Waterfall images from pirate radio

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

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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)

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

Carlos notes:

Flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, via BBC and China National Radio

Click here to view on YouTube.

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.

Carlos notes:

NHK full news bulletin: Typhoon No. 18 approaches Okinawa; Hiroshima oyster farmers concerned about rising seawater temperatures

Click here to view on YouTube.

Shortwave music libraries with soul

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Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here’s the Imaginary Stations schedule for this week’s listening pleasure.

On Wednesday 26th August 2026, at 0200 hrs UTC on 9395 kHz on WRM I we have the Shortwave Music Library. More excellent selections from DJ Frederick’s vast music collection, expect all sorts of genres!

Later that day at 1800 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz via Shortwave Gold, we bring you another episode of Skybird Soul on Shortwave. Expect some great Soul and soul related tracks for a Wednesday evening. Fades and extra effects thanks to the ionosphere are all part of the listening experience!

While on Saturday 29th August at 1100 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and then again on Sunday 30th August at 1300 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and 2000 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz, we bring you a another totally different episode of the Shortwave Music Library. It’s more of the same format as above and you’ll never know what you are going to hear.

For more information on all our shows, please write to us at [email protected] and check out our old shows at our Mixcloud page here.

FastRadioBurst23

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of CGTN, BBC, & NHK (August 24, 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.

Carlos notes:

El Niño and typhoons, via BBC (UK), CGTN (China) and NHK (Japan)

Click here to view on YouTube.

Four typhoons appear in this Japan Meteorological Agency satellite image received via radiofax on Monday afternoon in Porto Alegre. According to an article published by the Tokio Marine Research Institute—citing the Japan Meteorological Agency—the impact of the El Niño climate phenomenon on typhoon activity requires special attention, in addition to temperature trends resulting from global warming.

4DX South Johnstone, Queensland – New station testing on shortwave!

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

Hi Thomas

Thanks to a tip from Rob Wagner’s most recent blog, “The Mount Evelyn DX Report,” I was able to tune into Australia’s newest low-powered shortwave station, 4DX, from South Johnstone in northern Queensland. It is roughly 1300 km north of Brisbane, 200 km north of Townsville, and about 80 km south of Cairns.

The station has been conducting tests (by Al Kirton) for at least the past couple of months on 5055 kHz shortwave, and power is reported to be 1 kW.

I recorded their signal today, August 20, 2026, beginning at 1137 hours UTC using a KiwiSDR in Brisbane:

Music is played until the 1:47 mark, followed by the announcement “Radio Four Delta X-ray on 5055 kilohertz. 4DX regular transmissions will begin in September.” No more audio was heard, but an open carrier was still present.

Dan Greenall, Ontario, Canada