Technics ST-X301L tuner and Cambridge Audio A5 amplifer for FM DXing

Hi there, all this FM DXing got me thinking about my Hi Fi gear in the loft (along with a box containing 100s of CDs....what a waste of money lol). I'm up-to-date with music access technology these days - everything is on my iPhone 7 and laptop. It's not the same as physical music, but that's the way of the world . Back to my Hi Fi gear though - I fished out my Technics MW/LW/FM tuner and one of my amplifiers - the Cambridge Audio A5. This amp had pretty good reviews back in the day - priced for the general Hi Fi market, but with enthusiast levels of performance apparently. I think the Technics tuner is pretty standard, but Technics were always a pretty good brand back in the day. Obvously there's no OIRT band coverage - it only tunes down to the standard 87.5 MHz, however, it'll be nice to catch some DX when a convenient opening presents itself. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: possibly SNRT Chaine Inter from Morocco on 91.40 MHz

Hi there, I enlisted the help of Matthias once again for this signal which can't be Algerian as the language is Arabic rather than French. Matthias spotted a reference to Morocco which makes sense and of the two stations broadcasting on this frequency, Chaine Inter is the most likely. All a little tenuous but obviously a non-Algerian signal from somewhere in North Africa . 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:45 hrs UTC using just the internal telescopic whip antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Stereo Camaldoli, Napoli on 87.9 MHz, Tecsun...

Hi there, this is presumed, but the mostly likely source as Mount Vesuvius is clearly mentioned. A lovely signal from Italy though.


Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:30 hrs UTC, using just the internal telescopic whip antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Venere, Southern Italy on 87.7 MHz, with RDS...

Hi there, great to hear Radio Venere again and this time with a sufficiently stong and stable signal to trigger the RDS for confirmation of their ID. 

Recorded in Ocford UK on 15/06/17 at 18:04 hrs UTC using an Sangean ATS-909x receiver and the internal telescopic antenna.

Radio Voz Missionaria 5940 kHz Camboriu, Brazil, best indoor signal on 4...

Hi there, this station is notoriously difficult to hear well in Europe and even more so with an indoor set-up...Lord knows I've tried so many times! This, therefore was a really pleasing signal, delivering discernible audio that surpassess anything I've heard previously that didn't involve sitting in the middle of a field, or the woods!

Recorded in Oxford UK on 31/05/17 at 00:05 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna (indoors). Thanks for watching.

Emisoras Pio XII 5952.43 kHz, Bolivia, indoor reception in Oxford, UK

Hi there, always nice to copy something a bit exotic and here's Emisoras Pio XII on my indoor set-up - the Elad FMD DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna. This is up there with my best indoor reception; you have to get outdoors in the early hours to really copy this station well. 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 31/05/17 at 00:10 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

CHU time signal 7850 kHz, Ottawa, Canada, first indoor reception for ove...

Hi there, very pleased to hear CHU on 7850 KHz for only the second time ever indoors. Recorded in Oxford UK on 05/05/17 at 00:00 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Chlef, Algeria on 87.7 MHz, Tecsun PL-310ET

Hi there, the PL-310ET once agains proves to be a hot FM DX performer. Another signal from Algeria and once again my thanks to Senderjaeger for help with the ID.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:30 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Algerie Internationale on 95.0 MHz, Tecsun ...

Hi there, my thanks to Matthias (senderjaeger) for his assistance with the ID of this signal. Radio Algerie Internationale is by far the most likely candidate - the only other being Radio El Bayadh, also Algerian - but much less frequently heard in Western Europe during Sporadic E openings. The little Tecsun PL-310ET is simply a superb radio!

Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:25 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

CFRX Toronto 6070 kHz, 1 kW TX power, best indoor reception to date

Hi there, I was very pleased with this indoor reception of CFRX from Toronto. A very difficult signal to hear at all from the shack, so this was an excellent result.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 03/05/17 at 01:19 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna. Thanks for watching.

Rádio Educação Rural 4925.2 kHz, Tefé, Brazil, easily my best indoor sig...

Hi there, this was quite an amazing signal from this rather exotic Tropical Band station. According to the WRTH 2017, their TX power is 5 kW. It usually takes a DXPedition to the woods to hear discernible audio, so quite a surprise. Recorded on 11/05/17 at 01:20 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna. Thanks for watching.

Radio Cultura Ondas Manaus 4845 kHz, Manaus, Brazil, first indoor recept...

Hi there, to put the difficulty of hearing this station indoors into context, this is only the third time I've seen a carrier that has delivered modulation with (weak) audio. Still quite amazing to think this signal was heard at all with an indoor antenna. Recorded in oxford UK on 03/05/17 at 00:23 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Alger Chaine 3, Algeria on 87.6 MHz, Tecsun PL-310ET

Hi there, after checking online for likely French language candidates, Alger Chaine 3 appears to be a likely source for 87.6 MHz. If any of my radio friends can confirm, that would be great. 

Update: senderjaeger confirmed this is indeed Chaine 3; thanks very much to him and wow, what a result for this fantastic little radio!

Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:20 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Europa FM, Albacete, Spain on 87.9 MHz, Tecsun PL-...

Hi there, a very nice signal with clear ID from Albacete, Spain. The little PL-310ET is proving to be an excellent receiver for FM DX, just on it's own telescopic antenna...and all for under £40! 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 14/06/17 around 18:30 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

Sangean ATS-909x versus Eton Satellit: CFRX Toronto 6070 kHz, 1 kW TX power

Hi there, another superb performance from both portables, delivering discernible audio from this very low powered Canadian station. As usual, your thoughts on how they compare are most welcome.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 13/05/17 at 01:48 hrs UTC using a 50 metre longwire antenna. Ignore the clock time-difference, there was only a few seconds between recordings. Thanks for watching.

Sangean ATS-909x versus Eton Satellit: HCJB Quito 6050 kHz, Ecuador, 10 ...

Hi there, gone are the days of HCJB Quito being one of the high-powered flame-thrower signals on shortwave. These days they're a touch catch on 10 kW and just about impossible to hear at home in the shack. Here is very decent copy on both the little Eton and the much larger Sangean. Make your own minds up - the tone of the recovered audio is very different between these receivers and will divide opinions I expect. As always, your comments are most welcome!

Recorded in Oxford UK on 13/05/17 at 01:45 hrs UTC using a 50 metre longwire antenna. Ignore the clock time-difference, there was only a few seconds between recordings. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Spanish UNID 87.6 MHz, on Sangean ATS-909x

Lovely music playin on this Spanish station, but also the only clue as to it's identification! If any of my Spanish radio friends out there have an idea, please let me know. Thanks!

Recorded in Oxford UK on 11/06/17 at 18:39 hrs UTC using the telescopic antenna. Thanks for watching. 73! Clint

FM DX via Sporadic-E: ESPY FM, Madrid 87.9 MHz, on Sangean ATS-909x

Hi there, many thanks to Matthias (senderjaeger) for his assistance in identifying this staton. Great to catch another FM DX signal. 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 11/06/17 at 18:34 hrs UTC using the telescopic antenna. Thanks for watching. 73! Clint

My latest SWLing Post article: Travelling and DXing with the Bonito MegActive MA305 antenna

Lao National Radio signing on, 6130 kHz, first reception: MegActive MA30...

Hi there, thanks to Matthias (senderjaeger) posting his reception of this station, thankfully possible at the time due to the annual two weeks of maintenance of the transmitter in Tibet (Lhasa). I did copy them a couple of days before at home with the Elad/ Wellbrook ALA1530, but the local QRM was pretty bad, so I didn't bother uploading that reception. Here, I'm out in the woods with the Sony and MA305 and what a difference. Very pleased to catch another PF and what a nice result with the USB-powered compact antenna. 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 02/06/17 at 21:57 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Nacional de España 88.0 MHz on Sangean ATS-...

Hi there, here's some more FM DX, this time from Spain (with a very clear ID) using the Sangean ATS-909x. I was hoping for some RDS info. but it was not to be lol. I also managed to copy a couple of other stations which I will upload soon. Recorded in Oxford UK on 11/06/17 at 18:26 hrs UTC using the telescopic antenna. Thanks for watching. 73! Clint

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Venere, Southern Italy on 87.7 MHz, Tecsun P...

Hi there, maybe it was beginners luck as the was my first ever attempt as FM DXing. I managed to copy and record two signals, both Italian. ON THIS RECORDING THE SIGNAL REALLY PEAKS 38 SECONDS IN, so check it out. Thank you to abradox_dxing for catching the ID that I missed. The TX site is either Alessano or Lecce, right in the 'heel' of the 'boot of Itay'. What a great little radio the PL-310ET is! 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 09/06/17 at 16:30 hrs UTC using the telescopic antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: Radio Venere, Southern Italy on 87.7 MHz, Tecsun P...

Hi there, maybe it was beginners luck as the was my first ever attempt as FM DXing. I managed to copy and record two signals, both Italian. ON THIS RECORDING THE SIGNAL REALLY PEAKS 38 SECONDS IN, so check it out. Thank you to abradox_dxing for catching the ID that I missed. The TX site is either Alessano or Lecce, right in the 'heel' of the 'boot of Itay'. What a great little radio the PL-310ET is! 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 09/06/17 at 16:30 hrs UTC using the telescopic antenna. Thanks for watching.

FM DX via Sporadic-E: RAI Radio 1, Italy on 87.9 MHz, Tecsun PL-310ET

Hi there, thanks to Matthias, (senderjaeger) for identifying this Italian FM DX signal. So it turns out I managed to hear three Italian FM stations from here in Oxford UK on my first ever listening session. Very pleased about that.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 09/06/17 around 16:15 hrs UTC.. Thanks for watching.

Radio Mali 5995 kHz with the Tecsun PL-310ET....hard core DX for under £40

Hi there, you'll understand that this is a very weak signal, Radio Mali is one of the most difficult shortwave stations to hear at all and you generally need a high-end portable and large antenna for discernible audio. At home, modulation/audio is just about impossible, even with the Elad and Wellbrook ALA1530. Here is a weak signal but with audio from a radio that cost less than £40 and about 5 metres of wire strung between two small trees. Quite an amazing performance from this brilliant little budget portable. You might want to consider listening to this with headphones.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 26/05/17 at 19:45 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: NHK World Radio Japan ...

Hi there, NHK World Radio Japan is a rather infrequent catch in the UK, so it was great to catch them on two frequencies whilst I was in Crete. Here is a very clear signal from Tashkent. This is the final reception video in the series from Crete. A great time was had soaking up the rays and listening to the radio.

Recorded on 25/05/17 at 00:57 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: RRI Palangka Raya 3325...

Hi there, I've never heard this 10 kW signal previously from the UK or anywhere else in the world, so very pleased with another PF. Once again the MegActive MA305 and Eton Satellit combine very well to pull in excellent DX from a non-optimal environment. 


Recorded on 25/05/17 at 00:27 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: AIR National Channel 9...

Hi there, a very nice signal from the All India Radio National Channel on the 31 metre broadcast band. Often a weak signal at home in the UK, the Bonito antenna and Eton Satellit combined well with this receive from Crete.

Recorded on 25/05/17 at 00:08 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

Setting up the Bonito MegActive MA305 antenna for mobile DXing

Hi there, I've been asked numerous times to explain how the Bonito MegActive Antenna plugs together, what the various components are etc. , so here is a video demonstrating just that. Note that I took this DXing kit out on a late night/ early hours of the morning DXpedition to the woods a few days ago and the results were pretty amazing. More on that to come. Thanks for watching and 73!

A 4 metre DIY mast for the Bonito Megactive MA305 & Boni Whip antennas

Hi there, despite excellent DX results with the Bonito Boni Whip and MegActive MA305 E-field antennas at low altitudes lol, I keep reading that their performance can be improved a little with a few metres elevation above ground. So, one very cheap camera tripod, a couple of stainless steel tubes and a partially dismantled Selfie-stick later and I have a portable mast/support for my Bonito antennas - perfect for my next DXpedition. Thanks for watching.

CHR Trenton Military VOLMET 6754 kHz, Ontario, Canada, first reception

Hi there, this is my first reception of the miltary VOLMET transmission from Trenton in Ontario, Canada. Always nice to catch another PF...they come less frequently the longer you listen to the bands lol. 

Recorded in Oxford UK on 26/04/17 at 01:57 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna (indoors). Thanks for watching.

Roma Radio IAR, Marine Meteorological Broadcasts For Shipping, multiple ...

Hi there, this is sort of a PF for me as I've only previously heard this transmission once, on 1888 kHz and yet here, their signal was heard on multiple frequencies. I don't know much about them or where they TX from (perhaps there's a clue in the station name), but if anyone has some background, I'd be interested to learn more.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 26/04/17 at 01:38 hrs UTC using an Elad FDM DUO and Wellbrook ALA1530 active loop antenna (indoors). Thanks for watching.

Another superb signal from KBS World Radio 9740 kHz South Korea on Sony ...

Hi there, here's another superb signal from Kimjae with the miini-marvel Sony ICF-SW100 and just 20 or so feet of wire. South Korea TX with high power (250 kW) but nevertheless, this was superb reception from a radio that fits in your shirt pocket.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 28/0417 at 17:25 hrs UTC using a 6 metre wire. Thanks for watching.

Radio Guinée on 9650 kHz heard in daylight with the Sony ICF-SW100 and a...

Hi there, it's always a pleasure to hear Radio Guinée and even more so when I catch them on the brilliant mini-masterpiece that is the Sony ICF-SW100. Such a capable receiver - never to be repeated.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 28/0417 at 17:40 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

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  • Science & Technology

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Guinée 9650 kHz...

Hi there, I was in Crete for several days before I finally heard a signal from Conakry - and here it is, just prior to their close-down at 00:00 hrs UTC. Distance to the transmitter is almost exactly the same as my QTH in the UK and their TX is non-directional, so one might expect to hear a similarly strong signal. 

Recorded on 25/05/17 at 23:56 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Voice of Tibet 7487 kH...

Hi there, this is the strongest signal I've ever heard from the Voice of Tibet, Tajikistan. Great result from the Eton/Bonito combo. 


Recorded on 25/05/17 at 23:49 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

Radio Inconfidencia 15190 kHz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, first copy with t...

Hi there, the last time I copied Radio Inconfidencia was during my second visit to Brazil. Prior to that on a Friday afternoon DXpedition with the Eton Satellit and a longwire antenna. I'm extremely pleased to have received the signal from Belo Horizonte with the budget-priced Tecsun PL-310ET. Furthermore, this was achieved without a huge antenna - just 5 meters of wire strung up between two small trees and approximately 2 metres off the ground. Superb result.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 26/05/17. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: WINB 9265 kHz, Red Lio...

Hi there, I've only ever heard this station twice previously and never outside of the UK. My QTH in Crete was significantly further from the TX site than my home in the UK, thus despite the (to be expected) weak signal, this was a very pleasing catch, particularly with a compact set-up.

Recorded on 24/05/17 at 00:23 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: XSL 'Slot Machine' 625...

Hi there, another PF and this time the 'Slot Machine' from Japan. According to Priyom.org (an excellent website by the way) this is a common one-way mode of communication for the Japanese Maritime Defence Force. Very pleased to have finally copied this transmission. I've edited the video so the signal can be heard immediately on the recording, as for the rest of the recording, there's not much signal lol.

Recorded on 23/05/17 at 01:53 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Santa Maria Oceanic Co...

Hi there, very surprised to hear transmissions from Santa Maria in the Azores - mid Atlantic! A very reasonable signal on the whole, (particularly considering the increased distance to the transmitter from here in Crete) and complete with an ID. Super result once again from this compact DXing set-up. Just realised, this is a PF for me on this frequency.

Recorded on 23/05/17 at 01:27 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

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  • Science & Technology

• Licence

  • Standard YouTube Licence

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Sonder Grense 33...

Hi there, I listened out for, but didn't hear Radio Mosoj Chaski, however just about discernible audio from Radio Sonder Grense was present most evenings/early hours of the morning. First time I've copied this station with any antenna other then the Wellbrook ALA1530 or a longwire. Nice job once again.

Recorded on 23/05/17 at 00:53 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: AIR Srinagar 4950 kHz,...

Hi there, this is what DXpeditions are all about! Catching signals with discernible audio that are all but impossible to hear back home. In 20 months of DXing, I've only heard this station once previously, with a very weak signal, a very large antenna and a very quiet environment out in the countryside. To hear their signal on my apartment balcony with an antenna of around 15 cm physical length is quite something. Bravo to Bonito.

Recorded on 23/05/17 at 00:34 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Tarma 4775 kHz, ...

Hi there, this might be the catch of the trip. A 1 kW signal from Peru, heard in Crete with a compact E-field antenna. Really quite something
in my humble opinion. The signal is weak and fades in and out, but is unmistakable. A fine result from this compact set-up.

Recorded on 23/05/17 at 00:59 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Ethiopia 7235 kH...

Hi there, I believe this is the earliest time of day that I've heard a signal from Addis Ababa. Really pleased with that and although assisted by my QTH, both receiver and antenna demonstrating excellent DX credentials once again. 

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 13:51 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Bangladesh Betar...

A lovely afternoon signal from Dhaka on the 31 metre broadcast band.

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 13:40 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Reach Beyond Australia...

With the sad loss of Radio Australia, it feels important that there's still an Australian presence on shortwave. Obviously RBA's content isn't for everyone, but their objectives are social and healthcare development, as well as spiritual and so in my book they should be applauded. 

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 13:34 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: KTWR Guam 9975 kHz, Ag...

Hi there, great to hear KTWR Guam again after many months and an excellent result for the Satellit and MA305. The transmitter site is approximately 11660 km from my QTH in Crete. Superb job. 

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 13:27 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: Radio Saudi 17895 kHz,...

Hi there, just about perfect shortwave reception of Saudi Arabia's 500 kW signal on the 16 metre broadcast band. This is an excellent example of how regional communication via shortwave can work really well with strong TX power.

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 13:00 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.

DXpedition Crete: MegActiv MA305 & Eton Satellit: first reception of Ira...

Hi there, another PF - Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the 13 metre broadcast band - which I've never heard previously in the UK.

Recorded on 22/05/17 at 12:57 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching.