Industry News

Solar-powered portable radios that put audio quality second are nothing new. But a solar-powered portable radio that sounds as good as a non-solar high-fidelity radio: This is worth talking about.

The new CCRadio Solar from C.Crane fits this double-barreled description. With its generous top-mounted solar panel (3.75 by 1.5 inches) plus back-mounted generator crank for recharging its Lithium-Ion battery pack, this is a radio for blackouts and other emergency situations. 

After an initial conditioning charge-up of the Lithium-Ion battery from a 5V DC adaptor, just leave it in a sunny window, and the radio is always ready to go. 

In non-emergency situations, the CCRadio Solar can be powered with three AA batteries or a 5V DC charger plugged into its micro-USB port.

Worth noting

The CCRadio Solar has an LED flashlight with glow-in-the-dark “On” switch; and its USB 3.0 port can be used to charge a connected dead smartphone to 50 percent power.

It is a fine radio for listening to AM, FM (regular or extended band) or NOAA Weather Radio. 

The frequency range emitted by the front-mounted 3 watt 2-inch front speaker can be “pumped up” by activating the set’s High Power Audio Mode. The audio quality from the stereo headset jack is superb.

Perhaps the best feature for radio geeks (and non-radio geeks who live with them) is that the 6-by-3-by-2-inch CCRadio Solar with its “shades of pale grey” case looks like a tastefully designed set-top radio, rather than a piece of survivalist gear aimed at wannabe Navy SEALs. 

Dual-purpose

The Solar is the brainchild of longtime radio aficionado and equipment innovator Bob Crane, owner of the C.Crane electronics store in Fortuna, Calif.. 

When he moved to this small remote town some 30 years ago, Crane had a difficult time tuning in the big-city AM talk stations he loved. So Bob Crane began to design and sell high-performance receivers at reasonable prices. 

Today the online store sells a range of radios to fulfill a number of listening preferences, from tuning in distant AM/FM stations (e.g. the CCRadio 3 and CC Radio EP) to providing reliable multi-band coverage during extended power outages (the wind-up CCRadio Observer). 

The CCRadio Solar is a departure in that it combines multiple main functions: high-fidelity audio and distant station reception with indefinite power.

Crane said you can expect 35 hours of run time between charges.

“If you are a lucky radio listener with a sunny window it is conceivable you might pay off the price of the radio with what you save on batteries.”

At $99.99 a unit, and given that I have yet to see a CCrane radio fail despite years of service, payback is a matter of time.

The nitty-gritty

Moving from left to right, the Solar’s front panel features the 2-inch speaker and a large LCD display for tuning, band information, power level and clock functions including alarm and sleep modes.

Underneath the display are five memory buttons to save presets on the AM, FM and weather bands (seven NOAA frequency channels). The memory buttons can also be used in various combinations to turn the High Power Audio mode on and off, set clock and alarm and disable the Beep sound during tuning. 

For distant AM radio fans, the buttons can be used to select 1, 9 or 10 kHz tuning steps plus a narrowband 2.5 kHz filter to reject interference from strong adjacent signals. This allows the user to tune in a weak distant station adjacent to a local AM powerhouse. (The default AM wideband filter is set to 4 kHz). 

Finally, the volume dial is side-mounted on the lower right side.

On the top of the radio is the solar panel, the Flashlight and Band selection buttons on the far left, and the red Power button on the right. There is a fully rotating whip antenna that folds into the side and extends from 4.5 to 25 inches for enhanced FM/Weather Radio reception. 

The AM antenna is inside the set. It is directional, which means that distant signal reception can be improved by rotating the radio 90 degrees horizontally in either direction.

The radio’s settings can be locked/unlocked while in Playback mode by pressing the Band and Power buttons simultaneously.

According to the manual, eight hours of direct sunlight can provide 10 to 14 hours of audio playback at a Medium sound level (without the High Power Audio mode being activated, because its enhanced bass consumes more electricity). Hand-cranking the onboard generator for 90 seconds, at two rotations per second or more, will provide 8 to 13 minutes of runtime from the Lithium-Ion battery, assuming that it was discharged.

This winter, Crane said that with the oversize solar panel he was able to keep it fully charged using it about one hour a day at full audio power. 

“It would last much longer if I switched to low-power audio. It should run four hours a day in the summer on high power.”

The flashlight and recessed mount for the included carrying strap are on the left side. On the right panel, a water-repelling rubber door protects a mini-plug Aux In jack that allows the Solar to serve as an outboard speaker; a micro-USB port for charging the unit from a 5V DC adaptor; a switch for using either the onboard Lithium-Ion battery or inserted AA batteries; a USB 3.0 port for recharging a phone; and a standard earphone mini-jack.

The rear contains the foldaway crank and the battery compartment, which houses the included rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and three AA cells. (These can be alkaline or Ni-Cads, but not Lithium.) The inside of the compartment door contains a “Cheat Sheet” covering the radio’s basic functions.         

Pros and cons

The audio quality is top-notch on all bands, even given AM’s fidelity. So is signal reception: At night when distant signals bounce off the ionosphere, the radio’s AM band is chock-a-block with stations. Tuning using 10 kHz steps was like changing the channel on a TV set; almost every frequency has something on it, though granted, signal quality varied widely thanks to the vagaries of AM propagation. 

Still, the distance-listening performance is impressive. From a second-story in Ottawa, Canada, I can receive WSB 750 in Atlanta, WWVA 1170 in Wheeling W.Va./St. Clair Ohio, and KDKA 1020 Pittsburgh, among many others.

FM signals are plentiful if not as distant, and the one Canadian “Weatherradio” station available to an Ottawa listener at 162.550 MHz comes in loud and clear.

One format the radio does not offer is HD Radio. “Power consumption is probably about double on HD Radio because of the power needed to process the digital signal,” Crane said. “We will probably need to put this technology into a plug-in radio.”

As for holding a charge? After three months I have yet to manually recharge it after the initial AC charge to prime the Lithium-Ion battery. I do not keep AAs in it; the power is coming from the sun.

Since, by convention, every review is required to include a complaint to prove its journalistic integrity, I will offer one: The rubber door covering the inputs on the right side doesn’t have a hinge. One day the folding rubber crease will likely wear out, and I will be required to put some tape on it.

I have nothing but respect for the CCRadio Solar radio. Based on my 18 years of reviewing his receivers, I know that Bob Crane delivers what he promises in his custom-designed equipment. That said, the CCRadio Solar keeps its promises.

The post New solar radio is an emergency kit too appeared first on Radio World.

The software systems that radio stations and networks use to manage media assets have evolved to meet the needs of the 21st century; but their capabilities were put to the test when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry along with the rest of the world.

Hear what automation suppliers have to say about the lessons of the past year, along with trends in cloud, remote control, virtualization, tech support and cost.

“Automation: The Next Phase”

The post Automation: The Next Phase appeared first on Radio World.

Select Live365 stations are now available to audio streamers via the iHeartRadio app, a move that significantly increases the visibility and discoverability of Live365 stations and the entire Live365 network of music enthusiasts who fork over a monthly fee to create their own radio stations.

“As we focus on growing the Live365 listening network, we are excited to announce we now have an agreement in place to list select Live365 stations on iHeartRadio’s distribution network,” Live365 General Manager Jason Stoddard said. “Being able to showcase some of our standout stations on iHeart is a testament to the hard work our broadcasters put in to programming quality stations that are not traditionally represented on the radio dial. We will continue to work with world-class distribution companies to help listeners discover the top-notch content available on Live365.”

This agreement is one of the first steps in Live365’s efforts to expand its listening network. Listeners can tune in now to such niche offerings Flood FM, ShaqFu Radio, Smooth Jazz Florida, Amazing Hope Radio, Jack Sonni Guitar Radio and DopeRadioFM.com through the iHeartRadio app.

Live365 stations run minus an algorithm, with automation randomly selecting songs for its members. Running a station on the platform costs some $65 per month.

Apogee has updated its MetaRecorder iOS app with the release of V2.2. The audio recording app for iPhone and iPad offers linked recording, tagging and organizing of audio on up to four iOS devices.

New to this version is the ability for all Apogee products, including Symphony Desktop, to unlock MetaRecorder on iPhone, iPad and iPad Pro. Additionally the link feature that was ‘broken’ by iOS 14 has been fixed, and there have been additional ‘general bug fixes.’

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

Apogee MetaRecorder is a two-channel audio recording app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with features to support a variety of workflows. Audio is recorded at up to 24-bit/96 kHz in WAV or CAF format. Users can connect an Apogee audio interface or Sennheiser ClipMic digital or MKE 2 digital lavalier mic for a professional quality input signal, and adjust hardware input gain and DSP (Sennheiser only) from MetaRecorder.

MetaRecorder features compatibility with Timecode Systems’ UltraSync BLUE module as an in-app purchase. When enabled, MetaRecorder receives timecode via Bluetooth and embeds it into the audio file metadata. This is intended to simplify synchronization of audio and video files in Final Cut Pro (or another NLE).

The app is available in the Apple app store with a free edition that allows in-app purchases to the full version ($4.99), full version with multidevice support ($14.99) and other upgrades.

Info: https://apogeedigital.com

 

The post Apogee MetaRecorder Updated With V2.2 appeared first on Radio World.

The North American Broadcasters Association has rolled out some security/cybersecurity recommendations for broadcasters working in a studio and out in the field.

The recommendations were generated by the NABA-TC Cybersecurity Subcommittee, which is chaired by engineer John Lee.

“A year or so ago, I was presenting the work of TC Cybersecurity Subcommittee to the board, and there was a specific request from a board member to look at cybersecurity for personnel working in the field,” he said. “There is a lot of information available online on how journalists and their crews can remain cybersecure even when working on stories in hostile physical or political environments. [But] to the best of my knowledge, no broadcast union had to this point formally issued cybersecurity recommendations in this regard. [So] this will hopefully prove to be helpful to our journalists and field personnel,” he said, adding that the recommendations apply to both TV, radio and web journalists.

[Read: Public Warning Cited as Greatest Cyber-risk]

The in-house recommendations released by NABA include installing antivirus, antimalware or endpoint malware detection tools, and employing a password manager to generate and store strong, complex, unique passwords. The organization suggests enabling multifactor authentication for all accounts by using a code generator like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Duo.

When it comes to software, only use licensed software and check with the IT team before deploying an unknown software tool.

When out in the field, the organization suggests setting up threat modeling for all journalists that work in the field. Threat modeling involves considering what possible threats might present themselves, how likely those threats are to manifest and what steps can be taken to counter a risk.

The organization tells broadcasters to consider providing a smartphone or laptop that can be used specifically for travel; such a device would most likely have limited data stored on it. NABA also suggests that reporters keep essential devices on their person — don’t leave computers in a hotel room or check them in luggage.

A smart but simple step: sign out of applications that store sensitive or confidential data before you leave on assignment, which is particularly important in high-risk situations where the authorities may compel a reporter to turn over a device for examination. And consider using VPN connections at all times when connecting through the Internet in the field.

Here is the complete list of suggestions from the NABA. Broadcasters should also take advantage of additional security guidance by organizations like Freedom of the Press Foundation and Committee to Protect Journalists.

 

The post Steps to Keeping Safety in the Studio and On the Road appeared first on Radio World.

The ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; along with the lead Republican member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband; and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security; have teamed for the introduction of legislation that would require the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to update a memorandum of understanding that governs biannual meetings between the agencies to conduct joint spectrum planning.

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The General Sales Manager for Beasley Media Group‘s Detroit radio station group has been elevated to the role of Director of Sales.

It’s a rise for a woman whose career has heavily involved Classic Rock WCSX, Rocker WRIF, and before that the Motor City stations now owned by Audacy.

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Radio World friend David Antoine is heading back to an old stomping ground, WBGO(FM), Newark, N.J. Previously ending his time there as chief engineer, he returns to be chief technology officer.

[Read: Antoine Builds on a Sound Education]

Through a four-decade career Antoine has also been at WBLS(FM), WLIB(AM), WOR(AM), WQHT(FM), WRKS(FM), WNCN(FM), WQXR(FM) and WQEW(AM). He has also served as the director of broadcast IT for Westwood One’s network distribution & technical operations center.

He was most recently a radio broadcast engineer with equipment maker Lawo. In addition he is a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers and holds SBE certifications CBRE and CBNT.

 

The post Antoine Returns to WBGO appeared first on Radio World.

In November 2013, a veteran of Interep with time at Katz Radio Group and MacGavren Guild was promoted after 3 1/2 years as GSM, of a group of stations serving New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley.

Today, Bruce Feniger remains in command of the Pamal Broadcasting stations, including two 50kw heritage FMs that continue to command large audiences. In this exclusive conversation, Feniger shares on the latest InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, how Pamal has carved a niche within the nation’s No. 1 DMA — and attracts advertisers and consumers in ways New York City-based radio and TV stations can’t.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Bruce Feniger, Pamal Broadcasting” on Spreaker.

Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink and Podcast Business Journal this July are taking you to Podcasting School.

The first person anyone who is serious about making money podcasting calls is Podcasting Hall of Famer Dave Jackson. He created The School of Podcasting.

Jackson began podcasting in 2005, and his weekly School of Podcasting show now has over 2.8 million downloads.

He’s helped thousands of aspiring podcasters plan, launch, and grow their podcasts. If you’re serious about podcasting, you’ve either spent time with Jackson, taken his courses, or packed a room to see him speak.

Jackson is also the author of Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood. In July, during our three-day virtual podcast conference, Jackson is going to tell you how to turn listeners into a livelihood.

On Wednesday, July 14 Dave Jackson joins our virtual podcasting conference, How to Make Real Money Podcasting, where he’ll tell us everything he knows about how YOU can make REAL money podcasting.

 

REGISTER for our virtual podcasting conference July 13-15 HERE

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Subscribe to Dave Jackson’s podcasts HERE. Reach out to Dave Jackson at schoolofpodcasting@gmail.com