For those readers who like the Eton “Executive” trim level on their portables, I just noted that Amazon.com has lowered the price of the Executive Traveler to $50 US shipped. For how long? You never know with Amazon, but this is one of the best prices I’ve seen on the Executive Traveler. I gave my Traveler to a friend a couple years ago and now am very tempted to grab the Executive model mostly because I love the built-in case.
Digitech AR-1780 (left) and XHDATA D-808 (right)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Golan Klinger, who leaves the following comment regarding the Digitech AR-1780:
I bought my AR1780 from Jaycar when they were first announced because I was too impatient to wait for the Skywave SSB.
It looked good on paper and I was really pleased when I finally tried it out. It turned out to be one of the best travel-sized radios I’ve ever owned.
Being a radio junkie, I did buy the CC Skywave SSB when it was finally released and an XHDATA D-808 when they first offered them at a huge discount. Both are capable radios, the latter being almost identical to the AR1780, but if I had to choose one, I’d take the Digitech. I just love it.
And that’s the thing isn’t it, Golan? Sometimes our favorite radios just “feel” good.
Like you, I’m a bit of a radio junkie and own all three of these radios. My preference is the CC Skywave SSB closely followed by the AR-1780. I also love the D-808, but although it’s superior to the other two radios in terms of audio and is slightly more sensitive than the AR-1780, I still tend to reach for the other two radios first.
Note that all three of these radios were featured in my “Best of the best” portable radio reviews.
Thanks for sharing, Golan!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Sally, who writes:
Besides being a bit of a radio geek, I also love aviation and am working on my PPL (private pilot license). I recently discovered this image [above] of the Boeing 787 antenna compliment. It’s amazing to see how many antennas they fit on this heavy bird!
Thank you for sharing, Sally! I can assure you, you’re not the only aviation nut here on the SWLing Post. I’m guilty as well!
It is amazing to see just how many various antennas are install on modern commercial aircraft. Looking at this image, you would think it’s a flying antenna farm!
I recently received an email from SWLing Post friend, contributor and Patron, Mark Fahey, who is currently enjoying a fascinating DXpedition.
Many thanks to Mark who has allowed me to share a few of his notes from the trip. Mark writes:
I am at Susut, in the Bangli Regency, on the Indonesian island of Bali.
This treehouse is at the base region of Mt Agung, an active volcano, so the earth rumbles a few time each day.
For the next week and a half, I am alone in the Indonesian jungle with my WinRadio Excalibur a collection of loops and wire antennas and lots of storage for spectrum recording. No QRM, I am running on DC, but charge my gear during the day from an AC mains supply.
DX is fantastic – best today being CNR in DRM locked solid!
But the big disappointment is just like Malaysia, MW in most of Indonesia is now just white noise, nothing at all – and hardly any RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) on the tropical bands now.
But FM jam-packed, I expect many are community pirate stations as well. I came all setup for FM capture as well.
Wow! What a brilliant DXpedition location, Mark! It appears you’ve truly removed all other distractions being in such a remote area.
Sign me up! I’m ready for some Indonesian tree house DXing!
Thanks for sharing, Mark! [And by the way, I’m not at all envious. Okay, maybe just a little. Or a lot.]
Post readers: Have you ever been on a DXpedition in an exotic or unique location? Please comment!
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The Eton Traveller III
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christian, who shares yet another Eton deal:
Hi Thomas. Thought your readers might like to know that the Eton Traveller III is on sale at Amazon for $48.53 shipped. This isn’t the lowest price I’ve seen for the III but it’s one of the lower ones so certainly a great deal. I have one and think it’s a great little portable set. I appreciate the little door on the front of the radio that protects some of the controls. When I throw it in a bag there’s less worry. Designed for traveling. Recommend!
Thanks, Christian! I agree that the Traveller III is a great little radio. I gave mine to a friend only because I have so many other similar portables. He travels a lot and I knew it would make for a nice companion. It also has brilliant audio for such a small portable. Certainly a great stocking stuffer to consider at this time of year!
Click here to view the Traveller III on Amazon.com (affiliate link).
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), who writes:
My Icom IC-R75 review now posted. Being on the market for over 15 years of course they are available on the used market without too much trouble. Yes : Kiwa Electronics (Craig) are still doing the audio modifications.
Thanks for sharing, Dave! The R-75 enjoyed a longer market life than most other tabletop receivers of the past. As you state, there are deals to be found on the used market!
Click here to search eBay and also check QTH.com’s classifieds.
Click to enlarge
Over the past five weeks, we’ve been promoting our contest to win an authentic Woofferton RCA Transmitter window that has been generously donated by our long-time friend and contributor, Dave Porter (G4OYX).
We are pleased to announce our winner: Kenneth Kopp (AK0A)
Congratulations, Kenneth!
Kenneth correctly answered at least one of the Wooferton Transmitting station questions we’ve posted over the past five weeks. His entry was picked at random.
RCA Window from MI-7330
In case you were wondering, here are the original questions and answers:
Question 1:What was the operating frequency range of the six original RCA 50 kW MI 7330 transmitters?
Answer: 5.9 to 22 MHz
Question 2: What was the BBC code name for the site from the 1944 build to about 1961? Answer: OSE 10 or Overseas Station Extension 10
Question 3: Besides the current HF services from the site what other broadcast services are radiated?
Answer: BBC Hereford and Worcester MF Local Radio on 1584 kHz and Sunshine Radio on 105.9 MHz FM
Question 4: Who is the present owner / operator of the site?
Answer: Encompass Media
Question 5: The Woofferton site straddles two English counties, what are they?
Answer: Herefordshire and Shropshire
Of course, Dave and I looked over all of the entries and accepted any answer variation that was essentially correct.
We had a total of 318 entries from SWLing Post readers–a fantastic turn-out for a contest that often required serious research!
Thank you once again, Dave, for donating this brilliant piece of shortwave broadcasting history! And congratulations, Kenneth–I’m sure that RCA window will look amazing in your radio shack!
Post readers: We’re plotting a number of contests over the next year to celebrate 10 years of the SWLing Post! There will be other amazing prizes involved! Stay tuned!
