In a world driven by advanced technology and instantaneous communication where it is common to see people are walking around staring at their phones as a way of communication and entertainment, it’s easy to overlook the seemingly oldschool domain of shortwave radio. While smartphones, social media, and streaming services dominate our lives, shortwave radio quietly persists as a captivating and enigmatic medium. Despite its long history and unique characteristics, shortwave radio remains mysterious to many people today. We are passionate about sharing as much about this hobby as possible. Here are some of the reasons we love this sometimes mysterious medium which continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the globe.

1.The Wavelength Wilderness: Shortwave radio operates on high-frequency bands, typically ranging from 1.6 to 30 MHz. Unlike traditional radio broadcasting, these signals have the remarkable ability to travel long distances by bouncing off the Earth’s ionosphere. This characteristic enables listeners to tune into broadcasts from far-flung corners of the world. However, the unpredictable nature of ionospheric propagation adds an element of uncertainty, as reception conditions fluctuate depending on atmospheric conditions, solar activity, and time of day. This unpredictability creates an air of mystery and adventure, as dedicated listeners attempt to catch elusive transmissions from distant lands.

2.A Global Portal of Voices: Shortwave radio is renowned for its capacity to connect people across continents, cultures, and languages. It serves as a gateway to alternative perspectives, unheard voices, and diverse narratives. Many international broadcasters utilize shortwave radio to reach audiences in regions where access to the internet or other forms of media may be limited. Tuning into these broadcasts offers a glimpse into unfamiliar cultures, political climates, and social issues, fostering a sense of curiosity and intrigue. The broad spectrum of content, from news and current affairs to music and cultural programs, adds to the allure and mystique of shortwave radio.

3.Spy Numbers and Clandestine Activities: During the Cold War, shortwave radio gained notoriety for its use in espionage and clandestine activities. Spy agencies and governments utilized coded messages, known as “numbers stations,” to communicate with their operatives in the field. These eerie and cryptic broadcasts, often consisting of synthesized voices or monotone readings of numbers, remain a subject of fascination and speculation. The cloak-and-dagger world of shortwave espionage adds an element of intrigue and secrecy, perpetuating the air of mystery surrounding the medium which continues today.

4.The Art of Listening: Unlike modern digital platforms, shortwave radio requires active participation from the listener. Tuning into frequencies, adjusting antennas, and carefully fine-tuning the receiver are skills that dedicated shortwave enthusiasts have mastered. This active engagement and the inherent limitations of shortwave reception make it a more involved and immersive experience than passively scrolling through a digital playlist. The quest for the perfect signal, the joy of discovering a distant station, and the shared experiences within the shortwave community create a sense of camaraderie and exclusivity that keeps the allure of shortwave radio alive.

5.Nostalgia and Analog Charm: In an era dominated by sleek digital devices and seamless connectivity, shortwave radio represents a nostalgic connection to simpler times. The crackle of the airwaves, the warmth of the analog dial, and the feeling of anticipation as you search for a station evoke a sense of bygone charm. The fascination with retro technology and the desire for a more tangible and tactile experience have contributed to the enduring appeal of shortwave radio among collectors, hobbyists, and enthusiasts.

Shortwave radio, with its long-distance reach, cultural diversity, historical intrigue, and active engagement, continues to captivate a dedicated following in the digital age. Its mysterious nature, inherent limitations, and the unique experiences it offers contribute to its enduring appeal. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, shortwave radio

Here at Tecsun Radios Australia we are proud to support this hobby and introduce it to more people on a daily basis through our store, blogs, newsletter, and social media.

 

This Kings Birthday Long Weekend, Saturday and Sunday the 10th and 11th of June 2023, the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club cordially invites visitors and members to attend the ORARC 47th annual Field Day.

This is a two day event that includes fox hunts on both the Saturday and Sunday. Browse the disposals or take your own gear to sell ( no commissions taken).

There will be a barbeque lunch on both days with a bacon and egg breakfast available on Sunday morning.

Sunday is the trading day. The Field Day dinner is at 5 pm on the Saturday night in the Seaview Room at the Port Macquarie Golf Club with a menu to suit all tastes. The Wauchope Showground permits camping and is pet friendly. For two people an RV or caravan is $20 per night and a tent is $10 per night with power and the use of toilets and hot showers. Contact the on-site caretaker 0475 111 074 for bookings.

The June 2023 Friday Night Get Together will take place at 7 pm on Friday the 16th of June 2023 in the SES Building, Central Road, Port Macquarie.

These field days are a great excuse to get out, talk to like-minded radio enthusiasts, and possibly even pick up a radio or some great gear to add to your radio shack.

The aim of the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club is to foster the hobby of Amateur Radio and associated electronics, to encourage persons interested in the scientific development of radio communications and associated electronics, and to provide a central meeting point for people interested in Amateur Radio and associated electronics where they may receive and give instruction and advice on matters pertaining to Amateur Radio Communications.

For more information, head to the official event page https://www.orarc.org/?p=70424

 

 

Operation Rti- An initiative from Radio Taiwan.

When was the last time you sent a postcard? It might be time to get out your pen and participate in Dear Rti!

To celebrate the 95th Birthday of Radio Taiwan International (RTI) and in response to current global unrest, Rti is collecting postcards from people around the world.

The initiative will represent a collective effort to combine individual wishes and messages for peace and stability together as a unified movement, as well as celebrate the station’s 95th birthday!

Imagine messages sent from all over the world to Taiwan, a huge collection of colourful postcards displayed.

Score yourself a limited edition 95th birthday postcard to commemorate the event in return for your postcard. As well as go in the running to win other prizes.

Postcards with messages can be sent to the radio station 

These cards will be displayed as messages of hope in various locations around Taiwan and the world including.

Showcased at Rti’s gala dinners
Read aloud on Rti’s programs
Interacted with, on different Rti’s social media platforms

You can learn more by clicking here https://event.rti.org.tw/dearrti/en/

It would be great to see some messages from Australia in that display.

Eligibility is below ( provided via th RTI website)

  1. Eligibility
    • This contest is open to people all over the world regardless of nationality.
    • Descriptions of submitted entries must be written in one of the 19 language services currently on Rti.
  2. Registration
    • Date: from now on to June 18, 2023 (Sunday) Taiwan Time (GMT+8)
    • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 123-199, Taipei 111, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
    • How to register:
      • Write according to the prompts listed under Rules for Entry (You can design your own postcard or buy one.)
      • Mail your postcards from the country or region your located
  3. Rules for Entry
    • Postcard cover design: We suggest showcasing features of the country, city, or region you’re writing from. For example:
      • A famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Westminster Abbey in London, the Statue of Liberty in the U.S., the Louvre in France, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, etc.
      • A scenic spot: Mount Fuji in Japan, Halong Bay in Vietnam, the Grand Canyon in the US, the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Angel Falls in Venezuela, etc.
      • Religion and Customs: Erawan Buddha in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Pyramids in Egypt, the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, etc.
      • Culture and Lifestyle: taking a Turkish hot air balloon trip, seeing the Northern lights; diving near the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying your local cuisines (Feel free to introduce us to your favorite ones) , etc.
    • Postcard content: Please hand write as follows (word count depending on the space of your postcard).
      • The sender’s greeting must read: “Dear Rti, I am __________ (full name) from __________ (country or city).
        Example: Dear Rti, I am Grace Wu from Singapore.
      • The sender’s words of blessing for world peace
      • The sender’s return address and full name in English. (For the purpose of returning postcards. Please provide your full name and address in English. If you have privacy concerns, please complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_sFQZGSwZgMXYVPrrhahZHXpF4OzLdySwvkkul-003A. If you cannot access the form, please email your complete address and full name in English to dearrti@gmail.com)

The recent temporary failure of an Inmarsat satellite serving the Pacific, has forced commercial aircraft to rely on the backup HF communications system used between air traffic controllers and pilots over the Pacific.

On April 16 the satellite began experiencing a service outage affecting aircraft transiting through the North and South Pacific Major World Air Route Areas (MWARA).

Increased traffic was heard on 5643, 8867, 13261, 17904 kHz in the South Pacific (San Francisco, Auckland, Brisbane, Nadi, Tahiti and 5628, 6655, 8951, 10048, 13339, 17946 and 21925 kHz in the North Pacific (San Francisco, Tokyo) areas. All frequencies listed are USB.

The services did not fully recover until April 21. The satellite had experienced a previous failure in 2008 and is 5 years past the predicted operational lifetime. Bearing this in mind, enthusiasts may discover increased HF traffic during this period of satellite uncertainty, proving that HF radio is far from obsolete.

 A celebration of how amateur radio has been serving people for over 100 years.

With over 3 million radio amateurs worldwide this day is the perfect time to tune in and connect with fellow hobbyists.

Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Time : All Day

This year’s theme is “Human Security for All, HS4A” 

The theme is born from a first time partnership between the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science in conjunction with IARU, in a campaign to highlight the role that amateur radio plays in addressing the world’s most pressing needs.

Human Security measures security at the individual level. First introduced by the U.N. in 1994, the concept identifies seven interrelated dimensions of security that are essential to an individual’s wellbeing: economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political.

The partners believe Amateur Radio is uniquely positioned to address people-centered, context-specific security challenges by promoting technical knowledge, practical skills, innovative technology, and the deployment of backup systems at the community level that can be called upon in times of emergency. The pandemic, climate change, natural disasters, and armed conflicts on several continents undermine our security, and respect no boundaries. Amateur Radio has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to address human security needs. It is a truly global communications medium comprising some three million radio enthusiasts connecting communities and the peoples of the world.

Every year on April 18, Radio Amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of Amateur Radio Day. This year the IARU and its member-societies will be conducting a special two-week on-the-air event 11–25 April. Special event stations will be operating from around the world, making two-way radio contacts to call attention to the HS4A campaign. There are a number of stations involved.

Simply click this link to participate https://hs4a.iaru.org/,to read more and participate,  look for the blue participate button on the top right of the page and register.

We would love to hear if you are planning to participate.

Products we recommend for this event are the XIEGU G90 HF Transceiver, our HF Amateur Radio Dipole Antenna, and of course, our ultra-comfortable TRA communications headphones, so you can block out the world and improve your listening comfort!

 

 

 

We have received some extraordinary footage all the way from an Argentinian Antarctic base. Penguins enjoying some music being played in this very remote location from a Tecsun Radio.

In an all white landscape, typically quiet apart from the sound of cracking ice, distant seals and penguins honking.

Alejandro LU8YD captured some penguins being entertained by some music broadcast from the local FM station LRA36 Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel, using his Tecsun PL360.

They have named this footage “Pinguino”. It’s interesting to see the penguins gather around and listen to this music while preening themselves and relaxing.

This a reminder of how radio is used around the world, often in extremely remote locations as a source of information and entertainment, even for the penguins!

In a time where the news cycle can be on a constant negative cycle, we thought we would share this fun little snapshot from Antarctica! 

The radio you are seeing in this video is a PL360. Here at Tecsun Radios Australia, we have recently introduced the new upgraded version of this radio, The Tecsun PL-368 DSP Handheld HF SSB Receiver with Synchronous Detection, you can read all about it here.

Speaking of Antarctica, We are excited to announce that Tecsun Radios Australia will donate shortwave radios to the Argentine Antarctic Base.

The Esperanza Antarctic base was founded in 1952 and has approximately 65 people living year-round. There are approximately 8 families with their children and a school with three levels of education. Each family has its own independent house. Scientific activities are carried out in cooperation with other countries. LRA36 is a station created in 1979 and broadcasts on shortwave on 15476 KHz USB, FM on 96.7 MHz, and streaming.

The place is located next to Caleta Choza in Bahia Esperanza north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Tecsun Radios Australia will supply a range of Tecsun radios to those living at the Argentinian Esperanza Antarctic Base as part of an investigation into DX propagation and MW/SW monitoring in a low noise environment.

We will be supplying a mixture of PL-365s, PL880s, and other models to this community to be used in schools, family homes, communal dining rooms, warehouses, and power plants.

We expect we will receive some details on what shortwave reception is like from down there.

We look forward to sharing with you more details as to how these are put to use once they arrive at the base community.

 

Often it is the less-than-satisfactory experiences in life that result in one being more grateful for the good things. 

I know good old fashioned customer service is harder to come by these days, but I honestly assumed there were still some remnants of customer service remaining in most industries.

It now makes a lot of sense to me that there is a shift by the larger companies, returning their call centers back to Australia after a surge in complaints and dissatisfaction from customers.

Here is my experience.

Recently I moved apartments and one of the things I had to do was relocate my internet service.

My service provider is affiliated with one of our larger telco’s (begins with a T), and I had contacted them some time prior to arrange the transfer of my service to the new address. They confirmed it had been done. All I had to do was take my equipment to the new address and plug it in.

So I moved house. The electricity worked, the gas and water were connected, however, the internet did not. There was an NBN termination box and 7 ethernet sockets next to it. Which socket went where? There was no labeling, nor instructions.

So I called the building management, thinking that all apartments would be cabled the same way and that this must be a commonly encountered problem for new residents. “No, we have never had that problem before” I was told, as I reflected on my apparent stupidity. Here I was running a technical business and apparently, I was not technical enough to work it out.

So I searched for a help line to call. No number. I went to the telco website and ran through the list of FAQ, but none covered my enquiry. So I logged a “ticket” with the technical department, hoping for a rapid response. Then I spied the Chat button. I stared a “chat” and communicated my problem in great detail. This resulted in a suggestion: “can I call you ?”, so I provided my mobile number.

Soon, my phone rang and I was confronted with a young lady speaking in a thick foreign accent, trying to help. There were chickens squawking in the background. Over the next 40 minutes we went around in circles, going over the connections, all of which was futile. Part of the problem was that I couldn’t understand her, and part of the problem was that she was reading from a document given to her for such occasions. She had no technical ability.

So I gave up on that approach and decided to take the initiative. I pulled the termination box apart and worked out which socket was most likely to have an internet connection (socket 1). I soon realised that I didn’t need the network connection device, so I removed it and taking the most logical assumption, plugged the internet cable into socket 1. Of course, it all worked. I then proceeded to check all 7 ethernet sockets to see where they went inside the apartment. After an hour or so, I had worked out where all connections went and was able to install my equipment.

The entire 8 hour endurance test made me reflect on the importance of customer service. If only there had been some.

In an extreme contrast, I am happy to say that our company Tecsun Radios Australia does provide quality customer service, and now, more than ever I realise how valuable it is. We have the advantage that we speak English and have experience using every product we sell. Most importantly, we want to help our customers!

So if you ever have a problem with one of our products, rest assured we will be able to help. You just cannot beat old fashioned service.

Postscript: 3 days later I received a call from my telco seeking to provide assistance. I was unable to understand what their operator was saying due to his accent, but I told him that the problem was resolved. He mumbled something and hung up.

I am now more mindful of those companies that keep their customer service within Australia.

Click here to shop our range of shortwave radios, antennas, and accessories, and rest assured you can call or email and speak to myself or a colleague to troubleshoot, if you experience any difficulties setting up your radio.

Garry

sydney to hobart radio listen

For the last 77 years, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been run on Boxing Day December 26. After 1 year off due to Covid in 2020, the race was run again last Boxing Day in 2021

We are excited to announce that the cannon will sound at the start of the race once again this Boxing Day as the ​​Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race commences again this year on 26 December 2022 and ends on December 31, 2022

The 628 nautical mile race starts at 1 pm, and this year 111 yachts will take part.

 All radio sked frequencies and times remain the same as last year and are listed below.

Radio Relay Vessel, JBW will shadow the fleet throughout the race and will dock in Hobart with the fleet.

As the name suggests, the race is from Sydney to Hobart. Installation of an operational HF transceiver is mandatory for all vessels entered in the race.

HF and shortwave radio enthusiasts can listen in to position and weather reports during the race by monitoring the following frequencies:

Primary HF frequency: 4483 kHz USB

Secondary frequency: 6516 kHz USB

6516 kHz USB is constantly monitored by relay vessel “JBW” owned and donated for use during the race by Mr John Winning, owner of Appliances Online. JBW is a 70 foot motor cruiser.

Weather forecasts (Bureau of Meteorology):

4426 kHz, 8176 kHz, 12365 kHz and 16546 kHz, USB at 1030, 1430 and 1830 AEST daily, 2201 kHz, 6507 kHz, 8176 kHz and 12365 kHz USB at 0230, 0630 and 2230 AEST daily.

Tasmanian weather forecasts on the above frequencies at: 1130 and 1530 AEST

Tasmanian maritime radio:

2524 kHz, 4146 kHz, and 6627 khz USB at 0745, 1345, 1633 and 1903 AEST

Position reports:

4483 kHz USB at 1935, 2035 and 0635AEST daily

Spring VHF/UHF Field Day 2022

SPRING VHF/UHF Field day 

Contest is this Saturday November 26th at  01:00 UTC ( around midday Sydney time)

Running for 34 years now, the VHF/UHF Field day was originally run as a trial in January 1989. It was very well received and consequently became an annual event. An additional event was trialled in Spring, a Spring Field day, which also proved very successful, so much so that a 3rd event was launched, the Winter Field day which was introduced in 2008

The duration of the Field Day is 24 hours and consists of separate sections for both group and individual entrants giving radio operators an opportunity to “head for the hills” to see how many stations they can work and from how far away.

It is possible to do very well with only modest antennas if you pick a good hilltop. Another option, if your station is easily transportable, is to operate from more than one location during the contest period.

Interestingly, the Field Days  generate a lot of activity from home stations, so there is also a separate Home Station section.

All contacts must be simplex: There is plenty of FM activity, but one feature of the Field Days is a high level of SSB activity. (contacts through repeaters or satellites are not allowed).

Aim Of The Contest

The overriding aim is to get away for the weekend and have fun! But next after that, the aims are:

  To encourage more activity on VHF and microwave bands;

  To encourage people to work greater distances than usual by operating portable, and

  To provide opportunities for people to activate or work into new grid squares.

 

Contest Rules

Full details of the contest rules are available in the “Files for Download” section below.

Contest Scoring

VHF-UHF Field Days employ distance-based scoring, using your 6-character Maidenhead locator (the Sub-Square).

 

Full details of the scoring system are set out in the Rules.

 

Further Information on Maidenhead Locators

 

Each four-digit Maidenhead locator (Square) identifies an area which covers one degree of latitude and two degrees of longitude. Detailed explanation of the Maidenhead locator system can be found in the Download section below. Also available is a computer program that can convert latitude and longitude into grid locators, and vice versa.

 

To find the six digit Maidenhead locator for any location, click this Link.

Submitting Your Log

Logs should be accompanied by a cover sheet, as described in the rules. A sample scoring sheet is available for download at the bottom of this page.

 

Only electronic logs in ASCII (.txt) format are accepted now, unless some disability necessitates a paper log, which must be submitted as set out in the Rules. Upload your log files to the Field Day website via this Link

Contest Results

The aim is to have results finalised approximately four weeks after the Field Day, with the results posted here, publicised via the usual WIA channels and then published subsequently in Amateur Radio magazine.

 

Contest Award

Each top-scoring station in every Section–Sub-section will receive a colour certificate in .PDF format, sent to the contact email address on their log cover sheet.

 

Top-scoring Foundation stations will also receive a colour certificate.

Logging Software

Any logging software can be used so long as the necessary information is included in the log. Please refer to the rules for details about this.

 

 This information has been provided by the https://www.wia.org.au/ Wireless Institute of Australia all rights reserved.

The National Association for Amateur Radio in Australia

Click here for further information 

Shortwave radio for travelling

Australia is an incredible place to travel, essentially offering something for all tastes. Being the world’s 6th largest country by land area- Australia offers some of the most varied travel experiences and indeed there is something for all types of travellers’ tastes and budgets.

Whether you are after rainforest treks, snowy mountains, historic towns, country hospitality, desert explorations, sparkling harbour cities, or perfectly pleasant seaside retreats, Australia has it all.

Even prior to travel restrictions in recent years, Australians have been enjoying exploring what this beautiful country has to offer.

Communities of “grey nomads” and gap year families have hit the road for the ultimate adventure and unplug for a while and experience a simpler lifestyle while exploring nature and learning about this beautiful country.

Speaking of Grey nomads, also called “roving retirees” the top 5 most popular places to visit in Australia by this ever-growing group are The Whitsundays, Margaret River, Byron Bay, Mandalay Beach, Noosa, Wineglass Bay. All such relaxing sounding destinations. Are any of these on your list in the future?

With the summer fast approaching we will see a further increase in travelers, set out to tour this vast country, so we felt it fitting to feature our most popular radios for travel, particularly in the outback where there can be little to no reception.

This is where shortwave radio comes in. Shortwave radio travels much further than AM/ FM  and broadcasts can be received over a distance of several thousand miles in places where there is little to no local reception.

We have a variety of radios available, like travel in Australia, we have something for all tastes and budgets!

Starting with The Tecsun PL310ET Multi-Band Radio

The Tecsun PL310ET Multi-Band Radio boasts features you would traditionally find on a much larger radio including provision for an external antenna, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and selectable IF bandwidth which produces amazing audio performance from such a small receiver. 

The Easy Tune Mode (ETM) ensures stations already stored in the receiver memory are not overridden when an automatic scan is conducted. Tecsun’s inclusion of ETM in the features of the PL310ET Multi-Band Radio make this model one of the most fully featured portable radios for travellers.

Features

  • Alarm / Sleep Function
  • Easy Tune Mode
  • Digital Signal Processing for increased audio clarity
  • Auto Tuning Storage with ETM
  • AM / SW Selectable Bandwidth
  • Direct Frequency Entry
  • Dual Sleep Timers
  • Signal Strength Meter
  • External Antenna Socket (3.5mm)
  • Headphone Socket (3.5mm)
  • Battery Power Level Display
  • Dimensions 141 x 87 x 30mm

 

shortwave radio

 

Next on the list is the  Tecsun PL-368 DSP Handheld HF SSB Receiver  is the latest hand held version of the popular PL-360/365 series of receivers.  The form factor of this radio makes it very convenient to store in your grab bag or glovebox. This latest version includes a keypad for direct frequency entry, and a synchronous detector to help overcome fading on shortwave signals. The SSB capability offers 10Hz tuning steps. The external antenna socket operates on MW as well as SW, which is a great advantage for MW Dx’ers. Current stock has firmware version 3684 installed.

 The Tecsun PL-330 is the latest pocket sized DSP portable receiver offering SSB capability. This feature, coupled with direct frequency entry makes the PL-330 the ideal radio for those wishing to listen to shortwave radio utility stations, amateur radio transmissions as well as regular shortwave broadcasts.  The Tecsun PL-330 is powered by a BL-5C 1000mAh Li-ion battery offering up to 24 hours of continuous operation. The Tecsun PL-330 is the first receiver to offer ETM+, a search function that populates  24 time specific memories according to the hour of day in which the signal was received.   For example, stations stored between 0900 and 0950 will be stored in memory E09. Using this system an individual ETM memory can be made for each hour of the day.  Pressing the ETM button once the initial frequencies have been stored, automatically selects the frequencies previously stored at that time of day. The Tecsun Pl-330 also features AM synchronous detection of the shortwave bands, a feature rarely found on such a small sized receiver.

When you are on the road the community in many of the holiday parks is incredible, with many a social gathering, particularly in the evening time, which can often be during some of the best shortwave broadcast times. A great way to listen in privacy is with your very own set of TRA Communications headphones, featuring super soft memory foam that contours to your ear shape for the most comfortable listening experience.

In addition these headphones offer good dynamic range,which is achieved by the use of efficient 50mm NdFeB magnet drivers. The 3m connection cable means there is always sufficient length for headphone monitoring whilst engaged in other activities in your radio shack.  These headphones can be used with any communicatons product with  either a 3.5mm or 6.35mm stereo output socket. The durable, vacuum formed carry case, ensures your headphones are protected when not in use.