Tom Shares QSL Collection from Over 210 Countries

Radio Australia from the collection of Tom Gavaras

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Tom Gavaras, who recently reached out with an update:

“I want to make you aware that I have posted almost all of my shortwave QSL cards online, representing more than 210 broadcast countries. They can be viewed at: https://radiotapes.com/qsl/”

What an incredible achievement! Tom’s QSL collection spans decades of shortwave radio history and includes verification cards from a vast range of international broadcasters.

Browse the collection here: https://radiotapes.com/qsl/

Thanks again, Tom!

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of CBN (July 25, 2025)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CBN broadcast.

Carlos notes:

UN Secretary General speaks of “inaction” regarding the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, CBN, 79.1 FM

(UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the international community for what he called its “inaction” regarding the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. He described the situation as a “moral crisis that challenges global conscience”. The remarks were made at Amnesty International global assembly.)

Click here to view on YouTube.

Mark Dials Into Nostalgia with the Lego Retro Radio

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes:

Thomas,

You might remember that a year or so ago, Lego released a retro radio set aimed at the 18+ age group.

I had an opportunity to visit a Lego shop recently because a company away day meeting was set in Birmingham city centre.

Seeing this set on the shelves was too tempting, and since my birthday was imminent made an impulse purchase!!

I can tell you it was a joy to build, and it’s very clever in how it fits together and functions.

Turning the power knob on the left engages a mechanism which is then turned by the tuning dial on the right. The little red tuning marker moves back and forth and a custom brick plays random bursts of audio lasting a few seconds.

These are in keeping with the retro aesthetic of the radio itself, adverts for ham, sports commentary and nostalgic music.

A little bit pricey but I don’t regret buying it. I bought a Tecsun PL-990x the week before in anticipation of my birthday, so it’s been quite a radio centric celebration this year !

Mark

This is brilliant, Mark! The top image of the Lego Radio was one I took at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in February. I came so close to buying it then, and indeed, I would have if I weren’t such a hardcore one-bag traveler. Had I purchased it, I would have had to carry it for the rest of my multi-day trip. After reading your article, I regret passing it up! I might have to go on the prowl for one! Thank you for sharing!

Click here to check out the Lego Retro Radio on Amazon.com

(Note: this affiliate link supports the SWLing Post at no cost to you.)

Texas Radio Shortwave: Schedule for August – October 2025

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Terry (N5RTC), who shares the following schedules for Texas Radio Shortwave (click image to enlarge):

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Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of CGTN (July 25, 2025)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast.

Carlos notes:

Thailand-Cambodia conflict, via CGTN Radio (CN), NHK (JP) and Radio Nacional (BR)

Click here to view on YouTube.

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of NHK (July 24, 2025)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent NHK broadcast.

Carlos notes:

Dangerously hot today in Tohoku, Kanto, and Kinki – take precautions against heatstroke
NHK, 11965 kHz, listened in Porto Alegre.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Dan takes us on a South Pacific Tour!

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

In years gone by, many Pacific island nations relied on shortwave radio to air their programs across the vast expanses of ocean. These included countries such as Kiribati, Tahiti, Fiji, Saipan, New Caledonia, the Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, and Papua New Guinea. There are recent reports that the latter is seriously looking at a return to shortwave by 2030. https://swling.com/blog/2025/05/papua-new-guinea-plans-shortwave-comeback-by-2030/ Even in Hawaii, the licence of World Harvest Radio KWHR expired in 2009.

While the above nations can no longer be found on shortwave, a handful of other stations are still operating in 2025 and make excellent DX targets for listeners around the world. If you prefer optimal quality reception, choose to listen through a remote SDR closer to the transmitter site.

Click on the various links below to hear samples of audio from some of the remaining broadcasters located in the South Pacific region.