some enthusiasts, I have to admire such a useful modification to replace a broken Hammarlund clock/meter.

As Jeff mentions, Electronic Specialty Products has a number of external digital display boxes as well. Check out their full line of products on the ESP website.

May Update: From the Isle of Music

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Havana, Cuba (Photo: Wikimedia)

Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Bill Tilford, who shares this From The Isle of Music update:

Our May 10 (May 9 in the Americas) program will feature two special guests with interviews and music:

1. Cuban Laud (a relative of the lute) master Barbarito Torres, whose prolific career includes the Buena Vista Social Club, but we will be playing some of his wonderful work with songstress Miriam Ramos.

2. Albertico Lescay, leader of the Cuban Jazz/Fusion group Formas. NuJazz is a new branch of Jazz in Cuba that we’ll let him explain to you.
We’ll also feature some more of Danzas Para Piano de Ignacio Cervantes.(the musical gift that keeps on giving)

Our May 17 (May 16 in the Americas) program will feature a brief interview with Angel Toirac, pianist of Influencia, and a lot of music by this distinctive Jazz ensemble, We wiill also have some vintage 1970s Cuban Funk from Grupo Monumental, some recent Cuban R & B by Eme, and we’ll finish the wonderful concert piano album Danzas Para Piano de Ignacio Cervantes.

Our May 24 (May 23 in the Americas) features a brief interview with phenomenal Jazz saxophonist Michel Herrera and his music. Also some popular dance music from the 70s by Grupo Monumental, the Timba of Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, and we are going to begin listening to Popularmente Sinfónica Vol II by Orquesta Sinfónica de Matanzas.

Two listening options on shortwave:

WBCQ, 7490 KHz, Tuesdays 0000 UTC (8pm EDT Mondays)
Channel 292, 6070 KHz, Tuesdays 1900 UTC (2100 CEST)

See our Facebook page, From The Isle of Music, for more information.

Thanks as always for all you do for radio.

BBC World Service: “Click” Broadcast Times (April – October 2016)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Richard Langley, who shares his latest shortwave radio schedule for the BBC World Service technology program, Click.

Click on the image below to view the schedule, or simply click here to view the schedule as a PDF.

Click to enlarge.

Historic ‘Radio Row’ Finds a Home on the Internet

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(Source: 73 Radio Row press release)

A new website designed for radio amateurs, SWL’ers, CB’ers and all communications hobbyists has launched on the Internet recreating the atmosphere of the famed Radio Row in New York City.

According to its founder, Richard Fisher, KI6SN, “’73 Radio Row’ takes its cue from an era when New York’s legendary radio district bustled with communications fanatics shopping for surplus and used gear along Cortlandt Street in Lower Manhattan.” 73 Radio Row’s Web address is: http://www.73RadioRow.com

The site features used radio receivers, transmitters and transceivers, as well as unbuilt kits, new/old stock antennas, Morse instruments and station accessories of all kinds.

“We are crazy about radio, the same as everyone else,” Fisher said. “RETRO is NOWtro.” For complete details, visit: http://www.73RadioRow.com or write to: [email protected]. Call (951) 395-1923.

I discovered 73 Radio Row right after it launched–I ordered a portable ER TiCK Deluxe Keyer for the very affordable price of $26 US shipped.

The keyer was dispatched immediately and I received it within a couple of days.

I know Richard Fisher (KI6SN) quite well and can certainly vouch for his integrity. In fact, he’s even giving a portion of 73 Radio Row proceeds to Ears To Our World–what a nice guy!