Heathkit HX-1681: A Deep Dive Into a Rare Classic (Part 1)
By Steve Reed KW4H
In the December 2024, January and February 2025 issues of TSM, Steve detailed the process of restoring a Heathkit HR-1680 amateur receiver. This month, Steve tackles the restoration of a CW-only companion to the 1680, the HX-1681. But first, you’ll learn why this is such a rare transmitter and a little about the downfall of one of the most storied brands in amateur radio history.
Clandestine Radio: A Legacy of Defiance
By Gayle Van Horn W4GVH
Gayle first wrote about this topic in the November 2007 issue of Monitoring Times. She found that a lot has changed in the shadowy world of clandestine stations that are sometimes known as ‘independent,’ ‘opposition station,’ or ‘target broadcasts,’ depending on their mission. Gayle looks at some of the best known of these stations along with a few of their QSLs.
For ATSC 3.0 this Moment is Critical
By Fred Baumgartner K0FMB
One year ago, Fred launched a multipart series about the relatively new broadcast TV digital format known as ATSC 3.0. In March, the National Association of Broadcasters filed a petition with the FCC requesting a sunset date for the current format known as ATSC 1.0. Fred looks carefully at the new format, which is not backward compatible with the earlier format and has some suggestions that might keep it from a poor implementation or worse.
Choyong LC90: A New Multiband Internet Radio
By Robert Gulley K4PKM
Roberts says, “To my knowledge, the Choyong LC90 is the first of its kind: a portable Wi-Fi/4G, E-SIM/FM/LW/MW/SW/SSB radio. Can a radio offering this much in such a small package deliver the goods? Robert says, “Yes and no.” Can the cons outweigh the pros? Robert says, “Maybe.” It depends on what you’re looking for most out of a portable radio.
Sounds a Snowbird Heard
By Chrissy Brand
Who could blame Chrissy for wanting to escape the damp and cold weather of the UK this winter? Heading straight via airplane for Miami Beach, she landed in the amazing Art Deco architecture and sparkling splendor of Miami Beach, with her radio close at hand. It happened to be Art Deco Weekend, and she was soaking in the sun and the vibes of this ‘winter haven.’
Scanning America
By Dan Veeneman
Kern Country, California
Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
New Trends in Federal Communications
Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman
HF Radio in ‘Interesting Times’
Shortwave Utility Logs
By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman
The World of Shortwave Listening
By Rob Wagner VK3BVW
DXing the Great Outdoors, and Taiwan’s Enigmatic Numbers Station
The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Brazil, France, New Zealand on Shortwave
European Radio Scene
By Georg Wiessala
Revisiting the bhi ParaPro EQ20B-DSP Parametric Equalizer
Bits & Bytes
By Gale Van Horn W4GVH
Indonesia, Spain, Nigeria Shortwave Updates
Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
100+ Years of Baseball on the Radio
Adventures in Radio Restoration
By Rich Post KB8TAD
The Multi-Elmac PMR-8 Mobile Ham Receiver
Medium Wave DXing
By Loyd Van Hon W4LVH
DXing from DC: Can a YouLoop Bring in DX in the Capital of RF?
Kits and Kit-Building
By Joe Eisenberg K0NEB
A Powerful Topic: A Few Easy Kits for Field Day and POTA/SOTA
Digitally Speaking
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
PSK31
Amateur Radio Insights
By Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z
Spring into Safety
VHF and Above
By Joe Lynch N6CL
Stranded Astronauts Return from ISS