Seeking a recording of the VOA Greece Station ID

My friend, Gary Wise (W8EEY), recently wrote with an inquiry; I’m hoping an SWLing Post reader can help…

Gary writes:

“As you might know I was the Station Manager of the VOA Greece Transmitting Station when it closed down in 2006. I’ve been contacted by one of the Greek employees. They are planning a reunion of former employees in April and would like to put together an audio montage of station sounds. They have some material, but would like to find a recording of the Greece Station ID (and possibly the one from Rhodes too). This was a male announcer stating that “This transmission came to you from Greece” or words to that effect.

Would you have such a thing, or know who might? I know the crew would greatly appreciate anything you might have along these lines.”

I don’t believe we have a recording of this in the SW Radio Audio Archive, nor in my local archives.

Does anyone out there have a recording of the VOA Greece Station ID? Please comment below or contact me.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Special Radio Netherlands broadcast via WRMI

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Last week, I received a message from Peter De Groot, who announced a special broadcast of Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW).

RNW has been off the air for more than 2.5 years, so we can assume this was not sponsored by RNW.

Though scheduling (and the fact I forgot to start a spectrum recording–!) interfered with my ability to listen to the first broadcast on January 17, I was able to catch the January 18 broadcast at 01:00 UTC on 7,570 kHz. The show was relayed by WRMI.

The broadcast came in so strong, when I heard the interval signal, it instantly transported me back to the days when Hilversum targeted eastern North America. Gave me chill bumps.

I was able to record the entire program but did not include the WRMI station ID before and after the special.

For your listening pleasure, one full hour of Radio Netherlands Worldwide via WRMI in Florida USA–click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below. Enjoy:

This recording was made with my Elad FDM-S2 hooked up to a large horizontal delta loop antenna.

Note: I will reach out to WRMI to see if the person or group behind the broadcast plans to issue QSL cards.

Excellent website dedicated to the RTL-SDR

RadioShack prepares for bankruptcy

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(Source: ARS Techinica via WSJ)

“It’s a move many have predicted for some time: RadioShack is probably going to file for bankruptcy protection.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed sources, the cash-poor retailer could submit its filing as soon as February 2015. A RadioShack spokesperson e-mailed Ars to say, “We decline to comment except to say that RadioShack has not confirmed any of the information that is being reported.” The Texas-based firm did not deny the Journal’s report, however.

Bankruptcy protection wouldn’t necessarily mean that RadioShack intends to go out of business. Rather, it would mean RadioShack would be given a certain period of time to rebuild itself and shield itself from creditors.”

[Continue reading…]

On the positive side, I’ve heard from several readers that they’ve found deals at RadioShack on radios and components/soldering equipment recently. If you have a RadioShack near you, check in frequently.

Two strategies to improve Sangean ATS-909X sensitivity

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SWLing Post contributor, Moshe, writes:

“I would like to share something I noticed about Sangean sensitivity issue:
As I own the ATS909, I noticed that with fresh set of regular batteries (1.5V) or it’s power transformer, it is very sensitive.
When the voltage of the batteries drops, so does sensitivity! Which means that if one uses rechargeable batteries (1.2V), the radio will be much less sensitive to begin with.”

Many thanks, Moshe! That is a very good reason to keep fresh alkaline batteries for the 909X, or to run it on a quiet power supply. Moshe is correct–fresh rechargeable batteries can’t deliver full voltage.

Several weeks ago, a reader informed me about a modification that increases SW sensitivity by adding a 4:1 impedance transformer.

Click here to download a PDF that documents the 4:1 transformer procedure.

Note that I can’t remember who shared the PDF and am not sure who was so kind to document the procedure with photos. Any additional information would be appreciated.

Have any readers performed the transformer mod on the ‘909X with success?

Want a “new in box” Signal Corps BC-454-B?

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My buddy, Eric (WD8RIF) noticed a rather unique find on eBay this morning: a “new in box” Signal Corps Western Electric BC-454-B receiver. While BC-454-Bs are far from rare, it is certainly a treat to find one with its original box and in mint condition.

I have no plans to bid on this unit–I’m sure the ending bid will be a little too rich for me–but it will be fun to see how high the price climbs. Some day, I hope to acquire a functioning BC-454 of my own. (Santa…are you listening?)

Click here to view on eBay.

Orchestral music on shortwave?

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Photo: Thomas Fries / License: cc-by-sa-3.0 de

SWLing Post reader, Eric (w4OTN/3), asks:

Years ago I loved tuning in Radio Bulgaria and listening to their orchestra play. The ether would deliver the beautiful music to my ears with some fading at times but I loved listening to it. That is, of course, until they stopped broadcasting. I’ve tried to find an alternative without success.

I wonder if you know of any shortwave station that still broadcast orchestras?

Thanks,
Eric W4OTN/3

Any suggestions for Eric? Please comment with details!