Tag Archives: Paul Jamet

An Uncertain Future for Radio Slovakia International

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following message:

Hello Thomas,

The future of RSI is uncertain!

Read:  https://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2025/10/radio-slovakia-internationals-future.html

I spoke on the phone with RSI’s French service, and during the program “Entre Nous – Courrier des auditeurs” on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the presenters asked listeners to respond and write to the Director General of STVR, Ms. Martina Flašíková.

Here is a text I wrote to inform people about the plan to shut down RSI – Radio Slovakia International by the end of 2025 and, above all, to support this station: https://rsi.stvr.sk/

I do invite all RSI listeners around the world to write to:


Paul’s Message

Support for Radio Slovakia International: Let’s not silence a precious voice of Slovakia

I was deeply saddened to learn about the planned closure of Radio Slovakia International (RSI). As a loyal listener for more than thirty years,

I wish to express my strong attachment to this radio station and to emphasize its vital role in promoting the culture, history, and vitality of Slovakia throughout the world.

Since its creation, RSI has managed to project an open-minded, thoughtful, and respectful voice, contributing to international understanding and enhancing

Slovakia’s global image. In my view, RSI is much more than a radio station — it is a true instrument of soft power, a cultural ambassador that strengthens the positive perception of the Slovak Republic.

Over the years, RSI’s team has built an authentic human connection with its listeners — one based on respect, loyalty, and friendship.

This international community is an invaluable intangible asset that deserves to be preserved, not dismantled.

While I fully understand the budgetary challenges faced by public broadcasters, I am convinced that other solutions exist: modernizing broadcast formats, strengthening online presence, and expanding cooperation with cultural and diplomatic institutions. Closing RSI would mean extinguishing a remarkable showcase of Slovakia and depriving the country of a respected and credible international voice.

I sincerely hope that the Slovak authorities will recognize the enduring value of this unique media and find ways to keep this wonderful radio adventure alive.

Paul Jamet – French service listener for over 30 years

L’Isle-Adam – France, October 27, 2025


Of course, everyone is free to personalize their own message of support based on their relationship with RSI.

Thank you and have a nice day. Best regards.

Paul JAMET

Radio Club du Perche.

KPH Crypto Transmission on August 30, 2025 at 20:00 UTC

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who notes that the Maritime Radio Historical Society is hosting another Crypto Transmission from KPH on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 20:00 UTC.

Click here for full details about the event and how you can participate on the Maritime Radio Historical Society website.

XHDATA D-219: A Classic Budget Shortwave Receiver in Fresh New Colors

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following article: 

The XHDATA D-219 Receiver Gets a New Look

by Paul Jamet

Two and a half years ago, I shared my enthusiasm for an XHDATA receiver, the D-219, first launched at the end of 2022:

Read: Paul explores the incredible affordability of the XHDATA D-219

The XHDATA D-219 stands out for its low price and impressive performance. It combines nostalgic analog charm—with its needle dial—with the power of modern DSP technology, delivering excellent multiband performance for its class and cost. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a traveler, or simply discovering shortwave for the first time, the D-219 is a wonderful gateway into the vast world of radio.

More than 25 readers have commented on or contributed to discussions about this little receiver. The D-219 is very easy to use, has a vintage look, a classic needle dial, and runs on two AA batteries. Sources confirm that it is based on a Si4825-A10 architecture, with analog tuning (via potentiometer and voltage), mono audio output, and reception across the following bands:

  • FM1: 87–108 MHz (International band)
  • FM2: 64–87 MHz (East Asia)
  • AM (MW): 520–1710 kHz (10 kHz spacing) or 522–1620 kHz (9 kHz spacing, depending on version)
  • SW: 9 shortwave bands covering 4.75–22 MHz

Switching between bands is simple—just turn the side-mounted dial.

Recent events have also renewed interest in battery-powered radios and resilient technologies like AM radio, particularly during massive power outages such as:

In such emergency situations, the D-219 becomes even more appealing: it’s lightweight (150 g without batteries), very intuitive to use, and powered by standard AA cells. On top of that, its performance is excellent.

Until recently, XHDATA offered the D-219 in just two classic colors: gray and silver-gray.

But in the past few days, XHDATA has introduced two new finishes on its website: malachite green and grayish white—still under €9 (excluding shipping). Stocks appear to be limited.

Personally, I was immediately drawn to the Malachite Green version.

Its matte finish looks elegant and really highlights the receiver’s craftsmanship. Honestly, I think it’s beautiful! The green gives it a distinctive character and elevates the quality of the finish.

Elegance, performance, and price all come together to make the D-219 an excellent way to discover—or rediscover—shortwave across its nine bands.

With the D-219 ‘Malachite Green,’ radio isn’t just something you hear—it’s something that catches your eye.

Arctic 252 Longwave Returns: Test Transmissions Set for August

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet who notes that Arctic 252 plans to conduct on-air tests in August 2025. The project received a donation of a Nautel ND2000 transmitter, complete with its matching antenna tuning unit and antenna.

Initial test transmissions will run at 500 Watts. Once testing and fine-tuning of the antenna system are complete, transmission power will be increased to 1 kW for broader reach beyond Finland.

For more updates as the launch approaches, visit arcticradio.net.

RTI Live Test Broadcasts in German on Saturday, June 28, 2025

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, who shares the following note:

After this news:
https://swling.com/blog/2025/06/rti-live-test-broadcasts-in-french-on-sunday-june-29-2025/ 

[We have this] similar news for the Deutsch service transmissions from Tamsui, Taïwan!  See below:


Dear listeners,

Radio Taiwan International is once again planning broadcasts of its German-language program from the Tamsui transmission site this year.

For this purpose, RTI will air 10-minute test transmissions on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the following times and frequencies:

Test Transmissions: Saturday, June 28, 2025
(Times listed in UTC / CEST = UTC+2)

    • 15145 kHz (17:00–17:10 UTC)
    • 11995 kHz (17:15–17:25 UTC)
    • 11995 kHz (17:30–17:40 UTC)
    • 9550 kHz (17:45–17:55 UTC)

We kindly ask you to monitor these test transmissions and send your reception reports to RTI:
Email: [email protected]

From the above frequencies, two will be selected for the live broadcasts.

Official Broadcast Dates:
(Each broadcast will consist of half an hour on one frequency from 17:00–17:30 UTC, and half an hour on a second frequency from 17:30–18:00 UTC.)

    • July 4 (Friday), July 5 (Saturday), July 6 (Sunday)
    • July 11 (Friday), July 12 (Saturday), July 13 (Sunday)
    • July 18 (Friday), July 19 (Saturday), July 20 (Sunday)
    • July 25 (Friday), July 26 (Saturday), July 27 (Sunday)

More information and announcements:
https://www.rti.org.tw/de/informationlist?uid=15

Our new website:
https://www.rti.org.tw/de

With best regards,
Your RTI Editorial Team
? [email protected]

Original German version:

Liebe Hörerinnen und Hörer,

Radio Taiwan International plant auch in diesem Jahr wieder Ausstrahlungen des deutschsprachigen Programms von der Sendeanlage in Tamsui.

RTI strahlt dafür am Samstag, 28. Juni, jeweils 10-minütige Testsendungen zu folgenden Zeiten auf folgenden Frequenzen aus:

Testsendungen: am 28. Juni 2025 (Samstag)
Zeitangaben in UTC (MESZ=UTC+2)

    • 15145 kHz (17:00-17:10 UTC)
    • 11995 kHz (17:15-17:25 UTC)
    • 11995 kHz (17:30-17:40 UTC)
    • 9550 kHz (17:45-17:55 UTC)

Wir bitten Sie, die Testsendungen zu beobachten und RTI Ihre Empfangsbeobachtungen mitzuteilen: E-Mail: [email protected]

Aus den oben genannten Frequenzen werden 2 Frequenzen für die Direktausstrahlungen ausgewählt.

Offizielle Sendetermine:

(Eine halbe Stunde auf einer Frequenz von 17:00-17:30 Uhr UTC, eine halbe Stunde auf der zweiten Frequenz von 17:30-18:00 Uhr UTC):

    • 04.07. (Freitag), 05.07. (Samstag), 06.07. (Sonntag)
    • 11.07. (Freitag), 12.07. (Samstag), 13.07. (Sonntag)
    • 18.07. (Freitag), 19.07. (Samstag), 20.07. (Sonntag)
    • 25.07. (Freitag), 26.07. (Samstag), 27.07. (Sonntag)

Weitere Informationen und Ankündigen:
https://www.rti.org.tw/de/informationlist?uid=15

Unsere neue Internetadresse ist:
https://www.rti.org.tw/de

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Ihre RTI-Redaktion
[email protected]

SAQ at 100: Celebrating a Century of Global VLF Communication

Photo: Martin Wallgren

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following news:

Grimeton SAQ turns 100!

On July 2, 2025, the SAQ Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden celebrates its centennial — a hundred years of quiet transmissions that have bridged continents and eras.

Built in 1925, this UNESCO-listed radio station still transmits Morse code using a pre-electronic VLF generator.

A silent voice of peace across the globe.

SAQ to air at 100th anniversary on July 2nd 2025: https://alexander.n.se/en/celebrate-100-years-with-saq-grimeton/

English program: https://alexander.n.se/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jubileumsdagen_Grimeton100_en.pdf

 

SAQ transmits telegrams worldwide on 17,2 kHz at 11.00 CEST (09.00 UTC) and 15.00 CEST (13.00 UTC). The startups begin at 10.30 CEST (08.30 UTC) and 14.30 CEST (12.30 UTC).

Learn more:

Paul’s Vesti FM Test Broadcast Recordings and eQSL

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet, for sharing the following eQSL card along with two recordings he made and submitted of the Vesti FM test broadcasts on May 19, 2025:

Off-Air Recordings

Vesti FM on 13,730 kHz at 19:40 UTC on May 19, 2025:

Vesti FM on 13,730 kHz at 19:43 UTC on May 19, 2025: