Gizmodo: Preppers who are ready for next solar storm

1 Reply

Many thanks to several SWLing Post readers who shared a link to this post on Gizmodo which focuses on preparations for a major solar storm like the 1859 Carrington Event.

Gizmodo touches on several preparedness basics and specifically mentions tucking away a shortwave radio with your survival gear:

Several preppers suggested keeping shortwave receivers handy, preferably of the hand-crank or solar-powered variety (because, you know, the grid’s out). “Personal two way com should be stored in metal boxes in each family vehicle,” one individual recommended. Another source emphasized the value of hunting down older, “tube type” communications gear. “Modern amateur radio gear is hugely susceptible to EMP,” he said. “Amateurs who have made it a part of their hobby interest to rebuild/salvage discarded military gear, especially heavy receivers, and transmitters, are thought to be very survivable.”

I have opinions about the ideal receiver to keep on hand for preparedness reasons. While it’s true that older tube type gear is less susceptible to EMP damage, much of this gear requires 110-220 volts AC to operate. If the electrical grid is down, you’ll need to have a reasonably robust power supply to bring these rigs to life.

I’ve had a prepper radio post in the hopper for nearly a year now; indeed, this is one of the most common questions I’m asked. Perhaps it’s time for another virtual radio challenge to flesh-out more options? There are a number of Post readers who are experts on this topic.

Shortwave Archive featured in The Wire Magazine

2 Replies

We’re absolutely chuffed to learn that the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive (SRAA) has made the pages of the October 2015 issue of the British alt music magazine, The Wire. Following are two excerpts from the brief but powerful column by Richard Thomas:

The Wire

October 2015 (Issue 380)

Page 17

Thomas continues in this vein, his descriptions of the varied content inviting readers to immerse themselves in the SRAA’s static-infused depths.

Finally, Thomas concludes by describing in terms no less than lyrical exactly why he responds–as so many do, myself included–to the recordings found in the archive:

The Wire

October 2015 (Issue 380)

Page 17

Wow…what a testament to the power of sound. Thanks, Richard and The Wire–we’re humbly grateful that someone shares our passion for this growing project.

And if you haven’t checked out the SRAA yet, take some time to do so; you won’t regret it. Contributions are welcome.

Dave unveils the Sproutie MK II regenerative receiver

8 Replies

My talented pal, Dave Richards, has built yet another home-brew regenerative receiver––which he dubs the Sproutie MK II––and wow, it’s a thing of beauty.

Dave tells me has been working on this receiver for many months, and upon viewing the following photos of it, it’s clear to see why he took his sweet time. As in his original Sproutie, a vintage HRO dial has taken pride of place as the centerpiece of his rig; it looks stunning.

But the Sproutie MK II is not only painstakingly-crafted on the outside; like Shaker furnishings, wrought for the eyes of God both outwardly and within, the interior of Dave’s receiver is equally well-crafted.

Okay, maybe that’s a little over the top…but if you doubt me, just join me in admiration of this board:

As for performance? Of course, with such a clean interior, the Sproutie II performs like a champ. Dave posted a few videos showing how his new receiver commands the airwaves and aptly handles AM, SSB, and CW.

That’s an amazing piece of kit you’ve created there, Dave! Hats off to your incredible craftsmanship.

Check out Sproutie II on Dave’s blog, where you can read a full account of how he designed and built this gorgeous regen receiver.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: VOA on the 10th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing

1 Reply

Many thanks to SWLing Post and SRAA contributor, Tom Laskowski, who shares this recording of the Voice of America; recorded on July 20, 1979 at 0500 UTC on the 31 meter band. Tom notes:

“The first 4:30 is from a VOA newscast that aired before the main part of the program. The main recording was presented on the 10th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. I enjoy listening to this every year on the landing anniversary.”

Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:

Audio Player

00:00

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.

Note that Tom has been sharing a number of shortwave recordings from the late 1970s. All of his recordings are being published on the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive. Tom: thanks so much for being a part of the shortwave archive community.

If you have recordings you would like to share with the world as well, please contact me.

Ampegon introduces new folded SW and MW antenna system for broadcasters

1 Reply

(Source: Ampegon press release)

Ampegon Introduces New Folded Monopole Mediumwave Antenna System

IBC 2015, September 10, Amsterdam. Ampegon, leading supplier of full range mediumwave equipment up to 1200 kW is introducing a folded monopole 50 kW antenna system with new design concept and optimized antenna structure that brings many benefits to broadcasters.

The folded monopole antenna is fully grounded with no need of a base insulator for the placement of the antenna. This is an advantage for the antenna setup; maintenance of components and auxiliary systems installed on the antenna structure is simplified. For example, no isolated energy transformer is required to power the air obstruction light; the light on the antenna structure is supplied directly.

Constructed as a single unit, the folded monopole antenna consists of the mast and the radiating element. The guy ropes supporting the mast are each divided by a single insulator. The upper section forms the “antenna cage”, which is connected to the mast on one side, and by ropes to the insulated feed point at the base of the antenna. As a result, there are no floating potentials in the ropes or in the steel structure, which might cause electrostatic discharges or flashovers. A minimum number of insulators are installed and consequently the maintenance requirements are simplified and minimized. The newest type of insulator used in Ampegon systems features silicon protection and demonstrates an outstanding ruggedness towards environmental influences, such as air pollution.

Ampegon Introduces New Folded Dipole Shortwave Antenna System

IBC 2015, September 11, Amsterdam. Ampegon, leading supplier of shortwave equipment up to 500 kW is setting new standards in antenna construction. A new antenna design concept and an optimized antenna structure is used for the introduction of the single band folded dipole antenna system, available in the RF power range up to 50 kW and developed for economic and efficient domestic shortwave transmission. The 50 kW system is designed with proven and reliable Ampegon components and optimized to low power specifications, which results in significant simplification without any loss of performance.

The antenna system has outstanding key performance indicators like VSWR ? 1.5 in the operational frequency band (Z0 = 300 W) and a gain of 8 dBi.

The highly cost efficient design has tubular structures for suspension of the dipole, no on-site welding is necessary. It is designed for a wind speed of 160 km/h (survival) according to American Standard EIA-222-F with glass fiber reinforced guy ropes for minimal interference with antenna radiation.

Tel. +41 58 710 44 00
info@ampegon.com

A photo tour of the 2015 WCARS hamfest

2 Replies

A few weeks ago, on July 25th, I made my way to Waynesville, NC, to the WCARS hamfest. This is a much smaller hamfest than, say, the Shelby Hamfest I recently attended.

In the past, however, I’ve found some real gems among the tables of this small hamfest.

I took a few photos but should note they’re not at all a representation of what was available at the hamfest, rather the things I found of interest (ahem…vintage gear).

This Hallicrafters SX-100 was on one of the first tables I noticed in the main building. I have an SX-99 and have always thought about “upgrading” to an SX-100. The seller was asking $150.

My buddy, Mike (K8RAT) believes the Omni D is one of the best CW rigs ever made. He purchased one–in excellent condition–with matching power supply at a hamfest in Ohio for $200. I believe this one, and another OMNI D at the WCARS hamfest were selling for $300+.

I would have loved a little radio/TV combo like this when I was in middle school. The two inch black and white CRT screen reminds me of the devices everyone carried to open doors and communicate on Space 1999.

I still find the IC-R70 and IC-R71 appealing. Maybe it’s that classic Icom green.

This National NC-173 really caught my attention. The seller had kept this radio in excellent cosmetic condition.

Indeed, the temptation was too much! I purchased the NC-173 and took it home. After turning it on, though, I felt voltage on the chassis (50V, in fact) and no audio. I contacted the seller, who lives locally, and took it to his home work bench. He happily refunded my money and then began looking for the fault. My life has been so hectic, I haven’t gotten back to him yet, but he was holding it for me should I want to purchase again. I may very well go back and purchase it. Hey, if it’s good enough for Thor Heyerdahl, it’s good enough for me!

While none in working order necessarily, these ARCs were being sold for about $25 each. I probably should’ve gotten at least one.

The seller wanted over $700 for this Clansman manpack transceiver and accessories, if memory serves. Someday, I’ll snag one of these.

I did come home with this beautiful 1946 Phillips Model 46-350 with roll-top dial cover. The 46-350 was a very popular model for Phillips after WWII; over 220,000 were produced. Original sales price? $49.95

The seller–an avid antique radio collector–sold this 46-350 to me for $25. I feel like I got a deal, too: the receiver is amazing and the audio is beautiful. The chassis shows wear, but I like that (gives some chronological context–!). The inside is in great shape for a radio that’s almost 70 years old.

This Model 46-350 has become my bedside radio; one my sweet wife didn’t object to at all. When not listening to a local AM station, or one of the night time clear channel stations, I tune to my (very) locally transmitted 1570 kHz which typically relays the UK 1940s Radio Station.

I also brought the following items home from the WCARS hamfest: