Many thanks to several SWLing Post contributors who sent a reminder about this Change.org petition asking the ABC to “Save lifesaving shortwave radio to the Pacific.”
While these petitions rarely gain traction within broadcast management, they do give a means of referencing public support in numbers. I encourage you to check it out.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors, Thomas Ally and Eric McFadden (WD8RIF), who note that TX Factor have just published their 14th episode.
I look forward to watching this episode later today. Here’s the description via TX Factor:
For your winter entertainment – enjoy part two of our informative series on HF and VHF propagation. Steve Nichols G0KYA concludes with his explanation on how space weather affects our ability to communicate on the HF bands.
Bob parts with some cash at Hamfest and Mike chats to Phil Willis M0PHI and Cathy Clark G1GQJ, two movers and shakers in the world of amateur radio.
Our free-to-enter-draw is back with a chance to win a copy of Radio Propagation Explained by Steve Nichols.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, for sharing a PDF copy of the English Operation Manual via Australian distributor Tecsun Radios Australia.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Tom Ally, who shares this note from WRMI:
The January 29 edition of Wavescan (which will begin to air on January 29 and will be repeated several times over the following week) will be a special program about Radio Australia, which will be ending its shortwave broadcasts on January 31.
(Source: Mike Terry via Southgate ARC)
Caroline North is back this weekend
Caroline North is back this weekend live from the MV Ross Revenge on the River Blackwater Estuary near Bradwell, Essex.
Relayed on 1368 kHz with a transmitter power of 20kw from the Isle of Man.
According to Manx Radio’s website as well as being heard in the Isle of Man, the AM service is also audible in Southern Scotland, in the North West, in North Wales and in the West of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Also online worldwide.
This morning, I noticed that the Swiss radio and Morse key manufacturer, Stampfl, is selling some of their products on eBay.
In particular, they’ve listed the Junior 1 shortwave radio receiver kit (above) and the STM-11 Classic Morse Code straight key (below).
Stampfl was founded by Heinz Stampfl (HB9KOC)–I’ve been following his work the past few years, especially fascinated with his SDR designs which are (sadly) only experimental and have never been put into production.
I’m particularly fascinated with the MICRO SWRX:
And the EXPERIMENTAL SWRX:
I’ve written Heinz more than once encouraging him to put these on the market. Of course, it’s an easy request coming from a consumer who doesn’t have to front the production costs and inherent overhead!
Heinz, if you’re reading this, why not do a Kickstarter campaign for one of your fine SDR designs?!
The Stampfl Junior 1 shortwave receiver kit looks like a lot of fun not only to operate, but also to build and I’m sorely tempted to purchase one!
Here’s a video of the Junior 1 in action:
Click here to view on YouTube.
Click here to download the Junior 1 manual.
The Junior 1 is listed as an auction on eBay with a starting bid of $50 with $25 Economy Shipping to the US. The BuyItNow price is $70.
I think $95 US shipped is a fair price for what looks like a fascinating little receiver kit designed by an (obviously) talented engineer.
Post readers: Have any of you built the Junior 1 or purchased any of Stampfl’s Morse Code keys? Please comment!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes:
I spotted a Sony ICF-SW7600GR in episode 5 of the Netflix bio-thriller ‘Helix‘:
On a roll, I spotted another shortwave radio [in a different scene].
You’ve got sharp eyes, Mark! Thank you for sharing.
Can anyone identify the solid-state receiver in the second screen shot?
I know I’ve seen this model before, but I can’t recall the make or manufacturer.