Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

QSL: International Radio for Disaster Relief (IRDR)

SWLing Post reader, Michael Guerin, writes:

“Just received [this QSL card] from HFCC in Czech Republic. Heard Radio Australia’s test program with fair copy. Sent report by mail the next day to both HFCC and RA.”

IRDR-QSL-Michael-Front

IRDR-QSL-Michael-Back

Many thanks for sharing this card, Michael! I’m impressed the HFCC issued them so quickly.

Did you miss the IRDR test broadcast?  Stay tuned–I’m hopeful they’ll repeat this test in the future.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Radio Romania International

Original Map Image by Andrein: Wikimedia CommonsFor your listening pleasure: Radio Romania International‘s English language service.

I recorded this broadcast with the Elad FDM-S2 on June 26, 2014, starting at 00:00 UTC on 9,700 kHz.

This broadcast originates from RRI‘s Tiganesti transmitter site.

Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:

Click here to view other posts mentioning Radio Romania International.

Chris suggests installing a shortwave receiver in your car

Pioneer-DEH-X2650UI

On the topic of shortwave radios in automobiles, SWLing Post reader, Chris, writes:

“Seven years ago, I purchased a Sony Car Stereo with a Shortwave receiver from the Shortwave Store in Canada. It works remarkably well especially on those summer trips to Northern Wisconsin and Michigan when I can get away from the city noise. Last summer while driving from Chicago to Copper Harbor Michigan (a 10 hour drive) I listened to Radio Australia, Radio New Zealand, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Exterior Espana and the BBC (Ascension). It certainly made a long drive more enjoyable.

Below is a video I took last night of a relatively weak signal of Radio Exterior Espana (due to local electrical noise and weather) then followed by a nice strong signal of Radio Romania. The signals were recorded next to Lake Michigan in Chicago.

If you can’t afford a BMW with a Shortwave receiver or you don’t have an appetite for a Smart Car you can always install a receiver easily found for sale on Ebay.”

Click here to view the Pioneer DEH-X2650UI Shortwave Car Auto Radio on eBay.

Of course, the receiver is only as good as its antenna. Chris admits that, “the [radio] installation was a hassle and I had to install an aerial whip antenna (which required drilling).” Obviously, your investment in the whip antenna is paying off, Chris. I’m impressed.

Resources:

I have created an eBay search string to search for shortwave car radios: Click here to search eBay for a mobile shortwave radio.

You can also search for the Pioneer DEH-X2650UI Chris suggested by clicking here.

Maplin stocks the Tecsun PL-660

Maplin-Tecsun-PL-660If you live near a Maplin retail store in the UK you’ll be happy to note that they now sell the excellent Tecsun PL-660 portable radio.

Many thanks to London Shortwave who snapped the above shot in his local Maplin store. He notes/tweets: “though it’s a lot more expensive [at 99 GBP] than buying on eBay, [it] shows that the radio now has mainstream recognition.”

Buying a BMW in South Africa? Shortwave radio is an option!

bwm-swSWLing Post reader, Bob, has a relative who works for BMW in the United States. Recently, Bob learned that some models of BMWs shipped to South Africa have a shortwave radio option.  He followed up with this photo of the radio display [see above].

Wow, what a fab idea! Not only would I love to have a factory-installed shortwave radio in my car, but I must admit that I love the simple design of this digital radio dial: elegant, clean, and just a tad retro and sci-fi, all at once.

Now if I could simply afford the BMW…Sigh!

Dates of availability for new Etón shortwave radios…

Eton-Satellit

Several SWLing Post readers have been asking about the availability of the new Etón shortwave radio product line.

I’m pleased to report that I can confirm these availability dates for retailers, suggesting that these Etón units may be ready to ship on these dates:

  • Etón Mini 400: July 14, 2014 ($39 US)
  • Etón Field: July 21, 2014 ($129 US)
  • Etón Traveller III: September 8, 2014 ($59 US)
  • Etón Satellit: September 15, 2014 ($199 US)