DX LISTENING DIGEST 12-33, August 15, 2012 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits For restrixions and searchable 2012 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn WORLD OF RADIO 1630 HEADLINES: *DX and station news about: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon non?, Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Croatia non, Ecuador non, Germany, Indonesia, Korea North & South, Niue, Oklahoma, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, South Carolina non, Spain, Suriname, UK, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe non SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1630, August 16-22, 2012 Thu 0330 WRMI 9955 Thu 2100 WTWW 9479 [confirmed] Fri 0329v WWRB 5050 [confirmed] Sat 0130v WBCQ 5110v-CUSB Area 51 [confirmed at 0200 this week] Sat 0630 HLR 7265 Hamburger Lokal Radio Sat 0800 WRMI 9955 Sat 1500 WRMI 9955 Sat 1730 WRMI 9955 Sun 0400 WTWW 5755 Sun 0800 WRMI 9955 Sun 1530 WRMI 9955 Sun 1730 WRMI 9955 Mon 0500 WRMI 9955 Mon 1130 WRMI 9955 Tue 0930 HLR 5980 Hamburger Lokal Radio Thu 0330 WRMI 9955 [or maybe 1631 if ready in time] Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://www.wrn.org/listeners/#world-of-radio WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS VIA WRN: http://www.wrn.org/listeners/customize-panel/addToPlaylist/98/09:00:00UTC/English OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org DAY-BY-DAY ARCHIVE OF GLENN HAUSER`S LOG REPORTS: Unedited, uncondensed, unchanged from original version, many of them too complex, minutely researched, multi-frequency, opinionated, inconsequential, off-topic, or lengthy for some log editors to manage; and also ahead of their availability in these weekly issues: http://www.hard-core-dx.com/index.php?topic=Hauser DXLD YAHOOGROUP: Why wait for DXLD? A lot more info, not all of it appearing in DXLD later, is posted at our yg without delay. When applying, please identify yourself with your real name and location, and say something about why you want to join. Those who do not, unless I recognize them, will be prompted once to do so and no action will be taken otherwise. Here`s where to sign up: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dxld/ ** AFGHANISTAN. Latest: Radio Afghanistan reportedly not heard on 7200 kHz since the last two weeks of April 2012 (BDXC-UK Afghanistan Guide http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bdxcuk/afghanistan.pdf checked Aug 14, via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) This page is also not found: http://www.rta.org.af/English tho the major website exists: http://www.rta.org.af/ (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Probably their website in English is also under renovation. Their website homepage has the English pages as - http://www.rta.org.af/English but actually it is being re-constructed (which I just found by trying - only joomla installed without any content) at http://www.rta.org.af/english/ It must be a linux/unix web server where file folder names in URL are case sensitive :) (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Siliguri, W.B., India, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALBANIA. 7389.978, Radio Tirana's morning relay in Albanian. Interview talk by male/female at 0710 UT Aug 8. Shijak site signal of S=9 heard here in southern Germany. Talk about "Gazeta Armenia", the Armenian newspaper and culture voice (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) Re 12-32, Radio Tirana in internet --- Hello Drita: Something seems to have gone wrong. I previously heard Radio Tirana's transmissions (3 programs) on the website without any problem, using Mozilla Firefox. Yesterday it worked only with Internet Explorer for the Foreign service in Albanian in the morning. Now the only connection is via the German "Funkhaus" server, foreign service. Since the server was so reliable before, I just can't understand what happened. Right now I am listening to the great singer Ardit Gjebrea, waiting for the guests to attend Arlinda's birthday party (she is "Sweet Sixteen" today!) but I hope the connection will soon be OK again (Ullmar Qvick, Sweden, Aug 11, via Drita Çiço, DXLD) ** ANGOLA. 4949.7, RNA-Canal "A", Mulenvos, 2150-..., 11/8, pops; 35321; fair modulation this time, and on the 12th. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Despite the usual CNR and IBB African relays after 20 UT, only one single interesting station noted at this slot: 4949.753 kHz poor string of S=4 tiny signal from R Nacional Angola from Luanda in Portuguese, just above threshold. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. [Re 12-32]: Re: Radio Guaraní en nueva frecuencia Efectivamente, Enrik [sic], la emisora se pasó a esta nueva frecuencia hace unos días (Ex 1640 kHz) por problemas de interferencias con otra estación de esa misma localidad desde donde emite. - Datos actuales: Frecuencia: 1650 kHz Emisora: Radio Guaraní AM QTH: Dr. Ignacio Arieta 3950, (B1754AQT) San Justo, Buenos Aires. Tel: +54(11) 4484-3150 E-mail: info @ radio-guarani.com.ar Web: http://www.radio-guarani.com.ar QTH (TXR): California 4731, González Catán, Buenos Aires. Operada por: Centro de Discapacitados de La Matanza (CEDIMA) Director general: Juan Ramón Florentin Obs: Ex 1140, 730 y 1640 kHz Potencia: 2,5 kW (Marcelo A. Cornachioni, Aug 11, condiglist yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. A few stations audible as early as 2100, viz. 1620 AM 16-20, 1620 UNID, 1630 AM 16-30 Diagonal. Brazil also audible (on much more fqs) after 2100. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. 1700, 6.8 0217, R Juventud, Florencio Varela, BA, kom upp efter WJCC. ”Desde Florencio Varela y para todo la provincia de (Buenos Aires), Radio Juventud”. Annonserade även http://siemprechamame.com.ar (Fredrik Dourén, Sweden, ARC mv-eko Aug 13 via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) Good morning, Glenn. I thought it would be a good idea to tell you that the 1700 kHz AM transmitter located in Tigre, Province of Buenos Aires, has changed programming again: it's now relaying FM Fantástico again, noted yesterday (Sunday 12th) at 1928 UT with bland tropical music followed by IDs by OM. This transmitter has been off air for a few weeks, occasionally returning for a few hours with FM A-K 89.9 programming, but with a terrible sound quality full of noise and cuts. Although the cuts weren't present when I listened to the station yesterday, the sound quality is still dismal at best. I suppose the agreement they had with FM A-K broke or ended and they're back with Fantástico again (Eduardo Peralta, Aug 13, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Same transmitter as Juventud above or not? (gh) ** ARGENTINA. 15345.1, Aug 12 at 0142, R. Nacional exceptionally good at S9+20 in Spanish discussion, soon playing ``This Land Is Your Land`` in English. No RAE on 11711v since it`s a weekend; transmitter stays on 15 MHz much later. Tried 13363 for LTA but nothing. 11710.9, Aug 14 at 0121-0123+, RAE must be another station competing in the dead-air sweepstakes; characteristic off-frequency gives it away, instead of Japanese during this hour (when it has little chance of reaching Japan anyway) (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. 2368.5, R. Symban (presumed), 1153-1204*, August 14 with Greek singing, but no announcements heard; suddenly off. 2368.5, R. Symban (presumed), 1158-1206*, August 15. Chatting in Greek; Greek singing; suddenly off. Doing fairly well almost daily now (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. 4835, ABC VL8A Alice Springs, 1140-1215, August 11. Live rugby coverage of the Sydney Swans vs Collingwood match up; 1143 ID for “783 Alice Springs” and promo for “Grandstand” coverage of the Olympics. RA at this time was covering the Olympics. Continues to be impossible to get anything from AIR Gangtok here (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4835, VL8A, Alice Springs NT, 0805-f/out 0945, 10/8, chatter, phone- ins, songs, news at 0830, more chatter; 35332. 4835 ditto, 2147-2158, 11/8, cf. // VL8K 5025; VL8T 4910 silent; 35332. 4910 VL8T, Tennant Creek NT, 0816-0830*, 10/8, cf. // 4835 VL8A (see above); 25332. 4910 ditto, 2132-2151, 12/8, ABC news, weather at 2140, ABC Alice Springs program announcements, interviews; 25432. 5025 VL8K, Katherine NT, 2144-2155, 11/8, sports report; 35342; VL8A 4835 & VL8T 4910 both silent. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. 9580, Thursday Aug 9 at 1345, RA is replaying the `Rear Vision` documentary heard earlier about the persecuted Hazara, now at the scheduled RV time. Seems they are subject to being killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan merely for looking ``oriental`` as they are easily separated visually from S Asian ethnicities. They are also despised for being more progressive than the Pashtuns, so some of them try to escape to Europe or Australia (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. No good news from Australia! Nigel Holmes just responded to my inquiry about RA DRM by indicating one of Australia's digital partners is unhappy with the prospect of Radio Australia in DRM! WHAT? I fear this stems from a fundamental lack of understanding of both mode and audience! Radio Australia is known throughout the shortwave community as an excellent international broadcaster. *Somewhere, someone forgot to tell those working on digital conversion in-country that Radio Australia running DRM on International Short Wave Frequencies is no competition to local Australian VHF/UHF digital services!* Nigel then commented that "If RA gets up a DRM service from Shepparton you'll hear about it..." I hope so, but then again, I'm beginning to doubt it! (from http://drmnainfo.blogspot.com/2012/08/no-good-news-from-australia.html mentioned by kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) --- unsigned, not clear who ``I`` is. So is DRM still running from Brandon?? (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) Yes ** AUSTRALIA. 15399.979, Odd signal of HCA Australia from Kununurra, in Mandarin Chinese at 1108 UT Aug 11 (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) just 21 Hz off (gh) AUSTRALIAN SHORTWAVE STATION BOOSTS POWER, CLARITY OF RADIO SIGNAL AT NEW SITE (Aug. 10, 2012 - by Harold Goerzen) Countless thousands of potential radio listeners in HCJB Global’s Asia Pacific Region have access to a clearer, more powerful signal as a result of a seven-year project to move the transmissions to a new shortwave facility in Australia late last month. “I’m very excited to let you know that on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 24, we began permanent transmissions from our new international broadcasting facility,” said Dale Stagg, chief executive officer of HCJB Global-Australia. “With a stronger signal and a better antenna design, we look forward [to listeners’ responses] with great anticipation. Please continue to pray with us as we seek to reach the unreached of this region with the good news of Jesus.” While broadcasts from the international broadcasting facility in Kununurra, a town of 7,000 on the northern edge of Western Australia, began in 2003, the original site was fraught with restrictions, limiting the broadcasts. Antenna height, for example, was limited to 40 meters (131 feet) because of the facility’s proximity to the local airport. A parabolic curtain antenna, formerly used by Radio Station HCJB in Pifo, Ecuador, is being installed with modifications at the new site with towers as high as 417 feet—four times the height of the tallest antenna at the original site. The new site is called “Lot 3000,” a 1,250-acre parcel of land that was granted to HCJB Global-Australia in 2005 on a long-term lease from the state government. “It lies approximately two miles west of the existing site and, crucially, outside of the airport restrictions,” explained Site Manager Peter Michalke. Opening the new site meant overcoming numerous obstacles such as obtaining use of the government land, the granting of native title approval that allowed electricity supply to be connected to Lot 3000, getting power from the grid to the new site, building a road and causeway that allowed access to the new site, and even acquiring an antenna originally purchased by Croatia for communist propaganda but never commissioned. “God’s provision been truly remarkable,” Stagg related. “The doors He caused to be opened during this time, well, you just shake your head in wonder. God raised up people both locally and internationally that have made vital contributions to the project and continue to do so.” While the old site will eventually be decommissioned, it will continue to house one HC100 (HCJB Global 100,000-watt shortwave transmitter) during a transitional period of several months. The original site is also home to administration offices, accommodations for volunteers and maintenance facilities. “We will maintain a back-up facility for a few months but, to all intents and purposes, we have relocated and our new antennas are now in operation,” Stagg said. “Meanwhile, a third HC100 is being refurbished at the HCJB Global Technology Centre in Elkhart, Ind. When complete, it will be both analog and digital (DRM) capable.” DRM will be invaluable for broadcasting to places such as India, a country of 1.2 billion people, where the digital technology has been adopted as the nation’s main communication network to the rural masses. “In spite of the giant leap forward of other technologies, shortwave broadcasting still has at least a medium term future in South and Southeast Asia,” added Derek Kickbush, program manager for HCJB Global-Australia. “There are still developing countries in the region where, in some places, there are no local media services and shortwave remains the only viable option.” The site in Kununurra is broadcasting the gospel in 23 languages (including English) into East Asia, South and Southeast Asia “which along with Africa has been one of the most heavily serviced shortwave targets in the world of international broadcasters—and remains so,” Kickbush explained. “It’s a great moment to hear that HCJB Global-Australia is on the air from its new long-anticipated shortwave broadcast facility in Kununurra,” concluded Asia Pacific Director Ty Stakes. “We’re excited about the opportunities to deliver strategic programming to unreached peoples in the region afforded by this facility. Join us in praying for new program production partnerships with indigenous groups, and growing impact for the kingdom of Jesus through the ministry of HCJB Global-Australia.” [illustration sources:] http://ecomm.hcjb.org/admin/images/hcjb/Weekly%20News%20Update%202012_08_10/Kununurra02_Merv_Steve_tensioning_guy_wires_lr.jpg http://ecomm.hcjb.org/admin/images/hcjb/Weekly%20News%20Update%202012_08_10/Kununurra20_antenna_lr.jpg http://ecomm.hcjb.org/admin/images/hcjb/Weekly%20News%20Update%202012_08_10/Kununurra22_group_lr.jpg http://ecomm.hcjb.org/admin/images/hcjb/Weekly%20News%20Update%202012_08_10/Kununurra26_truck_lr.jpg (HCJB Global News Update Aug 6-10 via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** AZORES. AÇORES, 1503 AFN, Base Aérea das Lajes, Terceira, 2235- 2245, 11/8, American songs (what else?...); 33431, QRM de E. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AZORES. ALL NINE AZORES ISLANDS, CU1 THROUGH CU9, ACTIVATED AT ONCE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, 14.08.2012 Are You Ready to Fly to Azores for Free by Making Nine QSOs? Yes indeed, those of you willing to spend 24 hours or less on the radio are eligible to participate in an Azores lottery for two all- paid packages to the beautiful Azores Islands in the Atlantic, completely free of charge. The project is organized by the Azores- Finland Friendship Consortium in partnership with the Amateur Radio Associations of the Azores Islands and supported by the Azores Promotion Agency (ATA) and Azorean Airlines (SATA). Just look at and make up your mind. Not many people know that the Azores consist of nine populated islands, stretching over a distance of 602 km (305 mi) from East to West, next to [or rather, between] USA and Europe. And it is not widely known that the Azores have their own airline (SATA) flying to each island, in addition to many destinations in Europe and North America. Each island has its own characteristics and its own blend and alone qualifies for your visit there. While these islands count for a single DXCC entity, they offer three (3) IOTA groupings. With this unique AZORES 9 ISLANDS HUNT, an invited international group of amateur radio operators together with resident Azores amateurs will be activating the nine islands, offering an opportunity to the world to contact these islands all at once over one weekend. Activity Weekend --- Saturday, September 29, 1200 UT to September 30, 1200 UT (24 hours). These stations will be active starting Friday, September 28 as soon as they become operational. Frequency Windows CW: 7000-7015, 18080-18090 and 14050-14065 kHz SSB: 7175-7195, 18120-18135 and 14250-14275 kHz Nine Islands and their Stations Santa Maria, CU1ARM; San [sic] Miguel, CU2ARA; Terceira, CU3URA; Graciosa, CU4ARG; São Jorge, CU5AM; Pico, CU6GRP; Faial, CU7CRA; Flores, CU8ARF; Corvo, CU9AC. Operators and Island Hosts Sérgio, CU1AAD; José, CU2CE; Francisco, CU2DX; Guilherme, CU2IF; Domingois, CU3CS; Guilherme, CU4AB; José, CU5AM; Jorge, CU6AB; Manuel, CU7CA; Cláudio, CU8AAE; João, CU9AC; Franz, DJ9ZB; Richard, DF9TF; Nigel, G3TXF; Michael, G7VJR; Diane, K2DO; Rich, KE3Q; Mike, KI1U; Marius, LB3HC; George, N2GA; Martti, OH2BH; Juha, OH8NC; Ghis, ON5NT; Carine, ON7LX; Claude, ON7TK; Alex, OZ7AM; Kenneth, OZ1IKY; Yuri, VE3DZ and Ed, VE3FWA. Two Hunt Awards Those making a QSO with at least 5 different islands will have a corresponding number of tickets placed into a lottery for a free trip to the Azores (e.g. if you have QSOs with 7 islands, you will get 7 lottery tickets). Additionally, the first 25 operators making QSOs with all 9 islands will be eligible for a second lottery. The free trips are from the closest airport served by SATA; including flight, accommodation and transfers. During or immediately after the weekend, the logs will be posted on Club Log to display your band/mode slots. The lottery will be drawn on October 15, 2012. QSL Cards All QSOs will be confirmed through the bureau network with special full-color cards. Direct QSL requests via José Melo, CU2CE (via Dave Raycroft, ICPO mailing list via ODXA yg via DXLD) ** BANGLADESH. [Re 12-32] So which frequency if any is BB testing today? I have seen no reports at all of 7250 or 15520 yet (Glenn Hauser, 1533 UT Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Certainly was not on 7250 when checking from about 1200 to past 1300. Did not hear them on 15520 either. Today (Aug 9) heard series of IDs on 4749.95 for "Programa Satu, Radio Republik Indonesia Makassar" at 1233 at a decent level, with light QRM underneath with reciting from the Qur'an, which I assume was Bangladesh Betar. Wrong format for CNR1 QRM (Ron Howard, California, 1601 UT Aug 9, ibid.) Here in Egypt, 7250 is having CRI Nepali section, 15520 is having WYFR. Waiting for 1600 to see if Bangladesh is transmitting the Arabic section (Tarek Zeidan, Cairo, Egypt, 1558 UT Aug 9, ibid.) 1617 UT, I can hear Quran recitation on 7250 kHz; just started (Tarek Zeidan, ibid.) Hi, just as Tarek, I heard something weak on 7250 and WYFR on 15520. After 1600, 7250 had 1240 Hz tones which turned out to be AIR Panaji starting Farsi at 1615. 15520 had an empty carrier, strong signal, and when I checked again at 1614 Bangladesh Betar was on with its Arabic program. Subcontinental music, talk in UNID language, so far in good modulation. At 1615 announcement in what sounds like Arabic to me, in bad modulation (scratchy sound, interruptive audio, at times woosh- woosh sound instead of studio feed). Maybe they play with their schedule, figuring out the QRM situation? 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Zingst / Germany, 1623 UT Aug 9, ibid.) Currently hearing Bangladesh (1648 UT) on 15520 with presumed Bangla music, SINPO 45343. Does anyonw know the email address for (a) the English service team and (b) the engineering dept? (Roger Tidy, London, UK, ibid.) (a) betar.external @ yahoo.com (b) rrc @ dhaka.net (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Siliguri, W.B., India, ibid.) 15520 kHz Aug 09. At 1730 UT heard a - according to Perseus browser - 1029 Hertz test tone. 1755 UT, and Ethiopian jamming like WHITE NOISE digital signal is also again UNDERNEATH program audio from Dhaka on 15511 to 15529 kHz frequency range. Maybe the BBEF Made in China firm delivered that jamming audio option facility also on their modulator PC, but engineers at Dhaka Khabipur CAN't HANDLE that properly? 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 9, ibid.) 15520, Bangladesh Betar, 1743-1859*, August 9 with poor reception and sounded like some white noise jamming. Was in English, but hard to make out a lot of what was said; just bits and pieces. Thanks again to Swopan Chakroborty for the tip about this frequency. Highlights: 1743: External Service IS; time pips; news in English; break in the news for ID: “This is Bangladesh Betar bringing you the news”; weather (“thundershowers”); followed by “News Commentary”. 1801: Reciting from the Qur’an. 1830: Seemed to be the Voice of Islam program in English; clearly talking in English about the holy month of Ramadan and holy Qur’an. Not sure just when this program actually started, 1801? 1836: Interesting break in the program to play pop song by Sting, “I’ll Be Watching You”. 1845: End of program; played pop and rap songs (Celine Dion “If You Asked Me To”, etc.) 1859: sounded like sign off announcement and went to test tone. https://www.box.com/s/6cb53917e838e0d92d03 contains edited MP3 audio (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15520 - Tune in at 1955 to signal with sub-continental music. Followed by OM & YL with announcements in unID language, Bengali? sounded to my untrained ear similar to Japanese. Announcements were barely readable with YL a little better than the OM. Announcements continued up until nearly precisely 2000, then nothing. Carrier remained on until 2003. Signal was fair but there was a static like buzz that interfered with being able to ID any specific announcements so no ID was heard. Buzz disappeared when carrier went off at 2003. Cairo is listed here until 2000 but did not sound like any Egyptian transmitter I have heard in over 40 years of DX'ing. It was too clean despite the buzz heard. At same time India on 11670 was coming in with a huge signal (Stephen Wood, Harwich, Mass., Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) PRETTY SURE it is Bangladesh as they were on last night (our time!), 15519.6, and with that buzz as well (Victor Goonetilleke, Sri Lanka, August 10, ibid.) I recommend you report this too to rrc @ dhaka.net --- they will QSL and these recordings & reports are very much appreciated. I hope when it goes regular you will find the 1230-1300 English Broadcast with good quality reception. Actually Ethiopia is trying to jam possible Eritrean transmission so white noise jamming observed on 15520 frequently in Europe and Egypt too (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Siliguri, W.B., India, Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15520, Dhaka noted 1325-1430, testing, Bangladesh music, traditional and modern, woman announcing, including address and test tones. Fair to good signal. No sign of white noise misplaced Ethiopian jamming. 8- 10-12 (Don Jensen, Kenosha WI, dxingwithcumbre yg via DXLD) Hi Don, You were hearing them better than I was here in Calif. Also noted 1344* and start of test tone till *1358 and External Service IS and time pips. Reception poor, with QRM from assume sign on of WYFR at 1402. https://www.box.com/s/c5158c95c2f86d4e3a25 contains MP3 audio of their External Service IS (Ron Howard, ibid.) 15520, Bangladesh Betar, 1344* and *1358, August 10. Test tone from 1344 to 1358; External Service IS and time pips. Reception poor, with QRM from assume sign on of WYFR at 1402. https://www.box.com/s/c5158c95c2f86d4e3a25 contains MP3 audio of their External Service IS. I did not notice any jamming (white noise) today. Very nice to see so many others hearing them on this new frequency! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15520, new transmitter test of Bangladesh Betar external service is poorly audible Aug 10: 1322 tune-in to S Asian language, 1325 into singing, at first sounding Qur`anish, but probably not; tenor with lite drumming. There is also continuous noise along with it, and with BFO the carrier seems slightly unstable. It also seems the noise is coming out of the same transmitter, not jamming or QRM. 1329, announcement and different S Asia music 1344, YL announcement, drumming? Or just noise 1344.6, het starts – no, it`s not, but rather intentional DSB tone test since peaks on both sides of carrier; pitch D#6 on my keyboard, circa 1245 Hz. Only the tone until: 1357.5, music starts, believe it is a 10-note IS, repeated, reminiscent of AIR`s instrumentation 1359.8, 5+1 timesignal ends early, announcement, and news? Some S Asian language, no doubt 1408, adds some ``frying`` buzz with bits of news 1412, to music again sounds Qur`anish at first; variety of music past 1425, always with the accompanying noise 1430, tone test again, and noise, altho the rumble could be taken for drumming 1454, some talk starts, uncertain source 1500, once again, just tone and noise on the carrier 1514, IS and another fast 5+1 timesignal to 1514:37; music and apparently opening another service 1530, talk and music continue, signal weakening The continuous noise does not sound at all like DRM. There had been theories that 15520 was bothered by Ethiopian jamming against something else, but I doubt it. YFR via UAE supposedly uses 15520 from 14 to 16, but I never heard any sign of it here. As for languages, old schedules and/or monitoring by Jose Jacob on the other test frequency, 7250, included 1315-1345 Nepali, 1400-1430 Urdu, 1515-1545 Hindi. Ron Howard et al. heard English yesterday on 15520 at 1745-1900. Beware of Turkey in English on 15520 at 1630-1725v. As for the noise, Wolfgang Büschel suggests: ``Maybe the BBEF Made in China firm delivered that jamming audio option facility also on their modulator PC, but engineers at Dhaka Khabipur CAN'T HANDLE that properly? 73 wb`` The 1245 Hz tone I independently measured on 15520 makes the following note from Eike Bierwirth yesterday pertinent: ``After 1600, 7250 had 1240 Hz tones which turned out to be AIR Panaji starting Farsi at 1615`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Switched from 17870 DRM-like jamming {see different separate dxld item under ETHIOPIA [non]} to 15520 kHz channel around 1628 UT and heard BGD identification, website-URL and UNDERNEATH some WHITE NOISE jamming signal on 15511 to 15529 kHz wide range. 73 wb (Wolfgang B:uschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I came to the frequency at 1632 and the white noise was on; but it stopped suddenly at around 1645. Seems to be produced by themselves, see how it disappears after 5 seconds: http://youtu.be/q8zelkY9vp4 (Mauno Ritola, Finland, dxingwithcumbre yg via DXLD) Listen to recording 1634-1635 UT; and live music at 1646 is also adventurous. re 15520 kHz WHITE NOISE comes ACCOMPANIED from the Dhaka MODULATOR PC, heard when tuned in at 1628 til about 1644 UT. And STOPPED noise audio by switch of the engineering personnel around 1645 UT tonight. 73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re: ``I recommend you report this too to rrc@dhaka.net; they will QSL and this recordings & reports are very much appreciated.`` I have reported to that address many times during the years, especially when they have asked for reports, but the never replied to me. If you are in touch, please forward them this video, which shows that the white noise is coming from their own transmitter: http://youtu.be/q8zelkY9vp4 The noise is worst during no modulation, weaker during speech and often disappears totally during music. 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Observations of Radio Bangladesh Betar on August 6 & 7: 1630-1730 7250*DKA 250 kW / 290 deg to N/ME Bangla 1745-1815 7250*DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English (Voice of Islam) 1815-1900 7250*DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English 1915-2000 7250 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu Bangla * co-channel 1615-1830 AIR in Farsi/Malayalam & 1840-1900 Vatican Radio in Latin New test frequency of Radio Bangladesh Betar from August 8 and continues: 1630-1730 15520 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg to N/ME Bangla 1745-1815 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English (Voice of Islam) 1815-1900 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English 1915-2000 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu Bangla Strong signal in BUL, but 1630-1725 co-ch V of Turkey in English also to N/ME! (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD) Tentatively schedule of Radio Bangladesh Betar from August 10 1230-1300 15520 DKA 250 kW / 140 deg SEAs English 1315-1345 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg SoAs Nepali 1400-1430 15520 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg WeAs Urdu, co-ch WYFR Marathi to SoAs 1515-1545 15520 DKA 250 kW / 305 deg SoAs Hindi, co-ch WYFR English to SoAs 1600-1630 15520 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg N/ME Arabic 1630-1730 15520 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg N/ME Bangla, co-ch Voice of Turkey English to ME/As 1745-1815 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu English (Voice of Islam) 1815-1900 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu English 1915-2000 15520 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu Bangla (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, 1656 UT Aug 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) English started at 1900 UT after (presumably) Bengali broadcast. Light music from the country with English announcements. 73 (Ullmar Qvick, Sweden, Aug 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bangladesh on 15520 kHz, Continuous Deep Purple music. Hum noise, but strong signal, 9 and more here in Montevideo with Kenwood TS-50 and inverted V for 40 mb. 1910-1923 UT. Distorted audio from Bangladesh Betar --- The sense of a test transmission: http://youtu.be/SDtDmImGdhE 73 from Montevideo (Rodolfo Tizzi, Aug 10, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15520, continued monitoring of Bangladesh Betar from previous report: Aug 10 at 1602: signal has declined to very poor, could be Qur`an in Arabic service; 1615 music audible. Nothing much left by 1630 when Turkey starts. (Evidently the Ethiopian DRM jamming is only around 1630-1645 per Wolfgang Büschel and Mauno Ritola). Not rechecked here until 1805 when frequency unencumbered, VP signal could be English from BB. Much weaker than Kuwait 15540. 15520, Aug 11 at 1406, poor signal with flutter, could be Urdu from BB, and now with CCI, i.e. YFR in Marathi via UAE scheduled; 1407 music unseems Christian (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re 15520 kHz: That digital like noise comes from Dhaka audio modulator of new transmitter unit. Heard at 1415-1418 UT when tuned in today Aug 11, DRM/AM-compatible mode on air again. The engineers at Dhaka Khabipur try to use PC browser options of audio modes of the new BBEF Made in China gear, on 15511 to 15529 kHz. WHITE NOISE comes ACCOMPANIED from the Dhaka MODULATOR PC, Correction: "Evidently the Ethiopian DRM jamming >l i k e< " mode, probably not ETH origin on that channel!" 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, that's what I tried to show with my video yesterday. 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) It was not clear what he meant in English by the placement of the word ``like`` (gh, DXLD) Bangladesh Betar log 3 Files (9748KB) | Download All Bangladesh Betar, 15520 kHz. 1815 (Around that time) UT 11-08-2012.mp3 Bangladesh Betar, Arabic, 15520 kHz 1601 UT 11-08-2012.mp3 Bangladesh Betar, Arabic, 15520 kHz 1628 UT 11-08-2012.mp3 First reception: 15520, 1601 UT, 11-08-2012. After Family Radio ended its broadcasts I finally could see if it was possible to listen to Bangladesh Betar. There was a transmission in Arabic, starting with an off-vocal track, then the Holy Quran recitation and at 1608 a news bulletin by male announcer. The SINPO was 45343. According to the schedule published last week, at this time Bangladesh Betar is broadcasting in Arabic. So, it must be Bangladesh and the clue to prove this is that the announcer mentioned the country of Bangladesh at 1615. The transmitter has an additional noise when broadcasting, kind of white noise, but it isn't that much! Second reception: 15520, 1745 UT, 11-08-2012. Confirmed it is Bangladesh Betar. This time broadcasting an English language news bulletin by male announcer but unfortunately there is some interference from another station I believe is The Voice of Turkey in English or another language [Turkey finishes before 1730 --- gh]. SINPO 44443. 1803 UT ID The Voice of The Islam, English service of Bangladesh Betar and then a recitation of the Holy Quran. At 1808 ``...you are listening to the External service of Bangladesh Betar...`` and then was played a song. SINPO 34433. Unfortunately, I also have to say I noticed that most of the noise, that white noise I mentioned at first, is caused from their transmitter and not from another transmission. I guess it is some damage on the transmitter (Leonardo Santiago, Venezuela, August 14, with clips, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15520, Aug 11 at 1820, very poor signal with flutter, talk, presumably English from Bangladesh Betar. We might have better luck if they broadcast English at 1230-1300 on 15520 rather than 7250 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bangladesh Betar: Tonight test on new frequency 15105 kHz. http://swopan.blogspot.in/2012/08/tonight-12.html#links Thanks, (Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, India, Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENINNG DIGEST) [non?]. 15520, Aug 12 at 1348, no signal at all, so is Bangladesh Betar somewhere else today? Yes! Just in from Swopan Chakroborty that today`s test frequency is 15105 at 12-20, reports eagerly awaited at rrc @ dhaka.net about reception and to betar.external @ yahoo.com about programming. 15105, Aug 12 at 1424, very poor signal with talk, probably Urdu as per previous scheduling. It`s one of the many wooden DKA frequencies registered in HFCC --- but at 11-13 only. If they really stay on it until 2000 it will collide with: 1400-1430 BBC Hausa via Ascension - oh2, I may have heard that, not BB 1557-1627 TWR Kirundi via Swaziland 1800-1830 BBC French via Ascension 1930-2000 BBC Hausa via Ascension and/or Woofferton (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Bangladesh Betar on new 15505, ex 15520 from today Aug.12 Frequency changes of Radio Bangladesh Betar from August 12: 1230-1300 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 140 deg SEAs English, ex 15520 1315-1345 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg SoAs Nepali, ex 15520 1400-1430 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg WeAs Urdu, ex 15520 1515-1545 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 305 deg SoAs Hindi, ex 15520 1600-1630 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg N/ME Arabic, ex 15520 1630-1730 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg N/ME Bangla, ex 15520 1745-1815 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu English VOIslam, ex 15520 1815-1900 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu English, ex 15520 1915-2000 NF 15505 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg WeEu Bangla, ex 15520 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Looks like 15105 was a mistake. Anyone confirm which one is really on? (gh, 1629 UT) 15505, Bangladesh Betar heard testing on this new frequency from 1539 to 1545*, August 12. Clear of any QRM, much stronger signal than I heard recently on 7250 or 15520; music had good audio but sign off announcement seemed rather muffled/distorted; also prominent hum; subcontinent music/songs; sign off announcement with ID assume in Hindi and went to test tone. Edited MP3 audio at https://www.box.com/s/01a004cff7d24dce1344 with ID at 01:10 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing here in France on 15505 and 15105 (Jean-Michel Aubier, 1633 UT, ibid.) Clear and strong signal without "DRM" noise on new 15505 1400-1430 in Urdu and 1515-1545 in Hindi, BUT NO SIGNAL on 15505 (strong QRM from 15500 EDC Sudan Radio Service Darfur Program 1600-1700) or 15520 or 7250 from 1600 in Arabic and 1630-1730 in Bangla. Also no signal on other WOODEN registered freqs: 9550/11915/11995/13700/17695/17825. Much mystery puzzle! 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, 1635 UT Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing heard from Dhaka 15505 kHz yet, in Germany either (Wolfgang Büschel, 1752 UT, ibid.) Nothing on 15105 or 15505 here in UK either. 73s (Tony Molloy, 1643 UT, ibid.) Hmmm, 15520 at 1710 sounds Turkish nonstop music (Jari Savolainen, Finland, ibid.) Yes indeed; it's VOT in English (Aubier, 1718 UT, ibid.) 15505, nothing heard yet from Radio Bangladesh Betar, Khabipur, but I think the station is now on 15105 kHz at 1250-1300 UT, heard some Holy Quran comment in English, and followed by popular western music. And typical WHITE NOISE sound audio in the background too. Final announcement at 1259 UT Good Bye. And since 1300 UT an 1119 Hertz measuring alignement procedure? 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, 1303 UT Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) True - Mauno Ritola also reports about Bangladesh - "Now at 1310, 1125 Hz test tone and the digital hash noise heard on 15105 kHz" I found - same here, test tone gone at 1313 and Bangladesh Betar signature tune, Nepali service with Digital # (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Siliguri, W.B., India, 1330 UT Aug 13, ibid.) Video Logs of Bangladesh Betar External Services new (Thompson) Transmitter test: Bangladesh Betar 13 August 2012 1315 UT 15105 kHz Nepali Service http://youtu.be/SUGx4WUgvBs Bangladesh Betar 14 August 2012 1957 UT 7105 kHz Bengali Service http://youtu.be/qSEfGI2vIBQ Bangladesh Betar 14 August 2012 1959 UT 7105 kHz Bengali Service http://youtu.be/UggEpb2K5nk (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Aug 14, ibid.) [and non]. 15105, as in previous report from Swopan Chakroborty that it was the Aug 12 test frequency from BB, not so by when I tuned in, BBC Ascension in Hausa at 1424 August 12 --- since Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria soon reported that BB was on 15505, heard until 1545*. Several tried to hear it after then on 15105, 15505 or 15520 with no results. Was 15105 a typo for 15505? I also tried all three at 1820, when BB should have been in English, but the only signal was on 15105 in French, i.e. BBC Ascension again. HOWEVER, it may well have started out on 15105 August 12 since on August 13 it was definitely on 15105! As I learned later, Ron Howard, Partha Sarathi Goswami, Wolfgang Büschel and Mauno Ritola were all hearing it earlier, and at my 1356 tune-in, poor signal with tone test, 1357 the BB IS, 1400 timesignal about 7 sex late, and opening, Urdu, I think, 1402 mentioning ``Yih Bangladesh Betar``, but dumped off the air at 1402:35*. There remained however a very weak het between a signal on 15105 and an E6 or Eb6 above it, i.e. about 1.3 kHz. Or was it a power and modulation drop at BB and into a tone test? Their experimental phase can be quite confusing. Since I was really listening on my 88.1 MHz FM feeder from the FRG-7 to the breakfast table DX-390, and wanted to finish my strawberries and home-grown cantaloupe, I did not immediately check the other possible BB frequencies. You`d think they`d at least stay on the same frequency during a single language service. But at 1424, there it is on 15505 instead, with vocal S Asian music, along with the usual self-imposed noise, altho difficult to distinguish from the propeller-jammer accompanying Firedrake on adjacent 15500. At 1430 modulation quit on 15505, but the noise/roar continued, still past 1445, and Firedrake/noise adjacent was gone by 1434. Recheck at 1638, not heard on 15105, 15505 or 15520=Turkey. Also, re my Aug 10 log on 15520, `` (Evidently the Ethiopian DRM jamming is only around 1630-1645 per Wolfgang Büschel and Mauno Ritola).`` They say it was the Ethiopian-*like* jamming sound, but really noise coming from the BB transmitter (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also UNIDENTIFIED 11995 Hi! I confirm that BB was on 15505 kHz on Aug 12 from 1400 to 1431 UT. On Aug 13 there was just a carrier on 15505 from 1400 to 1500, then a tone from 1500 to 1515, followed by time signal and talk by YL alternating with musical interludes. BB is recognizable with a buzzing tone over the broadcast. Didn't try 15105. [later:] Now since 1400 UT I can hear R. Bangladesh on 15105 kHz. SINPO 34433, slight interference from station on same frequency, but much better sound than on 15505 or 15520 during the past days. No buzzing and clearer modulation. No idea of target? Reception here in the north of France is fair (Sony ICF SW40 with rx's whip antenna). Will try to get QSL card. Best 73's (Max Bénard, France, Aug 14, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Max, Tnx for your observations. 1400 service is supposed to be in Urdu, so must be for Pakistan (a.k.a. West Bangladesh, hi). The other 15105 station at 1400-1430 is presumably BBC in Hausa via Ascension. 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) New schedule: 1230-1300: 15105 kHz/English 1400-1430: 15505 kHz/Urdu 1515-1545: 15505 kHz/Hindi 1745-1900: 7105 kHz/English 1915-2000: 7105 kHz/Bangla http://swopan.blogspot.in/2012/08/present-schedule-of-bangladesh-betar.html Thanks, (Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, India, 0312 UT Aug 14, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Swopan Chakroborty in West Bengal, who seems to be in contact with Bangladesh Betar, reported early UT Aug 14 that the new schedule would now be: [as above] His blog also says, ``They have some problem in audio input to the Thomson make transmitter`` so it is not a Chinese one. Haven`t BB heard that 7105 is now in a worldwide exclusive hamband? Just ask Myanmar on 7110. I was looking forward to hearing English at 1230 on 15105. But at 1239, only a JBA carrier, aside much stronger CRI on 15110. Nothing on 15505 or 15520. Seems BB still is not matching reality with schedules. At 1359 Aug 14 I am hearing their IS on 15105, not 15505, very poor, and 1400 timesignal about 5 seconds late. What about Nepali and Arabic, no longer trying those languages? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hindi program closed down at 1545* on 15105, fair (John Herkimer, NY, Aug 14, NASWA yg via DXLD) Bangladesh Betar, 7105 kHz, 1820 UT --- Nice clear S9+40 dB signal here at 1820, very little interference or fading, music and English commentary. Audio still seems indistinct in AM mode, much better clarity in USB mode (Tony Molloy, nr Winter Hill, UK Aug 14, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Transmission finished at 1900 UT now running test tone (Tony Molloy, 1903 UT, ibid.) Now at 1940 UT another broadcast of S=9+25dB noted on 7105 kHz. This segment of ITU plan belongs to Amateur Radio worldwide from 7000 to 7200 kHz. The first broadcast channel is 7205 kHz and upwards. I'll inform the IARU and ITU bandwatch organizations immediately, to stop these unlawful behaviour of - most probably - Bangladesh Betar Radio broadcaster. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) viz.: Re tests on amateur radio band frequency 7105 kHz of these Made in China [sic] BBEF transmitter from Radio Bangladesh Betar Khabipur site on August 14th. This is causing very harmful interference to the Amateur Radio Service world wide. The Amateur Radio Service has an exclusive allocation in this range. As the range 7000-7200 kHz is allocated world wide to the Amateur Radio Service, these transmissions are causing very harmful interference to the Radio Amateurs world wide. See United Nations ITU Radio Regulations of ITU 4.5 and Circular Letter of ITU Switzerland CR/282 3.2! The Radio Amateurs of the world have the right to use their exclusive Amateur Radio frequencies without the very harmful interference of "Bangladesh Betar". Dear radio amateurs, thank you very much for taking action on this matter! http://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CEoQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.itu.int%2Fmd%2Fdologin_md.asp%3Flang%3Des%26id%3DR00-CR-CIR-0282!!PDF-E&ei=ArIqUM63Mojf4QT50IGABQ&usg=AFQjCNHHwK7O9uIFMeKgGEMSznG7FP5U8Q&cad=rja Y:\APP\PDF_SERVER\BR\IN\282E.DOC United Nations ITU 16 April 2008 see page-2 3.2 The allocation to the amateur service in the band 7 100-7 200 kHz, in Regions 1 and 3, will become effective on 30 March 2009. As from that date (i.e. as from season A-09), the band 7100-7200 kHz will no longer be available for HF broadcasting in any ITU Region and will be excluded from the procedure governed by Article 12 of the Radio Regulations. see page-6 Annex 2 Allocation situation in force after 29 March 2009 Allocation to services 7000-7100 AMATEUR AMATEUR-SATELLITE 5.140 5.141 5.141A 7100-7200 AMATEUR 5.141A 5.141B 7200-7300 BROADCASTING / different No&SoAmerica: exclusive 7200-7300 AMATEUR 5.142 7300-7400 BROADCASTING 5.134 5.143 5.143A 5.143B 5.143C 5.143D 7400-7450 BROADCASTING 5.143B 5.143C 5.143A 5.143C 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) As Swopan Chakraborty reports via the sources in Bangladesh Betar, the transmitter is Thompson One, and they claimed the hash problem is generated via the audio modulator while mixing the audio feed taken from studio via FM transmissions (Partha Sarathi Goswami, WB, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bangladesh Betar 4750 kHz with morning transmission is noted today 15th August 2012 from 0030 UT. Today is the anniversary of the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman which is observed in Bangladesh as a mourning day. Not sure if this is a special transmission only for today or is it here to stay. 4750 kHz is listed 0600-1500 UT and carries domestic programming. Timings are variable and often observed till 1600 with good signals here in eastern India (Supratik Sanatani, WB, ibid.) Last night (Aug. 14) they had a good signal on 15105 kHz until sign off at 1545 with full ID, including English. Not on 15505 as previously stated. Also on 15105 TWR Swaziland came on at 1556 with IS & ID before program at 1557 in presumable Kirundi. 73, (Erik Koie, Copenhagen, Denmark, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15105, August 15 at 1240, no signal from Bangladesh Betar when supposedly on in English, nor on alternates 15505, 15520. Nothing on 15105 at 1339 (there should be a Nepali service in here at 1315-1345, as heard Aug 13 on 15105 by Partha Sarathi Goswami, West Bengal). Before 1400 I am standing by on 15105, and yes, again today it comes on at *1358, not 15505 as allegedly scheduled, very weak signal but enough to recognize the IS before presumed Urdu; it was so weak and fading out that I could not detect a timesignal, unless it was too far displaced from hourtop (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) For the record, I was hearing Bangladesh Aug 14 at tune-in 1655 on 15505 kHz until sign-off at 1730. Today 15 Aug, I am hearing Bangladesh again on 15505 at 1705 tune-in. 73 (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) BB currently on 15505 with good signal, S9 +40dB, very slight noise and fading, audio much clearer than previously (Tony Molloy, nr Winter Hill, UK, 1711 UT Aug 15, ibid.) August 15 on 15505 heard strong open carrier for a short while at 1439 and suspect Bangladesh transmitter. Open carrier on at 1510; test tone; 1513 External Service IS and pips; 1515 into Hindi and subcontinent music. Almost fair with transmitter hum (Ron Howard, Calif., USA, 1736 UT Aug 15, ibid.) Seit 1630 verfolge ich Bangladesh Betar auf 15505 kHz. Signalstärke S9+20 dB. Die gestern beobachtete QRG, 7105 kHz wird heute nicht eingesetzt. 73 (Wolf-Dieter Behnke, Europe, A-DX via Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7105 on air, Test tones around 1747 UT, English news started at 1753 UT. 73 (Wolfgang Büschell, ibid.) NOCH nicht .... Jetzt ist der Carrier wieder on air auf 7105. Die Brüder in Dhaka legen eine katastrophale Testphase mit verschiedenen Testtönen, eigenen Programmen, aber auch WEISSEM Rauschen Jamming hin. Jetzt 1753 UT nach einigen Testönen startet man wieder auf 7105 kHz Muss mal die IARU Bandwacht sowie die asiatische HFCC die ABU in Malaysia darauf ansetzen. BGD ist ja nicht Eritrea oder Uganda ... 1754 der Carrier ist kurz weg. z.Zt engl. Nachrichten. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Stuttgart, 1755 UT Aug 15, A-DX via wb, DXLD) Re 7105 usage by broadcaster at Dhaka Khabipur. Must go to the ABU Asia organization in K-L Malaysia to inform them about this behaviour. There are 278 more or less free channels in 7205 to 7595 kHz frequency range in 41 meter band. No expertise on engineer staff of Radio Bangladesh Betar Khabipur. Now strong CW signal heard ahead in east Asia remote unit. 73 wb (Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) BB currently on 15505 with good signal S9 +40 dB, very slight noise and fading, audio much clearer than previously (Tony Molloy, nr Winter Hill, UK, 1700 UT Aug 15, bdxcuk yg via DXLD) BB signing on at 1915 on 7105 S9+50 dB, good signal with some noise and slight fading, audio slightly muffled (Tony Molloy, nr Winter Hill, UK, Aug 15, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) And BGD Betar left their test QRG 7105 kHz, closedown after 2020 UT. 73 wb (Büschel, Aug 15, ibid.) [gh summarized the above on WORLD OF RADIO 1630] ** BELGIUM [non]. NEW NAME FOR TDP - Ludo Maes of NASB Associate Member TDP sends us the following news: "There are some changes in our organisation that we want to inform you about. 1) TDP ceased to exist on July 31, 2012. 2) A new company called Broadcast Belgium has been set up. Its activities are frequency management, international radio consultancy, digital radio expertise and monitoring. We would appreciate if you can update our contact details wherever necessary. Please delete our company name TDP and replace it with Broadcast Belgium. Please delete our e-mail address info@transmitter.org and replace it with ludo.maes@broadcast.be Kind regards, Ludo -------------------------------------------------- BROADCAST BELGIUM Tel : +32 33 14 78 00 P.O. Box 1 Mob : +32 477 477 800 2310 Rijkevorsel E-mail : ludo.maes@broadcast.be BELGIUM Web : http://www.broadcast.be/ (NASBshortwave Facebook August 12 via DXLD) Let`s hope he leaves up all the TDP website info about documenting transmitters, etc. (gh, DXLD) ** BHUTAN. A look at the Bhlutan QSL: http://moladx.blogspot.com/2012/07/bhutan-broadcasting-sce-6035-khz-timbu.html (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 4716.71, 2320-2400 07.08, R Yatun Ayllu, Yura, Yura Spanish talk and shouting, Andean music 25322 5580.29, 2335-0010 01-02.08, R San José, San José de Chiquitos, Spanish, monotonous religious talk, hymn 25332 6134.84, 2335-2345 09.08, R Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Spanish talk, ads, 33333, adjacent QRM (Anker Petersen, from Skovlunde, Denmark, heard on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 4876.7, R. Dif.ª de Roraima, Boa Vista RR, 2137-2146, 11/8, songs; 34231, unstable carrier, CODAR QRM. 4985, R. Brasil Central, Goiânia GO, 2123-2136, 11/8, talks, national anthem prior to some football match report at 2129; 35242, weak modulation; // 11815 off these days. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. Einige Brasilianer auch noch in der Daemmerungszone ueber dem Atlantik: 5940.150 Voz Missionária, Camboriú, SC, sowie Super R Deus é Amor, Curitiba, PR auf 9565.059 und 11764.923 kHz mit dem endlosen Sermon in Portugiesisch (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. Radio Gaucha, Porto Alegre, en 6020 --- Con buena señal, mucho mejor que lo habitual, transmitiendo fútbol a las 1833 por 6020. Quizás por eso con mas potencia, pero casi al nivel de Guaiba en 6000. 73 desde Montevideo (Rodolfo Tizzi, Aug 15, condiglist yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. Ola amigos, estava eu monitorando a EBC / Rádio Nacional de Brasília hoje (11/08/2012) em 6180 kHz, mas quando deu 00h00 a mesma simplesmente saiu do ar. Será que ela após as 00h00 desliga os transmissores? Atenciosamente, (Maurício Pimenta - PY4ID, 0304 UT Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Therefore he must mean local midnight = 0300* UT. For once something from him that is not spam, extracted from my spam folder. Says 6180 disappeared at that time (gh, DXLD) Glenn, On 12 Aug 2012, receiving Radio Station "RN DA AMAZONIA" in SW Oklahoma on Shortwave Radio in Portuguese/English at 0400-0700 UT at 6180 and 11780 kHz. SINPO is 44455 on both bands. Program is heavy music with occasional station ID with news on the hour and remainder of program consisting of latin/brasillian pop music. Sincerely, (Tim - AI5U Sternberg, Lawton OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Tim, Brasil is not in English at all, unless there was something fleeting or song lyrics. However, at 04-05, Deutsche Welle is also on 6180 in English via Rwanda. Was it that interference which was in English? (Glenn to Tim via DXLD) Glenn, It is highly possible I heard spats of interference between the two in English. I will have to listen again tonight to see if this reoccurs. Thanks (Tim - AI5U, ibid.) ** BRAZIL. QSL: Rádio 9 de Julho 9820 kHz - Rua Manoel de Arzão 85 - Freguesia do O' - 02730-030 São Paulo SP - Brasil con lettera in 44 giorni. v/s Pe. Josè Renato Ferreira, Diretor. 1 IRC (Roberto Pavanello, Vercelli / Italia, via Roberto Scaglione, shortwave yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 5940, R. Voz Missionária, Camboriú SC, 2152-2214, 11/8, Castilian, religious propaganda + songs until about 2205, then ID + frequency announcement in Portuguese and into "Musical RVM"; 45433. [Castilian??? Could it be Portuñol from Davi Miranda, i.e. to a native Portuguese speaker sounding more like Spanish? --- gh] 6055.9, SRDA, Curitiba PR, 2119-2132, 09/8, shouting preacher (D. Miranda); 23431, QRM de Argentina. [Must have meant 6059.9 --- gh] 6160.9, UNID (two stations listed), 2118-2132, 09/8, religious propaganda; 25331. Canada also observed. on this very frequency on 13/8, 2216. [see NEWFOUNDLAND] 9629.9, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2114-2127, 11/8, mass; 44433, weak modulation, adjacent QRM. 9675. R. Canção Nova, Cachoeira Paulista SP, 2201-2216, 09/8, A Voz do Brasil; 45444, but weak & a bit distorted modulation. 9814.9, R. 9 de Julho, São Paulo SP, 2205-2213, 09/8, A Voz do Brasil; 43442, adjacent QRM de China on 9820. 11764.95, SRDA, Curitiba PR, 1112-f/out 1205, 11/8, preacher; 24432. Sole Brazilian 25 m band station audible at this time. 11855. R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2112-2125, 11/8, cf. // 9629.9 above; 35433, weak modulation. 15191.5. R. Inconfidência, Belo Horizonte MG, 1401-1519, 13/8, ID + frequency announcement, talks on the olympics,..., newscast at 1500; 25432, QRM at 1500. 15191.5, ditto, 2152-2215, 13/8, "Inconfidência Notícias", announced. "Desportos pelo Ar" to be aired at 2300, after A Voz do Brasil relay, at 2200; 45444. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BURKINA FASO. [Re 12-32:] Radio Burkina and shortwave I've no doubt that Radio Burkina is no longer on shortwave (last reported here February 2010, on 5030 kHz), but they don't all seem aware of that at the station itself: The past few days I've been monitoring Radio Burkina's live audio stream via their revamped and very colourful website at http://rtb.bf (new URL), and though live announcements refer only to FM, they occasionally air a canned promo for their two shortwave frequencies - 5030 and 7??? [presumably listed 7230] kHz! Radio Burkina is observed broadcasting round the clock, not merely for Ramadan (the country is 60% muslim) as their website banner proclaims "Tous les jours 24h/24". RTB TV is also available on a live stream from this website (David Kernick, England, Aug 12, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CAMEROON [non?]. Nigeria's Guardian newspaper reports that the "Bakassi Self-Determination Front" (BSDF) began broadcasts from its radio station, called Dayspring, on 6 August "at noon". It is said to operate on the "4.2 MHz and 5.2 MHz band". (This might mean "between" 4200 and 5200.) See http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95129:bakassi-declares-independence-hoists-flag&catid=1:national&Itemid=559 Note: The Bakassi peninsula was handed over from Nigeria to Cameroon a few years ago, in line with a ruling of the International Court of Justice. However, many local residents were unhappy with being transferred to Cameroonian sovereignty (Chris Greenway, UK, Aug 10, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. A RENAISSANCE FOR AM RADIO IN MONTREAL To get you up to speed on everything that’s happened recently and is on the doorstep for this fall, here’s a look at what’s going on, on a station-by-station basis: 600 — TBA This frequency, which has been silent since the days of CIQC, could soon be home to Montreal’s newest English-language radio station. Businessmen Paul Tietolman, Nicolas Tétrault and Rajiv Pancholy have applied to the CRTC for an English news-talk station, which would be a sister station to the French station that was approved last year for 940 AM. The application will be heard at the Sept. 10 CRTC hearing. Approval is likely, since the CRTC indicated in November that the only reason the station wasn’t approved then was a lack of available frequency. No decisions have been made yet as far as programming, but former CJAD program director Steve Kowch and former 940 News program director Jim Connell are part of the management team. The group is proposing the station have live local programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with live coverage of breaking news. 690 — CKGM (TSN Radio) Montreal’s English sports talk station is in limbo. Owner Bell Media has proposed switching the station from English to French (but keeping its all-sports format) in order to respect ownership limits in its proposed purchase of Astral Media. An application to change the station’s licence will be heard at the Sept. 10 CRTC hearing, and the commission has received hundreds of comments. As they await a decision, which could take months, it’s business as usual. A change in frequency, approved in November by the CRTC, will see the station move from 990 to 690 kHz in September (no exact date is set yet, Bell Media says), which is a clear channel and should have a better signal in the West Island and other areas at night. TSN will simulcast on both frequencies for three months before vacating 990. 730 — CKAC (Radio Circulation) Montreal’s all-traffic station, which turns one year old on Sept. 6, isn’t getting anyone to tune in for hours on end, so its market share is almost zero, but about a million francophone listeners are tuning in for at least a minute or two every week. Thankfully, the station doesn’t have to worry too much about advertising, since it gets a subsidy of $1.5 million a year from the Quebec ministry of transport. That deal lasts another two years. 800 — CJAD Montreal’s self-described news-talk leader isn’t announcing any big changes this fall, program director Chris Bury says. Its weekday lineup, shuffled a year ago to make room for veteran Aaron Rand, remains stable, with Andrew Carter, Tommy Schnurmacher, Ric Peterson, Suzanne Desautels and Barry Morgan. The station added Montreal Impact home games to its schedule this year as a way of compensating for the loss of Canadiens games to TSN Radio, though with the proposed language switch of TSN, Bell plans to bring Habs games back to CJAD. CJAD also continues to air Alouettes games. The biggest change behind the scenes is one of venue — it is moving over the coming weeks, along with CHOM and Virgin, from Fort St. to the Astral building at Papineau Ave. and René Lévesque Blvd. 940 — TBA Silent since Jan. 29, 2010, this clear-channel frequency will soon roar back to life as Tietolman-Tétrault-Pancholy Media launches a French-language news-talk station this fall or early next year. Approved by the CRTC in November, the station would, like its proposed English counterpart at 600 AM, have live local programming 24/7, and hosts with differing political views would be paired together à la The Odd Couple. 990 — TBA (Radio Fierté) TSN Radio’s move this fall from 990 to 690 kHz will make room for a new French-language station targeting Montreal’s gay community, which the CRTC also approved last November. Radio Fierté will be owned by Evanov Radio Group, which owns Proud FM in Toronto. The station will operate with a hybrid music/talk format, starting at some point in 2013, vice-president Carmela Laurignano says. They’re still in the first stages, she says, and have their eye on a couple of key management people. 1040 — CJMS Talk and country music station in St. Constant. 1280 — CFMB Multilingual station with programming in 23 languages. 1410 — CJWI (CPAM Radio Union) This frequency will be the new home of Montreal’s Haitian radio station, which operates entirely in French. The frequency change from 1610, approved by the CRTC in 2009, is expected soon, along with a power increase. The station is still recovering from a firebombing of its Crémazie Blvd. offices in July. 1450 — CHOU (Radio Moyen-Orient) A multilingual station with programming mainly in Arabic and related languages. 1570 — CJLV A Laval-based French-language station playing oldies music, CJLV’s future is in doubt. A year ago, owner Jasvir Singh Sandhu wrote to the CRTC to say he had already invested more than $500,000 in the money- losing station and was unwilling to keep supporting it in its current form. Owner Radio Humsafar Inc. proposed turning it into a multilingual ethnic station, threatening to shut it down otherwise. In March, the CRTC denied the application, citing the market’s inability to support another multilingual radio station. The station continues to operate. 1610 — CJWI (CPAM Radio Union) See 1410. 1650 — CJRS (Radio Shalom) Montreal’s all-Jewish radio station is volunteer-driven, with talk programming in English, French, Hebrew and Yiddish six days a week. (It airs French gospel music during Shabbat.) 1690 — CJLO Concordia University’s student-run radio station has an eclectic mix of programming, from talk to jazz to heavy metal to gospel music. © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette --- Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/renaissance+radio+Montreal/7073268/story.html#ixzz23HiN5gJ8 (Via @yimbergaviria, Aug 12, noticiasdx yg via DXLD) [and non] ON MONTREAL'S FM DIAL A SHUFFLING OF TALENT BETWEEN STATIONS Cat Spencer was one of three Virgin Radio stars poached by The Beat in its first year - Photograph by: André Tremblay, Montreal Gazette Files To get you up to speed on everything that’s happened recently and is on the doorstep for this fall, here’s a look at what’s going on, on a station-by-station basis: 88.5 — CBME-FM (CBC Radio One) The public broadcaster’s lineup of local talent here is stable, with Mike Finnerty in mornings, Bernard St-Laurent at noon and Sue Smith in afternoons. In June, Sonali Karnick was made the permanent host of the All in a Weekend morning show, taking over from retiring veteran Dave Bronstetter. 89.3 — CISM-FM Université de Montréal’s student station continues to have about 80 shows on its schedule this fall, programming director Étienne Dubuc says, including Session Live à CISM, which features a live music performance. 89.9 — CKKI-FM (Kahnawake Keeps It Country) The private country music station, which operated as a pirate station before getting CRTC approval a year ago, has made few announcements since then, but continues to broadcast country music with a bit of spoken-word programming. 90.3 — CKUT-FM McGill’s student radio station celebrates its 25th anniversary this fall with special events and programming, says outreach coordinator Caitlin Manicom. “We’re also planning a massive alumni outreach campaign,” she adds, and wants anyone who has ever worked there to get in touch through the station’s website, ckut.ca. 91.3 — CIRA-FM (Radio Ville-Marie) French-language talk station with Catholic religious programming. 91.9 — CKLX-FM (Planète Jazz) Owner RNC Media has thrown in the towel on the all-jazz format, saying revenues are less than 20 per cent of what they hoped when they started it. So the company has decided to import the populist talk format used at Quebec City’s CHOI Radio X, a station that has been denounced as right-wing “trash talk” by its critics. Radio X Montreal launches Aug. 20, and RNC has applied to the CRTC to eliminate a condition of the station’s licence requiring it to air 75 per cent jazz. That application will be heard at the Sept. 10 hearing, and the station will air jazz outside of peak hours until a decision is reached. Confirmed personalities for Radio X include Carl Monette, Martin Pelletier, Dominic Maurais, Éric Duhaime, Marie-Claude Savard, Jean-Charles Lajoie and Vincent Dessureault. 92.5 — CKBE-FM (The Beat) When it relaunched last year, casting off the dated Q92 brand that listeners were identifying with their mothers more than with themselves, The Beat billed itself as a brand new radio station in an effort to target a younger audience. Ratings numbers suggest it has worked, with the station gaining among women 35 to 54. It has also poached three big names from Virgin Radio — Cat Spencer, Nat Lauzon and (Cousin) Vinny Barrucco. It is awaiting a decision from the CRTC on a request to boost its power from 44,100 to 100,000 kilowatts. 92.9 — WEZF (Star 92.9) The Burlington, Vt.-based station tried last fall to court former Q92 listeners who weren’t happy with The Beat, but has since changed its music from adult contemporary to hot AC, just as 92.5 did. 93.5 — CBM-FM (CBC Radio 2) The national music network carries no local programming. The biggest change coming to it will be the addition of advertising for the first time, though this must be approved by the CRTC at its next licence renewal. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19. 94.3 — CKMF-FM (NRJ) In June, the French-language pop music station lost one of its biggest stars when Mitsou Gélinas announced she was leaving after 12 years there. Taking her place will be TV personality Anaïs Favron. The fall schedule starts Aug. 20, and other new personalities include Benoît Gagnon, Claudine Prévost and Philo Lirette. 94.7 — WYUL (Hits FM) The station continues to call itself “Montreal’s Hits Music Channel” even though it’s actually licensed to the small border town of Chateaugay, N.Y. (Not to be confused with the Montreal suburb.) 95.1 — CBF-FM (Première Chaîne) Pierre Maisonneuve retired after his final show on June 1, but other personalities are coming back for the fall, including René Hormier- Roy. 95.9 — CJFM-FM (Virgin Radio 96) Montreal’s No. 1 hit music station risks losing that title if it keeps feeling the heat from The Beat. The station has lost many on-air personalities in the past year, with three stars being poached by The Beat and Lisa Player leaving to move to Northern Ontario. Natasha Gargiulo replaced her in December, and co-hosts the morning show with (Freeway) Frank Depalo. Brand director Mark Bergman says he isn’t worried about departing staff because he says the team is bigger than an individual personality. 96.5 — WVNV (Wild Country) A border station owned by the same company behind Hits FM, Wild Country also courts listeners in Quebec. 96.9 — CKOI-FM The biggest change relevant to this music station isn’t about this station at all, but about the CKOI network. In June, owner Cogeco announced that the three CKOI-branded stations it owns in Sherbrooke, Gatineau and Trois Rivières would be converted from a hybrid music- talk format into a talk radio format starting Aug. 20. The Montreal station, which will keep its music format, is struggling in the ratings. 97.7 — CHOM-FM Montreal’s rock station hasn’t had a major change to its schedule since Terry DiMonte returned to it in January. Some listeners are still bitter about the unfriendly departures of Ted Bird and Pete Marier, but rumours of a Terry and Ted reunion continue now that Bird’s new home at TSN Radio could be disappearing soon. Both Bird and CHOM management have repeatedly denied having any discussions about him coming back. 98.5 — CHMP-FM The French-language talk station known only by its frequency has shot way up in the ratings over the past year and a half, doubling its average audience and becoming the No. 1 radio station in Quebec. A combination of popular, hard-hitting news-talk programs during the day and sports programming inherited from CKAC in the evening is to thank for that. Like The Beat, 98.5 is waiting on a CRTC decision on its application to boost its power, from 40,800 kilowatts to 100,000 kilowatts. 99.5 — CJPX-FM (Radio Classique) Montreal's only independently-owned commercial music station might woo some former Planète Jazz listeners when that station switches to talk. 99.9 — WBTZ (The Buzz) The Plattsburgh-based border station is still going after listeners who think CHOM’s style of rock is too old. 100.1 — CKVL-FM (Radio LaSalle) Community station. 100.1 — CJVD-FM A privately owned classic hits station, it’s the only radio station licensed to the Vaudreuil-Dorion area. Its low power, combined with the LaSalle station on the same frequency, limits its reach in Montreal. 100.7 — CBFX-FM (Espace musique) Like Radio 2, CBC is asking the French-language music network be allowed to air advertising. The CRTC will deal with this as well at its Nov. 19 hearing. 101.5 — CIBL-FM (Radio Montréal) The non-profit community station moved in to the ground floor of the new 2-22 building at Ste. Catherine St. and St. Laurent Blvd. Its studio is visible from the street corner. Among its on-air features is an “alternative” traffic report that gives information for public transit users and cyclists. 101.9 — CHAI-FM Community station in Châteauguay. 102.3 — CINQ-FM (Radio Centre-Ville) A multilingual community radio station with French programs during the day, English on Saturday and other languages on Sundays and weekday evenings. 103.1 — CKOD-FM (Radio du Suroît) Music station in Valleyfield. 103.3 — CHAA-FM Community station serving Longueuil. 103.7 — CKRK-FM (K103) The Mohawk community station is moving on without star Ted Bird, who left for TSN 990 in May. Its programming includes Java Jacobs and Paul Graif in the mornings, Sean McKeogh and Lauren McComber in afternoons and Don Smooth in the evenings. In June, it hired a new program director: former CJAD personality Al Gravelle. 104.1 — CFZZ-FM (Boom FM) An Astral Media-owned station in St. Jean sur Richelieu with an oldies format. 105.1 — CKDG-FM (Mike FM) A private ethnic station with English programming in prime time, Mike FM is still trying to build listeners in the afternoons with commercial radio veterans Paul (Tasso) Zakaib and Patrick Henry Charles. It applied to the CRTC in 2010 to move to 106.7 and boost its power, but withdrew that application in February. 105.7 — CFGL-FM (Rythme FM) Montreal’s most popular French-language music station, home to such stars as Véronique Cloutier and Sébastien Benoît, could be adding a new one soon. La Presse reported in July that Mitsou Gélinas, who left NRJ in June, would replace Patricia Paquin in the afternoon show here in the new year, once a non-compete clause with Astral expires. Gélinas has not confirmed the news. 106.3 — CKIN-FM The private ethnic station is owned by the same company as Mike FM, but with French programming in prime time. The station has applied to the CRTC to quadruple its power from 300 to 1,200 watts. 106.7 — TBA Considered the last available usable frequency for an FM station in Montreal, 106.7 is being courted by Evanov Radio Group, which has applied to the CRTC to start an English-language easy-listening music station on this frequency in Hudson/St. Lazare. The proposal has received a lot of support from the community, which is eager to have its first local radio station. Since a hearing March 21 where the application was officially considered, Evanov says it has heard nothing from the CRTC about when a decision would be forthcoming. 107.3 — CITE-FM (Rouge FM) No major changes have been announced yet for the Astral-owned music station, whose team includes Benoît Gagnon, Roxane St-Gelais, Marina Orsini and Ricky Dee. 107.9 — WVPS (Vermont Public Radio) Some NPR fans are worried about the potential of losing this strong border signal. Evanov Radio Group’s application for a station in Hudson lists 107.9 as an alternative frequency, which would drown out the public radio station in Montreal. © Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** CANADA. The Canadian domestics at 0402-0415 UT Aug 12, 6069.960, CFRX Toronto, phone-in program at 0408 UT. 6159.978 probably CKZU Vancouver Isl., and accompanied by CKZN St. John's on upper side 6160.881 kHz (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 903 Hz apart then ** CANADA. RNZ INTERVIEWS RCI’S WOJTEK GWIAZDA: SHUTTING OFF THE SHORTWAVE --- Posted on August 6, 2012 by Thomas Radio New Zealand’s Bryan Crump, host of Nights, interviewed RCI Action Committee spokesperson, Wojtek Gwiazda today. It’s an excellent and insightful interview. Thank you, Mike, for the tip! You can download the audio from the show here, or simply use the embedded player below: http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ngts/ngts-20120806-2110-shutting_off_the_shortwave-048.mp3 [35 minutes] From RNZ: Wojtek Gwiazda is host and producer of Masala Canada at Radio Canada International, and spokesperson of the RCI Action Committee. Wojtek is still fighting to try and retain the ability to broadcast in shortwave with the very recent shut-down of the shortwave transmitters of Radio Canada International. http://swling.com/blog/2012/08/rnz-interviews-rcis-wojtek-gwiazda-shutting-off-the-shortwave/ (via Aug CIDX Messenger via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) Richard Langley sent this clipping (pdf) from the Telegraph-Journal (Saint John), 2 July 2012, about the closing of RCI's Sackville transmitting station. See previous post about same subject. http://www.kimandrewelliott.com/files/radio_canada_international_closes_TG_one_page.pdf (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) ** CANADA [and non]. CBC/SRC Shutdown --- If anyone had thought that somehow, some way, the CRTC would block this shutdown --- it appears to me it's final. They've just announced approval of the CBC's licence renewal application, along with those of the 27 remaining (digital) transmitters. – (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, Aug 9, WTFDA via DXLD) CRTC already stated that they don't have the mandate to force stations to remain on the air. It would take parliament to do that. wrh (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) I've been reading some history about the beginnings of Canadian TV and the CBC. Apparently as early as 1948, there were TV applications ready to go for CKEY-TV Toronto, CFRB-TV Toronto, CHML-TV Hamilton, CKAC-TV Montreal & CFCF-TV Montreal. But the CBC was not only a broadcaster, but the government regulator as well, so it denied all of these applications as it thought the 1st stations should be owned & operated by the CBC. In the government's usual dilly-dallying & countless useless studies & commissions, it took until 1952 for the CBC to finally get their stations on the air; depriving Canadians of their own TV stations for 4 years. When the CBC finally allowed private TV, they said their could only be one for each city & told the private stations that they would have to pool their applications. Their was no way that rivals CKEY-TV & CFRB- TV were going to join together, so no private TV came to Toronto until 1960 (CFTO). CHML-TV was denied because the CBC wanted their Hamilton CBC station up & running first (which ended up being affiliate CHCH). CHML-TV did not want to be CBC, since Toronto would also have a CBC and they're in the same market. Then, rather than Toronto getting a 2nd TV station, it was the CBC's priority that other smaller cities across Canada would at least get their first station on the air (and of course they had to be CBC affiliates). I thought the CRTC is bad today, but when you have one broadcaster, the CBC, having the power to deny competitor's applications, well that's crazy. Canada has always seemed to have this anti-competitive streak when it comes to broadcasting. The denial of a local TV station for St. Catharines (Niagara), a metro area of 400,000, several years ago is another example of control, although now instead of protecting the CBC, they're protecting the other big boys - CTV, Global, etc. Funny how now the CBC has basically abandoned TV and left it for the private stations (Bill Hepburn, Grimsby Ont, Aug 10, WTFDA via DXLD) [non] St. Catharines would be pretty close in population to metro Little Rock, the largest populated area in Arkansas. The biggest complaints people have in AR is the lack of sat/cable coverage of Little Rock TV stations in the state's fringes. Arkansas is served by only 3 stand-alone TV markets: Little Rock, Fort Smith-Fayetteville (NW Arkansas), and Jonesboro -- and Jonesboro is only a one "station" market, with a ABC affiliate and PBS/AETN, and a relayer for KVTN (KVTJ). Cable coverage of some Little Rock stations extends outside the "market". Back in 2010, KARK, KATV, and KTHV were available on Cox Cable in Eureka Springs AR less than 10 miles east from the transmitter site of KARK sister station KNWA (which is NOT on cable and considered an out of market station). Many counties in Southeast AR are in the Little Rock TV because of the coverage area of the former analog KATV channel 7 when it transmitted from Redfield AR prior to 2008. There is much overlap in many areas with major network coverage (I get NBC via KARK and KTVE, and FOX via KLRT and a subchannel of KTVE, plus 2 transmitters of AETN -- KETS and KETZ). I find it appalling that the CBC would have only 27 terrestrial TV stations for all of Canada, and with many populated areas in Quebec having no English language OTA TV at all. I'm sure the network and commercial interests are watching Canada as a possible test bed to downsize OTA in the US. – (Fritze H. Prentice, Jr, KC5KBV, Star City AR, EM43aw twitter.com/fritzehp ibid.) The CBC certainly doesn't believe it's abandoned TV. They seem quite confident in their belief the OTA market is negligible. To be honest, I suspect many U.S. stations would shut down their OTA signals if they felt they'd keep their cable slots. Certainly most of the smaller stations -- ION, CW, My, home-shopping, etc... -- have an OTA signal *only* because it gets them a free slot on cable. As I understand it, in Canada, cable operators are *required* to carry a CBC station in each language -- the CBC doesn't need to maintain an OTA transmitter to get that carriage -- so they don't lose most of their audience (or invoke expensive channel lease payments to the cable operators) if they turn off their transmitters. And while the CBC could never say it out loud --- they may simply feel the demographics of OTA viewers are such that there is no bottom-line point to serving them. Another engineer once commented that OTA viewers are less valuable, per head, to stations. They are (in the eyes of the engineer in question) those who can't afford cable / satellite (and thus can't afford many of the products advertisers are trying to sell) and those who don't find TV to be a very important part of their lives (and thus don't watch very often). An OTA viewer delivers less revenue than a cable/satellite viewer. I'm not necessarily saying he was *right*. But the perception of the managers in charge of these decisions becomes the reality for everyone. I note that private stations aren't really flocking to replicate their analog coverage either. For example, in Alberta, private DTV transmitters exist only in the four major cities Lloydminster, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Calgary. Will transmitters like CFCN-TV-8 (Medicine Hat) and CITV-TV-1 (Red Deer) and CKSA-TV-2 (Bonnyville) be repaired if they suffer a non-trivial failure? I doubt it (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, WTFDA via DXLD) I spent a week in Calgary recently and did not see any outdoor TV antennas (Mike Gmach1, Indy, ibid.) Spend a week in rural areas, and you will. But satellite and other modes are taking over. Family members here at Bunrt River ON watched some of the Olympics using a computer and the internet (we apparently have sufficiently high speed that they were happy, though I did not watch). Could easily hook up to the somewhat-big-screen TV if they'd wanted to. CBC (& TV Ontario) was (were) wrong to abandon OTA so abruptly, and a little too early, IMO. But OTA is flailing big time on the operating table. It really is time to move on, with the caveat that 'free' basic service needs to be maintained across the entire country, and some mechanism has to be found for local production of news and content. I think the internet is a reasonable, pragmatic jump-off point (Saul Chernos, Ont, ibid.) ** CANADA. List of Canadian Analogs --- Is there a list of Canadian 2- 6 analog TV stations still available anywhere? Bill H. had skip maps for 2-6 (the old WTFDA TV Station Guide maps) made for before and after CBC shutdown at the end of July but I can't find them on his site now. Thought I had the post CBC shutdown maps printed but I can't find them. I imagine the number of 2-6 analogs left on the air would fit on a Post-It note. The lowband TV antenna is down and the scanner antenna is back up (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT, Aug 11, WTFDA via DXLD) Channel Maps are still here, Mike: http://dxinfocentre.com/tv-nam.htm wrh (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) You'd have to write pretty small :) I count 61 such stations. Five of them are authorized to switch to digital on their existing low-band channels (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) Canadian Analogs --- Doug sent me a spreadsheet of the Canadian analog stations still on the air. I changed it just a bit (sorted it by channel) and posted it over at http://www.wtfda.org Go there and you can find it and download yourself a copy. Doug's list has lat/long, HAAT and ERP. http://www.wtfda.org/canlbtv.html I found, after looking it over, that there are only a few stations left that I'm interested in receiving. One is in SK on ch 2 (1610 mi), another in SK on ch 3 (1810 mi) and one more in BC but it's a much lower power and probably wouldn't make it here anyway. Since the Maritimes always seem to come in here so often in the summer, I might try for two or three there. That's it for Canada. Most of the others are either too low powered or not in Es range. What I'm wondering is if analog Es TV DXing will be history after Mexico shuts down. Will the guys who get tons of Mexico Es look for Central America or South America and the very few left in North America or just not bother with it at all. I think it is fast approaching that point (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT USA, ibid.) I don't know about anyone else, but in 2022, I'll be hunting for that last African analogue TV station via F2. Lots of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities ahead in the next decade. I'm having way more fun DXing Panamá, Nicaragua, Colombia, etc. then I ever did with Kansas City & New Orleans (William R Hepburn (VEM3ONT22), Grimsby ON CAN 43 10 59.5 -79 33 34.3, ibid.) Mexico blox everything beyond from here, so altho I`ll miss the Mexicans, I`d be delighted to see C or S America (gh, Enid, DXLD) I agree-the resources on the Internet, the equipment available today and the chance at double/triple hop have combined to make the next few years potentially incredible. I'm investing in a D100 converter, TV card for the computer, etc. in preparation for next summer, which will certainly make up for this summer, right? (Rich McVicar, NY, WTFDA via DXLD) ** CHAD. Re ZAMBIA 6165: Hi Bill, I went to check the sound now at 2015 and it sounds like Chad is back on 6164.96 kHz. 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, Aug 14, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, thanks Mauno for the tip, CHAD measured 6164.960 kHz exact, heard RNT N'djamena in French commentary on Bangladesh at 2045 UT Aug 14, S=9+10dB signal on remote unit in Australia, fully ahead of tiny ZNBCR2 Lusaka Zambia co-channel which is 40 Hertz upper on even 6165 kHz. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) My last observation log previous the coup was on similar 'Hertz range' ``CHAD 6164.958 Tonight April 14 at 1930 UT very nice signal from RTC R. N'Djamena in French (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews April 14, 2012)`` HI Mauno and Wolfy, Thanks for your input. I did not listen to Zambia yesterday or last night, but will have a go tonight to see if I hear Chad. There is no constant het on Ron's recording of August 13, and there is also no sign of the SAH which might be expected with an offset frequency of 6164.96 (and which I reported on May 25, before Chad went off-air). Could be that last night (August 14) was Chad's first night back on-air. Regards, (Bill Bingham, Aug 15, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ZAMBIA 6165, RD Nationale Tchadienne, Gredia, 2235-2251, 14/8, French / vernacular, names list; 54433, splatter de 6175. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing noted here from Chad on SW before 2000 UT. But when checked on Victor`s remote unit [Sri Lanka] around 2022 UT Aug 15 noted endless French talk by male announcer, S=9+15dB, in peaks on 6164.960. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHILE [and non]. UNID SS religious station on 1510.013 kHz --- Hello out there, On Aug 6 at 0255z I heard a religious SS station on this frequency. Unfortunately no ID during the recording. The conditions this night were very good, especially towards Brazil, but also some east coast NA stations heard, some of them quite good. Anybody recognizing the program or having an idea what station this might be? Here are 3 recordings starting at 0259z. http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/1510,013-120806-0259z.mp3 http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/1510,013-120806-0305z.mp3 http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/1510,013-120806-0306z.mp3 73 (Thomas Nilsson, 10 August RealDX yg via DXLD) WWZN is a little high these days and sometimes with SS. Maybe this is the one OM? Best wishes (Barry : -) Davies, (Carlisle UK, PERSEUS, 3.7m x 10m Flag + FLG100 amp), ibid.) WWZN is heard just a few minutes before the recordings and is on 1510.018. Also checked WWZN the following days and they are rock steady there now. So this must be another one. According to Henrik Klemetz WRRD was heard here a few years back with religious SS (belonged to Salem-net). What is the current format for them now? 73 (Thomas Nilsson, ibid.) Their format is Spanish Sports (see http://www.espn1510.com ), and they were found to be on 1509.9995 earlier this year. The mystery continues (Barry McLarnon VE3JF Ottawa, ON, ibid.) This one turns out to be a real nice catch, at least for me located in Southern Sweden. It`s CC-151 Radio Poder Pentecostal, Rancagua, Chile! Many thanks go to Mauricio Molano Sánchez for finding out that it was this station and to Henrik Klemetz for all his help with comments and extraction of info from the recordings. Really nice work. Also thanks to Bruce Vernon for info about the WRRD format and to Barry McClarnon for commenting that WWZN runs SS once in a while. Finally, according to info this morning from Henrik Klemetz, the predecessor Radio Racongaua, was heard in Sweden by Olle Alm back in 1980! He also has a QSL. A really exciting catch. 73 (Thomas Nilsson, ibid.) Just one more comment, this morning Henrik Klemetz managed to find on one of my recordings the station name, frequency and also mentioning of Internet!! Nice work! 73 (Thomas, ibid.) Congratulations, Thomas; A great catch and to have been heard initially by the great Olle Alm 30 years ago hi! 1000 Watts and 13,000km+ The wonder of AM! Best wishes (Barry Davies, ibid.) Hello out there, Well, it seems like one or two others of our active MW DX-ers also received that station the same night and are as excited as I am. Chilean stations are very seldom heard up here on MW for some reason. Anyhow, a nice catch and I was lucky to get help from Mauricio Molano and Henrik Klemetz to be able to write a report. 73 (Thomas, ibid.) ** CHILE. 17680, Aug 13 at 1334, surprise! CVC La Voz is back in the morning after having slashed its service June 29 to only two hours at 21-23 on this frequency. Usual gospel rock in Spanish, 1337 ID and sermon; still going past 1400; 1409 talking about affiliates but no mention of SW changes. A revival, or a test of this doomed site? Still going at next check 1652, so apparently back to an all-day broadcast on 17680, at least today. No way to find their SW schedule grid from homepage, but fortunately I have it bookmarked: http://www.cvclavoz.cl/horario.html Does it show 17680 reëxpanded? Of course not! 17680, Aug 13 at 1900, revived all-day transmission of CVC La Voz is still going with gospel-rock music. 17680, Aug 14 at 1308, there it is again, inbooming in the morning, and this time an announcement in Spanish explaining why: this is their farewell week for shortwave! After 14 years, then will find satellite feeds to 400+ affiliates sufficient, plus online: ``esta semana, despedida de nuestro servicio de onda corta desde Chile después de 14 años``. Having shed their other relay clients, apparently the Calera de Tango site will be closed down already after this week. BTW, Horacio Nigro`s blog put up an excellent report on CdT, with photos from a recent visit by Chilean DXer Luis Valderas: http://lagalenadelsur.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/chile-visita-al-centro-emisor-de-calera-de-tango-cvc-la-voz/ (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CVC LA VOZ SE DESPIDE DE LA ONDA CORTA ESTA SEMANA! El lunes y martes, anotamos CVC La Voz de nuevo en 17680 tan temprano como las 13 horas TU, y todo el día en vez de solamente 21 a 23, horario reducido desde el 29 de junio. Nos enteramos de la razón, el 14 de agosto a las 1308, cuando se anunció que ``esta semana es la despedida de nuestro servicio de onda corta desde Chile después de 14 años``. Acaban de quitarse de las otras emisoras transmitiendo através de Chile, y así parece que van a clausurar para siempre el sitio transmisor de Calera de Tango, después de varios días de emisiones reampliadas. Tal vez ¿alguien sepa la fecha, hora y frecuencia final final? 73, (Guillermo Glenn Hauser, Oclajoma, several Latin-language DX lists and dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) This must be the reason why NHK moving its Portuguese Service relay from Chile to GUF after 17th August 2012; hope you noticed the DX Remix News reporting the NHK change (Partha Sarathi Goswami, Siliguri, W.B., India, IBID.) As in DXLD 12-29 almost a month ago: ``JAPAN [non]. New relay of Radio Japan NHK World from Aug. 18: Portuguese 0900-0930 6130 GUF 250 kW / 185 deg to BRA, ex SGO 100 kW / 060 deg 2130-2200 11880 GUF 250 kW / 185 deg to BRA, ex SGO 100 kW / 060 deg Spanish 0930-1000 6195 HRI 250 kW / 167 deg to SoAm, ex SGO 100 kW / 350 deg (DX Re Mix News, Bulgaria, July 18 via DXLD) Fleeing CVC CHILE site`` (via dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630) CHRISTIAN MEDIA MINISTRY STOPS SHORTWAVE TRANSMISSIONS TO LATIN AMERICA http://www.hola-arkansas.com/noticiashispanicprwire/22504/christian-media-ministry-stops-shortwave-transmissions-to-latin SANTIAGO, Chile, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Christian Vision will officially stop its short wave service to Latin America on August 17th, 2012, due to declining listenership. Christian Vision purchased the property and transmissions equipment Located in Calera de Tango, Chile, in August of 1996. In February of 1998, it received its license to transmit from Chilean regulator Subtel and on November 1st of the same year, Voz Cristiana was officially launched and began transmitting four radio services to Latin America. The programming of Voz Cristiana, now known as CVCLAVOZ, has continued to grow through Spanish-language Christian radio affiliates throughout Latin America and Spain. With over 413 affiliates in 23 countries, CVCLAVOZ http://www.cvclavoz.com has made its resources more accessible to the ever-changing 18 to 35 year demographic that has exponentially grown in its use of the internet, mobile phones, and social media platforms such as Facebook. Christian Vision's Director of Broadcasting, Andrew Flynn, was the engineer in charge of the Chile site from 1996-99. "It has been a great joy to have been involved from the outset in Voz Cristiana's Chile operations. For 14 years, the Good News of Jesus was heard by countless millions in Latin America who listened to the life-changing programs via shortwave. The technical team led by Antonio Reyes has performed with excellence and with passion, keeping in mind the spiritual impact of their endeavors. For many years, Christian Vision used shortwave as the primary channel in its 'Touch a Billion' strategy. However in recent years, shortwave audiences have declined in favor of other radio platforms, and new social media powered by the Internet. While there is emotional sadness in closing the Chile site, at the same we are excited by the opportunities presented online and have devised strategies to embrace the new channels, such as yesHEis.com. "Besides its Spanish transmissions from Chile, Christian Vision previously ran shortwave transmissions to audiences in Asia in Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia and English, from a high power site in Darwin, Australia. Russian, Arabic and English programs were also broadcast in shortwave from Christian Vision's site in Juelich, Germany. Both of these sites closed in 2010. During this process, Christian Vision has duly complied and will continue complying in order to fulfill all legal and regulatory requirements for the closing of its transmission plant. Christian Vision continues to run shortwave transmissions to India and parts of Africa where audiences in this waveband continue to be significant." CVCLAVOZ is funded by Christian Vision http://www.christianvision.com a charity based in England, which has as its global objectives to Touch a Billion and Impact Nations with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Affiliation is usually free of charge to all radio stations. CVCLAVOZ.com also recently announced a partnership with Nuhbe http://www.nuhbe.com the leader in Spanish Christian Music distribution powered by CanZion. For more information: Contact Person: J. Mark Gallardo Press email: prensa@cvclavoz.com Telephone: 305-231-7704 SOURCE Christian Vision USA, Inc. (Hispanic PR Wire News via Dave Jeffery via IDXCI FB Group via Alokesh Gupta, dxldyg via DXLD) The press release rewritten: http://www.rwonline.com/article/christian-vision-to-turn-off-shortwave-in-latin-america/214932 (Radio World August 8 via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) Spanish version: http://cvclavoz.cl/comunicadodeprensa.html (via Yimber Gaviría, DXLD) You know it's tough times for shortwave when even a religious organization says it's had enough (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, swprograms via DXLD) See also ZAMBIA! Yes Richard, when I was in the US last year shortwave seemed to be dominated by religious broadcasters, if they give up what's left, apart from China (Mike Terry, ibid.) Not much China left either since they quit Sackville before they had to (gh, DXLD) Estimados: Oficialmente se nos despide CVC La Voz desde Calera de Tango, este viernes 17 de agosto. Habrá una emisión especial entre las 0900 y 1800 horas, hora de Chile [13-22 UT], para quienes deseen captarla por última vez según el esquema vigente. Con esto se cierra el último centro emisor de ondas cortas de Chile. [Luis Valderas - Frecuencia Al Día /Facebook] http://www.facebook.com/groups/140003342701545/ (via Dino Bloise, FAD, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) "Pese a que no está en su esquema actual CVC La Voz ha estado transmitiendo en los 9635 khz, con señal bastante deficiente y un sinpo de 22232. Captación entre las 1700 y 1800 utc de hoy lunes 13 de agosto de 2012." "Para los diexistas interesados en reportar las últimas emisiones de CVC La Voz desde Calera de Tango, se está pensando en una QSL especial. Los informes se pueden enviar a Casilla 395 de Talagante, Chile o bien a antonio @ cvclavoz.cl " Audio donde anuncia el cese de las emisiones. http://soundcloud.com/luis-xqb-valderas/20120814-cvc-anuncia-fin-de (Luis Valderas, Chile, via @yimbergaviria, Colombia, DXLD) Calera de Tango Chile transmitter site coming to an end. http://youtu.be/PE1VDnhRWP0 Video of Calera de Tango by DXer Luis Valderas (Chile) Another short videoclip by Luis: http://youtu.be/_gv2JFUmLKs Last day of transmission from Calera de Tango, Chile: Aug 17 It`s expected a special QSL-card to be issued confirming reports for the final broadcast by CVC La Voz (Christian Vision Spanish Service) which is also the last one from this QTH. The site will be dismantled. Reports to Casilla 395 de Talagante, Chile or via e-mail to antonio @ cvclavoz.cl Farewell special broadcast from 1300 to 2200 UT http://lagalenadelsur.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/chile-visita-al-centro-emisor-de-calera-de-tango-cvc-la-voz/ (Horacio Nigro, Uruguay, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) Si no me equivoco, el ocaso de la OC en América comenzó con Pifo- Ecuador (30.09.2009); continuó con CBC Radio Canadá vía Sackville (24.06.2012; Radio Nederland desde Bonaire (30.06.2012) y terminará en Greenville-USA o en Okeechobee-USA, ¡Dios sabrá!. Sería interesante reproducir con la ayuda de todos el calendario necrológico de los centros emisores en nuestro continente. Ahora Chile; ¿Mañana? (Rubén Guillermo Margenet, Argentina, condiglist yg via DXLD) The station's beams to the north always provided solid reception here in Texas. Anyone remember exactly when the facility went on the air? I remember hearing it in the mid-70's when Radio Nacional de Chile launched its international service. The signal and audio quality were both amazing in those early days. The nearly 40 year old transmitters are now probably too expensive to operate and maintain. With the huge number of local broadcasters throughout Latin America, it makes much more sense for a religious broadcaster to provide satellite-fed programming to individual stations. RAE Argentina could have used Calera de Tango to solve its reception woes! (Steve Luce, Houston, Texas, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 17680, August 14 at 2215 check, CVC La Voz is off. The reëxpanded schedule for its farewell week is apparently 13-22 UT. Just as well for RNZI DRM noise audible 17670-17675-17680, which will soon be rid of the ACI altogether. 17680, August 15 at 1407, CVC La Voz is again temporarily on early, with, what else, gospel rock. Since yesterday`s report, press release from CVC has emerged confirming that they are closing down Calera de Tango after August 17: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/christian-media-ministry-stops-shortwave-transmissions-to-latin-america-166108896.html Spanish version via Yimber Gaviría: http://cvclavoz.cl/comunicadodeprensa.html Via Dino Bloise, Frecuencia al Día, Luis Valderas in Chile says the final broadcast will be Friday 17 August at 13-22 UT; no frequency mentioned but surely at least 17680. Via Yimber Gaviria, Valderas has also been hearing it between 17 and 18 on 9635. Also via Horacio Nigro, a special last-day QSL is expected to be available; reports to Casilla 395, Talagante, Chile or to antonio @ cvclavoz.cl NHK knew this was coming, since they already registered a month ago replacements for SGO after Aug 17, noted by DX Re Mix News of July 18: Portuguese 0900-0930 6130 GUF 250 kW / 185 deg to BRA, ex SGO 100 kW / 060 deg 2130-2200 11880 GUF 250 kW / 185 deg to BRA, ex SGO 100 kW / 060 deg Spanish 0930-1000 6195 HRI 250 kW / 167 deg to SoAm, ex SGO 100 kW / 350 deg The site is to be dismantled! Like other perfectly good(?) SW sites, it`s a crying shame that it`s never going to be put to better use: the 17680 signal is so good all day long in NAm that it could have brought public radio to dark areas in the US. Since it`s programmed out of Miami anyway, WLRN could have taken over, but not a single US public radio station has had the vision to add shortwave (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ZAMBIA CVC Chile heard on 17680 with good signal into Houston at 1335 UT August 15. Expanded schedule for last week on air. They happened to mention internet distribution as I tuned in (Steve Luce, Houston, Texas, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re: Calera de Tango Chile transmitter site coming to an end. some information on http://www.cvclavoz.cl/nosotros.html http://www.cvclavoz.cl/infotecnico.html http://www.cvclavoz.cl/im/im12.jpg Radio Nacional of Pinochet regime erected 8 x HARRIS 100 kW units in mid 70ties. And real much effective 7x TCI curtain antennas, and a non-direxional antenna. MW 1140 kHz also close to transmitter house. From 1974/1975 8 x Harris transmitters 100 kW, Radio Nacional de Chile, Santiago, from 1986-1997 [-late 1996} Sistema Nacional, Santiago. In full swing from 1975-1976: CE-615 6150 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-619 6190/6195 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-951 9510 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-955 9550 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-955 9560/9565 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-956 9565 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1171 11715 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1172 11720 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1175 11755 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1176 11760 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1176 11765 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1180 11810 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1186 11865 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1189 11890 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1511 15110 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1511 15115 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1512 15125 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1513 15130 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1514 15140 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1515 15150 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1517 15175 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1529 15290 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1771 17715 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1775 17755 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1778 17780 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1779 17790 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1780 17800 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago CE-1780 17805 R Nacional de Chile, Santiago In 1996 CVC bought this transmitter site. In 2004 Merlin broker/BBC rented relay transmission time. Merlin brokered for NHK, CRI, HCJB from Oct 2009. comment by April 2009, to set the record straight on a few points. Firstly, when we took over the site in late 1996, none of the transmitters were close to working since the site had fallen into total disrepair since its closure as Radio Nacional. We had 6 transmitters operational by the time of our launch (as Voz Cristiana) in 1998. The remaining 2 transmitters were up by 2000. All 8 are still used in service, although, obviously, not concurrently. Several have now been converted to operate DRM. Regarding the comments on the photos - especially The sticker on Tx2 - left over from the RN days? I hate to shatter the nostalgia but nothing so romantic, I'm afraid. It's a safety sticker pointing out the location of the nearest fire extinguisher. The bottles in front of the transmitters indeed contain distilled water, for topping up the cooling system - correct analysis by Jerry Lenamon. I hope this helps. Regards, Andrew Flynn, Director, International Broadcasting, Christian Vision, The Pavilion, Manor Drive, Coleshill, West Midlands B46 1DL, United Kingdom (dxld April 6, 2009) Radio Voz Cristiana Santiago, from 1998. CVC Voz Cristiana, Calera de Tango, Santiago, 8 x 100 kW, 7 curtains, MW 1140 mast next the TX hall see CVC photo dia show. see image of Aug 20, 2006: 33 38 36.35 S, 70 51 00.30 W CE-596 5960 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-599 5995 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-605 6050 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-607 6070 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-611 6110 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-617 6170 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-618 6185 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-936 9360 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-963 9635 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-965 9655 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-978 9780 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-987 9870 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1165 11655 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1166 11665 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1169 11690 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1169 11690 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1172 11720 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1174 11745 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1180 11805 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1189 11890 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1193 11935 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1197 11970 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1534 15340 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1535 15355 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1536 15365 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1537 15375 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1541 15410 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1544 15440 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1547 15475 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1548 15485 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1552 15525 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1554 15540 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1558 15585 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1761 17615 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1762 17625 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1764 17640 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1764 17640 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1764 17645 CRI/Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1766 17660 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1768 17680 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-1786 17860 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-2150 21500 Voz Cristiana, Santiago CE-2155 21550 Voz Cristiana, Santiago (SW TX site Ian Baxter, Colin Miller-CAN, via wb bcdx, June 2009) vy73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) CVC al cierre --- En un receptor remoto, aunque en mi propio país, pude escuchar sin mayor problema "El Mundo Hoy" a las 17 horas en 17680. Le seguía un programa de música. Es lógico que en El Mundo de Hoy - valga la redundancia - ese programa musical resulte más provechoso para quienes tengan un iPhone o similares. Que se le va a hacer; es, sin embargo, una pena que desaparezca de la onda corta, pues no veo porque la programación de CVC La Voz sea solo para gente con pc o iPhone (Henrik Klemetz, Suecia, Aug 15, condiglist yg via DXLD) I guess CVC has already dropped the early evening portion (2300-0200) of its schedule; nothing heard Thursday August 16 at several checks of 11665 and 9780 between 0000 and 0130. CVC usually an easy catch on both frequencies. [and non] However, I did hear VOA English via Sri Lanka around 0130 on 9780; weak signal, hadn't noticed it previously (Steve Luce, Houston, Texas, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. Re 12-32: Ron Howard log - 5050 kHz. I was also only hearing BBR on August 9. Yesterday's reception of CNR1 a one day only event? (Ron Howard, August 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 9519.983, Seldom odd frequency from PRC: PBS Nei Menggu Mandarin service on odd channel, S=9 signal heard on remote unit in CA-USA, at 1210 UT on Aug 8 (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) ** CHINA [non]. 8/9/12, 0300, 9790 -- Carrier signal for a couple of minutes, then "Beijing Hour" show abruptly blasts into my headphones at top of the hour, scaring the sh*t out of me during a brief moment of distraction. Male announcer in English. 54455, great reception on this and other stations that hadn't been sounding all that great last week. Propagation conditions must've been very good this night, since it wasn't just CRI coming in perfectly. 73, (Bill Blair, Euless, TX, USA, heard with a Tecsun PL-380 portable with a 25 foot reel wire antenna, cumbredx yg via DXLD) This transmission is a relay from Cuba, always very strong here, tho audio/modulation not always the best. At the same time, Spain relay on 9690 is better. 73, (Glenn Hauser, OK, ibid.) I thought CRI was coming from Habana, but neglected to notate it. 73, (Bill Blair, ibid.) ** CHINA [and non]. Steve Handlers August 9th, 2012 Firedrake Log --- Hi Glen[n], not much this morning- Good DX- Steve 1430 Monitoring yielded no stations. In the 1245-1310 time period no stations above or below the following: 12230 Good 1256 15560 Fair tuned in progress at 1257 thru 1305:57 sign off 15570 Fair tuned in progress 1308 thru 1317 sign off 16100 Poor 1257 (Steve Handler, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake August 9, after 1300: 15485, very poor at 1315, also noise jamming 15570, fair at 1314, het on hi side Before 1400: 15490, poor at 1353, also noise jamming, het on lo side; up from 15485 15600, poor at 1354 15900, good at 1354 16100, very good at 1355; none in the 17s, 14s, 13s, 12s (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 10 Aug 2012, 0700-0750 UT, manual scan of 7 - 16 MHz 11900: poor at 0710, didn't hear it when checked again at 0731 13430: poor at 0740 (Eric Weatherall, Eton E5 + indoor random wire antenna; San Francisco, CA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake, August 10: 15500, fair open carrier at 1316 and I am paying more attention to the weaker het on 15502, when at 1317, FD music starts up on 15500, with noise added. 15485, which had been on a bit earlier, is now gone 15560, fair at 1317, het on hi side (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Steven Handler's Firedrake Monitoring 8-10-12 --- Hi Glenn, A very interesting day today with both Firedrake and the propeller jammer targeting many of the VOT frequencies today. Mostly VOT jamming heard today with only one SOH jamming frequency heard. Nothing was heard above or below the frequencies listed despite many full searches. 15490 heard 1345 with fair signal and also a second jammer consisting of a noise that sounded like an airplane propeller with a poor signal until both of their audio's ceased at 1400 and about two seconds later both of their carrier signals ended 15500 heard 1327 with jamming signal consisting of music and also a second jammer consisting of a noise that sounded like an airplane propeller. Firedrake had a fair signal, the propeller jammer had a poor signal. Both carriers ceased broadcasting simultaneously at 1338 15560 heard 1327 with good signal until its carrier ceased broadcasting at 1336 15600 Heard 1326 with jamming signal consisting of music with fair signal it was gone at 1328 re-check heard again 1344 with fair signal until stopped broadcasting at 1404 15610 heard 1418 with jamming signal consisting of music and also a second jammer consisting of a noise that sounded like an airplane propeller. Firedrake had a fair signal, the propeller jammer had a fair-poor signal. 16100 heard 1328 and 1344 with fair signal 17560 heard 1403 Fair signal until it stopped broadcasting at 1409 Steven Handler`s 8-11-12 Firedrake logs 1220-1256: 13920 Good 1225 and 1244 14870 Excellent 1224 and 1244 15515 Good to excellent 1220-1230 sign off 15550 Excellent 1239 17250 Poor at 1222 and 1232 Fair by 1246 17450 Poor 1245 Nothing above or below these frequencies despite many checks (Steve Handler, IL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake August 11, after 1230: 17450, very poor at 1233 17250, poor at 1233 15550, good at 1248, het on hi side; none in the 16s 14870, good at 1236 13920, good at 1236; none in the 12s After 1330: 15760, very good at 1338; unusual: per Aoki apparently a Sound of Hope jumparound from Tajikistan has landed here today 15605, poor at 1338, with added noise; still here at 1403 15485, fair at *1339 after open carrier Firedrake August 12, before 1400: none in the 10s, 11s, 12s 13920, good at 1343 14700, very good at 1344 15485, poor at 1348, het on hi side 15605, fair at 1346, het on lo side, plus noise jam; WEWN 15606 spur not a problem now as 15615 is not strong 15745, fair at 1346, must be today`s SOH Tajikistan jumparound landing (If still on in next hour, would collide with NHK in Hindi 15745 via Madagascar at 1430-1515) 15900, very good at 1345 16100, fair at 1350 16980, good at 1350 17170, very poor at 1353 18200, very poor at 1353 - first time heard on 18+ MHz in months! Firedrake August 13, after 1330: 15495, very good at 1330, het on hi side 15570, good at 1330 with propeller noise too; none in the 17s, 16s, 14s, 13s, 12s Before 1400: 15605, fair at 1355, plus noise 15485, good at 1355 plus noise Before 1430: 15500, fair at 1424 plus noise; off by 1434 After 1430: 15280, poor at 1434 mixing with CNR1 jamming vs VOA Tibetan via Thailand at 14-15; looked for a clear FD to // and found only: 12320, poor at 1439; none in the 17s, 16s, 14s, 13s (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake against Sound of Hope on 13 August, 2250 UT: Strong signal in northern Germany on 11500, 11970, 12320, 12370, 12670, 12980, 13530 Now they just closed down at 2255. This reveals a weak carrier on 12670, even some modulation audible on weak 12370 and 12320. The Firedrakes signed back on at 2257 on all these frequencies (after making the same observation as me, I suppose). Sign off again at 2300, but this time not revealing any weak carriers. Sound of Hope must have c/d at 2300. Currently at 2302 and still at 2310, an empty carrier sits on 12230 kHz, S=4. Earlier today, I heard Sound of Hope without jamming in parallel on 11970 (25422), 12980 (35322) and 12230 (15311) at 2117 UTC. 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Zingst / Germany, Perseus SDR + DX-10pro Active antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake Aug 14 after 1300: 15550, poor at 1303 with noise added. No others heard, nor would expect to at hourtop and not checked further later today Firedrake August 15, after 1300: 15485, poor at 1315 15560, very poor at 1315 Before 1400: 12980, good at 1345 13130, good at 1342 13920, good at 1342; none in the 14s, 16s, 17s 15485, poor at 1344, het on hi side 15605, very poor at 1343 with noise too (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also SPAIN ** CHINA [and non]. 11615, August 9 at 1358, VOA in Yankee-Doodle- Dandy sign-on, fair signal and clear, but at 1400 sharp, hit by ChiCom Chinese language jamming, presumably CNR1 program. VOA is attempting to broadcast in Chinese this hour only, 250 kW, 332 degrees from Tinang, PHILIPPINES. And yet we allow the ChiCom to broadcast CRI over our domestic radio stations! 13m open in the nightmiddle, Aug 11 at 0620: two non // Chinese services on 21720 and weaker 21690. 21690 must be CNR1 jamming against scheduled RFA Tibetan via UAE during this hour only; 21720 would be RFA Chinese during this hour only via TINIAN overcoming the jamming 17820, Aug 12 at 0552, Chinese on new frequency, presumably CNR1 jammer. It`s new because HFCC shows IBB Tibetan via THAILAND, unheard, just started 17820 from Aug 1 at 05-06, and on Sundays only. 17855 & 17615 both with CNR1 jammers mixing with RFA Chinese via NMI, Aug 12 at 0552. 15250, Monday Aug 13 at 1153, Chinese is splattering upward but not downward, bothering BBC English on 15285 via Singapore. Probably hearing CNR1 jamming instead of VOA Chinese, which per HFCC and Aoki is on this strange schedule in the 11-12 hour on 15250: 110 degrees from Dushanbe, Tajikistan daily except Wednesdays when it is instead 315 degrees from Tinang, Philippines. Maybe that`s maintenance day at DB (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA. Alcaraván Radio, Colombia, 5910 kHz is usually audible here most mornings (0400 UT) with reasonable strength. Nice local music with lots of IDs. It is blotted out between 0545 and 0600 by a stronger transmitter [TWR Polish 100 kW Wertachtal], but otherwise is a clear channel. Their call-sign is HJDH, which I seem to remember was the call-sign of the former Radio Colosal, Colombia, which I used to listen to early in the morning, back in the seventies, before going to school. 73's (Nick Rank, Buxton UK, Sony ICF2001D, ALA1530 loop, BDXC- UK yg via DXLD) Don`t know about the call, but I suppose it could have been reassigned. I keep seeing reports of this as ``Radio Alcaravan``, presumably by those not really hearing an ID or not paying attention (gh, DXLD) 6010.050 ... x.059, Spanish language transmission observed here, hopping some 10 Hertz up and down, heard on Atlanta Georgia-US remote unit, nothing of station identification heard between 0425 and 0500 UT, S=8 signal. Most probably heard HJDH Voz de tu Conciencia, Lomalinda, Puerto Lleras in Colombia (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA. Possibly Salem Stereo reactivated? At 0614 UT today 12 August I found a choral item on 14950.75 in AM mode - weak signal with similar reception to how I was hearing Salem Stereo a month ago. Have been monitoring the frequency most days in the hope that they would return: 6 August there was a weak carrier on exactly 14950 at 0114; at 0245 the same day a threshold signal was noted on 14951.04. 8 August a carrier noted on 14950.03 at 0113. Then very weak audio on 14951.03 at 0349. 9 August - carrier again noted on 14950.05 at 0051 and on 14951.03 at 0316. Today's reception is the first time I've heard enough to suggest the station may be back - and the frequency is pretty close to my last confirmed reception of Salem Stereo. Regards from 'down under' (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai, New Zealand, 0827 UT Aug 12, AOR7030+ and EWEs to North, Central & South America, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 14950.8 approx., Aug 12 at 1425, JBA carrier implying that Salem Stereo has finally reactivated on its characteristic off-frequency. I had been checking this often, more in the evenings with no results so far. Tnx tip from Bryan Clark in NZ, who has also been doing so and hearing various signals around 14950-14951, and finally Aug 12 at 0614 he had choral music on 14950.75 AM. 14950.75, August 13 at 0159 and 0328 chex, nothing detectable from Salem Stereo, unlike a JBA carrier at 1425 Aug 12. 14950.8, Aug 14 at 0036, JBA carrier here from presumed Salem Stereo reactivation; also at 0120. I don`t have time to monitor continuously for possible fade-ins, now that we know what this is already. 14950.8, August 15 at 0123-0125, JBA signal here with non-Firedrake music, but better level than before, from reactivated Salem Stereo, Rioblanco, Tolima. Next check at 0452, around S7, with Mexican-style gospel music, 0456 announcement, probably Bible verse, as in usual format. Also at 1312, carrier on this unique frequency, music bits (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 14950.7, Salem Estéreo, Ríoblanco, 0917-... (still heard as I write, 1210), 15/8, Castilian, music, 0418 local time check, ID, songs, religious propaganda; 25332. I'm attaching two audio clips of this one: the times shown are UT+1 h. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CONGO. -Brazzaville, 6115, R. Congo, Brazzaville, 1655-1813, 13/8, vernacular, talks, tribal songs; French at 1800, ID at 1803 followed by the news; 25342. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CONGO DR. -Kinshasa, 5066.2, R. Télé Candip, Bunia, 1847-1902*, 11/8, French, African pops, announcement; 34332, CW QRM. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CROATIA [non]. 9925, Aug 12 at 0204, V. of Croatia is hastening to wrap up only 4 minutes of news in `Croatia Today``, then takes 2 minutes to announce English schedule on satellite, SW with local times (what if there is more than one each??), so --- what`s the big hurry? --- they can get right back to music at 0206, which I stayed with past 0214 after they had played a tune which included melody from ``Rose of Spanish Haarlem``, otherwise unrecognizable presumably real Croatian music. All the schedules show English is 15 minutes from 0200, but there was nothing English about the music and certainly no speech after 0206; maybe cut back on weekends? Via Wertachtal, GERMANY, of course. On 7 September moves back down to 7375. Initial very good signal on 9925 was getting flutterier by tune-out (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. RADIO CUBANA --- Reino de infinitos mundos. Durante nueve décadas ha llevado información, cultura y entretenimiento, a diferentes generaciones - Por SAHILY TABARES (6 de agosto de 2012)... http://www.bohemia.cu/2012/08/06/nacionales/radio-cubana.html [different version of same:] http://www.cmhw.cu/radio-adentro/12687-radio-cubana-reino-de-infinitos-mundos (via Yimber Gaviría, Colombia, noticiasdx yg via DXLD) Long illustrated history of Cuban radio since 1922 (gh, DXLD) ** CUBA. 9810, Aug 9 at 0236, RHC Spanish is just barely modulated, but an improvement over no modulation at all last night; also unusually poor signal strength. 11760, Aug 9 at 1303, RHC modulation is breaking up somewhat; 11750 not until *1303 with OC, then JIP programodulation. At 1305, 11760 dumps off the air. 11860, Aug 9 at 1308, undermodulated but not breaking up or distorted; however, bothered by bleed from the DentroCuban Jamming Command centered on 11845 against R. Martí, but with noise field extending also down to 11830. 11760, Aug 9 at 1957 check, RHC`s initial English hour of the day is at first dead air; then some JBM music. The signal here is never strong on this one. 6050, August 10 at 0519, RHC English is dead air instead, altho OK on 6010 and much weaker 6060, 6125 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [Re 12-32, Grayson Watson`s mystery music program on RHC in the 23-24 hour] Grayson, Today Friday Aug 10 at 2305, the music program on 11840 IDed as ``Por los Campos de Cuba`` (In Cuban Fields). // stronger 11680 was dead air so far. 73, (Glenn Hauser, OK, dxingwithcumbre yg via DXLD) Glenn: Many thanks, as usual (Grayson, ibid.) Later on in the hour, however, they mentioned `Sonido Cubano` which is a real program title, also appearing elsewhen in their schedule http://www.radiohc.cu/de-interes/programacion.html You should also enjoy `Cuba Campesina` Sundays at 1233. There are additional repeats of many programs in the 21-23 UT period for which specific details are not given. 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Checking out Grayson Watson`s mystery music program on RHC in the 23- 24 hour, Friday Aug 10 at 2305, music on 11840 IDed as `Por los Campos de Cuba` (In Cuban Fields). // stronger 11680 in dead air so far. Later on in the hour, however, at 2313 and 2318 they mention `Sonido Cubano` which is a real program title, also appearing elsewhen in their schedule http://www.radiohc.cu/de-interes/programacion.html He should also enjoy `Cuba Campesina` Sundays at 1233. There are additional repeats of many programs in the 21-23 UT period for which specific details are not given. 11840, Aug 11 at 0525, this RHC frequency is on way late, past nominal 0500*, with campesino music; 9790 CRI relay transmitter is also still on at 0532 with big carrier, open except for some hum, and 11840 also remains. 6125, checked Aug 11 at 0538, RHC English missing here, but on 6060, 6050; also missing from 6010, but 6000 is still on late. Wake up at RadioCuba! Finally they do: At 0537:28* 6000 cuts off the air and then 11840 is gone too. At *0542:40 carrier comes on 6125, and finally at 0545:20 English fades up, to usual undermodulation level. That was probably the 6000 transmitter; not sure where 11840 went next if anywhere. 17730, Aug 11 at 1235, RHC inbooming here but absent from scheduled // 17580 uncovering an UNIDENTIFIED q.v. there. 6050, Aug 12 at 0235, no signal from RHC in English, so 50% of the early-evening service is missing, and the other 50%, 6000 is only fair, 0235 introducing a commentary from A. Coro. Recheck at 0311, still no 6050. Unfortunately, too much Spain from 6055 to tell whether HCJB was there as it should have been, good news for them anyway the Cuban disappearance, but likely not for long. 6050, August 13 at 0159 and 0327 chex, RHC English to NAm is missing for the second night, leaving only the insufficient signal on 6000. It`s mysterious how RHC puts such importance on English at 05-07 with four frequencies, when most of NAm is abed, and neglects prime time 01-05 with only two, and now only one. 6050, August 13 at 0526, now RHC is on here with English, probably different transmitter and antenna than previously before 0500, along with the other three redundant frequencies. 6050, August 14 at 0120, after at least two nights missing (transmitter problem?), RHC English is back in force, much stronger than only // 6000 which is also undermodulated, likely same transmitter as on 6125 after 0500. Take that, HCJB! 9810, Aug 14 at 0518, undermodulated and audio breakups, RHC in English! Not only is this transmitter on late past nominal 0500* but in wrong language instead of Spanish usually heard. All four 6 MHz English frequencies are also on at 0520; 9810 is an echo apart from 6010, 6050. Jamming against nothing department: lite residual pulse jamming long before/after any possible targets are on: 9490, Aug 14 at 0516, long after R. República finishes at 0200 11775, Aug 14 at 0514 vs Arabic, = CRI via Albania, commies vs commies 12000, Aug 14 at 0514, long after VOA Spanish is gone 9511, Aug 14 at 1314, RHC distorted FMy spurblob is back, now centered around here, presumably emanating from 9540 transmitter where it sounds OK altho as always weak and undermodulated. 9550 is off by now. 9540, Aug 15 at 1255, an open carrier, perhaps RHC, about equal with the Asian co-channel; and anyhow no spurs around 9511, a blessing. 9550 RHC was still on, but gone at next check 1257 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CYPRUS. Two OTHR signals midst on 19 mb broadcast band: 15197-15221 kHz wide BUZZ oscillating at 0730 UT, and another on 15589-15611 kHz at 0737 UT Aug 8, latter S=6-7 signal from Cyprus or Turkey? (Wolfgang Buschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) ** EAST TURKISTAN. BBC World News America on August 15 had an eye- opening report on Kashgar, whence so many CRI signals emanate, and, no doubt, jamming. (But I never spotted any towers on the horizon.) How the Han are destroying the ancient city and Uighur culture in the name of modernization. Found the 2-minute video here and text: Will development bring stability to restive Xinjiang city of Kashgar? By Martin Patience BBC News, Kashgar ''More than half of it has been torn down'' The historic city of Kashgar in China, which stands on the Silk Road, is experiencing its biggest economic boom in living memory. Beijing wants to transform Kashgar into the transport hub of old, and is investing billions of dollars into its modernisation. However ethnic tensions still remain between the Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic minority, and the majority ethnic group in China, the Han Chinese. . . http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-19279258 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ECUADOR. 6049.933, HCJB Quito heavily hit by REE Madrid Noblejas transmission next door 6055 kHz, latter S=9+35dB strength on remote net receiver in Georgia-US. 0420-0425 UT Aug 12 (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I suppose RHC was still absent from 6050 as I noted earlier that night; see CUBA (gh, DXLD) ** ECUADOR [non]. Question About 11920 kHz --- Deliberately tuned 11920 kHz at 2350 GMT; received strong signal (S-Meter: 3.5 out of 5) in a language I couldn't identify. The signal continued into 0000 GMT but in what seemed a different language. Some gentle music for transitions. Impression that maybe I had caught a religion station. Looked at a frequency site and the only signal on that frequency, at that time, that made sense congruent with what I was hearing was station HCJB in Quito, Ecuador via 50 kW transmitter in Santiago (I presume Chile). Do they still operate from this site? The signal is usually fairly strong and clear when I have tuned it -- which is several times. Would like to hear comments about this. Is my ID correct or is it something else? (Grayson Watson, Dallas, TX, Aug 14, using Satellit 750 with Apex Radio 700DTA antenna, NASWA yg via DXLD) As has been discussed in DXLD, HCJB quit the Chile relay at the end of July. Now it`s via Wertachtal, Germany, on same frequency 11920. I haven`t checked the below schedule myself: ``HCJB Global Voice 2215-2245 NF 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA German, ex 2300-2400 on 9835 SGO 2245-2300 on 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA Kulina, ex on same freq. via SGO 2300-0045 on 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA Portuguese, ex same freq via SGO (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD)`` But if it was neither German nor Portuguese, I wonder if the Kulina (Brazilian Indian language) segment we used to hear at 2245 has been moved to 2345? Or did you by any chance mean to say 2245 instead of 2345 UT? 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) MBR says they've been there since 8/1, same time (2300-0045) as the HCJB entry, both to South American CIRAF Zones, for client "VZM". They don't say who "VZM" is (Dan Ferguson, SC, ibid.) VZM = Vozandes Media, one of the HCJB subsidiaries. 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Kulina is on 11920 now at 2249 UT Aug 15. 73, Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** EGYPT. Radio Cairo, 9315 kHz via Abu Zaabal, QSL card and letter accurately verifying a reception report and later follow up sent to the English Service, arriving in 142 days. After sending 3 reception reports since 2008 to the Spanish Service of R Cairo - clearly requesting QSL cards -, all these reports were always replied with postcards, touristic brochures, papyrus bookmarks and even personal notes but never QSL cards until I sent this report to the English Service (Julio Rolando Pineda Cordón, GUATEMALA, Aug CIDX Messenger via DXLD) 9280-9325, Aug 9 at 0232, big buzz out to here from extremely distorted monstrous R. Cairo Arabic frequency 9305, diminished only around 9315 by the big very undermodulated R. Cairo English frequency with singing. 9265 WINB and 9330 WBCQ escape it. By 0448, samebuzz from 9305 but weaker so the sidefields are inaudible (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11560, also, - so scheussliche Signale hatten wir heute nicht beim SSB Ham Radio Kontest: Radio Kairo Deutsch aus Abis auf 11560 kHz noch 19 bis 20 UT, schrappelt heute im Bereich 11502 bis hoch auf 11600 kHz. 11560, terrible audio range on 11502-11600 kHz, of Radio Cairo German from Abis transmitter site at 1900-2000 UT Aug 5 (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) 13620, Aug 12 at 0147 just humbuzz, no programodulation, from R. Cairo, Abis, Spanish to S America at 0045-0200 scheduled. 9315, Aug 12 at 0225, R. Cairo English to N America missing, no signal at all, whilst 9305 Arabuzzing as usual, and 9965 distorted Arabic undermod. Has English finally moved to 9720 as predicted? No, nothing there either. Not found anywhere else on 9 MHz, so did another sweep of 6.8-13.9 MHz and did not find it anywhere else either. Still the same, no 9315 or 9720 at 0314 check. 9315, August 13 at 0159, R. Cairo English to N America is back tonight after absence last night; but now 9305 Arabuzzer is absent, as it has been sporadically. By 0324 recheck, 9305 is back on but not spreading too badly, and at 0328, 9315 is recognizably in English sign-off with program summary for the next day (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. 15190, Aug 11 at 1828, crazy gospel huxter keeps me on R. Africa for only a few sex. 15190, August 12 at 0547, R. Africa with YL gospel huxter, not a crazy-sounding one this time, but softly and seemingly reasonably. VG signal at S9+20 audiblizing lite humwhine upon her (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ERITREA. 7165, V of Broad Masses, Selai Dairo, 1745-1801*, 12/8, Arabic, talks, HOA music, closed with the national anthem as usual; 35433. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7164.991, Voice of Broad Masses #2 at 0330-0340 UT Aug 12, poor S=7 signal, male voice talk, logged here in Germany during morning grey line path. 7205.002, Voice of Broad Masses #1 program in Tigre language at 0358- 0410 UT Aug 12, S=7-8 strength (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA (?). 6090, V of Amhara State, Geja Jawe, 1703-1725, 13/8, Amharic (listed), news (presumed), interviews; 35433, improving. 7234.5, R. Ethiopia (presumed), Geja Jawe (or Geja Dera site?), 1611- 1625, 14/8, vernacular, talks; parallel to 9705? 14431. 9705 ditto, 1615-1628, 14/8, vernacular, talks, songs; 23441, adjacent QRM. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 6110, R Fana, one of the strongest stations in 49 mb, S=9+20dB at 2020 UT. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA [non]. MOLDOVA, 17870, R Xoriyo Ogadeniya in Somali, an Ethiopian opposite radio program, brokered by TDP via Grigoriopol Maiac transmitter site, Tue/Fri only at 1600-1630 UT, heard today and accompanied WHITE NOISE jamming like 20 kHz wide DRM signal was on high 17870 kHz (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 dxldyg via DXLD) ** ETHIOPIA [and non]. Heard white noise jamming again today - on wrong channel - ETHIOPIA/GERMANY/MOLDOVA, Jamming against TDP ESAT radio noted from 'my' tune in 1728-1731 UT on 15161-15179 kHz, but Ethiopians stopped suddenly and moved to 15381-15399 kHz. And left AWR Kabyle service on free channel and outstanding audio on 15170 kHz from 1732 UT, scheduled from Wertachtal 1730-1800 UT, S=9+20dB signal strength. 73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EUROPE. Pirate-Euro. Borderhunter Radio-Holland, 15470 AM, 1521- 1549, 08-12-12 [Sunday], SIO: 232. Thanks to Mike Rhode tip, found Borderhunter playing oldies by Rickey Nelson, The Guess Who, Bill Hailey, IDing as The Borderhunter Broadcasting Service. Was slightly dominant to a co-channel legitimate SWBCer but both were covered by a VOA open carrier that came on at 1549 (Chris Lobdell, Baker's Island, Salem, Massachusetts, USA, Receiver: Eton E1, Aerial: Par End Fed longwire, CumbreDX via DXLD) ** FIJI [non]. A proposito della correzione fatta da Glenn Hauser al mio ascolto di Domo I Viti (Fiji Democracy), confermo che sul sito di World Harvest Radio il programma risulta proveniente dall'impianto WHRI di Cypress Creek in South Carolina (USA) e non da KWHR [sic] ubicata a Koror sull'isola di Palau. Resta il fatto che, come ho detto in inglese, per me è stato soprattutto gradevole riuscire a sentire un nuovo servizio in onde corte, al di là dell'impianto trasmittente e a fronte di tutti quelli che quest'anno in HF hanno chiuso (Luca Botto Fiora, playdx yg via DXLD) ** FRANCE [non]. 183 kHz Europe-1 tower damaged: see SAAR [and non] ** GERMANY. 183 kHz Europe-1 tower damaged: see SAAR [and non] ** GERMANY. QSL: D - HCJB via Weenermoor --- hello, here is a new QSL- image of HCJB from the new transmitter in Weenermoor. vy 73 (Peter Vaegler, Aug 12, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) Labeled ECUADOR! They are still playing up the old angle, Die Stimme der Anden. Nice shot of a Citrus Flower with Bee (gh, DXLD) ** GERMANY. HH Lokalradio and E.M.R. Aug 18-20: Dear Listeners, European Music Radio and HH Lokalradio are on the air this weekend. HH Lokalradio Schedule for Saturday 0500 to 1700 on 7265 kHz via MVBR EMR Schedule for Sunday: 0600 to 0700 on 7265 kHz via MVBR 0800 to 0900 on 9480 kHz via MVBR 0800 to 0900 on 6005 kHz via Radio 700 + shortwaveservice.com 1100 to 1200 on 7265 kHz via MVBR EMR Internet repeats on Sunday and Monday --- Programme repeats are at the following times: 0600, 0800, 1100, 1600, 1900 All Reception reports to: E.M.R: studio @ emr.org.uk HH Lokalradio: m.kittner @ freenet.de Good listening! 73s (Tom Taylor, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY [and non]. Some MBR changes: Radio Dardasha 7 0330-0345 NF 9440 WER 125 kW / 105 deg to WeAs Persian, ex 9460 OGM Radio Horiyo Ogadeniya 1600-1630 NF 17630 ISS 500 kW / 130 deg Tue/Sat EaAf Somali, ex 15170 Voice of Oromiyan Liberation Front: 1700-1730 15170 WER 125 kW / 135 deg Sun EaAf Oromo ex 16-1630 ISS 500 Pan American Broadcasting (PAB) 1930-2030 9515 WER 250 kW / 150 deg Wed/Sat NoAf English till Sep. 22 1930-2030 9515 WER 250 kW / 150 deg Sat NoAf English from Sep. 23 HCJB Global Voice 2215-2245 NF 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA German, ex 2300-2400 on 9835 SGO 2245-2300 on 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA Kulina, ex on same freq. via SGO 2300-0045 on 11920 WER 100 kW / 240 deg BRA Portuguese, ex same freq via SGO (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** GERMANY [and non]. Join in and be part of DW [for linx, see:] http://nl.dw.de/HM?a=FtX7Cqg1pi9G8SA9MKJck23nGHxKLJ38AwjtS5kGaOAz0bBhOG5mpqVsje_Hhe-g20oZ Our fans mean a lot to us – and that’s why we created My DW. It’s the new DW website that has fans in mind. Here we are always looking for new stories, insights and perspectives – and there is no better place to look than among the people who know us best. But we have also created a platform that lets you find out more about the work behind the scenes and all the latest projects and quizzes. It’s all at My DW so check it out today. Get involved and be part of it On My DW we put the spotlight on our users and fans. With User of the Week, individual users share details about their lives and what DW means to them. But fans can also join us in our Club Lounge where we present DW clubs and user groups from all around the globe. Help us design our website - Share your story Not everyone has the same opinion or perspective on world issues. That’s why we created Global Impressions. It lets you share your opinions with the whole world. Feel free to send in a few sentences expressing your thoughts and experiences on an issue that is dear to you. Who are we? Take a look behind the scenes My DW also offers our users an opportunity to find out about who we are and the work we do. Get a real look behind the scenes with Insights and get to know DW like you never did before. Find out more and get involved with My DW! Best regards, Your DW Team T +49.228.429-4000 mydw @ dw.de http://dw.de/mydw (via gh, DXLD) ** GERMANY EAST. "Radio Berlin International" Keith Perron on Facebook August 14, 2012 The story around the so called Radio Berlin International thickens. You ask for information and just like the old GDR they are not forthcoming. They make claims that [they] have 200,000 people a week that listen. But listen to what? 600 club members? From where? What countries? Funny lol (via Mike Terry, Aug 14, dxldyg via DXLD) ** GUIANA FRENCH. On August 1 after 1900 I was hearing DRM noise on 17870-17875-17880, an hour earlier than the TDP schedule at 20-21 only. Now I find some other early appearances (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: Exclamation 17875 kHz Unscheduled Transmission --- By chance noticed an unscheduled transmission from Montsinéry this afternoon. At 1658 it was already underway and I do not know what time it had started. The signal ceased at 1900 or just before. At first there was no station ID and the evaluation screen showed a red SDC and no MSC (attachment 2). At 1821 the "The Disco Palace" ID screen came up. However there was no audio just pure digital stereo silence. Attached Images File Type: png 17875-120809-1658-1900-af4mp.png (35.1 KB, 9 views) File Type: png 17875 unid 9-Aug-2012 1726UTC.PNG (41.2 KB, 9 views) 73, (-Zyg- AF4MP 34 02' N, 84 24' W EM74ta, Roswell GA, 9 August, DRMDX Forum via DXLD) 17875 kHz The Disco Palace from Montsinéry reception near Atlanta, Georgia, USA --- This afternoon's reception reports: 1. Looks like a brief test at 1921. 2. Scheduled transmission 99.50% audio decoded, 18.88 dB max SNR. Attached Images File Type: png 17875-120810-1900-1957-af4mp.png (30.1 KB, 6 views) File Type: png 17875-120810-2000-2058-af4mp.png (34.8 KB, 3 views) 73, (Zyg, Aug 10, ibid.) 17875 kHz, The Disco Palace from Montsinery reception near Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Just for fun decided to connect the long wire antenna to my good old Sangean ATS-803A receiver. This afternoon's reception - 99.25% audio decoded, 19.08 dB max SNR. A (test?) transmission had started earlier and ended 20 minutes before the start of the scheduled broadcast. There was no audio and I did not log it. Attached Images File Type: png 17875-120813-1959-2059-af4mp.png (34.4 KB, 3 views) 73, (Zyg, Aug 13, ibid.) ** GUIANA FRENCH. 11995, Aug 9 at 0229, fair signal in Spanish with Chinese accent, i.e. RTI; also a lo hum on the transmitter, from Montsinéry, 02-03, 500 kW, 195 degrees to Chile & Argentina (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also UNIDENTIFIED 11995 ** INDIA. AIR Rajkot 1071 kHz on air --- 12 August 2012, AIR Rajkot on air with Urdu service during 1720 UT check in. Called up the station, they are doing some field test for limited period in simulcast mode. Tentative schedule as following: 0230 - 0430 UT 0830 - 1130 UT (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad, India, via Alokesh Gupta, Aug 12, dx_india yg via DXLD) Photos of new 1000 kW MW transmitter at Rajkot, Gujarat http://tinyurl.com/8zgrnlo Photo of 156.25 meter high self radiating mast of SPT AIR, Rajkot http://www.becil.com/SliderImages/P3.jpg (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, Aug 15, ibid.) ** INDIA. 4970, AIR Shillong, 1230-1315, August 12. The hum I heard here on August 7 must have been a one day event! Today heard with good audio for the news in English followed by the usual Sunday program of “traditional” C&W songs (Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy”, etc.); 1311 local ID and announcement for employment opportunity with AIR Shillong; 1315 into Hindi (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. All India Radio VBS 6100 DRM log plot files - 12th Aug 2012 Two AIR VBS 6100 DRM log plot files from reception on 12th Aug 2012 (Sunday): 0902 - 1026 UTC - Avg SNR 21.6 dB, Decoded Audio 99.95% http://tinyurl.com/clvgyz6 1040 - 1158 UTC - Avg SNR 22.7 dB, Decoded Audio 99.76% http://tinyurl.com/cwoc8kt (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dx_india yg via DXLD) On his blog, Alokesh admits to being a ``DRM enthusiast`` (gh) ** INDIA. 15040, Close to the airwave control band, AIR from Khampur site scheduled, heard around opening interval signal at 1212 UT Aug 13, scheduled from 1215 to 1315 UT in Burmese at 132 degrees (which is backlobe of European azimuth 312 degrees). Heavy UNDERMODULATED reception, S=7 signal in Germany (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, wwdxc BC- DX TopNews Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. India - Eve of Independence Day address to the nation Hi Glenn, A good time to attempt to hear AIR regional stations will be the eve of Independence Day (August 14 - Tuesday). Starting at 1330 UT (7:00 PM IST) the new President of India will address the nation and listeners in North America will have a chance to tune in to this live speech, first given in Hindi and repeated again in English. Since 2007 these addresses to the nation had been delivered by the first woman President of India: Prathibha Devi Singh Patil, but this year there is a new President: Pranab Kumar Mukherjee. He will address the nation via All India Radio SW stations and assume TV, MW and FM stations as well. This year will be especially eventful for listeners of SW, as AIR Kohima (4850) has recently resumed broadcasting again, after a considerable absence. In 2010 and 2011 they did not broadcast at all during the eve of Independence Day or on Independence Day itself, so this year will be a unique opportunity to hear the speech via Kohima, the capital of India's north eastern border state of Nagaland, which shares its borders with Myanmar/Burma. Here are some of the stations I will be checking. They should all be carrying the president’s address to the nation in parallel. 4760 Leh 4760 Port Blair (Normally heard instead of AIR Leh) 4775 Imphal 4800 Hyderabad (Strong QRM from CNR1/China) 4810 Bhopal 4820 Kolkata (Occasionally heard off frequency at about 4820.8 and mixing with PBS Xizang in Chinese on 4820.0) 4835 Gangtok (Presently blocked by ABC Alice Springs) 4840 Mumbai 4850 Kohima (Broadcasting again!) 4880 Lucknow 4895 Kurseong (Often mixing with Mongolian Radio) 4910 Jaipur 4920 Chennai (Mixing with PBS Xizang in Tibetan) 4940 Guwahati (Blocked by the Voice of Strait/China) 4950 Srinagar (Blocked by the Voice of Pujiang/Shanghai) 4965 Shimla 4970 Shillong (Check for audio quality. Hum?) 4990 Itanagar (Has recently been heard again!) 5010 Thiruvananthapuram 5015 Delhi (Have not noticed this one recently) 5040 Jeypore 5050 Aizawl (Recently have not been able to hear this under the much stronger Beibu Bay Radio/China) I wish my friends in India a great Independence Day on the 15th! Jai Hind! (Ron Howard, Monterey, California, USA, UT Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Dear Ron, Thanks for the timely reminder. Please look out also on 6030 Delhi, 9425 Delhi, 9470 Aligarh & 9870 Bangalore. By the way 5015 Delhi is now in use now [did he really mean not now? gh] 5050 Aizawl not heard lately. Yours sincerely, (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad, India, Aug 12, dx_india yg via DXLD) As alerted by Ron Howard and Jose Jacob, UT August 14 from 1330, AIR would carry the eve-of-Independence Day address by India`s new president, on 9425, 9470 and 9870, first Hindi, then English. I have had near-zero signals from all these for months, and as expected that is still the case today; only 9870 had a JBA carrier at 1347. The special was also to be on numerous 60m transmitters, which would have even less chance of propagating this far into the dayside. BTW, once all these transmitters are converted to DRM, as AIR is deadset on doing, they will have even less chance of being audible. I do miss VBS music on 9870, which maybe will come back in the fall/winter before it goes DRM? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4850, AIR Kohima, 1222-1350, August 14. In vernacular with religious program and songs till 1302 ID in English and “highlights” of today’s and tomorrow’s schedule; mentioning the eve of Independence Day speech by the president; 1305-1315 aother ID and songs in English; into the program for the Naga people with many mentions of Nagaland; 1330 National Anthem and President’s speech till NA again at 1349. August 14 at 1331 indeed did find President Pranab Kumar Mukherjeethe speech to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, just after the playing of the National Anthem. By 1331 there was too much daylight at my location for any decent reception. Seemed to start out in English. 4760 Leh (not heard) 4760 Port Blair (not heard) 4775 Imphal (not heard) 4800 Hyderabad (not heard -strong QRM CNR1) 4810 * Bhopal was heard 4835 Gangtok (not heard - only ABC Alice Springs) 4840 * Mumbai was heard 4850 * Kohima with probably the best AIR reception 4880 * Lucknow was heard 4895 Kurseong (not heard) 4910 * Jaipur was heard 4920 * Chennai was heard mixing with PBS Xizang 4940 Guwahati (Blocked by the Voice of Strait/China) 4950 Srinagar (Blocked by the Voice of Pujiang/Shanghai) 4965 Shimla (not heard) 4970 * Shillong was heard with strong hum. So tx audio is erratic! 4990 * Itanagar was heard 5010 * Thiruvananthapuram was probably 2nd best AIR reception 5040 * Jeypore was heard, but not as good as normally heard 5050 Aizawl (not heard) 9425 * Delhi was heard - poor 9470 Aligarh (not heard) 9870 * Bangalore heard under CRI in English (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Dear Friends, Here is my monitoring observation for AIR special transmission of eve of Independence Day address to the nation by the Honourable President of India His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee for the first time after he was elected as President last month. My QTH location is JORHAT, ASSAM (Latitude: 26 45' 0 N, Longitude: 94 13' 0 E.) and for this observation I have used Sangean ATS 909 and Kestral W31MS active loop antenna. On Shortwave: Between 1330-1345 UT 4760 Leh - Not Heard 4760 Port Blair- Heard with SINPO- 22222 4775 Imphal- Heard with SINPO- 55444 4800 Hyderabad : Strong Chinese signal, station was almost inaudible. 4810 Bhopal: Heard with SINPO- 33333 4820 Kolkata: Not heard. Strong Chinese signal. 4835 Gangtok: Heard with SINPO- 34333 4840 Mumbai: Heard with SINPO- 35333 4850 Kohima : Heard with SINPO- 55455 (Very strong and clear) 4880 Lucknow: Heard with SINPO- 45444 4895 Kurseong : Heard with SINPO- 44334 4910 Jaipur: Heard with SINPO- 32233 4920 Chennai : Not Heard, Strong Chinese signal. 4940 Guwahati : Heard with SINPO- 44444 4950 Srinagar: Heard with SINPO- 24222 4965 Shimla: Heard with SINPO- 45343 4970 Shillong: Heard with SINPO- 55444. Here is a voice file recorded: https://www.box.com/s/5eac4df9115c09fd0546 4990 Itanagar : Heard with SINPO- 45434 5010 Thiruvananthapuram: Heard but with strong noise almost unreadable 5015 Delhi : Not Heard. 5040 Jeypore: Heard with SINPO- 35333 5050 Aizawl : Not Heard. Strong Chinese station instead of AIR Aizawl. 6030 Delhi : Heard with SINPO- 22222 9425 Delhi: Heard with SINPO- 54444 (Here is a recording of the first few minutes of President's speech recorded on this frequency- https://www.box.com/s/8be21a26898739da6815 9470 Aligarh : Not Heard. 9870 Bangalore: Heard with SINPO- 22222 (CRI English was strong) On Mediumwave: Between 1345-1410 UT 567 Dibrugarh: Heard with SINPO 54555. Interestingly while checking this station at 1400 UTC I heard Lao National Radio with its English language transmission interfering with AIR Dibrugarh. Here is a recording of this interesting log: https://www.box.com/s/d3ecb73c6633caed218b 639 Kohima: Heard with SINPO- 33333 657 Kolkata A: Heard with SINPO- 45444 675 Itanagar: Heard with SINPO- 44444 828 Silchar: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 43444 864 Shillong: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 54555 882 Imphal: : Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 54444 954 Najibabad: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 34333 972 Cuttack A: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 35333 1062 Pasighat: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 24222 1125 Tezpur: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 44344 1179 Rewa: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 23232 1233 Tura: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 33333 1512 Kokrajhar: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 24222 1584 Diphu: Heard Hindi translation of President's Speech, 25333 With Best Regards, (Prithwiraj Purkayastha, Pub Bongalpukhuri, By Lane 4, P.O./ Dist. Jorhat, Assam - 785001, India, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) AIR INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL TRANSMISSION 2012- MONITORING OBSERVATION FROM ASSAM Dear Friends, Wishing You all a Happy Independence Day. Here is a quick summary on my observation on All India Radio's special transmission of live commentary of Independence Day celebration and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's speech at Red Fort, New Delhi. Receiver Used: Sangean ATS-909 Antenna: Kestral W31MS Actice Loop Monitoring Time: 0135 to 0240 UT. My QTH: JORHAT, ASSAM (Latitude: 26 45' 0 N, Longitude: 94 13' 0 E.) On Shortwave: 4775 Imphal: Heard with SINPO 35443 Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZDvDxrXUg8&feature=youtu.be 4800 Hyderabad: Heard but very weak 4810 Bhopal: Not heard. 4820 & 7210 Kolkata: Not heard, China very strong on 4820. 4830 Jammu: Not heard. 4835 Gangtok: Not heard 4850 Kohima: Heard with SINPO 55444 Here is a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DIpqIhsHV4&feature=youtu.be 4870 Delhi: Not heard. 4880 Lucknow: Not Heard. 4895 Kurseong: Heard with SINPO 24222 4910 Jaipur: Not heard. 4920 Chennai: Not heard, China very strong. 4940 Guwahati: Not heard. 4950 Srinagar: not heard. 4960 Ranchi: not heard. 4965 & 6020 Shimla: not heard. 4970 Shillong: not heard. 4990 Itanagar: not heard. 5010 & 7290 Trivandrum: not heard 5040 Jaypore: not heard. 5050 Aizawl: Not heard. 7430 Bhopal: Heard with SINPO 33333 7390 Port Blair: Not heard. 7335 Imphal: not heard. 7420 Hydrabad: Not heard. 7380 Chennai: Not heard. 9870 B'lore: Heard with SINPO 55444 11620 B'lore: Heard with SINPO 35333 9595 Delhi: Heard with SINPO 54444 6155 Aligarh: Heard but very weak. 6030 Delhi: Not heard. 13620 B'lore: Heard with SINPO 55555 15050 Delhi: Heard with SINPO 55555 17510 Delhi: Heard with SINPO 42232 On Medium Wave: 567 Dibrugarh: Heard with SINPO 55555 639 Kohima: Heard with SINPO 55444 73, (Prithwiraj Purkayastha, Pub Bongalpukhuri, By Lane 4, P.O./ Dist. Jorhat, Assam - 785001, India, 0345 UT Aug 15, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi, happy Independence Day! I heard a few AIR transmissions here in Germany on early 15 August 2012: 6155 Aligarh, 0011 UT, 45333, speech in Hindi+English with English commentary 4920 Chennai, 0015 UT, 35333, National Anthem 4800 Hyderabad, 0020 UT, 35322, song 4950 Srinagar, 0025 UT, 25332, test tone, IS, National Anthem, music programme 5010 Thiruvananthapuram, 0043 UT, 35333, song 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Zingst / Germany, Perseus SDR + DX-10 Active antenna in the garden, ibid.) 4850, AIR Kohima, 1305-1315, August 15. In English; "This is All India Radio Kohima . . we now bring you .."; coverage of the ceremonies "held this afternoon at Raj Bhavan" to award the "T Ao State Sports Awards"; in attendance was Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and "his lovely wife Shyama Singh"; speeches given for awards and acknowledging Chekrovol Swuro, an Olympian who was just representing Nagaland in London; ended with the song "We Are The Champions". Seems this is improving almost daily. In another month should have good reception! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA [and non]. Today (Aug 9) heard series of IDs on 4749.95 for "Programa Satu, Radio Republik Indonesia Makassar" at 1233 at a decent level, with light QRM underneath with reciting from the Qur'an, which I assume was Bangladesh Betar. Wrong format for CNR1 QRM (Ron Howard, California, 1601 UT Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4749.95, RRI Makassar, 1330, August 10. RRI jingle followed by “Ramadan R-R-I Makassar . . . Programa Satu, R-R-I Makassar . . FM . . Ramadan R-R-I Makassar”; fair. MP3 audio https://www.box.com/s/c50ae2d28655efad70b4 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4749.95, RRI Makassar, 1355-1408, August 14. Kevin Dalton and “Ana” (Rahma Diana Sari) presented the “Kang Guru Indonesia” (“K-G-I”) program in English; pop song from a concert in Australia by John Farnham (“Please Don't Ask Me”); interview with junior high school student talking about his school’s radio station on 99.5 FM and asked listeners questions about the interview; theme music by Men at Work with "Down Under"; contact information given; KGI is carried on over 190 stations in Indonesia, but very few on SW; 1406 RRI jingle and local ID in Bahasa Indonesia. Extensive website http://www.kangguru.org/ but their schedule does not have this frequency/time/day (Tue). Edited MP3 audio posted at https://www.box.com/s/e91e905cf887a9acaf00 In the past this was one of my favorite shows, but for some years now had been unable to hear it on SW (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) They must have been happy to receive my report, as they immediately posted it at their website: http://www.kangguru.org/kgi_latest_news.html (Ron Howard, Aug 15, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) - - email from KGI: Ron, Thanks so much for your email and I trust it is ok that we used it on our website - http://www.kangguru.org/kgi_latest_news.html KGI is in the process of being absorbed into another AusAID project here in Indonesia however radio programs will continue as usual. Kevin Dalton Project Manager Kang Guru Indonesia P.O. Box 3095 Denpasar 80030 Bali Indonesia (0361) 225243 Office (0361) 263 509 Fax E-mail: kdalton @ ialf.edu Website: http://www.kangguru.org/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kang-Guru-Indonesia-Fans-Page/134317436606198 (Ron Howard, Aug 15, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 4869.9, RRI Wamena. Had been off the air from June 2012; heard for one day only on August 5 and then gone again till today, August 13. Will this be another one day happening? 1201 Jakarta News relay which was // 3325, which was stronger; 1228 played patriotic song “Dirgahayu Indonesiaku”. Indonesia's Independence Day is August 17 (Friday). Will there be any special programs or broadcasts? (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4869.9, RRI Wamena was not heard August 14, after making a one day appearance yesterday (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 9526-, Aug 14 at 1315, for the record, VOI is still absent, no trace of a signal. Atsunori Ishida, http://rri.jpn.org agrees, with no logs of it since July 26 at 1500+. Can we assume another SW station is gone for good? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET [and non]. TWO LEGENDARY BROOKLYN RADIO PIRATES TAKE THEIR ACT ONTO THE INTERNET The Brooklyn Link By Melissa Howard July 29, 2012 Late on a recent Wednesday night, Jim Nazium of the Hank and Jim Radio Network took to the Internet to play classic rock and requests for about 100 online listeners. To the backdrop of a long-ago hit by Bachman Turner Overdrive, Nazium played air guitar and lip-synched the line “Any love is good love, so I took what I could get.” Meanwhile, Nazium’s partner Hank Hayes joined the broadcast by clicking one of the webcam icons next to Nazium’s feed, allowing his own video feed to appear right next to the DJ’s. So did five other online listeners. The show represents the evolution of “pirate radio” – for Nazium and Hayes, as well as the underground broadcasting movement in general. The two DJs started putting out shows illegally on AM frequencies from a Brooklyn studio in 1975. Recently, however, they have moved onto an Internet site hosted by Stickam.com. The shift of underground radio online has reduced the risk of running afoul of the Federal Communications Commission, but it also has taken away the thrill of piracy for Nazium and Hayes. . . http://thebrooklynink.com/2012/07/29/46483-two-legendary-brooklyn-radio-pirates-take-their-act-onto-the-internet/ (via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS. Courtesy of Eylard Harmsen we have photos of two ships that housed two of the most famous pirate radio stations of all time, Radio Caroline and Laser 558. Eylard’s webpage: http://www.eylard.nl/OffShoreRadio/index.htm features many great photos of the ships, the stations and the staff (Aug CIDX Messenger via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. Radio Six International special Tuesday 14th August is the day when we remember the offshore radio stations that surrounded the British Isles for a brief period in the mid 1960s, until 14th August 1967 when legislation outlawed them. A special Tony Currie Show will come from the LV18, a former lightship converted to become a floating radio station, which in recent years has been home to revival broadcasts from Radio Northsea International, Radio Caroline, Radio Mi Amigo and Pirate BBC Essex, as well as radio six international. Tony's guests will include Keith Skues (ex-Radio Caroline and Radio London), Paul Freeman (Radio Essex)and others involved in watery wireless including Emperor Rosko (Caroline),Dave Cash (Radio London)Ben Healy (Radio Scotland), Radio London 'Knees Club' founder Mary Payne and Tony O'Neil from the Pharos Trust, who own and operate the LV18 which now has a new berth in Harwich and is open to the public as a museum. Join us on the LV18 on 14th August at 18:00 GMT with a repeat on Thursday 30th August at 21:00 GMT. http://www.radiosix.com/ (via Mike Terry, UK, Aug 12, dxldyg via DXLD) I only had time to hear the first quarter of the original broadcast; is it available on demand? (gh, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS. Piracy off Somalia? DSC distress relays are usually bogus, but this one seems more credible than most. 16804.5, all ships (distress) from [COMMSTA New Orleans]-USA DISTRESS relay CORAL SEA,3FTR7-PNR undesignated S01 36' E054 30' 19:35UTC J3 ACK [12-08-09 20:01:55] all ships (distress) from FORMOSA THIRTEEN,A8GJ7-LBR DISTRESS relay CORAL SEA,3FTR7-PNR undesignated S01 36' E054 30' 19:35UTC J3 EOS [12-08-09 20:00:45] Position is E of Somalia and 150 miles N of the Seychelles. The callsign comes back to the CORAL SEA in the ITU database, but to THE MERCIFUL everywhere else. Likely same cargo vessel with new name. (Hugh Stegman, Aug 9, UDXF yg via DXLD) Hello, i guess you should report it to the authorities. if it was me I'd report it. was it a mayday call? (CLINTON RADLOFF, OWNER/OPERATER, CLINTONS WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE, ibid.) It's the digital version of a MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY call. My understanding is that every GMDSS console has a big red button which puts out a DSC distress call including GPS coordinates. The presence of "undesignated" for nature of distress usually means that someone pushed the button. These are nearly always false, but the position got my attention this time since piracy is a problem in the region. The automated system propagates these all over the world. The fact that the US Coast Guard comm station in New Orleans is one of the relays indicates that the right people saw it (Hugh Stegman, Aug 12, ibid.) 12577, 12-08-09 19:38:07 : by: 351644000 (Panama) / Undesignated distress / Distress. Coordinates: 01 36'S 054 30'E / Distress coordinates time acquisition: 19h35 19:41:31 : Distress) by: St. Tokyo Sea / Distress acknowledgment / by: 351644000 (Panama) / Undesignated distress MMSI 351644000=Coral Sea Regards, (Frank JO22GJ, ibid.) ** IRAN. 11800, Aug 12 at 0230 I am looking for a lousy-modulated signal as possible replacement from missing Cairo 9315; see EGYPT. Something poor here aside much stronger Romania in Spanish on 11795, with unknown language talk, cut off abruptly at 0231:30*. Uplooked later in HFCC, it`s merely VIRI in ``Kazaki``, 500 kW, 5 degrees from Sirjan at 0130-0230 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRELAND [non?]. Last Sunday, I was getting reliable reception of Irish church services on 27 MHz, on both the British CB27/81 ("Muppet") and European CEPT channels [WTFK??]. I think that this has been permitted for quite a few years. I don't know if they are also in the Republic, or just the North. They were very strong - antennas atop the steeple, perhaps? I was wondering if anyone has tried getting reception verified. Of course, they won't have QSL cards, but I'm sure that if you listened for a while you could work out which church you were listening to, especially when they read out the notices. I wonder if any clergymen have ever received letters from "worshippers" in distant lands? (Mark Palmer, UK, Aug 14, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Just a question, was that AM or NBFM? 73 (Rémy Friess, France, ibid.) Maybe I am wrong, but I think I remember that Austrian DXer Patrick Robic has QSLed them in then past. 73 (Harald Kuhl, ibid.) What`s the frequency, in kHz, please, Kenneth? (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Hi Glenn, although my name is Kenneth and I come from Ireland originally, I have had nothing to do with this particular correspondence, just in case there is any confusion (Ken Fletcher, Post Code CH43 UK, Near Liverpool ibid.) Thanks for your interest! All were NBFM (as AM is banned in the UK). As far as I know, they are using standard 4 watt CB equipment. There are two sets of channels in use: the standard CEPT 26.965 - 27.405 (exactly the same as the US 40 channels with the same gaps and numbering system, and used throughout Europe) and the UK only 27.60125 - 27.99125 MHz. I can't remember the exact channels of the ones that I heard, but there were certainly several of them, and in both sets of channels. I've heard that the Irish CBers aren't too happy as in some places it becomes difficult to find a clear channel on a Sunday morning, and some are even using Channel 9 (ostensibly an emergency channel). There may also be some churches in England doing this, but I don't think there is a general permission and the church needs a special licence. Moslems are not left out, though. In days gone by, the Imam climbed up the minaret to call the faithful to prayer. Now he can do it on about 450 MHz: http://www.mosquereceiver.com/ By the way, CB has not died out, though usage is low compared to the heyday of the early 1980s. Listening on 27.555 MHz USB (the "Triple Nickel" or "T5") will reveal a host of (illegal!) DX stations, usually using amateur gear and often huge powers, and on Sunday afternoons there are DX nets on the legal channels with operators using big antennas up hills - often in conjunction with high power operation on PMR446 channel 8 (446.09375 MHz, using 4 watt Chinese radios and beam antennas). (Mark Palmer, ibid.) ** ITALY. QSL card for 10000, 19 June 2012 to Zdenek Elias, calls the time-signal station as named Associazione Amici di Italcable, i.e. not Italcable per se, but Friends of Italcable. I don`t recall seeing anything about Amici when this first appeared with a website. Details printed on card: Trasmettitore Plessey, Antenna Dipolo 1/2 onda; Coordinate 43-54-48, 010-17-44; autorizzazione n. 354616/LOR (illustrated in Aug World DX Club Contact, Glenn Hauser comments, DXLD) ** ITALY [non]. 15190, IRRS via Romania, 1502-1530*, August 12 (Sunday). In English with Christian preaching; IRRS ID and gave address in Milan, Italy to write for QSL card; no hint of Radio Africa (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I.e. Santec/Cosmik Wave aus Deutschland ** JAPAN. 6115, R. Nikkei HS-2, Chiba-Nagara 0842-0900* Aug 12 Japanese; Continuous ballads until M announcer s/off at 0859 mentioning kilohertz and tentative mention of Chiba; weak but clear in ECCS-USB. I don't believe I have ever logged their HS-2 before, obviously a benefit of my now having Sunday mornings off for the first time in 33 years (Scott R. Barbour Jr. Intervale, N.H. USA, NRD-545, MLB-1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN. 15195, Aug 9 at 0453, Japanese poor signal, i.e. NHK, 300 kW, 290 degrees from Yamata at 01-07 per HFCC, yet seldom audible here. Also amid intruding OTH radar buzz QRM extending from 15190 to 15215, Cyprus? 15325, Aug 15 at 0457, some classical music, // 17810 at 0459 with NHK ID in Japanese, also // 15195 to which I was tuned for the 0500 TS and off. The other two were also gone then, all poor signals for Asia (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also CHILE ** JAPAN [non]. SOUTH AFRICA, 7395.009, NHK Radio Japan Tokyo in Swahili via Meyerton-AFS SW relay site, scheduled 0315-0400 UT, observed around 0350-0358 UT, poor signal S=4 level here in Germany. Compared with DWL 7300 kHz latter which is stronger here in Europe (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. KRE - new equipment in full swing at Kanggye KOREA D.P.R., Martial Korean brass music followed by VERY SWEET lady singer song, noted 0730 to 0800 UT Aug 9, on various home service channels targeted also to southern Korea. All BUILT UP / reshuffled by very new Chinese shortwave transmitters of BBEF Made in China firm for KCBS Pyongyang Kanggye in week of March 2nd to 5th, 2012. All these are always exact on frequency NOW since March 2012! I guess these are new SW units, Made in China by BBEF, which North Korean personnel had installation training last year in June 2011 at BBEF firm. Korean domestic language programm noted today on very exact 6100.000 6250.000 6400.000 9665.000 11680.000 kHz. Checked at Japanese and Australian SDR remote units against WWV, WWVH, RWM, CHU, Nikkei, RA Shepparton, R Rossii Magadan. Also against RID Angarsk 5004, 10004, 15004 kHz. But uses still old transmitter equipment at foreign service site of Kujang: A-12 Transmission Schedule of the Voice of Korea, Pyongyang, DPR Korea valid suring summer 2012. 0700-0757 UT Japanese 621 9650.004 11865.025 J Korean (PBS) 7220.008 9344.980 NE CHN Russian 9974.962 11735.017 FE Russian 13760.021 15244.975 Eu - S=7 signal in GER at 0715 UT Aug 9 (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 9, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH [and non]. MARIANA ISLANDS {Tinian or Saipan?} 9489.989, Odd signal at 1205 UT Aug 8. Heavy North Korean jamming against VOA Korean service from Tinian island, scheduled 12-13 UT. Odd frequency which indicates that Saipan site transmitter is used instead? (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH [and non]. KOREA SOUTH. 5900, MND Radio, 1219, August 12. In Korean under N. Korea jamming (not white noise, but pulsating). Seems N. Korea did not notice that MND Radio recently moved from 6230 to 6760 for this time period. Now we are still stuck with strong white noise jamming on 6230 most of the time (24 hrs?) (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6700, Aug 13 at 1140, slow talk in Korean, 1148 slow choral music to 1150, open carrier to 1151*. Ute beeps on hi side but no jamming, so presumably from the North: no, Aoki says it`s Korean MND Radio, i.e. from the South, and the 1100-1150 transmission just started August 6; maybe site is JongAn, 100 kW, non-direxional. Guess the jammers haven`t found it yet. It`s also on this frequency at 0600-0650. Meanwhile, plenty of noisy NK Juche jamming on 6600, 6518, 6348, 6300 [Aoki lists but without a target], 6230, 6015, 6003. 6400, Aug 13 at 1142 triumphal music, no jamming and this really is a NK broadcast, Pyongyang BS (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) SOUTH KOREA: MND Radio was noted on 5150 kHz this morning *0956-1040*. Carrier on 0956, but no audio heard until 0959:50 when choral music started. Talk began 1001:50. Fair signal but bad electrical noise made it hard to make much of the content. I then checked 6435 kHz and, sure enough, they were parallel. Soon, the signal had improved to be clearly recognizable as Korean. Talk continued to 1037, when they played a chorale tune. The song ended at 1040; 5150 went off almost immediately, 6435 about 30 seconds later. There was no sign of jamming, perhaps because the DPRK government hasn't had time to react to it yet. According to http://www.northkoreatech.org "A radio station believed to be operated by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has strengthened its radio broadcasts to North Korea, according to reports from radio monitors in Japan. MND Radio added extra shortwave frequencies from August 9 in an apparent attempt to get around the DPRK’s heavy jamming of its signal. The current schedule for the station’s four programs a day now looks like this (all times in GMT) 0400-0440 on 5900, 6760kHz – Program 1 0500-0535 on 5150, 6435kHz – Program 2 0600-0650 on 5410, 6700kHz – Program 3 0700-0735 on 5290, 6270kHz – Program 4 1000-1035 on 5150, 6435kHz – Program 2 repeat 1100-1150 on 5410, 6700kHz – Program 3 repeat 1200-1240 on 5900, 6760kHz – Program 1 repeat" (Bruce in Seattle Portzer, Winradio Excalibur, K9AY antenna, Aug 15, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KUWAIT [and non]. 21540, Aug 11 at 1410, R. Kuwait fair in Arabic talking about kitab, with music, no CCI now as Spain presumably closed at 1400, still in well on 21610. 13650, August 12 circa 1900, R. Kuwait Arabic to North America has an improved signal now, same kind of music we hear after 2000 switch to 17550. 15540 at 2050 August 12, R. Kuwait western pop music pauses for news brief in English, something which was skipped on a previous Sunday (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LITHUANIA. My EDXC/RMRC pdf QSL for the June special via Sitkunai 11900 is now visible via the new last link at the bottom of: http://www.worldofradio.com/QSL.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MADAGASCAR. 13765, Aug 9 at *0454:30, Talata turning on later than usual and thus avoiding the feed mixups we have heard lately, just open carrier until starting Vatican IS at 0457 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALAYSIA. 7295, Traxx FM, 1300 Aug 13, English, woman with news of Malaysia, 1310 Traxx FM ID and mention of carrying BBC World Service, into pop music. Poor (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening from my car, parked beside the lake, with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna, Editor of World English Survey and Target Listening, available at http://www.odxa.on.ca dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALI. 5995, R. Mali, Kati, 2148-..., 09/8, French, [unreadable] talks; 55433, but extremely weak modulation; a bit better on 13/8, 2200. 9635 ditto, 1108-1235, 11/8, vernacular, traditional songs,..., French at 1200, newscast; 25442. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MAURITANIA. 7245, Aug 10 at 0521, IGIM is on and chanting. This sounds so much the same from one morning to the next that I suspect it`s a single recording played over and over. Indeed it sounds so much the same from one minute to the next, of limited tonality. 7245, August 11 at 0534, IGIM chanting in consistent early morning/allnight Ramadan service which has another week to go. 7245, August 13 at 0533, IGIM is chanting. After Ramadan, I expect this will again become sporadic so early. 7245, Aug 14 at 0525, IGIM is on with traditional soporific wake-up chanting. [and non]. 7245, Aug 15 at 0537, IGIM is weaker than usual, and adjacent Vatican 7250 mass is starting to show up again, after mostly inaudible so far this summer; in fact, stronger than Nouakchott tonight (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 640, August 13 at 1131 UT, ID for ``Radio Uno, Chihuahua``. Nice to hear something else from Chihua2 than XEJUA in Juárez. Cantú: ``640 XEHHI Radio Uno Hidalgo del Parral, Chih. 10,000 1,000`` Today`s Enid sunrise is 1148 UT, getting 5-6 minutes later every week (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGETST) ** MEXICO. 650, August 13 at 1113, XETNT Los Mochis, Sinaloa, with `Buenos Días, Yarderos` show on ``Radio 65, 106.5`` singing ID. I wasn`t sure of that word until I found it on their program schedule http://www.chavezradiocast.com/?page_id=395 for 4-6 am [MDT] with Alberto Guerrero, ``El Fogatero``. I still don`t know what a yardero and a fogatero are, nor does my dixionary, nor does Google Translate; local slang. Fogatero probably has something to do with fire, arsonist? He sets fire to yards? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 710, Monday August 13 at 1115 UT, XEDP Ciudad Cuauhtémoc with that preacher in Low German. At tune in the accent is so strange that at first I think he`s switched to some Indian language until I start to recognize a few standard German words and my mind lox into it; over at 1126 with ``XEDP, La Ranchera de Cuauhtémoc`` SID; and at 1130, full ID giving priority to their new FM: XHDP 89.7, then XEDP 710 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 830, August 13 at 1121 UT, ID as ``100.9, la nueva estrella de Radio Zócalo``, several PSAs and ads, one mentioning Colonia Roma, so along with Zócalo I naturally think it`s the DF station, but then at 1123 mentions Saltillo with 100.9 promo, and 6:24 TC. Consult Cantú: Nothing on 830 in Saltillo, Coahuila; but there is La Norteñita XEIK in Piedras Negras. And there is a 100.9 in Saltillo listed as XHSA, La Reina. Grupo Zócalo is not in the DF at all; we find out all about this by googling to this story from last October: http://noticiasderadiodelmundo.blogspot.com/2011/10/mexico-otorgan-2-nuevas-fm-nucleo-radio.html Says they got two new FM frequencies for Piedras Negras, 96.7 and 100.9, XHVM and XHIK, to be on the air in six months, in keeping with the `migration` from AM to FM. So I am getting XEIK, not turned off yet, simulcasting XHIK 100.9. Neither of the new FMs is listed yet in Cantú`s Coahuila page under Piedras Negras: http://www.mexicoradiotv.com/coahuila/index.htm (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 1140, Aug 9 at 0500 I suspend SW monitoring to try to catch a definite ID from XEMR. Initially good dominant signal belying the ``nothing to the north`` pattern, music which stops at 0500 with no ID, right into Mexican NA, choral multiverse lasting until 0505; finally, when it has faded a bit, very quick and hard to copy ID by YL, with self-imposed QRMusic, but includes XEMR, 1140-AM, 50 kilovatios, street address (apparently a mandatory part of legal IDs in Mexico), and right back to music. Did not hear ``Radio Esperanza`` mentioned (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 6185, Aug 14 at 0519, open carrier aside stronger but fluttery 6180 Brasil --- no doubt XEPPM has not turned off transmitter yet after 0500 sign-off. 6185, Aug 15 at 0513, poor open carrier, no doubt XEPPM wasting watts again after nominal 0500*. It was gone by 0540 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. Analog TVDX: nothing more came of the Aug 8 Es opening past 1638 in last issue. Aug 9 at 1443 UT, fades in Spanish talk show on ch 2; it`s the Azteca- 13 bug in UR, with Venga Alegría program bug in LR, and CDT clock. Has CCI beat bars of about 4 kHz accompanied by same pitch whine out of the speaker. Barely lasts past 1500 before fading out; peaks SSW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MONGOLIA. 12085, V of Mongolia, Khonkhor (or Hönhör?), 0923-1027, 14/8, Japanese, songs, webpage announcement; IS at 0930 for Mongolian program; IS at 1000 for Mandarin; 25432, but improving a bit. A lot stronger on 15/8. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR [and non]. BURMESE PRESIDENT GRANTS FIRST INTERVIEW TO VOA PRESS RELEASE 14.08.2012 In an exclusive television interview with Voice of America, Burmese President Thein Sein says he wants to improve education for minority Rohingya Muslims who accuse majority Buddhists of persecuting them. The interview, conducted in the capital, Naypyitaw, is the first to be granted to VOA by a Burmese head of state, and his first to a foreign- based Burmese language broadcaster. Burma's previous military-led administration, in which Thein Sein served as prime minister, banned VOA and accused it of spreading lies. The interview follows conflicting reports about the death toll from sectarian violence that broke out in May in the western state of Rakhine. Speaking to VOA Burmese Service chief Than Lwin Htun, President Thein Sein calls education “an important tool to help different communities live in harmony and respect human rights.” President Thein Sein said the government is giving assistance to the victims and has asked the Burmese Human Rights Commission to investigate the unrest. He reiterated Burma's opposition to any foreign probe of the violence. Voice of America’s Burmese Service began airing portions of the wide- ranging interview Tuesday and will have additional reports in the coming days. VOA’s Burmese Service, one of the most popular international broadcasters in the country, provides breaking news and information on satellite, radio, television and the Internet. Burma, which was renamed Myanmar by military rulers following the suppression of pro-democracy protests in 1988, has been liberalizing since late last year. Voice of America recently updated the format of its daily TV news magazine show to Burma and has English language teaching programs and podcasts available. Earlier this year, Voice of America reached a ground-breaking agreement to supply language teaching programs to Burmese state radio and television. For more information about this release contact Kyle King at the VOA Public Relations office in Washington at (202) 203-4959, or write kking @ voanews.com You can also find more information about VOA at the Public Relations website, http://www.insidevoa.com or at the main English language site, http://www.voanews.com (VOA PR Aug 14 via DXLD) ** NEWFOUNDLAND [and non]. The heterodyne between the two 6160 CBC stations has continued, so Aug 11 at 0541 I recheck the pitch: close to Bb5 = 932 Hz, so make it CKZN on approx. 6160.9 since CKZU is only slightly below 6160.0 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CANADA, 6160.9, CKZN, St. John's NL, 2216-2236, 13/8, interviews, ballad, CBC Radio 1 ID, new [UNID] program at 2232; 25432, muffled audio making readability difficult. A bit stronger signal on 14/8, 2230. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also BRAZIL 6160.9; CANADA ** NEW ZEALAND. 11725, RNZI Rangitaiki, 2119-2150* 13/8, announcements, weather report for the Solomons, songs, home news, news bulletin in French 2140-2148, weather for Vanuatu, no frequency announcement or IS, just an abrupt closure chopping one or two words at the end of the weather; 44433, deteriorating, adjacent QRM de Belarus on 11730. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NICARAGUA. (?), 8989-USB, UNID, 2202-, 11/8, Castilian, religious propaganda; 25332. Ref. DXWindow 460, 08Aug'12. 73 (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGER. 9705, La Voix du Sahel, Goudel, 2208-2220, 09/8, vernacular, talks; 45433. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA. 6089.9, R. Nigeria, Kaduna, 2221-2228, 12/8, vernacular, talks often mentioning "Ramadan"; 34432, QRM de Anguilla. 6089.9 ditto, 1647-1706, 13/8, Vernacular, talks, prayer prior to 1700; 25332, increasing QRM de Ethiopia on 6090. 73 (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6089.844, R Nigeria Kaduna, in Hausa at S=7-8 level from WAf towards Indian subcontinent. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) i.e. checked on Victor`s remote unit in Sri Lanka, circa 2015-2020 UT, judging from accompanying logs (gh, DXLD) ** NIGERIA. 15120, Aug 9 at *0455, VON has just come on with drumming, very undermodulated, 0456 NA, S9+5 peaks, then announcing transmission schedule of English, I think. Weakening as minutes tick away. 15120, Aug 10 at 0509, S9+12 signal well from VON atop the CCCCCCI, but undermodulated with own whine added; deep-voiced OM newscaster was more readable than axuality clip inserted. Then report from YL correspondent whose voice came thru much better until she inserted a clip. And so it goes. 15120, Aug 11 at 0604, VON has horrible buzz on and off correlating with modulation peaks as YL is talking; carrier also unstable. Signal is stronger now than it was before 0600. Now it has a neighbor on weekends from 0600, SW Radio Africa on 15115; see ZIMBABWE [non] 15115-15120-15125, Aug 11 at *1827, DRM noise has just erupted, i.e. start of scheduled VON sesquihour in English. Does the modulation / audio on this still sound as bad as it does when in AM? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, In a word, yes. Here's a clip of their DRM broadcast that I monitored when I was in England on vacation in June. Plenty of hum that sounds to me as if it's coming from the studio - it stops suddenly when the next program starts! The DRM bitrate of this transmission was only 9.1 kbps. 73 (Chris Mackerell, 217 Sandy Bay - Marahau Road, Marahau, RD 2, Motueka 7917, New Zealand, Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15120, August 12 at 0549, VON English is weaker than 15190 R. Africa, and about equal to the CCCCCCI; VON strengthens after 0600 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Voice Of Nigeria em DRM! Copiado com poucas interrupções a transmissão DRM de teste da Voice Of Nigeria modo C/10 kHz com 9.1 kbps EEP Mono 16/16 QAM, em 15120 kHz. O transmissor é um TSW2300D de 100 kW numa antena cortina dirigida para a Europa, e fica na capital Abuja. http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/hamdream/rxdrm.htm#n 73 de (Roland, PY4ZBZ, Brasil, Aug 14, radioescutas yg via DXLD) ** NIUE. E6 - On August 3, the ITU updated its Table of International Call Sign Series to reflect a call sign change for Niue. The island will now have the entire E6 prefix block. Niue - an island approximately 1700 miles northeast of New Zealand - is a self- governing island nation that has been in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Prior to the change, the island used ZK2. Niue, which is about 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC, has a population of almost 600 people. Further information at: http://www.arrl.org/news/itu-assigns-new-prefix-for-niue-e6a-e6z (I.C.P.O. Bulletin (10-17 August 2012) "Islands, Castles & Portable Operations" via editor Dave Raycroft, ODXA yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) NIUE: NEW PREFIX ---> On 3 August the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigned the entire E6 prefix block (E6A-E6Z) to Niue (ex ZK2). The ARRL DXCC List and the Award Credit Matrix on LotW have already been amended to reflect this change (425 DX News via Dave Raycroft, ibid.) ** NORTH AMERICA. 6925-USB, a Saturday night = UT Sunday Aug 12 so pirate activity likely, and yes there is: All-music except for occasional brief IDs merely as ``Ronin Radio`` (I would not be sure of the name if I had not seen it previously reported by others), at 0251.4 and just before 0300 nicely TOH. No carrier, and dense music very hard to tune in properly on SSB, but I try zero-beating 9925 Croatia [non] on the FRG-7 MHz-only tuning. Some of it is recognizable: 0238, Janis Joplin ``Cry Baby``; 0255 going from Van Halen, ``Jamie`s Crying`` to Journey, ``Who`s Crying Now?`` --- I think I perceive a theme in this, but after 0300 switches to blues and more blues past 0309. Maybe those too having crying in the title. Please QSL? (Glenn Hauser, P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re my previous report of Ronin Radio, pirate on 6925-USB: Looking thru items at the freedradiocafe.com forum, I see several that the ID of that station was spoken as ``Radio Ronin Shortwave`` but there is another very similar sounding one matching the two words in the order I heard them, which I could easily have mistaken: ``Rave On Radio``. Was anyone else logging when I heard it, with ``crying`` tunes, UT August 12 at 0238-0309? Which was it? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ha, neither! I was listening that evening and I believe the "crying" station was Wolverine Radio. He always seems to have a big signal and great audio fidelity for SSB (David Pete, ABDX via DXLD) WOLVERINE RADIO ==> 6925 USB/ AUG 12/ 0155-0315. Good S9 max S6 noise floor, big band swing and blues tunes: "one little smile", "I've got a right to cry", "baby I'll cry over you", Roy Orbison: "crying over you", also "baby don't you cry", "cry like a baby", Janis Joplin: "cry cry baby", and more tunes with the cry theme, SSTV/FAX at 0313 then off, Drake R8, 7 MHz dipole (Bill Hassig, IL, Free Radio Weekly via DXLD) ==> 6925 USB/ AUG 12/ 0157-0305+. SIO: 454. This was his "cry" show where every song had the word cry in the song title, playing some nice cuts, including one by Jethro Tull at 0231… long live Ian Anderson. Great show/signal as usual (Chris, Lobdell, MA, ibid.) ==> 6925 USB/ AUG 12/ 0252-0311. Several rock selections until simple “Wolverine Radio” ID by man just before a blues selection. Fair to good (Rich D’Angelo, PA, ibid.) ** OKLAHOMA [and non]. FEDERAL FUNDING UNCERTAIN FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING Congress is gearing up for another round of appropriations bills to fund the federal government's operations, and it appears funding for public broadcasting will once again be targeted for elimination. Federal Funding UpdateFederal funding accounts for approximately 10 percent of KGOU's annual budget. Congress directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to investigate and report on funding alternatives that could replace the federal monies that public television and radio stations receive. CPB's report examined the prospects of several new or potential funding streams, but concluded that they are not viable alternatives that could sustain the current level of service. The report is online, if you want to read it. For KGOU listeners who have asked what they can do to encourage Congress to continue funding public broadcasting, there is an advocacy organization, 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting, that can help you contact your Congressman with that message. But whatever your viewpoint, feel free to let your Congressman know (KGOU E-newsletter Aug 9 via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. [Re previous item on KOSU] Subject: Thanks for your comments! Dear Mr. Hauser, First of all, thank you for listening to "The Living Room with Gerry Bonds" and for your longtime loyalty. I am glad that our new website makes it more convenient for you to catch the program. The goal of the Energy program was primarily to acquaint our listeners with the "energy renaissance" taking place in Oklahoma and in North America, largely due to fracking, as well as exploring the prospects for American independence from foreign oil, including the role that wind power might play here in Oklahoma. It was not meant to debate the environmental pros and cons. However, your suggestion for a future program of that nature is a good one, and my producer and I will definitely explore it. Let me also assure you that the program's only connection to OPUBCO is that we record at their audio facility. Thanks again for your interest! (Gerry Bonds, OK, reply to my previous note, via DXLD) Dear Ms Bonds, And thanks for your kind reply. I see that a previous guest was Bill Moyers, so perhaps I was a bit too sensitive about the politics of the latest guests, altho I don`t know if he got into such issues. I believe I missed it and will have to hear it now. Regards, Glenn Hauser (via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. Thread: The SpyFM will now actually be on Significant Radio Airwaves-KOSU Partnership Heard the news?! The Spy FM, after their long history and battles with Clear Channel Radio, are now partnering with KOSU ensuring strong coverage. 100,000 Watts in both OKC and Tulsa markets! This is huge. 91.7 in OKC and 107.5 in Tulsa (Urban Pioneer, Aug 13, okctalk.com forum via DXLD) Does that get rid of my access to NPR on KOSU? (dubya61, ibid.) No. During the day it's KOSU, evening programing starting at 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM switches over to Spy format. So if you asking if the classical music is gone, it`s not on the high-def channels, but on the terrestrial broadcast airwaves, it is gone (urbanpioneer, ibid.) sic That`s great news! That could be a fantastic partnership. Hopefully something akin to the KCRW style of public radio. Cool in studio performances and the like. I'm really happy that two of my favorite broadcasting organizations in OK will be teaming up! I hope this goes well enough to have a cool AM drive time show that mixes elements of news, culture, music etc. (EBAH, ibid.) Woot woot!! I prefer KGOU's programming and only occasionally listen to KOSU, but if they can replace Ben Allen's voice with The SpyFM I'm down. I'm just your typical OKC enthusiast, that's not always "enthusiastic." (Spartan, ibid.) KOSU TEAMS UP WITH THE SPY Filed by rhubbard in Feature. August 13, 2012 KOSU, the NPR station serving Oklahoma City at 91.7FM, Tulsa at 107.5FM and Stillwater at 88.3FM, will increase its audience services by adding new news/talk and music programs effective Monday, August 20, 2012. At the heart of KOSU’s schedule is a content partnership with The Spy, which produces original shows and brings a wide array of independent music to listeners. The Spy also engages in local partnerships that serve to educate the community and further the local culture. “The Spy has done a tremendous job of tapping into the pulse of the community to provide a vibrant venue for music genres that are completely underserved in our state,” said Kelly Burley, KOSU Director. “Through our partnership, we look forward to amplifying what The Spy does best as we create more uniquely Oklahoma experiences for public radio listeners.” KOSU will simulcast many of The Spy’s original online evening programs, including Freakbeat, with host Kenworth, who navigates the world of Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Art Rock and early Electronic, Mondays at 8 p.m.; The Oklahoma Rock Show, featuring local bands from across the state with hosts Ryan LaCroix and Grace Gordon, Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Juke Joint Revival, resurrecting Rockabilly, Hillbilly, Rock and Roll, Jump Blues and Rhythm and Blues with Juke Joint Jenni, Fridays at 7 p.m.; SpyLab, a mix show of dance music ranging from house to dubstep to chill, hosted by internationally renowned DJ and record producer Katie Wicks, Saturdays at 9 p.m; the Sunday Toaster Brunch with your host E-Roy, featuring two hours of the best reggae, dub, ska and 2tone, Sunday at 10 a.m.; the Night Shift with David Goad, two hours of goth, Tuesdays at 9 p.m.; the Blank Generation, one full hour devoted to Punk, Fridays at 10 p.m.; Millions Now Listening Will Never Die with the legendary Jon Mooneyham, two hours of post- punk, featuring interviews and music from this incredibly intriguing time in music history; You’re Welcome, Oklahoma’s only all-vinyl music show with Beau and Kellen, Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; and Tasting Notes, which pairs wine with music, Mondays at 7 p.m. KOSU will also air The Spy’s mix of modern music during the remaining evening and overnight hours while continuing popular shows such as A Prairie Home Companion, American Routes, The Blue Door Music Show and Folk Salad. Everyone here at The Spy is extremely humbled and honored to be asked by KOSU to become a part of this venture. We look forward to the opportunity to expand the musical horizons of every KOSU listener while giving The Spy’s loyal listeners yet another way to tune in. This is such an incredible opportunity for everyone involved with The Spy; we promise to continue bringing the listener the best in new music as well as classics, producing the best specialty shows in the country,” said Ferris O’Brien, general manager for The Spy. KOSU is implementing its new program schedule after spending the first half of 2012 gathering feedback from listeners through conversations and surveys, as well as through a thorough internal review of the many challenges the station faces to survive. KOSU will continue to provide its classical music service at kosu.org, on KOSU 91.7 HD2-digital in OKC, and 88.3 HD2-digital in Stillwater. Listeners can also access classical music at 90.1 KCSC in Edmond and 88.7 KWTU in Tulsa. “It’s been so much fun to create this new schedule. For years, we’ve been hearing from our audience that they want more local and unique programming, and now we’re delivering,” said Rachel Hubbard, KOSU Associate Director KOSU is also expanding its weekday news program lineup to include On Point, a program that exposes the real world implications of the day’s news stories through conversation from every perspective. On Point airs weekdays at 10 a.m. On the weekends, KOSU is adding several new programs to feature new programs in public radio including weekly broadcasts of The Moth Radio Hour, Saturdays at 12 p.m.; The Dinner Party, a way to get an edge on your weekend with odd news stories, interviews with celebrities, and new food and drink recipes, Saturdays at 2 p.m. There will also be a large focus on the great seasonal shows like RadioLab and State of the Re:Union and local show development (KOSU website via DXLD) Above is repeated here, http://thislandpress.com/roundups/this-land-launches-new-radio-show-to-air-on-the-spy-and-kosu-radio/ with this added: In addition, The Spy and KOSU Radio will both air a new radio show from This Land Press, “The Roam and Ramble,” during which hosts Natasha Ball and Holly Wall will deliver Oklahoma’s necessary news and things to do in a fun, energetic format. The show will feature news and interviews pertinent to the entire state of Oklahoma and also keep listeners in the know when it comes to local events and culture. The show will launch Thursday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. and air every Thursday on The Spy at 10 a.m. and on both The Spy and KOSU Radio at 9 p.m. [CDT = UT -5] “The Roam and Ramble” will deliver content from “The Roundup,” Holly Wall’s daily news column, and Do What, the online calendar of events managed by Natasha Ball, along with news and culture interviews. The hour-long show will air on a weekly basis and reflect a light but thoughtful atmosphere. “Although we’ve been producing short radio programs played throughout the country, ‘The Roam and Ramble’ represents a more serious investment in radio for us,” This Land Editor Michael Mason said. ”We’re excited about the collaboration with our friends and KOSU and The Spy and look forward to a bright future together.” (via DXLD) ``Do what?`` is an annoying Okie-ism, usually really meaning nonsensically, ``I beg your pardon; what did you say?`` Well, so much for KOSU. I gather that `The Spy` originated on another Stillwater station, the commercial KSPI 93.9/93.7, thus the name, but has been off the real air for years. It has been clear ever since KOSU got new management that classical was not appreciated and on the way out. And Rachel Hubbard, who wrote the PR, doesn`t even know how to pronounce Haydn, so don`t expect her to appreciate classical music. Note the spin, ``increase its audience services``! Changing them, for sure (Glenn Hauser, Enid, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 93.1, August 12 at 0556 as I am tuning around for meteor scatter, notice horrible emanance from Enid translator of KIMY 93.9 Watonga, ID as ``The Gospel Station``, but apparently also relaying heavy QRM, and bleeding onto adjacent frequencies. We can only hope it go off the air again (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 31, KXOK-LD Enid is off the air Aug 14 after 0000 UT; first noticed by black screen on Suddenlink cable channel 15, which normally picks it up thru the ether from two blox away. What about their duplicate on RF 32? By rotating antenna I finally get a signal barely decoding sporadically when aimed about 120 degrees away, probably a confusing sidelobe. Instead of the RTV programming on the zap2it schedule, I can briefly recognize `Discover Oklahoma` the travelog/infomercial with its latest sponsor, AAA. At 0030 signal semi-lox long enough to recognize a joint ID with KTEW Ponca City, of the TV-OK network, and then probably `Outdoor Oklahoma`, hunting & fishing syndicated show, a good pair with D.O., instead of `Starsky & Hutch`. However, after 0100 it`s back to some old rerun with the RTV bug in lower-right. RF 31 and cable 15 are still off the air next morning past 1430 UT. But at 1530, RF 32 is decoding better, but not perfectly, and Suddenlink 15 is still black. W9WI.com won`t list KXOK on ch 32, since it`s not licensed as a broadcaster but as an intercity relay or something, even tho it is running on regular ATSC standards and visible if you tune to that channel. Remaps to 31-1 just like tuning to 31 itself. Suddenlink is obviously not prepared to access 32 as a backup when 31 goes off. Normally 32 is obviously weaker than 31. We explained all this in a previous report. BTW, W9WI.com still has KXOK with A1 minor network, instead of Retro TV which has been on a few years now. Whenever I pass thru the ground floor of the Broadway Tower in downtown Enid, including just last week in the afternoon, I notice that the TV-OK office is still there but it too is dark. (The ch 32 and 31 transmitters are atop this building). BTW, the local newspaper has never listed programming from Enid`s only TV station (or is it just a satellite of Ponca City?). {They still do insert local Enid commercials, where I expect I am the only one to see them on ch 32} (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Remained black a couple days ** PAKISTAN. 15265, 1700 8 July, R. Pakistan, s/on under VOA, then OM news in English, SINPO 35322 (Alan Roe, Teddington UK, Aug World DX Club Contact via DXLD) 15265, 1700 9 July, local news, poor audio, SINPO 45432 (Arthur Miller, Wales UK, ibid.) 15266 [sic], 1802 15 July, R. Pakistan, OM news review, many IDs, Urdu, 35444 (Michael L Ford, Staffordshire, ibid.) typo on frequency? It was sorted with Bonaire 15265 in between it and the above (gh, DXLD) 15700, Heavily distorted HQ prayer, performed on Radio Pakistan's Chinese service at 12-13 UT. Noted S=9+20dB signal here in Europe at 1230 UT Aug 13. They use different - asymmetric - sideband outlets: LSB like 15696 to 15700, but more broadband distorted on USB side 15700 to 15709 kHz. \\ 17725 kHz with similar signal strength, but only tiny 10% modulation, only parts of audio peaks heard "now and then" (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAKISTAN. PAKISTAN'S ARMY STEPS UP RADIO WARS [on FM] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18766713 (via Terry Krueger, Aug 15, DXLD) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3260, NBC Madang, 1202-1204*, August 10. For over a week had been hearing this with a good signal before 1200, but when I checked again later they were always off the air. So they are actually now suddenly going off the air much earlier than their normal sign off time. Bird call and start of the NBC National news; tx off in mid-news. // NBC Sandaun on 3204.96 which continued on after 1204. 3260, NBC Madang, 1159-1204*, August 12 (Sunday). In Tok Pisin; Christian religious song; ID and frequencies; phone dedications (was the weekend, so no NBC National News relay); suddenly off. Clearly here is another PNG station that must be on a timer that automatically ends their transmitting day; just the way NBC East New Britain (3385) formerly did when they were on the air (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3345, NBC Northern, the Voice of Oro. August 10 only heard with strong open carrier, but no audio (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. PNG update in HFCC I grabbed the HFCC file this morning from http://www.hfcc.org/data/a12/index.phtml Looking at the differences file, which I've posted at http://www/hfskeds.com/skeds/ - it's under "RECENT HFCC CHANGES" as "120814" - PNG administration has corrected and updated their entries. There had been some erroneous site codes in use, causing their transmissions to be identified as coming from some strange locations, such as Kimjae - these have been fixed. The times previously appeared to be in local time; these have also been corrected. A number of schedule entries have been deleted. There is still no listing for recent transmissions on 6040 kHz. Is it still active? (Dan Ferguson, SC, Aug 14, NASWA yg via DXLD) Aug 3rd was the last day 6040 was heard here in NY. Ron, have you heard it since Aug 3? (John Herkimer, Aug 14, ibid.) Hi John, To the best of my knowledge NBC Port Moresby, with NBC National Radio programming on 6040 last broadcast till 1033* on August 3, per Dave Valko. My subsequent daily monitoring from about 1130 to 1400 has produced only reception of PBS Nei Menggu (Mongolian Service) on 6040, being // 7270. Nothing on 4890 either. 6040 was the transmitter moved to Port Moresby from NBC Central, so will it go back there again? Will we ever again be able to hear 3290 kHz? (Ron Howard, ibid.) ** PERU. 4809.983, Radio Logos, presumed, 0945-1010 Aug 9, With a very weak signal, noted a steady period of music being broadcast here. Unfortunately, on the northside of the signal [upper] sets a signal that sounds like a FAX chopping away at Radio Logos' weak signal. Notching the interference out does not help much. At 0959 a male breaks into the music with announcements of ID and other information which was too weak and muffled for copy. After a minute of that, music returns. Logos remained at a threshold level (Chuck Bolland, Excalibur, 26N 081W, Clewiston FL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Splitting hairs, there is a 17 Hz difference between the above report and the below, so does it vary or is one of them off? (gh, DXLD) 4810.00, 2305-2340 09.08, R Logos, Chazuta, Tarapoto (tentative) hymns and ann in UNID language, a very weak carrier with a noisy USB channel, 13211 (Anker Petersen, from Skovlunde, Denmark, heard on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) Splitting more hairs: 4810.087, Radio Logos, Presumed, 1005-1035 Aug 14, Much QRM on the frequency, but noted a program of steady soft music. Unfortunately the QRM is on the north side of Logos' signal which degrades it just enough to reduce the audio. There's no announcements between the musical selections, just steady music. The music continues for the entire period. Attached as a "bmp" is a picture of the waterfall image of Radio Logos from the Excalibur SDR. If you can read the frequencies, you will notice that there's a impression of a signal in the center of the scan. That's the QRM mentioned above. Radio Logos' impression is right on the edge of that scan or waterfall image (Chuck Bolland, Clewiston FL, August 14, 2012, DX LISTENING DIGEST) and more: 4809.5, R. Logos, 0936 Aug 13 Spanish; Lively LA music; only way this was audible was to tune down from nominal 4810 to avoid co-channel ute, which dominates the frequency at my location (Scott R. Barbour Jr. Intervale, N.H. USA, NRD-545, MLB-1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Fine, but that doesn`t mean its carrier frequency was 4809.5. Need to report primarily the frequency it is really on, presumably still very close to 4810.0 (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) Yes (Scott, ibid.) 4810, August 13 at 1100 JBA music, perhaps R. Logos, Chazuta, or could it be Bhopal? It sure isn`t defunct XERTA. Ute blob on hi side not there at this time. With my noise level, will be lucky ever to get OAW9A any better (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 9674.9, Pacífico R, Lima, 2241-..., 10/8, Castilian, music; 23431, adjacent QRM de B on 9675. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See BRAZIL: I thought Pacífico gone ** PHILIPPINES. 15190, R. Pilipinas. Took a short break today from listening to Bangaldesh Betar to check on this. August 9 (Thursday) at 1804 noted in Tagalog and English with good signal; // 11720 (fair). MP3 audio posted at https://www.box.com/s/36761edfe5cd01517e13 Aoki still shows the simulcasts for Tue-Wed-Thurs (R. ng Bayan and R. Magasin), but my recent observations are that they have dropped these simulcasts. Very unfortunate, as they were great fun to listen to. I should learn from this and in the future when I hear a program I really enjoy via SW, I should write to the station and express my appreciation. 17700, R. Pilipinas, 0211-0222, August 13. In English with extensive coverage about the new tropical storm headed their way; reports of rescue operations, evacuations and Philippine Red Cross operations due to the recent heavy monsoon rains (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PRIDNESTROVYE. 9430, August 9 at 0234, Russian with humbuzz, similar pitch to Cairo 9305 but not nearly so bad (presumably related to 50 Hz AC power frequency). Also somewhat undermodulated. HFCC- listed as KCH = Moldova = Grigoriopol`, Pridnestrovye, site for V. of Russia, on the air all the way from 22 to 04, 500 kW, 296 degrees for Mexico, Central America, Caribbean. But Aoki diminishes it to 23-03 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ROMANIA. 17745, Aug 11 at 2109, RRI in Spanish reviving those annoying ringing audio artifacts again peaking at the sidebands, so I check // 21510, and same heard there, but no ACI as there is on 17745 from much stronger RHC 17750. Both are Tiganeshti per HFCC. BTW, 21510 has been misreported lately by a slipshod listlogger as Spain in Spanish, and even Saudi Arabia in Arabic --- except neither of these is listed. Guess again. 11750, Aug 12 at 0152, piano concerto with flutter, 0154 outro in Romanian as Chopin, so I bet it`s RRI. A bit more piano music but cut off the air at 0156*. Good signal but had splat from 11760 RHC. This is 310 degrees from Galbeni to CIRAF 8 = E North America (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. 8/9/12, 0000, 9800 -- Voice of Russia (per VOR's schedule, which they emailed to me). Terrible modulation, couldn't make much out. Much better on 15425, which I checked at 0230, and had news headlines by OM and ID. 73, (Bill Blair, Euless, TX, USA, heard with a Tecsun PL-380 portable with a 25 foot reel wire antenna, cumbredx yg via DXLD) 12070, Aug 11 at 0547, fair signal with flutter during ``People`` song in English, 0549 Russian outro mentions Streisand. It`s R. Rossii, per HFCC 04-08, 250 kW, 265 degrees from a Moscow site to Europe. Aoki says specific site is Taldom (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn: One of the few good blues and jazz programs these days can be heard from Radio Rossii on 7215 kHz Tuesdays 2010-2100 UT: "Doktor Blues" presented by Aleksey Kalachev. It can also be found in the archives of Radio Rossii online. Not much SWBC listening here these days, occasionally I send reception reports to AIR Delhi, RFA, the Voice of Russia and a few others. 73 and thanks for your always excellent DXLD (Ullmar Qvick, Norrköping, Sweden, Aug 14, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11840, Aug 15 at 1346 fair open carrier, stronger than Cuba 11860 and enough not to be bothered by Cuban jamming 11845. 1351 starts tone tests on and off, beeps somewhere between G5 and G#5 on my keyboard, i.e. circa 800 Hz; 1401 has faded to VP, but it`s English from VOR, as scheduled 14-16, 250 kW, 265 degrees from Pet/Kam to CIRAF 44 = eastern third of China, North Korea, Taiwan. This could also be a sufficient morning service for WNAm at 7 am PDT if aimed USward (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA [and non]. Updated summer A-12 for Voice of Russia: Arabic 1600-1700 5925 7305 12060 12065 12110 1700-1800 1314 5925 7305 9345 11795 12060 12065 12110 1800-1900 1314 7305 9345 12060 12110 1900-2000 1314 7315 9345 9900 12060 12110 2000-2100 1314 7315 9895 12060 12110 Chechen 0500-0600 171 657 1200-1300 171 657 2000-2100 171 657 Chinese 1000-1200 648 6075 1200-1300 648 801 1080 6075 1300-1400 648 9560 Dari/Pashto 1200-1400 648 1503 4975 15510 English WS 0000-0100 9665 9800 0100-0200 648 972 1503 9665 9800 0200-0300 648 972 1503 9665 15425 0300-0400 648 972 1314 1503 9665 15425 0400-0500 1314 1323 13775 15760 0500-0600 1323 13775 0600-0800 1323 11830 DRM#1 21800 21810 0800-0900 1323 9850 DRM#1 11830 DRM#1 21800 21810 0900-1000 9560 9850 DRM#1 11830 DRM#1 15170 21800 21810 1000-1100 9560 11500 15170 1100-1200 9560 11500 12030 DRM#1 12065 1200-1300 972 9445 DRM#1 9560 9850 DRM#1 11500 12030 DRM#1 1300-1400 972 9560 9850 DRM#1 12065 12095 DRM#1 1400-1500 648 1251 4975 9560 11500 11840 12095 DRM#1 1500-1600 1251 1503 4975 9560 11840 15640 1600-1700 1503 1251 4975 6070 DRM#1 7285 7370 DRM#1 11985 1700-1800 648 1251 1503 4975 7285 7370 DRM#1 11985 12040 1800-1900 648 1503 4975 7370 DRM#1 9880 DRM#1 9900 12040 1900-2100 6155 DRM#1 12040 2100-2200 6155 DRM#1 2200-2300 9800 2300-2400 9665 9800 French 1600-1700 9745 9900 11635 12000 1700-1800 9745 9900 11610 11635 12000 1800-1900 9880 DRM#1 11610 11635 12000 12050 15465 1900-2000 558 1323 6155 DRM#2 11635 12000 12050 15465 2000-2100 558 1323 6155 DRM#2 11635 12000 German 0900-1000 630 693 1323 1431 9850 DRM#2 11830 DRM#2 15700 1000-1100 630 693 1323 1431 9850 DRM#2 15700 1100-1200 630 693 1323 1431 9850 DRM#2 1500-1700 630 693 1323 1431 6155 DRM#1 12010 12095 DRM#1 1700-1800 630 1323 1431 6155 DRM#2 9880 DRM#2 12010 1800-1900 630 693 1323 1431 12010 Hindi 1300-1400 9445 DRM#1 9670 11500 1500-1600 972 9445 DRM#1 9670 9745 Italian 1700-1800 558 6155 DRM#1 9880 DRM#1 12050 15465 2130-2230 1548 Japanese 1200-1400 720 7235 7340 Kurdish 0500-0600 15760 1500-1600 5925 Mongolian Mon-Sat 1300-1400 801 1080 6075 Persian 1500-1700 648 1314 1377 9345 12015 Polish 1700-1800 693 1143 9615 Portuguese 2100-2200 5920 6155 DRM#2 2200-2400 12060 Russian WS 0000-0100 657 801 1395 9430 0100-0200 657 801 1314 1395 9430 0200-0300 171 657 801 1314 1395 9430 11965 0300-0400 171 657 801 11965 0400-0500 171 621 630 657 693 801 999 1395 1548 11965 0500-0600 621 630 693 801 999 1395 1431 1548 11965 0600-0700 171 621 630 693 801 999 1431 1548 11830 DRM#2 0700-0800 171 621 630 693 801 999 1431 11830 DRM#2 0800-0900 171 621 630 657 693 801 999 1395 1431 9850 DRM#2 11830 DRM#2 0900-1000 171 621 657 801 999 1395 1000-1200 171 621 657 801 999 1395 9850 DRM#1 1200-1300 621 630 693 801 999 1323 1395 1431 5925 9745 9850 DRM#2 12085 13870 1300-1400 171 621 630 657 693 801 999 1323 1395 1431 5925 9465 9745 9850 DRM#2 11860 12015 12095 DRM#2 13870 1400-1500 171 621 630 657 693 801 999 1323 1395 1431 5925 7285 9900 11860 12015 13870 1500-1600 171 621 657 801 999 1026 1089 1143 1215 1395 7285 9615 9900 11635 12015 12040 1600-1700 171 657 801 999 1026 1089 1143 1170 1215 1395 6070 DRM#2 7310 9615 11730 15640 1700-1800 171 657 801 999 1026 1089 1170 1215 1395 1494 1548 7310 11730 12015 15640 1800-1900 171 657 801 1026 1089 1170 1143 1215 1395 1413 1494 7310 1900-2000 171 630 657 693 801 1026 1089 1170 1323 1395 1143 1413 1431 7310 2000-2100 630 693 801 999 1026 1143 1170 1215 1395 1431 2100-2200 630 657 693 801 999 1143 1170 1395 6155 DRM#2 2200-2300 657 801 1395 9465 12155 2300-2400 657 9430 12155 Serbo-Croatian 1500-1700 6155 DRM#2 11610 12095 DRM#2 2000-2130 1548 9470 Spanish 0000-0500 12060 12155 2000-2100 5920 Turkish 0100-0300 1377 0300-0500 1350 1300-1400 1350 1400-1500 1170 1350 7325 11985 1500-1600 1170 7325 11985 2100-2230 1314 Urdu 1400-1500 972 9445 DRM#1 9670 9745 Uzbek 1700-1800 1503 Vietnamese 1200-1300 12065 [applied to frequency preceding:] DRM#1=Channel 1 DRM#2=Channel 2 (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD) ** RUSSIA [non]. VOR relays in the US --- Looking at public radio fan there is a listing for such a relay in Arlington VA. Apparently the service also airs in NYC with some local origination and what may be time shifted programming from VORWS. What I don't get are calls as all local idents are covered. Wonder if you might know what the call signs are and who the licensees are? (Ray T. Mahorney, WA4WGA, Aug 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ray, From http://voicerussia.com/about_us/ ``The English edition of the Voice of Russia Radio Network broadcasts 24/7 in Washington, DC on 1390 AM and in New York City on 1430 AM. The American Edition of the Voice of Russia airs 6-11 am, and 3-8 pm Eastern Time.`` NRC AM Log of a a year ago shows: 1390 is WZHF in Arlington VA 1430 is WNSW in Newark NJ You could research ownership, etc. via FCC AM Query (Glenn to Ray, via DXLD) Note these are missing from the `full` VOR schedule above ** RUSSIA [non]. 17800, Aug 11 at 1254, poor signal in Russian with flutter until 1259.5* and nothing further, presumed R. Liberty via THAILAND as scheduled 12-13, unlike Aug 9 when I was still hearing Russian at 1320 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RWANDA. 6055, Radio Rwanda, Kigali in vernacular at 2015 UT, like Swahili, but different, S=9+15dB. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RWANDA [and non]. 7300, DWL Kigali in Swahili, registered 03-04 UT, heard 0345-0357 UT Aug 12, S=6-7 fair signal, continuously female reader program. \\ weak on 6180 RWANDA, but latter covered by R Nac de Brazil on co-channel 6180.008 kHz (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAAR [and non]. 183 kHz Europe-1 tower damaged: http://sr-mediathek.sr-online.de/index.php?id=2&selection=AK16 and go to 3:03 [as of Aug 17 check, above goes to the current date`s newscast, not the one about 183 kHz --- maybe can dredge it up for Aug 8? --- gh] For us at the antenna-back the signal sounds better now, because the carrier isn't reduced anymore as the antenna phasing is not working now (Jurgen Bartels, Suellwarden, N. Germany, 2256 UT Aug 8, mwdx yg via DXLD) Good signal on 183 kHz tonight in Romania. At 2303 UT they switched off the transmitter (Tudor Vedeanu, (Gura Humorului, Romania), ibid.) Europe 1 mast threatens to fall --- Hi everyone, This is my first contribution to bdxc-news , and I wish I'd had better news to report - The Europe 1 signal on 183 kHz LW may be slightly weaker these days after the station had to feed the signal to the spare mast when a guy- wire broke at the 280m-high main one, which is reported to have "folded" 80 meters from the top. It is likely to collapse any time and it may have to be dismantled altogether. The news was NOT reported at all on Europe1, but was covered extensively in the German media (the transmitter being located on German territory). 73s, (Rémy Friess, Erstein - France, Aug 9, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Reception quality on 183 kHz in Frankfurt-Stuttgart-Munich area is much better now on 2-mast reserve unit than on 4-mast beast, - at present (August 8, 14 UT). Long Wave station Europe 1 torn backstays The two-tower replacement transmitter is on the air, a very long feeder line to the mast in 1820 meters distance west, seen also on the movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LExYtuQzFyQ two reserve masts at 49 17 05.23 N, 06 39 27.96 E http://goo.gl/maps/gDnvW Antenna direction 220 degrees covering all Frankreisssch towards Pau - Toulouse direction, and SCREENED at 40 degrees towards "exGDR East German maritime fleet Seerederei Rostock area". Have never received such undisturbed, without confusion and scratching zone Hum Buzz of the audio from Saarlouis - as now - is one. Here in Stuttgart Germany, the signal is identical strong to the 153 kHz DLF Donebach transmission strength at present. The lower backstays have the mast residue at the foot still held in the air, so it shows the photo. If the German cultural particularism would not, indeed could be Europe-1 on 261 kHz to be rebuilt, the former GDR Burg site does not need it anymore in the future? DLR could move in-channel on 180 kHz then, or vice-versa DLR on 261 kHz, Europe-1 on exact 180 kHz. LW antenna modifications, however, are much larger major renovation work. vy73 (wolfgang df5sx Bueschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Reception of 183 is also much better today here in southern England. We are on the edge of the usual beam. As Kai Ludwig has pointed out, if you are off the main beam of 183, the carrier is suppressed to a greater degree than the sidebands, so the signal sounds overmodulated when listening in AM mode. Today, the audio quality on 183 is as good as the lovely modulation on 162 and 234. Signal strength also seems to have improved. I assume that the great majority of Europe 1 listeners in France do so on FM (Chris Greenway, Caversham, 1137 UT Aug 9, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, ibid.) There's a short report showing the fallen mast at 3.05 in this news bulletin http://sr-mediathek.sr-online.de/index.php?id=2&selection=AK16 (Mike Barraclough, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Hi again, I guess the spare masts have more or less an omni- directional pattern and I'm afraid this might cause havoc, as it may well cause interference to the Oranienburg outlet on 177 kHz. Several decades ago, Europe 1 and the East-Germans struck a deal (with the help of the French foreign ministry) which brought about the current split-channel situation, Oranienburg moving down 3 kHz from the initial 180 kHz nominal frequency, with Europe 1 going the other way, with a radiation pattern set up so as to send as little signal as possible eastward. But that agreement breaches the German telecom regulations especially since, after the German reunification, West-German law has been substituted for East-German law. This may well end up in some judicial imbroglio, the question being: is the agreement still legal, when on the German side it was made according to a set of laws that are themselves now regarded as illegal, namely those of the former East-German state. (I should have studied law, shouldn't I??? ;-) ) The status quo has been maintained until now as there were no problems. But no doubt the German telecom authorities will take up this opportunity to raise the issue again, since the presence of Europe 1 on German soil has always been a thorn in the flesh for them. As regards FM coverage, I drive around extensively in the east of France and there are still many places where I have to switch to LW, even though Europe 1 is the one private station in France that has made most efforts in terms of FM coverage. And we shouldn't forget that there is a faithful audience in the other two French-speaking countries, namely Belgium and Switzerland, that relies very much on LW, even if the station is present on many cable networks. 73s, (Rémy Friess, 1625 UT Aug 9, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) My first impression (yes, it's indeed the very first one) rather confirms what someone told me: A rather unpleasant kind of compression. Remains to be seen if this opinion may change after a bit more of listening. Fieldstrength-wise 183 is now stronger than 234 here but clearly weaker than 162. Perhaps the previous situation is not so widely known outside Germany: To the back of the antenna the described and explained distortion rendered the signal absolutely unusable. As soon as one was away more than a few wavelengths, out of the near field, it turned into an extremely strong pile of RF crap. Btw, the tube transmitter system they still use dates back to 1976. And here are photos of the partly destroyed mast: http://twitpic.com/ahdo4t http://twitpic.com/ahdpyc http://twitpic.com/ahdqpj (Kai Ludwig, Germany, 2229 UT Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Third one is best, a close-up (gh, DXLD) Metal is strangely discoloured at that point (Graham Maynard, MWCircle yg via DXLD) Referring to some previous image of the break (gh, DXLD) How is the signal strength of the Felsberg transmitter elsewhere now? At 1540 I received word from Leipzig that the radio, without having made any changes to it, gives only local crackling on 183 anymore. And when checking here, 70 further kilometres east, at 2100 I noted, compared to last night and also 0700 this morning, a dramatic drop in signal strength as well. 183 is now much weaker than 234; in fact I immediately turned on the BFO to make sure than the carrier is still there at all, thus the French talk that appeared to whisper in the static real and not phantasy. A 5 MB file from the TV news: http://www.rhci-online.de/aktueller_bericht_20120808_M_995_1042.mp4 (Kai Ludwig, Germany, 2117 UT Aug 10, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 183 still strong here (about 65 km west of London) at 2145 (Chris Greenway, Aug 10, ibid.) Gents, Don't forget that there are nice photos and description of the main and standby antennas of Europe 1 Felsberg on Bernd Waniewski's website: http://www.waniewski.de/Besucherstationen/Felsberg-Berus_LW_183_kHz/index.htm (Ben Dawson, WA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Got this: Reported Attack Page! This web page at www.waniewski.de has been reported as an attack page and has been blocked based on your security preferences. Attack pages try to install programs that steal private information, use your computer to attack others, or damage your system.Some attack pages intentionally distribute harmful software, but many are compromised without the knowledge or permission of their owners.`` (via gh, DXLD) Nothing alarming attack message came back of my firewall software about blocking www.waniewski.de site btw. never heard such a fine audio modulation quality of Europe-1 as with new RESERVE antenna instead now. vy73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Sent a note to Bernd Waniewski about the warning message on his website. Here is his answer: Hi Ben, thank you for your e-mail. I know about this warning. It was the second time that my site was hacked on the computer of my provider in Munich. I deleted all my sites there and reloaded everything with non affected pages. Now I am waiting for the review of StopBadware.org, hoping that they will remove the warning soon. Kind regards, Bernd (via Ben Dawson, DXLD) 183 kHz signal strength --- Thought I might hear them in Kandahar with the their DA out of normal pattern, but no joy at 2200 and 0030 UT (Brock Whaley, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Aug 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Brock. 183 takes an overnight break, closing at 2300 (so would have still been on when you checked at 2200). (Chris Greenway, Aug 11, ibid.) Brock, I have heard them in Kandahar and Kabul, around midnight/early morning hours. It will be best in the upcoming miserable winter months, trust me. Hopefully they will still be on air or have their operation repaired. I did manage to get a nice folder QSL out of them last year after a years of follow-ups (Al Muick, Williamsport PA USA, ibid.) Al, I have luck with Romania 153, France-Inter 164, Radio 4 198, and other Europeans. I thought the tight Europe 1 DA might keep them from being heard this far east of their pattern. I’ll try again while they are undergoing repairs. 73’s (Brock Whaley, ibid.) Best of luck, mate. Keep your head down when Haji sends his greetings, will ya? You might make friends with the guys at CJ6 down at TLS. They are an invaluable resource when trying to put up larger (noticeable) antennas.. Frank Godwyn (believe he's still there), is an invaluable resource down at CJ6. 73 (Al Muick, ibid.) Al, 20 meter dipole and random longwire about to go up at the work QTH. Hootch QTH far from generator QRM. Longwire up there and I did build "The Kandahar Special." A tuned box loop for lw/mw. Works well enough for 252/279 lw at these 100 degree noon hours. 73's, (Brock Whaley, ibid.) TWO MINUTE SAARLANDISCHE RUNDFUNK VISIT TO THE 183 TRANSMITTER SITE: "The building where the transmitters are housed is an architecturally unusual, prestressed-concrete construction that needs no internal supporting columns. It has been designated an architectural monument by the European Union and is a protected structure." Wikipedia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LExYtuQzFyQ The same uploader has posted five videos on a visit to Wertachtal, the video showing an S4001 transmitter being switched on for broadcasting shows the 6095 KBC service (Mike Barraclough, England, ibid.) More about Felsberg Here are current photos of the Felsberg facility and the damage there: http://the-antenna-site.eu/germany-uberherrn-zumsender-pictures.html And a collection of older material, including photos of the 2 x 1000 Kw transmitters from 1976 which are apparently still in use: http://tvignaud.pagesperso-orange.fr/am/e1/fr-e1.htm When looking closer at the matter one gets the impression that Lagardère ordered a muzzle after quite remarkable statements have been made to Saarländischer Rundfunk: Yes, there are safety problems, but we have not missed any maintenance. Indeed critical questions must be asked: Apparently the guy rope ruptured on its own, without being touched in any way, and if this would have happened on another mast the parts could well have crashed onto a road. If not already known: Europe 1 had been established when Saarland was under French patronage. When it returned to Germany Europe 1 was allowed to continue but only with the measure that all programming must be in French. Europe 1 started on New Year`s Day 1955 on 218 kHz, provoking complaints from Norway which prompted them to move to 245 kHz, only making things even worse since now Denmark protested. Their next step was a frenzy move to 239.5 and shortly later 238.5 kHz until they stopped these first attempts to go on air. They returned in April 1955 on 182 kHz. There is an opinion that this choice was a poisoned suggestion from West German authorities since this was the frequency to which Königs Wusterhausen had moved after losing the 191 kHz Deutschlandsender frequency to Sweden when the Copenhagen frequency plan came into force. For the next two and a half decades, Europe 1 and Deutschlandsender operated co-channel or within two, three kilohertz of each other. This severely limited the coverage of Deutschlandsender in western directions, but the other way round also Europe 1 may have suffered from permanent mumbling in the background as of 1958/59, when the 750 kW Zehlendorf facility became operational. This constellation could finally be alleviated in 1980. Since then Felsberg operates 3 kHz above and Zehlendorf 3 kHz below the nominal channel, which meant first 185 and 179 kHz, respectively. These finally became 183 and 177 kHz when the longwave channels had been shifted down two kilohertz to make them multiples of nine, as had been done on mediumwave. This special arrangement depends on agreements with the countries holding allocations for 171 and 189 kHz. This circumstance came on the table again in the nineties: The Dutch authorities said that they would no longer tolerate Zehlendorf on 177 when the planned longwave station in the Netherlands, in accordance with the GE75 allocation that read Lopik 1000 kW on 171, goes on air. Of course this Dutch longwave station was merely wishful thinking. Still one has to wonder about this threat from Den Haag, since one has never heard of such objections from the USSR and its successors, although the 177 ./. 171 kHz constellation is indeed rather unfortunate in Poland and the Baltics. Meanwhile Europe 1 has also an FM sister for German-speaking audiences, the FM operation Radio Salü and its offshoot Classic Rock Radio. Beyond that Lagardère used to operate Main FM at Frankfurt but sold it in 2010 to NRJ after the ratings of Main FM were notoriously bad. NRJ of course implemented its usual format at Frankfurt, which did not help; instead the ratings are meanwhile so low that Energy Rhein-Main fell off the published surveys, thus kind of no longer exists to the advertisement market. Lagardère was also supposed to launch a station in DRM mode on 261 kHz from Burg, the frequency used until 1994 by Radio Volga*) and later until yearend 2000 by Radioropa. But this project never progressed beyond announcements from the media authority at Halle. What remains to be seen is what they will do with the Felsberg transmitter after the incident. Word has it that the 183 kHz signal is inadequate in southwestern France now. On the main antenna, with a gain quoted as up to 7 dB, it reached as far as to the Canary Islands. *) This is the building next to the famous Glienicker Brücke at Potsdam where Radio Volga had its studios: http://home.arcor.de/aerbe/dt/rfk/bilder_menzelstr.html (Kai Ludwig, Aug 16, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAINT HELENA. R Saint Helena studio recording 1990 --- Perhaps interesting for Jean Burnell, etc., etc. https://www.box.com/s/d2c7416c248cb382c342 08.30 Jingle 19.10 Jingle 22.00 Telephone interview with Tomas Johansson, STDXK, Sweden 28.50 Telephone interview with Phil Perkins, High Wycombe, UK 36.50 Telephone interview with Jean Burnell, Newfoundland, Canada 39.30 Telephone interview with David Alpert, New York, USA 52.45 Jingle http://biphome.spray.se/erijo/smnm/1990/station.html (with a few errors) http://www.sthelena.se/radioproject/ 73's (Fredrik Dourén, Stora Tuna DX Klubb, Borlange, Sweden, Aug 12, RealDX yg via DXLD) Hello Fredrik, Many thanks for this! I remember this broadcast well. This broadcast was to be the one and only chance to hear Radio St. Helena, so I was very relieved that it came in well. I had just moved to a new house, and the antenna was just some wire in the attic. This broadcast was a major accomplishment for the Stora Tuna DX Klubb. The telephone operator here in Canada did not believe that the call I wanted to make was to a country where there were only three (or maybe four?) digits in a telephone number. She abandoned me with the South Atlantic operator, and I was never billed for the call. I called St. Helena again for a broadcast some years later, and I talked to Tony Leo. That time I did get a bill! (Jean Burnell, ibid.) ** SARAWAK [non non]. RADIO FREE SARAWAK PERSONALITY "MOVING ABOUT FREELY," "LOOKING RELAXED," "HAVING COFFEE" IN SARAWAK. Posted: 14 Aug 2012 Borneo Post, 11 Aug 2012: "MIRI: Controversial DJ of underground Radio Free Sarawak (RFS), Peter John Jaban is back and was seen moving about freely, having coffee with friends here yesterday. He was here to attend the World Indigenous People conference, looking relaxed in the company of friends from the opposition, including PKR Miri branch chief Dr Micheal [sic] Teo Yu Kheng. The duo caused a furore in May this year when Peter John suddenly disappeared on the way down to town from Miri Airport and Dr Teo said he suspected Peter John had been arrested. ... The authorities have been wary of RFS, which Peter spearheaded with Claire [Rewcastle Brown] as a dissident radio station from London touching on Sarawak affairs and issues, with opposition leaders dominating the airwaves. Peter said RFS was blocked by the authorities in the last state election, and believed a similar step would be taken in the coming parliamentary election which is due latest by April next year. ... A defiant Peter said it was a futile and expensive exercise for the authorities to block RFS, saying it could operate on other short wave frequencies and he would continue with his investigative style of reporting." See previous post about same subject (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) ** SAUDI ARABIA. 15380, Aug 11 at 0552, open carrier; by 0602 fair in somewhat undermodulated Arabic, i.e. BSKSA at 06-09, 500 kW, 310 degrees from Riyadh to Syria and Turkey but also USward. This is not a log, unfortunately. Checking an unID on 17610 in HFCC as of Aug 12, I notice this presumably wooden entry: ``17610 1000 1300 48,47 JED 250 230 0 216 1234567 250312 281012 D ENGLISH ARS ARS ARS 11139`` Check it out: I.e. another frequency for BSKSA`s only English broadcast, besides 15250, which I meant to mention in previous report, was blocked by that ChiCom jamming at 1153 against VOA (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SEYCHELLES [non]. UAE, 15215.029, FEBA Radio in Tibetan from Al Dhabbaya, n o t CNR jammed, Observed around tune-in 1217-1220 UT Aug 13. S=8 sidelobe strength here in Germany. Chorus of young female singer, typical chimes, bells and cymbals heard (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOUTH AFRICA. 7285, Aug 15 at 0536, fair signal from R. Sonder Grense in English! They`re cool with interviewing RSA Olympic athletes who speak English; alternating with studio YL speaking Afrikaans, unclear whether translating or questioning. (Are there any Afrikaners who don`t also understand/speak English in this day and age?) (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOUTH AFRICA [and non]. 7230, Aug 10 at 0521, very poor signal with music, talk in English, no doubt Channel Africa as scheduled, so I compare it to the relay via WRN via WRMI on 9955, also very poor with pulse jamming added. By noting transition from talk to music or vice versa, I compute the delay as: 9955 is 26 seconds behind 7230 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WRMI relay is UT Tue-Fri only ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. USA(non), Brother Stair TOM via secret/hidden tx site SIE, not SOF: 2000-2200 on 9400 to WeEu. Poor to fair reception in Sofia, Bulgaria (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) 15215, Aug 11 at 1405, crude Hammond organ hymn as typical for the live Sabbath services from The Overcomer Ministry compound, matching but not synchro with much better signal on 15420-CUSB WBCQ; and 15215 also has CCI now, since not only IRRS (via ARMENIA, Wolfgang Büschel claims, not ROMANIA as Ivo Ivanov claims), but as Ivo also notes, also VOA Kurdish to same target area has just moved to 15215 at 14-15, via Wertachtal, ex-11640! 15215, Aug 13 at 1436, an Overcomer minister other than Brother Scare speaking on poor signal, IRRS via Romarmenia, but no QRM --- has VOA Kurdish already left? Yes, the Aug 12 HFCC file now shows that hour via Wertachtal lasted only from 7 to 11 August, replaced 12 August by 15510 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SPAIN [and non]. 15160, Aug 10 at 2015, poor signal with something in Parisian French. Frequent bandscans make it obvious to me that this is something new. No ID, but mentions Espagne several times, and finally at 2028 announces the P O Box address in Madrid of REE; clinched further by automatic timesignal on half-hour (like HCJB does too). The trouble is, nothing at all is scheduled on 15160 between 18 and 23, least of all REE. However, they do have a M-F French service at 20-21 which is supposed to be only on 11620 and 9690. REE does use 15160 later, from 2300, so presumably a mistake if not a late change. (RFI also uses 15160 at 1300-1330; HFCC, EiBi and Aoki still have not removed the defunct RFI English broadcast at 05-06!) (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15110, Sat Aug 11 at 2112 with nice classical guitar music, excellent signal as usual; next best: 17850 via Costa Rica but lower-fi; weaker directs 17715 sufficient, and 17755 with QubaRM from 17750. The 17 MHz frequencies run past 1900 only on weekends. 17850, August 12 between 21 and 22 UT as I was dozing, listened to REE via COSTA RICA (also on 15110 direct) with live coverage of Olympic closing ceremonies. Trouble is, the M&W hosts kept chattering Castilian over the music as they felt obliged to describe what was going on in the visual spectrum. Heard mentioned Pink Floyd, Fat Boy Slim, Spice Girls, among many other British performers of yesteryear. Later caught the NBC playback of the CC from the beginning, noting that after GSTQ and a token few minutes with a cellist and the LSO, it was all rock music, except John Lennon`s original ``Imagine`` surpassing genres. Thumbs up for that, thumbs down for dissing classical music. 11890, Aug 15 at 0518, astounded to hear French, plus Chinese music instead of usual REE in Spanish. 0522 ID as R. Chine Internationale, more Chinese songs. REE Spanish was really on 12035, 6055 // CR delayed on 9630, 5965. Then I strayed to Turkish music on 11980, and when back on 11890 at 0530, REE had taken over in Spanish. I can only conclude that Noblejas somehow put the wrong program feed on this frequency. They do relay China at other times, altho not intentionally in French (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA. 15744.990, SLBC Ekala, endless English sermon, talk on "New Testament..." at 0305-0315 UT Aug 12. S=6 poor signal heard on remote SDR unit in Australia (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA. 15270, Poor signal of SIDELOBE signal from Trincomalee site noted on BVBNetwork in English, Sat 1100-1130 UT. S=4 weak here in Germany at 1104 UT (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 11, dxldyg via DXLD) ** SUDAN SOUTH [non]. 15725, August 12 at 0538, V. of South Sudan Revolutionary Radio is in English speech, still hard to copy but 0540 mentioned psychoanalysis, and then US foreign policy. Also weaker QRM at 0538 from Qur`an, and 0540 talk, presumed Urdu from R. Pakistan, which has always been co-channel here after 0500, but not usually heard at all (which one would expect if VOSSR were from a site as close to there as Tajikistan). 15725, Aug 15 at 0502, V. of South Sudan Revolutionary Radio is in sign-on routine, spirited chanting, ID in Arabic (but how does it go, exactly, Romanized?), CW-sounding music, etc. By 0534 faded to JBA (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SURINAME. HI GLENN, THIS IS MY STORY ABOUT RADIO APINTIE... greetings from Catia La Mar, VENEZUELA. I hope you are quite well at the moment. I am sending you a story about an amazing experience I have had some months ago. I wrote it in English and Spanish. Have a nice day! 73s and good DXing, Adán GOOD NEWS FROM SURINAME: THINGS A DXER DOES TO GET A VERIFICATION LETTER Since the reactivation of Radio Apintie Suriname in the tropical bands, back in 2003, I had been trying to get a QSL card from it but it had been an almost impossible task. As soon as I listened to Radio Apintie in December, 2003, I wrote a reception report and dropped my first letter into the mail in order to get a not-too-late-response because Suriname is very near Venezuela. However, months passed by and I did not get any “smoking gun” from Paramaribo, which is the capital city of the country and the place where Radio Apintie studios are located. My frustration increased day after day because I could see comments from other DXers saying that they had been QSLed by Radio Apintie in a short period of time after this radio station resumed transmissions on SW in late 2003. Even DXers in South America stated that they had received verification cards from the former Dutch Guiana but my mailbox was still empty – more than five letters I sent to Radio Apintie since 2003 but I did not succeed in getting at least an answer from it. Did my letters get lost? Were they unread? I really do not know but actually I lost some enclosed IRCs sent to Paramaribo. Later, I learnt via DXLD about Radio Apintie’s e-mail account so I immediately wrote but… nothing happened! Some years ago, my sister started travelling to Suriname in a very sporadic way. She is a stewardess (flight attendant) and works for a Venezuelan charter-airliner so they were hired to have flights to that country. They left the passengers there and stayed for a few hours at the airport in Paramaribo before going back to Venezuela. One day I realised that I could set up a plan to finally get a response from Radio Apintie. Jackpot! I told my sister about the situation and she said she was going to help me on that. Unfortunately, charter flights to Suriname stopped some days later and frustration landed again on the scene. Early in 2012, my sister had good news again – she had resumed flights to Paramaribo so I displayed my strategy in order to get a QSL from Apintie. Hehehe! She told me about a guy she had met at the airport in Suriname – he worked there. He had been very kind with her every time he entered the plane after landing and she was sure he could help us to reach Radio Apintie. I wrote a new letter with the reception report data and gave it to my sister; she arrived in Paramaribo late February and handed over the letter to the guy we have been talking about. On March 1st, he headed to Radio Apintie facilities which are at 10 minutes from his home in Paramaribo - he delivered my letter and waited for an immediate reply. The employees were very kind with him and gave him a closed envelope addressed to me. My sister went back to Paramaribo some weeks later and the guy handed over the envelope to her. She returned that same day to Venezuela with such a wonderful present. I received an envelope with the Apintie- Televisie-10th-anniversary-logo on it. I opened it and I found a letter with the Radio Apintie and Apintie Televisie logos on the upper left and right corners respectively. I was shocked! Hahaha! The verification letter states that my reception report dated on December 13th, 2003, is right. The frequency is 4989.99 kHz. The Director of Radio Apintie, Ch. Vervuurt, is the person who signs the letter. Wow! After almost 10 years I have finally got a reply from them; it is not a QSL card but this letter is like GOLD to me! Definitively, things like these make DXing the most wonderful hobby on Earth. I want to thank my dear sister and her friend in Suriname for making this dream come true. Here is the link to see the letter: http://twitpic.com/ah1238 73s and good DXing, Adán González Catia La Mar, Vargas State, VENEZUELA P.S. I have been working very hard during these months and I am finally on vacation in August. That is the reason why I did not tell you before about this amazing experience. BUENAS NUEVAS DESDE SURINAM: LAS COSAS QUE HACE UN DIEXISTA PARA CONSEGUIR UNA VERIFICACIÓN Desde que se reactivó Radio Apintie Surinam en la banda tropical, por allá por 2003, había tratado de conseguir su tarjeta QSL pero ello se había convertido en una labor casi imposible. Tan pronto como escuché la emisora en diciembre de 2003, hice un informe de recepción y consigné mi primera carta para obtener una respuesta no muy tardía, ya que Surinam está muy cerca de Venezuela. Sin embargo, pasaron los meses y no tenía señales de Paramaribo, que es la ciudad capital de aquel país y es el lugar donde se hallan los estudios de Radio Apintie. Mi frustración fue en aumento día tras día ya que podía ver comentarios de otros diexistas que sí habían recibido la confirmación QSL de Radio Apintie, al poco tiempo de ésta haber retomado sus transmisiones en onda corta, a finales de 2003. Incluso diexistas de Suramérica acusaban recibo de tarjetas de verificación provenientes de la antigua Guyana Neerlandesa, pero a mi buzón todavía no arribaba ninguna: más de cinco cartas envié a Radio Apintie desde 2003 pero no tuve éxito en obtener al menos una respuesta. ¿Será que se perdían mis cartas? ¿O ni siquiera las leían? En realidad no lo sé. Lo que sí es verdad es que perdí algunos Cupones de Respuesta Internacional adjuntos que mandé a Paramaribo. Más tarde, me enteré por DXLD de la cuenta de correo-e de Radio Apintie, así que de inmediato les escribí aunque… ¡nada pasó! Algunos años después, mi hermana empezó a viajar a Surinam de manera muy esporádica ya que ella es aeromoza y trabaja para una aerolínea venezolana que realiza vuelos “charter”. La empresa fue contratada para hacer unos viajes a ese país. Dejaban a los pasajeros allí y se quedaban unas pocas horas en el aeropuerto ubicado en Paramaribo hasta que regresaban de nuevo a Venezuela; un día caí en cuenta de que podía armar un plan con el objetivo de conseguir –finalmente- una respuesta de Radio Apintie. ¡Bingo! Le conté a mi hermana sobre la situación y me dijo que me ayudaría en ello. Desafortunadamente, los vuelos “charter” a Surinam fueron suspendidos a los pocos días y la frustración entró de nuevo en escena. A principios de 2012, mi hermana me trajo buenas noticias de nuevo: se habían reiniciado los vuelos a Paramaribo y fue entonces cuando desplegué mi estrategia con el fin de obtener una QSL de Apintie. ¡Jejeje! Ella me habló de un chico que había conocido en el aeropuerto, en Surinam: él trabajaba allí. Como había sido muy amable con ella cada vez que entraba al avión después del aterrizaje, estaba segura de que podía ayudarnos con lo de la emisora. Redacté una nueva carta, agregué los datos del informe de recepción y se la di a mi hermana; ella llegó a Surinam a finales de febrero y le entregó la misiva al chico de quien hemos hablado. Él se dirigió a las instalaciones de Radio Apintie, el día 1º de marzo, las cuales se encuentran a 10 minutos de su domicilio en Paramaribo: entregó mi correspondencia y aguardó por una respuesta inmediata. Los empleados lo trataron de manera muy cordial y le dieron un sobre cerrado dirigido a mi persona. Mi hermana regresó a Paramaribo unas semanas después y el chico le dio el sobre de marras. Ella volvió a Venezuela el mismo día con tan maravilloso regalo. Recibí un sobre con el logotipo del 10º Aniversario de Apintie Televisie, lo abrí y contenía una carta con los logotipos de Radio Apintie y de Apintie Televisie, en las esquinas superior izquierda y derecha, respectivamente. ¡Quedé impactado! ¡Jajaja! La carta de verificación indica que mi informe de recepción, del 13 de diciembre de 2003, es correcto. La frecuencia es 4989.99kHz. El Director de Radio Apintie, Ch. Vervuurt, es la persona que firma la carta. ¡Caray! Después de casi 10 años finalmente he obtenido una respuesta de la estación; ¡no es una tarjeta QSL pero esta carta vale ORO para mí! En definitiva, cosas como éstas hacen del diexismo el pasatiempo más maravilloso del mundo. Quiero agradecer a mi hermana –y a su amigo en Surinam- por haber hecho realidad este sueño. Aquí está el enlace para ver la carta: http://twitpic.com/ah1238 73 y buen DX, Adán González Catia La Mar, Estado Vargas, VENEZUELA P.D. Durante estos meses he estado trabajando muy duro y finalmente estoy de vacaciones en agosto. Es por ello que no les había contado antes sobre esta impresionante experiencia (Adán González, Aug 12, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SWEDEN. Saturday Show by Radio Sweden --- The Saturday Show sändes varje lördag över kortvåg och mellanvåg från Radio Swedens program på engelska under åren 1967-1981. Vissa avsnitt har lagts in på Sveriges Radios hemsida. Vissa är ju lite gamla idag, men många härliga avsnitt är lika aktuella idag som då. De som producerade denna show var Roger Wallis, Sidney Coulson, Kim Loughran samt George Wood. Lyssna gärna på dessa via hemsidan: http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=632642 (Bengt Ericson) (ARC mv-eko Aug 13 via DXLD) ** SYRIA. Latest monitoring shows: 666, broadcasting to southern Syria. Seems to relay the audio carrier of Syrian TV with the news. 783, is carrying the General Program of Radio Damascus. Strongest signal in Växjö, Sweden. 936, broadcasting to Homs and Hama region. Heard well after UKR sign off at 2200. General Program of Radio Damascus. Syrian frequencies not heard due to interference are: 594, 828, 918, 954 and 1314 (several sources) (ARC mv-eko Aug 13 via DXLD) ** SYRIA [and non]. 9330.00, 2140-2155 06.08, R Damascus, Adra, English talk with Arab musical interludes, 43332, poor modulation and with another transmission in American English on the USB-channel ("If you have diabetes") Best 73, (Anker Petersen, from Skovlunde, Denmark, heard on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) I.e., WBCQ with Radio 211/GFRN (gh) Radio Damascus in Syria was logged on 8 August 2012. An English language broadcast of Arabic music, Syrian perspective on the country's current unrest and cultural topics was monitored from 2115 to 2200 UT. This Broadcast was observed on 9330 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 44544 -- good signal strength, slight transmitter hum, otherwise audible speech and music. At 2130 some transmission problem was noted; transmitter was switched off and on. At 2133 transmitter stabilized. Reception report was emailed on the same day. Later in the evening I received this confirmation [from] Rasheed Haidar, English Program, Radio Damascus: "Thank you so much for your letter and reception report. I will have my colleagues send you the QSL Card, and please keep following up the English Program, I will have my colleague of "the Overseas Listeners Program" answer your letter next episode." Posted by (T. L. Breyel, Malaysia at 10:57 PM http://shortwavedxer.blogspot.com/ via DXLD) WBCQ no problem there ** TAIWAN. 11875, August 15 at 1402, fair signal in Indonesian, equal to REE/CR 11880; keeps mentioning Taiwan and Hong Kong. Banned from HFCC by the ChiCom, but Aoki shows RTI at 14-15, 250 kW, 205 degrees from Tainan, i.e. 25 degrees off the back USward (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET [non]. USA(non). Additional frequency of Radio Free Asia in Tibetan from Aug. 6: 2200-2300 on 11975 KWT 250 kW / 058 deg to CeAs // 7505 9815 9880 (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD) ** TIBET [non]. CHINA/TAJIKISTAN, 15515, HEAVY FIREDRAKE music from mainland China at 1222 UT Aug 13. S=9+25dB powerhouse signal here in Germany. Read also a poor string on SDR unit browser screen at 15517 kHz, so latter could be the Voice of Tibet outlet from Dushanbe Yangi Yul, but couldn't trace any VoT program content today (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TUNISIA. Tunisia is currently on 7335 // 7225, 17735. 13 Aug 2012, 1801 UTC, already noted the same at 1945. 17735 S=3 in the clear; 7225 strong; 7335 totally covered by CRI powerhouse signal, comes through only in silent gaps between CRI talk (of which there aren't many). 73 (Eike Bierwirth, Zingst / Germany, Perseus SDR + 10-DX Active Antenna in the garden, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TURKEY. 9515, UT Sunday Aug 12 at 0314, VOT introducing `Legends of Anatolia`, and I am switching receivers to the kitchen for a snack missing some of it, but it`s over already in only 4 minutes: 0318 multi-lingual ID filler; 0321 Question of the Month; 0323 music --- fill for the rest of the hour? Anyhow confirms this is an off-week for the fortnightly `DX Corner`, back Aug 19 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. AUDIENCE ASSESSMENTS OF THE NEW "NEWSDAY" ON BBC WORLD SERVICE RANGE FROM "BIG DISAPPOINTMENT" TO "HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT." Posted: 12 Aug 2012 BBC, The Editors blog, 20 July 2012, Jamie Angus: BBC World Service programs The World Today and Network Africa have been "replaced by the new Newsday programme from World Service Radio, a single global daily news programme with a particular interest in its audiences in Africa. So why the change? The current listening experience in Africa is far from ideal - two separate programmes with very different editorial takes on the day's news, in separate halves of the hour. We want to offer African audiences a single programme that has international news at its heart, but brings the biggest African stories to the world, and covers the biggest international stories with a particular eye on relevance for African audiences." Ibid, comment from notconan: "What a huge disappointment. I started listening to the BBC when NPR fired Bob Edwards and replaced him with the happytalk twins. Now BBC seems to be following NPR’s lead. I’m sure this is because of Tory budget cuts. What a shame. I listened for a while to the first Newsdays programs, totally content free happy talk. Any suggestions for alternatives?" Ibid, comment from Bob Bragar: "This is a big disappointment. Is the BBC copying breathless American AM radio, to be low brow and sensational? Let's bring the tone, the intelligence and enunciation back to the morning programming. And let's give the WHOLE world an international program, without focusing on one continent, please." Ibid, comment from lochfc: "Oh, dear. Irritating background music, very little news, and a great deal that I couldn't care less about. Not to mention the olympic overload. I just want intelligent, sensible news.This is the radio version of morning TV with boop-boop added. I turned it off in disgust at about 20 minutes, and won't be returning. I'll stick to NPR and Aljazeera." Ibid, comment from Bill Rees: "I understand the need to innovate but the World Sevice is known for in depth analysis by people who know what they are talking about. Newsday couldn't be further from that and it is very disappointing. I can't listen to this so I hope you will be moving back to something like the old format. Good luck - but move fast to fix this." Ibid, comment from Oki: "What a huge disappointment! For years I have relied on TWT to present the world news intelligently. Now I am forced to suffer through dumbed-down chat 'of special interest to Africa'. Not for much longer. A match-losing own-goal, BBC. What a pity." See previous post about same subject (kimandrewelliott.com via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** U K [and non]. LAWRENCE OF ASIA Post categories: World Service Jon Williams | 10:44 UK time, Monday, 13 August 2012 http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2012/08/lawrence_of_asia.html This year the BBC World Service celebrates its 80th anniversary: cause enough for celebration. But tonight, half a world away, the great and the good will come together to mark an even more extraordinary milestone. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Anthony Lawrence was the BBC's man in the Far East. First in Singapore, then Hong Kong, Lawrence was one of the BBC's "greatest generation" of foreign correspondents - a foreign legion that included legendary names such as Charles Wheeler, Erik de Mauny, and John Osman. They built the BBC's reputation around the world, on crackly telephone lines and film flown back from distant shores. All have now passed. All but Tony Lawrence. This weekend, "Lawrence of Asia" celebrated his 100th birthday, half a century after reporting on the communist insurgency in then Malaya, and the ousting of the British. "Parked cars were set on fire. The steel blinds of shops came clattering down. Doors were bolted and barred. An all-day curfew was announced by radio and loudspeakers. Nobody could leave their houses. And all the streets of this big city were emptied like magic of all human beings, except for the odd mobile police patrol or military squads." As the sun set on the British empire, Lawrence reported on the Vietnam War. One memorable despatch for "From our own Correspondent" in May 1972 suggests nothing much has changed. Reporting from the frontline with US troops in Vietnam, Lawrence could have been describing Afghanistan today: "It's such a chancy business, this patrolling," You can go for months and meet nothing, and then three times in one week you meet some awful ambush or firefight. The man next to you goes down yelling with a leg blown off; the platoon commander is bleeding to death against a tree. It's over in 15 minutes, but it's a nightmare; and it may come again tomorrow night." Much has changed in the four decades since Tony Lawrence left the BBC: everything, and yet nothing. Lawrence's young "apprentice" in the heady days of the 60s was a young David Willey, still filing for the BBC from Rome, and this year himself celebrating his 80th birthday. Lawrence taught him to use the ordinary to explain the significant, the stories of real people: storytelling techniques at the core of contemporary BBC journalism today. Tony moved to Hong Kong in 1958, and was forced to observe China from the outside for more than a decade before the mainland authorities let him in. He set about learning Chinese, and stayed in Hong Kong post- retirement. Having witnessed the suffering across south-east Asia, he founded a charity that helps refugees who flee to Hong Kong. Tonight, at its famed Foreign Correspondents' Club, Hong Kong celebrates one of its finest adopted sons - and the BBC salutes one of its greatest generation. As the BBC marks 80 years of reporting the World, it is those like Anthony Lawrence who made it possible. Every day, we who follow seek to match the gold standard set by Lawrence and his contemporaries. 100 not out! Happy birthday Tony. Jon Williams is the BBC world news editor (via Gerald T Pollard, NC, DXLD) ** U K. BBCWS BROADCASTS ADVERTISING ON THE RADIO? WHO KNEW! Apparently this was authorized at the beginning of 2012 by the BBC Trust. I can imagine it now... "From Our Own Correspondent is brought to you today by Weetabix..." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/9474445/BBC-mistakenly-broadcast-beer-advert-during-sports-game.html (RC, Allentown, PA, Internetradio mailing list via DXLD) V. also MUSEA ** U K [and non]. 15180, Aug 11 at 1826, fair signal in French, and sounds the same on 15105; can`t // them for sure with only one receiver in hand on the porch, and they would be out of synch since they are BBC, 15180 300 kW, 170 degrees from Woofferton, and 15105, 250 kW, 65 degrees from Ascension at 1800-1830, per HFCC. 13710, Aug 13 at 2053, surprised to find BBCWS here, interview about Ayn Rand; very poor with fair peaks, deep fading. HFCC shows it`s a new transmission since 4 August, 20-21, 250 kW, 165 degrees from Woofferton --- yet another fragment of BBCWS, the only hour ever used on this frequency (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [non]. MARK THOMPSON READ THE LAST BBCWS REPORT FROM BUSH HOUSE. NOW HE WILL BE CEO OF THE NEW YORK TIMES Posted: 15 Aug 2012 BBC News, 17 [sic] Aug 2012: "The New York Times Company has announced that BBC director general Mark Thompson is to become its chief executive and president in November. The NYT runs national and regional newspapers and websites and said his experience in digital media on a global scale made him the 'ideal candidate'. Mr Thompson, 55, said he was 'excited' to take on the role. He took over as director general in 2004 and is responsible for the BBC's TV, radio and online services." New York Times, 14 Aug 2012, Christine Haughney and Amy Chozick: "In choosing Mr. Thompson, a veteran of television who has spent nearly his entire career at the BBC, The Times reached outside its own company, its own industry and even its own country to find a leader to guide it in an uncharted digital future. 'We have people who understand print very well, the best in the business,' [NYT chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr.] said in [an] interview. 'We have people who understand advertising well, the best in the business. But our future is on to video, to social, to mobile. It doesn’t mirror what we’ve done. It broadens what we are going to do.' Mr. Thompson’s reign at the BBC has largely been categorized as one of digital expansion and as having an emphasis on developing the BBC internationally." paidContent, 15 Aug 2012, Robert Andrews: "Under Thompson, the BBC has encouraged BBC Worldwide to make a splash in the world’s largest media market – notably by growing carriage for the BBC America channel, beefing up visibility of the BBC World News America show and by launching a commercial version of the heralded iPlayer to deliver subscription internet VOD of classic BBC shows. Whilst the BBC has found success in driving up adoption of, and commercial appetite for the BBC News website in the U.S., its video initiatives have fared less well. The TV output has not gained widespread appeal, while an iPlayer launch is still held up by cable operator resistance. ... Thompson will now have the opportunity to break America at its most famous newspaper." (kimandrewelliott.com via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** U S A. 12133.5-USB, at 0544 UT Monday August 13, AFN Saddlebunch Keys FL (NOT Key West where most references move it), Jim Hightower commentary about Ted Cruz beating a slightly less far-right extremist in Texas primary; as scheduled UT M-F at this time (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. BIG CHANGES FOR VOA ENGLISH --- We have been told by several staff members in English Radio that significant changes are coming before the election and probably by the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1. The morning (Washington, D.C. time) Crossroads Asia program which airs Monday through Friday will cease to exist and will be replaced by a different pre-recorded 25 minute long feature program. This program will be replayed in the two following hours. The morning (Washington, D.C. time) International Edition no longer is broadcast live and will merely be a replay of the International Edition recorded at 1:30 a.m. … seven hours earlier. This will also be replayed in the two following hours. Because of a severe staff shortage this change was already put in place on or about July 1st. Posted: Friday, Aug 10, 2012 (AFGE Local 1812 via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) CONGRESS SPEAKS BUT NOBODY LISTENS AT THE BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS --- By BBGWatcher on 13 August 2012 in Analysis, Bureaucracy v. Strategy, Congress, Featured News, Hot Tub Blog with No Comments http://www.usgbroadcasts.com/bbgwatch/2012/08/13/congress-speaks-but-nobody-listens-at-the-broadcasting-board-of-governors/ “Voice of America (VOA) Worldwide English radio, which, at one time broadcast live 24 hours a day to the world in 1999, will be reduced to providing 1.5 hours of live programming a day.” BBG Watch Forum -- Behind the Headlines This commentary from a journalist employed by the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) explains how BBG executives have for years defied the will of Congress and provided misleading information to both BBG members and Congressional staffers. Most of their FY2013 budget recommendations were rejected on Capitol Hill by both Republicans and Democrats. These same BBG executives, who report to the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) director Richard Lobo, are now presenting BBG members with their budget recommendations for FY2014. BBG members will meet in a few days in a closed session to review these proposals, which — in a usual manner — have been secretly put together by BBG executives without any wider internal debate or outside review. To The Broadcasting Board of Governors: What part of the mandate from Congress don’t you understand? Language contained from the House Appropriations Committee and its counterpart in the Senate – language that has been adopted by both Chambers – disagrees with many of the misguided decisions that have been made in the last 12 months to reduce broadcasting operations in many language services at the Voice of America (VOA). Yet the bean counters and anti-radio factions in upper-level management continue to ignore the will of Congress and whittle away at radio because “It’s too old fashioned” and nobody listens and “besides we do the Internet and Social Media because it’s cool (not because it has an audience).” We focus on the latest results of this misguided thinking which came Thursday (8/09/12) during a staff meeting of what’s left of the once proud – now highly demoralized – English radio operation. Beginning after the nominating conventions, but before the election in November, Crossroads Asia, a 25 minute live news program to East Asia (in the morning our time), will go silent and will be replaced by feature programs that have yet to be determined. One of them, still in the planning stages we are told, is “China’s Got Talent.” How about “Dancing with the Supreme Leader” or “The Real Housewives of Beijing?” As it is, Crossroads Asia is now broadcast live, recorded and played back in the two following hours (13 and 14 UT). This is indicative of how management is coming up with unique ways to justify their own jobs: do whatever it takes even when it makes no sense. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. What’s happening to International Edition – a long-form program examining relevant WORLDWIDE news – is even worse. Because of a severe staff shortage, beginning in July, IE lost its half-hour live program. It was replaced by a replay of an International Edition program recorded seven hours earlier. More tragic is that the recorded program is then replayed in the two following hours. By the time the cycle is over, listeners (if we still had any) were given a half hour of nine hour old material. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. And this isn’t the first time management has tried to pull a fast one on Congress. Look at the Mandarin Service that was slated to be shuttered in FY 2013. Instead of doing live programs to inform listeners, one program is now done live and then replayed 18 hours later. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. There is no more Middle East Edition, a half hour program dedicated to news about that region. It went silent months ago. International Edition to the Middle East (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and Syria et al) is now live for a single half hour. It too is replayed two hours later. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. The only live English radio program that will survive this Draconian shell game is Daybreak Asia, a half-hour live program in the evening (our time) – targeted to China primarily – and International Edition. Both of these, we should point out are recorded and played back two hours later. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. Now that the decisions have apparently been made to gut English radio by stealth, we remind management of the language contained in a directive from the House: “The Committee recommendation continues a requirement that the BBG notify the Committees on Appropriation within 15 days of any determination by the Board that any of its broadcast entities were found to be in violation of the principles, standards, or journalist code of ethics.” Ethics? Who cares, but at least we can tell Congress we know how to find it in the dictionary. The language from the Senate Appropriations Committee is also straightforward. “The Committee is concerned that BBG’s broadcast priorities do not fully align with U.S. foreign policy priorities. For example, the fiscal year 2013 budget request reduces broadcasting to Asia at the same time the Secretary of State has called for expanding engagement with Asia, particularly East Asia.” The Senate language also instructs the BBG to inform the Committee about proposed language service changes. The newest member of the BBG Board, Tara Sonenshine, representing Secretary Clinton, will be glad to know that “China’s Got Talent” and nine-hour old news are the best we can do to fulfill our foreign policy priorities. Breaking news? Up-to-date information? Information that will draw in listeners? Who cares, they will tell you, but at least we can tell Congress we haven’t cut broadcast hours. By my calculation, VOA Worldwide English radio, which, at one time broadcast live 24 hours a day to the world in 1999, will be reduced to providing 1.5 hours of live programming a day. The bottom line: the BBG staff, long a very vocal opponent of broadcasting in English on radio, is circumventing the will of Congress. The number of broadcasts are there, the BBG will tell Congress in its defense, but what they won’t say is the quality of the broadcasts is embarrassing and not worthy of a once-great International Broadcaster. We will forward this to members of Congress who care about what VOA does and the quality of the material produced along with a truck full of antacid. Roving Correspondent Leppy Oatcakes (BBG Watch blog via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) ** U S A. R. PETER STRAUS, MEDIA EXECUTIVE WHO LED VOA UNDER CARTER, DIES AT 89 - The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/r-peter-straus-media-executive-who-led-voa-under-carter-dies-at-89/2012/08/08/e726bcbe-e189-11e1-a25e-15067bb31849_print.html (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) Very little about the VOA years PETER STRAUS, WMCA RADIO PIONEER, DIES AT 89 - NYTimes.com http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/09/business/r-peter-straus-wmca-radio-pioneer-dies-at-89.html?pagewanted=print (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) Nor here, but a lot about WMCA, and both cover his remarkable family connexions (gh, DXLD) obits As VOA director, Mr. Straus convened an outside panel to make recommendations about VOA's corps of foreign correspondents. The result, according to Alan Heil's Voice of America: A History, allowed VOA reporters to operate as independent journalists rather than adjuncts to US diplomacy: "Use regular, not official, passports. Operate from offices outside embassies, using commercial, not official, communications channels Apply for same type of visas as commercial news agency and network correspondents. No longer use post exchange or commissary facilities frequented by diplomatic personnel. Receive no more and no less information support from missions abroad than their commercial network counterparts." Since the International Broadcasting Act of 1994 and the creation of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, directors of VOA are appointed by the BBG and are no longer memorialized as serving under a particular president. This enhances the credibility of VOA as a news organization (Kim Andrew Elliott, kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) ** U S A. A PROPOSAL FOR A BBG CEO FROM THE SES, OVERSEEING USIB, WHICH CONSISTS OF RFA, RFE/RL, MBN, OCB, AND VOA. Posted: 11 Aug 2012 Public Diplomacy Council, 20 July 2012, David S. Jackson, director of VOA 2002-2006: "A professional BBG CEO ... would serve as a single point of contact for the entity heads, and would have the power to make staffing and budgeting decisions without having to wait for a board meeting that could be weeks or even months away. Since the CEO would report directly to the Board, he would be responsible for knowing their policies as well as knowing what’s going on with the broadcasters. Even better, with a CEO in place, the Board could devote its attention during its periodic meetings to the big-picture decisions that Congress intended for it to oversee rather than get bogged down in the weeds of operational details that should be outside the purview of these part-time Board members. While every Board has included some members with professional experience in broadcasting and other media, the entity broadcasters would be even better served by a CEO at the top who was specifically chosen for his or her media and management skills. ... "The Board has also asked Congress to give it sole authority to appoint the CEO, which would take away whatever influence the Senate had on the IBB director appointment in the past. Supporters of this change say that it would insulate the CEO post from political influence, but I’m not so sure. Given the fact that every Board is going to have a built-in majority of one vote favoring the president’s party, whichever party that may be, I believe a better solution would be to give the CEO position a career Senior Executive Service (SES) status that would have to be competitively posted and selected. The Board deserves a CEO that is accountable, but there is also obvious value in having a CEO who could provide institutional continuity while bridging changing political administrations. If every Board could appoint its own CEO, we could end up with a new one in every administration, which would leave international broadcasting with too many new people learning the ropes in their new jobs at the same time." See also comments (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) The CEO job could be "competitively posted and selected," but who would make that selection? The higher-ups in the agency -- and the only people who are higher than the CEO would be the members of the Board. Because BBG members serve fixed terms, there is already much continuity of senior management from administration to administration. The BBG should select the CEO. Involving anyone else in the government would be a breach of the BBG's firewall. It would undo one of the key premises of the International Broadcasting Act of 1994. The CEO should have real authority over the entity directors and presidents, and the courage to exercise that authority. Those entity heads are concerned about the preservation and expansion of their entities, not about the bigger picture of US international broadcasting. The result is a "system" characterized by duplication, division of scarce resources, bureaucratic confusion, and a top-heavy org chart. The creation of a CEO would be step in the right direction, but one that falls far short of the real solution. The real solution is consolidation, combining the several entities into one entity. There is, after all, only one overriding purpose for US international broadcasting, as defined by the audience: providing news that is more accurate, reliable, and credible than the news the audience gets from its state-controlled domestic media. Another former VOA director, Dan Austin, commenting on Mr. Jackson's proposal, writes: "BBG networks should be made up either of all federal employees or all non-federal employees. The current situation, in which VOA and Radio/TV Marti staffers are federal employees working in federal agencies and all that implies, while the other networks are private entities, using taxpayer funds to hire, fire and move people as their needs demand and their union contracts allow, makes effective management of the resulting hodge-podge difficult if not impossible." "Hodge-podge" is an apt description. Although arguments can be made that tenure in the Civil Service helps VOA journalists preserve their independence, I think the combined entity should be an excepted corporation with non-federal employees (represented by a robust labor union). (Kim Andrew Elliott, ibid.) ** U S A [and non]. New frequency changes for Voice of America: 1000-1030 17840 IRA 250 kW / 239 deg SoAf, ex 17850 Portuguese Sa/Su 1400-1500 15215*WER 100 kW / 105 deg WeAs, ex 11640 Kurdish 1500-1530 9540 PTH 250 kW / 315 deg CeAs, ex 9580 Uzbek *strong co-channel IRRS Brother Stair TOM in English via TIG to same target area (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD) See also MYANMAR 17895, Aug 11 at 1828, Olympic theme music (guess NBC does not have a monopoly on it), segué to a bit of hilife, and 1829:50 starting VOA sign-off routine. Currently scheduled as GB at 1730-1830 in English, 250 kW, 94 degrees. 17530, Aug 14 at 1307, strong and steady OC, marred by a couple of uteblats, and then off; no doubt Greenville tuning up for VOA broadcast much later in the day. BTW, BBGWatch blog reports that VOA English is being cut back to only 1.5 hours a day of original programming, the rest repeats even including news, hours out of date! (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I found the source of the BBG VOA mention below - http://www.usgbroadcasts.com/bbgwatch/2012/08/13/congress-speaks-but-nobody-listens-at-the-broadcasting-board-of-governors/ I spotted one factual error in the blog post, however. While it appears "Middle East Edition" (which was actually titled "Middle East Monitor", at least when it initially launched) no longer is on the radio, there's a weekdaily podcast that retains the "Middle East Monitor" name. The relevant microsite is http://middleeastvoices.voanews.com/ The "Middle East Monitor" podcast typically runs 10-20 minutes in length; last Friday's podcast ran 17:39. A more interesting question is why this podcast isn't aired on shortwave, since it seems there are hours to fill (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, NASAWA yg via DXLD) ** U S A. WORLD OF RADIO 1629: ready in time for first airing on WRMI UT Thursday August 9 at 0330; repeats: Sat 0800, 1500, 1730, Sun 0800, 1530, 1730, Mon 0500, 1130. On WTWW: Thu 2100 on 9479, UT Sun 0400 on 5755 On WWRB: UT Fri 0330v on 5050 On WBCQ: UT Sat 0130v on 5110v-CUSB Area 51 On HLR: Sat 0630 on 7265, Tue 0930 on 5980 Full schedule including many more webcasts: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html WORLD OF RADIO 1629 monitoring: confirmed during the Thursday August 9 2100 broadcast on WTWW 9479; and on WWRB 5050 from 0331 UT or so Friday August 10 --- after the usual dead air for at least a minute; some seconds before WOR playback started, WWRB hum appeared on the signal and continued thruout WOR, also on the webcast. Next: UT Saturday 0130v on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB. On Hamburger Lokalradio: Sat 0630 on 7265; Tue 0930 on 5980 On WRMI 9955: Sat 0800, 1500, 1730, Sun 0800, 1530, 1730, Mon 0500, 1130 On WRN via SiriusXM 120: Sat & Sun 1730, Sun 0830 WORLD OF RADIO 1629 monitoring. Confirmed UT Saturday Aug 11 at 0130 right on time via Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB. Next: UT Sun 0400 on WTWW 5755; also WRMI 9955: Sat 1730, Sun 0800, 1530, 1730, Mon 0500, 1130; on HLR: Tue 0930 on 5980. On WRN via SiriusXM 120: Sat & Sun 1730, Sun 0830 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 7489.944, WBCQ The Planet in English, S=6 weak signal tonight here in Europe at 0400 UT (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. Re: WTJC gives up on shortwave --- Hello Glenn, Thanks very much for going to the effort about inquiring about WTJC absence. I wish there was more of it happening in the DX community. One wonders about the SW services from Afghanistan & Jordan (Ian Baxter, NSW, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 7506.4, Aug 9 at 0237, WRNO is again dead air, except for some hum; ho hum (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That sums it all up. "Hum, Ho hum" best describes it, Glenn. Why did this station even brother to come back on shortwave? If I had the money, I would buy it and turn into some more entertaining like that of the once famous Radio New York Worldwide (WNYW). (J. K. Johnson, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ``Bringing The Gospel To The World`` is a selling point for ignorant contributors (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7506.4, Aug 12 at 0233, WRNO strong signal with dead air --- no wait, if I turn the volume wide open, I can hear some just barely modulation, but not enough to tell what they are saying, which I am sure would be of no interest anyway. 7506.4, August 13 at 0326, WRNO is playing music, but it is very distorted and not fully modulated, followed by some dead air (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 11565.009, WHRI Cypress Creek, English sermon "in a quiet manner". S=9+20dB strength observed on remote SDR receiver unit in Australia. US address given at 0814 UT Aug 14. Something seems wrong with the audio feed, heard some low level speech echo in background, like "over inductive radiation recording" from backside magnetic tape? 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) We call it print-thru ** U S A. 13830, Aug 9 at 1950 check, WEWN Spanish has poor signal, but no QRM from the big ute blob circa 13832 we have been hearing in the mornings (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Just scanned 19m, when on 15610 kHz I stumbled upon the end of an announcement by WEWN, concluded with ID, silent carrier, and c/d at 1939 UTC. I missed most of the announcement and couldn't get the recorder running in time, but apparently WEWN is shutting down temporarily to avoid damage to the equipment due to weather. Wunderground.com reports weak winds and thunderstorm in Birmingham, the latter being a good reason to disconnect your antenna. 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Zingst / Germany, Aug 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) At this moment, 2228, WEWN is on air, in 15610 KHz English, 12050 Spanish. 73's from XE-SWL-24-01 Magdiel Cruz Rodríguez, México, http://entre-ondas.blogspot.mx HCDX via DXLD) Yes, they are back already. I can also hear them loud on clear on 15610 (at 2219), mediocre on 13830 and and weak on 12050 at 2230. Thanks, (Eike, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. 11530, Aug 12 at 0150, hymn and then Portuguese announcement from WYFR are marred by squealing spur from neighbor 11520 WEWN transmitter with parasite on 11529; also could hear a match on 11511, but nothing there to beat against except BFO. Christians vs Christians (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Frequency change of WYFR Family Radio in English: 2230-0300 NF 6145 YFR 100 kW / 355 deg to NoAm, ex 6115 (DX Re Mix News Aug 10 via DXLD) As already in DXLD last week Please note the following change to the WYFR A-2012 frequency schedule, effective August 13, 2012. Delete 9385 kHz 0200-0400 UT 222 degrees azimuth Zone 11 Add 9455 kHz 0200-0400 UT 222 degrees azimuth Zone 11 Language is Spanish. Sincerely, (Brenda Constantino, WYFR, Aug 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Why? 17605, Aug 9 at 1318, YFR Burmese loud & clear, little fading, presumably still KCH = PRIDNESTROVYE site substituting for TAC = Uzbekistan during this hour only, altho the HFCC registration for this has never been changed. Still at 1355 with ``Old Rugged Cross`` on piano/keyboard (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. 15155, Aug 11 at 2045, preaching in French, poor with flutter. It`s AWR at 2030-2100, 300 kW, 210 degrees from Moosbrunn, AUSTRIA. No sign of French on 15160 today, where Spain had misappeared 24 hours earlier, but that`s a M-F broadcast on other frequencies and this was Saturday. 17610, fair Aug 13 at 2020, preaching in French about dieu, Jesus. HFCC shows AWR, due south from Wertachtal, GERMANY (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. Re CHILE: ``The site is to be dismantled! Like other perfectly good(?) SW sites, it`s a crying shame that it`s never going to be put to better use: the 17680 signal is so good all day long in NAm that it could have brought public radio to dark areas in the US. Since it`s programmed out of Miami anyway, WLRN could have taken over, but not a single US public radio station has had the vision to add shortwave (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Back in the more-relevant decades of the 1970s and 1980s, AFRTS offered easy-to-hear SW alternatives for NPR programming. But, in general, public radio stations in the USA have always been about reaching local audiences, and public radio has generally been on the increase in the USA exactly during the time when domestic consumption of shortwave has been dropping. I guess I find it hard to understand where a US public radio station would now be motivated to consider a non-local technology beyond the comparatively low cost of web streaming. I would think WLRN would have a tough time selling donors on the idea of buying a transmitter in Chile. Looking at this through the lens of a content producer, it's a different story, and there is a precedent - the Christian Science Monitor World Service. Remember them? Their shortwave offering of news and current affairs was offered to public radio stations as "Monitor Radio", which many stations aired in the hour before or after "All Things Considered" in the afternoon. When the Christian Science Monitor axed the World Service, with its resources partially picked up by Boston's WGBH, "Monitor Radio" became "PRI's The World" and continues on the air to this day. Steve Inskeep, one of the hosts of NPR's "Morning Edition", came to NPR after "Monitor Radio" ceased to exist. US-originated Public Radio programming remains available on shortwave today, specifically through AFRTS; in Australia, NPR programming is available on ABC News Radio; in the UK, on Spectrum Radio. I get the feeling that NPR and its ilk are trying to walk a tightrope regarding their role --- between offering content exclusively through local stations vs. offering it directly via their own website / smartphone apps / etc. Nonetheless, it is really sad to see so much "surplus" transmitter capacity coming available on the market, though; that's for sure, Glenn (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, NASWA yg via DXLD) ** U S A. NEW YORK'S OLDEST RADIO STATION, WOR (710 AM) BOUGHT BY MONOLITHIC CLEAR CHANNEL New York Daily News By David Hinckley August 13, 2012 http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/new-york-oldest-radio-station-wor-710-bought-monolithic-clear-channel-article-1.1135381 WOR (710 AM), New York’s oldest radio station and one of its last remaining independents, will be purchased by radio goliath Clear Channel. The news jolted the local radio community, leading to a blizzard of speculation on whether the new owners might at some point bring their syndicated hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity over from WABC. It also caused concern among radio fans and listeners about the fate of morning host John Gambling, whose family has been on New York radio since 1925. In announcing the deal Monday morning, Clear Channel CEO John Hogan gave no indication of personnel or format plans. But some clues could be coming soon. Hogan said he expects a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) to be in place by Wednesday, which means Clear Channel could start programming the station while the deal is in progress. He said he expects the deal to close, pending expected FCC approval, within 90 days. Tom Taylor, editor of the newsletter Inside-Radio.com, said he “wouldn’t be surprised if Clear Channel has plans that involve at least two stages, short-term and long-term.” Taylor noted that the obvious value of WOR to Clear Channel, which already owns five music-formatted FM stations in New York, is that it would provide a New York home for talk programs that Clear Channel owns through its Premiere syndication. That includes WABC’s one-two afternoon combination of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, who according to Talkers magazine surveys are the two most popular talk hosts in America. Taylor notes that any such moves would probably not be immediate, depending on the length and the nature of their deals with WABC. Cumulus, which owns WABC, reportedly also has a management interest in Hannity’s show. Premiere syndicates about two dozen other shows, from Jesse Jackson and Randi Rhodes to Glenn Beck and the Bob and Tom morning show. It also distributes the Fox News Radio Network. WOR has long “gone its own way” in the New York radio market, notes Taylor. It has followed a traditional and conservative programming policy, serving an audience that in the case of many WOR listeners has been loyal for decades. Besides being the city’s last major independent station, it has been the final radio outpost with vestiges of old-style “full-service” programming, including political talk, lifestyle talk, personal advice and general-interest talk with hosts like Joan Hamburg. Buckley Broadcasting, which bought WOR in 1989, built a network of small- and medium-market stations around the country — including WDRC in Hartford — and has seemingly been content with programming that would keep those stations and the company comfortably profitable. The sudden death last summer of President Rick Buckley apparently accelerated his family’s interest in selling WOR, which has been rumored to be on the market for years. Radio station values have fluctuated over the last few years, between the recession and the rise of alternate services like Pandora. Some radio industry people believe that AM signals will eventually disappear. In New York, however, AM remains a powerful force, with stations like WINS, WCBS-AM, WABC, WFAN and others. WOR was founded in 1922 (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) WOR was founded in 1922 in Newark, not New York (Brock Whaley, Afghanistan, ibid.) He means Newark NJ, not Newark NY, or DE; and transmitter site still in NJ, same difference, or different sameness? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The mere fact that Clear Channel can increase its already prodigious market-choking holdings at all is the real news here. What little real competition and diversity there is in American commercial radio today has been reduced once again due to brain-dead Congressional and FCC policies that bow to the wishes of the NAB and its deep-pocketed mega- corporate overseers. So complete is their takeover of commercial broadcasting that we no longer even discuss ideas and principles like "localism", "public service", "diversity" in content and ownership, broadcasting as a "craft" rather than just another commodity, "professionalism", "public access" to the airwaves, anymore. Other than that, I suppose it's OK (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I hope this is not disconcerting news for Tom Ray, chief engineer who became well-known for spearheading WOR`s venture into IBOC broadcasting. I always enjoyed reading his insightful contributions to radio forums similar to this one (Dick W, ABDX via DXLD) Dick, while most of us here haven't always seen eye to eye with Tom due to IBOC, I also hope that if this buyout means that he'll no longer be with WOR, that he'll find an equal job with another major station. 73 and the best to you, Tom, KAZ (Neil Kazaross, IL/WI, ibid.) Whenever a major company buys a new property, usually the first thing that happens is that anyone who is older, especially if they have been there for a long time, is blown out. It's not just in broadcasting, but the big media companies are notorious for it. They either save the money by making other people do the work, or they hire someone much younger who is hungry enough to work for way less. It's the business model that has been in place for years. I have some friends who worked at stations that were bought by CC and that was exactly what happened. One can only hope their paycheck isn't too large, and that they don't have any gray hair. On a completely different note, and somewhat possibly off topic, I have found it very strange to hear live, local radio stations running sponsored traffic reports for companies with no presence in the market, and I'm just wondering if anyone has observed that in other parts of the country. I realize that can easily happens on satellite programming, but I have heard afternoon traffic reports in the Denver market during live, local programming that was sponsored by ExxonMobil. The crazy thing is that I have never seen any Exxon or Mobil stations anywhere in Colorado, so why would they be sponsoring traffic reports in Denver? Weird. Exxon used to have stations here until about the early 90s, but they worked a deal with Conoco that resulted in all of the Exxons in Colorado converting to Conoco. I have also heard some radio spots for Chevron, yet I have never seen any Chevron stations in Colorado, at least for a couple of decades. KJAC (aka Jack FM) here has been having a lot of problems in the past couple of weeks. They have been off completely at random times when I have checked, and today their audio was completely distorted in the afternoon for a while. KDHT, which sits on a tall tower way out in the plains but has a local booster, has been having a lot of synchronization problems between their main signal and the booster that results in a nasty echo effect. Their sister station KJHM does much better. The are on the same antenna on the tall tower, but I'm not sure if the co-located boosters share an antenna. It seems odd that the one station almost always sounds good, and the other usually sounds bad. 73, (Kit, W5KAT, CO, ibid.) Agreed - while Tom was a zealous promoter of IBOC in the early days, and he tried bashing CQUAM AM Stereo in his efforts to advance AM IBOC, one had to admire his zeal and certainly his engineering talent. And Tom did come around to acknowledge some of the limitations of IBOC on AM as well. To his credit, Tom truly wanted to advance the technology of AM radio. He ultimately backed the wrong horse, but by golly, he worked his keister off training, feeding and caring for that horse. If there was anybody who could have made AM IBOC work from an engineering point of view, it was Tom Ray. If I were a billionaire, I'd be tempted to buy the Radio Canada International Sackville site from the CBC [it is up for sale and CBC officially states they would like to sell it intact]. I can imagine somebody like Tom would have what it takes to keep a site like that in good trim. I suspect there are some other engineering types on ABDX that would also have 'the right stuff' to bring Sackville back on the air. But, alas, I am not a billionaire (Phil Rafuse, VY2PR, Stratford PE Canada, ibid.) ** U S A. Dallas news: KFXR [1190] has picked up Glenn Beck, as Beck's website had been showing. Scott Wilder has been bumped off KFXR to make room for Beck. Mr. Wilder can still be heard in Austin on 1370 AM and 96.3 FM (per his personal website, where he does not mention the calls-per Radio Locator KJCE and a translator on 96.3). (David R Block, Aug 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. One interesting tidbit from the US side of the border. BBC Broadcasting (no, not that BBC!), owners of KRPI in Ferndale, WA, [1550] have been given permission to change their city of license to Point Roberts, Washington, and to up their night power to 50 kW. For those not familiar with the area, Point Roberts is a small peninsula just south of Vancouver, BC, not connected to the US mainland, which is serviced from Canada. Is this going to be the first case of a US radio station getting its power from Canada? Their intended audience is the South Asian community in metro Vancouver and area, so the move makes sense. A signal that powerful won’t be appreciated by Vancouver area DXers though! (Nigel Pimblett, Aug CIDX Messenger via DXLD) COL does not necessarily = transmitter site; will it really be on the peninsula? Yes, read all about the present site and the new CP site further north and west, with a topo map leading to Point Roberts at: http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/amq?list=0&facid=21416 New 50 kW night pattern will be a broad oval to the NW, a minor lobe to the SE, and nulls toward the N and E. Day pattern will be a broad oval to the NE, deep null to the SW. We feel for poor Point Roberts inhabitants with a 50 kW transmitter inside their town/peninsula, just so it can get as close as possible to the border. BTW, there is one(?) other bit of conterminous America which can only be reached (by land) via Canada --- the NW Angle of Minnesota (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** U S A. 8/7/12, 0028, 3260 -- "The Herman Cain Show" and ID for "Better Life Radio", 1630 AM, Dallas/Fort Worth. WTF? Sounded great, 55555. But what was this doing on shortwave? 73, (Bill Blair, Euless, TX, USA, heard with a Tecsun PL-380 portable with a 25 foot reel wire antenna, cumbredx yg via DXLD) Bill, in Euless you are very close to the transmitter site of KKGM 1630, which is somewhere SE of Hurst. Welcome to the world of harmonic DXing. Strong MW signals may sometimes be heard on integral multiples of their frequency : 2 x 1630 = 3260. This could either be due to actual radiation of a fraction of the station`s power on the multiple, or produced inside your receiver due to overload. I suspect the latter since you are so close, and there have been no other reports of KKGM being heard on 3260 at a greater distance (Glenn Hauser, OK, ibid.) I am indeed very close to Hurst, so your explanation certainly makes sense. I emailed the station, I'm wondering if they'll see a need to reply. Thank you very much for the clarification, as always (Bill Blair, ibid.) ** U S A. COLBERT KING: SIKH TEMPLE KILLINGS FUELED BY HATE - THE Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/colbert-king-sikh-temple-killings-fueled-by-hate/2012/08/10/c7ab820e-e272-11e1-98e7-89d659f9c106_print.html (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) i.e. Rush Limbaugh ** U S A. NEW COMMUNITY RADIO STATION KHOI LAUNCHES IN AMES, IOWA | RADIO SURVIVOR Over the weekend, brand new community radio station KHOI launched in Ames, Iowa. Five years in the making, the license application for the full power non-commercial educational (NCE) FM station was submitted to the FCC in 2007 and was granted in 2009. KHOI went on the air and began their testing phase on 89.1 FM on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Until recently, Family Radio aired syndicated religious programming via a translator at that frequency. For the time being, KHOI is airing a mix of automated music programming (including world music, women’s music, jazz, reggae, folk, local music, electronica, and polka). Next week, other programming will be added to the schedule, including syndicated content from Pacifica. Pre-recorded local shows will begin next month and live shows will eventually be added to the mix, after the KHOI studio is built. A Kickstarter campaign is running until September 15, in the hopes of raising $12,000 in order build the broadcast studio by November. KHOI’s Project Manager (as well as its Chair of the Board and Station Manager) Ursula Ruedenberg moved back to her hometown of Ames, Iowa in order to help get KHOI on the air. A long-time community radio supporter, Ruedenberg is also Pacifica Radio’s Affiliates Coordinator. She explained to me over email how KHOI came into being and what her goals are for this new community radio station in Iowa. . . http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/08/08/new-community-radio-station-khoi-launches-in-ames-iowa/ (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. UNIVERSITY REGENTS CALL TIME-OUT ON KUT SIGNAL EXPANSION Published in Current, August 6, 2012 By Alicia Shepard One of public radio’s biggest split-format stations, Austin’s KUT, is pursuing a signal expansion that follows a familiar playbook for strengthening audience service: buying a new channel to air music while dedicating its flagship signal to news programming. But for this station serving a city that makes weirdness a point of civic pride, there’s a distinct difference to its ambitions to become a dual-station operator. It will put rock and alternative music, not classical, on its new signal; 90.7 MHz, the FM channel that has served KUT’s news and music audiences for decades, will go all-news. That’s if and when the University of Texas Board of Regents, the governing board of KUT’s licensee, approves the proposed $6 million purchase of 98.9 MHz, a commercial frequency that’s now broadcasting classic rock hits under the call letters KXBT. The regents took only five minutes to discuss the purchase during their July 11 meeting, then postponed a vote that would have cleared the way for KUT to seal the deal. Stewart Vanderwilt, KUT g.m. [caption] Vanderwilt is confident that the signal expansion deal will be completed. The delay surprised KUT General Manager Stewart Vanderwilt, who had been working for six months on the acquisition. The regents put the transaction on hold as they sought reassurances that it would be prudent to spend $6 million on a radio station. Their doubts about the deal, according to several sources involved in the negotiations, came down to skepticism about radio’s future. . . http://www.current.org/2012/08/university-regents-call-time-out-on-kut-signal-expansion/ (Current via DXLD) See also OKLAHOMA: KOSU ** U S A. New low-band digital -- channel 5 in Milwaukee http://www.northpine.com/index.html WWAZ-TV Fond du Lac, Wisconsin has returned to the air, moving from RF channel 44 to RF channel 5. In the process, the transmitter has been moved to the WMVS-10/WMVT-36 tower in Milwaukee. NorthPine is reporting a call change to WIWN, and the FCC website confirms that change, effective today. Reportedly the station is carrying WeatherNation (I might guess that's what the new calls stand for). This is a fairly powerful station, 9 kW at 338 m. Oh, note that this station's license includes two Digital Replacement Translators: - Channel 15 at Ripon, serving also Waupun, Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh. - Channel 30 at Columbus, serving also the northeast part of Madison and the city's northeastern suburbs (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, Aug 13, WTFDA via DXLD) At first I was happy to see what looked like a do-able E-skip DX target with WIWN-5. Then I looked at the antenna pattern. Extremely directional with a very deep and broad null to the East. 60 db null, over azimuths from 60 degrees to 120 degrees. That means a radiated power of about 10 milliwatts to the East. On the East Coast that puts everyone from Virginia to north of Quebec City in this null, and I'm right in middle at 92.5 degree azimuth. I don't know if a 60 db null is even possible. I doubt it, so maybe enough power will come this way for someone to snag them. This will be a heck of a lot easier catch in their lobes, basically anyplace west of a north-south line through Milwaukee (dtvdxer, ibid.) ** U S A. GOODNIGHT, WKDH --- WKDH-45 HOUSTON, MS (TUPELO/COLUMBUS' ABC AFFILIATE) TO GO DARK. http://djournal.com/view/full_story/19743073/article-ABC-affiliate-to-go-off-air?instance=home_news_bullets Very interesting. I'm betting we'll see more of this, particularly in small markets (Peter Baskind, J.D., LL.M., N4LI Grid: EM55, Germantown, TN 38138, 901-413-4006, 10 Aug, WTFDA via DXLD) I was paying around $10 a spot over there for political in March (Rick Shaftan, ibid.) That's money to retire on (Saul Chernos, Ont., ibid.) To give perspective to Mr. Shaftan's comment on their political rates, I work at a 1 kW AM w/ FM translator with primary coverage of no more than 15,000 people, and our political rates for radio spots are very similar. That is desperation for a major TV station with big bills to pay (Bryce Foster - K4NBF, Murfreesboro, TN EM65, ibid.) Where they make the money are political non-candidate ads, because they're not at the lowest unit rate. But not many of those ads in the Tupelo-Columbus market this year (Rick Shaftan, ibid.) I will have to admit to considerable ignorance as to how lowest unit rates usually relate to "regular" rates. Is the proportion usually about the same on all stations? Or do some stations offer less-popular time at a greater discount than others? Rick, are WKDH's rates more or less "right" when compared to WTVA/WLOV/WCBI? (taking WKDH's ratings/demos into account). - The FCC requires stations to keep records of requests for airtime for political candidates and the disposition of those requests. Right now, those documents can be inspected at the station, in the "public file". For requests made after last Thursday, ABC/CBS/Fox/NBC stations in the 50 largest markets are required to link those documents on their websites. I haven't had much luck finding any yet though, not even when looking at highly-rated stations in markets with hotly- contested races (i.e., WTMJ) (one might wonder if all such negotiations have already been completed – although since Wisconsin's primary is next Tuesday one would think the candidates would still be jockeying for position.) - (stations have resisted this regulation, fearing they'll be at a disadvantage negotiating with non-political advertisers if those advertisers can easily inspect the stations' political file online & learn the lowest rate at which time has been sold) - At least one of these articles about WKDH mentions ownership by the Spain family. That rang a bell. So I looked at the ownership reports. There is a close ownership relationship between WKDH and one of the market's dominant stations, WTVA-9. The ownership/control charts in the two stations' 2011 ownership reports were identical in appearance. (although they of course contain different data) I would be quite sure they were drawn by the same person. Also, the two owners of WKDH are a Kyle Spain and Walter D. Spain. The majority (51%) owner of WTVA, is Jane D. Spain. - Here's my wild guess: The family decided that with statistical multiplexing, it's practical to carry both NBC and ABC programming over the WTVA transmitter. They plan to suspend WKDH, and then offer channel 45 up in the incentive auction. In the meantime, they'll shut down MeTV on WTVA 9.2 and replace it with ABC. They save the expense of operating the UHF transmitter, get some cash for channel 45, and lose little or no revenue. But that's just a guess. -- (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) I get to pay the lowest rate any commercial advertiser pays, but only for ads where the candidate's photo appears for four seconds on the screen, and in the case of Federal candidates, where they say "I am xxxx and I approve this message." It's a third to a quarter of regular rates for TV, around half for radio (Rick Shaftan, ibid.) The Spain family, which has owned WTVA since its sign-on, didn't control the license for channel 45. A company called Southern Broadcasting does. WTVA operated the station through an LMA. Judging by the low spot rates WKDH was apparently getting, there wasn't much revenue flowing to WTVA. So, WTVA has opted to discontinue the LMA at month's end. Southern Broadcasting must have no programming infrastructure and either doesn't want to program the station, or simply can't. Thus, they'll take it dark once the LMA terminates at 1159pm on the 31st. Doug is correct, of course, about the demographic issues. It's not just that those watching OTA TV are considered less-desirable by ad buyers; in markets like Tupelo, there just aren't that many people at all. What does this mean to the future of broadcast TV, particularly for the big networks? Bad things. With cable/sat penetration as high as it is, especially with desirable viewers, one begins to wonder why we need 2000' towers and big power (WKDH has a big signal, BTW). What happens to ABC in NE Mississippi is an open question. Too bad an ABC affiliate in a near-by market, e.g., WBBJ/Jackson, TN, didn't take this up as a satellite, or something. I guess bad economics are bad economics. PB – (Peter Baskind, J.D., LL.M., N4LI Grid: EM55, Germantown, TN 38138, 901-413-4006, ibid.) BTW, today's FCC Daily Digest notes another full-power station, KOCT-6 (RF-19) Carlsbad, New Mexico, has surrendered its license for cancellation. – (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) Goodnight, WKDH --- The Master's thesis I wrote over 40 years ago concluded that cable would impact local TV stations and cause their demise. What I predicted is all too rapidly approaching. I did not, however, predict satellite, internet, VCRs, etc. and the role that they would have. There is now little reason for the networks to have local affiliates, and as far as local programming goes, little reason to have local stations as most have abandoned or never had local programming. Long gone are the days when stations had local children's, women's and other programs. Many still have local news, weather and some sports while other do not. Local stations in many smaller markets have been replaced by satellite transmitters with some local commercials. No station west of Wichita has a production studio in use with the exception of PBS station KOOD-16 in Bunker Hill. Without it, and state funding is in jeopardy, there will be no local programming. The recent startup of KNPN-LD-26 in St. Joseph, MO is a model that I hope will be successful. The Fox station has local news in HD with many local advertisers. They are only 70 miles away but it takes some tropo to get them in here. I have to say that their local news is better than that of KQTV-7 ABC which also has to be aided by tropo to make it here. KQTV-2 was always in but channel 2 is subject to interference and was often not viewable. I'd rather watch CKPR-TV anyway. The use of one smaller transmitter saves KNPN-LD a lot of money and reaches all of St. Joseph and well as some of the surrounding area. KQTV reaches a larger area but the population is sparse. It is the same method that KTMJ-43, Fox in Topeka, uses along with channel 15 in Manhattan and channel 17 in Emporia uses to reach the Topeka market. Those are still analog so the station which is co-owned by KSNT-27 uses channel 27.2 to provide a digital signal although it is not in high definition. I do think there are more people watching OTA than are estimated. I have even seen a few new TV antennas pop up. A neighbor who subscribes to cable uses an antenna to watch stations in HD as well as some stations not carried by Cox Communications. I do not look forward to the day when we have to get pay TV. Besides having another monthy bill (around $100) we will lose some programming (and good HD) as well as severe weather informaton which the Kansas City stations do better than the Topeka stations. Only KTWU-11 (PBS) has local programming other than news. TV has changed since I first started watching the only TV station in Kansas City (WDAF-4). And when KCTY-25 went on in 1953 our choices were doubled. But with audiences spread so thin now I don't think it is better other than HDTV (Dave Pomeroy, Topeka, Kansas, ibid.) ** URUGUAY. Radio Sarandi, Montevideo, Uruguay, back on SW --- On the air again, now (August 15, 1821 UT) on 6044.95 LSB. 73 from Montevideo (Rodolfo Tizzi, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VATICAN [and non]. VATICAN RADIO LEAVING SHORTWAVE AND MEDIUM-WAVE SPECTRUM Glenn, I get a newsletter from DICI and they had the following link within the most recent issue: http://www.dici.org/en/news/vatican-radio-leaving-shortwave-and-medium-wave-spectrum/ (Jack Smith, http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/ Stulti rident linguam Latinam, Aug 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: 10-08-2012 Filed under From Rome, News 3-vatican_radio_ [caption] On July 1, 2012, the Santa Maria di Galeria Transmission Centre, located near Rome, suspended its shortwave and medium-wave transmissions to Europe and America. “After celebrating its 80th birthday in 2011, Vatican Radio is ready to open a new chapter in its history by committing its message of service to the Gospel and the Church to new communication technologies.” On June 12, Father Federico Lombardi, Director of Vatican Radio, explained to the press the reasons for this decision: Europe and America are the regions in the world where local rebroadcasts and Internet access are now the ways most often used to listen to the radio. The Vatican spokesman pointed out that this decision would enable Vatican Radio to achieve significant savings in its budget. Indeed, the commission of cardinals responsible for supervising the finances of the Holy See and the Vatican City State has regularly emphasized that the costs connected with the communications organizations — Vatican Radio in particular — had to be reduced drastically. This is why the radio division will complete in 2013, along the same lines, a plan for staff reduction that was started in 2003. Until then, listeners are being informed about the new situation and advised to connect to Vatican Radio by Internet, either live or on demand, or by the satellite Eutelsat. Vatican Radio’s programming in 40 languages can be accessed throughout the world, live on 5 internet channels and on demand (as a “podcast”) at the site http://www.radiovaticana.va The news and documents published in writing in 40 languages and 13 different alphabets on the website are also an important source of information, as well as the RSS service and the daily updates sent to subscribers in different languages. (Sources: apic/imedia/radiovatican – DICI no. 295 dated August 10, 2012) DICI = Documentation Information Catholiques Internationales Leaving SW to Europe and Americas is old news, and not completely true. But what about ``completing staff reduxions by 2013`` --- will that also mean phasing out SW completely? (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** VIETNAM. 8294-USB, Ho Chi Minh Radio - Vietnam Coast Radio Station, *1305-1316*, August 10. In Vietnamese and English. Information about “one person overboard” from a fishing boat and gave location; this continues to have the best reception of the coastal stations; 5 kW per DXLD 12-17. 7210.60, VOV-1, 1241, August 10. For several days have noticed this new development here of being off frequency; in Vietnamese; // 5975.0, 7435.0 and 9635.0; all fair. 11720 continues to be absent (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9839.871, Voice of Vietnam in Japanese, originate from SonTay transmitter site, heard 1215 UT Aug 8. S=9 strength observed in western Canada remote receiver unit. Male voice announcer and followed by Vietnamese folk string instrument music (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 10 Aug via DXLD) ** WESTERN SAHARA [non]. CLANDESTINE, 1550, Polisario Front, Rabouni, ALGERIA, 0755-0910* (surely a transmitter fault), 10/8, Arabic, talks, TS at 0758, newscast,..., talks; 45454. Was on 702 in the evening. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZAMBIA. 5915, ZNBC-Radio 1, Lusaka, 2134-2146, 09/8, vernacular, talks phone-ins; 33442, adjacent QRM de VoRUS in Portuguese, on 5920. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Also on 49 mb ZNBC R1 on 5915, S=9 on S-L island. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Aug 15 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) i.e. remote receiver circa 2015 UT judging from adjacent logs (gh) 6165, Radio 2/ZNBC, 0335-0438, August 13. In English; hi-life songs; 0430 IDs: “Radio 2, the natural choice . . . only on Radio 2, the natural choice, playing all today’s classic sounds . . Radio 2, the natural choice”; phone calls; Lusaka sunrise was at 0425 UT. MP3 audio posted at https://www.box.com/s/06f66c31072aabbb39a2 Still no trace of Chad! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi everyone, In DXLD [yg digest] number 4739, Ron Howard in California posted a recording of Zambia ZNBC2 on 6165 kHz. His recording demonstrates the whistle that I have been reporting since June 30. Ron remarks "Still no trace of Chad!", and there is certainly no pure het. But the warbly whistle is there, disproving suggestions that it is being produced in some location close to me in Jo'burg. With so much background QRN on the recording, I can understand that it might be impossible to hear the whistle unless one knows exactly what one is listening for. I am quite attuned to it by now, having heard it regularly for the past six weeks, on a much clearer signal, and am convinced it is there. Even so, in case my ears were playing tricks, I forwarded Ron's link to Vashek Korinek, also in Jo'burg. He has listened to it and just replied to me: "As far as I'm concerned it is there. I wouldn't pick it up without knowing what to listen for, but it is just audible". I suggest that anyone trying to hear the whistle should play Ron's recording at a low volume level; the atmospheric QRN is so strong that if played loud it will de-sensitise the hearing and suppress the low- level whistle. So it does seem to be the ZNBC2 transmitter itself which is causing the problem, as first suggested by Vashek. Any other ideas are always welcome, but I am convinced after hearing Ron's recording. Many thanks, Ron. Regards, (Bill Bingham, RSA, Aug 14, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Bill, A great job! Glad you were able to pick it out through all the QRN. Appreciate your feedback and happy to be of help in confirming Vashek's and your local observatons. Thanks again for your insights from RSA (Ron Howard, CA, ibid.) But see CHAD Hi everyone, I have listened to ZNBC2 this evening, but found no convincing evidence that Chad is back and causing interference, at least in this part of the world. ZNBC2, 6165 Lusaka. Aug 15, 2012. Wednesday. 1735-1746. God slot, preacher preaching. Fair with usual warbly whistle. Weak QRM in English, presumed co-channel CRI Beijing (Aoki). No hets, audible or sub-audible. Now 2 hours after sunset. 1833-1841. Discussing HIV in Uganda and US support. Warbly whistle fading in and out with the programme. Lots of atmospheric QRN, and slight QRM that sounds like afro music, could possibly be Chad but I'm not convinced. Very rapid SAH, much too fast to count. 1910-1948. Discussing human rights. Interviewing someone in Uganda by a very poor telephone connection. Clearly a VOA programme, also intro "Don't miss --- Sonny side of sport" and a Washington DC address. Also website "voaafrica.com". Generally fair, but with warbly whistle and some deep fades to noise level. No hets or Chad QRM. Almost four hours after our local sunset, I would normally expect to hear Chad quite well by now if it is there; or maybe it is not 24 hour any more? Jo'burg sunset 1548. Regards, (Bill Bingham, RSA, ibid.) Yes, nothing noted here from Chad on SW before 2000 UT. But when checked on Victor`s remote unit [Sri Lanka] around 2022 UT Aug 15 noted Endless French talk by male anncer S=9+15dB, in peaks on 6164.960 Also on 49 mb ZNBCR1 Zambia on 5915, S=9 on S-L island (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) August 16, checking 6165 from 0407 to 0450; expecting to hear at least some trace of Chad as recently reported by others at a different time period here, but Radio 2/ZNBC was in sole possession here during the whole time, except for a few brief times the tx went off the air, but came back on within one minute. Believe if Chad had been broadcasting they would have been heard by me mixing with Zambia, but was solo Radio 2! What does Bill Bingham say from RSA? Did he have different results? (Ron Howard, CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZAMBIA. CVO / CVC 4965 / 6065 via Makeni ranch Zambia ceased in favour of local FM --- Also die beiden südafrikanischen CVC Ableger wurden zugunsten local FM eingestellt. 73 wb 13590, CVC International Lusaka the CVI section from United Kingdom, at 06-20 UT noted via Australia remote unit on southern Indian Ocean path around 0800 UT CVC Lusaka Makeni ranch SW 4965 6065 9430 9505 13590 13650 kHz. 15 32 18.89 S 28 00 09.83 E 13590 0600 2000 46SE LUS 100 315 186 Eng ZMB CVC CVI 9505 2000 2200 46SE LUS 100 315 186 Eng ZMB CVC CVI Despite the UK CVC International fraction 13590 / 9505 is widely reported, but 4965 / 6065 South-African section CVO missed lately and REPLACED BY LOCAL FM SERVICES. Formerly and now ceased services 6065 0500 1700 52E,53W,57N LUS 100 0 755 Mis ZMB CVO CVI 4965 1700 0500 52E,53W,57N LUS 100 0 755 Mis ZMB CVO CVI (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 14, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 13590, Aug 15 at 1308, fair signal from CVC with YL promoting an Xmas story to be told in a semihour; impossibly happy OM DJ introduces more gospel rock. Wolfgang Büschel says this is scheduled at 06-20, plus 9505 at 20-22, which are for Nigeria and consequently Michigan, while the `local` service on 6065/4965 has already been dropped, replaced by FM, as CVC is cutting back here too like canceling Chile, q.v. (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZANZIBAR. My recent checks of Zanzibar on 6015 find that most days they turn on the transmitter just after 0300 (formerly played their IS at about 0257), with audio coming up above threshold level about the time of their 0330 news (Ron Howard, CA, Aug 14, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Are they still on 11735? (gh, DXLD) TANZANIA, 11735, R. Tanzania, Dole, Zanzibar, 1712-..., 14/8, Swahili, songs; 33432, adjacent QRM. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. 15115, Saturday Aug 11 at 0603, SW Radio Africa in new morning service which happens to audiblize it in N America unlike the evening broadcasts on 4880 via South Africa. Now in HFCC as 0600- 0800 Sat & Sun, 250 kW, 265 degrees from MADAGASCAR for the rest of A- 12. Unfortunately nothing in English heard until I QRT at 0625. There were a variety of voices in Shona and/or Ndebele, including one guy who yelled; at 0608 included various English words: committee, 1998, 1997, organisation. Modulation somewhat choppy, slight hum, good signal, enough to keep awful adjacent Nigeria 15120 at bay (but anyone tuning around this area would be drawn instead to pristine English on 15105 Woofferton with BBC `Weekend`, at 0610 a report from a ``Lass Vegas`` drone exhibition.) (I am also reminded that we haven`t heard from a contributor in Z for a long time, over two years in fact, David Pringle-Wood; hope he`s OK) 15115, ready to catch the sign-on of SW Radio Africa via MADAGASCAR, on the second of only two weekly transmissions, Sunday August 12 at 0558: no signal yet. I bet it`s the same transmitter used for R. Dabanga on 15400. At same time that carrier is still on until 0600:00*. Back to 15115: carrier here does not cut on until *0600:25, at first weaker than Nigeria 15120, then powers up, cuts off the air and back on, 0601:25 with mbira and percussion, song whose only lyric by YL chorus is ``Africa`` periodically. Finally sign-on announcement, in English! ``S-W Radio Africa [they do not say ``Shortwave Radio Africa``!], on 4880 at 7-9 every evening, and 24 hours online at http://www.swradioafrica.com `` NO mention of this new morning broadcast and soon becomes obvious it`s a playback of a previous evening. Unlike non-English 24 hours earlier, on this UT Sunday it stays in English. First program is by Alex (f.) Bell, `Diaspora Diary`, initially interrupted by some big buzzes which might be mistaken for jamming, but I think were just patchcord wiggles, i.e. bad connexions somewhere along the feed route. Her guest ``this evening`` is the editor-in-chief of Mail & Guardian, a major S African newspaper. They seem to be discussing litigation about the validity of an elexion. Dumps off the air 0605*-*0606. 0628 still in English, now about the Olympix (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 5980, Aug 15 at 0511, open carrier, 0512:55 brief tone and off at 0513:05*. Probably Greenville tuning up prior to R. Martí at 0700, unlikely Hamburger Lokal Radio which HFCC shows as 20 kW instead of 1. Channel Africa finishes English on 5980 at 0400 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED [non]. I am hearing right now 2304, an unID station on 7020, AM mode, with soft music, a sort of short ID tune and ID, and now a female with talks. Cannot get the language, but seems to be French. Noisy reception. No WRTH at hand since I'm still at work. (via Brazil located Sorocaba WebSDR receiver). 73 (Horacio Nigro Geolkiewsky, Montevideo, Uruguay, Aug 10, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) It seems *far* fetched, but the fifth harmonic of a station in France on 7020 = 5 x 1404 has been reported in Europe, as in DXLDs 12-27, 12- 32! 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) mmm... seems Spanish now... but too bassy. Can anyone check it online? http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=25975 (Horacio, 2317 UT, ibid.) Frequency is 7017.87 (HAN, 2320 UT, ibid.) Definitely Spanish, and seems an harmonic. Seems to be China Radio Int'l (Horacio, 2333 UT, ibid.) Or non-harmonic spur. See if it is synchronized with Albania relay on 6175, 7210. O, too late, only until 0000. After 0000 is it gone, or // Cuba relay on 5990, 15120? (Glenn Hauser, 0039 UT Aug 11, ibid.) Confirmed as a spur from CRI. Ended at 0000. Frequency was 7017.9. Tnx to paisano Rodolfo Tizzi for checking //. BTW I'm asking if SDRs are also prone to generate from internal spurs or IMD products. 73 (Horacio, 0045 UT, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. Aug 9 at 1300 I am looking again for the mystery carriers on 25m, but none heard at first. But at 1305, now there is a JBA one on 11776 vs Anguilla 11775, and an obvious higher-pitched one on 11751.5 against Cuba 11750 which did not come on until 1303. But could not hear any on 11734 or 11784 today. By 1402, could detect carrier on 11784 after the Chinese radio war went off 11785, and 11776, 11751.5 were still going, but all very weak. The previously noted very weak carriers offset from standard frequency separations are again audible Aug 10 at 1302 on 11734, 11751.5, 11776, 11784. Is anyone else hearing them? They must have stronger signals somewhere else in the world. Another check for the mystery very weak off-channel carriers usually heard in the 13-14 UT period, August 11: at 1359 I can detect them on 11734, 11751.5, 11776 but not 11784. The weak off-frequency carriers/hets are still appearing here in the 13 UT hour on the 11.7-11.8 MHz range (and none such anywhere else): Aug 12 at 1308, 11736.0 (not 11734 as previously) hetting VOK; 11744.0 (on BFO, nothing to het, so not noticed before); 11751.5 hetting RHC; 11776.0 hetting Anguilla; 11784.0 hetting China radio war. Weak mystery carriers still on 25m, Aug 13 at 1339: 11784, 11776, 11766 [not noticed before, nothing to het], 11751.5, 11744, 11736. At 1441 still detected on 11784, 11776, 11751.5, 11744. Most of the mystery off-frequency carriers are still here August 14 at 1319: 11736.0, 11744, 11751.5, 11776.0, 11784.0. For example, the last two make exactly the same 1 kHz het pitch against 11775 and 11785 stations. The mystery 25m carriers in the 13 UT hour as heard every morning for the past week are missing August 15 at 1307, no hets upon 11735, 11750, 11775 or 11785. However, at 1348 the odd one out, 11751.5 is audible against RHC 11750, and I also find a JBA carrier on 11768.0 with nothing to het but the others are still absent (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 11995, August 12 at 0535, poor signal with open carrier and some whine. Could be TDF, Issoudun, FRANCE, prior to the 0600 RFI Hausa broadcast. 11995, August 13 at 0528, again tonight open carrier with some hum/whine. I wonder if TDF Issoudun have forgotten that RFI canceled all its English broadcasts in January? 11995 is also one of the many registered wooden frequencies of Bangladesh, but only at 12-20, tho they could really be trying it now. 11995, Aug 14 at 0515, the open carrier with some hum, is already on this early. Suspect TDF Issoudun has automated a transmitter to turn on during this hour, without any programming into or out of it. 11995, Aug 15 at 0517, the mystery open carrier with some hum is here again. Somenight I will check this before 0500 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 13832 approx., Aug 9 at 1312, the big ute noise blob is here again intruding into the SWBC band (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 15285 approx., Aug 10 at 1312, intruding ute with rapid chirps of varying quantities, estimated up to 20 at a time between pauses, and each time they grow more and more rapid (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 15425, Aug 9 at 0451, S9+15 open carrier with some deep fades, continues past 0501 until 0511:55* cut off. Always bandscanning around this time, never heard before. Suspect it`s Pet/Kam, VOR English to NAm transmitter left on after normal closing at 0400 (and 13775 is also on the air as usual with VOR English). HFCC shows CRI Russian, 500 kW, 292 degrees via Xi`an also on 15425 at 03-05 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 15515-SSB, approx., Aug 14 at 1348, intruders, 2-way in Spanish, mentioned iglesia, Colombia, Costa Rica. Could be closer to 15514; too weak to hear on my direct-readout receivers, just the FRG-7 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. NEW ZEALAND (+ non) I've noticed a het on RNZI on 15720 for a couple of evenings, and on 8/9 the source popped up a bit from 0402-0412*, a numbers station in USB reading 5-number groups in German, or something like it (Chuck Albertson, Seattle, Wash., DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Chuck, It`s Russian, at least when I have heard it. There have been some reports of this in DXLD on 15721 (Glenn to Chuck, via DXLD) Aye, that's about right on the frequency. German was a bit of a guess, as some of the "numbers" sounded German, some didn't. Thanks! (Chuck Albertson, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 15730, Aug 15 at 1314, noise/whine sounds like jamming, rather resembling what used to appear circa 15745. Only thing scheduled per HFCC and Aoki is VOA Somali, 250 kW, 0 degrees via MADAGASCAR at 13-14. Maybe transmitter out of order; unaware of any jamming of this service (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 17580, Aug 11 at 1235 RHC absent from this frequency uncovering a poor signal with music, altho nothing else is supposed to be here until 1300 YFR in Bengali via Wertachtal (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 17580, Aug 14 at 2056 huge open carrier at tune-in and cut off a few sex later. Nothing at all in HFCC between 1800 and 2330; it is an RHC frequency in the mornings. Could also be a test-only frequency of IBB Greenville (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 17800, Aug 9 at 1320, good signal in Russian, loud and clear; at first assumed R. Liberty via Thailand, as previously logged but that was before 1300 when it is scheduled. During the 13-14 hour 17800 is supposed to be DW in Hausa via Rwanda, and if that were on I would surely be hearing it. Maybe feed mixup or late change not yet in the online schedules (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Perseid Meteor Scatter DX: I`m not currently set up with an external FM antenna, but even on the whips, some unID bursts were heard around 0500 UT August 12: 90.1 MHz as I was listening to KCSC-FM in OK, a quick blast of other audio overriding it. Later set up on a relatively clear frequency (at least while Tulsa was in a fade), 96.5 also produced some MS bursts as late as 0630 when I quit. You have to be very lucky to catch anything identifiable on MS. Skies here were mostly cloudy, no impediment to the RF (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Still no contributions this week; even in the dog-days our expenses continue. May use PayPal, not necessarily US funds, but no credit cards, to woradio at yahoo.com Or US funds/US bank check or MO in the p-mail to P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702, USA. Thanks (gh) Hi Glenn, What a good point about, no one want to use these closed shortwave TX sites? [CHILE] Keep up your great work. Thanks, (Harry in Montana) Thank you very much for the clarification, as always. I'm actually about to listen the latest WOR, but by phone, since I'm at work. 73, (Bill Blair, Euless TX, CumbreDX yg via DXLD) Glenn: if you got this message twice, forgive me. My question is that often, when you list a station name, it will be followed (as below) by a bracket [ ] with the words "non" or "and non". I just don't know what these mean. When you have a second, I hope you can clear this up for me -- I've wanted to ask you for years and never got around to it. Thanks for all you do (Grayson Watson, TX, NASWA yg via DXLD) Hi Grayson: The use of (non) has been a non-standard affectation favored by Glenn for, as you note, some years, in the same way he appears to favor non-standard spellings such as conexion or sex (meaning the abbreviation for seconds) For a long while, Glenn has used (non) after a country designation to indicate that, for example, a program is created by Radio Taiwan International but is aired by a transmitter in the U.S. Under the pattern he favors, that might be reported under the heading, TAIWAN (non). It also has been used, for instance, for an exile program directed to Sudan by one of the rent-a-transmitters outside Sudan, which might be reported as SUDAN (non). With the Bangladesh example, it appears that Glenn has assigned yet another definition to (non): When a station is not actually heard. In this instance (non) seems to mean that although the new Bangladesh Betar transmitter is, without doubt, operating from within Bangladesh, it wasn't on the frequency Glenn first tried, and so, naturally, he did not hear it on that frequency. Most DXers focus, and have focused for at least seven or more decades, on the location of the transmitter, and only secondarily, within the body of a reported item, to the target location, if relevant. Thus, the use of (non) is confusing as to which of the above definitions apply. And further, information is clearer if one uses the country from which a signal actually is coming. That is also the hobby tradition, which focuses on FROM where, rather than TO where its programs are targeted. I fully accept that Glenn is free to follow his own chosen standards rather than the established consensus developed over decades to facilitate easy and quick communication of information to other DXers. But I think others in the hobby would do well to avoid the use of (non) to indicate where a signal is NOT COMING FROM. –don (Don Jensen, Kenosha WI, ibid.) Thanks so much to Don for explaining what I am doing before I have a chance to, and critiquing it (me). It`s connexion, not conexion, and you will find that it is an accepted British spelling variant. I have merely extended it for convenience to other words with a `ks` sound in them {and I really like the letter x}. This make a lot more sense in space-saving and flow than always writing ``tlk`` instead of ``talk`` and countless other totally unneeded truncations of ordinary words which make many DX reports a pain to read rather than writing them in plain English. {those deleting vowels should be right at home in Hebrew or Arabic, not English.} We are not saving paper here. You can still be a DXer without resorting to this jerky jargon. {Just ask Rich D`Angelo. Perhaps hunt-and-peck typists are more likely to do it; for them every key is a struggle} I consider far more significant the country originating a broadcast, or the country targeted than where the transmitter happens to be located, which in many cases is not either of them {or more than one of them mentioned in a single report item}. This is of primary importance only to those who keep a careful count of countries heard or verified, which I do not. In that case, of course, it`s the site that matters. Yet, I always point out the site where known, no matter how the item is headed, so you have all the needed information. Since I sort by country, not frequency, it is also convenient to organize items by the country or {non] or [and non] as applicable, which allows related items to be in the same place. As for the ``yet another definition``, the item was all about Bangladesh and trying to hear it. Any other station, or country involved in the pursuit was only incidental in this particular report. Also at the time this Bangladesh item was written, it was unclear whether they were on 15105 or not, thus [non?], not just [non]. It`s unfortunate that my logic and creativity are somewhere not appreciated. But that`s their problem. 73, (Glenn, ibid.) Grayson asked a legitimate question in a public forum. Glenn has offered his response. I have posted mine. I leave it to readers to decide if they appreciate Glenn's amazing "logic and creativity" as much as he does. There is nothing further I have to add to the discussion. –don (Jensen, ibid.) Like Don, and many others, I do tend to think that stations should be reported from the transmitter location not the probable "studio" location. While there can be certain reasonable applications of "non", I am not convinced that it is appropriate to use the "non" designation when a transmitter location is reasonably known. After all "non" can be applied to just about every country on the planet including those without shortwave transmitters, i.e., Gambia (Non). The club's editorial position historically and currently is to report the station as heard from the country of the transmitter location, not the studio presumed studio (Family Radio in FL) or business office location (IRRS in Italy). Occasionally, things do slip through the cracks. However, it would make all the volunteer editors jobs easier if standard reporting were followed whereby the country of the transmitter was the country reported. 73, (Rich D`Angelo, ibid.) I am also a ``volunteer editor`` (and contributor) and doing it this way makes my job a lot easier, besides making more sense. ``Non`` countries are not pulled out of the hat, like your Gambia example, but relate to the nature or source of the programming. For hard-core DXers, of course, programming is rather inconsequential, incidental, useful only as an aid to identification or details for a QSL; i.e. Don`s ``traditional hobby``. I am flexible about this however: note in this issue the significant closing of the Calera de Tango site, which I keep under CHILE, rather than USA [non], despite its CVC programming originated in Miami (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Gentlemen: my question was an innocent one to Glenn. It was simply asking about terms he used that I didn't understand. And he gave me a genuine response -- as did several others. Beyond that, I find the differences interesting, but not personal. I think we all enjoy this "hobby" in different ways, and I am appreciative of the way we assist and help each other in the learning process. My thanks to all of you who responded (Grayson Watson, NASWA yg via DXLD) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ LA HORA JAPONESA Ny bok från Tetsuya Hirahara, Radio Nuevo Mundo: “I have just published personally a book titled "La Hora Japonesa" summarizing the history of Japanese (music) program destined for immigrants in LA countries (except Brazil). Sorry in Japanese only.” (ARC mv-eko Aug 13 via DXLD) WORLD OF HOROLOGY +++++++++++++++++ Here's a little-known fact: The Dry Tortugas are in the Central Time Zone. To keep things simple (for seaplane and ferry tour excursion groups departing from Key West) the Park Service operate on Eastern Time (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, DX LISTENING DIGEST) As mentioned here: http://keywestseaplanecharters.com/Tips-Secrets/default.asp (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) NEXT WWVB TEST STARTS AUGUST 21 NIST Radio Station WWVB will be conducting a test of a phase-modulated broadcast format beginning at 1800 UTC (12:00 noon MDT) Tuesday, August 21 and ending at 1800 UTC (12:00 noon MDT) on Friday, August 24, 2012. During the test period the broadcast will be randomly switching between the normal WWVB broadcast and the new phase- modulated broadcast format. Radio-controlled clocks and watches will not be affected by the test. Phase-locking 60 kHz timing and frequency standard receivers may lose lock during the test, but will restore during the normal broadcast period. For more information, e-mail WWVB broadcast manager John Lowe at john.lowe (at) nist.gov or call 303-497-5453. (Letter from John Lowe @ WWVB dated August 13, 2012, CGC Communicator Aug 13 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) MUSEA +++++ AMERICAN RADIO ARCHIVES IS A REFUGE FOR THE TIME WHEN THE MEDIUM RULED http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/aug/11/a-refuge-for-the-days-when-radio-ruled/ Amid the shelves and carrels at the Thousand Oaks library, there are ghosts and whispers from the days when radio was king. Here, you can literally still hear them. In one aisle, Jimmy Stewart, Orson Welles and Edward G. Robinson are trumpeting the Bill of Rights in the days after Pearl Harbor, just before President Franklin Delano Roosevelt tells a shellshocked nation in need of a pick-me-up that "we will not surrender the guarantees of liberty." In the next cubbyhole, there's President Harry S. Truman less than four years later telling the country that our efforts have "produced total victory over all our enemies." It is, Truman says, a time "for great rejoicing and solemn contemplation." Dinah Shore sings "America the Beautiful," Frank Sinatra belts out "What is America to Me?," host Bing Crosby croons "White Christmas" and Welles reads a victory prayer written by a soldier, urging all to remember "those who gave so much and received so little." Upstairs, Jack Benny wants to borrow Crosby's Oscar after he lost Ronald Colman's in a robbery on the way home to show it to Rochester. Crosby tells Benny to instead "make a picture and win one yourself." Nearby, Gracie Allen tells folks to "come right in" and advises partner George Burns they've got company. But he's grouchy because Fred Astaire's dancing upstairs from his office is killing his writing vibe; meanwhile, Astaire can't stand hearing Burns sing "Ain't Misbehavin'." Just a few steps away, Fibber McGee and Molly are hosting antsy party guests. Elsewhere, it's New Year's Eve 1950, and gossipy Hedda Hopper is dishing up dirt from Hollywood and predicting stardom for Tony Curtis and Lloyd Bridges. Somewhere in this din, comedian Red Skelton is running amok in madcap glory, telling someone to "SHADDUP" and trying to explain to a judge that he destroyed a parking meter because he thought it was a scale and he was trying to weigh himself. It's all here, from civic lessons to comic zaniness. This is the home of the American Radio Archives, a still-growing collection that began in 1984 and now boasts some 30,000 audio recordings, 40,000 scripts and 150,000 photographs. It's billed as one of the largest radio broadcasting collections in the world. "It is one of the biggest," said special collections librarian Jeanette Berard, who's shepherded this archives for the past 10 years, "but it's hard to compare them precisely. The numbers are constantly changing. It's a moving target, as things are pretty much always being added." Local radio, Mister Ed and Marilyn Earlier this year, the archives took in a dozen broadcasts from the Every Now and Then Theatre, the local all-volunteer radio drama-comedy troupe. The motley bunch, with actors from all over Ventura County, spoofed Halloween last fall with the help of celeb vamp Elvira and in the past has subjected Ebenezer Scrooge to a sanity hearing, among other sendups. Theatre founder and director-producer James Wortman of Ventura called the archives "a fast-growing resource and historic treasure. We are honored to be included." The archive's most recent addition came from actor Alan Young, best known for playing the foil Wilbur Post to a talking horse named "Mister Ed" on the hit 1960s TV show. The archives has considerable TV overlap because many of the artists and other contributors began in radio and migrated over to the tube. Young is no exception. He was a radio performer from age 13 and had a self-titled radio show in the 1940s. "It was the Golden Age, all right," Young, now 92 and living in Woodland Hills, said. "You had Jack Benny and all those great comedians; George Burns was one of the best radio comedy editors ever. And you had all sorts of plays and dramas. "It was the medium that reached the homes," Young continued, alluding to the pre-TV days when radio was the country's dominant source of entertainment. "People in Podunk didn't have access to New York theater or anything else." On display here is a striking photo of Young with the famous Mister Ed. Said Young: "I was in love with that horse. He walked into my heart. He was such a lovely beast." Nearby is a photo of him with Marilyn Monroe playing his bagpipes. The two dated back "when she was very young, and so was I." It also was back when she was still Norma Jeane. A few years later, this "gorgeous blonde" came up to him on a movie set, kissed him and asked him how his parents were doing. A distant bell rang. "Then the makeup guy asked me, 'How long have you known Marilyn Monroe?' and I said, 'About a minute and a half.'" Only later did he figure out it was the same girl he once dated. (Sadly, last Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of Monroe's death). "She was a lovely lady," he said. Young said he doesn't care if his legacy lives on via the archives contribution, but added "if it's useful, fine, or helps anybody out, great." Last year, the archives added large collections from radio producer- historian Frank Bresee and the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. They've also got a wealth of stuff from crooner Rudy Vallee, who was said to have the first radio talk show, in 1928. Vallee influenced Sinatra and Crosby and might have been the first superstar — women threw underwear at his feet and he had a candy bar named after him. His widow Eleanor still calls Vallee the "Elvis of his day." Also on hand: The "Calling All Cars" crime dramas, the radio theme song for "The Lone Ranger," and Abbott and Costello doing the famous "Who's on First?" routine. THE MIX The archives are wedged behind the reference desk at the Grant R. Brimhall Library. A long-discussed plan that would move the archives into a museum to be built on the library's northeast side is not dead, but it has been dormant because of the weak economy and logistics factors. "We are getting ready to bring it forward again," library Director Steve Brogden said recently, adding that the Thousand Oaks Library Foundation will discuss it soon. Brogden also indicated that the project likely will be downsized, perhaps cut in half, from a planned 40,000-square-foot museum that once carried cost estimates of more than $25 million. Roy Thorsen, one of the foundation's original members, said that although the museum's been "sidelined" for a while, the group hasn't lost enthusiasm for the project. Even before the recent additions, he said, the archives was a wonderful treasury. "We have a unique collection, and it's a rare one, too," Thorsen said. For now, the cozy American Radio Archives is open to the public three days a week. Like most large collections, it was amassed in myriad ways, through purchases, donations, transfers and referrals. Materials come from show writers, directors, producers, broadcasters and stars. Aside from audio recordings, scripts and photos, they include books, personal papers and other correspondence. Master tapes (and discs in the case of newer stuff) are stored in a climate-controlled environment and are off limits to the public; they listen to transcribed cassettes and CDs, though some of the available audio comes from commercial tapes. Nearby, Berard opened, via hand crank, a series of stacks to reveal a shaft of old radio and TV scripts, the latter including such classics as "Gunsmoke," "The Carol Burnett Show" and "I Dream of Jeannie." There are also rarities, including scripts that were never produced. "There's stuff in here that reads absolutely bright," Berard observed, "but that never got made or picked up." One gem here is the script from the Sept. 26, 1963, episode of "The Jimmy Dean Show" on ABC that is believed to be the first time the public saw a Muppet, in this case Rowlf the Dog. It was a breakthrough for creator Jim Henson, who would go on to fame on "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show." Rowlf would become the Muppets' piano player. It's an intriguing find. Berard said visitors are typically people doing books, other researchers and of course fans who remember hearing the shows on radio as kids. There was the guy who found the first audio performance of an Arthur Miller play here (it was on Vallee's radio show). On a recent day, Berard fielded a call from a law firm researching an old radio show that Texaco used to sponsor. She knows a local kid, now in his teens, who's been showing up for several years simply because he's a radio fan and likes to listen to and read about old programs. THE DIAL RUNS WILD They're here. Over on one shelf, there's the African-American gospel group The Four Knights singing the bouncy folk song "Old Dan Tucker" from Skelton's show in 1948. One catchy chorus goes: "So, git outta the way Old Dan Tucker/You too late to git your supper/Supper's over and breakfast's cookin'/Old Dan Tucker just standing there lookin'." The show's opening teaser went thusly: "Hey folks," the announcer says, "it's Friday night and Red Skelton is on. Call up a friend and tell 'em Red's on. Better yet, call an enemy." Upstairs, Fibber McGee is spouting off another of his impressive alliteration strings, this one an "m" riff about his music study, or as he put it, "minor melodies made into magnificent masterpieces by the miraculous movements of my magic mitts." And that's a mere portion of what rolled off the tongue from McGee's marvelous memory. It was a different time. The Bill of Rights celebration with Stewart, Welles and company that aired on radio on Dec. 15, 1941, titled "We Hold These Truths," was heard by an estimated 60 million Americans, about half the country's population at the time and still said to be the largest audience for a radio drama ever. The program, the brainchild of writer-director Norman Corwin, was broadcast on all four radio networks at Roosevelt's insistence. Corwin also organized a salute to V-J Day (Japan's surrender) at World War II's end that featured Truman, Sinatra, Crosby and company. Other Corwin hallmarks in the archives include "On A Note of Triumph" and "26 By Corwin," a half-hour series of plays he did in 1941 that actor- entertainer Carl Reiner, in an interview with The Star several years ago, said influenced a generation of artists who followed in show business. Radio's innocent glow and future dim can be found on Fibber McGee and Molly's 15th anniversary show that aired Sept. 13, 1949. On it, actress Irene Dunne said she'd been an ardent fan, adding, "My friends can listen without the slightest fear of anything offensive being said." Later, Bob Hope dropped by and noted that "television is now everywhere." He predicted it would ruin the Lone Ranger, joking, "Wait'll they find out that Silver is two coconut shells in the hands of an ex-Harvard man." Such moments should be cherished and saved, said Wortman, who noted that when stations change hands "a lot of radio history ends up in the Dumpster." Or as Thorsen put it, "Radio was such an effective voice for the arts and society. Its heritage and value should not be ignored." Wortman noted a nationwide resurgence in radio dramas, which he attributed to nostalgia. He's among those who believe that the mind always produces better pictures. "Radio is theater of the mind and works your brain more than sitting in front of the TV," he said. "If it's done right, it's something that can engage the whole family. Turn it up, turn the lights down, light up a candle and let the imagination run wild." The late Corwin told The Star in 2007 that he was still getting emails from young people writing him "in wonderment that radio ever turned out this kind of content." Somewhere amid this library's stacks and carrels, in the ghosts and whispers and menagerie of voices that crackle and pop, those days of wonder live on (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) "THE SOCIAL SIDES OF BBC SHORTWAVE SENDERS AT OSE10 AND OSE8/9" This is a fascinating article from Jonathan Marks about running the end of the war BBC transmitters. Critical Distance Weblog August 11, 2012 "I deal with the latest cutting edge technology every day. But I confess I've also become fascinated with the high-powered engineering that was used to beam signals around the world. AM broadcasting is going through it's last phases now, with stations being dismantled. YouTube seems to be capturing quite a lot of "end of era" videos at the moment. So, on the side, I'm collecting stories where I can find them..." http://www.criticaldistance.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-social-sides-of-bbc-shortwave.html (Mike Terry, Aug 15, dxldyg via DXLD) SHORTWAVE RADIO HISTORY: 50 YEARS OF TRANSMITTING AT BBC WOOFFERTON The SWLing Post By Thomas August 11, 2012 Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated radio historian and author, Jeff Cant, you can download and read an excellent history of the first fifty years of the BBC’s Woofferton transmission station. Cant began his history as an internal document to the station; he later finished it in his retirement. I wish every shortwave transmitter station had such a well-documented history providing a perspective on the station’s broadcasting. We owe Mr. Cant a profound debt of gratitude. To download the PDF, simply click here http://www.bbceng.info/Operations/transmitter_ops/Reminiscences/Woofferton/woof50y-v2.pdf A special thanks to Jonathan Marks for finding and sharing this great bit of radio history (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM+ and IBOC DRM see also: AUSTRALIA; ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ BANGLADESH; CHILE; ETHIOPIA; GUIANA FRENCH, INDIA, NIGERIA, RUSSIA, SAAR DRM+ TESTED IN MORE COUNTRIES by Tom Vernon on 08.03.2012 Though the Digital Radio Mondiale standard has yet to achieve its potential — and the DRM Consortium is trying to make receivers more affordable and more widely available — this has been a busy year for the open digital broadcast standard. Among recent highlights: The International Telecommunications Union approved DRM+, the standard for transmissions above 30 MHz. DRM+ has been successfully tested most recently in the U.K., Italy and India. The DRM Consortium in collaboration with Fraunhofer unveiled a multi- standard HD Radio, DAB/DAB+/T-DMB and DRM chipset for cars in January at CES. NXP designed and manufactured the chipset. New receivers were shown at the IBC and Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Delhi conferences. . . http://radioworld.com/article/drm-tested-in-more-countries--/214758 (via DXLD) I certainly hope this gains a foothold. I've been drive testing a new Pioneer DEH9400 unit and I can tell you my fears about HD radio are confirmed down the line. I didn't buy for HD, it just happens to have it. Full class C FM less than 40 miles away - severe HD dropouts. 5 kW regional AM 5 miles away - barely any HD at all. Drops with every power line, every overpass, every lightning strike. I hope I can find a way to program this thing for analog only (Bruce Carter, ABDX via DXLD) DRM+ is garbage, no better than HDAM or IBOC if used in the AM Broadcast band. 73 - (Todd WD4NGG Roberts, ibid.) DRM India Chapter Noticeboard August 2012 edition is now available at: http://tinyurl.com/d4jtk2z Main Stories : - DRM/ABU Emergency Warning Webinar a great success! - DRM Technical Committee meeting – 25th July - Behind the scenes at the All India Radio Rajkot transmitter site - HCJB Australia - International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2012 - Newstar announce firmware update for the DR111 DRM receiver - What are the benefits of digital AM for the listener? --- (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dx_india yg via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See also OKLAHOMA; U S A ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ASPECT RATIO BLUES I`m continually amazed by how maladjusted most wide-screen TVs in public places are --- restaurants, auto dealer maintenance waiting areas, medical offices, etc. While waiting for my dentist this week, Rachael Ray show from KFOR-27 was up, but she and her guests were even fatter than they really are. I assume one can set up each channel correctly, but that`s a lot of trouble, and what if the channel itself changes from one program or segment to the next? Yes, it was in stretch-o-vision. I`ll take that compared to squeeze-o-vision, as happens inexplicably on the unmodifiable OTA SD subchannels with music video services, e.g. KOCB-33 on 34.2, Cool TV. There may be voluptuous prancers and dancers but many of the videos have them squeezed into thinness! It seems that people would rather view distorted video than black bars at the sides or top, godforbid. A LOT of SD TV gets stretched just so it will fill up the screen. Things which have to be circular, like tires and suns are now oval. I also note that our basic cable digital channels, such as MSNBC (minus Microsoft now), are obviously originally 16:9, but the networks no longer make any effort to keep the grafix in the middle of the screen, so the sides of lettering are often cut off, and we can`t do anything about it (except subscribe to a higher tier and get them in HD on a wide screen ourselves). (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) FCC NIXES BID TO ALLOW ANALOG FM AUDIO FROM DIGITAL CHANNEL 6 LPFMS http://dtvanswers.info/fcc-nixes-bid-to-allow-analog-fm-audio-from-digital-channel-6-lpfms-all-access-music-group/ The FCC has rejected applications by VENTURE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, LLC to modify two of its low power TV "Franken-FMs" on television Channel 6 to use a "Simple Out-of-Channel Emission Mask" to transmit analog FM audio along with a digital TV signal after the mandatory flash-cut conversions of remaining analog LPTVs to digital transmission. VENTURE proposed using AXCERA transmitter "Bandwidth Enhancement Technology" to compress the bandwidth of the TV signal and allow it to transmit an ancillary frequency that would allow it to continue the pseudo-FM stations it presently operates in some markets (in the case of the applications, KFMP-LP/LUBBOCK, TX and WBPA-LP/PITTSBURGH. In its response, the Commission said that "while VTG states that no interference will occur to other stations from its proposed facilities, the Commission has not adopted rules regarding engineering protection requirements for 'hybrid' analog/DTV stations to other DTV stations seeking to use Channel 6. At present, there are published D/U ratios for DTV-into-DTV and Analog-into-DTV co-channel operation, which were developed from years of testing, but there are no D/U ratios for `hybrid`-into-DTV operation. We also note that on its face, VTG`s proposal is likely to increase the interference potential to co-channel DTV operations because VTG`s proposal would increase the total power of its channel 6 operations by 33%. Accordingly, this type of operation proposed by VTG may reduce the number of DTV stations that might operate on channel 6 and/or reduce the populations served by those DTV stations." (from http://www.allaccess.com/ via Steve Rich, Indianapolis, IN, Aug 13, WTFDA via DXLD) I can't fault the FCC's reasoning here. What they don't mention is: self-interference. I find it VERY difficult to believe this kind of operation won't result in the analog aural carrier causing severe interference to the station's own digital signal. The mask filter will assure there's no digital energy within the bandwidth of the analog signal or vice-versa. However, receivers contain no such filter. Receivers expect to pass the entire 6 MHz channel. It is very hard to believe a big honking analog carrier within the receiver passband won't cause Ugly Things to happen to digital decoding. Of course, Venture could care less. They don't give a d*mn whether anyone can decode the digital video. However, the FCC is insisting LP DTV stations convert to digital. Allowing them to do so in a way that makes reception of the digital signal impossible makes the whole transition pointless (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) Didn't WGRB-DT ch 6 continue with an analogue audio signal for a while after they switched to digital? (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) Yes. They later released a statement on their website acknowledging that operation wasn't authorized (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ LIGHTNING STRIKE DAMAGE - FIRST TIME IN MY 54 YEAR DXING CAREER - HAPPENED TWICE THIS SUMMER Earlier this summer - a nearby lightning bolt disabled my Yaesu G450a rotor display I forgot to unplug - but the rotor still rotates the 7' dish okay, but have to use an old tv tuned to our last local analog TV station (TBN) on ch 20 to double check my bearing. Then the big one hit with a bang the corner of my house on 8/5 during a violent T-storm, hitting the power wiring, telephone lines, internet lines, and satellite TV (DirecTV) system. All the antennas were disconnected, but I did not have the telephone / internet / DirecTV lines or electronic equipment surge protectors unplugged from the wall outlets. Several circuit breakers were thrown, but was able to reset them without any power outages. But the sad story is all the electronic equipment that was zapped. Fortunately we were at the opposite side of the house when it hit. My ham gear survived, along with a couple of laptop PCs, UHF Rotor, Sangean and Sony FM receivers, and a couple of analog TVs. Zapped were: Garage Door Opener, a couple of floodlights near the DirecTV dishes, and a GFCI outlet on the porch. Dell PC with dx files on it, as well as an HP all-in-one printer (ouch!) Wireless Router Telephone Receiver Home Telephone's Internet and phoneline fusebox outside and their modem inside. Service man fixed that next day. DirecTV's Satellite Dish & Junction Box outside, and Receiver & connector inside. Service man replaced equipment. HDTV (ouch!) DVR Denon FM receiver along with old pc that had an RDS line connected to it (ouch!) CDR Rotor used to rotate FM and Radio Shack antennas. So I am now somewhat crippled in my DXing activities, but I should be back up and running by next skip season. So, lessons learned, don't take lightly the danger of lightning. Unplug/disconnect anything that electrons can travel in, when those lightning strikes are occurring nearby. 73 (Fred Nordquist, KJ4BUG, FM03af, 30 mi north of Charleston SC, Aug 13, WTFDA via DXLD) VIDEO DOCUMENTARY ABOUT RADIO JAMMING NOW AVAILABLE AT POLSKIE RADIO WEBSITE. Posted: 11 Aug 2012 Polskie Radio, Radia Wolnos'ci: The video documentary http://www.polskieradio.pl/68/2055/video/652120 by Rimantas Pleikys http://www.oldradio.lt/jamming/index.php about radio jamming during the Cold War, and since then, is now available at Polskie Radio's Radia Wolnos'ci website. It is fifty minutes, in English with Lithuanian subtitles (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) EARTHQUAKES AFFECT FREQUENCIES? Re: offshore radio on AM Hello Karel, > This morning I was checking 1566 kHz for possible Radio Melodia from > Italy but heard Radio Kolbe instead (also Italy). A very good signal > at 0415 UT. Impossible to measure an exact frequency because the > signal was very bad in LSB/USB, no carrier detectable.. . This morning Radio Melody was (and still is) switched off. Radio Kolbe has an awful carrier: there is a main carrier on about 1566.017 kHz, but I can see other (sub)carriers about every +/- 88 Hz on 1565.842, 1565.933, 1566.105 and 1566.193 kHz. These "carriers" all fade in synchro with each other, so it's the same signal with some technical fault; I took a screenshot, if somebody is interested. This makes synchro demodulation impossible and creates a low-frequency rumble due to beatment. 73 ((Fabrizio (Forli, Italy) Magrone, Aug 15, MWCircle yg via DXLD) Hi Fabrizio, That is such a strange description of reception, and because 88 Hz is not a frequency normally associated with the workings of mainstream equipment, I am moved to make a comment. Shifted sub- carriers were noted by R Cole about 1990 as pre-cursors to earthquakes in the past due to ground stresses; the re-radiations were not due to the transmitting equipment itself. Cheers (Graham Maynard, ibid.) TVGOS [TV GUIDE ON SCREEN] Can anyone tell me what is involved in receiving the TVGOS service in my television market. Equipment, etc.? From Trip's website, I understand there are two television stations in my market that use and broadcast this service. Thank you (Jim Thomas, Springfield, Missouri, Aug 13, WTFDA via DXLD) TVGOS was built-in with my Sony DVR. I've heard that TVGOS is no longer included in any new products and that it is supported on a legacy basis only. Newer high-end products use the web for updated skeds rather than TVGOS. On my DVR, I receive TVGOS from Buffalo & Toronto combined into one sked. The wife & I love it since it is the only thing out there that allows you to COMBINE OTA + Cable channels/listings are re-arrange them in whatever order you want. Sked is 8 days. We can't live without it, and hope it never goes away. The Sony DVR has been off the market since 2006. I don't know of any other DVR to use TVGOS. TVGOS was mostly used in high-end TVs up until its withdrawal from the market (Bill Hepburn, Grimsby Ont., ibid.) Not one word about the programming: http://www.rwonline.com/printarticle.aspx?articleid=214779 (Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) Viz.: HOW TO HELP AM RADIO IN SIX STEPS David Webster, 08/06/2012 AM radio needs help right now. Broadcasters must find ways to keep themselves relevant and heard to finally regain, or at least stabilize, listenership at current levels. In order to do this, we must improve the received quality of current stations, while transitioning to a new digital broadcast band. Here is a set of suggestions that I believe could add health and longevity to the service. 1. We should seriously reevaluate Richard Arsenault’s proposal — which the FCC was quick to dismiss without even opening it up to comment — for an across-the-board power increase for all AMs. This would allow stations to punch through the current interference that renders stations unlistenable, and would not require the purchase of a single new radio to get the payoff. It wouldn’t have to be the “10 times increase” as proposed, but there may be a reasonable middle ground at which improved signals can be cost-effective and politically palatable. Author David Webster, shown here during a visit to an airship in Rhode Island [caption] 2. It is imperative that we implement a plan to move stations to a new broadcast band, such as the Broadcast Maximization Committee’s proposal for the Channels 5–6 spectrum, or the alternate proposal from the DRM consortium of establishment of local DRM digital in the 26 MHz space. In fact, the proposed use of DRM in the 26 MHz band has already been successfully field tested in Mexico, Germany and Brazil, with papers documenting its viability. Broadcasters need a modern infrastructure that can be competitive and take AM into the future — one that is not prone to the unfortunate physics and haphazard allocation history of the current AM band. 3. We should allow mechanisms for “band congestion thinning,” which would allow stations to propose “negotiated” interference between each other or allow for signals to be bought for the sole purpose of surrendering or adjusting licenses to allow for stronger or better- positioned stations to up power or open their directional patterns. Troubled or non-competitive stations could sell “accepted interference” or go dark for payment by an interested party, which is certainly a more positive option for cash-strapped signals that may be headed for permanent darkness and insolvency. A pay-for-play environment would accelerate deals of this nature. This activity could be simultaneous to current stations making the switch to translators or a new digital band. An extension of this concept would allow a station that had attained a translator to go dark on its AM and transfer the translator status to a new type of LPFM class license. 4. Let’s look into synchronous AM transmission systems. A smaller number of synchronous “AM nodes” at lower power, scattered throughout a listening area, could keep power densities high near listeners, yet have a lower interference and skywave profile. With GPS and today’s ability to lock transmitters in time, self- interference could be kept quite low on the same frequency with this solution. The picture becomes more interesting with digital transmission, in that the idea of SFN (single-frequency networks) with HD Radio or DRM was considered and designed into their systems from the beginning. Examining this idea of a sort of “cellular AM” might help solve some of the current issues. Additionally, it could be implemented with low-profile, albeit less-efficient, transmitting antennas and at relatively low cost due to the much lower power levels involved. Perhaps some cells could be located at business concerns, and lease considerations could be bartered for advertising time. 5. Let’s reopen the case for transmission antenna improvement. It’s astonishing that with all the supercomputing power available — which allows us to simulate everything from protein folding to nuclear weapons detonations — that we would not be able to apply our technological savvy toward creating a viable “anti-skywave antenna” for AM. The idea of stations “turning off” or greatly reducing coverage at sunset is unbelievable today, and it harks to a different time. You certainly don’t have a fighting chance to compete with FM, SiriusXM, TV, games or Pandora … if you are effectively off the air. 6. Finally, the Web and streaming are here to stay and are quite good, if not the easiest to locate and tune into for non-techie listeners. How about putting a data signal in AM and FM transmissions that will tell an IP-connected/enabled radio where to find it in cyberspace? When it gets a lock, it will transition to the stream, a kind of pilot tone or beacons for the Web. This could further be developed to allow for narrow/zone-casting of material or advertising based on demographic profile or the location of the receiver at a given moment. These are just a few suggestions, and there are many more out there. But one thing is for certain: If things stay as they are now, the service will not survive, and that would be a terrible loss for current and future listeners. I find it amazing that the conversation about opening up the airwaves to new local or niche broadcast entities via LPFM rages on, while we already have thousands of local AM broadcasters who could put up innovative and locally focused content if the revenues were there for them. It’s simple math: Less listeners equals less revenue. If they can’t hear you, they can’t listen. I hope the ideas keep coming and that we can all put our heads together to move this service into the future. Dave Webster is CEO of VSI/HD Media in Southington, Conn., which offers media-related production and technical services. Find information about the Broadcast Maximization Committee and the DRM papers at http://radioworld.com/links (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) Really - when it is left wing / right wing / sports / Spanish / religious / brokered wall-to-wall on the band, it is no wonder the band is dying. BLEAH! I barely listen to AM at all because the choices in my area are limited to: KONO 860 - 200 miles away, with a bad neighbor Spanish language on 850. Better have a very directional antenna and good selectivity for this one! KMVL 1220 - 90 miles away and 500 watts, next to another Spanish language that thankfully is weaker than 850. KHVL 1490 - 60 miles away and very weak, and attacked from both sides by strong adjacents. KMIC 1590 - analog muffled so they can use ineffective HD KVNS 1700 - 300 miles away and attacked by ridiculous KKLF 1700. That`s it. Houston's AM band. Not one local worth listening to on AM. DX targets all. Everything else Spanish language, sports, talk of one persuasion or the other, religious, and maybe half a dozen nostalgia country stations from small towns. Here's my rant on their points: > 1. We should seriously reevaluate Richard Arsenault's proposal — which the FCC was quick to dismiss without even opening it up to comment — for an across-the-board power increase for all AMs. Yikes and double YIKES - just what we need - even more interference. Lets have ten times more while we are at it. The problem is too many stations. End of problem. Thin the herd. For sure don't let anybody else on there. > 2. It is imperative that we implement a plan to move stations to a new broadcast band, such as the Broadcast Maximization Committee's proposal for the Channels 5–6 spectrum, Oh now that is useful. Obsolete 500 million AM radios and force everybody to buy new radios. That sure worked for HD radios, and of course we know how stand alone radios fly off shelves so fast you can never find them in stores. Or - wait --- maybe people aren't buying radios any more. > 3. We should allow mechanisms for "band congestion thinning," which would allow stations to propose "negotiated" interference between each other or allow for signals to be bought for the sole purpose of surrendering or adjusting licenses to allow for stronger or better- positioned stations to up power or open their directional patterns. Finally - some sanity here! An extension of this concept would allow a station that had attained a translator to go dark on its AM and transfer the translator status to a new type of LPFM class license. NO - NO - NO - no more AM formats cluttering an already crowded FM band! We know what happened to AM - too many stations. We can't let this happen to FM! > 4. Let's look into synchronous AM transmission systems. A smaller number of synchronous "AM nodes" at lower power, scattered throughout a listening area, could keep power densities high near listeners, yet have a lower interference and skywave profile. Works well in college dorms, not so well when people spread out to houses. I don't see much potential here, except for carriers to beat with distant co-channels at night. > 5. Let's reopen the case for transmission antenna improvement - apply our technological savvy toward creating a viable "anti-skywave antenna" for AM. Transmission systems are a mature technology. The problem is too many stations, most of them small operators without the cash to upgrade to some new fancy antenna. New things have come and gone. Mostly gone. > The idea of stations "turning off" or greatly reducing coverage at sunset is unbelievable today, and it harks to a different time. Not really - most radio listening is in the car and during the day. Not many people listen to radio at night. Even fewer listening to AM. The new era has even less need for AM at night, not more. > You certainly don't have a fighting chance to compete with FM, SiriusXM, TV, games or Pandora … if you are effectively off the air. You won't compete with the above. Give it up - that ship sailed. And you are effectively off the air anyway with too many stations at night. > 6. How about putting a data signal in AM and FM transmissions that will tell an IP-connected/enabled radio where to find it in cyberspace? Digital data and AM are incompatible. Get it through your heads, guys! We don't need a stinking PWM wave broadcast anywhere on AM and filling it up with harmonics!!!! (Bruce Carter, Houston TX, ABDX via DXLD) AMATEUR RADIO & HF SSB DIGITAL MODES - LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER EAVESDROPPING / WIRETAP LAWS Dear Fellow Amateurs and SWL's, I am currently researching as I prepare to write a piece and possibly produce an audio production that explores theoretical / technical legal considerations under the various state level eavesdropping / wiretapping laws in the U.S. and abroad in other countries. My research is focusing on whether or not an overzealous police force or prosecutor could or would ever try to use these often draconian and outdated laws to make a name for themselves by prosecuting hams or swl's for using software that decodes, transcribes, records, and keeps even just a temporary record of conversations / electronic communications over the air without the amateur or swl in question receiving direct consent from the person or persons involved in the conversation or digital electronic conversation to receive, decode, transcribe, record or keep even a tenporary record of the conversation or communication. We are all under the assumption that various federal laws would trump state law and thet state or local laws would be written in such a way that is clear, concise, and allows for flexibility and use of common sense discretion. However, I am looking at the fact that we do not live in a perfect world and that in theory...this nightmare scenario could happen to a ham or swl where ever they are in the world. I am looking at the fact that state / local laws are not always written to mirror federal laws that say "x, y, and z is just fine to do". This means federal / national laws can conflict with state level / local laws in different parts of the world. We are all under the assumption that because many of us are amateur radio licensees and our licensing authority says we are just fine doing what we do with digital modes, that we are all just dandy at the state or local levels. I am looking at the fact that communications has become a very hot political potato, and am wondering how far some authorities or politicians would go to look "tough". I am asking many, many questions in my research and I am wondering if all of you would take some time to chime in with your thoughts on this subject (NO FLAMES). I am only looking for well thought out and well presented replies. Thanks so much to anyone who helps out with this! (unsigned, [presumably Dan Hensley], shortwaveamerica@gmx.com Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) In the U.S., Amateur Radio is part of the federal preemption of local and state laws regarding radio. That preemption has a long history. It hasn't stopped local and state governments from trying to regulate radio; state public utility commissions and local zoning authorities have crossed swords with the FCC on many occasions. They usually lose; on the other hand, the FCC tries to craft its preemption to represent the minimum necessary intrusion into state and local laws. With regard to eavesdropping and wiretapping, 18 USC 2511(2)(g)(ii)(III) specifically exempts the Amateur Radio Service from the prohibitions on signal interception. That was a hard-won exemption, because Congressional staff at the time (1980s) were horrified that amateurs could listen to any amateur communications they wished to, especially telephone interconnect (autopatch) without restriction. Of course telephone patching had been practiced in the amateur service for years and was recognized as a benefit. I was involved in these matters at the time as were prominent SWLs and hams. The staff promised to 'fix' what they considered the FCC's tragic 'mistake' at allowing hobbyists unfettered receive access to the radio spectrum. They were uninterested in arguments that wideband receivers were widely available; or that amateur radio depends on monitoring and cooperation. If I remember correctly, they had support from a rather large telecommunications company with three letters in its name, which wanted a sweeping 'protection' of anything radio. It wasn't until the ARRL observed the situation and pressed its case that the exasperated legislative staff enshrined the amateur service in the law's exemptions. Other radio services wanted the same thing and some got it. Glenn devoted attention to these reports in World Of Radio and, I believe, RIB. Thank you Glenn. Scanner monitor organizations did their part also. Some contacted their representatives and the press became interested. Pressure from these various angles helped set the powers that be on a somewhat better road. Over time the law was amended, resulting in additional confusion, and the emergence of Wi-Fi and the Internet has launched a review of these laws (unsigned from guacorecipe [Benn Kobb], ibid.) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ GROUND CONDUCTIVITY MAPS Here's a document that has ground conductivity maps for the entire planet. http://hamwaves.com/antennas/gnd-sigma/vlf_mf_ground_conductivity_atlas.pdf Note that maps 1-6 are for VLF, and the MF maps start with figure 7. Canada is in there somewhere, along with Bangladesh, Iran, Namibia, etc etc. This is probably the set to which Chuck was alluding (Bruce Portzer, WA, IRCA via DXLD) METEOR SCATTER FM DX TIPS I don't have much experience with Meteor Scatter. Is there a direction the antenna should be pointing? Also, how do you choose a frequency to monitor, any specific criteria or you just park on an empty frequency? Thanks. 73, (Charles Gauthier, Brossard, QC, 11 Aug, WTFDA via DXLD) Pick any open frequency. The direction does depend a bit on which way the meteors are travelling. Where I am I just point West and that covers things pretty well. Supposedly lower frequencies last longer than higher ones. This is the Perseids shower - one of the best of the year so expect periods of very intense bursts. Some 1/4 sec long some can last 30 seconds or longer. And remember the news will talk about visual peaks. Radio peaks can happen during daylight so plan to listen all day and night if you can. Distance will be Eskip like or shorter. I just got my first ID using RDS on the Sangean at 2:10PM - KEZK St. Louis (Bill Nollman, ibid.) From here, I've always aimed within a 60 degree arc with West as the center. IBOC has killed most of my best Meteor channels but I still try. Shortest distance here is under 300 miles, longest over 1100. Best bet - if you have them available - are low end commercial frequencies where you have a better chance of more frequent local material for identifying it. Unfortunately here, I have to largely use non-comms as the others aren't quiet enough. RDS helps there, but I only have that on two receivers (Russ Edmunds, WB2BJH, 15 mi NW of Philadelphia, Grid FN20id, ibid.) Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to active levels. Predominantly quiet to unsettled levels prevailed from 06 - 09 August as solar winds speeds, as measured by the ACE spacecraft, varied from 275 - 450 km/s. An isolated active period was observed during 08/0000 - 0300 UTC in response to slightly elevated solar wind speeds and extended periods of negative IMF Bz. Field activity decreased to predominantly quiet levels during 10 - 12 August. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 13 AUGUST-8 SEPTEMBER 2012 Solar activity is expected to be at predominantly low levels from 13 - 21 August. An increase to low to moderate levels is expected from 22 August - 05 September as an active sunspot region complex returns to the visible disk. A return to low levels is expected from 06 - 08 September. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels through 15 August. An increase to moderate to high flux levels is expected during 16 - 24 August. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected during 25 August - 08 September. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels during 15 - 18 August, 21 - 23 August, and 27 August - 08 September. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected during 13 - 14 August, 19 - 20 August, and 24 - 26 August due to recurrent coronal hole high-speed streams. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2012 Aug 13 0759 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # Product description and SWPC contact on the Web # http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2012-08-13 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2012 Aug 13 115 8 3 2012 Aug 14 110 8 3 2012 Aug 15 100 5 2 2012 Aug 16 95 5 2 2012 Aug 17 95 5 2 2012 Aug 18 95 5 2 2012 Aug 19 95 10 4 2012 Aug 20 100 8 3 2012 Aug 21 110 5 2 2012 Aug 22 115 5 2 2012 Aug 23 120 5 2 2012 Aug 24 125 8 3 2012 Aug 25 130 8 3 2012 Aug 26 135 12 4 2012 Aug 27 135 5 2 2012 Aug 28 135 5 2 2012 Aug 29 135 5 2 2012 Aug 30 130 5 2 2012 Aug 31 130 5 2 2012 Sep 01 130 5 2 2012 Sep 02 125 5 2 2012 Sep 03 120 5 2 2012 Sep 04 120 5 2 2012 Sep 05 120 5 2 2012 Sep 06 115 5 2 2012 Sep 07 115 5 2 2012 Sep 08 115 8 3 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1630, DXLD) Propagation outlook from PIG SOLAR ACTIVITY FORECAST FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 17 - 23, 2012 Activity level: mostly very low to low X-ray background flux (1.0-8.0 A): B1.5-B9.0 Radio flux (10.7 cm): a fluctuation in the range 90-135 f.u. Flares: class C (0-10/day), class M (0-3/period), class X (0/period), proton (0/period) Relative sunspot number: in the range 25-100 Astronomical Institute, Solar Dept., Ondrejov, Czech Republic e-mail: sunwatch(at)asu.cas.cz (RWC Prague) ____________________ Geomagnetic activity forecast for the period August 17-Sept 1, 2012 Geomagnetic field will be: Quiet on August 22 - 24, 31, September 1. Mostly quiet on August 21, 27 - 28. Quiet to unsettled on August 17 - 20. Quiet to active on August 25 - 26. Active to disturbed on August 29 - 30. High probability of changes in solar wind which may cause changes in magnetosphere and ionosphere is expected on August 20 - 21, (23). F. K. Janda, OK1HH Czech Propagation Interest Group (OK1HH & OK1MGW, weekly forecasts since 1978) e-mail: ok1hh(at)rsys.cz (via Dario Monferini, DXLD) ###