Shortwave Listening (SWL)

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Edited out the two vids I originally posted. For some reason the creator made them private.

Pirate radio night listening on Tecsun S-2200x receiver using telescopic antenna​

Shortwave radio pirates are always fun to listen to


Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialSWLchannel/videos
 
Last edited:
Some interesting comments below the vid on youtube.

170 Meter Band​

This is a first in a series of videos that describe some interesting allocations and signals across the HF shortwave spectrum. This video focuses specifically on the "170 meter" band or 1705 - 1800 khz (there isn't an official designation for 170 meters - but that frequency range is 176-166 meters). This is a highly unusual band that is difficult for most shortwave listeners either due to the limited frequency range of shortwave radios, remoted locations too distant from stations or limited antennas.

13:12
 

Saba Freiburg 15M radio​

This Saba Freiburg Vollautomatic 15M was made in Germany in 1964-65, and is one of the last tube household radios built by this company, just before going solid state.
It is a large, heavy radio (24 kg), that has 16 tubes. It covers the broadcasting bands in long, medium and short wave, as well as FM, from 88 to 104 MHz. Here on FM the sound is really spectacular, thanks to the high quality speakers and the large wooden frame.
Something quite unique about this radio is its automatic tuning system, which can be activated either by pressing two keys on the front panel, as I do in this video, or through a cable remote control. From a technical point of view it is a wonderful radio receiver, and I very much like its looks, too.

6:12
 

2024 BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast copied on 11685 kHz with the Yaesu FRG-100 reciever​

Aug 26, 2024

6:11


Hi there, I always try to record the BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast and did so again this year on all 3 TX frequencies, following the HARS Friday night net.
Great copy on the Yaesu/Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop combination.
Recorded on 21/06/24 at 22:37 hrs BST.
Thanks for watching.

Channel:

Oxford Shortwave Log

I use various equipment to obtain DX signals from cheap supermarket portables to SDRs. I am also a fully licensed amateur radio operator with a number of rigs.
www.youtube.com
 

4XZ Haifa Israel Maritime station and why you should tune around the bands slowly​

Aug 27, 2024

You never know what lurks on the shortwave bands

4:02
 

Tuning around with the Tecsun S-2200x portable receiver on telescopic and personal comments​

Aug 27, 2024

7:08
 
^^^^^^^

Tecsun S-2200x radio

TECSUN S-2200x is the ultimate radio for all your listening needs. From FM to VHF airband, this radio covers it all. With its DSP technology and SSB capability, you can enjoy clear and crisp sound quality. Equipped with advanced features like Squelch Control, RF Gain Control, and Synchronous...
www.anon-co.com
 
^^^^^^
Don't know morse code, don't want to learn, no problem. Code decoders are out there. I'll be posting about them in the not-too-distant future.
 

Update:

Tecsun S 2200x already out of stick at Anon Co shows SW radios are selling​

Aug 28, 2024

Very interesting to see the speed at which it sold out

3:13
 

USRadioguy.com SDR Satellite Reception

The source for Software Defined Radio (SDR) exploration with computers, Raspberry Pi, and open-source software. Decode satellite imagery (GOES), track aircraft, scan radio frequencies, and more.
usradioguy.com
 

How Do Modern Spies Still Use Radios to Share Secrets?​

Aug 28, 2024 #shortwaveradio #spies #historydocumentary

In this intriguing video, we dive deep into the mysterious world of number stations—enigmatic radio broadcasts that have captivated the imaginations of amateur radio enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists alike. But do spies still use number stations today? Join us as we explore the origins of these cryptic transmissions, their purpose during the Cold War, and their relevance in the modern age of espionage.

At the heart of the tale are the adventures of Kendall and Gwen, a duo entrapped in their own web of secrets and lies, serving Fidel Castro's Cuba with unwavering passion. Their journey of espionage unfolds through clandestine operations involving the theft and delivery of confidential documents, a testimony to their cunning and dedication to the cause. However, their intricate dance of deception crumbles under the weight of trust placed in the wrong hands, leading to a dramatic unraveling of their spy network.

39:42
 

The SWL DXing News Report (episode 9): New BBC frequencies, solar maximum and more​

Sep 8, 2024 The SWL DXing report

Welcome to episode 9 of my series, The SWL DXing news report. In this podcast I talk about radio-related news, frequency changes, new stations, closures and anything else that might interest DXers. This programme is presented as a video podcast, so you can just sit back and listen, or enjoy the visuals in the video if you want to look at images while you are listening.

In this episode you will hear about Czech Radio ending its cooperation with the Slovak state broadcaster, the Droitwich LW transmitter in the UK turning 100, Scandinavian Weekend Radio’s planned broadcasts for the next months, Radio Exterior de España being absent from some SW frequencies, new BBC frequencies, some Radio New Zealand frequency changes and a new noise that has appeared on the Republic of Yemen Radio frequency. I also share another reception report from Liam in Colorado and end with news about the highest number of sunspots in 23 years and how this will affect you.

14:39

00:00 Welcome to episode 9 of the SWL DXing News Report
01:41 Czech Radio ends cooperation with Slovak Radio
03:01 BBC LW transmitter turns 100
03:35 REE to Africa on 15390 kHz is down
05:02 Scandinavian Weekend Radio broadcasting times
05:49 Radio New Zealand frequency changes
06:23 New noise plagues Republic of Yemen Radio on 11935 kHz
07:03 Two new BBC frequencies
07:40 Reception report from a listener
10:05 World's first rotating antenna transmitter turns 60
12:15 Propagation forecast
 

The Cheapest Radio Receiver For Beginners / RTLSDR v4​

RTLSDR is a small cheap USB radio receiver. You can use it to see, listen to and decode radio signals, for instance those sent from your Flipper Zero or HackRF Portapack or other radio transmitting devices, such as aeroplanes, handhelds, marine, military, shortwave radio, number stations and much more. Here is a quick introduction for the beginners into SDR.

14:23
 

Are Mexican Cartels Communicating Via Shortwave Numbers Stations?​

9:53
 

An ILLEGAL Secret Shortwave Signal From Hawaii!​

9:20
 

2024 BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast closing down on 9585 kHz - as copied with the Yaesu FRG-7​

Sep 17, 2024

Hi there, here is the 2024 BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast closing down on 9585 kHz. Great copy on the Yaesu FRG-7 coupled to the Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop. Recorded on 21/06/24 at 22:54 hrs BST.
Thanks for watching.

5:19
 
If you're into SWLing and you don't know morse code (I'm one) there are decoders you can buy, most a good prices.

Radio contact between New Zealand and Spain on Morse code​

Sep 25, 2024

Excerpt from a Morse code radio contact (CE QSO) between Spain and New Zealand using a Collins KWS-1 transmitter and a Collins 75A-4 receiver, built in 1956. Nice signal in Madrid, Spain, from Mike, ZL1MH, in Ahipara, in the north island of New Zealand.

6:46
 
Ham traffic.

Radio contacts on SSB between Spain and the Pacific on a 1956 radio​

Sep 25, 2024

Radio contacts on single side band between Spain and the Pacific, using a set of the so-called “Gold Dust Twins” (Collins KWS-1 transmitter plus Collins 75A-4 receiver)

6:06

Lots of good radio stuff https://www.youtube.com/@jonglei
 

I Received The CRAZIEST Shortwave Radio Signals!​

Sep 25, 2024

8:54
 

Hurricane Watch Net: Helene 9-26-2024 (read description) #hurricane #helene #hamradio​

Sep 27, 2024

I was monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net as Hurricane Helene became a category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds at 130MPH. The net operates on 14.325MHz during the daylight hours and 7.268MHz at night. They broadcast weather updates and they collect eyewitness reportable criteria, passing the information directly to the National Hurricane Center, in Miami, Florida.

For those who might live in areas where the Hurricane Watch Net cannot be heard, much of this video has no narration. I just let you listen. Occasionally, I make some adjustments to the Yaesu FTdx10, as necessary, in order to optimize reception.

If you aren’t in a skip zone that allows you to hear the net, click the link below to listen in real time, via a Web SDR in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Click 40, for 40m, and set the frequency to 7268.00. Or click 20, for 20m, and set the frequency to 14325.00. Here is the link: http://websdr.lumpkinschools.com/

23:29

I mentioned in the video that I recently interviewed Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, the Net Manager for the Hurricane Watch Net. Here is a link to that video: https://youtube.com/live/QYBGREpN0Dw?...
 
Neat old radio in this one. German language. 9 mins.

Oldtimer-Empfänger Baujahr 1939: Lorenz EO 4138, "Netz-Lore" in Bildern und im Betrieb auf MW und KW​


The clear and clean structure of this receiver is particularly striking. Two LF outputs, high and low impedance for speaker operation. The ECL11 in the power amplifier produces plenty of volume!

 

DXing with a 1940s Hammarlund HQ-129-X tube radio in 2024! #shortwave​

Oct 4, 2024

Step back in time with me and experience the joy of an old-time tube radio with my vintage Hammarlund HQ-129-X. In this video, I do a shortwave scan in the 25 metre band on the Hammarlund, and it picks up a great number of very interesting signals.
I was very lucky to pick up this meticulously restored 1940s Hammarlund recently. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era and every time I use it, I feel as if I am transported back to a simpler time before the digital revolution.
You can hear KCBS Pyongyang, Voice of Korea, KBS World Radio, Radio Nacional da Amazonia and more in this video. All signals received at my usual location in Johannesburg, South Africa. I used the MLA30+, as antenna.
I recorded the sound with a cable via the earphone out jack. If you listen via earphones you will hear most of the sound on one side only, seems to be the way the sound output from the Hammarlund works.

13:07

00:00 Classic radio vibes
01:23 KBS World Radio 11810 kHz
02:50 CNR1 11925 kHz
02:56 NHK Japan 11910 kHz
03:48 AWR from Madagascar 11875 kHz
04:26 Voice of Korea in Japanese 11865 kHz
05:06 Radio Nacional da Amazonia 11780 kHz
06:03 Radio Romania International 11800 kHz
06:34 CRI Portuguese service 11760 kHz
07:20 CNR2 China Business Radio 11740 kHz
08:06 Not sure what this is...
08:35 KCBS Pyongyang 11680 kHz
10:50 Possibly CRI French? 11660 kHz
11:19 Voice of Korea in Chinese 11635 kHz
11:31 Radio Feda 11610 kHz
12:20 Voice of Korea in Chinese 11635 kHz
 
Here's how radio can help in a pinch.

How old tech is being used to remotely help in wake of Helene

Oct 1, 2024
"We started calling family members all across the country for these folks and saying, 'Hey, we talked to your loved one on ham radio, and they want you to know that they are alive and okay.'"

2:38
_______________________________

Way up north................

Alaska's over-the-air messages give public radio a personal touch - KCAW

While not strictly legal, "Muskeg Messages," "Caribou Clatter," and like forms of personal messaging have been commonplace on Alaska's public radio stations for decades. A handshake agreement by a key US Senator made this unique form of communication possible.
www.kcaw.org

I Am A Bush Radio Reporter | INDIE ALASKA​


 

Listening to amateur radio operators on the 40 metre band from my hotel in Pittsburgh​

Oct 9, 2024

Hi there, I always enjoying listeing to hams when I'm travelling in the United States. Here is a tune around the 40 metre band one evening from my hotel. As usual, the Tecsun PL-880 performs very well and even after 5 or 6 years, is still my go-to receiver for travelling.
Recorded in August 2024 using a Bonito NTI MegaLoop FX wideband magnetic loop antenna.

12:01

Thanks for watching and 73.
 

Hurricane Watch Net personal comments on all the Jamming hurricane Milton​

Oct 10, 2024

I have heard some before, but yesterday was the worst I have ever seen

5:08
 

RADIO ROOMS OF VARIOUS SHIPS​

Some videos of ship's radio rooms captured around the web where the visibility of these images is absolutely none. In some parts of the video I include some of my audio recordings because the videos were mute.

3:15
 

A day in the life of a Radio Officer​

A day in the life of a Radio Officer (R/O) on board merchant marine cargo ships in the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s was structured and filled with a variety of responsibilities critical to maritime communication and safety.

Daily RoutineThe primary role of a Radio Officer (R/O) on merchant vessels, as defined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), is focused on ensuring safety at sea through effective radio communications. Key regulations relevant to this role can be found in SOLAS Chapter IV, which deals specifically with radio communications.

4:29
 

Another one bites the dust: RÚV Iceland quietly closed their longwave transmission on 189 kHz​

Oct 19, 2024

Hi there, RÚV's signal on 189 kHz had been absent from my spectrum scope for a few weeks. Turns out they had a technical issue on 05/09/24 but decided a couple of days ago not to bother completing the repair - and so that's it for Iceland on longwave. A sad end, but one which we knew was coming. BBC Radio 4 will be next, although timescales still seem a bit uncertain. I'll still be listening until the last station closes down...

10:19

Thanks for watching and 73.
 
Good youtube channel if you enjoy ham traffic.

Lionel SWL ð§

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
www.youtube.com
 

Crazy UK Radio Scanner Law Lands Listener FIVE Years In Jail!​

Oct 20, 2024

16:26
 
This vid and the one below it are from Fernando. Check out his channel for some interesting vids: https://www.youtube.com/@jonglei/videos

Telegraphy radio contact between OK1YR (Pisek, Czech Republic) and EA4BB (Madrid, Spain).​

Oct 21, 2024

Excerpt from a Morse code radio contact (QSO) between the amateur radio stations OK1YR (operated by Karel from Pisek, in the Czech Republic) and EA4BB (operated by Fernando in Madrid, Spain).
The radios at my end are a Geloso G 222 TR transmitter from the early 1960s and a Collins R390A military receiver from the late 1950s. Also, I was using a Collins 30L1 linear amplifier with an output of about 300 watts for an input of around 35W, a Drake MN4 antenna tuner and a Marconi R1155 receiver I was using to monitor my own signal (“CW sidetone”). The R1155 was made in 1943, during WWII, for the British RAF. The antenna was a 3-element Yagu beam pointed to the East.
Karel’s signal was pretty good on the 20m band (14 MHz), and he was patient enough to follow my own drifty signal (most transmitters of that era had a more or less pronounced drift until they were warm enough, which mine wasn’t).

5:17
 
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