Carlos’ Mini Review of the Sony SRF-S84 AM/FM Portable Radio

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carlos Latuff, who writes

I recently purchased a Sony SRF-S84 radio, which, despite its diminutive size, has excellent sensitivity. From what I’ve researched, this model began production by the Japanese company in 2001 and was discontinued around 2010. Below are the radio’s specifications, taken from its instruction manual.

The radio is an analog AM/FM model with a small tuning dial that requires a deft touch. It operates on a single AAA battery (excellent battery life), has no built-in speaker, and features a stereo headphone output (P2). Despite its tiny internal ferrite antenna (approximately 3 cm long) and the typical oscillations of medium waves, I was able to receive stations from neighboring countries very well here in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Here is some audio from this little marvel. I focused only on the medium waves. All listening sessions were conducted outdoors, at night, and without the aid of a MW loop antenna.

Audio 1

Radio 10, AM 710 kHz, Argentina, June 17, 22h30 (local time)

Audio 2

Radio Universo, AM 970 kHz, Paraguay, June 17, 22h33 (local time)

Audio 3

Radio Atlantica, AM 760 kHz, Argentina, June 17, 22h45 (local time)

Audio 4

Radio Super Rede Boa Vontade, AM 1300 kHz, Brazil, June 17, 23h43 (local time)

BBC Begins Phased Closure of Radio 5 Live AM Transmitters

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Majid Hussain, who notes that the BBC is beginning the phased closure of some of its BBC Radio 5 Live AM transmitters.

According to RadioToday, the first two AM transmitters are scheduled to close at the end of July 2026, marking the start of a wider reduction in the network’s mediumwave coverage. The move reflects the BBC’s continued transition toward FM, DAB, television, and online platforms, while maintaining nationwide access to Radio 5 Live through other distribution methods.

You can read the full story here:

BBC starts closing BBC Radio 5 Live AM transmitters

There’s something in the (w)air

RTI Test Broadcast on Sunday, June 21, 2026

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia, who shares the following announcement from Radio Taiwane International’s French Language service (first the English translation, then the original in French):

Dear Listener,

The French Service would like to inform you that during August 2026 (August 7–30), Radio Taiwan International (RTI) will broadcast directly from its Tamsui transmission site in northern Taiwan to Europe and North Africa.

To determine the most suitable frequencies, we will conduct a test broadcast on Sunday, June 21. The frequencies and schedule are as follows:

15145 kHz — 1700–1710 UTC
11995 kHz — 1715–1725 UTC
11995 kHz — 1730–1740 UTC
9545 kHz — 1745–1755 UTC

The two frequencies that provide the best reception will be selected for the August broadcasts.

A special QSL card will be sent to listeners who submit reception reports. Reports may be sent by email to the French Service or via the radio’s online reception report form.

Thank you for listening and for your continued support.

French Service
Radio Taiwan International

Original message in French:

Chère auditrice, cher auditeur,

Le service français vous informe que durant le mois d’août 2026 (du 7 au 30 août), Rti procèdera à une diffusion directe depuis le centre de transmission de Tamsui, dans le nord de Taïwan, vers l’Europe et l’Afrique du nord.

Afin de chosir les fréquences les plus appropriées, nous prévoyons un essai de diffusion le dimanche 21 juin. Voici les fréquences et horaires de cette diffusion :

Fréquence 15145 kHz, 17h00-17h10, temps universel

Fréquence 11995 kHz, 17h15-17h25, temps universel

Fréquence 11995kHz, 17h30-17h40, temps universel

Fréquence 9545 kHz, 17h45-17h55, temps universel

Les deux fréquences les plus appropriées seront retenues pour cette diffusion estivale.

Une carte QSL spéciale vous sera envoyée pour confirmer vos rapports d’écoute que vous pouvez nous adresser par courriel au service français ou via le formulaire en ligne de la radio.

Merci de votre écoute et de votre fidélité.

Service français

Radio Taiwan International

Immediate Frequency Change for VORW Radio International’s broadcast to East Asia

DXing Comes to the Madison Clinic

1976 U.S. Bicentennial Callsigns

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

Hi Thomas,

In 1976, amateur radio operators in the United States were allowed the option of using a special prefix in place of their regular one to celebrate the country’s bicentennial year. Many amateurs issued special QSL cards for this bearing the new prefix, making reference to the US bicentennial year on the front.

Others simply modified their existing cards. The bicentennial commissions in Massachusetts and South Dakota even made up fill-in-the-blank commemorative QSL cards.