After 100 years of the BBC on longwave, the last ever Shipping Forecast on 198 kHz and shut down

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNZjqHytikU

Hi there, a second recording of the last minutes of Radio 4 on 198 kHz, this time with the Icom IC-R8600 via my end-fed wire and audio piped through the Bose SoundLink Mini 2 speaker. Thanks for the century of broadcasting on longwave BBC, a shame it had to end, and thanks to my brilliant subscribers for watching. Good listening and 73.

A strong signal from Rádio Nacional da Amazônia 6180 kHz, Brazil, copied with the Tecsun S2200x

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIVGz-Vdx_0

Hi there, this was a much nicer signal from Rádio Nacional da Amazônia than previously copied on this radio. I hope I'm helping to dispel some myths about this radio...it's actually very good indeed, both in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. Also, with adjustable attenuation, high-end dynamic range is also excellent. Recorded in Oxford UK on 08/05/26 at 00:08 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

New York Radio 5520 kHz ATC: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico & Florida Waters, copied with the DSP2

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVEXzR9jzmk

Hi there, another copy of New York Radio ATC, this time on the DSP2 using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, via the Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter - with no galvanic isolator. Pleased with this copy on the little Malahit. Recorded on 28/04/26 at 00:40 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

CHU Canada time signal 7850 kHz copied with the JRC NRD535 - one of the last times I ever heard it

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsaPg_zU4hU

Hi there, it's very sad that the CHU time signal has gone forever. I recorded this signal and 3330 kHz, to find both were challenging, with the lower frequency much more so. I know it's only a time signal, but it will be missed by many - even as a propagation marker. Recorded in Oxford UK on 17/06/26 at 00:32 hrs using an end-fed long wire antenna. Thanks for watching and 73.

Radio 4 on198 kHz copied this morning at 00:48 hrs BST: this will be one of my last ever recordings

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd-q2sYB0co

Hi there, it won't be long now before the spectrum scope across 198 kHz will be empty. I keep hearing rumors that a pirate will take up the frequency! Recorded in Oxford with an Elad FDM DUOr and an end-fed wire. Thanks for watching and 73.

Armchair copy of Radio Exterior de España on 15520 kHz using the Icom IC-R8600 on a sunny afternoon

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_zJXS7cdOU

Hi there, this is an excellent example of how great shortwave radio can sound with enough TX power, proximity and conditions of propagation! Booming into Oxfordshire, as would be expected, but nice all the same. Recorded on 21/05/26 at 16:05 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

A review and commentary on the JRC NRD 535 HF receiver - and a comparison to the NRD525

 https://youtu.be/nvmI5oPnsVk

Hi there, my thoughts on the JRC NRD535, a bit of history and how it stacks up against the NRD525.

Thanks for watching and 73.

NCDXF International Beacon Project: signals copied from New York, Inuvik, Siberia, Kenya on 14.1 MHz

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CNhYNGo_3k

Signals also copied from Israel, Finland and Madeira. This beacon project is a brilliant platform for testing propagation and the sensitivity of my receivers. Recorded on 16/06/26 at 23:45 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna via an NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

Voice of Korea (DPRK) on 12015 kHz Russian Service closing down - copied with the Tecsun S2200x

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy7Zxs0TXuM

Hi there, a decent afternoon signal from the DPRK closing down their Russian Service. I've not listened out for the Voice of Korea for some time, but here they are again, still going on shortwave. Recorded in Oxford UK on 08/05/26 at 15:55 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna. Thanks for watching and 73.

Details of ham radio special even stations commemorating the closure of BBC Radio 4 198 kHz longwave

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhrxczE6muA

Hi there, the amateur radio community are getting together (including within the BBC) to commemorate the sad closure of BBC Radio 4 on longwave. Here are the details. Thanks for watching and 73.

A shortwave scan at 23:21 hrs UTC from my shack in Oxford UK using a Tecsun S2200x and a Wellbrook

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zKYfpEIzDg

Some nice signals being copied with the excellent S2200x. It's just a great all-round radio for broadcast listening, utility signals and DX. Highly recommended. Thanks for watching and 73.

VMW HF Marine Radio Service, Wiluna, Western Australia 12362 kHZ, copied in Oxford on Yaesu FRG-8800

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8REyJZ9qEVQ

Hi there, having copied this station on the Malahit DSP2, I decided to have a go with the FRG8800 - and here it is. What a great rig and still going strong after all these years. Recorded in Oxford UK on 30/04/25 at 23:03 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

The awesome sounding Hacker Super Sovereign: perfect way to listen to the Shipping Forecast 198 kHz

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CASUW5iSG3c

It doesn't get much better than this, although my good friend tells me there is another Hacker model (the Herald I think) with a slightly larger speaker than the Super Sovereign. My goodness that radio must sound good, because the audio from this one is epic. Thanks for watching and 73

Voice of Korea (DPRK) English Service starting on 15245.2 kHz copied with the NRD535 receiver

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHeNNtKzVzo

Hi there, a nice signal from North Korea on the 19m band copied with the NRD535. I'm not sure how different the 525 and 535 are, but the 525 wins on dynamic range, whist the 535 has better filters and front end. Either way, a very similar experience! Recorded in Oxford UK on 05/06/26 at 12:59 hrs UTC using a Bonito MegaLoop FX antenna via a GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

New York Radio 5550 kHz ATC: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico & Florida Waters, copied with the Icom IC-705

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v9O8UT6B4g

Hi there, another copy of New York Radio ATC on the Icom, at the slightly higher frequency of 5550 kHz. Using my end-fed ham radio antenna and working very well. Recorded on 10/04/26 at 01:33 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

Oostende Radio OSU Belgium 2761 kHz Maritime Weather Broadcast, first ever copy from Oxford UK

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icO72NRALSY

Hi there, great to catch a signal for the first time. Not too far away this one, but demonstrates there's still a lot to hear on shortwave! Recorded on 30/05/26 at 22:58 hrs UTC using a Yaesu FRG-100 and a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

A daytime shortwave scan using the Tecsun S2200x and a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUcQczx04q0

Hi there, although hugely diminished since the 1990s, there is still a lot left to listen to on shortwave. Here is a daytime scan using the rather excellent S2200x. Recorded in Oxford on 05/05/26 at 15:03 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

HSW Bangkok Meteorological Radio 8743 KHz copied in the UK using the brilliant Malahit DSP2

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMiM5_knucA

Hi there, great to copy HSW Bangkok Meteorological Radio on 8743 KHz using the diminutive DSP2. My goodness, what a fantastic little receiver it is - if you can live with the almost limitless signal conditioning options! A high quality problem to have! Recorded on 29/04/26 at 22:30 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, outdoors, via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

I am now using shortwave.Live for online shortwave broadcasting schedules and it is excellent

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc4mNm7FHkw

Hi there, check out this (relatively) new website for shortwave broadcasting schedules. It really is excellent. Thanks for watching and 73.

Sony ICF-2001D vs Elad FDM DUO: Radio Algérie, Chaîne 1 on 153 kHz longwave - no copy on the Sony!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCOhiEsKwN8

Hi there, this almost shocked me - using the same antenna (Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop) I have a clear copy on the Elad (apologies for the terrible internal speaker audio) but nothing on the Sony. I want to re-run a similar test with Medi 1 on 171 kHz. There's no doubt the Elad has super performance in terms of lower limit dynamic range, but I didn't expect it to outperform the Sony which I suppose is optimised for shortwave rather than longwave. The front end noise figure is a bit higher and I assume IF filtering less precise at the lower frequencies on a rig that is about 40 years old. Recorded in Oxford UK on 22/04/26 at 00:26 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

CHU Canada time signal is closing on the 22nd of June 2026....another one bites the dust

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbrhwWWabrs

Hi there, I first copied CHU in September 2015 when I got back into shortwave listening. I have 25 recordings taken over the last 11 years, on all of their frequencies - and although only a time signal, they will be missed - by me at least. Here are my thoughts....but in summary - such a shame they are shutting down. Thanks for watching and 73.

Sydney, Nova Scotia (VCO) Maritime station 2749 kHz USB Canada, copied in English and French

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fesXcimSxyc

Hi there, only copied this station once before - and never on a portable radio lol. Their signal picked up just before 01:00 hrs UTC and so I have a second recording to share later on. Recorded in Oxford UK on 15/04/26 at 00:46 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors). Thanks for watching and 73.

Radio New Zealand Pacific 11725 kHz coming into Oxford UK strongly on the Yaesu FRG-100

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdcgR_lqdOI

Hi there, nice to hear New Zealand on shortwave again. Long may they continue their service directed to the Pacific Small Island nations - and copied everywhere else! Recorded in Oxford UK on 17/04/26 at 08:00 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, outdoors, via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Maritime station Olympia Radio (Iraklion SVH) 2799 kHz USB, Greece copied on the Eton E1

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6eC1bfCRWQ

Hi there, first time I've copied this station on a portable - ok the king of portables might make a difference! Not sure how much AM radio is left in Greece, so this weather service for Eastern Mediterranean shipping traffic is a welcome copy at my QTH. Recorded in Oxford UK on 15/04/26 at 00:36 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors). Thanks for watching and 73.

New York Radio 5520 kHz ATC: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico & Florida Waters, copied with the Icom IC-705

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=025eKg7yRew

Hi there, great to hear New York Radio again, this time on the rather brilliant Icom IC-705. Recorded on 10/04/26 at 00:46 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

Enjoy BBC Radio 4 on 198 kHz longwave whilst you can - shutting down on the 27th of June 2026

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPB7o3QfU1w

Hi there, this recording of the Shipping Forecast was taken on the morning of 15/04/26. It will be such a shame when they close for good next month Enjoy the lovely tones of AM radio on longwave until then. Recorded using an Eton E1 coupled to a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors). Thanks for watching and 73.

Santa Maria (AZR) Oceanic ATC 6628 kHz USB, Azores with the Icom IC-705 and my end-fed wire antenna

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCpX78rsei8

Hi there, I haven't used the 705 for much DXing since I bought it. I guess I have enough radios for that already lol. However, as a portable SDR receiver with built-in spectrum scope/waterfall etc., it probably can't be beaten. Recorded in Oxford UK on 09/04/24 at 00:26 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Radio Nacional da Amazonia 6180 kHz, Brasilia, Brazil copied in Oxford UK with the Yaesu FRG-7700

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNeXtOEiFwE

Hi there, great to copy some decent DX with the FRG-7700. Not quite as sensitive at the FRG-8800, but you have to love the 1970s industrial design and super audio.

Recorded in Oxford UK on 06/04/26 at 00:01 hours UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop (outdoors) via a Bonito GI1000 galvanic isolator and AntennaJet RF splitter.

Thanks for watching and 73.

The 'Buzzer' UVB-76/NZhTI on 4625 kHz is back whilst The 'Pip' S30 on 3756 kHz never went away

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A61fzblxdBc

Hi there, The Goose, The Alarm etc. have disappeared but The Pip remains constant and The Buzzer comes and goes. It's back again - at least at my QTH in Oxford. Recorded on 09/05/26 at 22:46 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Medium wave DX: Radio Keralam 1476 kHz, United Arab Emirates copied with the Icom IC-R8600

 Hi there, great to hear the UAE again on medium wave. Their signal has been stronger in Oxford, but the Icom still does a great job of demodulating the available signal.

Recorded on 01/04/26 at 00:37 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors), via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CIV22lFYL8

New York Radio 5520 kHz ATC: Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico & Florida Waters, copied with the Eton E1

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTeYRH5cH1Y

Hi there, great to hear New York Radio again, this time on the world's greatest ever shortwave portable (just) the Eton E1. Only the Sony ICF-2001D comes (very) close. But the PBT just edges it for me, for the E1.

Recorded on 19/03/26 at 00:43 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter.

Thanks for watching and 73.

Radio Algérie Chaîne 3, 252 kHz daylight signal in the woods on the Sony ICF-SW100 internal ferrite

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvmVkC3QddY

Hi there, can't think of a much prettier place to be listening to the radio, than the woods in West Oxfordshire, near my QTH. Shortwave was a bit dead, but here's a nice copy of Algeria on longwave. Thanks for watching and 73.

Strong signal from UR1 Pershiy kanal 1278 kHz, Ukraine, S9+ signal into Oxford UK

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCc7G8UaERU

Hi there, I only decided to record this because their signal was so strong and very consistent. Peace to all. Recorded in Oxford UK on 02/04/26 at 00:26 hrs UTC using an Icom IC-R8600 and Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

Another copy of Voice of America Kuwait relay on 1548 kHz with clear ID

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1xZL7BoODE

Hi there, here's another copy of the VOA from Kuwait, this time with an ID near the beginning of the recording. Not a brilliant signal, but hey, this is MW DX! Recorded in Oxford UK on 02/04/26 at 00:26 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Testing the Tecsun S2200X on single sideband shortwave signals: New York Radio 5520 kHz HF ATC

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9scO0m0_TP8

Hi there, great to catch New York Radio again, although at the time of listening, it would appear to have been a quiet evening for the operators of this HF ATC service. Even so, a good signal while it lasted. Recorded on 18/03/26 at 02:36 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

USAF HFGCS Emergency Action Message copied on 11175 kHz with intermittent leading edge AF distortion

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47cC6Rr_cQ

Hi there, another EAM copied in the early hours - this time the signal strength was ok, peaking around S9, but with AF issues. Recorded in Oxford UK on 12/03/26 at 00:49 hrs using a Yaesu FRG-100 and a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors). Thanks for watching and 73.

Sadly, BBC Radio 4 on 198 kHz longwave will close on the 27th of June 2026

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kHPIUl0W8w

Hi there, it's hard to take the news that the BBC have actually accelerated the closure of BBC Radio 4 on 198 kHz longwave from September to end of June this year. We knew it was coming, but now we only have about 6 weeks left to enjoy their warm tones of AM radio on longwave. Thanks for watching and 73.

Monitoring on the Malahit DSP2: Comms. on Santa Maria (AZR) Oceanic Air Traffic Control 6628 kHz USB

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoI7N9FzXcc

Hi there, good to copy Santa Maria Oceanic ATG again on the DSP2. Once again, this little radio impresses with it's dynamic range, via a lot of signal conditioning options! Recorded in Oxford UK on 30/04/26 using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Samara VOLMET 8888 kHz, Samara Oblast, copied with the legendary JRC NRD525

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4k7qjUX3m0

Hi there, great to hear Samara VOLMET again, this time on one of the best receivers in the shack - the legend that is the JRC NRD525, Recorded on 13/03/26 at 00:45 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

Radio Tehran 1332 kHz copied from Oxford UK at a distance of 4480 km on the Icom IC-R8600

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKRjHnPPCEk

Hi there, with everything going on in the Middle East, I had been trying to copy Radio Tehran and other medium wave stations in the region. It took a few nights of monitoring, but eventually they were heard again. Eventually their signal faded away, which you can discern towards the end of the recording. There is also some time-varying QRM. Recorded in Oxford UK on 09/03/26 at 01:23 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors) via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

Automatically tuned stations on the shortwave bands using the Tecsun S2200x coupled to a Wellbrook

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDaWUmgOoFs

Hi there, a tune through the bands this morning at around midnight thirty, UK time. There's always something to listen to on shortwave (just not as much as there used to be!). Recorded on 05/05/26 in Oxford UK. Thanks for watching and 73.

Calling into the Harwell Amateur Radio Society Net using 10 Watts from the Icom IC-705 & AH-705

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=206GBURLSus

Hi there, amazingly, everyone on the net could hear me perfectly well with 10 Watts, rather than the usual 200! Not surprising really given a doubling in TX power is only half an S-unit. But, it was very satisfying to be copied so well with 1/20th of my usual power. Thanks for watching and 73.

United States Air Force HFGCS Emergency Action Message on 4724 kHz, copied with the Icom IC-R8600

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbV5H4FI4v8

Hi there, not a perfect signal on 4724 kHz, but a pleasing catch none-the-less. It's always interesting to hear these transmissions, even though I have no idea what they are communicating. Just as well really! Antenna: Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop (outdoors) via a Bonito AntennaJet RF splitter and GI1000 galvanic isolator. Thanks for watching and 73.

First ever copy of Novosibirsk VOLMET, South-Western Siberia on 8888 kHz

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGRKaeA2xhI

Hi there, it was brilliant to finally hear Novosibirsk VOLMET - and even better on the surprisingly capable Tecsun S-2200X receiver. I think I must give my full purchase recommendation to this rig. It's both interesting and an excellent performer. Recorded at 16:07 hrs on 20/02/26 using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

VMW HF Marine Radio Service, Wiluna, Western Australia 12362 kHZ, copied on the Malahit DSP2

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6kuq2H7j_E

Hi there, amazing to hear this signal again - this time on the DSP2. It just never gets old listening to a regional utility station from literally the other side of the world. As for the DSP2 - it's brilliant. End of. Recorded in Oxford UK on 29/04/26 at 22:30 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna, outdoors, via a Bonito/NTi AntennaJet RF splitter. Thanks for watching and 73.

Sydney, Nova Scotia (VCO) Maritime station 2749 kHz USB Canada, improved signal in Oxford UK

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9kngb5whlk

Hi there, a better signal from Sydney - amazing how quickly HF propagation conditions can change. As usual, the Eton E1 performs very well indeed with the Wellbrook loop. Recorded in Oxford UK on 15/04/26 at 00:57 hrs UTC using a Wellbrook ALA1530 magnetic loop antenna (outdoors). Thanks for watching and 73.

BBC Radio 4 Shipping Forecast 198 kHz longwave copied with excellent audio on the Malahit DSP2

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3e0batOrdc

Hi there, for a small portable, this radio has excellent audio - in part because of the speaker hardware but also because you have a myriad of audio bandwidth options. Just a fantastic portable radio - I highly recommend.

Thanks for watching and 73.

A tune through the shortwave bands using a wire antenna in a noisy office - using the Tecsun S2200x

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykIgG6FTZto

Hi there, I wasn't expecting to hear anything at all in this environment, but it just goes to show that there are still a few powerful broadcasters left on shortwave that can push through a very high noise-floor! Thanks for watching and 73.

St. Petersburgh VOLMET 6617 kHz copied with the Tecsun S-2200X receiver and Wellbrook ALA1530

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlIBHfEqAOA

Hi there, the modulated audio coming out of St Petersburgh isn't great, but good enough and not a function of the S-2200X demodulation capabilities. I'm becoming increasingliy impressed with this rig. Recorded in Oxford UK on 05/02/26 at 01:34 hrs UTC. Thanks for watching and 73.

Enjoy the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4 longwave 198 kHz whilst you can: Sony ICF-2001D

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlrK_oBWkME

Hi there, nothing greater than listening to longwave on one of the best portable radios of all time - the Sony ICF-2001D. We will never see its like again, so make yours a keeper, as I have mine! Thanks for watching and 73.