Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

Dan Tunes into Tibet: “Hello Xizang” in English

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Greenall, who writes:

Many years ago, I used to enjoy listening to distant stations that broadcast a regular English language program to Eastern North America (where I live). They would generally have a newscast and commentary, which was often followed by a daily feature that would help a listener better understand what life was like in other parts of the world.

This type of programming is harder to find these days, but I was recently pleasantly surprised to find that the Tibet Autonomous Region of China (or Xizang in Chinese) has had a couple of daily broadcasts in English for some time. The programs are called “Hello Xizang”. According to their website, Hello Xizang “covers everything from social issues to traditional culture. It brings you news, stories and in-depth reports happening in Xizang. Check it out to gain an insight into modern Xizang and feel the pulse of contemporary Xizang.”

Hello Xizang is an hour long program in English between 0700 and 0800 UTC, and again from 1600 to 1700 UTC (most convenient time for me). A few frequencies to try are 4905, 4920, 6200 and 7255 kHz.

This schedule may not work too well for listeners in North America but quality reception can be had through the use of various SDR’s located closer to the transmitter site. I often use the Kiwi SDR of VE3HLS (Ken) who has retired in northern Thailand, from which I made the attached recording of their switch over from Tibetan to English programming:

Audio Player

00:00

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

Happy Listening!

Dan Greenall, Ontario, Canada

Bob’s Radio Corner: Do You Need a Break from Radio?

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A new resource such as Passport was always an incentive to turn on a radio.

Do You Need a Break from Radio?

by Bob Colegrove

A couple months ago I became one of the last 10 people east of the Mississippi River to acquire a smart phone. It was a great improvement for someone who had been trying to navigate through modern life for several years using a flip phone. The transition came at a cost, however. It required an investment of time learning the basic features and functionality. Having a long-standing familiarity with computers and tablets, there was a degree of experience I could draw from. Still, it was different, plus it included new features I found to be amazing and demanding of my attention.

Not long after this I was informed by Microsoft that I would soon be needing a new computer to remain safe and functional. Having logged on to a mainframe for the first time in September 1976, I had been around the block too many times to be greatly alarmed by such warnings. Nevertheless, having not purchased a new computer since 2014, I decided to use this information as leverage to do just that and treat myself to a new laptop. The basic features and functionality remained similar; however, the transition still required time to find where they had been relocated. An operating system upgrade is kind of like buying a new car and finding the steering wheel in the trunk and the spare tire in the front seat.

These new technological acquisitions demanded my undivided attention for a period of several weeks – time which had to be carved out of life’s normal activities. Admittedly, being retired helped. Still activity tends to progressively slow with age. The transitions were completed relatively painlessly; I would even say with a good level of discovery and enjoyment.

I told you all of that in order to tell you this: While all this transpired, not a radio functioned for several weeks. Neither a knob was turned nor a button pressed. Notwithstanding the newly enhanced forces of 5G and Wi-Fi, the world could have stood still. Not once, but many times during this period I would look over at the radio table and see them all silently looking back like so many forelorn puppies in want of a scratch behind their ears. Coldly and cruelly, I would turn my back and set up another email account.

I was on what is simply called a “break.” Not my first. I am hard-pressed to say how many breaks I’ve been on over the years; nor can I tell you how long each one lasted. I am reassured by my fellow radiofiles that I am not alone. I occasionally read comments or blogs from folks who have returned after a break, sometimes after several years.

In the old days tinkering could reignite flagging interest.

Breaks may be caused by many things, the increased burdens of life being the most obvious. Maybe there is illness. Seasonal changes can initiate a break; it’s just good to be outside when the air is fresh and warm. It might be an increased level of boredom where one simply neglects to turn the radio on. In my case, it was an irresistible distraction like a new gadget. I have never consciously told myself I needed a break and turned the radio off for a planned length of time. It has never ever become a matter of work to operate a radio. Perhaps that’s how you know you’ve been irrevocably hooked.

We all come back – eventually. It’s in our DNA. Are breaks bad? No. Every human endeavor requires a break now and then. Sportspersons hang up their spikes or sneakers for six months at a time every year. The idea is they come back refreshed and renewed ready again to conquer the mountain. While success may be illusive, it is the break that provides the incentive to go on. So it is with radio.

I could spend hours to the point of ignoring meals attentively getting a dial cord to run smoothly.
Source : The National NC109 Communications Receiver.

Eventually you turn the radio on with renewed enthusiasm. Perhaps you recall a previous discovery, an untried band, a different time of day, a new tuning technique, a suggestion of something you read or heard. Maybe it’s a new radio, or one you haven’t used for a long time. Maybe it’s just the attraction of the dial and buttons that draws you back. These are some of the sparks that reignite your interest.

Eventually, the initial flash of enthusiasm for the new phone and computer subsided. Sound again emanates from the headsets. What was old is new again. Regardless of why you went away or how long you’ve been gone; you’ve got that old feeling and you’re back.

Do radio designers try to attract us with appearance?

Texas Radio Shortwave: Schedule for June to August 2025

Katie Thornton’s New Series Investigates the Influence of Shortwave Radio

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Award-winning journalist Katie Thornton has launched a new season of the Peabody-winning podcast, The Divided Dial, produced by On the Media and WNYC Studios. In this season, Katie focuses on shortwave radio—a medium that is near and dear to our hearts.

In Episode 1, “Fishing In The Night”, Thornton explores the international ambitions and shadowy past of shortwave broadcasting. The episode features our friend and resident Shortwaveologist, David Goren, who shares rich insights on the cultural and political influence of the shortwave dial.

Listen & Follow the Series:

Katie Thornton’s Official Series Page (includes background and future episode info)
Listen on WNYC Studios
Also available on your favorite podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR, etc.)

Emergency radio? You bet!

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By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM

Recently, this blog featured great coverage of the use of battery-powered radios during the recent blackout in Europe.

It was a serious business: electric power, cell phone networks, internet, all gone in a moment, followed by an instant information vacuum. Battery-powered portable radios and local broadcasters with backup power came to the rescue, providing information as they could.

You can find the SWLing blog coverage here:

And when Hurricane Helene slammed western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, radio was an invaluable resource. It was two-way radio, but the point remains the same: radio can be of great help when the lights go out.

So, here’s the upshot: when the lights go out, the cellphone is mute, and the internet is down, you need a means of gathering information so you can figure out what’s going on and what actions you might need to take . . . and that means of gathering information would be a battery-powered radio capable of – at a bare minimum – receiving your local broadcasters on medium wave and/or FM, and, if you live in North America, also capable of receiving weather radio.

My strong personal preference is for radios that can be powered by standard-size (like AA, AAA, and D cells), off-the-shelf, readily-available, consumer-grade, non-proprietary batteries. Why? Because, during a long-duration emergency, when my standard-size rechargeable cells run out of juice, I can drop in some off-the-shelf alkalines and keep using my radio.

With that in mind, here are three radios that I like. All three deliver worthy performance on AM, FM and weather bands (and sometimes additional bands) and can be powered by off-the-shelf batteries. I have used all three over extended periods and can recommend them without reservation.

CCrane Skywave SSB 2

The CCrane Skywave SSB 2 is a radio that brings a lot of capabilities in a diminutive package (3” W x 4.75” H x 1.1” D). It can receive: AM: 520 – 1710 kHz (10 kHz Steps), AM: 522 – 1620 kHz (9 kHz Steps – International), FM: 87.5 – 108 MHz (Regular Mode), FM: 76 – 108 MHz (When 9kHz is Selected), Shortwave: 1711 – 29999 kHz, (Includes SSB Fine Tuning in increments of 10Hz, providing the ability to listen to long-distance ham radio communications), Aviation: 118 – 137 MHz with scan capabilities, and Weather Band with alert capabilities.

It will run for about 65 hours on a pair of AA batteries. It comes with an adapter that can be used to connect to a long-wire antenna for improved reception of shortwave and SSB signals.

The CCrane Skywave SSB was the first radio I purchased when I got back into shortwave listening, and I have employed it to monitor AM, FM, ham communications, air band, and weather alerts. It is a pint-sized powerhouse that delivers a ton of versatility, and I really enjoy using it.

CCRadio SolarBT

The CCRadio SolarBT measures 6 inches wide by 3 inches high by 2.5 inches deep and weighs just a bit over a pound with batteries installed. The CCradio SolarBT can receive AM (MW) band from 520 to 1710 kHz, FM from 87.5 to 108 MHz (76-108 MHz in expanded mode), and 7 NOAA Weather Radio channels from 162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz. In my opinion, it provides a step up in performance on the AM, FM, and weather bands.

What really sets the SolarBT apart is the flexibility of powering it. There are five options: (1) an 18650 Li-ion 3.7 volt rechargeable battery which provides around 50 hours of playing time (the manual advises fully charging the internal battery before use), (2) 3 AA batteries (not included, but good for about 40 hours of playing time. Don’t use Lithium batteries, the manual warns.), (3) a 110 mA solar panel (park the radio in a sunny window to keep it trickle charged), (4) a wind-up dynamo generator (300-500 mA at about two rotations per second. 90 seconds of winding will power the radio for 8-13 minutes or will charge your cell phone enough to make a few quick calls), or (5) a 5-volt DC, 1000 mA micro USB cable or optional AC adapter.

To quote from my original review of the SolarBT: “The SolarBT may be small, but, in my opinion, it punches above its weight and provides excellent sensitivity for its size on the AM, FM, and weather bands. You might buy it as an emergency radio, but my guess is that you will soon discover the joy of DXing with it.”

CCRadio 2E

The CCRadio 2E is large – 11″ W x 6.5″ H x 4″ D – but very capable. The CCrane company calls the 2E its “flagship,” and I can see why: in my experience, the 2E delivers exceptional performance in receiving AM, FM, and NOAA Weather Band with Weather Alert. In addition, it can also receive the 2-Meter Ham Band, which could be a vital source of useful information during an emergency.

In normal operation, the 2E can run off house power. But when the electricity goes off, it switches automatically to four internal alkaline D cells (user supplied), which offer roughly 170 hours of operation at a moderate volume level with the display light and weather alert feature off.

When my sister-in-law admitted that she didn’t have an emergency radio, I gave her a 2E. Why? Well, in part because of the exemplary performance, in part because of the long duration on batteries, and in part because it operates much like a car radio. I found her favorite stations, stored them, selected the strongest weather station, and also found and stored the local ham repeaters. Then I explained it to her: “Press this button to turn it on, this button to select the band you want, then press the buttons on top to select the station you want.” Easy-peasy.

The 2E isn’t just an excellent emergency radio, it’s a really great general purpose radio that will please habitual radio listeners and delight DXers who hunt for distant stations.

What if . . .

I can almost hear what you are thinking: ‘Yes, that is all well and good, but what if I already have a radio that I really like that runs on rechargeable batteries?”

Fair enough. My answer would be: buy some additional batteries that fit your radio, charge them up, and make sure that you keep them topped up from time to time.

And if your favorite radio does not receive NOAA weather band and you live in North America, get yourself a dedicated weather radio to fill in the gap. I own and can recommend the Midland WR120 Weather Alert Radio. It offers excellent performance and very sophisticated alert programming options.

So get yourself prepared, radiowise, for the next emergency . . . and enjoy your radios in the meantime!

2025 Checkered Flag Award: W9IMS Grand Prix Special Event Now Underway

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Make the Month of May Even Merrier: Earn Your First Credit Toward the 2025 Checkered Flag Award

By Brian D. Smith, W9IND

Never mind the old saying about April showers bringing May flowers. In Indianapolis, the month of May ushers in auto racing season, with two major events scheduled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It’s also the start of your opportunity to earn the latest Checkered Flag Award, available to hams and shortwave listeners who connect with amateur radio station W9IMS during its three special events of 2025. The events commemorate major races at the legendary oval: The Indy Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, both from the IndyCar series; and the NASCAR Brickyard 400.

But don’t delay – the first event, now underway, will pull the plug at 11:59

p.m. Saturday, May 10 (Eastern Time)/0359 UTC Sunday.

Nine days later, W9IMS will return to the airwaves for its ever-popular Indy 500 special event. Following its May 25 conclusion, the transmitters will cool for a couple of months until the final special event of the year (July 21-27), honoring the NASCAR Brickyard 400.

Prime time for W9IMS is 6 to 10 p.m. Eastern Time (2200 Saturday-0200 Sunday UTC) on weekdays, sometimes extending to midnight (0400 GMT Sunday) and beyond, and the bands of choice are 40 and 20 meters – generally on or around 7.245 and 14.245 MHz. But QRM and other adversities can prompt changes in frequencies. To eliminate guesswork, check for W9IMS spots on DX Summit (www.dxsummit.fi) and eHam (www.eHam.net).

Also, while W9IMS can fire up anytime between now and its final Saturday signoff, you’ll have a better chance of finding active stations by going to the W9IMS QRZ page (www.w9ims.com) and clicking the Grand Prix link under “2025 Operating Schedule” – which displays the time slots that operators have already signed up for. The same page contains additional information regarding the W9IMS QSL cards and certificate.

For radio amateurs who still haven’t bagged W9IMS by Saturday evening, note that toward the end of the event, operators often start limiting calls to stations that haven’t yet worked the current special event. Another tip is to drop in for happy hour, the last hour of the last day – in this case, 11 p.m. Saturday (0300 UTC Sunday). That’s when W9IMS ops traditionally switch to contest-style QSOs, exchanging only signal reports so they can log as many stations as possible. But remember, too, that W9IMS special events can end early in the event of sparse QSOs or unfavorable solar or weather conditions.

And a final tip for hams: If you can hear W9IMS but can’t complete a QSO in the waning moments, don’t despair. You can still create an SWL report by jotting down the details of other W9IMS contacts – including frequency, UTC, and the callsigns of a few stations that you heard W9IMS work. A valid report satisfies the requirements for a Grand Prix QSL card and the first of three credits for a certificate. SWL certificates feature names instead of callsigns but are otherwise indistinguishable from awards issued to amateur radio operators.

Whether or not you achieve the clean sweep this year, you’ll qualify for a new and unique QSL card with each race that you snare. But don’t give up yet – you still have several days left to put the Grand Prix in your log and claim your first credit toward the 2025 Checkered Flag Award.