Something new from Sangean? Is an ATS-909X2+/ATS-909X2SE on the Horizon?

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Bob, who spotted something interesting in Sangean’s documentation database.

Sangean has posted what appears to be a product brochure for an ATS-909XSE, dated August 27, 2026 (PDF). There’s also a corresponding manual (PDF) in the company’s documentation database.

Interestingly, another Sangean document (PDF) appears to indicate that the ATS-909X2+ may be the European designation, while the U.S. version is designated the ATS-909X2SE.

Both models appear to have the same feature set:

At this point, however, I haven’t found a formal announcement from Sangean about the ATS-909X2+ or ATS-909X2SE, so I’m not going to speculate about the radio or its availability.

It’s certainly an intriguing find, though, and I’ll be watching for an official announcement. I’m super pleased that Sangean continues to innovate!

Thanks again to Bob for the tip!

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of the BBC and CGTN (August 27-28, 2026)

A 1979 Paul Harvey Broadcast May Hold the Key to a Family Mystery

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Many thanks to SWLing Post reader Jessica, who writes:

I’m trying to locate an off-air recording of Paul Harvey from approximately November 7–9, 1979, possibly heard via AFRTS shortwave. The story concerned William “Bill” C. Haynes Sr., age 34, of Dallas, Texas, who died on November 5, 1979. An Associated Press story published November 7 carried the headline “‘Nobody loves me,’ man shouts as car hits him” and described Haynes as “a very lonely man.” His daughter distinctly remembers Paul Harvey discussing her father.

We believe the broadcast was most likely Paul Harvey News and Comment, though the syndicated television feature Paul Harvey Comments is also being investigated. We are looking for any AFRTS recording from November 7, 8, or 9, even if the cassette/reel is labeled only with AFRTS, a frequency, UTC time, a general news description, or a full block of programming rather than Paul Harvey’s name.

A February 1979 NASWA/FRENDX report, describing AFRTS schedule changes effective January 1, says “Paul Harvey 1711 & 2111” GMT. An August 1979 FRENDX guide lists “Paul Harvey, News and Commentary” at about 2100 GMT on 17765, 15430, 15330, and 11790 kHz. A February 1980 program guide then shows the later feed more precisely as 2111–2122 GMT on 17765, 15430, and 15330.

I have not yet found a surviving November 1979 schedule that proves the exact minute/frequency configuration for November 7–9, so I would phrase this as a strong target rather than certainty. Anyone checking old AFRTS tape boxes should especially look around 1711 GMT and 2100–2122 GMT on those frequencies.

If anyone taped AFRTS around those dates, kept DX cassettes or reels, has old AFRTS transcription discs, or knows a collector who did, I would be grateful for any lead. A recording of even one of the relevant Harvey feeds could help solve a nearly 47-year-old family mystery.

Readers, I know this is a very long shot, but if you’re able to assist Jessica, please leave a comment in this post with any information you have. I can then help Jessica get in touch with you.

Waterfall images from pirate radio

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who writes:

Hi Thomas

The concept of transmitting images through SDR waterfalls is relatively new to me. Last weekend, while listening to pirate Radio 48 (via Mix Radio International) remotely on SDRs in Rochester, NY, and Cape Cod, MA, I snapped these photos of their 10 kHz-wide USB signal on 6935, along with some of the pictures and text that scrolled down beside it.

Less than 24 hours later, I came across another stream of graphics, this time on 6960 kHz. It displayed a web page address for Radio Free Spirit. These were followed by a brief stream of audio on USB of a man and woman having a conversation, which ended abruptly without any announcement. I searched out an email address for Radio Free Spirit and sent off an inquiry. Within 15 minutes, a response was received confirming it had been them, simply running a test and had not expected anyone to hear them or reply.

Photos taken of both stations are attached here along with some related audio clips.

Radio 48:

Radio Free Spirit:

I am wondering if others have had experiences with this type of reception and if any international broadcasters have ever dabbled in it.

Dan Greenall, Ontario, Canada

Radio Waves: Voice of Nigeria, Capturing ISS Images, SRG SSR FM Radio Expansion, and Conrad Remembers September 11

Radio Waves: Stories Making Waves in the World of Radio

Welcome to the SWLing Post’s Radio Waves, a collection of links to interesting stories making waves in the world of radio. Enjoy!

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors David Iurescia and Richard Cuff for the following tips:

Inside VON, Where Technology, Diplomacy and Storytelling Converge By Muhammad Goni (PR Nigeria)

There is something quietly powerful about walking through the soundproof doors of a broadcasting facility whose signals are designed to travel far beyond Nigeria’s borders. Behind the microphones, studios, transmitters and antennas of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) lies a responsibility far larger than daily news bulletins. VON is one of the institutions through which Nigeria speaks to the world—an instrument of national identity, diplomacy, culture and global relevance.

My tour of VON’s facilities in Abuja revealed this clearly. It was more than a visit; it was an education in how international broadcasting works, why it matters and what it means for a country seeking to shape how it is understood. [Continue reading…]

Looking up: French radio enthusiast captures ISS signals from his garage (Radio France international)

Astronaut Sophie Adenot made history this month as the first French woman to perform a spacewalk. Back on Earth, space enthusiasts across France are finding their own ways to reach for the stars. In the second episode of a five-part series, RFI hears from Vincent Plousey, a radio ham from Tavaux in eastern France whose hobby is picking up signals from the ISS using homemade antennas built in his garage. [Continue reading…]

Switzerland’s SRG SSR to Resurrect Analog FM Broadcasts (Radio World)

Switzerland’s public radio network, SRG SSR, abandoned FM broadcasting last year in favor of the DAB+ digital mode.

But after the Swiss Parliament voted to postpone the nationwide switch-off of FM transmitters, and amidst reported listener declines, SRG SSR is bringing back analog FM transmissions, reportedly targeting the middle part of this fall for resumption.

And, according to one report, the public broadcaster desires further FM expansion. [Continue reading…]

Remembering 9/11: Conrad Trautmann (Radio World)

The 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks is approaching. Radio World is presenting a series in which people share their memories.

Conrad Trautmann was the senior VP of engineering at Westwood One and Metro Traffic. His office and the main satellite uplink site were at the CBS Broadcast Center at 524 West 57th Street in New York City. [Click here to read the full article…]

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Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of the BBC and CNR (August 26, 2026)

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of NHK (August 25, 2026)

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report.