Tag Archives: Dennis Dura

Radio Waves: 2026 SWL Contest Winners, FM Stations Go Transatlantic with E-Skip, and Compromise Lead to AM Radio Bill to House Passage

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio

Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories making waves in the world of radio. Enjoy!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Frank and Dennis Dura for the following tips:

The Results of the 2026 SWL Contest

Many thanks to Frank who shares the results of the 2026 SWL Contest on his website.

[Click here to read about the winners and prizes.]

When the FM Band Goes Transatlantic (Radio World)

FM broadcast signals can travel long distances under the right conditions.

We’ve touched on E-skip several times in this space, particularly how double-hop sporadic-E makes transatlantic receptions possible. Receptions like these have been documented by long-distant radio enthusiasts such as Ireland’s Paul Logan catching North American signals, and the reverse accomplished by Bryce Foster on Cape Cod and Larry Horlick in Newfoundland.

Now, another operator, this time in Spain, has joined those ranks. Mauricio Molano, a retired 47-year radio veteran and DXer since age 15, recently shared his loggings with us.

[Continue reading…]

Legislative Compromises Pushed AM Radio Bill to House Passage (Radio World)

The National Association of Broadcasters and other prominent players are celebrating Tuesday’s House vote in favor of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. But the passage of the bill did involve some compromises.

The radio industry admits it didn’t get everything it wanted when the original bill when it was first introduced. The bill includes a sunset provision of eight years instead of the 10 years originally proposed.

[Continue reading…]

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Hackaday Spotlights a Clever DIY Si5351 Radio Project

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura who notes that Hackaday recently featured a clever DIY receiver project based on the Si5351 and ESP32 that covers shortwave, mediumwave, and more. It has a nice retro look, plenty of modern features, and even includes an SDR mode for use with a computer.

If you enjoy homebrew radio projects, this is well worth a look:

DIY SI5351 Radio Tunes In SW, MW, And More

AM Innovation and Radio’s Reach in EVs

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Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following two articles that may be of interest to readers:

The first, from Radio World, highlights a new broadband AM antenna system designed for the upper end of the mediumwave band. The compact design promises easier installation, lower infrastructure requirements, and could offer broadcasters a practical solution where traditional AM tower installations are impractical or prohibitively expensive:
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/new-antenna-for-upper-am-band-nears-readiness

Dennis also points to a recent Westwood One analysis examining the listening habits of Tesla drivers. Despite Tesla’s increasingly streaming-focused infotainment systems, the data suggests AM/FM radio remains the dominant source of ad-supported in-car audio among Tesla owners:
https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2026/06/29/reach-future-tesla-buyers-on-am-fm-radio-the-medium-tesla-drivers-listen-to-most/

Will FM Radio Be the Next Casualty of the Connected Car?

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following article about a growing trend among automakers: removing not only AM receivers from new vehicles, but FM as well. This is in favor of internet-connected streaming services. While the shift may seem inevitable, it raises important questions about emergency communications, rural connectivity, and the future of free over-the-air broadcasting.

Read the full article here: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/06/16/fm-radio-excluded-from-new-vehicles/

DXing Comes to the Madison Clinic

From Compactrons to Nuvistors: Vacuum Tubes’ Last Hurrah

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares this article from Hackaday that explores the fascinating “last gasp” innovations of vacuum tube technology long after transistors had already begun taking over the electronics industry. The article dives into late-era tube developments like compactrons, lighthouse tubes, and RCA’s remarkable nuvistor—tiny, rugged, low-noise tubes that pushed thermionic technology to its limits in applications ranging from military gear to high-end audio and RF equipment. It’s a terrific read.

Click here to read: The Vacuum Tube’s Last Stand(s)

WKRP Returns: FM Fiction Becomes FM Reality in Cincinnati!

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares this bit of radio nostalgia made real. Nearly 50 years after the iconic TV series WKRP in Cincinnati first aired, the call letters have officially returned—this time on a real FM station in Cincinnati. The new WKRP(FM) launched on 97.7 MHz, even featuring a familiar voice from the original show to mark its debut.