I just discovered that Ham Radio Outlet has cut the price of the excellent SDRplay RSPduo by $50 as a holiday special. If you’ve been considering the RSPduo, I would encourage you to jump on this deal. Click here to check out our review of the RSPduo.
Following our post yesterday regarding Eneloop rechargeable cells, SWLing Post contribtors Guy Atkins and Ivan Cholakov both warned of numerous fake and counterfeit batteries available from sellers on eBay and elsewhere. Ivan notes:
Please be aware Eneloop batteries are widely copied and there are many many fakes out there. You should only buy them from a reputable source.
Thank you for that warning, Ivan!
Guy also comments:
I use Eneloop Pro AA batteries in small portables. The newest version of the “Pro” comes in a 2500 maH size and retains 85% of the charge for one year. The downsize is that this model is “only” good for 500 recharges. A useful comparison chart is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop
[…]Here is a FAR more comprehensive page of Eneloop model & version comparisons, charts, FAQs, tips, warnings, etc.: https://eneloop101.com/batteries/complete-lineup/. This web site also contains warnings about Ebay fake Eneloops, and other useful details…probably more than most people want to know but if you want to make the most informed choice, check it out!
Many thanks to both of you for sharing. I agree that purchasing Eneloops from a reputable seller is incredibly important. For one thing, if you plan to invest in Eneloops, there is no rationale to buy something sub-standard. Additionally, I do worry about counterfeit cells having an unstable chemistry which could result in overheating or fire.
Click here to read our original Eneloop article with links to reputable sellers.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Marcus Keulertz, who writes:
I use these special rechargeable batteries [Panasonic Eneloop cells] for almost everything especially in household appliances and think what else?
In my energy hungry portable radios and active Loop Antennas. They are reliable power sources, especially in the cold weather period right now. They are quite expensive but worth to have them with you, when travelling.
Thanks for sharing, Marcus! Like you, I almost exclusively use Eneloop cells in my portable shortwave radios (save when I’m doing an evaluation and use fresh alkalines for comparison consistency). I even use Eneloops in my Elecraft KX3 transceiver. They’re brilliant! For daily use, Eneloops are simply invaluable as they hold a charge much longer than standard AA cells.
We’ve purchased three of the Eneloop starter packs in the past–two via Amazon.com (affiliate link) and one via Costco (who no longer sells them). I’ve also purchased these multi-packs of AA cells since they’re the most widely used battery in our household. The great thing about the starter packs is that they include AAA cells and D and C cell adapters.
True: Eneloops aren’t cheap, but I think they’re worth the price. Once I invested in them, I gave my other rechargeable cells away.
Thanks for your comments, Marcus.
Click here to shop Eneloops at Amazon.com (affiliate link). Also shop Walmart and B&H Photo.
From the Isle of Music, December 9-15
This week, our special guest is Producer and Musicologist Gretel Garlobo, with whom we will present music from La Trovuntivitis, which was awarded a Special Prize in Cubadisco 2018. We will also listen to music from another Cubadisco Special Prize winner, Privilegio de Origen
The broadcasts take place:
1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 UTC on SpaceLine, 9400 KHz, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK)
2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0100-0200 UTC (New UTC) on WBCQ, 7490 KHz from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9PM EST in the US). This has been audible in parts of NW, Central and Southern Europe with an excellent skip to Italy recently.
3 & 4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1200-1300 UTC (New CETs) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany.
Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, December 9 & 11, 2018
Episode 91 takes us to the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea), including a Korean Ska band, Kingston Rudieska, that I first encountered during a visit to Havana, Cuba.
The transmissions take place:
1. Sunday 2300-2330 UTC (NEW UTC) (6:00PM -6:30PM Eastern US) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 KHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe
2. Tuesday 2000-2030 UTC (NEW CET) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. If current propagation conditions hold, the broadcast should reach Iceland AND Western Russia due to a long skip.
Also recommended:
Marion’s Attic, a unique program produced and hosted by Marion Webster featuring early 20th Century records, Edison cylinders etc played on the original equipment, comes on immediately before UBMP on Sundays from 2200-2300 UTC on WBCQ 7490 Khz.
RCA Window from MI-7330
Three weeks ago, we announced a new contest to celebrate the SWLing Post‘s 10th Anniversary.
The prize is an amazing piece of broadcast history: a 75 year old round plate glass window that was fitted in the central main door of the RCA senders at the Woofferton, UK, transmitting site in 1943. This prize was generously donated by SWLing Post contributor and friend, Dave Porter (G4OYX).
Please read our original contest post (click here) which describes how you can enter to win.
The original post also contains the first of five contest questions which count as individual entries in the contest. The second question can be found here and the third question by clicking here.
And now for our fourth question and fourth possible contest entry…
Please note: If you read the SWLing Post email digest, you will need to view our prize questions on the web to see the embedded form. If the form below does not display, click here to open it in a new window.
We will post question #5 (the final) next week!
Click here to answer question #1.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Anderson, who writes:
Just to let you and and your readers know that the AR1780 has had a price drop – NZ$99 and AU$89 at Jaycar.
https://www.jaycar.co.nz/compact-world-band-radio-with-ssb/p/AR1780
https://www.jaycar.com.au/compact-world-band-radio-with-ssb/p/AR1780
That is a great price for the AR-1780! Thanks for sharing, David!
FYI: if you live in the US and want to purchase directly from Jaycar, check out this post. Click here to read our review.
Photo by White House photographer David Valdez (Click to enlarge image)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Robert Sillett, who shares the following regarding late US President George H. W. Bush:
Firstly, thank you so much for providing such a great service to the shortwave community. Thanks so much!
I am dropping you a line because of something I noticed in the following article from the Washington Post concerning our late President Bush. If you look in the photo of President Bush (then Vice-President at the time) with his grandchildren, you can see a
Sony ICF-2001(update: Sony ICF-7600D) in the bookshelf behind him. Given its position, one can assume that he used it regularly.[…]Here’s where I found the photo:
I agree, Robert. You can tell by the radio’s position that it wasn’t staged for the photo. I understand that President Bush was an avid reader and had a desire to be well-informed about the world around him. No doubt, shortwave radio played a role in that.
Thank you for sharing.
