The Watkins-Johnson HF-1000 (and NSA version, WJ-8711) are mentioned in this article
On January 11, 2012 the National Security Agency (NSA) released a pre-1995 article entitled “Receiver Dynamics” from its classified internal magazine, Cryptologic Quarterly. It contains an excellent, well-written explanation of the specifications of shortwave receivers used by some of NSA’s K4 divisions.
Download the article here (PDF).
Thanks to Ed in the SWLfest list for the tip!
(Source: SpaceWeather.com)
I think this is one of the best, simple explanations of space weather that I’ve seen lately:
(Source: NPR)
Space weather, as it is called, originates with solar magnetic activity. The sun is a giant spinning ball of charged particles. In addition to its spin, the heat released from the core through nuclear fusion eventually sets the upper layers of the sun into a kind of boiling motion called convection. All that motion — spin and convection — means lots of charged particles streaming this way and that. Since current (the flow of charges) produces magnetic fields, the outer domains of the sun are ruled by magnetism. Magnetic fields are the source of all those cool images of giant flares erupting in planet-spanning arcades of super-hot plasma. It’s also the source of so-called Coronal Mass Ejections or CMEs, which are, essentially, the space storms that space weather is all about.
CMEs are eruptions of matter and magnetism from the sun into space. A typical CME will blow 10 billion kilograms (about 22 billion pounds) of solar plasma into space along with enough energy to represent a flotilla of 220 aircraft carriers moving at 500 km/s. The fact the CME’s are quite common says a lot about the power locked up in an ordinary star like the sun.
While 1 to 3 CMEs may occur every day, we only the notice the ones that slam into the Earth on their journey across the solar system. When a CME crosses the Earth it runs into our planet’s own magnetic field. Charged particles from the CME get trapped by the Earth’s magnetic field and stream down toward the planet’s surface near the poles.
When those CME particles, running down magnetic field lines, strike atmospheric gas atoms, the collisions cause the atoms to light up like Christmas tree bulbs. That is the origin of the simmering walls of color we called aurora. There was a time when pretty lights were all there was to space weather. Those days are over.
(Source: SpaceWeather.com)
CME‘s have a very negative effect on shortwave radio. This particular CME is the largest to hit earth in 7 years–certain high-flying airplanes may even be re-routed. On the positive note, the strong ensuing geo-magnet storms should create some beautiful aurorasin northern latitudes. More details:
(Source: Space Weather)
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and NASA’s STEREO-B spacecraft detected a CME rapidly emerging from the blast site: movie. Analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab say the leading edge of the CME will reach Earth on Jan. 24 at 14:18UT (+/- 7 hours). Their animated forecast track shows that Mars is in the line of fire, too; the CME will hit the Red Planet during the late hours of Jan. 25.
This is a relatively substantial and fast-moving (2200 km/s) CME. Spacecraft in geosynchronous, polar and other orbits passing through Earth’s ring current and auroral regions could be affected by the cloud’s arrival. In addition, strong geomagnetic storms are possible, so high-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras.
(Source: Media Network)
Dutch-based KBC Radio has published the following information: “The Mighty KBC will start broadcasting on shortwave on 30-10-2011 Saturday and Sunday between 11.00 – 16.00 UTC. There is a good chance that we will use our new frequency during weekdays as well in the future. Within a few weeks we will announce our new frequency.”
We will post the KBC schedule when it becomes available. KBC is currently testing on 513 MHz for all of you MW DXers.
QSL info:
or write to
The Mighty KBC
Argonstraat 6
6718 WT Ede
The Netherlands
The Magno Medium Radio by designer Singgih Kartono
Areaware, a New York City based eco-retailer, showed off their Magno radio product line by designer Singgih Kartono at the Consumer Electronics Show this year.
An eco radio? Yes, these radios are made of new growth, sustainably harvested wood from Java. Areaware claims that for every tree that is used in production, a new one is planted. Of course, the inside of the radio is electronic–you can only take sustainable wood so far.
I’m not sure what the AM/FM nor 2.3-22 MHz SW reception would be like on the beautifully designed Magno Medium Radio. I do know that Areaware products tend to perform well–perhaps striking that eloquent balance between form and function.
Areaware sells two other radios: the Magno Small Radio (AM/FM), and the three vacuum tube 2B Radio.
I don’t know about you, but I’d like all three.
Do you have a Magno? Leave a comment!