About US

The Story Behind Dave and W5SWL Electronics

Dave Fant’s interest in radio began during the 1960s, when he became an avid shortwave listener—an “SWL”—and logged stations from countries around the world.

In 1971, Dave earned his first amateur radio license and received the call sign WN5FWE. After upgrading his license, he became WB5FWE. Years later, when the call sign W5SWL became available, it was a natural choice because it reflected the shortwave-listening interest that started his lifelong involvement with radio.

Dave remains active on various amateur radio bands, with particular interests in HF communications, shortwave listening, microwave technology, and radio astronomy.

From Radio Shack to Mail Order

Dave began working in and managing Radio Shack stores while still in his teens. This was during the era when Radio Shack stores had walls filled with electronic parts and employees who generally knew what those parts did.

As Dave puts it, “Things were pretty cool back then working for the Shack.”

That experience helped shape his lasting interest in connectors, components, parts, and the useful little pieces that make electronic and radio projects work.

After leaving Radio Shack in the early 1980s, Dave entered the mail-order business. One of the company’s earliest specialties was the sale and service of home satellite television systems—TVRO* systems featuring the large ten-foot and larger dishes many people remember. The company was among the relatively few businesses offering complete “big dish” equipment through nationwide mail order, as well as through local sales and service for homes and businesses.

Over the years, the business has also been involved in commercial radio equipment and surplus, five-frequency RCC and PCP paging services, and even cellular telephone rentals.

Longtime radio enthusiasts may also remember the Ham Trader Yellow Sheets. In those pre-internet days, grown men were occasionally known to race to the mailbox when the latest issue arrived, hoping to find the best equipment before someone else did. Dave ran to the mailbox also ...

What We Do Today

Today, our principal specialty is quality RF connectors, adapters, coaxial components, technical parts, useful gadgets, hobby products, selected books, and amateur radio products.

Dave Fant Company of Arkansas Inc., doing business as W5SWL Electronics and Dave’s Hobby Shop by W5SWL, continues the tradition that began with Dave’s early interest in radio and electronics and developed into a business established in 1981.

We serve knowledgeable hobbyists, amateur radio operators, technicians, experimenters, engineers, communications professionals, and customers who simply need the correct part for their needs.

Our Approach to Customer Service

From his earliest Radio Shack days through today, Dave has believed in providing knowledgeable, responsive, and personal customer service.

We do not view the people who purchase from us as merely order numbers. Many customers have become friends, and some have been doing business with Dave for decades. Treating customers with the same consideration we would extend to friends and family remains an important personal and company principle.

After about five decades in business, we are grateful for the many friendships formed along the way.

If you are an old friend, welcome back. If you are visiting for the first time, welcome—we hope you enjoy your visit and remain with us for many years to come.

Quality Products for Knowledgeable and Experienced Users

From W5SWL

*TVRO: Television Receive Only