TSM 2018 Scanner Buyer’s Guide
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
With a wide selection of scanner radios in the marketplace, many radio hobbyists are still asking an age-old question: “What scanner should I buy?” Larry flips the question asking, “What do you want to monitor? Where do you live? What systems are in that area? How much money do you have to spend? Do you want a handheld (HH) or base/mobile scanner (B/M)? Should you buy new or used?” Larry looks at the prices and features; the pros and cons of each scanner available and offers his recommendations.
TSM Reviews: Uniden SDS100—The Good, the Band and the Ugly
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
In March of this year Uniden announced it would release a new scanner that would incorporate Software Defined Radio technology and “digital performance better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments.” As with many high-tech products, there were a few glitches bringing the Uniden SDS100 to retailer shelves, but this long-awaited scanner is now available. Larry takes a critical look at SDS100—one of the most expensive scanners on the market today.
TSM Reviews: Icom IC-30R
By Bob Grove W8JHD
Boasting a 100 kHz-3305 MHz frequency coverage, a compact size, and providing 2000 memory channels, scannable at 200 channels per second, the R30 is a potent package. In fact, radio enthusiasts might question why ICOM doesn’t call this instrument a scanner. Bob delves into the details of this remarkable receiver that covers almost every possible transmission mode: AM, FM, LSB, USB, CW, P-25 Phase 1, NXDN, dPMR, D-STAR and DCR. As Bob says, “There’s not much going on that this radio won’t hear!”
Best Portable Shortwave Radio from $25-270
By Thomas Witherspoon K4SWL
Portables are truly the most popular category of radio among shortwave radio enthusiasts, and it’s no wonder why! Among their other virtues, modern portables can pack a lot of performance into an affordable package; they’re great for travelling, and their all-in-one nature makes shortwave listening accessible to virtually everyone. Thomas picks his favorite15 shortwave portables priced between $25 and $270 and finds there is something for everyone.
WBCQ-SW: New Power and Programming
By Richard Fisher KI6SN
WBCQ, “The Planet,” celebrated its 20th anniversary this past September 8—a significant milestone in a climate where AM and SW radio stations around the world are leaving the air. Soon, WBCQ will be one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful station in the world and that makes WBCQ manager, Allan Weiner, more enthusiastic about his station’s future than ever. Despite serious setbacks and major challenges, WBCQ is in the midst of a growth spurt at its home in Monticello, Maine. Richard looks at the planned changes for WBCQ as part of our on-going series profiling the private shortwave stations of the US.
Amateur Radio Antennas to Go
By Mark Haverstock W8MSH
Perhaps you’re considering some ham operation while you’re traveling; maybe you’re interested in having an emergency antenna for your go-bag or an inconspicuous antenna to avoid scrutiny from you local Home Owner’s Association (HOA). Both the Wolf River TIA and the Chameleon Emcomm II antennas are capable of covering 160-6 meters—a pretty tall order for size-challenged HF antennas. Mark puts both to the test on the air from a vacation QTH.
Scanning America
By Dan Veeneman
FCC Changes to 400 and 500 MHz Explained
Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
A California Road Trip
Milcom
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
FAA TRACON: Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities
Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman
HF Delivers Again in Indonesia and Florida
Shortwave Utility Logs
By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman
VHF and Above
By Joe Lynch N6CL
FT8 SWLing in Europe
Digitally Speaking
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
Season of Change
Amateur Radio Insights
By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z
Cheap and Dirty Low-Band Success—Now With Data and Proof!
Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
Sangean HDT-20 Component AM/FM/HD Radio Tuner
Radio Propagation
By Tomas Hood NW7US
Looking Forward at a Backward Sign
The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Eastern Europe, Jazz and Global Economy
Amateur Radio Astronomy
By Stan Nelson KB5VL
Tracking Meteor Activity
The Longwave Zone
By Kevin O’Hern Carey WB2QMY
SDR Startup: Up and Running!
Adventures in Radio Restorations
By Rich Post KB8TAD
Benrus 10B: A “Heavy Metal” Clock Radio
Antenna Connections
By Dan Farber AC0LW
Matchmakers: How Tuners Work
Radio Horizons
By Bob Grove W8JHD
Another Wideband VHF/UHF Preamplifier for Your Scanner