DX LISTENING DIGEST 17-35, August 29, 2017 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 2017 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html [also linx to previous years] 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 1893 contents: Alaska, Algeria, Argentina non, Armenia, Australia, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Germany, Korea North non, Lithuania, Madagascar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland non, Syria, Taiwan, USA SHORTWAVE AIRINGS of WORLD OF RADIO 1893, August 29-September 5, 2017 Tue 2130 WRMI 9455 15770 [confirmed] Tue 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 9455 Wed 1315 WRMI 9955 [confirmed] Wed 2100 WBCQ 7490v [confirmed] Wed 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Thu 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Sat 0630 HLR 6190-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1431 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM Sat 2230 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Sat 2300 WRMI 11580 Sun 0200 WRMI 11580 Sun 0310v WA0RCR 1860-AM Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v-AM Area 51 Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 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 WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: Tnx to Dr Harald Gabler and the Rhein-Main Radio Club. http://www.rmrc.de/index.php/rmrc-audio-plattform/podcast/glenn-hauser-wor ALTERNATIVE PODCASTS, tnx Stephen Cooper: http://shortwave.am/wor.xml ANOTHER PODCAST ALTERNATIVE, tnx to Keith Weston: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GlennHausersWorldOfRadio NOW tnx to Keith Weston, also Podcasts via iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/glenn-hausers-world-of-radio/id1123369861 AND via Google Play Music: http://bit.ly/worldofradio 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 NOTE: I have *resolved* to make DXLD leaner, more selective, as I seriously need to reduce my workload, much of which has been merely editing gobs of material into presentable form. This makes it even more important to be a member of the DXLD yg for additional material which may not make it into weekly issues (gh) 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. Weak to fair signal of R Afghanistan External Service, August 25 1535&1600 6100 YAK 100 kW / 125 deg SoAs English/Urdu and off at 1623 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/weak-to-fair-signal-of-rafghanistan_25.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ALASKA. ECLIPSE LOG [not audible under 'normal' conditions] 9655, KNLS (Anchor Point), 1729+ 21 August. Russian program catching a break during the celestial hoopla (Dan Sheedy, Encinitas, CA PL380/6m X wire, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See CHINA 9355/9965 ** ALGERIA. Two SW sites in RTA Algeria are under construction now. 135 and 210 degrees path to southern Algeria, and border area of Sahel zone. (BC-DX 25 Aug via DXLD) Re: Bechar & Ourgla ``Still no sign of commencement of SW mast/antenna installation work at either of the Bechar & Ourgla tx sites despite recent imagery updates to Google Earth.`` Then take another look now --- What they are building at each site is a high/low pair of antennas (described as two rows, so maybe 2/2 configuration) and a 300 kW transmitter (indeed described as a single one, so perhaps they now do without the aux indicated in the earlier Ampegon press release). Apparently the transmitters will find their place in the existing transmitter buildings and highest priority has been given to place the antennas close to them, at Bechar accepting a proximity to the longwave masts that indeed looks rather unfavourable. At Bechar there is also a separate mediumwave facility on the southern side of the station grounds, which has already been completely renewed, including the replacement of the original three mast antenna by a single mast. In spite of getting rid of the directionality the equipment is allegedly designed for 400 kW again. It, however, appears that the longwave equipment at both sites is completely excluded from the modernization projects. It is being said that there are two 1000 kW transmitters at either site, which very much points at Thomson-Houston. Both stations had apparently been built in one project (of which the obvious goal to fully cover the Algerian parts of the Sahara), the transmitter buildings and antenna set-ups are clones of each other. At present it is expected that the new shortwave equipment will be commissioned next March. First tests can perhaps be expected in December (Kai Ludwig, Aug 26, shortwavesites yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Hi Kai, Thanks very much for the revealing & informative posting. Yes, latest GE imagery at both Algerian tx sites now show footings & parts of 3 supports masts in close proximity to the tx buildings either directly west or northwest of the buildings. Very encouraging to see construction of SW BC antennas rather than the opposite - such is usually the case in recent times (Ian, ibid.) But don't forget that this could, on the other hand, be a next nail into the coffin of the Issoudun operations. The goal of the whole project is to replace the use of these third party facilities, as even Ampegon had stated two years ago in their press release about this order (Kai Ludwig, ibid., WORLD OF RADIO 1893) Good point (Ian, ibid.) ** ANGOLA. 4949.7, RNA-Canal "A", Mulenvos, 2202-2214, 21/8, noticiário, com especial relevo acerca das eleições de 23/8; 35332. Sinal muito melhor, em 23/8, pelas 2230. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA [non]. The long-awaited RAE QSL card arrived August 21. I heard the first relay via WRMI 9395 in early May and reported it by webform, resulting in a personal reply from RAE`s new Director, Adrián Korol, who knows me from the old days on Espacio Diexista and Radio Enlace on Radio Nederland. He told me I would be honored with their number 001 QSL for this. Here it is: http://www.w4uvh.net/RAEviaWRMI001.jpg http://www.w4uvh.net/RAEviaWRMI001a.jpg also added to my QSL gallery: http://www.worldofradio.com/QSL.html It`s for 02/05/2017 at 0100 on 9395, but does not mention WRMI. It bears a postal label rather than stamp, dated 09/08/2017 costing $73,00, ICS. It seems others are just now reporting their QSLs, apparently none went into the p-mail until early August. 73 pesos (a fortuitous amount) as of Aug 23 converts to USD $4.23! for a little 20-gram card. They do have a bit of an inflation problem. Thanks, Adrian! (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I thanked Adrián Korol with a copy of that post, and got his reply: ``Muchas Gracias, Glenn! Es un honor haber confirmado tu reporte de recepción con la QSL Número 1. En 2018 se cumplen 40 años de la primer QSL que recibí, de RNW, y no olvidaré la emoción que sentí al abrir aquel sobre en la casa de mis padres. Efectivamente hemos tenido que pasar una serie de trámites internos para poder disponer de los fondos para franqueo postal, algo que hace años no se destinaba a RAE por lo que hubo que empezar casi desde cero. Además, han llegado más de 400 informes de recepción válidos, y vamos confirmando y enviando unas 50 QSL semanales promedio hasta ponernos al día, con el compromiso de responder todos los informes (las tarjetas QSL ya están llegando a radioescuchas y diexistas en Alemania, Rusia, España, USA, Francia, República Checa, Bélgica, Pakistán, Japón, Italia, Portugal, Brasil, Slovenia, Holanda, UK, Ucrania, Suiza, México, Cuba, Canadá, China, Grecia, Luxemburgo y otros sitios desde donde recibimos diariamente correspondencia en un promedio (cantidades) que no se recibian en RAE desde el año 1988. Internamente estamos pre-produciendo nuevos programas para lanzamiento estimado junto al inicio del período B17. Asimismo por primera vez RAE participará en el GRAND PRIX de la RAI en Italia, con 4 programas propios en italiano, teniendo además el honor de participar como jurado en dicho evento. Como te comenté, esperamos prontas y buenas noticias tanto de nuevo schedule en WRMI como de emisiones desde la Planta de General Pacheco, en Buenos Aires. Asimismo, estimamos que en NOVIEMBRE nos mudaremos a una nueva redacción, con nuevo estudio propio dentro del histórico edificio de Maipú 555 en el centro de Buenos Aires. Ojalá acompañemos todos estos logros con una mejor radio, optimizando nuestra tarea y disponiendo de material gráfico, stickers, nueva QSL y souvenirs de RAE, sabiendo que lo que para muchos grandes ha sido una crisis para nosotros es una oportunidad. Viva la radio, 73 y DX, Adrian Korol`` Says they had to negotiate new funding for QSL postage and have been sending them out at the average rate of 50 per week. Some 400 correct reports have come in. Also, pre-producing new programs for the B-17 season, and also expect to get their own new offices and studios in November, within the historic Radio Nacional building (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) > have been sending them out at the average rate of 50 per week. This is surprising to me and very encouraging that so many are still hunting QSLs! (Steve, "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://qsl.net/ve7sl/ VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA [non]. La Rosa de Tokio para este fin de semana: homenaje a LRA Radio Nacional en su 80 aniversario La Rosa de Tokio es un programa dedicado a difundir el apasionante mundo de la radio y del diexismo que se transmite semanalmente desde los estudios de LS11 Radio Provincia de Buenos Aires. En el programa de este fin de semana nos dedicaremos a conocer y recorrer la historia y desarrollo de LRA1 Radio Nacional. La Rosa de Tokio puede ser escuchada los días sábados de 2300 a 2400 Tiempo Universal Coordinado (20:00 a 21:00 hora LU) por los 1270 kHz y en Internet por http://www.amprovincia.com.ar Además, una extensa red de emisoras de frecuencia modulada de toda la República Argentina retransmite en forma semanal nuestro programa en diferentes días y horarios. La Rosa de Tokio también sale por onda corta gracias a las facilidades brindadas por WRMI Radio Miami Internacional http://www.wrmi.net También puede ser escuchada en cualquier momento entrando en la página ProgramasDX y haciendo "click" en http://programasdx.com/larosadetokio.htm Desde este vínculo también podrán acceder al archivo que recaba ediciones anteriores del programa. La Rosa de Tokio es producida y conducida por Omar José Somma y Arnaldo Leonel Slaen y cuenta con la colaboración habitual de Rubén Guillermo Margenet, desde Rosario y Alejandro Daniel Alvarez, desde Neuquen. Posted by: (Arnaldo Slaen, Aug 26, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARMENIA. 9615, BBC London in Pashto and Dari-Persian scheduled 02- 03 UT via Gavar Erevan relay, 300 kW at 100degr. S=9+5dB in Delhi India remote SDR unit. Babcock FMO. Bad quality - much distorted audio feed. 73 wb Attachment(s) from Wolfgang Bueschel | View attachments on the web 9615_ARM_Gavar_ERV_BBC_Pashto_Dari_0225UT_02-03UT.mp3 1 of 1 File(s) aug 27 (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg with att. via DXLD) ** ARMENIA. 23 August 2017 --- Armenia again on 9580 kHz (Mauno Ritola, https://www.facebook.com/groups/wrthgroup/ via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) Which service, time, language? ARMENIA with very good signal on August 29 from 0900 on 9640 unknown tx / unknown to UNID Armenian: Continues after 1010 UT. Videos will be added later today. -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED SITE / ARMENIA I guess this a transmitter / antenna check on 31 mb on UNKNOWN transmission center site? 9640 kHz This Aug 29 morning at 0530 till sudden CUT OFF midst on a much funny Armenian presenter program around approx. 0538 UT (!) Maybe an engineering test on CJSC Yerevan Gavar bcast center ? [WORLD OF RADIO 1893] I criticized the audio quality of their 9615 kHz BBC outlet from CJSC Yerevan Gavar in Pashto and Dari language: ARMENIA 9615 BBC London in Pashto and Dari-Persian scheduled 02-03 UT via CJSC Yerevan Gavar Armenia relay, 300 kW at 100degr. S=9+5dB in Delhi India remote SDR unit. Babcock FMO brokered. Very bad quality - much distorted audio feed at 0225 UT on Aug 28 (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 28, dxldyg via DXLD) Again on air on 9640 at 1320 and off at 1325; from 1500 in Russian, off again at 1537, very good signal, over weak signal of KBS WR in Eng/Vietnamese (Ivo Ivanov, Aug 29, ibid.) In Ivo's recordings many Armenian ID's of Armenian Public Radio - Hayastani Hanrayin Radiosu, also that traditional "Yerevan-e-khosum" mention. 73, (Jari Savolainen, Finland, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDentified with very good signal on August 29 0900-1047 on 9640 unknown tx / unknown to UNID Armenian: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/unidentified-on-9640-khz-with-very-good.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) UNIDentified station again on air on August 29: 1355-1537 on 9640*unknown tx / unknown to UNID Armenian: At 1357 mentioned "Govorit Moskva" and IS of Radio Moscow 1500-1537 in Russian, talk about Ukraine & Russia and off Back again on 9640 at 1730 *co-ch KBS WR 9640 KIM 100 kW / 225 deg to SEAs Eng/Viet. http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/armenia-unidentified-station-again-on.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) > 1355-1537 on 9640*unknown tx / unknown to UNID Armenian: Christian Milling says: The Gavar station tests sporadically through an omnidirectional antenna, has already heard doing so in 41 mB, too. > At 1357 mentioned "Govorit Moskva" and IS of Radio Moscow The producer had a clown for breakfast. That passes for fun at Yerevan (Kai Ldwig, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ARMENIA. Radio Mi Amigo HIGH - POWER - BROADCAST today! Radio Mi Amigo International presents a very special live broadcast remembering those days 'the music almost died'. We remember Aug. 1967 (UK) and Aug. 1974 (Netherland) when the MOA ('Anti-Pirate-Law') became law in those countries and stopped most of the offshore stations. We remember with the songs from that time and some original recordings. The show will be aired on August, 27 from 19 to 21 hr CET (17-19 UT) on 11845 kHz in 25m SW-band with 100 kW of power all over Europe and also online on our webstreams. Radio Mi Amigo International - Bringing back the Golden Era of Offshore AM Radio http://radiomiamigointernational.com/english/news.html (via Mike Terry, Manuel Méndez, Aug 27, dxldyg via DXLD) I picked up this station for the first time today: ARMENIA. Radio Mi Amigo, 11845, Gavar, in English, at 1740-1900, on 27 Aug. Picked up the station and listened to multiple songs and station ID's given by a YF and male DJ. The Radio Mi Amigo song played at 1812. I shot the Sheriff, Respect, Rock the Boat, Mr. Tambourine Man were some of the songs played. Mention was made of jamming of pirate stations and fan reaction. The station went off the air with a Shortwave Services promo at 1900. The station was coming in fair with a SINPO of 33233, S-5. Winradio G33DDC, Wellbrook ALA1530LNPro, GAP Hear It In Line Module (John Cooper, Lebanon, PA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Good signal here from Radio Mi Amigo at 1740 tune-in on 11845 kHz. Presumably this is via Armenia as with previous relays on 11845. 73s (Dave, Caversham Berks, Kenny, AOR 7030 / 25m long wire, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) 11845, Radio Mi Amigo via Gavar/Yerevan, *1659-1900*, 27-08, English, ID “Short Wave Service”, “Radio Mi Amigo International”, program “The days the music almost died”, pop songs from the sixties and seventies, comments. 44444 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Lugo, Tecsun PL- 880, Sony ICF SW7600G, cable antenna, 8 meters, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. THE INTERCEPT: THE US SPY HUB IN THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA A SHORT DRIVE south of Alice Springs, the second largest population center in Australia’s Northern Territory, there is a high-security compound, code-named “RAINFALL.” The remote base, in the heart of the country’s barren outback, is one of the most important covert surveillance sites in the eastern hemisphere. Read the full story here: https://theintercept.com/2017/08/19/nsa-spy-hub-cia-pine-gap-australia/ (From https://swling.com/blog/ via SW Bulletin Aug 27 via DXLD ** AUSTRALIA. 5045 kHz, Mt. Razorback - not yet ---- It was recently reported that Craig Allen is trying to get 5045 kHz back on air from Mt. Razorback, on the outskirts of Sydney, NSW. The last time this shortwave transmitter site (site never confirmed) was active was 3 years ago when Vintage FM was carried on 3210 kHz. Specifically in late June 2017, Craig advertised that he's back on air, but no one heard him. Same day he reported antenna problems. On July 10th he reported that still not on air due to transmitter problems. Seems to be a difficult process getting these Aussie LP SW stations on air; there's quite a list of them now, but not one on air at the moment. Only Beyond Reach (HCJB) on SW at the moment from Australia. (Ian, NSW, swsites yg via DXLD) Oh dear! That should read: 'Reach Beyond' (Ian, later, ibid.) The name makes the same amount of sense whichever way you name them … Reach beyond what? The naming is about as informative as RNZ International. To the uninitiated, who or what is RNZ? (Paul R., Christchurch NZ, ibid.) NZ = Not Zeppelin? (gh) NEW AUSSIE SHORTWAVE STATION ON 5045 I first noted this at 0552 UT today 28 August. A solid signal here in Northland, New Zealand, playing classic hits format with "more music, less talk" slogan interspersed. I have emailed Nick Chacko [sic], who I understand has a licence for this frequency, to see if it is his operation (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai - New Zealand, WinRadio G33DDC Excalibur Pro SDR & EWEs to the Americas, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bryan, Tnx for heads up on this! Fair to poor copy from the Perseus site in Edmonton AB - low noise level and no QRM - SINPO 25432. Audio was not the same as Northland R in Bay of Islands NZ (S4) but not too bad for Canada. In fact this transmission is the best private operation signal from Down Under I have hrd! Sounds like at least a good 1 kW (Bruce Churchill, CA, 0745 UT Aug 28, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, ibid.) I am also listening to it now, 0739 UT via the KiwiSDR in Freemans Reach NSW (northwestern outskirts of Sydney), S-9+10, SINPO 55344, 5045 kHz. Heard songs “What’s New Pussycat” by Tom Jones and “It Was A Good Time” by Liza Minelli, as well as the same slogan Bryan heard “More Music, Less Talk”. Regards, (Brian Powell (now VK2FBAJ!), Southern Suburbs of Sydney NSW Australia, ibid. WORLD OF RADIO 1893) 5045 kHz, 0745 UT --- Quite strong here in South Australia. A mix of 60s hits, "more music less talk". Maybe 4KZ? No IDs. I will listen later and see if I can ID it. Bill (Fred DeVos, Adelaide, ibid., WORLD OF RADIO 1893) According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 5045 kHz has 4 licensees: Peter Tate (transmitters at Razorback, southwest of Sydney), Tim Gaynor of Unique Radio fame (northern NSW at Gunnedah), Nick Hacko (transmitters in Queensland) and Stefano Mollo in Western Australia. My money is on Tim? However Nick was recently discussing putting a music station on as soon as he could, so could be him too. CORRECTION: Peter Tate is not a licensee of 5045. It seems Craig Allen is the actual holder of that particular license. 5045 kHz Could be his and Peter’s “Station X”? Regards, (Brian Powell (Now VK2FBAJ), (Base QTH – Southern suburbs of Sydney Australia), dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Brian, The station on 5045 had a news broadcast by Australian Independent Radio from 0814 to 0824; don't know if this would narrow the possibilities. The music format is similar to what Tim played on Unique Radio but I never heard any news on his 3210 channel. Back to pop music and "Playing more music with less talk" slogan at 0824 (Bruce Churchill, CA, 0828 UT Aug 28, ibid. WORLD OF RADIO 1893) FYI- not // to 4KZ [531 kHz]. Had a brief historical segment about WWII at 1000 from Focus on the Family and went right to Paul Simon's "Slip Sliding Away" with no ID. Very strong. Now playing Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." 28/8, Sent from (David Sharp's iPhone, 1009 UT Aug 28, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, ibid.) They crashed into the middle of a news bulletin at 1149 UT with an ID as "Ozzy (Aussie?) Radio", cheekily preceding by Radio Australia's kookaburra and Waltzing Matilda interval signals! Monitored with fair reception via a web SDR in North Island, NZ (David Kernick, Interval Signals Online, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, ibid.) Yup. Logged here in Australia. Thanks to email tip from Johnno. No surprises at its appearance though, as I did make this report [as above first item] on August 23 on the Shortwavesites YG. BUT wait, here's the BIG surprise for me:- Craig has secured two SW licences for the 8HA site at Alice Springs, not too far from inactive VL8A site. Registered frequencies are 2350 & 5050 kHz both of 5 kW. I'm sure Craig would love you guys to chip in with several $$$ so he can purchase a SW transmitter & afford to power the transmitters (, NSW, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, ibid.) All this is exciting! Any chance they're still on at 1421 UT? I'm seeing a signal on channel, but far too weak to get any audio out of it. 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) Yes, Walt, they are! I am also beginning to get bits of audio here in Finland. 73, (Mauno Ritola, 1435 UT, ibid.) 5045, Ozy Radio, Razorback. STOP PRESS! Reactivated, test transmission from 0600, first heard by John Smith, but also reported by John Wright, Richard Jary and Phil Ireland. Heard with continuous music, relays of Australian Independent Radio News. Full ID 1259, request for reports to dxer1234@gmail.com Strong signal, to abrupt signal level drop or off 1319. 28/8 (Sept Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) 5045, "Ozy Radio." It was back on Jul 6, 2011, that I last heard Craig Allen's low powered "Ozy Radio" on 5050. In 2015, Craig informed me "We will be back soon on 5045 kHz. with more power, 1kw. Ozy Radio." Has actually happened Aug 28. Dave Kernick, et al., have confirmed the ID today for this test transmission. Thanks, fellows! Thanks also to an emailed alert from Bruce Churchill, drove to the beach and at 0927 heard a very weak open carrier. Reception of any audio not possible here till my local sunrise, which was at 1336 UT. My most distinctive details were at 1334 & 1419, with hearing the unmistakable "Waltzing Matilda," as a brief instrumental. Ozy Radio IS? Noted a number of songs, but not strong enough to be able to ID them. 1402-1411 OM & YL with what seemed to be the news; 1411 into EZL older hit songs, but again too weak to ID. Am not disappointed by this poor reception today, as BBR (China) on 5050 is normally well heard by me, but today was extremely poor (unusable), which is rare. Believe propagation today was rather unique, so on a day with normal propagation, Ozy Radio could be just fine (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Bryan, Would be interested to hear where/what Nick is up to with his proposed SW station, he's been quiet on that news since mention of the proposed station last year. BTW the proposed activation of 4KZ Innisfail on 5055kHz surely can't be too far away either. Cheers (Ian, NSW, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Aussie [sic] Radio, 28 August, 0916 UT conducting test transmission on 5045 kHz. Good strength into NSW, Australia. Reception reports to dxer1234@gmail.com (Roger Abbott, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) FYI - Hiroyuki Komatsubara heard today via remote. Ron http://radio.chobi.net/DX/bbs/?res:2360#2506 >5045 kHz -2055- Thanks very much this information !! Now I hear it now, via AUS remote radio (PERSEUS server) thanks Neil Brisbane !! and >> "Ozy Radio" testing on 5045 kHz SA[ID - Ron] at 2100- with IS of Radio Australia !! and "Dacelo novaeguineae" [laughing kookaburra - Ron] YouTube: https://youtu.be/fc1-x6m8dZo [excellent audio clip via Australia - Ron] (Ron Howard, dxldyg via CDX LISTENING DIGEST) Ozy music radio Razorback near Camden 25NM SW of Sydney 2nd day of transmission. eQSL. 500 watts 5045 kHz So you have heard them! So here is your confirmation! Regards John (Sent from David Sharp's iPhone, NSW, Aug 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5045.00, Aug 29 at 1209, JBA carrier, presumed Ozy Radio, new station at Mount Razorback NSW, first reported Aug 28 at 0552 as unID by Bryan Clark, NZ, and then by several Aussie DXers and remote monitors; ``more music, less talk`` not even IDs until one finally caught at 1149 by David Kernick. David Sharp, NSW got an E-QSL: [as above] They also play the Kookaburra in tribute(?) to defunct Radio Australia! Ron Howard, who hastened to the beach in California, was also hearing Waltzing Matilda at 1334 and 1419. At tune-in I had a second carrier on the side at 5045.8, maybe ute which then went off. However, Brian Powell tells us there are three other licensees for 5045 in Australia: NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, It was back on May 17, that I emailed a DXer in Australia about the fact I had started hearing a decent signal (open carrier) on about 5045.75. Subsequently I have occasionally heard it again, but never for long periods of time. Realized it was just too strong to be associated with any low powered Australian station(s) and must be a utility, which is what you also must have heard today. Never noted with any modulation. Not sure how much QRM, if any, this will generate for Ozy Radio? (Ron Howard, San Francisco, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ozy Radio heard in Alberta. Got up having that 'DX feeling' and slowly headed to the office and managed to hear Ozy Radio from 1142 to 1206 UTC on 5045 kHz via VE6JY's remote site at Lamont, Alberta, with fairly good signals on the Wellbrook Loop. Caught their I.S. of Waltzing Matilda" at 1149, followed with ID/Test Transmission and e- mail address too: dxer1234@gmail.com Not bad signal for 500 watts! Just Made my Day! (ED Kusalik, Aug 29, ODXA yg via DXLD) OzyRadio. Historical 2011 era SW TX Site videos - Schofields, NSW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aEmfw-E5kU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r3B1Wn-HPE htt (Ian, NSW, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. The ABC Website Archives Really Do Work - Sometimes While DU-DXing on a sloping ocean side hill in Lincoln City, Oregon last Tuesday I tracked down an astonishing signal on 558 kHz, with an apparent ABC network format. If it was in fact an ABC program, that would mean that the station was the extremely long range 558-6WA in Wagin, Western Australia (50 kW at 9,126 miles, or 14,687 km). It would also be the strongest signal that I had ever heard from that long range station. https://app.box.com/s/f1qjlre02gk9hw6hofb0n8ib0cs91a0v Since I was DXing with only a hot-rodded CC Skywave Ultralight and a relatively small 8 inch FSL antenna, this would be fantastic long range DX for my simple gear -- assuming that I could match my recorded MP3 content with the ABC archives on their website. The first step was to find the right program for the time slot, in the Western Australia time zone. After going to the main web site at http://www.abc.net.au click "Radio." Next, click "Stations" http://www.abc.net/stations Scroll down the page toward the bottom, and locate the option "Visit ABC South West WA website," and click it http://www.abc.net.au/southwestwa/ Next, click "Programs" http://www.abc.net.au/southwestwa/programs/?ref=nav Since the MP3 recording was made at 1327 UT or 2327 Western Australian time, the ABC LR network program being broadcast at that time would have been the "Nightlife" program with Philip Clark, so click that option http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/ Next, click "Episodes" http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/episodes/ Since the recording in question was made on Tuesday, August 22 in Western Australia time, click the "Full Episode" option for Tuesday "Nightlife: featuring your power bill," or http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/nightlife/8810944 Next click the "LISTEN 4h" option in the middle of the photo. You will start receiving a 4 hour Podcast of the episode in question, which according to the web site started at 10:00 PM Western Australia time. My MP3 was made at 11:27 PM Western Australia time, so I skip to the 1:25 point in the Podcast and start listening for content that matches my MP3. Despite the fact that the lady's Australian accent is a bit tricky I can clearly hear her say "Muscular Dystrophy" at the 22 second point in my MP3. When listening to ABC's Podcast at the 1:25:42 point the same lady again says "Muscular Dystrophy," confirming that my MP3 content does indeed match the ABC archive content. The lady is Sarah MacDonald, Philip Clark's partner in the "Nightlife" program. So this confirms that I really did receive 558-6WA on the humble 8" FSL antenna. This was a general description on how to use the ABC website to check for programming content that matches your DX recording-- your mileage may vary. 73, (Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA), Aug 24, IRCA via DXLD) Except you refer to ``at 1327 UT or 2327 Western Australian time`` as if WAT were UT +10 instead of UT +8, so something needs to be corrected here. There are three other Ozzies on 558, all really in the Eastern timezone UT +10 but none of them are ABC (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) You are of course correct that Western Australia is in the UT +8 time zone, but the ABC website apparently lists these LR network program times according to the Eastern time zone program schedule, even on the websites that are supposedly for Western Australia areas. Daylight Saving Time changes and programming delays across time zones are other additional complications, but the "local" ABC websites apparently don't account for these. In the case of 558 kHz (and also on 531 kHz), since there is only one ABC station on the frequency, once the programming content is confirmed to be from ABC (such as by matching an MP3 recording with the ABC Podcast content) the challenge of positive identification is wrapped up. Of course many DXers on the west coast have heard these ABC LR and RN network programs long enough to be pretty sure of the source, but without a parallel frequency in the same network and time zone (such as 531/558, or 639/891) the ABC websites remain the best way to positively identify a mystery station. 73, (Gary DeBock, ibid.) It took me some getting used to and I had some advice from guys here, but these podcasts were very useful to me last season to be sure that I had ABC programming on the ten or so channels that provided at least threshold audio here in IL from mid Sept to early Oct last season. 73 KAZ (Neil Kazaross, ibid.) So true, KAZ! But because of ABC budget cutbacks, it seems like they are removing the "Full Episode" audio Podcasts from their website options earlier than before. This month on August 4th Tom R. and I both tracked down the western Australian ABC stations on 531 and 558 at Rockwork 4, with identification made by Tom's ability to check parallel frequencies on his Perseus-SDR recordings. But when I went to the ABC website and tried to find audio Podcasts for the full episodes, I found that they were no longer available. That was only 3 weeks ago. My advice to anyone who receives DX that might be a long-range ABC station is to check for the website Podcast content ASAP, since ABC apparently doesn't keep these around for very long any more (Gary DeBock, ibid.) Gary raises an interesting point that perhaps carves the way towards broadcasting in the future. Budget cuts for governments, broadcasters and bureaucratic bean counters are like the taste of blood to a dog pack. Once you taste the sweetness of the "trimming" it becomes addictive and the race for the bottom is underway. One day I envision all broadcasting and media will be pay per view or listen. Using Radio Canada International as an example - it underwent decades of minute cuts until the "once and for all, we're done". Once a wonderful diplomatic service and voice of Good will worldwide, we went from the top to nothing at all over time. When repressive regimes like the Voice of Iran expand external services and stations like CRI Beijing are buying air time on AM stations in America, ya gotta wonder. Sorry about the rant - (Colin Newell - CoffeeCrew.com - VA7WWV - Victoria - BC, IRCA via DXLD) ** AUSTRALLIA. 558-6WA on the Warpath (Until Silenced by Fiji) For those interested, this was the overwhelming signal from the extreme long-range Australian 558-6WA (9,126 miles/ 14,687 km) from 1325-1328 on August 22nd at the new "Oz Hill" DU-DXing hotspot in Lincoln City, OR. The "Nightlife" ABC programming content (matched to the ABC website) is regarding Jerry Lee Lewis. 6WA does great until 558-Fiji shows up toward the end of the recording to silence it. This freakishly strong recording was made with a hot-rodded CC Skywave Ultralight and an 8 inch (20 cm) diameter FSL antenna (the "Richard Allen FSL" model). Such modest gear obviously is getting a turbo boost from the ocean side hill location. https://app.box.com/s/2rc1wlt6p8uhvpszfbunce75g2ul51f2 73, Gary DeBock (DXing in Lincoln City, OR) irca ** AUSTRLIA [and non]. MICHIGAN DU'S & NEW DOMESTIC LOGGED, AUG 26 I connected up my southwest phased BOGs last night and woke up early for a little sunrise DX to gauge DU conditions, since after all, it's that time of year again here when DU's can make their presence known in Michigan. Expecting nothing more than a few weak carriers to kick off the season, I was pleasantly surprised with weak audio on several channels. These logs all revolve around local sunrise time here, which was 1103 UT Aug. 26th, 2017, times below are UT. 612, 4QR ABC Brisbane with weak audio, easy enough to tell it's rugby play-by-play with Aussie accents. 1103 and now domestics have faded way down on 610 making 4QR easier to copy. In with weak audio for a solid ten minutes or so after sunrise. Carrier hung on until about 1120. 8,993 miles from TX to RX. 702, 2BL, ABC Sydney getting past heavy KHSE splatter that eventually fades down at 1103. Now fast paced rugby play-by-play lasting for several minutes and a bit stronger than 612. No idea if this was // to 612 as I couldn't catch simultaneous audio peaks between channels. Carrier still noted at 1123. 9,345 miles from TX to RX. 738, 2NR ABC North Coast in heavy splash from 730 with // 702 rugby coverage, peaking at audio at 1103 but only lasting a couple of minutes. 9,073 miles from TX to RX. 1098, for the first time here was more than just an open carrier! Slow relaxing music first noted around 1045 and continued up to the top of the hour and then talk but too weak to comprehend. Marshall Islands, I would assume? Unfortunately I couldn't parallel it against anything else for confirmation. Their streaming site wasn't working for me. Another brief signal peak at 1110 but then faded rapidly. First time catching any kind of audio here on 1098. DU carriers also noted on: 531, 549, 558, 576, 594 (strong), 603, 621, 639, 648, 693 (strong), 729, 747, 756, 828, 837, 882 (strong), 891, 1017 (strong), 1035 & 1116. Noteworthy North Americans heard at 1100 TOH: 570 KLZ Denver, CO [sic; it`s 560 --- gh] 600 KCOL Wellington, CO 640 KFI Los Angeles, CA 650 XETNT Los Mochis, SIN 680 KNBR San Francisco, CA 690 KPET Lamesa, TX - 250 W at 1,120 miles - "Real Country" NEW LOG! 700 KHSE Wylie, TX (huge signal) 760 XEABC & KFMB San Diego, CA (tent with Red Eye Radio, CBS network news & infomercial after 1100 TOH) 890 KJME Fountain, CO 1020 KCKN Roswell, NM 1070 KNX Los Angeles, CA 73, (Tim Tromp, West Michigan, ABDX via DXLD) Very promising indeed, Tim and a good inducement for me to get out into the field and finish up my west antenna (assuming it works). Good catch with KPET 690, I need that one. Sounds like you had Marshall Is. on 1098 to me. More listening should give you something more positive soon. Note they start s/off somewhat prior to 1130 and leave OC on. Re: 1017 (still needed here) I think s/off starts at about 1100 and ends 1103. 73 KAZ (Neil Kazaross, IL/WI, ibid.) Thanks, Kaz. KPET was a very nice surprise and one I wasn't expecting but will gladly take. Conditions were hot this morning towards the west. I'll be at it again tomorrow morning (so much for sleeping in this weekend). I'm looking forward to your logs this season, which has apparently begun here now! Thanks also for the reminder about the 1017 & 1098 sign-off times. Indeed, the 1017 carrier seemed gone shortly after 1100 UT. 73, (Tim Tromp, ibid.) Tim, Let me add my congratulations to those of KAZ for your long-range Australian loggings. Tracking down DU-DX at over 9,000 miles is always quite an accomplishment! <<< Re:1017 (still needed here) I think s/off starts at about 1100 and ends 1103. >>> This is true for the "usual" sign off, but 1017-Tonga has variable sign off times, and three different times were observed during the week of the Rockwork 4 DXpedition this month (1103, 1133 and 1243 UT). Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much of a pattern as to when the station will go on extended time. The latest sign off (1243) occurred during a weekday evening, and there was no sports event or other special reason that I could determine. Based on prior experience I was ready for extended time on their late Saturday evening on August 5th, but they signed off at 1103 as usual. Other DU's on the frequency are usually much weaker, however, so if you have a decent 1017 carrier after 1105 it's probably Tonga running on extended time (Gary DeBock, IRCA via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. ABC Podcast Audio Vs. 9,126 mile DX Audio (558-6WA) With the ABC website deleting Podcast audio for LR Network episodes earlier and earlier, I thought it would be a good idea to record the ABC Podcast audio matching a surprisingly strong reception of 558-6WA made on a modest 8" FSL antenna at the new "Oz Hill" DXing hotspot in Lincoln City, Oregon (9,126 miles, or 14,687 km). The "full episode" Podcast audio for two earlier receptions made by Tom R. and I during the Rockwork 4 DXpedition on August 4th (531-6DL and 558-6WA) has already been deleted from the ABC website. Fortunately, this reception was made less than a week ago, so I was still able to record the Podcast audio matching the 558-6WA reception content. Any DXer who receives a long-range ABC station should record the Podcast content matching their reception content ASAP, before the website deletes it. 558, 6WA Wagin, West Australia (received on a CC Skywave Ultralight and 8" FSL antenna in Lincoln City, OR at 1325z August 22, 2017-- 9,126 miles) https://app.box.com/s/pihnpq1bb676w92g19yb5bxoe1s30wpr Matching content from the ABC website Podcast (concerning Jerry Lee [sic] Lewis), 1325z August 22, 2017 https://app.box.com/s/dbdi8zikf6i3x9jqw3xlqon0s8ahix1z (Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA), Aug 28, IRCA via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. There are still circles within the Australian government that believe ABC shortwave programming was erroneously shut down. Maybe there's a chance it will come back? Sent from my iPhone (Edward Sylvester, Saudi Arabia, Aug 28, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Edward, Re your comments re ABC/R.Australia on SW. Yes I'm wondering where we're up to with all this. Perhaps more discussion by federal politicians & no action OR more discussion & perhaps extra funding to ABC or someone else to revive the service; I've no idea. SHP site still for sale on CBRE webpage. Nice to hear OzyRadio back on air. Also carrying AIR News. http://www.air-news.net/ (Ian, ibid.) ** AUSTRIA. 15260, IBRA R. (Radio Sama), Moosbrunn. S/on 0800 in Arabic to ME with ID and preaching. This seems to be part of IBRA Media, not FEBA as appears in Eibi listings. It also has its own website: http://www.radiosama.net Weak signal and f/out 0815, 12/8 (Rob Wagner, VK3BVW, Mount Evelyn, VIC (Yaesu FTDX 3000, Kenwood TS2000, Yaesu FRG100, Kenwood R5000, Tecsun PL-680, Horizontal Loop antenna, Double Bazooka antennas for 80, 40 and 20 metres, Par EF-SWL End Fed antenna, BHI NEIM1031 Digital Noise Eliminating Module, MFJ- 1026 Noise Cancelling Module, ATU), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) ** BAHRAIN. Fair signal of Radio Bahrain on August 26 1518 & 1608 on 9745*ABH 010 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic CUSB http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/weak-to-fair-signal-of-radio-bahrain-on.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** BANGLADESH. 15505, Aug 26 at 1356, BB carrier already on, 1359 IS and maybe mis-timesignal until 1359:18 but too weak to be sure. 15505, Aug 29 at 1355, BB open carrier at S3-S4; IS audible by 1358:50, and tentative mistimesignal until 1359:32 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BHUTAN. 6035, BBS. On Aug 22, heard PBS Yunnan (China) cut off at 1204*; BBS not on the air. Aug 23, at 1150, could make out two stations here; one with pop music (BBS) and the other with announcers in Chinese (PBS Yunnan), which cut off at 1200*, leaving BBS in the clear; in vernacular till BBS cut off at 1207*. Disappointed they did not stay on the air longer! My local sunrise today was at 1331 UT, while sunset at Thimphu was at 1230 UT. Aug 24, at 1213, BBS with the normal monologue in vernacular; 1219 brief break for indigenous instrumental music; cut off at 1221* (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) BHUTAN, only a single station noted around 1150-1202 UT, when used the remote SDR at Delhi India today Aug 25. 6034.9985, measured exactly at 1155 UT, Bhutan BS Thimphu program in Himalayan probably Dzongkha language, and mountain like typical music from that area. S=9+10dB signal strength, program heard continuously after 1200 UT still, and sudden TX off midst on program at exact 1202:24 UT. [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 25, dxldyg via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 6134.85, Radio Santa Cruz 2300 to 0000 good signal with OM Spanish, variety of music 26 August (Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Florida, 746Pro - Drake R8 NRD 525 60 meter dipole and noise reducing antenna, NASWA yg via DXLD) Despite the thunderstorm knock scratches heard this morning in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, another example of distorted microfone, feeder, transmitter, antenna failure, the sound from Santa Cruz Bolivia at 1028 UT, S=9+20dB on grayline peak noted in Alberta Canada on exact frequency of 6134.827 kHz. 73 wolfie, (Wolfgang Büschel, with a clip, Aug 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOUGAINVILLE [and non]. 3325, Aug 25 at 1153, almost equal S8-S6 mix of two stations, one talking, one musicking, i.e. NBC PNG and RRI Palangkaraya, INDONESIA. 1157 think I hear ``RRI`` [air-air-ee] mentioned. After 1200 seems one goes off which would be NBC (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3325, NBC Bougainville, 1124-1151*, Aug 27. Sunday religious songs till 1130, when switched over to pop hit songs (Linda Ronstadt - "When Will I Be Loved," etc.); DJ in Pidgin; suddenly off at 1151*, leaving a weak RRI in the clear. On Aug 26, heard 1103-1203*; usual DJ in Pidgin ("Saturday night . . last hour," etc.); playing pop Pacific Islands songs; 1154 ID with frequencies; entertaining reception, as was stronger than normal and very light RRI QRM. NBC Bougainville also heard Aug 25, at 1154; pop song Eric Carmen - "Hungry Eyes"; suddenly off 1201*. BTW - NBC Madang (3260), on Aug 26, with cut off at 1216* (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 7140-LSB, Aug 27 at 0341, S9+10 VG signal from PP5JR calling CQ Contest in English; weaker reply from a PP6. A few minutes later I find PP5JR on 7147.8-LSB, now switched to Brazuguese, fonetix placa-placa-cinco-japão-romêo, for the CVA = Concurso Verde-Amarelo i.e. the Brazilian flag colors green and yellow. Per QRZ.com, PP5JR is: SERGIO ALMEIDA, FLORIANOPOLIS SC 88030-140, or maybe his other club station in Rancho Queimado SC. This ham is doing much better than any Brazilian broadcaster audible on 6, 9 or 11 MHz! E.g. 11855.0, at 0410, R. Aparecida hymn and talk only S3; At 0412, 9725.4, R. Evangelizar even weaker. 7143-LSB, Aug 27 at 0347, much weaker PT6B calling CQ CVA. QRZ.com: BAHIA DX GROUP STATION CONTEST, FEIRA DE SANTANA - BAHIA (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. Internet. Sun, Aug 27 at 0234-0250, Radio Transmundial, Santa Maria-RS, in Portuguese. Carlos Felipe presents a DX program "Amigos do Radio" with Ulysses Galletti and Célio Romais and Paulo Batista (techical sound) participation. Ulysses presents the 2nd part of Radio New Zealand International and a 1st reception report; 0243 ID and Célio Romais talks News DX; 0246 ID, POBox, etc... A song; At 0247, religious program " A Palavra do Pastor" (DXer: Jose Ronaldo Xavier, Cabedelo-PB, Brazil, Degen DE1103, Longwire, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) Listed RTM SW frequencies are: 5965, 9530, 11735. The last is never on at night, and the others seldom reported, sporadic? (gh, DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 4885, Brasil, Rádio Clube do Pará, Belém, PA 2340 to 0000 om Portuguese, strong signal. 26 August (Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Florida, 746Pro - Drake R8 NRD 525 60 meter dipole and noise reducing antenna, NASWA yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 5990, R. Senado. Brasília (presumed). Just caught this for a few minutes with what sounded like a football match commentary in Portuguese. Eventually overcome by CRI Mongolian station. Poor from 1235, 8/8 (Phil Brennan, VK8VWA, Darwin NT (SDRPlay RSP1, Raspberry Pi 3, Wellbrook ALA1530 LNPro), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) Every so often we see a Brazil 5990 report like this, but 1235 UT is 9:35 am in Brasilia, unlikely to propagate, and no time for a football match either. If real, must be very sporadic. His assumption presumably based on Aoki listing of 24h Rádio Senado, altho no one ever reports it in evening, and the 250 kW transmitters at Brasilia have been closed down for months from 6185 & 11780. Possibly a Cuban SNAFU, as 5990 is one of their CRI relay frequencies at totally different daypart (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. [This report includes all his Brazilians logged this time] BRASIL, 4775, R. Congonhas, Congonhas MG, 2149-2201, 21/8, texto, noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil, às 2200; 25341. Melhor sinal em 22/8, pelas 2130, hora a que decorria a recitação do terço. 4805, R.Dif.ª do Amazonas, Manaus AM, 2207-2217, 26/8, propaganda religiosa; 24331, modulação fraca, QRM adjacente. 4845, R. Cultura do Amazonas, Manaus AM, 2127-2137, 19/8, canções; 45332, modulação algo fraca. 4861.8, R. Alvorada, Parintins PR, 2140-2149, 19/8, propag. relig., incl. recitação do terço; 35332. 4875.2, R. Roraima, Boa Vista RR, 2142-2151, 19/8, canções e propag. relig.; 45332. Melhor sinal em 21/8, pelas 2200. 4875.3, idem, 2223-2232, 23/8, canções; 45343. 4885, R. Dif.ª Acreana (presumed), Rio Branco AC, 2228-2238, 23/8, canções, texto; 22341, QRM da R. Club do Pará. 4894.9, R. Novo Tempo, Cp.º Grande MS, 2110-2120, 24/8, rubrica de discos pedidos; 45242. 4905, Nova R. Relógio, Rio de Jan.º RJ, 2124-2135, 22/8, texto, anúncios comerciais; 32341, QRM da CHINA [Tibete]. 4925.2, R. Educação Rural, Tefé AM, 2143-2152, 19/8, texto; 34331, QRM adj., da CHINA [Tibete], em 4920. 4985, R. Brasil Central, Goiânia GO, 2144-2154, 19/8, canções; 45343. 5035, R. Educação Rural, Coari AM, 2145-2155, 19/8, retransm. da R. Aparecida, missa; 35342. 5035, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2130-2141, 22/8, músic pop'; 35332. 5939.8, R. Voz Missionária, Camboriú SC, 2136-2145, 20/8, canções, anúncios de vária índole; 45343. 5939.8, idem, 0816-desvan. total 0915, 27/8, canções, texto; 25241. Perda do sinal em ritmo bem rápido. [desvan. total = fade-out time] 5939.9, idem, 2206-..., 21/8, noticiário nac. A Voz do Brasil; 45343, porém, com modulação fraca e algo distorcida. 6010.1, R. Inconfidência, Belo Horizonte MG, 2202-2215, 19/8, canções; 35332. 6040.7, R. Evangelizar, Curitiba PR, 2204-2215, 21/8, noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil; 23341, QRM adjacente. 6059.8, SRDA, Curitiba PR, 2134-2144, 20/8, propag. relig.; 35332. 6080, R. Marumby, Curitiba PR, 2132-2142, 20/8, canções durante programa de propag. relig.; 33331. 6160, R. Boa Vontade, Pt.º Alegre RS, 2135-2147, 22/8, propag. relig.; 25231. 9515, R. Marumby, Curitiba PR, 2107-2117, 20/8, canções durante programa de propag. relig.; 35332. 9630, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2205-2216, 21/8, noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil; 45444, modulação fraca. 9630, idem, 0910-desvan. total 1050, 28/8, texto, canções, noticiário das 1000 (quando o sinal recebeu algum alento); 25331. 9665.9, R. Voz Missionária, Camboriú SC, 0907-desvan. total 1115, 28/8, canções folclóricas brasileiras, saudações a ouvintes, noticiário das 1000; 35342. 9666 idem, 1037-desvan. total 1105, 20/8, texto, canções; 15341. Em 26/8, o desvanecimento total foi observado às 1130. 9666 idem, 2109-2119, 20/8, programa musical Bandas de Metais; 35343. 9666 idem, 2209-..., 21/8, noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil; 45443, modulação algo fraca e com distorção tal como observado na freq. paralela de 5939.9. 9674.9, R. Canção Nova, Cachoeira Paulista SP, 2128-2138, 24/8, propag. relig.; 34443, QRM adjacente. 9675, idem, 1050-desvan. total 1120, 20/8, missa; 15341. 9675, idem, 2212-2224, 21/8, noticiário nac. A Voz do Brasil; 35343. 9725.4, R. Evangelizar, Curitiba PR, 2112-2122, 20/8, propag. relig.; 44343, QRM adjacente. 9725.4, idem, 0904-desvan. total 1010, 28/8, canções, propag. relig.; 24342, QRM adjacente. 9819, R. 9 de Julho, São Paulo SP, 2130-2140, 20/8, texto, progr. acerca de migrantes; 44343, QRM adjacente. 9819 idem, 1115-desvan. total 1135, 26/8, texto; 15331. 11735, R. Transmundial, St.ª M.ª RS, 1413-1431, 22/8, propag. relig.; 15331. Sinal muito melhor, em 27/8, pelas 1450. 11735, idem, 1903-1917, 27/8, propag. relig., anúncio do endereço postal e electrº, anúncios de programação, ao que se seguiu o progr. DX Amigos do Rádio; 35343. Equívoco na designação? O nome do prgrama refere-se ao aparelho, ao rádio em si, ou ao meio de comunicação, *a rádio*? Se é a segunda, então conviria corrigir... salvo se os atropelos à língua portuguesa não causarem qq. incómodo [o rádio, masculine, means the apparatus; a rádio, feminine, means the medium --- gh] 11764.6, SRDA, Curitiba PR, 2215-2226, 21/8, noticiário nac. A Voz do Brasil, com a 2.ª parte às 2225; 45444. 11764.6, idem, 1415-1435, 22/8, propag. relig.; 25341. 11815, R. Brasil Central, Goiânia GO, 1244-..., 20/8, canções; 15331. 11855, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 1205-..., 20/8, texto, anúncios de programação; 15431. 11855, idem, 2219-2229, 21/8, noticiário nac. A Voz do Brasil, 2.ª parte às 2225; 35443. 11895.1, R .Boa Vontade, Pt.º Alegre RS, 2223-2235, 21/8, noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil, já a entrar na 2.ª parte; 25332. 11895.1, idem, 1446-1505, 27/8, propag. relig., música; 15341. 11934.9, R. Evangelizar, Curitiba PR, 2225-2238, 21/8, 2.ª parte do noticiário nacional A Voz do Brasil; 24442, QRM adjacente. 15190.1, R. Inconfidência, Belo Horizonte MG, 1844-1910, 19/8, música brasil., ID e indicação das freqs., prgr. Roda do Samba, às 1903; 35343. 15190.1, idem, 1300-1813, 20/8, canções, conversa, ..., relato de jogo de futebol; 25342, em ascensão. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CAMBODIA. Statement by CEO John F. Lansing on press freedom in Cambodia --- AUGUST 23, 2017 Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen greets garment workers during a visit to the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017 (AP Photo, Heng Sinith) [caption] Today the Cambodian government has launched what appears to be a campaign against key FM radio stations that carry Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts. These FM stations are a critical means for the Cambodian people to access accurate and independent news about Cambodia and the world. Reports indicate that at least one station has been intimidated into indefinitely ceasing broadcast of any RFA and VOA content, and another station has been completely shut down. As networks supported by the Broadcasting Board of Governors, RFA and VOA work tirelessly to provide top-notch investigative journalism and reporting to audiences in Cambodia. This disturbing development is part of a pattern of intimidation and harassment of independent news sources that coincides with the run up to the 2018 elections. We call on the Cambodian government to reverse this decision to muzzle objective sources of news and to allow all impacted stations to resume normal operations immediately (BBG PR via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, DXLD) Hey, the Cambodians couldn`t shut down SW or MW from abroad, like neighboring Thailand. Have you thought of that? O yes, per WRTH 2017, no Cambodian on VOA or RFA, but Khmer: VOA uses Thailand 1575 + Philippines SW; RFA uses NMI SW only, AM radiowise (gh, DXLD) ** CAMBODIA [non]. 17860, Voice of Khmer M'Chas Srok, Dushanbe [sic; TAJIKISTAN? site. See below]. Very weak signal at s/on 1130 with a long talk in the Khmer language. Faded out by 1140 - this is a tough one with winter nights and low sunspots both conspiring to make it through to Mount Evelyn! Schedule is Sun and Tue only. 13/8 (Rob Wagner, VK3BVW, Mount Evelyn, VIC (Yaesu FTDX 3000, Kenwood TS2000, Yaesu FRG100, Kenwood R5000, Tecsun PL-680, Horizontal Loop antenna, Double Bazooka antennas for 80, 40 and 20 metres, Par EF-SWL End Fed antenna, BHI NEIM1031 Digital Noise Eliminating Module, MFJ-1026 Noise Cancelling Module, ATU), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) Voice of Khmer M'Chas Srok via BaBcoCk Tashkent on August 24 1130-1200 17860 TAC 100 kW / 122 deg to SEAs Khmer Thu/Sun, fair/good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/voice-of-khmer-mchas-srok-via-babcock_24.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) Voice of Khmer M'Chas Srok via BaBcoCk Tashkent Aug 27 1130-1200 17860 TAC 100 kW / 122 deg to SEAs Khmer Thu/Sun, very good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/voice-of-khmer-mchas-srok-via-babcock_27.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** CHINA. 4940, V of Strait (Fuzhou), *1300+ 7, 8, 9 August. Pops on with DJ chat over music bed then playing Donna Summer's "Bad Girls" on the 7th, Chinese romantic tune on the 8th & another English blues/torch song on the 9th. Plays same "tootly" instrumental at 1400 just before the 5+1 pips, as heard on 9505 at 1300. 9505, VoS (Fuzhou), 1216-1300* 7, 8, 9 August. Nice mid-evening (2016+ hours Beijing time) program, mostly DJ chat on 7, 9 August with much more music & maybe ads on the 8th. Closes with a "tootly" instrumental & (presumed) program-ending info, 5+1 pips & what sounds like a Beijing TC at 1300, a bit of flute & off (Dan Sheedy, Moonlight Beach, CA PL380/6m X wire, via Bob Wilkner, NASWA yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** CHINA. ECLIPSE LOG [not audible under 'normal' conditions] 9355/9965, Firedragon 1720+ 21 August. Fair/OK with their enthusiastic music jamming v. unheard RFA (Dan Sheedy, Encinitas, CA PL380/6m X wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ALASKA Chinese Firedrake Jammer vs Radio Free Asia, August 24 1700-1900 on 9965 SAI 100 kW / 300 deg to EaAs Chinese+Jammer http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/chinese-firedrake-jammer-vs-radio-free.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, Aug 24-25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 6125, CNR1, 1216-1308, Aug 27. Preempted regular programs to provide live coverage of the opening ceremony of the 13th National Games of China, held in northeastern China (Tianjin); 1232 played the National Anthem ("March of the Volunteers"); President Xi Jinping with speech opening the games. Youtube coverage in Chinese (CCTV) at http://goo.gl/Uw5pAV Certainly a major production and has been called China's mini- Olympics. Think we can look for more special coverage in the days to come (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non-log]. 6065 & 6155, CNR2, Aug 27 at 1259+, found both frequencies silent; whereas CNR2 was on the air 7265 // 7315 (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 7148-USB, VC01 (Chinese Military numbers station), on Aug 27; heard at 0937, 1033, 1122 & 1203, with numbers in Chinese; fair reception. Also // 7564-LSB at 0937, 1033, but off the air at 1122 & 1203. 7345-USB, V26, 1217, Aug 26. Numbers in Chinese; mixing with equally strong CRI (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non]. 9900, Aug 27 at 2355, JBA signal. Aoki shows only RTI at end of bihour of jammed Chinese, so probably CNR1. For a moment I envisioned R. Cairo which used to be amid its sesquihour in English to North America on 9900, now defunct. 9800, Aug 27 at 2355, very poor music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Answer: EAST TURKISTAN ** CHINA. Design of site of International Radio of China has changed: http://russian.cri.cn/ (Dmitry Kutuzov, Ryazan, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx" via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) ** CONGO-Brazzaville. 6115, R. Congo, Brazzaville, 1815-1824, 20/8, francês, noticiário; 35231. Melhor sinal em 24/8, pelas 1825. 6115 idem, 1828-1833, 24/8, francês, programa de propaganda religiosa, canções; 35332. O fecho ocorreu pelas 1900 ou logo antes. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6115, Radio Congo, Brazzaville, 1812-1859, 24-08, French, comments, songs, ID "Radio Congo". 14321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Lugo, Tecsun PL-880, Sony ICF SW7600G, cable antenna, 8 meters, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 6145, Aug 27 at 0335, RHC English is barely modulated with hum, during music, much better on 6000 (barely modulated is however a cut above ``just barely modulated``). By 0540 Aug 27: 6145 undermodulated, 6100 dead air, 6060 overmodulated somewhat distorted, 6000 undermodulated & distorted, weaker than 5040 OK. Also 6230 leapfrog detectable JBA with // music, 6060 over 6145 another 85 kHz higher (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6100 RHC English program audio not on air at 0520 UT this morning, only empty carrier at S=9+30dB level. Usual up to S=9+45dB powerhouses observed in FL and MI-US remote stations, with 'R Social Club' music program, Cuban classical dance music, on 6000 Quivicán San Felipe outlet, and from Bauta site too on 6060, 6145 kHz and also 5040 kHz S=9+30db. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 27, dxldyg via DXLD) 15513.045, Aug 27 at 1313, 1-kHz bandscan with BFO hits this which could be V of Tibet, but not likely to be so far off-frequency. Can make out a bit of music on S2 signal. Whenever anything is wrong, first thing to check is Radio Habana Cuba, and sure `nuff, it`s same as 15370, 143+ kHz below. So there should be another spur on the other side circa 15227 --- and there it is, very weak at 15226.951 or so, right next to another intentional RHC frequency 15230. If the upper one were on 15510, it would obviously be a leapfrog mixture of 15230 and 15370 another 140 kHz higher, but not in this case, nothing to do with 15230 but just plus/minus spurs out of 15370 unit. Both are wobbling slightly. Still there at 1340 check, as on 15370, AC about TEP between LU and CO (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [and non]. 13605, Aug 24 at 1429, R. Martí is very strong S9+30 and seems jam-free, so I check 13820, the B-only season frequency, and sure enough, wasted pulse jamming there. Back to 13605 now audibilized a bit of jamming. Other Cuban transmitter on 13740 relaying China is VG S9+30. 6060, Aug 28 at 0006, S9+40 of dead air. RHC will get around to modulating it when they`re good and ready. 12090, Aug 27 at 2351, very poor music at S1 from RHC, yet another leapfrog mixing product, this time 11670 Spanish over 11880 English, another 210 kHz beyond, both of which are very strong. Since it`s Sunday, alternate Mesa Redonda service 11950 is off, so no spurs this hour involving it. 11810 & 12000, Aug 29 at 2323 are the only RHC leapfrog spurs detectable during today`s 23-24 UT hour, piling up the kilowatts on 25m. Fundamentals active are 11760, 11840, 11880 and 11950, not 11670. Plus the always plus/minus 10 parasitic spurs out of 11840 on 11830 & 11850. 11810 computes to be leapfrog of 11950 over 11880; 12000 as 11760 over 11880 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Hi Guys: Here is my report for the last week of late season FM E-Skip. Included here is a nice opening to [from] CUBA that yielded 2 NEW CUBANS as well as several RELOGS from CUBA and the FLORIDA KEYS. Things are really tailing off now as far as E-Skip goes; but any Es loggings at the end of August is a Bonus!! RECEIVERS: ELAD FDM-S2 SDR and SANGEAN HDT-1X TUNER ANTENNAS: APS-14 - 14 Element Beam @ 50 FEET on TOWER and FM DIPOLE @ 5 FEET on Back Deck. FM LOG TOTALS are now 3,300 Stations Heard 102.7, CMIP, RADIO SURCO, Ciego de Ávila, Aug/21/17, 1814 EDT, SS VG. Instrumental music. Male DJ gave full ID over music at 1814 EDT as "Transmite CMIP, Radio Surco, desde Ciego de Ávila, capital de locación [locución? gh] cubana", more music. Mixing near the end with WHKR - Rockledge, FLORIDA. 1470 MILES, NEW STN [to his log], 31.623 kW 100.9, CMBC-3, RADIO PROGRESO, Ciego de Ávila, Aug/21/17, 1814 EDT, SS VG. Male and female reading news items from Barcelona and several items from La Habana. Instrumental musical interludes between some of the news items. Much more upbeat than the news items heard on Radio Reloj!! Lots of mentions of Cuba and Havana. 1470 Miles, NEW STN, 251 Watts!! 101.5, CMBD, RADIO RELOJ, Havana, Aug/21/17, 1814 EDT, SS FAIR, Male announcer with news items in Spanish, and clock ticks. RR in Morse on the Minute. "Radio Reloj" ID, RELOG, 3.162 KW 94.7, CMBD-4, RADIO RELOJ, Cienfuegos, Aug/21/17, 1819 EDT, SS VG. Male announcer with news items in Spanish, and clock ticks. RR in Morse on the Minute. "Radio Reloj" ID. Mixing with CMCA Radio Ciudad - Havana. RELOG, 1.586 kW 94.7, CMCA, RADIO CIUDAD, Havana, Aug/21/17, 1820 EDT, SS GOOD, lively Cuban music and Spanish vocals IN/OUT for about 4 Minutes. Mixing with CMBD-4 Radio Reloj Cienfuegos, RELOG, 39.811 kW 73 (ROB VA3SW, Robert S. Ross, London, Ontario, CANADA, WTFDA gg via DXLD) ** DENMARK. Kalundborg transmitter 90th anniversary Aug 29 The Danmarks Radio (DR) transmitter site at Kalundborg is 90 years old on 29th August according to this DR article. It still operates a limited daily schedule on 243 kHz LW, at least until 2019. Includes comments from Jen's Christian Seeberg who gave us a tour of the site when the final DSWCI meeting was held there in October last year (see Nov 2016 'Communication'). Also describes how the masts were saved from being blown up by German occupation troops in iWW2. http://www.dr.dk/om-dr/nyheder/billeder-90-aar-med-kalundborgsenderen-og-landsdaekkende-radio (12 Aug) (in Danish but translates well with online translate tools) Posted by: (alan.pennington, Aug 26, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) ** EAST TURKISTAN. 9800, Aug 28 at 2339, soft vocal music around S4, saccharine spiritual sound could be in English from Christian station; 2351 segúe to another song with rock beat, and 2358 to another with a steady MM of 120 per minute. What could this be? August 29 at 0000, right into CRI theme, Chinese and Spanish IDs as Radio Internacional de China! Also logged a biday ago as unID, overlooking that it is in Aoki altho out of time order, as well as HFCC: 2300-0100, 500 kW, 269 degrees from Kashgar to CIRAF 14. But why would CRI Spanish waste time playing music like that with no announcements? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ECUADOR [non]. HCJB Voice of The Andes via MBR Moosbrunn, August 26 1530-1602 on 13800 MOS 100 kW / 090 deg to CeAs Russian Sat 1602-1630 on 13800 MOS 100 kW / 090 deg to CeAs Chechen Sat http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-hcjb-voice-of-andes-via.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** EGYPT [and non]. Radio Cairo goofed yesterday. The 9895 kHz / 2000 UT broadcast is supposed to be French, but it was English and modulation was OK and audio quality was distorted but "fair". Best I've heard from them in just about ever. Here's my recording: https://app.box.com/s/oh3b3kfiof3nqpag40o3e15xzw6e0v5j They almost sound better than Radio Havana Cuba this time around, when the usual standard is to sound way worse then RHC. I love to describe Radio Havana Cuba as a muddy, distorted under modulated crispy dog turd warmed up in the microwave and shoved through a paper towel tube. Think about that, imagine it, then listen to RHC, and tell me I'm wrong (Paul Walker, PA, Aug 24, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) Holy moly, I think we are in the second apocalypse or something. For the second day in less then a week, Radio Cairo in English has decent modulation and decent audio quality; and this time English is on the right frequency of 9800, instead of 9895 where it was the other day instead of the French that should've been there. For those who aren't aware Radio Cairo is notorious for the last decade or two to have a huge signal but modulation down in the dumps, maybe 10-20 percent if you're lucky and audio quality that sounds like a dog turd microwaved till it's crispy and shoved through a paper towel tube. 2243 UT Aug 25 (Paul Walker, PA, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) Paul, When I started DXing in the late 1960s I can recall sending a reception report to R Cairo and trying to describe to them how they had a killer signal but I still could barely hear them. Needle was pegged on my old Hallicrafters SX-99 but it sounded like the announcer was sitting across the room from the mike. Jer(ry Coatsworth, Ont., ibid.) What's funny is that their Internet audio is undermodulated too - at least it has been in the past (Richard Cuff, PA, ibid.) Radio Cairo Shortwave --- Some of you may have seen my posts about Radio Cairo's English service in the last week or so. I heard them on August 23rd at 2030 on 9895khz. Modulation was still pretty low, around 30-35 percent but audio quality was fairly good. Here's my recording: https://app.box.com/s/oh3b3kfiof3nqpag40o3e15xzw6e0v5j Well, on August 25th, I'd heard Radio Cairo English at 2230 on 9800 and regarded that as the best I'd ever heard Cairo in English. audio quality was pretty good, modulation still a bit low, around 40-45 percent but programming was overall pretty understandable. Here's my recording: https://app.box.com/s/tbdzc94e8t1col5cdt3jxqx3vu7jl8tv Well, hold onto your hats because Cairo gets even better, sorta kinda maybe. On August 27, I once heard the English service on 9800 kHz. The usual hum was there but this time they were modulating about 60-70 percent; however the audio source material sounded like it was recorded way too hot. However this was still pretty understandable. Voice was a bit distorted, but music was OK. Here's my recording: https://app.box.com/s/0n7htyi84fpazkmoe8khxkvjjg3mxvm4 I am not hopeful this quality will last and get better because over two decades of history proves otherwise (Paul Walker, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) This from the guy who used to criticise me for so much negativity in documenting station SNAFUs (gh, DXLD) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. 5005, Radio Nacional, Bata, 0512*-0527 [sic], 27-08, extremely weak, only carrier detected today (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Lugo, Tecsun PL-880, Sony ICF SW7600G, cable antenna, 8 meters, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ERITREA [and non]. 7140, 1st Home Service on 18/8 s/on at 0257 with IS, ID in vernacular followed by jamming. No trace of Eritrea 2nd program, but maybe it is related with 5940 at 0415 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) New frequencies of VOBME 1 and VOBME 2 Dimtsi Hafash on August 18: 1400-1830 7181.6 ASM 100 kW / non-dir EaAf Tigrinya VOBME 1, ex 7175.0 1400-1830 7140.0 ASM 100 kW / non-dir EaAf Amharic VOBME 2, ex 7150.0 1800-1830 7181.6 ASM 100 kW / non-dir EaAf Arabic VOBME 1, ex 7175.0 1500-1700 both freqs are jammed by Ethiopia with white noise digital jamming http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/new-frequencies-of-vobme-1-and-vobme-2.html (DX RE MIX NEWS #1024 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, August 24, 2017 via DXLD) 7140.020, VoBME-1 R Asmara outlet, S=9+5dB signal noted in Qatar remote unit, talk on local at 0310 UT. From Ethiopian security department 7125 to 7155 kHz WHITE NOISE audio jamming distortion now on air, when checked at 0328 UT again, S=9+15dB broadband signal. 7180.020, VoBME-2 R Asmara, Horn of Africa music, at 0312 UT S=9+5dB, heard in Doha Qatar. - but covered by stronger: 7179.992, ETHIOPIA, much noisy BUZZ audio cover, by little stronger S=9+10dB in 0305-0311 UT range, + 2 x 50 Hertz peaks distance apart of the fundamental fq, visible either sideband. From Ethiopian security department 7125 to 7155 kHz WHITE NOISE audio jamming distortion now on air, when checked at 0336 UT again, S=9+15dB broadband signal. At 0337 UT checked Ethiopians, weak 5949.998 kHz S=4-5 maybe low power today - or main transmitter on duty as JAMMING service on 7140/7180 kHz this morning? All noted in remote SDR at Doha. Heard on SDR remote unit at Doha, Qatar, Middle East, 0300-0345 UT Aug 24, [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7140.020, VoBME1 Radio Asmara, S=9+15dB signal strength at 0445 UT, talk and HoA music, happy radio program type. NOT JAMMED by Ethiopian security services at this time slot. 7181.555, center frequency of VoBME2 Radio Asmara service, S=9+15dB signal strength in Doha Qatar. At 0455 UT on Aug 27. HoA music at 0450-0456 UT, and heavy signal of Ethiopian origin WHITE NOISE SCRATCHING AUDIO JAMMING in 7169 to 7189 kHz frequency range block (Wolfgang Büschel, early UT morning log, 0430-0500 UT on Aug 27, in Doha Qatar Middle East remote Perseus SDR unit: [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 27, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7140.020, VoBME-1 Radio Asmara, S=9dB signal strength at 0427 UT on Aug 29, talk and HoA mx, happy radio program type. Stronger jamming when compared against 7181v, HEAVILY JAMMED by Ethiopian security services at this time slot, in 7127-7152 kHz range. I think, the 5950v kHz Ethiopian is used here as Jammer purpose. 7181.554, center frequency of ERI VoBME-2 Radio Asmara service, S=9+15dB signal strength in Doha Qatar, stronger than 7140.020 ERI-1. At 0428 UT on Aug 29. HoA mx, and heavy signal of Ethiopian origin WHITE NOISE SCRATCHING AUDIO JAMMING in 7169 to 7192 kHz frequency range block [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ETHIOPIA below for log of jamming alone ** ETHIOPIA. 6029.998, S=9+10dB R Oromiya at 0341 UT, 6089.996 kHz S=9+5dB R Amhara, 6110.001 kHz S=9+5dB R Fana at 0345 UT. All noted in remote SDR at Doha. Heard on SDR remote unit at Doha, Qatar, Middle East, 0300-0345 UT Aug 24, [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) more logs of these mixed in below ** ETHIOPIA. 5940, UnID in vernacular on 5/8 at 1910 with Horn of Africa type dance music, after in fast tempo reading news and on 16/08 starting at 0415 on 5940 rumbling with Voz Missionária Brazil (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) Shortwave schedule of Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya /DDSI/, the official station of the Ethiopian Somali Regional State: 0400-0510 on 5940 unknown tx / unknown to EaAf Ethiopian Somali 1300-1500 on 5940 unknown tx / unknown to EaAf Ethiopian Somali 1810-2000 on 5940 unknown tx / unknown to EaAf Ethiopian Somali http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-radio-deegaanka-soomaalida.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) UNKNOWN, UNIDentified station with African music and talks on August 17, 1830-2020 on 5940 unknown tx / unknown to EaAf unknown lang, weak http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/unidentified-station-with-african-music.html (DX RE MIX NEWS #1024 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, August 24, 2017 via DXLD) In Skovlunde I heard today these stations on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire: 5940.00, 1840-1850* 24.8, Ethiopian Somali Regional State R (_New SW station_), Somali ann, Horn of Africa music, the ID seems to be in full according to Mauno Ritola: "Halkan waa raadiyaha dowlad deegaanka somalida ethiopia", 35333, AP-DNK (Anker Petersen, Denmark, WBradio yg via DXLD) Am 19.08.2017 um 12:35 schrieb Roger: ``Für mich klingt das weiterhin nach einer arabischen ID mit "idahatu". Oder so ähnlichin Somali ---`` Somali: Idaacada <=== !! "Im Radio" Idaacada BBC "BBC Nachrichten" Dhagaysiga "Zuhören" Degaanka "Lokaler ~, Lokales" Halkani "Sie sind bei ~" Der UKW-Sender auf 99.1 FM in der Regional-Hauptstadt hat die Bezeichnung "Idaacada Jigjiga" Entsprechende Keywords bei der YOUTUBE- Suche: "Idaacada" + "Jigjiga" brachte ein Video von der Eröffnungsfeierdieser regionalen SW-Station. [ESTV/NOGOBNEWS] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPDXUVOeoCA weitere Suche: "Idaacada Cusub SW" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7BSj9J-VZk "Xaflada Xadhig Kajarka Idaacada Cusub SW Full Video" [knappe 20 Minuten !] (roger, germany, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5940even, non-log, NOT ON AIR at 0306 UT on Aug 24. "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya" or "Radio Somali Region State of Ethiopia". I guess G.E. image shows like an "Earth Net sore in the landscape" to follow another MW station to be built up there soon?, ETH Jijiga 09 20 42.97 N 42 52 13.56 E Heard on SDR remote unit at Doha, Qatar, Middle East, 0300-0345 UT Aug 24, [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 24, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5940even, new 50 kW Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio Jijiga. "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya" checked, but NOT ON AIR at 0455 UT on Aug 27. [WORLD OF RADIO 1893] 5949.999, - non log - ETH Voice of Tigre Revol, Gedja, Tigre, NOT ON AIR at 0430 on Aug 27, or maybe a very poor TX reserve unit instead as monitored in past days. Transmitter could be in use at same time slot as WHITE NOISE JAMMING unit in 7169-7189 kHz range against ERI VoBM2 Radio Asmara service on 7181.555 kHz. 6030.001, Radio Oromiya from Gedja, Afar at 0435 UT on Aug 27 in remote SDR installation in Doha Qatar Middle East S=7-8 usual daytime path strength from Ethiopia. 6089.996, Radio Amhara, at 0436 UT S=7-8 strength. Local music in progress. 6110.001, Radio Fana from Gedja, Amharic, S=7-8 at 0437 UT on Aug 27 (Wolfgang Büschel, early UT morning log, 0430-0500 UT on Aug 27, in Doha Qatar Middle East remote Perseus SDR unit: [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 27, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5940even, new 50 kW Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio Jijiga. "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya" checked, ON AIR in S=8-9 level, at 1833 UT on Aug 27. Less strength than 100 kW Ethiopian signals in 49 mb. 5950.005, Voice of Tigre Revolution, Gedja, in Tigre, ON AIR at 1835 on Aug 27, S=9+25dB strongest ETH transmitter, like in use for anti- ERI Jamming in 7179-7189 kHz in the morning. 6030.003, Radio Oromiya from Gedja, Afar at 1839 UT on Aug 27 in remote SDR installation in Doha Qatar Middle East S=9+20dB usual night time strength from Ethiopia. 6089.995, Radio Amhara, at 1842 UT S=9+20dB strength. Local music in progress, funny program. 6110.001, Radio Fana from Gedja, Amharic, S=9+20dB strength HoA music, at 1844 UT on Aug 27. 1832-1900 UT empty carriers of Asmara Eritreans on 7140 and 7181v kHz, S=9+20dB carrier signals in Qatar [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, remote SDR unit in Doha Qatar Middle East, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 27, dxldyg via DXLD) Re: If you scroll down enough, youll see pictures of some ceremony, behind the speaker is a poster with antenna and letters "SW" and "DDSI" (Jari Savolainen-FIN, dxld Aug 21) Jari, many thanks. - Great Investigation! "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya"? That could be refer to "Radio Somali Region State of Ethiopia". I guess the G.E. image shows like a "Earth Net sore in the landscape" to follow another MW station to be built up there soon ?, ETH Jijiga 09 20 42.97 N 42 52 13.56 E, is my guess only. here my research try on internet: Jijiga a city in eastern Ethiopia and the capital of the Somali Regional State of the country. Jigjiga, Giggigga, Giggiga, Dzhidzhiga, Djigdjiga, Jigjigga, Dschidschiga, Djidjiga, Dschidschiga, Djidjiga, Djidjiga, Dschidschiga. G.C. 09 21 00 N 42 48 00 E maybe erected on new developed area seen on 27 May 2016 G.E. image: Mast close to 09 20 49.46 N 42 51 06.03 E or looks like a new MW mast erection built up close to 09 20 42.97 N 42 52 13.56 E some 140 km from Hargeysa Somalia. some 77 km east of Harar Ethiopia MW 855 kHz. WB: OFFICIAL OPENING REPORT: I could see no engineering people from BBEF China on the various pictures, of the inauguration report. Only African Ethiopian Muslim people seen, no Western face or Asian origin so far. Maybe somebody can identify the type of the transmitter {cabinet}, I guess a Made in China, BBEF Beijing company (or renamed now?). See enclosed pictures of the Chinese BBEF 100 kW tx Shijak Albania and the Jijiga ETH transmitter, "Door handle design on the cabinet" is totally different now. Or see Ampegon pictures. Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio Jijiga. The signal strength on 5940 kHz - is my assumption -, it is a 20 to 50 kW tx class here. (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 22) Thanks Wolfie. In Jigjiga - Somali Region State of Ethiopia, there's one FM station, Somali FM 99.1 and a television station ESTV. I believe both are governed by local Mass Media Agency. And I presume the new station on 5940 kHz is also operated by the same MMA I sent an e-mail to ESTV asking some questions about 5940 kHz station. Most probably they'll never reply, but who knows. At the ESTV archive, there's a video June 27, of the 5940 kHz launching at There you can see some closer shots of the transmitter. Maybe the transmitter is co-located with FM and/or TV station. (Jari Savolainen-FIN, A-DX Aug 23) in Somali language. MW CMC Oo Xadhiga Kajaray Idaacada Dhagaysiga SW Ee DDSI. Jigjiga on 26th June 2017. A high-profile event that was held at the local SWDA radio station attended by the top officials of DDSI, the first president of DDSI Mr. Abdi Mohamud Omar, and the Speaker of Parliament SRSG Chairman, Mudane Mohammedrashid Isak, Vice President of the DDSI and Minister for Environmental Agriculture and Natural Resources Saad Ahmed Farah, Vice President and Minister of Construction and Development of cities Mudise Abdikarin Egal, DDSI Officers, some of the Council of Elders, Environment, the different levels of media workers in the group of bandwidth and other guests. It is the first time that DDSI President, Abdi Mohamud Omar, has an important milestone in which the president has informed the media about the local media performance and the different media landscape surrounding the media. He added that different levels of local media have come up in different situations without any radio or television broadcast in the area surrounding the area except for the listening list of complaints and Fahan-based ideology Was listening. According to the president, this SW station is the first radio station in the area and it will contribute to communication and development as a result of the local community's 85% of the pastoralists who are unable to watch TV, The president said that the local media performance was a model for the ESTV solution, as the peace pact was addressed by local residents, especially the local community. The magazine thanked thanks to the TV channels and websites that supported the development of the environment. On the other hand, the speaker spoke on behalf of the speaker and the speaker of XDSHSI Mudane Mohammed Ismail Isaq, who first addressed the stride of the SW as a way of life and is involved in the development of the environment. Afterwards, the DDSI president and the speaker of the parliament have been subjected to the arrest [really meaning: able to pick up?? gh] of the Short Wave (SW) radio station at 5940 kHz and listen to the entire camp and hear from the current situation. DDSI President Abdi Mohamud Omar and Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed A. Ismail paid a prize to the prominent members of the loyalty and loyalty of local media in the first place of the local media director Farhan Mohamud Ahmed, The president has advised the staff to continue their efforts there (cakaaranews.com, June 26; from Jigjiga Ethiopian Somali Regional State) (via BC-DX 25 Aug via DXLD) Have ever managers, let alone ordinary engineers, of suppliers been seen on such self-congratulation events...? > Maybe somebody can identify the type of the transmitter {cabinet} , > I guess a Made in China, BBEF Beijing company (or renamed now?). Nope. RIZ OR 50 K-04/A or OR 100 K-04/A. http://www.riz.hr/en/transmitters/short-wave/transmitter-50kw.html Has there ever been an AM transmitter in Ogaden before? (Kai Ludwig, shortwavesites yt via DXLD) Nice investigative work, Kai. I was looking at the BBEF site SW TX pics yesterday & couldn't find a match. Certainly the tx cabinet door handles & locks look to be a RIZ 50 or 100 kW unit match for the right cabinet sections. Cabinet colour differences noted, unless photography colour isn't correct. My initial thoughts for transmitter power rating for a regional broadcaster would be in the range 25-50 kW. Perhaps 50 kW seems more likely until further intel sourced. (Ian, ibid.) Main clue here was the controls/metering/display panel. See also the other videos meanwhile referred in DXLD; they give a somewhat clearer view. Concerning the power: RIZ also still offers a smaller 20 kW shortwave transmitter of the same frequency-agile design, such as once installed at Mühlacker (the transmitter there just rot away after its closure, if that was not known so far). So someone must have made a deliberate decision that they want 50 or 100 kW (Kai Ludwig, swsitesyg Aug 27 via DXLD) ETH / ERI / SOM log used remote SDR unit in Doha Qatar Middle East unit. on Aug 27 5940even new 50 kW Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio Jijiga. "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya" checked, ON AIR in S=8-9 level, at 1833 UT on Aug 27. Less strength than 100 kW Ethiopian signals in 49 mb. [and non]. 7181.555 ERI S=9+25dB, jamming 7169-7191 kHz. 7140.019 ERI S=9+20dB, jamming 7127-7152 kHz, 1648 UT. 7119.993 SOM S=9+15dB 1650 UT 6100even R Fana ETH S=9+15dB, adj PBS Xizang Lhasa Tibet. 6089.997 ETH S=9+5 1649 UT 6030.001 ETH Afar, S=8-9, 1650 UT. 5949.997 ETH small reserve power 10 kW ? alternate S=5-6 1651 UT, main TX is in 41mb jamming involved. 5939.999 ETH Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio from Jijiga, S=6-7, til TX off 1655 UT 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Morning log at 0415-0435 UT on Aug 29, taken in Doha Qatar Middle East remote Perseus SDR unit: 5940even, new 50 kW Ethiopian Somali Regional State Radio Jijiga. "Radio Deegaanka Soomaalida Itoobiya" checked, S=6 signal rather tiny, poorest morning signal of the 4 Ethiopians in 49mb, at 0425 on Aug 29. [WORLD OF RADIO 1893] 5949.999 - non log - ETH Voice of Tigre Revolution, Gedja, Tigre, NOT ON AIR at 0418 UT on Aug 29, as monitored in past days. TX is definitely in use at same time slot as WHITE NOISE JAMMING unit in 7127-7152 kHz range against ERITREA VoBM1 Radio Asmara service on 7140.020 kHz. 6029.994, Radio Oromiya from Gedja, Afar at 0435 UT on Aug 29 in remote SDR installation in Doha Qatar Middle East S=7-8 usual daytime path strength from Ethiopia. Rather unusual this morning: 6090.095, wandered downwards x.092, Radio Amhara, at 0419 UT S=7-8 strength. Local HoA music. Looks like, the technician moved the frequency 100 Hertz upper side today, when compared against Aug 27 morning outlet. 6109.999, Radio Fana from Gedja, Amharic, S=8 at 0437 UT on Aug 29. Best signal of the 4 Ethiopians in 49mb this morning [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 7173-7191 approx., Aug 27 at 0346, QRDRM, i.e. jamming presumed vs Voice of Broad Masses of Eritrea. No carrier detectable amid, but has been reported lately about 7180. No sign of a second blob lower against the other VOBME, instead hams from BRAZIL, q.v. (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7140.020, ERITRA, VoBME-1 Radio Asmara, S=9dB signal strength at 0427 UT on Aug 29, talk and HoA mx, happy radio program type. Stronger jamming when compared against 7181v, HEAVILY JAMMED by Ethiopian security services at this time slot, in 7127-7152 kHz range. I think the 5950v kHz Ethiopian is used here as Jammer purpose. 7181.554, ERITREA center frequency of ERI VoBME-2 Radio Asmara service, S=9+15dB signal strength in Doha Qatar, stronger than 7140.020 ERI-1. At 0428 UT on Aug 29. HoA mx, and heavy signal of Ethiopian origin WHITE NOISE SCRATCHING AUDIO JAMMING in 7169 to 7192 kHz frequency range block (Wolfang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ETHIOPIA. 7234.710 and hopping around +/- 20 Hertz, x.700 to x.740 kHz, at 1644 UT Gedja Ethiopia, S=9+15dB in Doha Qatar (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EUROPE. FRS on air Sunday August 27th 2017 --- Following our first (and successful) Summer evening broadcast which took place late July, FRS-Holland plans a second one Sunday 27th August 1700-2100 UT (1900- 2300 CEST). Frequencies will be 7700 // 6284 kHz*. At this more or less special occasion FRS will go full speed with fresh thematic programmes including all presenters. An evening full of great music related to specific themes and of course with the 'usual' links to the subject of 'radio'! And: FRS celebrates its 37th anniversary as well!! A brand new QSL will be available (see link below). (*6284 will be choice #1; otherwise scan 48 mb to find us on a alternative frequency) See full schedule and QSL info see http://www.frsholland.nl/20-latest-news/109-frs-on-air-sunday-august-27th-2.html (via BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Good signal here from FRS Holland at the moment (1925 UT 27/8) on 6279.8 kHz. 6285 occupied by another station. Nothing heard here on 7700 kHz. 73s (Nick Rank, Buxton, UK, Sony ICF 2001D, long wire & ATU. Sent from Samsung Mobile on O2, ibid.) ** FIJI [non-log]. 558, Radio Fiji One. Normally I daily hear some type of signal from them, but Aug 27 had no trace of any carrier here. Just very poor propagation or what? (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FIJI. Our AM frequency 990 kHz is now accessible from the outer islands and the interior of the larger islands. Let those not able to hear us on our FM frequency know that they can tune into Gold’s AM frequency for all the great classics and news all day now (Gold FM website via Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) $15 MILLION AM RADIO FACILITY BETTER, COVERS MARITIME ISLANDS Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (from left), Japanese Ambassador to Fiji Masahiro Omura, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, JICA resident Representatives Hiroyuki Sawada and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation CEO, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the launching of new medium wave radio transmission facility in Nakasi, Nausori on August 11, 2017. Photo: Ronald Kumar. Fijians in all maritime islands can now tune in to the recently installed and clearer Amplitude Modulated (AM) Signal that will be broadcasted on two main radio stations. The new medium wave radio transmission $15 million facility is managed by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and funded by the government of Japan will air programmes on both Radio Fiji One and Gold stations. Officiating at the launch in Naulu, Nakasi on Friday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said Fijians living in Vanuabalavu, Lakeba or Ovalau could now tune on to the radio and join listeners around the country through a range of AM programming. Mr Bainimarama said through this upgrade Fiji had now achieved a 100 per cent coverage for all outer islands. “It means we will now have access to critical flows of information programming on youth development, women’s issues, health, agriculture and many other topics,” Mr Bainimarama said. “The right to access information is one of the most important rights my Government has sworn to uphold.” Mr Bainimarama says the massive effort to bring high quality education throughout the islands is to have every Fijian child taught accurately and have relevant and up-to date materials. “That is why we are expanding our network of cellular data and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services. By December, we will extend the reach of free to air digital television to all of Fiji using satellites and terrestrial technology to bring a range of programmes to the Fijian communities,” he said. Mr Bainimarama said the Fijian Government first signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Japan where he believed that information belonged to the Fijian people and access to information was the life blood of the nation. Mr Bainimarama said the AM radio infrastructure is more resilient to severe weather patterns than Frequency Modulation (FM) systems. Meanwhile, the government of Japan was pleased to announce the completion of a project as it includes the installation of a 60-metre antenna system, two AM radio transmitters funded through Japan’s Grant Aid programme. Ambassador of Japan Masahiro Omura said the Prime Minister’s presence at the event showed the Fijian Government’s serious commitment to reduction of risks from natural disasters. Mr Omura said the threat of natural disasters has been and will be increasing due to climate change and strengthening of preparedness is strongly wished for in Fiji as well. He said in order to respond swiftly to natural disasters, appropriate transmission of relevant information is crucial. “In Fiji, however, one of the most effective means of information transmission, namely medium wave radio transmission has been out of order since 2013,” Mr Omuro said. He said in many remote islands, radio broadcasting became unavailable. The Fijian Government requested assistance from Japan and the Japanese government decided to extend their grant aid assistance. FACTS ? The current medium wave radio (AM) broadcast is provided by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) through the transmitter it acquired in 2000. ? However, the transmitter faced continuous breakdowns due to aging infrastructure leading to deterioration which resulted in broadcast interruption in 2013 ? The Exchange of Notes for the grant aid project was signed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the then Ambassador of Japan Takuji Hanatani on August 31, 2015 (Fiji Sun August 12 via Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) ** FRANCE. Still the TDF Issoudun sound feed problem heard this Aug 27 morning. Heard in remote unit in Belgium, as well as here in southern Germany. Listen to the 2 recordings in mp3 format, attached on this e- mail. Two Issoudun outlets on 11975 and 11995 kHz noted as accompanied by annoying TRACTOR sound hit their transmissions. 8 kHz wide signal on TDF ISS carried NHK Radio Japan relay in Arabic, S=9+10dB here in southern Germany at 0627 UT. Similar S=9 signal noted on 11995 kHz, TDF ISS as RFI Paris Hausa service to Africa + TRACTOR sound underneath til TX off at 0630 UT. 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It`s a rapid clicking pulsing, also like a fan scraping against its cage (gh) ** FRANCE. Frequency changes of Radio France International from Sept 3 0430-0500 NF 9685 ISS 500 kW / 135 deg to ECAf Swahili, ex 11790 0500-0600 NF 9790 ISS 500 kW / 155 deg to CeAf French, ex 15300 0700-0800 NF 21580 ISS 500 kW / 155 deg to CeAf French, ex 17620 0800-0900 NF 21580 ISS 500 kW / 150 deg to CeAf French, ex 17620 1200-1230 NF 17815 ISS 500 kW / 198 deg to WeAf Mandingo M-F, ex 15275 1200-1300 NF 15300 ISS 500 kW / 200 deg to NWAf French, ex 13740 1200-1300 NF 17620 ISS 500 kW / 185 deg to WCAf French, ex 15300 1600-1700 NF 17615 ISS 500 kW / 170 deg to WCAf Hausa, ex 15670 1900-1930 NF 17660 ISS 500 kW / 155 deg to SoAf Portuguese, ex 15360 2000-2030 NF 11700 ISS 500 kW / 170 deg to WCAf Hausa, ex 13695 ??????????? ?? Observer ? 9:38 PM (Bulgarian DX Blog via DXLD) ** GERMANY. 183 kHz Longwave site visit. Save the date 10 September: occasion to visit the former transmitter hall of Europe 1. On the occasion of the German version of the World Heritage Day, the former transmitter building of long wave station Europe 1 (66802 Ueberherrn Berus - near Saarlouis) will be open to the public. The transmitter hall of Europe 1, built in 1954-56, combined the latest radio technology with avant-garde architecture. Freestanding prestressed concrete building (86 x 46 m) with a curved roof and glazed surfaces built by the French architects J. F. Gudy and B. Laffaille and finished by E. Freyssinet. Today is considered an outstanding technical monument of European standing. Opening times on September 10, 2017 at the time of guided tours with Dr. Rupert Schreiber and Axel Boecker at 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 hrs CEST local time. The facility is normally not open for the public. If you are interested in visiting the site, it seems advisable to contact the Municipality of Ueberherrn, Tel: 06836 9090 (internat 0049 6836 9090) e-mail City Hall: Die Sendehalle von Europa 1 (66802 Ueberherrn Berus), errichtet 1954- 56, verbindet damals modernste Radiotechnik mit avantgardistischer Architektur. Freitragende Spannbetonhalle (86 x 46 m) mit geschwungenem Dach und verglasten Aussenflaechen nach Plaenen der franzoesischen Architekten J. F. Gudy und B. Laffaille gebaut und von E. Freyssinet fertiggestellt. Gilt heute als herausragendes technisches Denkmal von europaeischem Rang. Oeffnungszeiten am 10. September 2017 zu den Fuehrungen 14 - 17 Uhr stuendlich durch Dr. Rupert Schreiber und Axel Boecker. Kontakt Gemeinde Ueberherrn, Tel.: 06836 9090 E-Mail: (Prof. Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-D, 24 August 2017, BC-DX 25 Aug via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** GERMANY. Germany Begins Small-Scale DAB Testing http://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/0003/germany-begins-smallscale-dab-testing/340269 (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** GREECE. Reception of Voice of Greece on 9420 kHz, August 25 0650-0700 on 9420 AVL 170 kW / 323 deg to WeEu Greek*tx#3 NO SIGNAL on 9935 AVL 100 kW / 285 deg to WeEu Greek tx#1 *news in Arabic 0650, Serbian 0655 & off air at 0715 UT http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-voice-of-greece-on-9420_25.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, Aug 24-25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUAM. 15750, Aug 26 at 0024, JBA talk. Aoki shows the only occupant of 15750 is this semihour: KSDA daily in Thai (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HAWAII. 21280.50-USB, Aug 27 at 2341, KH7XS, Bill in Hilo, with quick contest contacts, mostly east coast stations. 5&9. Nice to hear an S7 signal on 14m --- *any* signal on 14m. 21282.70, Aug 27 at 2343, nuzzled up next to the only other Hawaiian on band, KH6LC, CQ Hawaiian QSO Party. Seems object is to work as many other states/stations ASAP. This weaker one has less luck. Per QRZ.com, LLOYD J CABRAL, KEAAU, HI 96749-9206, who is also near Hilo. 21300-USB, in fact is the only other signal on 14m, but heavy accent and echoey shack keep me from copying him; or could be Latin American? Just in case, I also check 10 & 12 m, but closed. 17 m has a couple signals unID, one CW slow code practice and one SSB, California? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HONDURAS. 550, ABC Radio, Tegucigalpa. 1046 August 26, 2017. Ranchera and corrido vocals, male announcer, ID (Terry Krueger, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. 9940.042, Typical subcontinental music noted in S=7-8 strength here in southern Germany, seemingly a technician check of matching transmitter and antenna at Delhi Kingsway, in 0602 and 0605 UT time slot. Scheduled is here on 9940 kHz, Nepali service of AIR at 0700-0800 UT. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) ** INDONESIA [and non]. Noted in remote SDR unit near Hiroshima / Nagoya Japan at 1118-1125 UT this Tuesday Aug 29. INDONESIA/PNG/KOREA_KRE: 3324.999, Mixture of RRI and NBC noted at 1120 UT, recording attached till 1124:22 UT clear ID ahead Radio Republik Indonesia, S=6-7 or -79dBm signal strength on remote SDR unit in Japan. NBC Bougainville program weak UNDERNEATH. Set the bandwidth on upper side band, due of heavy QRM of adjacent: 3319.996 kHz, PBS Pyongyang, fast funny Korean-KRE like DANCE MUSIC WALTZ "wumpa, wumpa, wumpa ....". S=9+20dB much stronger than 3325 INS/PNG mixture. 1115 UT on Aug 29 [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3325, Aug 29 at 1153, soft vocal music at S7-S5, only one station audible, RRI Palangkaraya; 1200 Indonesian announcement, with a feeble timesignal a few seconds late, ``Jakarta`` mentioned, presumed news, audible past 1209; sunrise here 1201. Bougainville must have closed earlier today. Wolfgang Büschel via a remote in Japan was still hearing a mixture on 3324.999 at 1124 with RRI atop (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 9525a, VOI 1342-1400+ 23 August. Fair signal this morning with "Music Corner" featuring Bonita & The Hus Band, VOI World Service ID drop-ins + out-dated list of VOI WS frequencies + ID at 1400 with language change to Bahasa Indonesia (Dan Sheedy, Moonlight Beach, CA PL380/6m X wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. Don’t miss the chance to claim your call sign! Friday 18 Aug 2017 http://www.abu.org.my/Latest_News-@-Don%E2%80%99t_miss_the_chance_to_claim_your_call_sign.aspx On 23 August, registration will open for one of the most exciting developments in radio in years, the opportunity to register your station or network’s brand as part of the new global .radio top level domain. For a two month launch period, ABU members are being given first chance to register the name of their choice and to have that name, brand or call sign embedded forever in perhaps the best URL on earth. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with ABU and their partners are administering the .radio scheme which will expand your reach to every part of the globe with the simplest Internet address possible. It is vital you register your .radio domain name before 31 October, because after that date .radio domain names will be registered on a first-come first-served basis, which means you could lose your preferred .radio domain name to another radio organisation anywhere in the world. To secure your .radio domain(s), the process is simple. On 23 August go to register.radio to stake your claim to your unique .radio URL. During the two-month launch period, the EBU, ABU and partners will be processing and assessing applications from the radio sector, allowing the genuine radio broadcasters to secure the domains to which they are entitled, before general availability. Once your new .radio domain name is assigned and registered, you can start using it to attract listeners in your own country and around the world. All the information is on the new scheme’s new website, and there’s a great video explaining the system and what you need to do in simple, straightforward language. For more specific information on your station or network, ABU members can contact the ABU Head of Radio. http://www.abu.org.my/Latest_News-@-Don%E2%80%99t_miss_the_chance_to_claim_your_call_sign.aspx (via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, Germany, Aug 28, DXLD) ** KASHMIR [non]. INDIA/PAKISTAN [non] 7266 kHz, Azad Kashmir Radio? Need to ask for your assistance again. Checking 7265 kHz today (March 19) at 1224 UT (during the time with no QRM), found no signal at all on the usual 7265 kHz, but had an open carrier instead on *7266.0* kHz. Any chance that could have been Azad Kashmir Radio, Pakistan? Perhaps nothing, but will try to check again tomorrow. Again the dispersed carrier and unintelligible audio appeared on 7265 kHz at 1300 UT on Aug 15, probably VoJ&KFM. I think we should look for Azad Kashmir Radio elsewhere again instead of this fq. But it will be hard to find if the transmitter works like this on the new frequency. For the very first time I actually heard audio on 7266 kHz, on Aug 13. Amazing! Found it's a *spur*, \\ 7270 kHz - *PBS Nei Menggu*, in Mongolian. Since March, I have been hearing 7266 kHz with only an open carrier, so was not able to tell what it was, until now. 7270 kHz always has a good signal during my mornings (1215+ UT), but I never associated it with my UNID on 7266 kHz. BTW - 7265 kHz remains a clear frequency 1215+ UT. No trace of Azad Kashmir Radio (Ron Howard-CA-USA, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 13 / 15 / 19) PBS Xinjiang-CHINA [EAST TURKISTAN] signed on at 1039 UT on 7259.99 kHz. Good, that you could nail that audio on 7266 kHz. 7265 kHz had a multi-carrier signal until 1104 UT, probably V of Jammu & Kashmir Freedom, but nothing after that, not even CNR2 (Mauno Ritola, Finland, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 15) 7240 to 7270 kHz fq range log of Aug 25, at 1035-1058 UT, taken at SDR remote unit at New Delhi India: 7240even, CHINA, CNR1 program relay via Lhasa Baiding #602 site in Tibet, at 1045 UT, S=9+10dB at 290degr westwards antenna. 7245even, TJK V of Tajik Radio via Dushanbe, Yangi Yul site, S=7 daytime. 7250.887, INDIA, VERY ODD OUTLET of AIR probably via Delhi Kingsway site, in Urdu language at 1038 UT at S=9+30dB powerful signal, not{!} disturbed audio today. Scheduled 0830-1130 UT. Subcontinental male singer heard, and drums, string instrument 7255even, CHINA, PBS Xizang program via Lhasa Baiding #602 site in Tibet, at 1044 UT Tibetan language service eastwards at 85 degree antenna. 7259.990, CHINA, PBS Xinjiang via Urumqi site [EAST TURKISTAN], S=7 daytime strength. Chinese program via non-directional quadrant antenna. 1042 UT. 7265 and around totally EMPTY channel. 7270.005, INDIA, AIR English language service via Chennai/Madras at 10-11 UT, S=9+10dB signal strength in Delhi India SDR remote unit. [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 25) (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 5965, Aug 24 at 1311, S8-S6, very poor with YL talk, seems to be the Sea Breeze gal still here in English as usual Thursdays only, from JAPAN (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH & SOUTH. KOREA's Some KRE / KOR logs in Korean language of course on Aug 23/24, taken in various remote Japanese installations at Tokyo, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hiroshima and Nagoya: 2850.002, KRE KCBS, S=9+30dB powerhouse at 1315 UT. 3219.921, KRE KCBS, S=9+10dB at 1308 UT. 3250even, KRE VoKorea Pyongyang, Japanese sce, S=9+15dB at 1319 UT. new BBEF Beijing Made in China tx. 3909.965, KOR/KRE VoP + KRE jamming, S=9+30dB at 1300 UT. 3929.991, KOR/KRE VoP + KRE jamming, S=9+30dB at 1305 UT. 3958.500, KRE KCBS Kanggye, 5kW, shrill singer px, bad rough throaty voice, like army small audioband txion. S=7 at 0515 UT. 3969.000, KOR wandered up and down, Echo of Unification Chongjin, S=8- 9 at 0520 UT. 3985.011, KOR/KRE VoP + KRE jamming, S=9+50dB powerful at 1015 UT. 4450.015, KOR/KRE VoP Kyonggi-do Koyang + KRE jamming 20 kHz wide, empty carrier at 0520 UT, program start at 0529 UT, S=9+10dB signal. 5830, KRE Spur of jamming transmission, S=8-9 at 0523 UT, annoying scratching sound signal of 10 kHz bandwidth. 5857.506, KOR, HLL Meteo Seoul service, USBmode, 0525 UT. S=9+5dB in Nagoya-JPN remote unit. 5905.009, KRE EoU Pyongyang, soldiers chorus performance, S=9+10dB at 0527 UT. 5995v, KOR/KRE EoH Hwaseong S=9, + broadband jamming on 5978 to 6016 kHz wideband. And peaks of transmissions visible on 6003v, KRE Heavy S=9+5dB jamming at 0534 UT. 6015even, KOR KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1, Hwaseong, S=9+20dB, 0536 UT. 6045.009, KOR VoF Hwaseong(?), S=9+5dB at 0500 UT, not jammed. 6100even, KRE KCBS Pyongyang, female soldiers rough throaty voice, S=8 at 0538 UT. 6135, KRE Only KRE noise jamming heard at 0540 UT, S=9, and like a garden fence also 'single bubble peaks' in wide + / -29 kHz fq range. 6250, jamming at S=9 signal strength, 6220 to 6280 kHz noise covered. and two strong signal peaks visible on screen, on 6249.994, KOR EoH Seoul, little stronger S=9+15dB, than - and 6250.004, KRE NoKorean jamming. 6350.031, KOR EoH-VoH Hwaseong, S=9+20dB strength, and KRE 20 kHz wideband jamming, heard at 0546 UT. 6400even, KRE PBS Pyongyang at S=9+10dB level, male voice speaker, and mixed-up with jamming sound from very same TX SITE. at 0548 UT. 6439.942, KOR VoP Kyonggi-do Koyang, spurious S=7 signal, some 80.029 kHz fq distance apart, as intermodulation between two fundamental outlets of 6439.942, KOR VoP Kyonggi-do Koyang, and 6600even, KOR/KRE VoP Kyonggi-do Koyang, and ditter pips jamming, 0553 6690v, KRE Spurious KRE jamming signal at 0600 UT on Aug 24. [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 23 / 24) dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. Nippon no Kaze via BaBcoCk Tamshui on August 27: 1300-1330 on 9465 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean, poor 1300-1330 on 9900 TSH 300 kW / 352 deg to NEAs Korean, fair 1300-1330 on 9940 TSH 100 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean, weak http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/nippon-no-kaze-via-babcock-tamshui-on.html Furusato no Kaze via BaBcoCk Tamshui on August 27: 1330-1400 on 9705 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese, weak 1330-1400 on 9900 TSH 300 kW / 352 deg to NEAs Japanese, fair 1330-1400 on 9950 TSH 100 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese, weak http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/furusato-no-kaze-via-babcock-tamshui-on.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH. For Europe, 9515 kHz 1500-1600 UT August 21, 22, 23. Heard S=9+10dB up to S=9+25dB power signal on Aug 22. And the 10 Curtain arrays are under renovation / reconstruction and moving to new masts. The broadcast transmission center rebuild action is visible on Google Earth images easily; use the time control slider between 2009year and latest 2017 image. 25 / 205 degrees curtain 45 / 225 75 / 255 90 / 270 110 / 290 115 / 295 In Google Earth und and click on two arrows down on right side, in order to display pictures of local STREET VIEW (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, TopNews Aug 22, BC-DX 25 Aug via DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH. 9770, KBS *0800+ 22 August. Test broadcast to SEAs in English heard just above the noise with KBS WS ID, some K-pop. Only imaginary-level audio heard on 23 August at 0800, 0900 checks. 9785, KBS, *1356-1415+ 23 August. IS, English/Korean ID loop, opening ID at TOH followed by "KBS World Radio news with Roseanne [sp.?] Park..". This test broadcast to India was dominant over CNR8 in Korean on the 23rd, but recheck on 24 August it was all CNR8 with KBS just squeaking in the background. 9835, KBS, *1400+ 21, 22 August. KBS' test to India at imaginary levels with partial ID, English chat both days with Sarawak FM (via RTM Kajang) firmly in control of the frequency (Dan Sheedy, Moonlight Beach, CA PL380/6m X wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Why don`t KBS pick clear frequencies?? (gh) ** KOREA SOUTH. Ron-san [My audio - Ron] Nice catch! That's great! Your audio is exactly VOF. Comment on your audio start-01'07" Igeos-i Jinsil-ida! ("This is the truth" - Program for loudspeaker). This program is for 10 minutes, and for the loudspeaker broadcast, the announcer speaks slowly. The start and end theme music is the same. Reference audio - [Chulsu-san's one hour audio - Ron] (Chulsu-san's audio 20160228 - 1700 UT - FM 107.3 MHz VOF) Reference audio announces the program ID: "Igeos-i Jinsil-ida!" after 00'17". 01'08"-end* Haengboghan Daehanmingug ("Happy Republic of Korea") This program is for 40 minutes. Ron-san's audio announces the program ID: "Haengboghan Daehanmingug" after 01'17". The starting theme music of this program is "Ah! Daehanmingug (Ah! Republic Of Korea)" - This song is very famous in Korea." (Amano-san KOR, Aug 24 via BC-DX 25 Aug via DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH [and non]. 6045, Aug 24 at 1315, JBA carrier, presumed Voice of Freedom, clandestine on latest new frequency discovered by Ron Howard Aug 21. Original 6135 also has an even weaker carrier and seems still to be noise-jammed. 6045 looks to be a good clear spot in Asia; HFCC shows Delhi starts at 1415, but not Aoki. IIRC long ago it was a Voice of Indonesia outlet (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6045, Voice of Freedom (Hwaseong), 1323-1400+ 21-25 August. VoF down here & unjammed all week with Korean pop/MoR & chat. Thanks to Ron Howard's info on the Radio.Chobi site for the ID (Dan Sheedy, Moonlight Beach, CA PL380/6m X wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re: Korea - Voice of Freedom on new frequency of 6045 kHz. As always, I am extremely grateful to Amano-san for his excellent details regarding my VOF recording. Is wonderful to learn just what the program IDs are in Korean. Aug 24 and the new 6045 frequency is still free from any North Korea jamming; continues to have very good reception. Ron - - Amano-san wrote http://radio.chobi.net/DX/bbs/?res:2480#2494 " > Ron-san http://goo.gl/VBj7rq [My audio - Ron] Nice catch! That's great! Your audio is exactly VOF. Comment on your audio *start-01'07" Igeos-i Jinsil-ida! ("This is the truth" **Program for loudspeaker) This program is for 10 minutes, and for the loudspeaker broadcast, the announcer speaks slowly. The start and end theme music is the same. Reference audio - [Chulsu-san's one hour audio - Ron] http://file.ssenhosting.com/data1/bcltimes/1602290200vof1073mhz.mp3 (Chulsu-san's audio 20160228 - 1700 UTC - FM 107.3 MHz VOF) Reference audio announces the program ID: "Igeos-i Jinsil-ida!" after 00'17". 01'08"-end* Haengboghan Daehanmingug ("Happy Republic of Korea") This program is for 40 minutes. Ron-san's audio announces the program ID: "Haengboghan Daehanmingug" after 01'17". The starting theme music of this program is "Ah! Daehanmingug (Ah! Republic Of Korea)" - http://youtube.com/watch?v=vdyjUwQIBfQ This song is very famous in Korea." (via Ron Howard, Aug 24, dxldyg via DXLD) 6045, Voice of Freedom, on Aug 25, 26 & 27, 0941+. Continuing on this new frequency with no hint of any North Korea jamming yet; very strong signal. Aug 27, noted former VOF frequencies 6135 (still being jammed), 5920 clear, 5940 clear and 6020 with Vietnam (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6045, Aug 29 at 1213, an easy 1 MHz flip up to Voice of Freedom, from 5045 Australia, to hear S8-S6 song, 1214 YL in conversational Korean, 1217 another song. Not // 4885, and no noise jamming, which remains on ex-6135 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KYRGYZSTAN. 4010.20 kHz (tentative) – Noted a het [carrier] at 2352 on 4010.13 kHz, which slowly drifted upward to 4010.20 kHz over the next 40 minutes. At 0000, programming began with music. Het was at a good level, but the audio level was never more than poor, as though the modulation was very low. Frequency and s/on time correspond to schedule for Bishkek. 8/28-8/29 (Art Delibert, Vineyard Haven, Mass., NRD-545, pennant antenna, Sent from Mail for Windows 10, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** LITHUANIA. RUSSIA [non]. Not shortwave but MW, Radio Liberty in Russian via Bolshakovo, Russia heard at S9 at 0200 UT on 1386 kHz. Station ident in Russian by male followed by news. Mentions of USA, Putin, North Korea, etc., ident at 0214 followed by talk by male. Tecsun PL-660 (Jon Collins, Birmingham UK, Aug 25, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1386 has been shared, not always cordially, by Russia/Kaliningrad and Lithuania. Per the following, the new Radio Liberty service must be via Lithuania instead (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LITHUANIA. VILNIUS IS PREPARING TO INCLUDE A TRANSMITTER FOR BROADCAST TO RADIO LIBERTY AND RUSSIA AND BELARUS. VILNIUS, August 25th. / TASS /. Lithuania received from the United States, mounted and next week will turn on the transmitter of long waves for broadcasting to the Russian Federation, Belarus and Ukraine programs "Radio Liberty." This was reported on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic republic. The inclusion ceremony will be held on August 29 with the participation of Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius and Transport and Communications Minister Rokas Masiulis. "The new Nautel NX-200 transmitter will replace the old equipment, which worked for about 40 years," the Foreign Ministry said. "The program will be broadcast in Russian with the help of a new transmitter mounted at Veshintai in Anikšciai district." The arrived technician is three times more powerful than the previous device: its power is 200 kW, and the former - 75 kW. The US-funded broadcasting of Radio Liberty, launched in 1953 from West Germany, is now being conducted from Prague. On the territory of the USSR, this instrument of Western propaganda, which occupied the extreme anti-Soviet positions, was drowned. In 1991, the radio station was allowed to operate directly in Russia, but in 2012 Radio Liberty stopped broadcasting to Russia, but continues on the Internet. Re- broadcasting of programs by Russian radio stations is not carried out. More on TASS: http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/4508321 Maybe the correspondent was wrong and the Transmitter will work on MW? (Anatoly Klepov, Moscow, RUS-DX #939, Postscriptum #1, Aug 27 via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Radio Liberty was *forced* to stop broadcasting from inside Russia. Why start LW from Lith now? Surely refers to 1386 kHz, ex-Sitkunai, which was used by R Baltic Waves, and listed as 75/150 kW in WRTH. BTW, I wonder what TASS stands for now? Used to be Telegraphic Agency of the Soviet Union (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** MADAGASCAR [and non]. 9820, KNLS [sic], Madagascar. In Russian on 7/8 from 1900 whistling with Nove de Julho Brazil & after close/down at 1956, NDJ was noted on approx. 9820.1 kHz (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) 9dJ has been close to 9819 (gh, DXLD) ** MALAYSIA. Fair to good signal of RTM Sarawak FM, August 23 from 1900 on 9835 KAJ 250 kW / 093 deg to SEAs Malaysian http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/fair-to-good-signal-of-rtm-sarawak-fm.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) 11665. Fri, Aug 25 at 0905-0935, RTM Wai/Limbang FM, in Malay. A musical program presented by male and female announcers; All Malay songs; 0930 announcers talk news, presumably. Station continues with a fair transmission, 35433 (DXer: José Ronaldo Xavier, Cabedelo-PB, Brazil, Degen DE1103 & Tecsun S-2000, Longwire, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) A new QSL card from RTM Sarawak FM from Malaysia was received in response to my report for July 04, 2017. A card with a new design. The card is as usual signed by MRS. SHARIMAH ABU BAKAR Head Assistant Director Technical Network Section Jabatan Penyiaran (RTM). The card is numbered 36/2017 and shipped from Malaysia on July 20. Card is here http://freerutube.info/2017/08/23/qsl-rtm-sarawak-fm-malayziya-iyul-2017-goda/ (Dmitry Elagin, Saratovskaya oblast, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx", via QSL World, Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) ** MEXICO. 580, XEMU, La Racherita del Aire, Piedras Negras, Coahuila. 1021 August 20, 2017. Mexi-tunes slowly overtaking mostly nulled WDBO. Male ID 1100, "Ésta es XEMU... Coahuila, Mexico... (address and phone number not copied)..." and brief talk, back to Mexi-tunes from 1100. Parallel station stream with only a slight delay. No anthem before / after the 1100 mark. First log of this one here (Terry L Krueger, All times/dates GMT, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 610, Aug 29 at 1132, choral NA, ID mentioning 106.1 FM, Sinaloa song, so it`s usual XEGS Guasave. Another one antheming on the semihour. Not // yet to 650 XETNT which is already programming (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 700, Aug 29 at 1143, open carrier with hum, about WSW/ENE, mixing with weaker stations in Spanish, English. Presumed XEGD, Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, based on my previous logs from 2015y: ``700, June 6 at 1105 UT, timecheck for 6:05 on 88.1 FM, just as it`s hit by low rumbling het from another station cutting on the air, presumably XEGD Chihuahua. No 700s are listed with an FM 88.1, but must be XEDKR in Guadalajara, relaying Radio Red out of México DF which *is* also on 88.1 there`` ``700, Feb 19 at 1259, big hum looping NE/SW on open carrier, 1300 Spanish news starts without any ID. Possibly two different stations, but I doubt it: hummer would be XEGD, La Poderosa, Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, 5/1 kW per IRCA & Cantú, 5/0.25 kW per WRTH`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 720, Aug 29 at 1158, Spanish has overcome KDWN, 1201 choral NA, into Chihuahua state song, 1203 music and sign-on but unreadable now. So XEJCC Ciudad Juárez (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. Re: No KCTA heard for Harvey on 1030: Rather, 1030 is dominated by XEYC R. Fórmula charlanoticias en Juárez --- I just notice altho WRTH 2017 has it among other 1030 stations, the frequency shown for it is ``1400``, where it was years before?! (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) XEYC is a strange case. XEYC was on 1460 in 1986: http://rpc.ift.org.mx/rpc/pdfs/090252648002bd9e.pdf By 2000, it was on 1030: http://rpc.ift.org.mx/rpc/pdfs/090252648002bd9f.pdf Its 2009 concession lists 1460: http://rpc.ift.org.mx/rpc/pdfs/090252648002bda0.pdf So too do the RPC, other legal documents, and the IFT tables (updated until 2016). But the station is quite clearly still on 1030. http://radioformulajuarez.com/ (Raymie Humbert, AZ, Aug 27, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) ** MEXICO. RAYMIE`S MEXICO BEAT this week --- [no TV] Reporte Indigo is on the warpath again today http://www.reporteindigo.com/reporte/mexico/ift-cambio-comisionado-presidente-causa-errores-licitaciones with another story on the IFT's second-wave migration mistake and some of the reasons why. If you've been reading me, you might not be surprised at the answer. According to the article, experts point to the looming uncertainty over the impending expiration of President Gabriel Contreras's term, which has prompted the IFT to race the clock to get things done. It also appears Contreras, with his lack of political experience, is highly likely to be nominated to another term by the Senate. Remember that the antitrust regulator Cofece has its presidency end at the same time — but that agency had its head renominated to another term in April. Jenaro Villamil was interviewed for this article and pointed out another issue: that new players of size simply do not exist; new players are either small or covering for bigger groups, as was the case with Tecnoradio (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, Aug 25, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) Tower collapses are rare. But they do sometimes happen. And bad weather claimed a tower this month in Hermosillo, Sonora. The SPR TV tower on Cerro de la Cementera (XHOPHA RF 27) fell on August 9, damaging the transmitter building. The SPR has sent engineers to review the situation and get the station back on air, but operations have been suspended due to the severity of the damage. No people were hurt in the tower collapse. Three other telecommunications towers at the site also fell. Here is a Meganoticias report on the collapse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUJMRtCoxwY And here's a still photo from that report showing the extent of the damage: http://forums.wtfda.org/showthread.php?9113-OPMA-is-changing&p=44508#post44508 (Raymie, Aug 25, ibid.) EDITORIAL: MEXICO NEEDS CLUSTER LIMITS If there's one thing Mexican broadcasting has never had, it's a sense of media ownership limits. This is, after all, the country of Televisa. But the same can be said in radio, where all over the country broadcasters enjoy regional monopolies or near-monopolies on their listeners. Even Mexico City is so thoroughly dominated by one group that more than half of all radio listening in one of the world's largest cities goes to one company - Grupo Radio Centro. Here are examples of some of Mexico's outsized and dominating clusters: Mexico City - Grupo Radio Centro has 57.2 percent of Mexico City's radio audience share as of March 2017. https://lideresmexicanos.com/300/francisco-aguirre-gomez/ Monterrey - Multimedios rocks its home city, with a string of AMs but also no less than seven FM stations. Ciudad Mante, Tamps. - Organización Radiofónica Tamaulipeca owns all six commercial radio stations in this city. The only option listeners in Mante have for other radio is the state network. In Ciudad Victoria, they are also dominant. Tepic - Radiorama Nayarit operates six stations here. La Paz, Baja California Sur - The poorly defined, not-very-web savvy Promomedios California is the dominant radio force in La Paz. Not counting the one new IFT-4 entrant, it owns all the stations in this state capital but the state network, a university on AM and Radio Fórmula. It also has a near chokehold on the rest of the state's commercial radio listening, with only XHSJS Cabo Mil as an independent voice in the Los Cabos area. I could go on. But the remedy is clear. Mexico needs a law limiting the size of radio clusters. The US policy on this topic is eight stations maximum, no more than five on the same band. However, the reduced density of radio stations in Mexico (which never had the Docket 80-90 revolution that the US did) and the state of the AM band even after second-wave migration mean that even this level of service can be suffocating. Forcing AM station closures is a net loss. Forcing FM station sales is a net gain because most broadcasting activity and attention is on AM. For Mexico, I would propose instead this policy: No commercial party can control more than three FM stations, including AM-FM combos, in a given media market. Existing AM stations are grandfathered for ownership limit purposes in those markets that still have them in spades. No party can control more than half the total of stations in a market, on either band. Additionally, to bring social wolves in line, social stations owned by parties with an economic interest in commercial radio stations count toward these limits. Now, this policy would never fly. Broadcasters have too much political power, and sometimes the broadcasters also double as politicians at the state level and in both houses of Congress (and even as ambassadors!). But if you want to start improving Mexican radio, this is how you start — by making concentration much harder to achieve (and by triggering a round of station swaps and sales). (Raymie, Aug 27, ibid.) Quote Originally Posted by Raymie Mexico City - Grupo Radio Centro has 57.2 percent of Mexico City's radio audience share as of March 2017. I'd suggest, in parallel, looking at INRA, the ratings company. When I was involved with training seminars for Arbitron in Mexico City back when that ratings company measured the market, the results were far less favorable for GRC and ORF. Neither subscribed to Arbitron, but were staunch supporters of INRA. Back when I was doing consulting in Mexico City for Radiópolis, it was well known that the Organización Radio Centro promotion teams shadowed the INRA interviewing teams, giving prizes to people listening to one of ORC's stations (David Eduardo Gleason, La Quinta CA, ibid.) Oh wow. That is quite the historical nugget there. Nielsen Ibope might do ratings measurement but only in the larger markets. I suspect something like PPM would turn the national radio market on its head, but be a headache to roll out (Raymie, Aug 27, ibid.) Mexico City is getting its first ever community radio station. http://www.ift.org.mx/comunicacion-y-medios/comunicados-ift/es/el-pleno-del-ift-emite-la-convocatoria-y-bases-de-la-licitacion-de-10-mhz-en-la-banda-de-440-450-mhz The station would be known as Violeta Radio https://sersexualidad.blogspot.com/2017/07/violeta-radio-es-un-proyectoradiofonico.html and operated by Alianza por el Derecho Humano de las Mujeres a Comunicar, A.C. (Alliance for the Human Right of Women to Communicate). The concessionaire is composed of several organizations: Salud Integral para la Mujer (SIPAM, "Total Women's Health"), Mujeres en Frecuencia, Comunicación e Información de la Mujer (CIMAC), and the UNAM Center for Interdisciplinary Research in the Sciences and Humanities (CEIICH). There will also be a new community station at Tacámbaro, Michoacán, operated by Xanarapani Tacámbaro. They seem to have operated a pirate in the past on 90.7 MHz. http://rotativodigital.com.mx/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2161:radio-cultural-xanarapani-de-tacambaro-inicia-noticiero-este-lunes&catid=43:otras-categ&Itemid=60 They could move to the Article 90 reserved band, though. Also from the IFT, Gala TV is coming to Durango and Los Mochis on Canal 5 subs. Additionally, one of the larger community radio station associations in Mexico announced that they are supporting an applicant seeking to bring the first community station to Colima. http://www.orcmexico.com.mx/SE%20GESTIONA%20UNA%20RADIO%20COMUNITARIA%20PARA%20COLIMA.pdf That press release also says another of their members, Guna Caa Yuni Xhiña, A.C., will be getting a concession next month for a station to be built at Juchitán de Zaragoza, in the Istmo region of Oaxaca (Raymie, Aug 27, ibid.) In "headlines I missed"... The identity of one of the last remaining "masked" bidders in IFT-6 has been revealed. Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V. is Grupo Zócalo, http://www.zocalo.com.mx/new_site/articulo/gana-zocalo-tv-en-saltillo expanding its broadcast reach (radio/TV) to pretty much all of Coahuila bar the Comarca Lagunera at this point. You may recall owner José David Juaristi Santos won the only Coahuila FM station in the IFT-4 radio auction, 90.5 at Cuatro Ciénegas (which will be a Monclova rimshot). Much like in IFT-4, Zócalo unmasked itself. The last corporate bidder whose identity is unknown is Radio- Televisión de Nayarit, which won both stations in that state. All other winners are companies whose principals are known, or they are individuals. A meeting note also revealed the identity of one of the eight aspirants who was not let into the bidding process: Media TV, S.A. de C.V., believed to be the sister company to Media FM, whose parent of course owns cable stations in Michoacán. Meanwhile, most of the attention has been going again to the IFT's presidency problem. This excellent column from Irene Levy explains some of the quirks surrounding the IFT's structure. http://mediatelecom.com.mx/index.php/telecomunicaciones/organismos/item/144889-la-presidencia-del-ift Here are some important notes: -IFT commissioners have a nine-year term. However, because of staggering, some terms have been short in this first part of the institution's life. -Should there not be a new president named, the post passes to the longest-serving (or oldest, if there are two people with the same seniority) commissioner. This is Adriana Labardini. Her term expires in February 2018, however. An interim period could provoke unrest within the rank and file of the agency. -New commissioners are proposed by the president (after meeting requirements) and confirmed by the Senate. The presidency is delegated exclusively by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. Half of Aleida Calleja's column for La Silla Rota was also devoted to the topic this week. http://www.mediatelecom.com.mx/index.php/radiodifusion/television/item/145003-licitaci%C3%B3n-de-tv-y-la-presidencia-del-ift (Raymie, Aug 30, ibid.) TV Azteca's local-national project a+ has expanded now to 51 transmitters, accounting for about half of the Azteca 7 network. (The most recent authorization primarily filled coverage gaps in Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas.) But one place it hasn't gone yet was the city of Puebla, which has been missing from every authorization so far (even as Tehuacán was in the most recent list). This might be the reason why. For 20 years, AS Media (owned by and named for Raimundo Alonso Sendino) has been one of TV Azteca's few local partners, producing local newscasts for air there (as well as in Tabasco and Oaxaca, according to its own site). Even as other partnerships have ended, AS held on. But they're out now. https://www.elsoldepuebla.com.mx/local/tv-azteca-puebla-cambia-de-administracion According to a now-unemployed former anchor, the decision was a mutual breakup. After two months of negotiations, TV Azteca decided to take the reins itself, leaving Azteca Noreste (Publimax) as the last of the partners in place. Some of the anchors, reporters and other journalists will be hired for the new Azteca Puebla operation, while AS Media will retain the others. Azteca will also move to new studios, as AS Media owns the existing site. (They also own the transmission facility, which may explain why XHVC-FM is also on the tower, though AS does not own XHVC.) Hechos AM Puebla is being fronted by new anchors, who worked at Azteca Puebla under AS and have been hired for the new operation. I suspect the decision, besides being related to the end of a 10-year contract, will allow for Azteca to launch a+ in Puebla, which might not have been truly feasible with AS Media in the way (Raymie, Aug 31, ibid.) Another legal battle has thrown Grupo Radio Centro's TV plans into doubt. Again. In two tweets (summarized here), https://www.etcetera.com.mx/nacional/gutierrez-vivo-radio-centro/ Javier Tejado Dondé (who broke the Tecnoradio story wide open months ago) and a report in Reforma stated that a judge had frozen $32 million of Grupo Radio Centro's accounts that the company owes to José Gutiérrez Vivó. (This never ends, does it?) Available information says that the 31st Civil Judge of Mexico City ordered the payment of 32 million dollars (the original award of $21.5 million plus interest) to Gutiérrez Vivó, who still has to pay the 770 million pesos (around $43 million) that is owed to GRC (Raymie, Aug 31, ibid.) One station expected to come to air by now excited attention from experts when it was announced. But XHPBUG-FM 89.7 San Andrés Cohamiata (Mexquitic Municipality), Jalisco, planned to be a local Wixárika station under the auspices of the Universidad de Guadalajara, has fallen significantly behind. Unfortunately, the primary reason is not a good one, as this NTR report from late May explains the reason why. http://www.ntrguadalajara.com/post.php?id_nota=72680 The assassination of one of the indigenous community's leaders, Miguel Vázquez Torres, along with his brother Agustín, put a damper on two related efforts from the U de G: a virtual school facility and the radio station. In the piece, it was stated that the former was almost certain to happen, but the station was at more risk. At the time, the university's rector, Itzcóatl Tonatiuh Bravo Padilla, hoped for a reestablishment of the link between university and community. It was also stated that technical studies were still ongoing for the radio station. [Tagline:] ``Este programa es público, ajeno a cualquier partido político. Queda prohibido el uso para fines distintos a los establecidos en el programa`` (Raymie, Sept 1, ibid.) ** MONGOLIA. 4895, Mongolian Radio 2 (suspected), 1235 through subsequent checking till 1322, Aug 26. Only a definite open carrier; never any modulation/audio; have been monitoring here daily since their recent very brief reactivation. Also open carrier on Aug 27; noted at 1051, 1211 & 1252; again with no audio at all detected. Would like to think this is them, but will take someone hearing some audio to confirm this! On Aug 25, Hiroyuki Komatsubara reported "-0915- 4895 kHz UNID carrier, heavy QRM from 4885 kHz," but when I checked at 1130, the carrier was off. Worth keeping an eye on this frequency (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MONGOLIA. 12034.88, V of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. Japanese to As at 1045 with pop music and talk. Some distortion on the audio, fair signal and monitored until s/off 1100 on 13/8 (Rob Wagner, VK3BVW, Mount Evelyn, VIC (Yaesu FTDX 3000, Kenwood TS2000, Yaesu FRG100, Kenwood R5000, Tecsun PL-680, Horizontal Loop antenna, Double Bazooka antennas for 80, 40 and 20 metres, Par EF-SWL End Fed antenna, BHI NEIM1031 Digital Noise Eliminating Module, MFJ-1026 Noise Cancelling Module, ATU), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) MONGÓLIA, 12035, Voz da Mongólia, Khonkhor, 0920-1015, 28/8, programas em inglês, até às 0930, em Mongol, até às 1000, em Mandarim, até às 1030; 15431, em perda. Desta vez, a recepção foi simplesmente terrível. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR. 5985, Myanmar Radio, 1314, August 21, with special live coverage of the Southeast Asian Games soccer/football match with Myanmar vs Malaysia, held at Shah Alam Stadium (Malaysia); fair (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes Myanmar Radio Yangoo Yegu on air 5985even kHz, at 1150 UT on Aug 25, S=9+25dB signal in Delhi India remote unit. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** NETHERLANDS [non?]. Received two e-QSL cards for receiving special broadcasts SummerMeeting 2017 from the Netherlands on June 30 and July 1, 2017. The cards were sent by the famous radio pirate Doctor Tim. The card is here http://freerutube.info/2017/08/23/e-qsl-summermeeting-2017-niderlandyi-30-iyunya-01-iyulya-2017-goda/ (Dmitry Elagin, Saratovskaya oblast, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx", via QSL World, Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) WTFK? ** NEW ZEALAND [and non]. Southern Star New Zealand I-BLOCKED in Michigan 670, WSCR, was IBOC-free this morning, which opened up the adjacent channels to DX. 670 KLTT was also heard clearly under Chicago and a new one for the log book with religious programming. During this, I'm "watching" a carrier come up on the Perseus on 657, which would otherwise be occupied by strong IBOC hash from WSCR, but the hash is absent this morning. As time passes and sunrise approaches, 657 builds in strength, but with it comes weak IBOC hash from another unknown source, but likely far off in the distance. Per Barry M's search page, KLTT is also HD, so I assume they are the long distance culprit spewing out this hash. My excitement of logging KLTT was short lived as its IBOC is now beginning to ruin any chance of hearing the threshold audio coming up on 657. Sticking it out, and carefully listening against Star's streaming audio, start/stop times of talking vs. music matched what I'm hearing, and high notes in some of the spiritual songs also boosted my confidence when they matched the very weak audio I was hearing, which was just enough to maintain SAM lock on the Perseus. Hard to log New Zealand at this point, but I hope WSCR's IBOC stays off for a few days to try again. 657's carrier was also the last one to hang on this morning before finally disappearing around 1128 UTC - that's 24 minutes past my local sunrise. 73, (Tim Tromp, West Michigan, Perseus SDR + Southwest phased BOGs, Aug 27, IRCA via DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND. 7425, Aug 23 at 1057, I`m tuned to RNZI to catch their transition from NNE to NNW antenna on same frequency, causing a signal drop if not also a break in transmission. But nothing happens! No announcement either, just programming continuing with accurate timesignal at 1100 and news. So apparently the NNW antenna is still out of order, causing the full 100 kW to go out on all frequencies to the NNE. Fine with me! Rather, as of Aug 23, Adrian Sainsbury says of RNZI: ``Currently only able to transmit on both ants 35+325 all the time`` (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NICARAGUA. 600, La Nueva Radio Ya, Managua. 1012 August 26, 2017. Long ad string, hyper announcer with Radio Ya mention, then the usual canned "Ya, Ya, Ya" and mention of nicaragüense by announcer (Terry Krueger, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NICARAGUA. NICARÁGUA, 8989-BLS, El Pescador Predicador (?), QTH?, 0931-..., texto; 15341. 8989-BLS, El Pescador Predicador, 2219-..., 25/8, propag. relig., canções; 23341, QRM de estações brasileiras. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 8989-USB, "El Pescador Preacher" noted 2325 to 2330 very weak with narrow usb to avoid adjacent hash (Robert Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Florida, 746Pro - Drake R8 NRD 525 60 meter dipole and noise reducing antenna, NASWA yg via DXLD) date missing, circa 26 Aug? (gh) ** NIGERIA. Very pleased to hear Nigeria on August 26th from about 1957 to 2000 UT sign on, drums/instrumental IS, then male announcer with "NIGERIA......" into program with female announcer, likely the news, with occasional instrumental separations between items. Was tuning around on my NRD-545 when I came across this, then backed up by my trusty R8 (Dan Robinson/Potomac, MD, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Language? Frequency? 15120 or 7255- or ??? (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) A-DX ng contributor Reinhard said VON 9690 kHz channel. 73 wb ----- Original Message ----- From: "Reinhard Weiß" Sent: Saturday, August 26, 2017 11:21 PM Subject: Re: [A-DX] UNID 9690kHz, 19:33 UTC, 45322 Am 26.08.2017 um 23:00 schrieb ON5KQ: > Voice of Nigeria… Danke Ulli! Ich hatte auch um 20:00 UTC eine ID, aber die Email dazu scheint nicht durchgekommen zu sein (oder doch? meine Geräte sind sich da nicht einig). Viele Grüße Reinhard -- QTH südlich von München, RX: R-5000, Perseus, E1 (via Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) FYI - - - Dan's email to me today (21:19 UT): "9.689.00 Signed off 2100" (Ron Howard, CA, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, ibid.) Hi, or was it 9689.9? That's the case this morning when I started listening at 0720. No trace on usual 7254.9, so likely replacing this one for the moment. There seems to be only one single SW transmitter operating in Nigeria in the past weeks. No traces from DRM 15120 for at least a month, Kaduna and Ikorodu unheard since September and March 2016 respectively. 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, Aug 27, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9689.898 kHz, V of Nigeria, Hausa service in 06-07 UT time slot, usually scheduled on 7255v kHz in 41 mb, heard at S=7-8 in southern Germany, two male Hausa talk. 0613 UT on Aug 27. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Sure about the site usage? It was my understanding that 7255, or now 9690, comes from Ikorodu, because gossip had it that at the new Abuja site only a single transmitter is operational anymore and stuck on 15120 kHz, with all control equipment broken (Kai Ludwig, Aug 27, ibid.) There's been lots of speculation around the sites used, but when coming into operation in late 2011 / early 2012, already all three seemingly new transmitters were on uneven frequencies, roughly 60-80 Hz low on 41m, 90-110 Hz low on 31m, 140-160 Hz low in 19m, while clearly the Iko transmitter was always on even frequency but producing a whine and other specific noises which made me sure that it was still the same single one used from Iko since 2004 until March 2016 on 9690 and 15120 (except DRM). The new ones with significantly different audio quality never heard on exact channel, even DRM centered below 15120. Also, until 2015 or so, IDs have been different, Voice of Nigeria Lagos, and Voice of Nigeria Abuja. Probably this has been changed now, as studios finally moved completely (e.g. Last schedules for IKO transmitters do not show Hausa and Fulfulde, as not produced in Lagos and apparently no live feed from Abuja to Lagos). I'm still quite convinced that this one on 9689.9 is the only operational transmitter from Abuja and this gossip is simply wrong, but of course with a true kernel. 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Random reception of Voice of Nigeria, August 27 0730-0800 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf Fulfulde, instead of 7255 0800-0900 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf English, BUT open carrier http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/random-reception-of-voice-of-nigeria-on.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) Weak signal of Voice of Nigeria, August 27 1800-1930 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf English Voice of Nigeria *from 1900 7255 KUN 500 kW / 300 deg to N/ME Turkish China Radio Int. http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/weak-signal-of-voice-of-nigeria-august.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) 7254.94, Aug 28 at 0558, VON open carrier is on at S9+20, 0629 Hausa underway. By 0558 it should have been into drumming IS. Nothing on 9690v; looks like I missed all the excitement about that as others were reporting 9690 instead for a day or two morning and evening (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Voice of Nigeria again on scheduled frequency 7255 Aug 29 0600-0700 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf Hausa, August 27 was 9690 0700-0730 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf French August 27 was 9690 0730-0800 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf Fulfulde August 27 - 9690 0800-0900 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg to WCAf English, August 27 - 9690 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/voice-of-nigeria-again-on-scheduled.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** NIGERIA. Researched and written in Indianapolis, coming from Abuja Nigeria Edition: NWS444 Primary Release Date: Sunday August 27, 2017 ON THE AIR IN NIGERIA As we mentioned at the beginning of the program, today we’re in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, located in West Africa and with a coastline on the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria is a fascinating country and it has a very complex social and ethnic makeup. It was a colony of the United Kingdom until 1960, when it gained independence. But it was the scene of a bloody civil war from 1967 to 1970, and after that a series of military juntas from 1970 to 1999. The 21st Century saw the emergency of democracy in Nigeria. The current president, Mohammadu Buhari, was elected in 2015. While English is the official language and the lingua franca in Nigeria, there are hundreds of ethnic groups or tribes which speak their own language. The three main languages though are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Some major shortwave broadcasters such as the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Adventist World Radio transmit daily programs in Hausa to West Africa on shortwave, and these are very popular in Nigeria, where it's easy to buy cheap Chinese-made shortwave receivers in local markets for a little as three US dollars. Audio insert - Nigerian music: Yoruba, instrumental & vocal About half of the population is Muslim. And most of the other half is Christian. Religion plays a very important part in Nigerian life. I saw many billboards along the major roads promoting Christian churches and large religious services in stadiums and other locations. It’s easy to find Christian religious programs on local radio, such as 99.5 MHz FM. Audio insert - 99.5 FM Religious program, preaching about Jericho And you can even hear religious reggae music on the radio at 104.5 FM. Audio insert - 104.5 FM music and ID In an effort to promote unity in the country, both the Nigerian government and private radio stations transmit messages on the airwaves, such as these. Audio insert - We-FM ID, Jingle and poem, I am a Nigerian A recording there from We FM 106.3 in Abuja. The poem “I am a Nigerian” was written by Nkiru Asika and read by Hakeem Kae-Kazim. The domestic national radio network is Radio Nigeria. In Abuja, it can be heard on 92.9 FM. Audio insert - 92.9 FM Radio Nigeria news excerpt The large city of Lagos on the Gulf of Guinea was the capital of Nigeria until 1991. In that year, the capital was relocated to Abuja, a city purposely built to be the new capital, and in a central, ethnically-neutral location. While Lagos remains the financial center of the country, Abuja is the center of government. It is a very modern city with striking architecture. One of the main tourist attractions in Abuja, but on one day of our visit we were taken to see Gurara Falls, a very impressive waterfall located about an hour and a half north of Abuja in Niger State. In this rural location, I pulled out my Tecsun PL-880 shortwave receiver and did a short scan of the shortwave bands. Much as in Europe and North Africa, the strongest presence on shortwave was that of China Radio International, in English, Chinese and other languages. There are many Chinese in Nigeria, working on construction projects and other business concerns. So I assume that the CRI transmissions in Chinese beamed to West Africa must be to reach their expatriates in the region. Audio insert - CRI in Chinese Here are a few reception notes that I made at Gurara Falls around the 1300 UT hour on a Sunday. Vatican Radio was in Russian on 15370 kHz at 1337. On 15300 kHz, Radio France International was easily heard in French talking about Sudan. Brother Stair was audible at 1341 on 11580 kHz via WRMI, but mixing with another station in an African language. At 1344, I heard the Trans World Radio interval signal on 12055 kHz. On 11945, I heard a church service in a Chinese language, very strong. This was probably Vatican Radio from the Philippines. And on 11915, I heard what sounded like a commercial station in Chinese, but I’m quite sure it wasn’t commercial. China Radio International was all over the shortwave bands. I counted at least 10 frequencies for China on the 25 meter band at the 1300 hour. On 11670 kHz, there was what sounded like China Radio International in English, talking about Chinese relations with Germany. Audio insert - VON: Folk music, instrumental & vocal This is the rainy season in central Nigeria, and the night before we made the trip to Gurara Falls there was a huge rainfall. En route to the falls we saw a river that had overflowed and damaged many houses alongside it. Later, when we returned to Abuja, I heard news reports about the flooding on 98.3 FM. Audio insert --- 98.3 FM News report about flooding Business report Another thing I couldn’t help but notice along the route to Gurara Falls were literally hundreds, and maybe even thousands, of huge oil tankers parked along both sides of a long rural highway which had many potholes in it. It was Sunday, so the trucks were not moving; they were just parked along the road. I was told that there was a large oil depot in the area, and that these trucks haul oil from there to Abuja. Oil is the major economic product of Nigeria -- its largest export. Driving from Abuja International Airport into town, we saw some huge antenna systems at the side of road which looked like they had to be HF antennas. When I inquired with authorities later, I was informed that indeed, this was a transmitter site of the Voice of Nigeria. I was told that the transmitters are not in the best of shape, and that it’s very expensive to operate them and difficult because of fuel shortages -- yes, fuel shortages in a country that is a major producer of oil. The reality is that although the country has lots of petroleum, it refines little if any, so the oil is sent abroad to be refined. There are regular power outages in Abuja and throughout Nigeria. I visited the home of a well-known music and television producer in an upscale neighborhood of Abuja, and he told me that his home had been without electricity for the past two days. Fortunately he had generators at his house which he had been running constantly for the past two days. In fact, I saw generators for sale all over Abuja; it’s a hot item. Anyway, the Voice of Nigeria seems to only be on 7255 kHz right now, and perhaps somewhat sporadically, and that may well be due to the fuel and electricity shortages. The 2017 World Radio TV Handbook shows two transmitter sites for the Voice of Nigeria -- Abuja and Lagos -- and it indicates that Lagos is inactive. But recent reports from DXers say that 7255 kHz is coming from Lagos, so who knows for sure? The Voice of Nigeria’s live stream can be heard on the station’s website. Audio insert - VON: Webcast Promo In addition to the news, the Voice of Nigeria offers a variety of programs about life, politics and culture in the country, as well as Nigerian music. Here are some of the programs you can hear on their shortwave and Internet services. Audio insert - VON: Theatre on the Air Impressions Intro Health Corner intro Business Weekly intro You have just heard the introductions to some of the various programs that can be heard on the Voice of Nigeria (AWR Wavescan script for August 27 via DXLD) We know that Jeff White visited Nigeria this summer, so is this really written by him as ``I``? Script by Adrian Peterson claims ``Researched and written in Indianapolis, coming from Abuja Nigeria``, so I ask Jeff White: ``Jeff, On this week`s Wavescan, was the ``I`` in this report really you, as I know you visited Nigeria this summer, or did Adrian go too? Or separately? Glenn`` He replies: ``Glenn: It was just me. I was there in July. Adrian has not been there, at least not recently. Jeff`` (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) But I suppose Adrian did research history and background (gh) ** NORTH AMERICA. 6925-AM, Aug 27 at 2338, JBA carrier vs S9 storm crashes, not there at 0005 Aug 28 recheck. Many other logs of it, all as unID pirate, all afternoon from as early as 1713 UT, by those who could hear it much better: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,36937.0.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Nothin' but net --- Enid Plainsmen HS FB on both local AM stations --- Enid HS FB vs. Guthrie is running on both KGWA-960 and KCRC-1390, different announcers, and one of them is significantly delayed. Have to listen a few minutes to realize it's the same game. Weird! KGWA: http://lightningstream.com/player.aspx?call=KGWA KCRC: http://www.ctbsports.com/stations/kcrc-espn-radio/ 73 (Tim Hall, CA, 0129 UT Sat aug 26, ABDX via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. 92.1, Aug 25 at 0220, KAMG-LP Enid is back to its old situation: praise music in Spanish but very distorted modulation. What a mess. Should have license revoked also for *not* being local (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. FM TRANSLATORS FOR CLASS C & D AM STATIONS 2017-08-08 D. Smith Notes indicate reason for dismissal: (4) Applicant is not licensee of primary station. Application pairs in italics appear to be mutually exclusive. [there were no italix, but ought to be for Blackwell and nearby Ponca City over 93.3 – gh] ALTUS 96.9 34 37 35 99 20 10 KWHW-1450 ARDMORE 107.5 34 10 54 97 8 48 KVSO-1240 BLACKWELL 93.3 36 46 58 97 4 14 KOKB-1580 CUSHING 101.5 35 59 13 96 42 39 KUSH-1600 DUNCAN 106.1 34 30 43 97 58 4 KPNS-1350 ELK CITY 98.1 35 24 22 99 29 54 KADS-1240 MUSKOGEE 92.7 35 45 39 95 17 18 KTLQ-1350 [a.k.a. Tahlequah] OKMULGEE 106.3 35 36 31 95 58 18 KOKL-1240 PAWHUSKA 95.1 36 39 15 96 20 33 KWON-1400 [a.k.a. Bartlesville] PONCA CITY 93.3 36 47 20 97 2 52 WBBZ-1230 TULSA 100.5 36 9 18 95 59 25 KJMU-1340 (4) [a.k.a. Sand Springs] WOODWARD 98.1 36 25 37 99 24 21 KSIW-1450 [from a complete USA list by state] (Doug Smith, September WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. RF 7, Aug 25 after 1400 UT, astounding that KOCO ``5`` is the only OKC station with continuous coverage of flash flooding in the City --- KFOR, KWTV, KOKH and KAUT remain with regular programming, tho there might have been cut-ins. KOCO already had local news hour, extended at least until 1555 UT. Heavy rain was provoked already by Harvey pushing precip this way even before eye hit Texas; Enid remained dry (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DTV ** OKLAHOMA. RF 27, Wed Aug 23 at 1800 UT, KFOR-TV flashes its translator ID roster, again too swiftly to read or retain any of it. Maybe about 6 or 8 of them? Surely there are more. These could be only the O&Os? Someday I will manage to capture this on tape for leisurely legibility, but they don`t do it every day at this time (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Re: Oklahoma Broadcasting News, July 26-August 27, 2017 I totally agree with all this. I like the independence in graphics, music and news production. It's what defines a local news station and makes them stand out (Jon Klingerman, location unknown, Aug 29, WTFDA gg via DXLD) In this reply it`s unclear what he is agreeing with. Perhaps the new graphic design at KFOR-TV to go with their new studio, altho I hardly mentioned that, if at all. Formerly ``Newschannel 4``, now it`s ``Oklahoma`s News 4`` (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA [and non]. RF 42, Aug 26 at 1426 UT, area tropo is up, visiblizing KBZC-LD from OKC with [and rabbitears.info listings]: 42-1 football [American Sports Network] 42-2 fishing [Tuff TV] 42-3 BUZZR [BUZZR] 42-4 GetTV [GetTV] 42-5 QVC [QVC] 42-6 Q2 [QVC2] 42-7 ShopLC [ShopLC] GetTV used to be on a full power sub-station, forget which. KBZC used to have only 6 channels. No sign of the OKC LD on channel 21. RF 36, KUOK-CD also decoding at 1450 UT Aug 26, Univisión // KDCU 31 RF 31, KDCU, Derby/Wíchita KS with Univisión RF 45, KSNW Wichita, but no other Kansans breaking thru RF 48, KOCY-LP, OKC, Estrella TV, still the only NTSC left around here, color snowy weak & steady (Glenn Hauser, Enid OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OMAN. Reception of Radio Sultanate of Oman on August 23 1400-1500 on 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu Arabic 1500-1600 on 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu English 1600-2200 on 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu Arabic http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-radio-sultanate-of-oman-on_24.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) ** OMAN. No Carrier from Oman 15140 --- Checking UTwente at 1453 UT and there's no carrier, nothing seen on the waterfall (Paul B Walker Jr, Warren PA, Aug 25, ptsw yg via DXLD) As of 1517, still no carrier seen on the UTwente SDR waterfall. As of 1557, still nothing. Even in the worst conditions, at least some kind of signal shows on the UTwente SDR waterfall (Walker, ibid.) Checking UTwente again at 2035 after AIR and Cuba have signed off and no carrier. Looks like Oman wasn't on 15140 at all today (Walker, ibid.) 1406 UT Saturday August 26. 6 minutes past sign on and once again, no carrier from Oman on 15140. Checked 9540/12015/13600, Oman's other listed scheduled frequencies and there's nothing on any of them either (Paul Walker, ibid.) Reception of Radio Sultanate of Oman on August 27 0400-1000 on 13600 THU 100 kW / 220 deg to EaAf Arabic http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-radio-sultanate-of-oman-on_27.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) 1400 UT Sunday August 27: just caught someone`s news theme tune as the carrier was shut off, over on Utwente. 1410 and no sign of Oman yet They just popped up at 1415. 90.4, Oman FM via Radio Sultanate Of Oman's 100,000 watt 15140 kHz relay in Tumrait, Oman. Switched to English at 1500 but never switched back to Arabic. Good signal here in Northwestern PA. S7 to S8 but NO sign of Radio Havana Cuba or All India Radio which usually collide and make Oman 15140 unlistenable. Recorded at 1732 UT Sunday August 27th, 2017 using JRC NRD 535D, 25 foot long by 10 foot tall Volleyball Net Magnetic Loop Antenna connected to a Wellbrook ALA100LN amp controller head, a DXEngineering HF PreAmp and EmTech ZM2 Antenna tuner. Audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0snm-xpngE1N1NQQ0hCMW5raGM/view 2208 UT, and 15140 is A.) Still on and B.) Still relaying 90.4 Oman FM. 2200 UT should've brought a switch from 15140 to 12015, and the station should`ve switched back to Arabic at 1600 (Walker, aug 27, Aug 27, ptsw yg via DXLD) Still chugging along in English at 2316, almost 90 minutes past the 2200 scheduled switch to 12015, and 7 hours past the switch from English to Arabic at 1600 (Walker, ibid.) Oman 15140 in Arabic, change of schedule, again? Today [Aug 28], when checking Oman at about 1530 it was in Arabic, which is how it had been until about 40 days ago when they switched the English hour from 1400- 1500 to 1500-1600. I am fairly certain this was done for the 7pm-8pm live broadcast on 90.4 Oman FM from Salahlah Festival down along the coast, about 9 hours from Muscat, as 7 to 8pm Muscat time is 15-16 UT. The Salahlah Festival was over on Saturday August 26th and they did their last live broadcast from there Sunday August 27th. I did not however check the 1400 UT hour of Oman 15140khz via Utwente, but if I were a betting man, my edjumikated guess is that the English hour on 15140 will revert back to the 1400-1500 UT time slot. There are 3 entries in HFCC A17 for 15140 from Thumrait, Oman 1400-1500 English @ 315 degrees which would be the Middle East and Western Europe 1400-2200 English @ 220 degrees which would look to be Eastern Africa 1500-2200 Arabic @ 315 degrees which would be the same as the lone English hour. Data gleamed [sic] from here: http://www.hfcc.org/data/schedbybrc.php?seas=A17&broadc=RSO http://www.itu.int/net/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/images/broad-ciraf2.gif Whenever they were on English all day, as has happened a few times, the signal I got from them in Pennsylvania was so strong in the mid to late afternoon after AIR and Cuba signed off, it would suggest they were on the 315 degree beam and not the 220 degree beam. The long path at 315 degrees is much closer to me then the 220 degree beam and I think even if the 220 degree beam kept heading south and came over the poles, it would possibly maybe reach me but nowhere near as strong as what I'm getting. Here is a screen shot of the 15140 beams and long paths for 315 degrees and 220 degrees, courtesy of Stephen Cooper's shortwave.am site: (click the imgur.com link to load the image in a new page) http://imgur.com/a/mdNBh Yes, I have a lot of free time lately, and I am monitoring the same few stations but it keeps my mind busy and active. Plus, I also like some good radio/rf detective work (Paul Walker, Aug 28, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) I don`t think there is any reason to assume 15140 is reaching PA by 315-degree off-the-back long-path. If it were, there should be an equal or better signal here, and it`s barely audible. Extension of short path makes more sense (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I can only make an educated guess based upon my limited knowledge and reading the data. I think/thought it was rwxhkng [sic] me via long path from the front as it's beamed to Europe and in straight ahead (Walker, ptsw via DXLD) Then he was really talking about short path! Long path would have been way across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, starting off with only a fraxion of the signal off antenna aimed oppositeward (gh, DXLD) Radio Sultanate of Oman only in Arabic, August 29 1447&1515 on 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu Arabic: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/radio-sultanate-of-oman-only-in-arabic.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** PERU. 5980, Aug 28 at 2328, JBA carrier from presumed R. Chaski, as it`s about time to recheck their slippery autocutoff. With BFO, hope I don`t have to listen 12+ minutes to this vs noise level, as by now should have been reset much closer to nominal 2330*. Around 2332 I hear a het descending, i.e. another slightly stronger carrier closing in on Chaski. I don`t want to touch the dial to tell from which side. Could be an ionosonde sweeping, or a NRDie. Once it zero-beats at 2332:12, I hear nothing further, as if the Chaski carrier goes off at the same time. Very strange coincidence. Calls for further Chaski- checking. 5980, Aug 29 at 2328, JBA carrier from R. Chaski, until autocutoff at 2332:23*. Slightly better signal today than yesterday for a sharper edge, vs 2332:12 obscured by that other carrier. So 2332:23 is the new starting point for the 6.7 seconds per diem slippage recession expected for weeks to come (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 6173.94 - R. Tawantinsuyo, Cusco, Perú, 0101 24 Aug - very, very tentative logging of this station. Hearing brief fragments of music and occasional announcements. Static level very high killing just about anything. Cannot verify language or even musical style. Audio becoming more steady by 0115 but still to much band noise to really get anything positive. This is the only station that I can think of that might fit at this time. At 0119 caught definite OM in Spanish with brief high spirited announcement (Stephen Wood, Harwich, Mass., Perseus SDR, 25 x 50 superloop antenna, dxldyg via DXLD) Just returned last week from 2 weeks in central Perú. Was too busy on a church mission to listen on the radio even if I had taken one. When I lived in Va, Radio Chaski was the only one from there that I heard and not very well at that. Here in Oregon with the noise, forget it. Good luck on your logging. Regards, (George, NJ3H, Redmond, Oregon USA, ibid.) ** PHILIPPINES [non]. 15620, R. Veritas Asia via Sta. Maria di Galeria. Service in Tagalog – interesting that they send it back to a local audience from Europe! Good 1509. Had birthdays greetings etc., so maybe it is a relay of local mediumwave service, 19/8 (Craig Seager, VK2HBT, Bathurst NSW (Perseus SDR, IcomIC-R71E, JRC NRD-545, Tecsun PL-880, DX Engineering Preamp, Wellbrook feeder isolator, Icom IC-746, Loop Skywire, Home-made Loop with LZ1AQ amplifier), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) It`s not for local audience in Philippines, but for the many Filipin@ Gastarbeiter/in in the Mideast (gh, DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. Good signal of FEBC Radio Teos, August 24 1430-1500 on 9940 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Uyghur 1500-1600 on 11650 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Russian http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/good-signal-of-febc-radio-teos-august-23.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. Wrong frequency of Voice of America via Tinang, Aug 24 1200-1230 NF 17685 PHT 250 kW / 315 deg SEAs Burmese, instead of 17680 1220-1230 on 17680 PHT 250 kW / 315 deg SEAs Burmese, as scheduled A17 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/wrong-frequency-of-voice-of-america-via.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) ?? I guess he means that 17685 switched to 17680 at 1220 not 1230 (gh) ** PRIDNESTROVYE. RFE/RL Pridnestrovskiye Dialogi > 21:15 - 21:45 DIALOGURI TRANSNISTRENE > 30 de minute cu Radio Europa Libera. Preluare (rus) Finally found it: https://www.europalibera.org/z/3022 No editions for August shown there so far. So it would be no surprise if no ones have been transmitted via TRM either, as implied by the recent report in question. > Interestingly, it`s in Russian (which is bizarre for Europa Libera > that never had any Russian language programming in the past)... At least in German there is an established term for something they at RFE/RL do not appear to know: Auffindbarkeit. It describes that a media organization must make sure that potential audiences can find their stuff. Burying Russian-language content in completely Romanian environments does not sound like a really good idea in this regard (Kai Ludwig, Aug 25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PRIDNESTROVIE ============== Radio 1 and Radio 1 Plus. ---------------------------------- The first state station that appeared in Transnistria. The first station, "speaking" in three languages. The first station, broadcasting in different music formats at once on two frequencies. History Our path began in 1991. The young republic fought for independence and needed support, in objective information. The Voice of Truth was Radio of Pridnestrovie. It was created on August 7 by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the PSMC. Corps were located in all cities and regions of the country, which helped to promptly inform about the current events not only local residents, but also foreign audience. During the war in 1992, correspondents worked around the clock and transmitted information directly from the battlefields. The radio also facilitated the organization and holding of rallies and processions in support of the state's policy, raising funds for the families of deceased defenders. For many years, the station's employees provided daily information, information, analytical and educational programs, reflecting various spheres of life of the state and society. In 2012, Radio Transdniestria became part of the Transnistrian State TV and Radio Company, and in 2014 it was transformed into Radio 1. In view of the age audience of the radio station, the news and music content changed. And in 2015, due to numerous requests from older students, it was decided to launch Radio Transnistria on a separate frequency. According to amendments to the law "On Mass Media" adopted by the Supreme Council, there was a re-registration of state media. Since May 26, 2017, the SSSR has become officially registered on the territory of Transnistria and jointly established by the Government of the PMR and the Supreme Council. And from that moment on, Radio Transnistria was renamed Radio 1 Plus. Format: Radio 1 - at a frequency of 104.0. Broadcasting - Tiraspol, Bendery and Slobozia district. Radio 1 Plus: Wheatear - 106.4 Grigoriopol and Dubossary - 106.0 On the rest of the territory of the republic - 105.0. Radio 1 is an information and music station for middle-aged people. Music is mostly foreign. There are such projects as "Bartarasko", "Calendars", "The first behind the wheel", "The afternoon session", "Such news", "Around the sport", "I'm looking for myself". On the air, the presenters discuss the most pressing issues. On weekdays from 7:00 to 10:00 - show "Morning FRESH", and from 17:00 to 19:00 - a talk show "Associated Evening". Radio 1 Plus is an information and music station for people of the older generation. Songs of the middle of the last century, mostly Russian-speaking, are heard. Here information blocks from Radio 1 are being retransmitted, as well as original projects, such as "Annual rings", "Popular classics", "I believe - I do not believe", "Healthy advice". Broadcasting - throughout the republic. Command The work of two essentially different stations is provided by one team of specialists. These are those who stood at the origins of the creation of radio and those who bring in his work fresh ideas. They are professionals of their business - we all live on the wave of the First Radio! http://radio.pgtrk.ru/newabout (Leo Barmaleo / "open_dx" via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) Internet broadcasting on WEB page: http://radio.pgtrk.ru/newabout You can listen to Radio 1 and Radio 1 Plus, You just need to select a station in the list (Anatoly Klepov, Moscow, Russia, ibid.) ** ROMANIA. 13730, Aug 27 at 2350, JBA music, one of very few signals on band beyond Cuba, NZ and WWCR. Aoki shows RRI in Spanish. 9790, Aug 27 at 2357, YL with ballad in English, S6-S2, ends at 2400 sharp, into RRI opening in Romanian; much weaker than 9730 in English. So 9790 turned on the 2-hour broadcast a few minutes early without playing IS (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. 7345, Radio Sakha, via Yakutsk, 0948-1030, Aug 27. Usual ID at 0950 and series of ads; pop music; 1000 with IS (Jew's harp - khomus) and time pips; long segment of on-air phone calls after the news; fair reception as CNR1 doesn't sign on till about 1101. 7295 remains silent. Guess I enjoy this so much as it is the only Russian station that I hear now! (Ron Howard, San Francisco, at Ocean Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Republic of Sakha (Yakutiya) --- On August 14 from 0900 UT and now 1045 in Novosibirsk I very well accept the Yakutsk Radio in Russian and Yakut languages at a frequency of 7345 kHz. Signal in Novosibirsk on 44333, with little interference from the Chinese in the Kazakh language at 5 kHz lower. Perhaps, someone knows, the Yakut radio confirms reports about the reception? What address can they write to? (Igor Yaremenko, Novosibirsk, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx" via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) Good afternoon, Igor! It is affirmative - we should try to always write reports about the reception, even if there is no information about the confirmation from the radio station. This is purely my opinion. Address. It is necessary to look on the Internet. I do not have "Handbook radio broadcasting in Russian," but I think there should be a station address (Anatoly Klepov, Moscow, Russia / "deneb- radio-dx", ibid.) Douyakutia@rtrn.ru Radio Sakha NWK Sahak - no answer will be. Now I saw the new address Ckpsakha@rtrn.ru on the page http://yakutia.rtrs.ru/contacts/ - sent again (Dmitry Elagin, Saratovskaya oblast, Russia / "deneb- radio-dx" via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. All of course heard about the "mysterious" transmitter UVB- 76, which constantly transmits incomprehensible signals similar to a buzz. Western radio amateurs nicknamed him - "Buzzer". Very rarely, UVB-76 transmits voice messages in the form of letters and numbers. Tonight (August 24), western radio amateurs recorded another message. Here you can listen: https://youtu.be/dekIQv5Ai-8 (Pavel Ivanov, Belgorod, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx" & "open_dx" via Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. HISTORY DX ============ The data is published as the material is received. We hope for your participation in the section. Icon “Radio Moscow. USSR" You can see here - http://rusdx.blogspot.ru/2017/08/blog-post_22.html (Anatoly Klepov, Moscow, Russia, Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. HISTORY DX --- 1990 year -------- ADDRESS TO SOVIET DX-ers. In recent years, several Leningrad DX-schools have undertaken efforts to resolve the issue of registration of the "Leningrad Circle" DX-ers. "We are pleased to announce that this work was a success. On May 14, 1990, "LKDX-DXers" was registered at the Kalinin regional committee VLKSM of Leningrad. In this regard, new opportunities are opened for further activity of our club, the main direction of which are: - study (coverage) of the structure, work and current changes in the international area; radio broadcasting, first of all, of the "third world" countries; - Study (coverage) of the broadcasting of our country. Regarding membership in the "LKDX-ers" it was decided that from now on, club can be any Soviet DX-ers, who paid the entrance fee. This contribution (annual) will be, according to rough estimates, approximately 25 rubles. After that a member of our club gets the right to receive a club bulletin "Exotic DX news" during the next calendar year, without additional payment. Attention! Approximately until September, we ask all who will desire to join our club, send us instead of the annual fee of 2 rubles. monthly. In case of receipt of even a few applications, the first number of the bulletin "EDNH" will be released in June. Its volume is about 12 pages. Please send the fee by postal transfer to the address indicated at the end of this appeal. In the future, all financial activities of "LKDX-ers" will be fully highlighted on the pages of the bulletin. We plan part of the funds from contributions in addition to using the bulletin for publication, it is also stickers and a pennant club. Please also fill in a small questionnaire for all applicants (on a separate Sheet): 1. Name and surname 2. Date of birth 3. Mailing address 4. Telephone 5. Profession 6. Year of beginning of DX classes 7. Number of countries surveyed 8. Number of confirmed countries 9. Knowledge of languages 10. Interests in DX 11. Receiver 12. Antenna 13. Location (if different from the address) So, we are waiting for your applications, as well as HH-information for the first issue of "Exotic DX news »! Please also inform other DCs about this appeal. 73! Mikhail Timofeev, Head of "LKDX-ers" G[orod]. Leningrad, May 1990 - The letter and envelope of this letter have been preserved. The original of this letter can be found here - http://rusdx.blogspot.ru/2017/08/blog-post_15.html (Rus-DX 27 August published 26 August, 2017, via DXLD) ** SAAR. Visit 182 kHz: See GERMANY ** SAUDI ARABIA. Ed's logs from Jeddah --- OK, Mauno. Finally tuned into your stations from Jeddah at 1900 UT on 23 Aug: 648 kHz, local Jeddah station. Full scale, 55555. Saudi station as per discussion. 594, local Jeddah station. Full scale, 55555. Qur`anic prayer heard underneath main signal, likely from Mecca. 1017, nothing heard 11860 - Radio Sana`a, with QSB. 33323. Arabic. Much stronger in Riyadh. Rig: Sangean ATS-909X with internal whip antenna, facing Red Sea on hotel 8th Floor. Low noise. 73, (Ed Sylvester, Sa`udi Arabia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) So that indicates at 1900, 11860 is not from Jeddah. But what about other times of day? See YEMEN [non] (gh, DXLD) ** SOLOMON ISLANDS. 9545, SIBC, Honiara. Very good in English with pop music on 18/8, 0215 (John Adams, Port Douglas Tropical Queensland (Sangean ATS-909X, 7 Metre Reel Antenna), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) 5020, SIBC. Rare anomaly before 1159*, Aug 22. Had no "Evening Devotional," no ID in English and no National Anthem. Never before have I heard this format at closing time; DJ in Pijin playing pop music till cut off (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5020, Aug 25 at 0629, JBA carrier presumed SIBC starting from 0500 after 9545. 5020 JBAC still audible at 1153. 5020, Aug 27 at 1158 tune in just in time to observe SIBC cutting off weak carrier at 1159* (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOMALIA. 7750, Warsan Kenya. In Somali (presumed) on 16/8 confirmed on earlier broadcast time at 0244 than usually s/on at 0325 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Why does Rumen relate this to Kenya? We have no other information in that respect. Presumably from town of Warsan in Somalia; in fact the first station listed in WRTH, also with FM. I head this SOMALIA, but ADXN deletes any country with each by-frequency log; guess it (gh) ** SOMALILAND [and non]. SOMALIA/TAIWAN, Confirmed on 18 August at 0330 UT on 7163 kHz rumbling intermodulated Hargeisa plus Sound of Hope / Falun Gong (presumed) and jamming type "syren". The symmetric 7077 kHz of Hargeisa 7120 kHz was also heard (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, Aug 22, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 25 via DXLD) Unless these two are secretly sharing same transmitter site --- incredible --- this mixture must be receiver-produced. Or without SOH involvement, 7163 & 7077 would just be matching spurs out of 7120 Hargeisa (gh, DXLD) Another vesion: 7163, V of Hope. Long-time observed Sound of Hope/Falun Gong program in Chinese in range 7161-7164 with jamming by “siren” type but on 18/8 from 0330 rumbling here with intermodulating signal of Hargeisa Somalia on fundamental 7120 & heard also on symmetric 7077 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) This latter wording unseems to imply that VOH/SOH and Hargeisa transmitters are related, merely showing up in same frequency range. However, 0330 is near noon in Taiwan, propagable to Europe? (gh, DXLD) ** SOMALILAND [non]. Thanks to an item at WRTH Facebook, did a web search and found the following: Somaliland's new Voice of Democracy on 7325 kHz. Please note http://goo.gl/cVaU75 (Ron Howard, California, Aug 25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) WRTH Facebook [with elapsed time since post, no help now]: Mauno Ritola 10 hrs UNID in Somali on 7325 kHz now ... Dave Kernick Brief burst of Babcock "IS" at the end. Like 1 9 hrs [WORLD OF RADIO 1893] Dave Kernick Their website implies this is on daily, on 7325 kilograms (sic). Like 9 hrs Rob Wagner I don't think my antenna could handle a signal of that weight!!?? better roll out the fencing wire! Like 1 6 hrs Mauno Ritola It's Google's translation: the original text says "kilohertz" :-) Like 9 hrs Dave Kernick So it does! Like 9 hrs At 0449 FB says 9 hours, so this flurry apparently occurred circa 1949 UT, which would have been more helpful to specify. The google translation of the article says the time for the broadcast is 10:30, so local time minus 3 would be 1930 UT. It seems the translation page disables copying and pasting. Part of it I retype, sic!!! NOTICE: - A NEW RADIO STATION AND A BROADBAND ACCESSIBILITY August 16, 2017 - Written by Tifaftiraha ``London (Gararawnews) The Somaliland Broadcasting Association (SONYO) is a new radio station based in Somaliland, with a 7325 kilograms of amphibious amphetamine every 10 pm on the Horn of Africa 10:30 night.` So I guess they mean from 10 to 10:30 pm local UT +3. Then goes on to explain the purpose of the broadcast, etc. So it`s from some BaBcoCk site. HFCC as of August 24 still shows a one-hour gap in 7325 usage at 1900-2000: 7325 1830 1900 40E,41NW SNG 250 315 0 207 1234567 010417 291017 D 8970 Pus SNG BBC BAB 14112 PASHA 7325 2000 2030 28SE URU 500 308 0 216 1234567 260317 291017 D 8180 Srp CHN CRI RTC 2951 It would be appreciated if you guys who are also DXLD yg members would also contribute such info directly to this group (gh, DXLD) I wonder if the station's name is rather "Voice of the People of Somaliland". The programs are available at their website http://somalilandvoice.co.uk 73 (Jari Savolainen, Finland, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Transmission crash-started at 1858, as attached. ...and was a 30 minutes one, ending with a short buzz sound. > So it`s from some BaBcoCk site. To open the guessing game: Woofferton? (Kai Ludwig, Aug 25, ibid.) First couple of minutes of this recording are BBC Pashto signing-off, so the Somaliland broadcast actually started on time at 1900 (David Kernick, Interval Signals Online, ibid.) I have a bit more on "tape": Indeed, when listening into the noise one can make out that on the Singapore signal the same bumper music plays than on the other transmitter that out of the blue overrides it. So this is definitely handled by Babcock. Their own website http://somalilandvoice.co.uk also gives the broadcast time as 10:00. It claims that these broadcasts are unbiased and independent but does not hint at those who run this operation (Kai Ludwig, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Reception of Voice of the People of Somaliland, August 25 1900-1930 on 7325 unknown BaBcoCk tx to EaAf Somali, fair to good: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-voice-of-people-of.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) Reception of Voice of the People of Somaliland, August 26: is on shortwave from August 19 according to IBB monitoring 1900-1930 on 7325, probably BaBcoCk tx to EaAf Somali, strong signal: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-voice-of-people-of_26.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) "Somaliland voice" 7325 kHz --- "Probably" means that the site is shown as "XXX", i.e. the whole thing is handled in confidential manner? Then I must say: I hope Babcock knows really exactly what they are putting on air here. It could not hurt if someone with knowledge of the Somali language checks out these broadcasts (Kai Ludwig, ibid.) SINGAPORE/MADAGASCAR, 7325even both transmissions. 7325.0, BBC Kranji Singapore in Pashto/Dari, ID as bbcPashto.com, S=9+30dB powerhouse. Listen to attached recordings. Kranji transmission cut off at 1859:31 UT. 7325.0, MADAGASCAR, Somaliland new confidential target radio 'SMV' heard from 1900:10 UT via Babcock FMO organized via Talata Volonondry outlet. Weak S=6 signal heard in Qatar, Moscow, Greece, Hungary, Belgium, and Liverpool U.K. Better signal of 8 kHz wideband heard in remote Brisbane, Australia SDR installation, S=8-9 in peaks. From 1921 UT HoA like music. ID at 1929:20 UT and prayer till 1930:06 audio switched off. At 1930:36 UT transmitter in Madagascar switch-off. Listen to enclosed attachment recordings [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 27, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Altho MAD site makes sense propagationally, wb does not explain how he knows that for sure (gh, DXLD) ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. 7570, WRMI, with Brother Spare-change playing a tape of someone talking about how SW and ham radio will be the alternate to the Internet during the coming apocalypse and then taking calls from listeners, one of whom started scoffing about how Jesus didn't come back during the eclipse, and The gravel-voiced one responded by saying "I don't believe in YOU" and trying to deny he suggested the eclipse would be a harbinger of the end times. (We need to review Uncle Harold's logs don't we?!) He FINALLY went into detail about what the eclipse meant at 0514 --- I should have recorded it because there is NO way I do it justice as it rambled from Salem and Jerusalem to Trump's campaign rally in AZ. This is the first time I've heard him discuss the eclipse since Sunday, and I keep waiting for him to explain how what we saw wasn't just a result of celestial mechanics. I know, I'm not holding my breath. In REALLY well, 5554+4+ with just a titch of fading noticeable. 0420-0525 25/Aug, SPR-4 + randomwire (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet Aug 25 via DXLD) ** SPAIN. 17715. Fri, Aug 25 at 1910-1020, Radio Exterior de España, Noblejas, in Spanish. Man announcers talk news and comments about football, mainly, in program "Radiogaceta de los Deportes". Station with excellent transmission, 55555. 17855. Fri, Aug 25 at 1930-1940, Radio Exterior de España, Noblejas in Spanish. REE in total silence. No signal and no modulation at this frequency! (DXer: José Ronaldo Xavier, Cabedelo-PB, Brazil, Degen DE1103 & Tecsun S-2000, Longwire, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** SRI LANKA. 11835 kHz, SLBC Trincomalee 125 kW at 320degrees, daily at 17-18 UT in Tamil to foreign workers. Es blieben mir noch 5 Minuten Zeit zwischen 1755 und 1800z, heute am 22. August mal in den 11835 kHz Kanal hinein zu hoeren. Remote PERSEUS SDR unit in Doha Qatar Middle East habe ich benutzt. Siehe MP3 Mitschnitt bis zur Absage in Tamil language von 1755z bis 1800:27z - tx switch off. Der Perseus zeigte immer S=9+15 bis +20dB signal in Doha Qatar ME. listen to the mp3 recording: 11835 kHz, SLBC Trincomalee 125 kW at 320degrees heading, daily at 17- 18 UT beaming Middle East External Service in Tamil to expatriates / foreign workers. 1755z-1800:27z - tx switch off, 22 August on remote PERSEUS SDR unit in Doha Qatar Middle East. S=9+15 to +20dB signal. Programs are fed from Colombo. 73 Wolfgang df5sx P11 SRI LANKA BROADCASTING CORPORATION COLOMBO - SRI LANKA Ref: E-QSL # Dear Wolfgang Bueshel, Stuttgart, Germany We are pleased to confirm your reception report of our transmission on: Date: 22 August 2017 Time: 1755 to UTC | Frequency: 11835 kHz Txr Site: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Power: 125 kW Service: Middle East External Service. Language: Tamil. We are beaming to the Middle East for Sri Lankan Expats on a 320 beam heading from Trincomalee. Programs are fed from Colombo. Thank you very much for your Reception Report. Director Audience Research. Deputy Director General Engineering. Date: August 24th 2017 ©SLBC 2017. All rights reserved. via Victor Goonetilleke-CLN 4S7VK, at Thanks for the report. Someone reported slight distortion. Please keep a watch. Hope you like the e-qsl. Greetings from Melbourne! 73 Victor 4S7VK (via Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 25 via DXLD) ** SRI LANKA. SRI LANKA BROADCASTING CORPORATION : `WE ARE PROVIDING A NATIONAL SERVICE' 20 August, 2017 by Ryhanna Salie Focus http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2017/08/20/focus/sri-lanka-broadcasting-corporation-%E2%80%98we-are-providing-national-service%E2%80%99 The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is one of the oldest radio stations in South Asia. The current Chairman of the SLBC, Sudharshana Gunawardane says, "The main aim of the SLBC is to run an organization where we provide unbiased information to the public according to the policies, and also to promote the government's agenda on reconciliation, democratization and development.We have been campaigning for these ideals for a long time and this is a time when civil society activism and government agenda is similar. After I took over, a new board was also appointed and as the Chairman, along with the Director General who is the Chief Executive Officer of the organization we are now focusing on streamlining our programs and to make sure that we get more listenership, and also cater to the listening public with more enriched programs. At the moment we run programs in all three languages. We have three Sinhala channels, two Tamil channels and the Radio Sri Lanka English Channel. We have regional channels and the community radio, and there are plenty of activities happening. At the moment, our focus is very much on news and current affairs and the challenge is to make sure that we present a balanced news bulletin while promoting government development activities and government efforts for reconciliation." Gunawardane is planning to revamp the SLBC. He says, "My main aim is to get a strong volunteer support-base because this is the oldest media institution as far as the electronic media is concerned. This has a huge resource base, an immense listenership and we are the only channel that has a regional presence in Anuradhapura, Kandy and Matara. So, with this we thought we can make a difference, but as this is a government institution we are not profit making. So we can't really move. Therefore, my intention is to call volunteers who love radio, who are nostalgic about the radio, and who have been associating with the radio since the good old days, to come forward and work with us. The emphasis is to make sure that all three language streams are treated equally and also to promote gender equality within the organization, to develop our content, present programs, do research and get feedback in whatever way. That is the message I want to convey. I think radio broadcasting has a lot to do with national reconciliation. My belief is that times are changing. We used to be the only broadcaster, but now there are many channels. We need to develop this media as a greater interactive platform linked to the social media. I see that there is a greater potential; and also we used to cater to the public who stay at home, but now the television has taken this place. But, more people now listen to the radio while travelling, be it a bus, a trishaw, their private vehicle or office transport. The radio has become a mode of communication and we are aiming at that market. A lot of people now listen to the radio through their phones and other devices. When you are in a gym you can listen to the radio. My intention is to develop a radio which can fit into the needs of the modern citizen." At present, the SLBC runs services in three languages. Gunawardane says, "In the Sinhala stream we have the Sinhala National Service, Sinhala Commercial Service and the City FM. The latter focuses more on the youth base while the Sinhala National Service is a classic presentation. The Commercial Service plays contemporary music. We have the Tamil Service and we run Hindi programs in the Asia Service, but that's in only short wave at the moment. Radio Sri Lanka is our English channel. The education service and the children's service are part of the Sinhala National Service frequencies. We used to have a very good listener base in India when we were transmitting through a medium of short wave. At the moment, we are very much on FM, but still there is a special service which we call the Asia Service for which there is a good response. People still listen to that through the internet. We have a very resourceful library where we have a collection of English and Hindi records and also Sinhala and Tamil. I think no other institution in the South Asian region has such resources." Gunawardane says, the future challenges for the SLBC are many fold. "One is to mark our presence in the present day when there is a challenge from television and internet based media. The challenge is how to fit into the current times and how to become relevant. Therefore, we improved our technology and developed our studios and equipped them with modern facilities. There is a digitalized automation process going on. The other challenge is to come up with more up to date content. Our content has not been up to the mark. So through training and research we are focusing on developing good content, and to make sure to cater to the taste of our listeners. One big challenge is that there are too many radio stations now and all are national. They all focus on the Island wide coverage. Nobody is looking at the niche area. For example, there is a rating system and the radio has to depend on the advertising. The number of advertisements you get and the frequency will be decided by this system of rating." Gunawardane has a vision for the SLBC. He says, "I came with a mission. I told the employees when I first assumed duty, I'm from civil society, I'm a lawyer and I represent civil society organizations. My mission is to bring this institution back to the days of glory. When Sir Edmund Hilary climbed Mount Everest he switched on his shortwave radio to see if he got any frequency. He got one frequency and that was Radio Ceylon All Asia Service. My ambition is to bring back the radio to its former glory by developing the research and training, and to make sure that we have good studios and the staff is trained to use modern equipment and develop the content. I'm asking a lot of volunteers to help me and provide their knowledge because this is a national institution. We are not in competition with anyone else. We are providing a national service. I'm here to facilitate that." Pix: Ranjith Asankao (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** SUDAN. 7205even, R Omdurman heard with local / singer drums performer at 0316 UT. S=9+25dB powerful noted in Qatar remote unit. [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7205.001, Radio Omdurman, talk in Sudanese Arabic, S=9+15dB signal strength at 0452 UT on Aug 27 (Wolfgang Büschel, early UT morning log, 0430-0500 UT on Aug 27, in Doha Qatar Middle East remote Perseus SDR unit: [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 27, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7205.001, Radio Omdurman, talk in Sudanese Arabic, S=9+15dB signal strength at 0435 UT on Aug 29. But modulation is a little bit low, the carrier is much stronger [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN [non]. Radio Dabanga --- Ciao a tutti, stò ascoltando radio Dabanga sin dall'inizio alle 1530 UT e ho verificato su diverse schedule alle 16 UT doveva chiudere invece a chiuso con il simpatico jingle alle 1627. Le schedule swskeds sono aggiornate all'ultimo file e anche su http://short-wave.info/ la danno per soli 30 minuti di trasmissione cosi anche su EIBI. Sul sito dell'emittente è data per un ora. https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/broadcasts 73 (Ivan Guerini, # Iw2kbk # Swl I2-5759 # My Blog: http://swl-i2-5759.blogspot.it/ Aug 24, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) ** SUDAN SOUTH [non]. Reception of VOA South Sudan in Focus, August 28 1630-1700 on 11985 MEY 100 kW / 000 deg to SDN English Mon-Fri 1630-1700 on 13750 DHA 250 kW / 255 deg to SDN English Mon-Fri 1630-1700 on 15180 SMG 250 kW / 146 deg to SDN English Mon-Fri http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-voa-south-sudan-in-focus.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** SWEDEN. MediumWave.info reports Hörby MW 1179 kHz started up today. The xmitter is placed in O. Sallerup and has 2.5 W ERP via a vertical antenna. The transmitter will at the beginning be on air about 14 days. During "VeteranLjuddagen" September 2nd the program will be with music, other times a loop with test sound! In daytime the xmitter has a limited range, but in the evenings and early mornings it will hopefully could be heard far away. Reports are more than welcome and will be answered with a QSL-card if wanted. send your report to 1179@veteranljuddagen.se Original text in Swedish: Hörby mellanvåg 1179 kHz kom igång idag. Sändaren är placerad i Ö Sallerup och vi sänder med 2,5 W ERP på en vertikalantenn. Sändaren kommer till att börja med att vara aktiv under ca 14 dagar. Under VeteranLjuddagen den 2 september kommer ett musikprogram att sändas, övrig tid sänds endast en slinga med testljud. Under dagtid har sändaren en begränsad räckvidd men på kvällar och tidiga morgnar kan sändningen förhoppningsvis nå långt. Vi är mycket intresserade av lyssnarrapporter vilka besvaras med QSL-kort om så önskas. Skicka din lyssnarrapport till 1179@veteranljuddagen.se Hope to see you at the VeteranLjuddagen! Bengt Ericsson via Lennart Deimert, NORDX yg (22/8-2017) (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** SYRIA. Members, Possibly as the Syrian war is weakening in intensity AM stations will return to activity. Already Saudi based Rawad Hamwi has observed the reappearance of 567 kHz from Adra. Maybe over the next weeks other stations will revive. The information was first seen on the WRTH Facebook page. 73 and 88 (Dan Goldfarb, Aug 27, mwmasts yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adra%2C_Syria https://tools.wmflabs.org/geohack/geohack.php?pagename=Adra%2C_Syriams=33.6_N_36.515_E_region:SY_type:city(20559) http://wikimapia.org/#lang=de&lat=33.610625&lon=36.594172&z=17&m=b re 567 kHz MW, 4mast array of the 300 kW unit, visible on G.E. image of 28 June 2016 seemingly in good shape. They need an intact main power connection for 24hrs / 7d service. 4-mast Seemingly the mast on left side upper corner is little shorter now, cut by one third ? see recent image of 14 May 2017 https://www.terraserver.com/view?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search_text=&searchLat=&searchLng=&lat=33.6&lng=36.515&bbox=¢er= single reserve mast on left of TX house of 20 to 50 kW range looks also intact at present. 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, mwmasts yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** TAIWAN. 5170-USB, Central Weather Bureau. Signal seemed stronger than listed 250W? 1333-1340, Aug 24; assume in Cantonese, with marine weather forecast. Website - http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Was // to 8117-USB, which is listed as 400W, but both seemed about equal strength. My audio at http://goo.gl/MjzWUQ with CODAR QRM and QRN (static). More details of this station in DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-213 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) After my Aug 24 reception, emailed my reception report, with the link to my audio clip, to the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. My report was in Google Chinese. Sent via their contact email form at http://goo.gl/h9b6dY They replied on Aug 27, as follows. Ron Dear Sir, We are very glad to receive your reception report letter and will send you a QSL card. Currently we have two voice broadcasting stations, 5170 and 8117 kHz, which comprise a network covering the maritime space of Taiwan. Both of them are accessible 24 hours. We set the above SSB radio voice broadcasting system to improve our weather reporting service for those who work overseas. In the report, you can get the information in Chinese and Taiwanese as follows: 1. The latest weather observing data. 2. Weather analysis and weather forecast for the following three days. 3. Latest typhoon alarm reports will be provided every 1 to 3 hours during typhoon warning period. 4. The latest typhoon report in the North Pacific. It will be highly appreciated if you introduce our weather broadcasting systems to your friends. Thank you! Yours sincerely, Central Weather Bureau (via Ron Howard, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ** TAIWAN [and non]. 7163, V of Hope. Long-time observed Sound of Hope/Falun Gong program in Chinese in range 7161-7164 with jamming by “siren” type but on 18/8 from 0330 rumbling here with intermodulating signal of Hargeisa Somalia on fundamental 7120 & heard also on symmetric 7077 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, Folded Marconi ant 16 meters long), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) This wording unseems to imply that VOH/SOH and Hargeisa transmitters are related, merely showing up in same frequency range. However, 0330 is near noon in Taiwan, propagable to Europe? (gh, DXLD) ** TIBET. China 4920 kHz, PBS Xizang heard between 2210 and 2235 with male and female announcers in presumed Tibetan, chant-like vocal pieces. Only poor to fair, but best signal I’ve ever gotten from them on this frequency; parallel 4905, 6025 (best), 6130, 7385. (Delibert 7/23 [sic, presumably means 8/23])(Art Delibert, Vineyard Haven, Mass, NRD-545 with pennant antenna, Aug 24, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** TIBET [non]. 15528, Aug 26 at 1355, JBA carrier, must be V. of Tibet via TAJIKISTAN, but no carriers audible on 15530 or 15525 from CNR1 jammer. Current Aoki dated Aug 11 a biweek ago! shows VOT on 15528 only at 1305-1335. 15523, Aug 27 at 1340, JBA carrier, presumed V. of Tibet via TAJIKISTAN. Aoki has not kept up with this one either. I also had 15523, Aug 16 at 1340. Ivo`s clandestine schedule as of Aug 17 doesn`t match either, showed: ``Voice of Tibet 1300-1310 on 11507 DB 100 kW / 095 deg to EaAs Chinese 1305-1315 on 15522 DB 100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan 1310-1330 on 11512 DB 100 kW / 095 deg to EaAs Chinese 1315-1335 on 15528 DB 100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan 1335-1345 on 15522 DB 100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan 1345-1400 on 15528 DB 100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET [non]. Frequency changes of Voice of America in Tibetan: 1600-1700 NF 9590 LAM 100 kW / 075 deg to CeAs, ex 11630 to avoid same 11630 LIN 100 kW / 286 deg to EaAs Kazakh CNR-17 parallel freq 7565 PHT, 9565 UDO, 12065 PHT as scheduled A-17 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/frequency-changes-of-voice-of-america.html (SWLDXBulgaria News August 23, with some test recordings via Afedri SDR unit in Patreshko, near Troyan, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DXLD) ** U K. DOGGER, FISHER, GERMAN BIGHT: SHIPPING FORECAST CELEBRATES 150 YEARS The Guardian, Fiona Harvey, Environment correspondent 24 August 2017 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/aug/24/shipping-forecast-marks-150-years-service-bbc-met-office Consternation, mourning and national soul-searching greeted the temporary silencing of Big Ben last week, but at least another favourite fixture of the nightly and early morning radio is to continue. The hymnal cadences of Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire, through Shannon, Rockall, Malin all the way to south-east Iceland, will be heard as usual on Thursday, as the shipping forecast celebrates 150 years of uninterrupted service. The shipping forecast, the longest continuous weather forecast ever made, has been a public service since 1867 when it was used to warn of storms. The warnings were first issued using the electric telegraph until radio became available. Storm warnings were sent over the telegraph wires to harbours, where signals were hoisted to warn ships at sea. When the BBC was formed in the 1920s, the maritime forecast became a fixture of the daily wireless programme where it would remain with occasional modifications and a break during the war when the broadcast was discontinued for fear it would help the enemy. The forecast was still made, however, and disseminated to the Royal Navy. Storm that nearly swept away the Met Office Though today’s seafarers have access to many more sources of meteorological data, and many radio listeners famously use the late- night incantatory broadcast – never more than 380 words, and always following the same strict format – for soporific rather than navigational purposes, the broadcasts still fulfil a vital safety role. Peter Dawes, lifesaving services manager at the RNLI, said: “[It] is an excellent source of information, and a vital tool in helping people make critical safety decisions at the coast and at sea. We urge everyone to check the weather before heading to the coast, in order to stay safe.” A century and a half ago, the shipping forecast was the most practical application of the techniques of weather forecasting pioneered by Robert FitzRoy, vice-admiral and founder of the Met Office, a few years earlier. A disastrous storm off the coast of North Wales, in 1859, in which the Royal Charter steam clipper foundered along with more than 130 other ships, with the loss of 800 lives, led the naval scientist to start publishing a tentative series of weather forecasts from 1861. FitzRoy, the captain of HMS Beagle, on which Charles Darwin made the voyages that led to his theory of evolution, was one of the fathers of modern weather forecasting, rightly foreseeing that new technology, including improved communications and observations, would render accurate predictions of the weather possible. But he was ridiculed for years for his efforts, and his petitions to the Board of Trade for public support went unanswered. Discouraged by the response, and having exhausted his fortune in attempting to set up a regular forecasting service, he killed himself in 1865. David Hambling on a project set up 160 years ago, using new scientific means to look at storm prediction and save lives at sea After his death, the regular forecasts he initiated ceased, but public outcry led to their reinstatement in 1867 as a safety tool for mariners, and they have continued with occasional modifications ever since. FitzRoy is now commemorated in every shipping forecast as a sea area was named after him in 2002. This caused its own consternation on introduction, nearly on a par with that currently surrounding Big Ben, because FitzRoy replaced the long-standing and sonorous Finisterre, an area of sea close to similarly named areas of the French and Spanish maritime areas. The shipping forecast is now 93% accurate overall, and the forecast for inshore waters is about 97% accurate. Wind direction is not always as easy to get right as wind speed, with about 80% accuracy and more than 90% respectively, while about 15% of gale warnings turn out to be false alarms. Audio: Radio 4's Shipping Forecast reaches 150 years old - BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-41030909/radio-4-s-shipping-forecast-reaches-150-years-old (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** U K. Re: BBC Pidgin launched - for West Africa (so obviously not the Tok Pisin of Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini) I had not bothered to point out this rather ambiguous description --- see for that https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pidgin completely focusing on the circumstance how they try to make people believe that Serbian is a new language for them. In my opinion it is really not a good idea of the BBC to use such PR tactics, presumably believing that it will never rub off on their reputation as a news organization. The same goes also for the narrative of hip and cool "Fran" that could be observed in some recent press releases (Kai Ludwig, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also LL: ** U K. Re: Rampisham towers felled --- Here it must be added: The last remaining ones, because of, I understand, "clear that site if you want to set up your solar arrays on the substitute grounds" . Just hit "Rampisham 2013" into the Youtube search field. (Kai Ludwig, Aug 26, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) Hi All, Kai is exactly correct, but I understood from talking to the locals there that there was an initial problem with tower felling operations in 2013 that certain endangered species may have had to be considered so that their lives were not impacted --- literally! Looks like that has been sorted out now. One of the towers at RMP has TV broadcast relay on it and possibly another has cell phone infrastructure, so the skyline is not completely clear. 73 (Dave G4OYX Porter, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) ** U S A. 7457-USB, Aug 24 at 1318, AF MARS net with AFA4VO, calling stations in Mississippi, then North Carolina. Net callsign is 4TX2, all in fonetix (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Take a listen out on the hamradio hurricane net frequency of 14325-usb from Texas (Jon Collins, Birmingham UK, Aug 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Aug 27 circa 0336, I bandscan so-called 80, 60 (ha) and 40m hambands for any sign of emergency comms about the Texas flooding, and hear none, altho I do not know of any frequencies specified for it; as if there were no crisis, just the usual ragchews and contesters, such as Ohio QSO party, and CVA: see BRAZIL (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ARRL Hurricane Harvey response --- via Southgate --- The page, http://www.arrl.org/harvey includes information and news summarizing the response by Amateur Radio (ham radio) volunteers following Hurricane Harvey and the continuing dangerous severe weather and flooding in Texas and parts of Louisiana. Our thanks to Stephen, G7VFY for the above information Posted by: (Mike Terry, Aug 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Included SATERN net on 7262-LSB, Hurricane Watch on 7268-LSB (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** U S A [non]. VATICAN. 17655. Sun, Aug 27 at 1736-1800, Voice of America, SM di Galeria, in Portuguese. Announcer Ana Guedes presents an interview with a Doctor Graça about Diabetes Mellitus - A very important theme; 1750 Program "Espaço do Ouvinte": interview with a Brazilian DXer Jailtom Amaral, about Brazil economic-financial crisis and a general repercussion to Brazilian citizens and mainly to the city of Santa Rita-PB, Brazil; A song "Saudade" by Cape Verdean singer; ID and ends of programming. VOA with a good signal and fair modulation, today, 45433 (DXer: Jose Ronaldo Xavier, Cabedelo-PB, Brazil, Degen DE1103, Longwire, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. WORLD OF RADIO 1892 monitoring: 5850, UNITED STATES, WRMI at 1030. Confirming World of Radio on with choppy propagation and fair amount of audio hum. Strong S-9 signal level. August 23 (Rick Barton, AZ, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I also checked it briefly before 1100 Wednesday when it was VG here, no hum noticed, and this week I will not take responsibility for any hum on the original (gh, DXLD) Barely audible to confirm, the Wed 2100 on WBCQ 7490v-AM, at 2120. Confirmed Wed Aug 23 at 2330 on WBCQ 9330.0v-CUSB, fair. Also confirmed Thu Aug 24 at 2330 on WBCQ, 9330.057v-CUSB, fair. Next: Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 0630 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1431 HLR 7265-CUSB to WSW Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2230 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 2300 WRMI 11580 to NE Sun 0200 WRMI 11580 to NE Sun 0315v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB to WSW Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW WORLD OF RADIO 1892 monitoring: confirmed Friday August 25 at 2330 on WBCQ 9330.05v-CUSB, fair. Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, reports: GERMANY, Very poor signal of HLR relays on 6190-CUSB, August 26 --- World of Radio #1892 0642-0712 on 6190 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg to CeEu English Sat http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/very-poor-signal-of-hlr-relays-on.html So it ran 12 minutes late! The next broadcast via HLR, Sat Aug 26 at 1431 on 7265-CUSB once again completely inaudible via UTwente, and no reports of it yet from Ivo or anyone else, but may well have been radiated. WOR 1892 confirmed, Sat Aug 26 at 2255 the 2230 on WBCQ 9330.05v-CUSB, good. Also confirmed Sat Aug 26 at 2310 the 2300 on WRMI 11580, good. Also confirmed UT Sunday Aug 27 at 0214, the 0200 on WRMI 11580, good. Also confirmed UT Sunday Aug 27 at 0325 on WA0RCR, 1860-AM, MO, poor S6-S7 weaker than usual, 12 minutes in so started circa 0313. Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, reports: GERMANY, Reception of HLR relays on 9485 CUSB, August 27, World of Radio #1892 1030-1100 on 9485 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg to CeEu English Sun http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-hlr-relays-on-9485cusb.html Next: Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW WORLD OF RADIO 1892 monitoring: confirmed Sunday August 27 at 2330 on WBCQ, 9330.075v-CUSB, good. Also confirmed UT Monday August 28 starting at 0302 on Area 51 webcast, but WBCQ inaudible circa 5130 (earlier at 0007 I had measured a weak carrier on new frequency of 5130.10-AM, ex-5129.84v). Also confirmed UT Monday August 28 at 0330 on WRMI webcast, but JBA carrier on 9955. Next: Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW WORLD OF RADIO 1892 monitoring: confirmed Monday August 28 at 2335 the 2330 on WBCQ 9330.07v-CUSB, fair S8. Recheck at 2354 it`s more like 9330.05v. Also confirmed UT Tuesday August 29 at 0030 on WRMI, 7730, S9+30. Wish this VG signal could be on a later day of week when there`s a new show instead of final airing of last show. WOR 1893 should be ready for first airings August 29, Tue at 2130 on WRMIs 9455 & 15770, 2330 on WBCQ 9330v-CUSB. WORLD OF RADIO 1893 contents: Alaska, Algeria, Argentina non, Armenia, Australia, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Germany, Korea North non, Lithuania, Madagascar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Somaliland non, Syria, Taiwan, USA WORLD OF RADIO 1893 monitoring: confirmed first SW broadcast less than one semi-hour after completed, Tuesday August 29 at 2130 on WRMI 9455, fair, 15770 poor aimed NE from FL (but Jon Collins, Birmingham UK, says: ``Hi! World of Radio 1893 heard Tuesday via WRMI from 2130 on 15770 at a solid S9 on my Tecsun PL-660 with the radio`s whip``). Also confirmed here Tue Aug 29 at 2330 on WBCQ, 9330.08v-CUSB. Next: Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 9455 to WNW Wed 1315 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 2100 WBCQ 7490v-AM to WSW Wed 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Thu 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 0630 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1431 HLR 7265-CUSB to WSW Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2230 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 2300 WRMI 11580 to NE Sun 0200 WRMI 11580 to NE Sun 0315v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB to WSW Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9955, Wed Aug 23 at 1352, WRMI with ME World Music instead of `Viva Miami`, which is scheduled at 1345 on Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri. New ones come out on an irregular basis, not necessarily every week, but usually old ones keep on playing. Jeff must be away in South Africa for HFCC, no doubt recording more interview material for VM and Wavescan. 9455, Wed Aug 23 at 2018, WRMI playing filler World Music, that swing- with-sax tune again. During this hour, 9455 is normally // 11580 which I should have checked, where `Creciendo en Gracia` is on the schedule as the only Spanish/religion during this daily block (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9955. Fri, Aug 25 at 0130-0145, Blues Radio International, Okeechobee- FL, in English. ID, website; Man announcer presents a Blues songs program; He talks, ID many times and more Blues songs. Excellent programming. This transmission relay WRMI presents a good signal and modulation in last three days, 45444 (DXer: José Ronaldo Xavier, Cabedelo-PB, Brazil, Degen DE1103 & Tecsun S-2000, Longwire, Hard- Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) 9455 // 9395, UT Sat Aug 26 at 0017, Raoul is presenting `Jazz from the Left` on WRMIs, breaking away from Oldies; both now S9+25, but bound to descend into near-inaudibility overnight. WRMI has finally put up a detailed day-by-day schedule for these two frequencies but at 00-01 UT only: ``Mon Countdown to Xmas Tue-Wed-Thu Oldies Fri Voice of the Report of the Week Sat Jazz from the Left Sun Mikes Gospel & 0015 Oldies`` 9955, Aug 28 at 1428, no signal, not even a JBA carrier from WRMIBS; all other frequencies are at least detectable: 21525, 15770, 11825, 11580, 9455, 9395, 7780. 9955 not rechecked until 2338 when it is on and discernible in Radio Libertad Spanish under wall-of-noise jamming (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. BOB'S BACKYARD BBQ RADIO SHOW ON SHORTWAVE --- A bunch of radio professionals get together at a home in Southwest Connecticut for great fun and food in the summer. On Saturday September 9th from 7 to 10 pm eastern [23-02 into UT Sept 10], Bob's Backyard BBQ Radio Show will take place. Hosted by Bob Gilmore and a bevy of Northeast radio professionals, they will be playing 60s, 70s, and 80s oldies/classic rock music. The programming will originate LIVE from a studio at Bob's home and will be broadcast over WRMI Shortwave 7780 kHz. This will quite a good signal along the Eastern USA and Western Europe (Paul Walker, Aug 29, ODXA yg via DXLD) ** U S A. ALLAN WEINER WORLDWIDE TONIGHT [UT Sat Aug 26 from 0000 on WBCQ 7490] --- Program started at 2359 again this week. Allan is back in Maine at the studio this week. Spent the first fifty-seven minutes talking about the eclipse or as Allan said, "The eye of God", "One of God's miracles", "One of the wonders of the world" and several others that Allan rattled off. Some talk of the cameras he and JP used to photograph the eclipse. Dr. Becker wandered into the studio about then and sat in on the discussion. After the fifty-seven minutes an email got them talking about the hurricane and hurricanes in general. Official reading of the emails began at 0101 and an early email asked Allan if he had done any radio monitoring during the eclipse. Allan said he had Tom turn on 9330 before the eclipse and he monitored it with a handheld portable with a whip. Said that as the darkness increased so did the signal on 9330 and when it started to get light again the signal on 9330 went down accordingly. Not many emails this evening and the show was off the air at 0120. Not one phone call during tonight's show. Allan said that when he and JP went to visit with Brother Stair he told Allan he needed to cut his hair again (John Carver, Mid-North Indiana, Aug 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) But Allan ``still loves that man`` (gh, DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. From the Isle of Music, August 27-September 2 No interviews this week - this week we focus on some great moments in recorded Cuban Jazz during the past few decades that you may have missed when they first appeared. Four opportunities to listen on shortwave: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in all directions with 100 kW, Sunday 1500-1600 UT on SpaceLine, 9400, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK) 2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0000-0100 UT on WBCQ, 7490 from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9 PM EDT in the US) 3 & 4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UT and Saturday 1200-1300 UT on Channel 292, 6070 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany. It's a funky world --- Episode 27 of Uncle Bill's Melting Pot tears the roof off of Planet Earth on Thursday, August 31 from 2300 to 2330 UT on WBCQ, 7490 on the short waves. We'll have funky stuff from a few different countries plus yet another contest. Thanks for all you do for radio! (William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer, Tilford Productions, LLC, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9370, Aug 25 at 0617, bandscan finds WWRBS still on day frequency! And not on 3185. Here it`s S9 fading to S5 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9475, Aug 26 at 2000, WTWW undermodulated ARRL ad during ham show, but then canned Ted ID blasts on, so from that source, modulation is not suppressed. 9930 remains off the air; that #2 transmitter sounds OK when occasionally active evenings on 5085, and could be employed on 9475 if it is not going to be used daytimes on 9930. However, we`d much rather hear Theater Organ from the Ozarx and even Dave Ramsey than passé PPP or QSO shows (Glenn Hauser, oK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 3215 // 4840, UT Sunday Aug 27, WWCR with ``Songbird`` on both frequencies during `Worldwide Country Radio`. Unusual to be duplicative like this. But so shown on program schedules for #1 and #3, this hour only UT Suns as of August 1. And all UTs on WWCR schedules are still WRONG, this as 06-07 instead of 05-06. Did not confirm whether synchronized (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 17775, Monday Aug 28 at 1347, KVOH is S5, already on early in Spanish with `Luis Palau Responde`, and La Voz de la Esperanza/SCG ID by Dino Bloise. Maybe couldn`t wait to get started after a weekend off? Often not on or not audible here until circa 1430 instead of nominal *1355 as still shown on pdf program schedule grid. Webcast is always going, so if they turn on SW beyond hours, there is always something to emit. However, Palau is not shown at that time; maybe it was just a promo (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Frequency changes of World Harvest Radio International from Sept 3, HRI 250 kW: WHRI Angel 1 1300-2100 NF 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English, ex 17815 as follows: 1300-1400 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sat/Sun Brother Stair 1400-1500 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sat Brother Stair TOM 1400-1500 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sun vary religious px 1500-1600 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sat/Sun religious pxs 1600-1800 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Daily religious pxs 1800-1900 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Mon-Fri Brother Stair 1800-1900 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sat/Sun religious pxs 1900-2000 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Mon-Fri Brother Stair 1900-2000 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Sun vary religious px 2000-2100 on 21610 / 085 deg to CeAf English Mon-Sat religious pxs WHRI Angel 2 2000-2100 NF 11750 / 047 deg to WeEu English Sun rlg pxs, ex 15530 ??????????? ?? Observer ? 9:39 PM (Bulgarian DX Blog via DXLD) ** U S A. 720, Aug 29 at 1136 UT, news in English by M&W looping E/W, weak and steady, only station on frequency, no sign of WGN (which would loop NE), fading down around 1145 UT, resurges a bit, but 1158 UT check, blocked by Spanish, XEJCC Juárez just signing on. Got to be 50 kW KDWN Las Vegas NV, there are so few USA 720 stations, either on ND day pattern way early, or fraxion of signal leaking out around the cardioid null toward Chicago, a few degrees off from here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. POSSIBLE EMERGENCY BROADCASTS --- Keep your radios on for stations along the Gulf Coast. All stations are authorized to operate with max power and nondirectional in case of emergency. This is possible during this up coming Hurricane Harvey. It will be exciting and intense when it is happening. Many of us remember the United Alliance broadcasts during Hurricane Katrina (Kevin, Crump, TN, Redding, 1247 UT Aug 25, ABDX yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) First, listen to the Texas Gulf Coast for emergency comms on 740, 1200 and 1030. Those are some big guns that may have info about Hurricane Harvey. Second, its the beginning of HSFB and as always the HSFB STA ; ) will be in effect tonight to get the games in. Might be a good night to DX if the propagation gods cooperate (Kevin Redding, Crump, TN, 2343 UT Aug 25, ABDX yg via DXLD) ** U S A. 740, Aug 25 at 1150 UT, looking for KTRH Houston on day pattern due to Hurricane Harvey, but can`t find it, even nulling KRMG. KTRH has sometimes come in before, without any hurricane. NRC Pattern Book reminds that day & night it`s nominally same direxional circle tangent toward SW down the coast; adding in nighttime a smaller lobe due east. 740, Aug 26 at 0559 UT, ``Radio 740 KTRH``, mixing with KRMG Tulsa, slow SAH vs music, no doubt CFZM. To hear KTRH it`s more necessary to null CFZM than KRMG! KTRH should have been a class 1-A 50 kW nondirexional day and night station, but as a late-comer, had to protect San Francisco, Tulsa, even Toronto. This surely makes Houston the largest city in the USA with no such station providing near- nationwide coverage. I doubt if it`s on ND antenna even now, poor signal here. Switching to day pattern instead of night wouldn`t really make much difference, both direxional to SW. Would it still be easy for such a station to flip a switch and go non-direxional which it normally never does? At 0603 UT, KTRH with EAS tones and tornado warning for Galveston County. {a sesquiday later it was reported that there had been 99! Tornado warnings caused by Harvey.} BTW, circa 1530 UT Aug 27, CNN reported that CBS affiliate KHOU-TV ``11`` Houston was off the air, showing studios flooded! So is the transmitter site also flooded; or powerless? Via Mike Terry: http://www.khou.com/weather/flood-water-seeps-into-houston-news-studio-during-live-broadcast/468095916 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Communications Status Report for Areas Impacted by Tropical Storm Harvey, August 27, 2017 https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-346369A1.pdf (via Indiana Radio Watch via John Carver, DXLD) ``Communications Status`` in this case has nothing to do with broadcast stations! But cell sites, etc. (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. 880, UT Sun Aug 27 at 0421 UT, surprised to hear Jim Bohannon on KRVN, topic ``Spoil Your Dog Day``. It`s a M-F show only, which KRVN has been carrying after local midnight. Finding a plain old program schedule on busy website http://krvn.com remains impossible; not even by searching it on ``Jimbo`` or ``Bohannon`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. Random nighttime Aug 26-27 chex for 1030 KCTA Corpus Christi turn up nothing --- they have a 50 kW non-direxional transmitter daytime+ only, and have been known to run it illegally into the night, but now that they could do it legally and necessarily in an emergency, none of it! Of course, being a gospel huxter, KCTA no doubt lacks any local news department, let alone weather as they don`t care what is going on in the real world. Rather, 1030 is dominated by XEYC R. Fórmula charlanoticias en Juárez --- I just notice altho WRTH 2017 has it among other 1030 stations, the frequency shown for it is ``1400``, where it was years before?! (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1090, Aug 26 at 0551 UT, Catholic talk in English from NE/SW, in fact sounds like Mother Angelica --- yes, // but out of synch, about 2 seconds *ahead* of her own 11520 WEWN, into music. So this is KEXS, Excelsior Springs MO (Kansas City), an 8 kW (application for 10 kW) DAYTIMER. Of course, God`s EWTN stations are not subject to Laws of Man! I see Rob Ross, Ont., has also logged KEXS at night. Tsk2, it overcomes KAAY Little Rock, a Brother Scare outlet; Catholix vs Cultists! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: 1090, KEXS, Excelsior Springs, MISSOURI, Aug/21/17, 0559 EDT [0959 UT] English, VG Catholic talk. Female with ID as "You're listening to the station that carries the true tradition of the Catholic Church - KEXS - 1090 AM Excelsior Springs - Kansas City". Into religious music and talk. RELOG, 8 kW DAYS (Robert S. Ross, London ON, MARE Tipsheet Aug 25 via DXLD) ** U S A. 1110, FLORIDA, WTIS, Tampa. 1745 GMT September 21, 2017. Thanks Brock Whaley, Orlando for the alert that this one returned to the air today for the first time since the end of 2016 when it went silent. No Christian fare, instead airing presumed placeholder canned format of Soft/Classic Pop-Rock (Whitney Houston, Nat King Cole, Bob Seger, Bob Denver). Female canned liners varying slightly, but essentially all as "The all new 1110 WTIS" between every couple tracks, some of which were cross faded far too tightly. A couple of audio breaks and hum, gone by around 1815 and not heard the rest of the day (it's a D1). Not heard on a few spot checks through August 23. Wonder if this was a one time performance test to back up keeping the license active (Terry L Krueger, All times/dates GMT, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1160, TEXAS, KVCE, Highland Park. 1027 GMT August 19, 2017. Surely already up on day power, excellent with Texas church and bible- based product ads, mention of 100.7 FM, into Healthwatch/Purity Products brokered quack supplements program. Same signal level the next day at about the same time (Terry L Krueger, All times/dates GMT, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1200, Sat Aug 26 at 0521 UT, WOAI is the only significant TX station audible with Hurricane Harvey coverage ---- and it`s mostly coming from The Weather Channel! cable TV station, but not synchronized. Finally at 0544 UT I time the delay of 95 seconds compared to what we are getting via Suddenlink cable in Enid. WOAI does break in with local coverage and still a heavy commercial load thanks to all those intervals provided by TWC. Yet seems odd for reporter to keep referring to what we can *see* which is very difficult on an AM radio station! Such as next WOAI listen, UT Sun Aug 27 at 0423 UT, report from Buffalo Bayou, tornado warning in Harris County ``on your screen``. No, it isn`t!! BTW, nothing special from WWL, yet (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WWL was heard here this morning with normal programming. I've been listening out for TX stations but nothing - not even WBAP or WOAI. 73 (/Andrew Brade, UK, 0807 UT Aug 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I was hearing it [WOAI] in Greensboro, NC last night around 9:30 ET, Kevin. It was unusually strong in WPHT's IBOC. Speaking of that, it'll be interesting to see how Entercom handles the issue of IBOC on CBS's AM's once the companies merge. Up til now, Entercom hasn't run IBOC on any AM's (Brian Goodrich, Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone, Aug 26, ABDX via DXLD) KCBS turned off its IBOC a few years ago (Sent from my iPad Dennis Gibson, ibid.) Hope that’s a sign of things to come. We have several major issues here in the East due to CBS IBOCs. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 (Goodrich, ibid.) An intriguing scenario, Brian. About a dozen DXers, including myself, toured Entercom Milwaukee's WSSP-1250 (co-owned with 103.7 WXSS "Kiss- FM" and 99.1 WMYX "99.1 The Mix") last weekend during the annual Madison-Milwaukee DXers Get-Together. I shoulda thought to ask that question to group CE Chris Tarr. 73, (Rick Dau, South Omaha, Nebraska, ibid.) ** U S A. WKCU, 1350, Corinth, MS is off the air again. They have been off for about a week. First they were C&W when there was still W. They were top 40 and shutdown. They went conservative talk with Limbaugh, etc. and couldn't make it in conservative Mississippi. Then they were religion and didn't make it. Then they went to simulcasting ESPN from Tupelo, MS and couldn't make it. They went back to country and are shut down. They have tried about everything but MYL standards. It's a tough time to be an AMer in a small town (Kevin Redding, Crump TN, Aug 25, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. 1440, circa 0430 UT Aug 27 altho I did not log it at the time, some gospel huxter in English musing that it`s God`s will for Texas to be flooded. (Right, because TX denies abortion rights??) Suspect KMAJ Topeka KS as it loops NE/SW, altho talk rather than religion format (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1590, NORTH CAROLINA, WCSL, Cherryville. 1001 August 26, 2017. End of C&W song, then female country-ish take on the Star Spangled Banner from 1002, back to C&W, They insert the SSB at this time daily (Terry Krueger, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1590, Aug 29 at 0003 UT, looking for something Houstonic, instead ``KVGB and 97-7 FM``, a strangely worded illegal ID, from Great Bend KS, disclaimer from Kansas City Royals, pending a silly ballgame? But first, adstring. You guessed it: 97.7 is a mere translator, but at least is not given top billing, K249FA per new NRC AM Log. Not much explicit info to be found in mainstream media about which AM stations are doing good coverage or knocked off the air by Harvey, but about radio and TV in general from Corpus to Lake Charles Aug 26-28: http://www.radiodiscussions.com/showthread.php?704406-How-s-Harvey-affecting-Coastal-Bend-radio and much more here: http://www.radiodiscussions.com/forumdisplay.php?680-Houston-Galveston Not to diminish the seriousness of this catastrophe, since we are getting wall-to-wall coverage on various TV networks. Yet local OKC TV stations want to get in on the axion by sending their own teams into the flood. Please! We`ve got enough to keep up with in our own area. And BTW, all-news networx: the rest of the country and the rest of the world still exist (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Stations Feel Harvey Impact Radio World-22 hours ago There were at least nine radio stations out of service due to the effects of ... in San Antonio and Houston are promoting emergency coverage from News Radio ... http://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/0002/radio-stations-feel-harvey-impact/340296 (via Artie Bigley, OH, Aug 29, WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) Some were off the air; iHeart details impact on its operations August 28, 2017 By Paul McLane Story has been updated with new information. Radio World welcomes news or updates from any radio broadcasters affected by Harvey. Email radioworld@nbmedia.com. There were at least nine radio stations out of service due to the effects of former Hurricane Harvey, now a tropical storm, all in Texas, as of Monday. [Some of these I recognize as Corpus, some Houston; others between?] KKTX, KUNO, KPRC, KKWV, KAYK, KMKS, KZFM, KKBA and KEYS had notified the FCC Disaster Information Reporting System that they were off. (KJOJ-FM was restored to service but KMKS was added since Sunday's report.) DIRS is a voluntary online system that communications providers — including broadcasters — can use to report status of infrastructure and “situational awareness information” during a crisis. The commission asked that communications providers in the affected areas “expeditiously submit and update information” through DIRS regarding the status of communications equipment, restoration efforts and power. The portal is here. If you haven’t already signed up, you will be asked to first provide contact information and obtain a User ID. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued a statement Monday afternoon: “The worst of tragedies brings out the best in people. In Harvey’s wake, first responders and everyday citizens have heroically stepped up to the plate to help their fellow Americans. Broadcasters and other news outlets have also played a critical role in conveying emergency information, and in some cases, even coordinating live, on-air rescues. Everyone who is pitching in deserves our gratitude and support. We’re all in this together.” Separately, iHeartMedia on Sunday evening issued a summary of activities at its businesses. The company said its broadcast radio, digital and billboard operations were involved to inform people in the Corpus Christi, Houston and Austin areas. In Corpus Christi, all stations were simulcasting News Radio 740 KTRH(FM) out of Houston. “K99 Country, Big 93.9 and Tejano 99.9 are broadcasting in English and Spanish to address the needs of the both communities,” the company said in the Sunday evening summary. “The Red Cross is featured across all of iHeartMedia Corpus Christi’s radio station websites for listeners to easily find information and to encourage donations.” The local iHeart office was working with the Red Cross to coordinate post-storm relief efforts; the company said its displaced employees were able to use studios in McAllen/Brownsville as emergency relief studios. “In Houston, iHeartMedia’s local staff has been broadcasting in long- form nonstop since 8 a.m. on Friday, as well as reporting on Facebook Live to provide local listeners with up-to-date information and emergency resources,” it continued. “Though the region lost a station’s vehicle, multiple employees’ homes are affected and KPRC- FM’s transmitter is down due to water damage, iHeartMedia continues to broadcast from our five remaining stations (Sunny 99.1, 94.5 The Buzz, 93.7 The Beat, KTRH News Radio 740, and Sports Talk 790 AM) with help from on-air talent, operational staff, sellers and managers who are on-site to answer phones and direct listeners to the appropriate community resources.” In Austin, precautions were put in place for seven iHeart stations: 96.7 KISS FM, 102.3 The Beat, KASE 101, KVET 98.1, AM 1300 The Zone, 97.5 Pride Radio, and Tu 103.1. “They have joined with iHeartMedia’s San Antonio stations to secure a semi-truck of ice, water and fuel that will deploy to the Gulf Coast as soon as recovery efforts begin. Supplementary relief efforts are being arranged.” Clear Channel Outdoor billboards in San Antonio and Houston are promoting emergency coverage from News Radio 1200 (WOAI-AM) and News Radio 740. The company’s hundreds of station websites are featuring a call to donate to the American Red Cross. (The Copernicus Sentinel-3A satellite show the temperature at the top of Hurricane Harvey on Aug. as the storm approached Texas. Photo used under Creative CommonsAttribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO license.) 1 Comment, [false name?] Robert E. Lee • 14 hours ago I am here in Corpus Christi. None of the iHeart stations was on the air until Sunday night. During the worst parts of the storm in Corpus, we had to listen to KTRH directly, over the air...the Corpus iHeart stations, contrary to its claims, did not rebroadcast KTRH or any other news and information until Sunday night. To me, this begs the question: Yes, the main electricity was obviously out, so, why was iHeart in Corpus not able to switch over to generator power? None of the Corpus radio stations, including the other companies, was on the air during the worst of the hurricane, on Friday and Saturday. What happened, not being able to switch over to generator power? My suspicion is that, because of the small market size of Corpus Christi, all of the radio companies, including iHeart, use contract engineers, who did not get down here to get the generators up and going. Too bad, because, in this case, Corpus Christi residents were let down by the radio stations... (via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) [sic: don`t end your comment with three dots unless you want people to suspect something has been edited out!! -- gh] ** U S A. I heard my first HSFB (for this season) from last night. I'm old school (not currently using SDR), so I'm on the channels one at a time. Last night I spent most of it on 1380. Part of my original attraction to HSFB is he intrigue, i.e., listening for clues as to where the broadcast is coming from. This means listening carefully for references to towns, streets, phone prefix codes (during spots) and school mascot names. Incredibly, the two broadcasters at KLPZ did most of the game without mentioning the schools or mascot names. I was wondering if they would end with "Final score : 24-7 - and we won!". So it became a joke at some point where I counted how many chances they blew to identify either team or school. (I was pretty sure this was Parker,AZ - and it was. But I couldn't call it w/o hearing some sort of ID. (There was no legal ID at 2000). I will work 3 radios next week. Hi. Here's what I wound up with at the end of the night: 890, KDXU, UT, St. George, 8/25, 2050. Post game wrap-up, "Next week: Manti". VG, steady with SW-200629 and enhanced by tuning inductively coupled (Terk) loop. 1380, KLPZ, AZ, Parker, 8/25, 1930. Live p-b-p, "shotgun formation". No mention of town or mascot names. In a funny moment, there were offsetting penalties "against them and us" (still schools not named). Well after 2000, local spot, mention "Parker" and one team mentioned as "Yuma". So this must have been The Criminals* (Yuma) versus the (Parker) Broncos. Strong over numerous co-channels. RF-2200, looped for E/W. (*Yuma was once the location of a territorial prison. as in 3:10 to Yuma). [Hey, what a great team name! --- gh] 1330, KGAK, NM, Gallup, 8/25, 1915. Pressbox sounds, pep squad in background. Sounds like pre-game show with M announcer in Navajo. Good on SW-2000629, Terk loop. Note: times/dates local Mountain Standard Time [UT -7]. in use were Panasonic RF-2200 (stock loop), RS SW-2000629 and Terk loop inductively coupled. 73 and good listening! (Rick Barton, Sun City / Peoria AZ, ABDX via DXLD) I checked a few hundred web streams during HS FB hours last night (I do this to get ready for my annual Border Inn DXpedition). Tons of stations in Nebraska were running games. Basically any station that had been known to run games in the past (plus one or two more) had games on. Almost no stations in Kansas were running games, but most of the usual stations were either running the KC Chiefs or Royals games. Several stations in Oklahoma were running games. BOTH stations in Enid were running rival accounts of the Enid Plainsmen game; reminds me of the old Gil Thorp comic strip... [see OKLAHOMA] Virtually no stations in Texas were running games (even in West Texas where Hurricane Harvey was not an imminent threat). I think the season really gets underway next week down there. Lots of stations in Montana had games, as well as quite a few in Wyoming. I heard a few games in Colorado and New Mexico. I don't recall hearing a single game in Oregon or Washington. I'll have to recheck my notes. In about 2 weeks I'll publish an updated HS FB target list for the western states (all 22 continental states west of the Mississippi and maybe Wisconsin). 73 (Tim Hall, CA, ABDX yg via DXLD) Good luck, Tim. Also you may want to try your N DKAZ for 1098 [MARSHALL ISLANDS] as I think the bearing to that is about 285 deg and perhaps you'll have less QRM. I have just a bit more tree work way overhead (I stand in back of pickup truck and use an extendable pruner) and then I should have the wire taught for my new antenna tests. If this works as modelled there will be 7 dB more signal (crucial for low end DU's) than I get out of a DKAZ taking up the same space, while maintaining just about the same pattern and fine back nulls. If it doesn't work, then it is quickly back to DKAZ here. 73 KAZ, 35 miles NW of Chicago's Willis Tower (Neil Kazaross, IL, ibid.) ** U S A. FRANKEN FMs IN THE METROPLEX Hey guys, this is KBFW you're speaking of. They are strong and on seek throughout the entire DFW area and beyond. They've got power and seem strongest around Arlington and Fort Worth, as I noted during my rather quick bandscan on Friday and just listening while in town for work. I had to go to both Fort Worth and Dallas that morning and afternoon and never lost that signal, not even a little. Their Facebook shows that they are clearly not hiding anything - their studio is professional, microphones have their logo on them, ads are professional (though we've seen the same from pirates, naturally), and they're packing at least a few kilowatts of power. In addition to that, a search for them pulls up the TuneIn site that is titled "LA PANTERA 87.9 FM FORT WORTH, TEXAS 87.7, KBFW-LP 87.7". So yes, it appears that Dallas (Aliento, Spanish contemporary Christian) is broadcasting on 87.7 and Arlington (La Pantera, Regional Mexican) on 87.9. And given the call letters, as mentioned, they're likely run by the same company and the decision to broadcast on 87.7 and 87.9 is no accident. Usually stations that are on 87.75 are harder to pull in on seek on the radio because of that in-between frequency, but 87.9 has no such issue with this. However, La Pantera does. It wasn't on seek in the Dallas suburbs, despite its perfect signal, so I assume it is legally on 87.75. My two cents anyway. Next time I'm in town, maybe I'll try to make some time for further investigation. Since I'm in rural Iowa at the moment, that won't be so possible right now. But if you all have any questions about frequencies or whatever that are east of I-29, I'll probably end up in the market in question sooner or later, so feel free to request that I check a station out while passing through. I listen to hundreds of stations a day, literally (Chris Kadlec, Aug 27, Seoul, South Korea & Michigan, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) ** URUGUAY. Another nice photo shot, ostensibly of a powerful regional signal -- this time, CX26 SODRE in Montevideo. Just find, "Planta Emisora Radio Uruguay CX26 AM 1050" on Google Earth: https://www.google.com/maps/@-34.8072936,-56.3653028,17z Click on the banner, and you'll see a decent (though not full page, unfortunately) face-on photo of a bank of transmitters and phasing units (?), apparently tied to CX26 Radio SODRE, broadcast with 100kW at 1050 kHz from Montevideo. Just so you know (Greg Hardison, CA, Aug 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VENEZUELA. Saludos, Glenn. Espero que te encuentres muy bien. A continuación te envío una reseña sobre las dos estaciones que salieron del aire, el pasado viernes, en el Valle de Caracas. Seguimos en contacto. 73 y buen DX, Adán González, Catia La Mar, Estado Vargas, VENEZUELA NO RENUEVAN CONCESIONES A TU FM 92.9 Y MÁGICA 99.1 EN VENEZUELA Este viernes 25 de agosto, dos estaciones de FM de las más emblemáticas de Caracas -por su antigüedad- salieron del aire. A ambas no se les renovaron las concesiones respectivas para la explotación del espectro radioeléctrico, según lo informado por CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones). Platiquemos un poco de la historia de estas emisoras. Caracas 92.9, mejor conocida como Tu FM 92.9, era una estación juvenil de formato pop-rock anglosajón, filial de Radio Caracas Radio 750 (en modulación de amplitud) y de la extinta Radio Caracas Televisión (1953-2007). Todas estas empresas han sido componentes del conglomerado 1BC, cuyo nombre se toma de la antigua denominación de Radio Caracas Radio 750 (1 Broadcasting Caracas). El 11 de diciembre de 1930, 1BC se convirtió en la primera radiodifusora con emisiones regulares en el país, después de la breve y fallida iniciativa de AYRE, de 1926, la cual duró hasta 1928. Caracas 92.9 comenzó su período de prueba en julio de 1989 y en noviembre de ese mismo año arrancó oficialmente sus transmisiones. El ingeniero Arnaldo Salazar, quien había hecho del formato juvenil de Caracas 750 todo un éxito en audiencia en modulación de amplitud, decidió emprender la misma hazaña con 92.9. Siendo gerente general de ambas emisoras, dotó a la naciente 92.9 del talento humano de Caracas 750 (*), ahora RCR, para competir con la filial del Circuito Unión Radio en FM: Éxitos 107 (hoy La Mega). Ésta, Éxitos 107, contaba con la ventaja de haber sido la pionera de la radio comercial en dicha banda -en Venezuela- y haber consolidado un nicho considerable de sintonía desde julio de 1988. Además, Éxitos 107 contaba con locutores de la talla de Waldemaro Martínez, Jesús Leandro y Carlos Eduardo Ball, entre otros. Ya en 1990, las dos estaciones (92.9 y Éxitos 107) se disputaban el mercado juvenil con contenido propio y música pop-rock anglosajona, en su mayoría. Los primeros programas de 92.9 fueron: "Radio Pirata", con el vocalista de Desorden Público, Horacio Blanco; "Rockadencia", con Fernando Ces y Guillermo Zambrano; "La música que sacudió y sacude al mundo", con Alfredo Escalante; y "Club Mix", con el DJ Tony Escobar y Ricardo Espinoza. Cabe destacar que los espacios de Blanco y Escalante ya estaban al aire en Caracas 750 y fueron transferidos después a la novel filial de 1BC. Como era de esperarse, la señal de AM se fue "desmantelando" de su acostumbrada rotación de programas -de manera progresiva- y el 31 de agosto de 1992, Caracas 750 se transformó en RCR, una estación de noticias y programas de opinión. En el decenio de 1990, Caracas 92.9 se hizo célebre por espacios como "El Monstruo de la Mañana", del cual surgieron figuras como Luis Chataing y Érika de la Vega; "El Último Round", que amenizaba las colas vespertinas caraqueñas; "El Show de la Gente Bella", con chacotas que mataban de la risa en la nocturnidad; "La Hora del Gato", con Guillermo Tell Troconis y sus "bautizos" felinos (**); y concursos como "La Garganta Radioactiva" (***), que tuvo dos convocatorias en ese decenio: 1994 y 1997. Éste último consistía en encontrar, entre los oyentes, a una persona con cualidades suficientes para ser locutor de la estación. La primera fase estipulaba entrevistarse con el equipo de 92.9; si quedabas seleccionado, pasabas a una segunda etapa en la que -presentando canciones y haciendo comentarios- te grababan en estudio. La tercera fase eliminatoria era desarrollar una guardia de una hora al aire. Tu FM 92.9 fue una sempiterna generadora de polémica y estaba en el ojo del huracán: desde los "sketch" de la Madre Teresa "de Baruta", hasta el eslogan "100% libre de gaitas", en estridente alusión al veto del que gozaba esta típica categoría musical zuliana en dicha emisora juvenil. En más de una oportunidad, en los programas nocturnos de finales de los 1990, dejaban abiertos los micrófonos por "accidente" y se oía más de una frase escatológica. Y no nos lo contaron... ¡nosotros lo escuchamos con nuestros propios oídos! 92.9 saltó del formato juvenil dirigido a "yuppies", de principios del último decenio del siglo XX, a la rebeldía "fashionable" de los adolescentes de la clase media-alta capitalina del nuevo milenio. Los estudios de la radio han estado desde su inauguración, en 1989, entre las calles Jalisco y Orinoco de la acaudalada zona caraqueña de Las Mercedes, dentro de la discotienda "Recordland". Ésta última es otra compañía del Grupo 1BC. En cuanto a Mágica 99.1, ésta fue una de las primeras concesiones otorgadas en 1987 por el antiguo Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones (MTC). Hasta donde conocemos, Amalia Heller, la dueña y gerente de la emisora, también era la adjudicataria de la licencia de explotación. Mágica 99.1 inició emisiones el 13 de septiembre de 1989. Fue de las primeras estaciones del "boom" de las FM en esa época. La programación, desde su génesis, estuvo consagrada al público adulto y con música variada para todos los gustos. Un estilo parecido al de KYS FM, emisora del radiodifusor Oswaldo Yépez, la cual estaba en antena desde el 27 de octubre de 1988 y fue la segunda FM comercial en el Valle de Caracas. Amalia Heller representó a Venezuela en el certamen de Miss Mundo de 1972 y su compañera de habitación fue Lynda Carter (Miss USA), quien más tarde se convertiría en la famosa "Mujer Maravilla" (Wonder Woman) de la serie televisiva. Después de esta experiencia, Heller se hizo locutora y -con los años- mujer de radio. La programación de Mágica 99.1 era muy buena, aunque desde sus comienzos adoleció de un detalle técnico notorio: el leve ruido de fondo que "acompañaba" a los locutores y que atribuimos al sistema de acondicionador de aire del estudio. La sede de Mágica 99.1 siempre ha estado en el célebre Centro Ciudad Comercial Tamanaco (CCCT), ubicado en el sector de Chuao, al este de la capital venezolana. El antiguo Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones (MTC) otorgó las concesiones de FM por 20 años, o sea, que las habilitaciones administrativas de 92.9 y Mágica 99.1 expiraron en 2009. Asumimos que éstas fueron renovadas por un quinquenio más y en 2014 se vencieron otra vez. De acuerdo con la Ley Orgánica de Telecomunicaciones (2000), en su artículo 73: "La concesión de uso del espectro radioeléctrico es un acto administrativo unilateral mediante el cual la Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones [CONATEL], otorga o renueva, por tiempo limitado, a una persona natural o jurídica la condición de concesionario para el uso y explotación de una determinada porción del espectro radioeléctrico (...)". En el artículo 7 de la citada Ley, queda más que evidente el carácter público del éter: "El espectro radioeléctrico es un bien de dominio público de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela (...)". Desde las 10 pm del 25 de agosto, el dial de 92.9 ha sido ocupado por "Corazón Llanero", un proyecto del Gobierno Bolivariano para la difusión de la música folklórica venezolana relacionada con este género (llanero). De acuerdo con Jaime Nestares, gerente general de Tu FM 92.9, la empresa continúa con su esquema habitual a través de la internet. De Mágica 99.1 no manejamos mayor información hasta ahora. Lo cierto es que, a pesar de los argumentos en contra de la decisión de CONATEL, la medida está ajustada a derecho. (*) Los locutores más famosos de Caracas 750, que después engrosaron el equipo de Tu FM 92.9, fueron: Ramón Mata (con quien trabajamos en Maryna 99.5), William Rey, Julián Isaac e Iván Loscher, entre otros. La marca "Caracas 750" se usó entre 1984 y 1992 para identificar a Radio Caracas Radio. (**) "La Hora del Gato" era el espacio de más audiencia en Éxitos 107 (hoy La Mega) en el horario nocturno, a principios del decenio de 1990. En 1994, Caracas 92.9 hizo una jugosa oferta a Guillermo Tell Troconis, conductor del espacio, y éste -en una jugada sorprendente- se llevó "La Hora del Gato" a Tu FM 92.9. Fue un duro golpe a Unión Radio. El programa había dado sus primeros pasos en Ávila 91.9 (hoy Candela Pura, del Circuito FM Center). (***) El nombre de "Garganta Radioactiva" se deriva del eslogan de 92.9 en esos tiempos: "La radioactiva de Caracas". El lema anterior a éste fue: "La FM de Caracas". (ADÁN GONZÁLEZ LIENDO, Productor, musicalizador y locutor, Certificado de locución: 26950 (UCV, 1995), August 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VIETNAM. Re: ``Not a typo, I think as this one is normally way off- frequency making a tell-tale het against any real 9635 kHz; altho for one brief period it did get back on 9635 kHz. (gh, dxld Aug 15)`` 9635.798 kHz, May 2016. 9635.803 kHz, Nov 18 9635.000 kHz, Jan 2017, on real even fq, or used another Son Tay unit of their four available transmitters. 9635.853 kHz, May 7 9636.038 kHz, May 21 9635.849 kHz. Jun 17 9635.846 kHz. Jun 25 9635.847 kHz, Aug 20, 1310 UT. (Wolfgang Büschel, BC-DX 25 Aug via DXLD) VIETNAME, 9635.8, R. Voz do Vietname, Son Tay, 1018-desvan. total 1130, 20/8, vietnamica, texto; 24432. Good DX and 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, SW coast or Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9839.78, Aug 27 at 2356 JBA music, one of the perpetually off- frequencies of VOV, end of English broadcast (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VIETNAM [and non]. KOREA REP, 9640, KBS Seoul Vietnamese service from Kimjae at 15-16 UT. Heavily jammed by VTN security forces. Listen to recording. Aug 29. And sidesplash 9650 S=9+40dB powerhouse, Living Water in Korean from PHL, Tue-Thur only. Heard on remote unit in Nagoya Japan. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Pulse-tone jamming, about 5 per second (gh, DXLD) Where was this recorded? Doesn't sound too bad in Ho Chi Minh City. Best regards, (Mauno Ritola, ibid.) Recording taken all in Nagoya / Hiroshima Japan. Today like autumn prop condition on the bands. 9650 from PHL Living Water in Korean, tremendous strong in Japan. wb (Büschel, ibid.) ** VIETNAM [non]. PALAU, Reception of Radio Que Me via WHRI T8WH Angel 3 on August 25 1200-1230 9930 HBN 100 kW / 318 deg Vietnamese Fri [ONLY], weak/fair http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-radio-que-me-via-whri-t8wh_25.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** YEMEN [non]. Very good signal of Republic of Yemen Radio, August 22 1000 & 1530 on 11860 unknown tx / unknown to N/ME Arabic http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/very-good-signal-of-republic-of-yemen.html (DX RE MIX NEWS #1024 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, August 24, 2017 via DXLD) ** YEMEN [non]. Republic of Yemen Radio via two different transmitters, August 26 0300-0900 on 11860 JED 050 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic 0900-1800 on 11860 unknown tx / unknown to N/ME Arabic 1800-2300 on 11860 JED 050 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic 2300-0300 on 11860 unknown tx / unknown to N/ME Arabic http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-republic-of-yemen-radio_26.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ZAMBIA. 9680, V of Hope Africa, Makeni Ranch. English service to SAf at 0610 with a talk on missionary work in Zambia, poor signal but improved slightly by 0630. Scheduled for weekdays only. 24/8 (Rob Wagner, VK3BVW, Mount Evelyn, VIC (Yaesu FTDX 3000, Kenwood TS2000, Yaesu FRG100, Kenwood R5000, Tecsun PL-680, Horizontal Loop antenna, Double Bazooka antennas for 80, 40 and 20 metres, Par EF-SWL End Fed antenna, BHI NEIM1031 Digital Noise Eliminating Module, MFJ-1026 Noise Cancelling Module, ATU), Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Trans-Pacific JBA carrier search, Aug 25 at 1135-1143, in the order detected, all looping WSW toward Au/NZ except 1098-W: 774, 702, 693, 603, 558 (Fiji?), 576, 594, 612, 621, 684, 756, 882, 891, 1098 (Marshalls), 1548 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Promising to have all those DU carriers, Glenn. Let`s hope some audio finds its way to you and me soon. 73 KAZ (Neil Kazaross, IL, ABDX yg via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Trans-Pacific JBA MW carrier search August 27 at 1131: 747 from NW, i.e. Japan. Full 9-kHz bandscan the next 5 minutes unfinds any others except finally 756 very weak but seems WSW instead of NW; there is nothing DU greater than 10 kW on 756 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Trans-Pacific JBA MW carrier search August 29 at 1124- 1128 UT, presunrise here of 1201: only found from WSW on 702 [not 701, typo in original report], 828; from west on 1098 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 1710 kHz Peaches & Herb --- Peaches & Herb song "Reunited" being heard at 12:09 AM PDT [0709 UT] on 1710 kHz. Signal is very weak with peaks of S-2. Best on North-South longwire. Tried to use the KIWA loop to get a direction, but not even a het [carrier] on the loop. 08/25/2017 Best regards, (Dennis Vroom, Kalama, WA, JRC NRD 545, IRCA via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 9236.90-LSB, 2-way in Spanish, very poor (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. NUMBERS STATION S06s Russian Lady in heart of 31m Aug 25 0930-0936 on 9655 unknown secret tx site to Eu Russian CUSB, good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-s06s-russian-lady-in-heart.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, Aug 24-25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. NUMBERS STATION, S06s Russian Lady in 41 & 25mb, Aug 29 0729-0735 on 7365 unknown secret tx site to Eu Russian CUSB 0737-0743 on 11655 unknown secret tx site to Eu Russian CUSB http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-s06s-russian-lady-in-41mb.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. NUMBERS STATION S06s Russian Lady in 25 mb on August 23 0730-0736 on 12110 unknown secret tx site to Eu Russian CUSB 0830-0836 on 11565 unknown secret tx site to Eu Russian CUSB http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/08/reception-of-s06s-russian-lady-in-25-mb.html (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Patreshko, Bulgaria, Receiver: Afedri SDR, Software: SDR-Console v2.3(using remote connection), Antennas: various Inverted V and beverage antennas, [and/or?] QTH: Sofia OK2, Bulgaria, Receiver: Sony ICF-2001D, Antenna: 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ ACKNOWLEDGED ON WORLD OF RADIO 1893: Thanks to William Hassig, IL, for another check, US funds on a US bank, in the mail to P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702. One may also contribute via PayPal, not necessarily in US funds, to woradio at yahoo.com PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ 4.8-10 MHZ, 02-06 UT BAND SURVEY FROM VICTORIA After more than two months of monitoring research, I've gathered together information for a survey I have been conducting on the lower high frequencies during our winter DX season. Focusing on afternoon reception (between 0200 and 0600 UT) and involving more than 50 days of listening, I have compiled notes and a list of all stations monitored during that time. The frequency range under consideration was between 4.8 and 10 MHz. Monitoring was made either at my home at Mount Evelyn, VIC or at four locations within 45 minutes travelling distance from home. The survey is 15 pages long and divided into two parts. The first discusses the observations and the propagation characteristics involved, and includes YouTube links embedded in the PDF to many of the observations. The second part is a listing of all stations heard during the two-month period: frequency, times of f/in, f/out, s/on and s/off, languages, and additional observations. The link below will take you to my Box.com cloud account where you can download the 2017 Winter DX Survey. It is in two parts, so there are two files, totalling around 12MB. https://app.box.com/s/2s60mtcg2s3qbodidcc3lbdo6e90kehs (Rob Wagner, Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) LANGUAGE LESSONS ++++++++++++++++ WETIN DEY HAPPEN? THE BBC'S PIDGIN NEWS SITE IS A HUGE DEAL 25/08/2017 04:19 http://www.signis.net/news/technology/25-08-2017/wetin-dey-happen-the-bbcs-pidgin-news-site-is-a-huge-deal Lagos, August, 25th, 2017 (Wired). BBC Pidgin is a significant breakthrough for language diversity online – and a reminder that the internet must move beyond the English language as more people come online How do you go about writing down a language that is almost entirely oral? For the staff of the BBC World Service's new Pidgin news site, it all started with listening. Lots of listening. Despite being spoken by an estimated 75 million people in Nigeria alone – and as a first language for five million people – Pidgin has, until this week, been marginalised online. "In terms of its text life it lives pretty much on social media," says Miriam Quansah, BBC's digital lead for Africa. To begin the process of converting a primarily oral language into an agreed written form, the World Service interacted with people across Africa who spoke it. The team who built the service (some of whom can translate Shakespeare into Pidgin) travelled to west Africa to speak to young people, visit universities and consult professors and experts in the area to observe how they communicate. The service will bring language diversity to the news and current affairs that west and central African audiences receive, where Pidgin is one of the most widely-spoken languages. Adverts, radio stations, films and music are already produced in Pidgin, but news organisations have traditionally shunned it. Pidgin is a mix of English and local languages, which is why it's often offensively referred to as broken English. Despite its popularity, people speak Pidgin with varying levels of fluency. And, as it is not studied in schools, it doesn't exist in a standardised written form. Because Pidgin is seen as an informal language, there is sometimes a stigma around speaking it, which the BBC team thinks the new service is helping to break. The decision to make this a digital only service was based on the fact that African people prefer to read content on their mobile phones. Although Pidgin is spoken in different forms across Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, there are a lot of words that unify them all. Pidgin will soon be joined by 11 more new services in Africa and Asia, as part of the World Service's biggest expansion since the 1940s, thanks to a 2016 funding boost from the UK government. BBC Pidgin will provide a mix of local, regional and international news current affairs and analysis. The production hub is based in Lagos, the commercial capital, but reporters in Ghana, Cameroon and elsewhere in Nigeria will also be gathering local news. Other new languages that will be offered by the BBC World Service include Korean, Gujarati, Telegu, Marathi and Punjabi for India and Amharic and Oromo for Ethiopia and Tigrinya for Eritrea (via Hansjoerg Biener, DXLD) DX-PEDITIONS ++++++++++++ AUGUST 2017 ROCKWORK 4 DXPEDITION LOGGINGS & MP3'S (PART ONE) Overall this August 2017 DXpedition has been far and away the most productive Rockwork 4 trip ever, with two Western Australians (531-6DL and 558-6WA) received at decent levels, five stations received on 531 kHz alone (PI, More FM, 2PM, 4KZ and 6DL), 558-Fiji completely restored and reaching S9 levels, an S9 recording of 585-2WEB (confirmed by David Sharp), the best-ever signals from the Kiwis on 531 (More FM), 603, 657, 765, 936 and 1503, monster signals from 585- 7RN and 639-5CK, multiple receptions of 1017-Tonga, etc. Even when we needed to dodge the "sleeping squatters" it was a lot of fun to share the cliff with my DXpedition partners Tom and Chuck, especially during the phenomenal August 4th session (when Tom and I both made out like bandits). I'm sure that both of us will remember that wild and wacky session for years to come! All of these and the other South Pacific loggings below were received with Ultralight radios and "airport unfriendly" FSL antennas --- as in the photo posted at https://app.box.com/s/dqaag49l6uboqcfboq4b7fn5fy9dsr1f Signals which reached an S9 level are listed with a triple asterisk (***). Special thanks is in order for Theo Donnelly, Andrew Brade, James Niven, Todd Emslie, Bill Whitacre, David Sharp and any others who assisted in the identification of the following stations (and especially to my DXpedition partner Tom Rothlisberger, who researched parallel stations for the two Western Australia loggings). You guys rock! 531, 2PM Kempsey, Australia, 5 kW Good signal at 1242 on 8-8 with call-in talk format and mentions of SRN member station 2LM at :11 and 1:11 into the recording (thanks to Andrew Brade for listening) https://app.box.com/s/jztickg7d207ykg2re1c9jtvtjokznf5 531, 4KZ Innisfail, Australia, 10 kW On top of the frequency at 1258 on 8-4 with "4KZ Regional News" ID at :08 into the recording. Usually was under PI during the week with its oldies and TOH news format (thanks to James Niven for listening) https://app.box.com/s/jtq9cyi0te4bbri3tv7puzvt289fpsmx 531, 6DL Dalwallinu, Australia, 10 kW ABC conversation format received once during exceptional conditions at 1253 on 8-4; content was matched by DXpedition partner Tom Rothlisberger (using Perseus-SDR recordings) to ABC LR network content on other frequencies. Very long range DX (9,050 miles/ 14,564 km) https://app.box.com/s/688ujh8qu23t7jl5dfuvwzsc6iudsw0e 531, More FM Alexandra, NZ, 2 kW This was a breakout DXpedition for the low-powered urban rock station, which sometimes dominated over the Kiwi co-channel PI and the other four DU's received on this frequency. This local ad string was received at 1255 on 8-1, with a mention of "shoesunlimited.com.nz" at the 26 second point (thanks to Theo for deciphering) https://app.box.com/s/lbmcayqyvvivedjx1j1ru5ihdcdydsem Another good-strength Kiwi ad string at 1342 on 8-1 with mention of the FM affiliate frequency "99.4" at 58 seconds into the recording (thanks to Theo for deciphering) https://app.box.com/s/8ieycxra98wzvt3b0prv4x24ba4xitrr The usual super-short "More FM" ID (male voiced) is at the 28 second point of this recording featuring the station's typical modern rock format at 1313 on 8-6 https://app.box.com/s/r4mfi1dtjyonr47vtt88pdibwuedwydh *** 531, PI Auckland, NZ, 5 kW The usual dominant station on the frequency, the Samoan (and other Pacific Island) language broadcaster was rocking at an S9 level with island music at 1248 on 8-8 https://app.box.com/s/b391cdrlt9s4c7y4gp3kt9q1dxbgpj4j Powerful R&B music at 1237 on 8-6 https://app.box.com/s/xp2j1k6wjx1gs6eqco3w89is84koqzzh Another island music recording at a powerful level at 1303 on 8-19 https://app.box.com/s/ev4wupztu874jmrip7ffbwk1ypoinrtt 558, 6WA Wagin, Australia, 50 kW Received during exceptional conditions at 1319 on 8-4 (the same morning as 531-6DL was received), this ABC-format speech was once again matched by DXpedition partner Tom Rothlisberger to ABC LR-network content on other frequencies. Received for the first time here in August of 2015, this reception matched the Ultralight radio DX distance record for reception in North America (at 9,138 miles, or 14,705 km) https://app.box.com/s/cze5omzc1x01p28gpdo44wylhdl61l6y 558, 7BU Burnie, Australia, 2 kW This low-power classic rock station in Tasmania was giving the rejuvenated Fiji some competition at times on the morning of 8-9, but in general was losing out. This classic rock recording with Foreigner's "Urgent" was made at 1317 on 8-9; by fortunate coincidence Bill Whitacre had recorded the same song preceded by a "7BU" ID during his San Souci DXpedition down the coast on the same morning https://app.box.com/s/78u9z9aogtsuf04c1xfawcnusxdqthpx Another classic rock song ("So Lonely" by the Police) at 1303 on 8-9. At the end of the recording there may be a muffled partial ID according to Todd Emslie, but it's too tough for me to decipher (thanks to Todd Emslie) https://app.box.com/s/fyync8y821ua6qx4js7rhrcmn3hcqipt *** 558, Radio Fiji One Suva, Fiji, 10 kW One of the big surprises of the DXpedition, this formerly weak station is now a South Pacific powerhouse after transmitter and antenna improvements (which were entirely funded by the Japanese government). On most mornings it would reach a very strong level, as in this S9 recording of typical island music at 1318 on 8-8 https://app.box.com/s/6b2fxp2ai8p44t38fih4dn1meffzocxi From the first day of the DXpedition (8-1), it was sounding pretty potent with its island choral music, as in this recording at 1307 on 8-1 https://app.box.com/s/vprj88dgl97t4lcp5tx23edh31gorfd0 On the second day (1302 on 8-2) this strong island choral music pretty much confirmed the station's rejuvenated status https://app.box.com/s/f2lkogkmloww9vo6uehffdqenh7v8l0i Exceptional conditions on 8-4 further boosted up Fiji's island music recordings at 1307 and 1323 https://app.box.com/s/13ra6q2edyniegz3jnwii1nlu6dcoz05 https://app.box.com/s/ykjkqqfa59l7h2rfcedhudikwn8ayfye More exceptional conditions on 8-8 provided some of the strongest island choral music receptions of the DXpedition at 1313 and 1323 https://app.box.com/s/tno4iqsiuaw1kx62i80y8rg722y15e4o https://app.box.com/s/ca7tpo195gua5eayhc46evv9ix29e9oz By the final day (8-9) Fiji had become somewhat of a pest. Here it is at 1315 smothering the frequency, until the 2 kW Tasmanian 7BU breaks through at 1317 with Foreigner's "Urgent" (for about a minute only) https://app.box.com/s/eetboe8o71kohmuxxrqhg88uwecklnm4 *** 567, RNZ Wellington, NZ, 50 kW The ex-big gun has sounded relatively modest after the demolition of its old tower, but it could occasionally sound fairly strong, such as during this typical male- female conversation at 1239 on 8-6 https://app.box.com/s/uk0aochlroo67tm1x0lm435fkva6dwz8 *** 576, 2RN Sydney, Australia, 50 kW This RN network big gun really pounded in during favorable Australian propagation (such as at 1315 on 8-9, during this music recording) but could lose out to the 2.5 kW Kiwi station Star during NZ-favored conditions https://app.box.com/s/3j0607fg6mzgidco3i3vz99ofuzl2cvi 576, Star Hamilton, NZ, 2.5 kW Buried by the Australian big gun 2RN until the 7th day of the DXpedition, the "dwarf Star" finally showed up at 1327 on 8-7 with Christian music // 657 https://app.box.com/s/e9ddentnlmrxkxlayqgql1di62w2ezhc *** 585, 2WEB Bourke, Australia, 10 kW One of the most amazing signals of the entire DXpedition, this rock music pounded in at an S9 level at 1335 on 8-8, soon after propagation had collapsed to most stations. Program Director David Sharp matched the song with his log, and in his e-QSL letter he noted that the recorded signal "is the strongest I have heard, to date, from the United States." https://app.box.com/s/94b723294xp9i2chgdyznfnwixah3n4o 585, 7RN Hobart, Australia, 10 kW In a snarl with co-channel 2WEB much of the time, it tended to have better performance overall than its 576 parallel. This typical ABC RN-network speech was received at 1243 on 8-3 https://app.box.com/s/aptynncjp3ll32d027s691rv82bau3m2 *** 594, 3WV Horsham, Australia, 50 kW Usually dominant over the lower-powered Star co-channels, this LR network big gun could really pound in when conditions favored it, such as at 1245 on 8-2 with typical ABC talk program https://app.box.com/s/m7d0fgnzxhzsg1hhxawzm1mtzct5zudw 594, Star Timaru/ Wanganui, NZ 5 kW/ 2kW Although the low powered Kiwi network was occasionally competitive with the Oz big gun 3WV, it rarely dominated the frequency. One of those unusual times was at 1302 on 8-6, when its "Star News" had the edge over Australia https://app.box.com/s/xsgmjwzl4w66y5817s1dpj4fentg97ko 603, 2RN Nowra, Australia, 10 kW Never before decently received at the "Kiwi Cliff," exceptional Australian-slanted propagation at 1255 on 8- 4 pushed this RN network female speech (// 576) far above the usual Kiwi big gun Radio Waatea. It was MIA on other days https://app.box.com/s/b3ouo1vej21e356j29usiqdszyxldql8 *** 603, Radio Waatea Auckland, NZ, 5 kW Significantly stronger than in recent years (throughout the week), this Maori network powerhouse managed its best signal ever at 1303 on 8-8 with island music and Maori chants https://app.box.com/s/wruaavle3k3s4x9my9armbxl4od0369s Samoan island music at very strong level at 1256 on 8-1, and at 1312 on 8-6 https://app.box.com/s/s594rz5pctqf9hahfhpk7p1du2ajuzp0 https://app.box.com/s/2jfj2iplij9dcvyqepfcx0bwl95z7nw7 Mixing with 2RN during unusual Australian-slanted propagation at 1254 on 8-4 https://app.box.com/s/i3mgrjxw0dwadrtc2c69x7f2f7h6qzua 612, 4QR Brisbane, Australia, 50 kW Rare appearance here // 594 during unusual Australia-slanted conditions at 1312 on 8-4 https://app.box.com/s/qrugsesht3r2hdlsh2tddthjtq0sbxif 639, 2HC Coff's Harbour, Australia, 5 kW SRN format call-in talk program at good level (not // 891) at 1310 on 8-3, previously heard running commercial ads https://app.box.com/s/8h3fcdmvzm2gslknf18r1f5z342ylxm9 *** 639, 5CK Port Pirie, Australia, 10 kW A big surprise with huge ABC network signals // 891 at 1307 on 8-7, this South Australian station was occasionally heard mixing with Oz co-channel 2HC on the other days https://app.box.com/s/o0jujrozx7w0wf7t4dnqq5dn7g20j0tr *** 657, Star Wellington/ Tauranga, NZ, 50/ 10 kW Another Kiwi blowtorch with its best-ever signals during this trip, the Christian hymn music broadcaster was pegging the S/N readout with this music and Irish-accented sermon at 1215 on 8-1 https://app.box.com/s/psfs64lczen4cfk137pijj0hpqc43dad More powerful signals with "Star News" at 1304 on 8-1, and with Christian music at 1250 on 8-2 and at 1310 on 8-5 https://app.box.com/s/9zien3rdlj80pe61vmfsq8sz8jox26rg https://app.box.com/s/wj5chv6w11ez7zgcxws077gqo9ofd5pr https://app.box.com/s/q6bb88n9nm2b1irndlnu01ch37uizw0t 666, 2CN Canberra, Australia, 5 kW Unusual appearance at the "Kiwi Cliff" during Australian-slanted propagation at 1320 on 8-6 // 594 https://app.box.com/s/63nkybe0oi440v5m58rowk2an3x9jbnf 675, RNZ Christchurch, NZ, 10 kW The strongest RNZ frequency overall during the trip, it has replaced 567 after the demise of the latter's old tower. This recording was at 1326 on 8-4 https://app.box.com/s/7jept0n33syig1106axql1d6e1csbo2y *** 702, 2BL Sydney, Australia, 50 kW The Oz LR network big gun usually had the edge over the Kiwi big gun Magic, such as during this ABC talk program at 1310 on 8-8 https://app.box.com/s/ur43ihfmgka0d1p6bupbhch9ixc1nvrv *** 702, Magic Auckland, NZ, 10 kW In a snarl with 2BL on most mornings, the Kiwi oldies broadcaster could occasionally take over the frequency completely when conditions strongly favored New Zealand (such as at 1309 on 8-19, on the way to Lincoln City) https://app.box.com/s/i88e4c0wdyd4kv8tvdfsomtzmyyk2t5u *** 702, Magic-2BL Mix When propagation favored both Oz and NZ (such as at 1320 on 8-4) the snarl between the Auckland oldies broadcaster and 2BL could turn catastrophic. Magic's "Peace Train" song was pretty ironic https://app.box.com/s/l1ad8kdp1d8ciupd7qivvc54nsknpbxl (TO BE CONTINUED) (Gary DeBock, IRCA via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See ETHIOPIA; NIGERIA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DAB See GERMANY; RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM Zuk ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC See NEW ZEALAND; OKLAHOMA 1170; USA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1200+; RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM Zuk DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See also OKLAHOMA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ REPACKING Our first more-than-two-way sharing agreement is on the books. The host station is WEDW Bridgeport, Connecticut (currently on channel 49, being repacked to 21). It will host co-owned WEDY New Haven and separately-owned WZME Bridgeport. There is no hard-and-fast limit, either regulatory or technical, to how many stations can share a channel. I will be surprised if we see more than three and amazed if we see more than four. All that said --- it appears in mid-August, WEDY withdrew from this sharing group. I think it's going to share with co-owned WEDN Norwich instead, but that's speculation at this point. We are now seeing a trickle of displacement applications for LPTV stations which will be losing their channels to the repack. So far, all the LPTVs applying to move are being bumped from channels above 37. I expect we will soon see some displaced from channels below 37 by repacked full-power and Class A stations. Again, remember that full- power and Class A stations are guaranteed new channels if displaced by the repack – LPTV stations are not guaranteed new channels. I've worked through the list of post-repack tech parameters and their status. Of the 2,079 transmitter facilities which will remain after the repack, 1,084 aren't making any changes. 899 have filed for their newly-assigned channels & received FCC approval. 73 have filed but have not yet seen FCC action. 23 stations have received waivers of the July 12th filing deadline for various reasons. Interference to land-mobile operations is the most common reason for waiver. Seven stations reassigned to channel 14 believe it will be impossible to install adequate filters to prevent problems. A Louisiana station was assigned a channel (17) that other FCC regulations prohibit it from using due to the Offshore Radio Service. KSEE in Fresno was assigned channel 16 in the original digital transition. Land-mobile interference problems forced them off that channel and to channel 38. The repack assigned KSEE to --- channel 16. Five stations found their existing towers aren't strong enough to support the necessary antennas. Three will relocate elsewhere; two are still working on their options. An antenna shared by five stations in Salt Lake City won't replicate existing coverage with the assigned facilities. One of the five stations (KUED) was reassigned to channel 15 – which cannot be practically accommodated with the shared antenna. KUED will seek channel 27 instead. As noted earlier, the FCC no longer regards all UHF channels as equal, as regards coverage. Stations repacked to lower UHF channels will find their powers reduced. In the case of WUVG-DT Athens, Georgia, the power reduction from 1000 kW (on channel 48) to 596 kW (on channel 18) left the station's Atlanta transmitter site unable to achieve the required coverage of Athens (it doesn't help that Athens has since annexed some land – the city is geographically larger). WUVG will seek to keep 1000 kW on their new channel. WHSV-TV Harrisonburg, Virginia is too close to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. Its existing facility on channel 49 is grandfathered, but the NRAO won't allow a non-directional operation on channel 20. The most power they'll approve in the direction of Green Bank is 200 milliwatts (1/5 of a watt). That's not enough to cover Harrisonburg. WHSV is seeing other solutions. In East Tennessee, WETP-TV has been operating with a non-directional antenna. Somehow, a directional antenna – unique to WJXT Jacksonville, Florida – was assigned to WETP's record. WETP received waiver of the deadline while they modify the database to reflect the correct antenna. Probably the most interesting reason for waiver is at WUNF-TV Asheville, North Carolina. There's no way to get a new transmitter, antenna, or the equipment to install it to WUNF's Mt. Pisgah site; nor is there any way to remove the old gear. The site cannot be reached by road. Existing equipment was delivered by a funicular railway. The North Carolina Department of Labor ordered the railway closed in January 2015 for safety violations. WUNF doesn't have the ability to repair it – because the site, and the railway, belong to Sinclair, owners of WLOS-TV whose tower WUNF uses. WLOS hasn't been repacked (it's on physical channel 13) so they don't need to fix the railway to fulfill their obligations under the transition. The site is accessible on foot, albeit over a 1.6-mile trail. Hauling a channel 20 antenna – or a transmitter -- up that trail on foot is not going to happen. One station in the list will not be bothering with finding a new facility. KHPB-CD Bastrop, Texas appears in the FCC data as repacked from channel 45 to channel 16. The KHPB license was canceled on July 14th. We've had a number of recent applications for auxiliary backup transmitters. Two are for operation on stations' existing pre-repack channels. Two are to replicate pre-repack backups on new post-backup channels. One is for a post-repack backup at a station that doesn't currently have one (one might presume they intend to use it while they replace their existing antenna). Two are for stations which aren't moving to new channels. However, these stations share towers with stations that are moving. Presumably safety prevents these stations from operating at full power while work proceeds on their neighbors' antennas. Some time ago, a number of us noticed the FCC was running short on LPTV call letters on certain high-VHF channels in the West. With calls like K07ZR, K09ZB, and K13ZS on the books – and with repacking potentially forcing some UHF LPTVs onto VHF-high – we suspected the letters would run out. And we wondered what the Commission would do when that happened. In late August, it happened. We noted the callsign K13AAD-D assigned to the former K42IW in Long Valley Junction, Utah. I don't know why there is no K13AAA, K13AAB, or K13AAC. I suspect the FCC sets aside call letters when the application is filed, but doesn't put them on public notice (or in the database) until they determine the application is “acceptable for filing” (Doug Smith, September WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ UNIVERSAL RADIO'S NEW LOCATION I have this information listed on my Radio News Page, but in case you missed it : Regards, Dave Zantow N9EWO Janesville, WI Universal Radio Is Moving In the coming months Universal Radio will move its operations to a more efficient location here in the Columbus, Ohio area where we can continue to serve our loyal customers. This will be the fourth location change since Universal was founded in 1942. We look forward to many more years of serving the amateur and short wave communities which Universal Radio has done for 75 years. The new location (below) is a 30 minute drive from the current location. Universal Radio Inc. 651-B Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Worthington, OH 43085 Moving date: Mid-October, 2017 http://www.universal-radio.com/Events_Moving.html (via Dave Zantow, DXLD) SOME REVIEWS OF THE NEW ICOM IC-R8600 WIDEBAND RECEIVER https://www.fenu-radio.ch/Icom_IC-R8600-en.htm http://webpages.charter.net/n9ewo2/icr8600.html (Peter Wilson, Blackpool UK, ICDX, via Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) RECEIVER REVIEW --- THE NEW DIGITECH AUDIO AR-1780 FROM JAYCAR - Phil Ireland, VK2GJF Over the years, Jaycar have released a number of shortwave receivers ranging from pocket radios to large format portables with each having limited success, apart from the AR-1946, which to date has proved its worth both as a SW and MW DX’er and a competent DAB+ performer. Their latest release in the “pocket” category is the AR-1780 AM FM AIR SW DSP Receiver. At first, I was reluctant to consider a purchase based on the history of the radios but after reading an initial favourable review of the receiver, I decided to “jump in”. Was my hesitation justified? I can state that since owning the AR-1780, I’ve been impressed by its overall performance and have been pleased I took the plunge. DSP portable receivers in the recent past have been plagued by issues of soft muting and I’m pleased to say that the AR-1780 has shown no such problems. In fact, the only criticism I can level at the radio is that the radio will exhibit some degree of muting when tuning. This can make band scanning using the rotary tuning somewhat onerous but other than that, the radio has excellent sensitivity and selectivity on all bands. Using the radio is straightforward; there is a prominent power switch with sleep timer which can be turned off (useful). On the LHS there’s an external antenna connection supposedly for all bands but I suspect only for SW, the volume control and an earphone socket, stereo on FM. The RHS of the radio has the main rotary tuning which, when depresses, changes the tuning speed from off, slow (1kHz) and fast (5kHz). Also depressing the control when in Air band, allows you to set the squelch. There is also a fine-tuning control (1 kHz) that doubles as a very fine tune at 10 Hz in SSB mode. Very useful when tuning a SSB signal. Below is an unusual DC input socket that requires 7 volts for the charging function should NiCad batteries be installed. As a side point, it’s recommended that only Alkaline and not Lithium batteries are used when not using rechargeable batteries. The rear of the radio has the usual tilt bale for positioning the radio for easy listening on a bench and the battery compartment where 4 AA batteries are needed. The front of the radio has the mode buttons, bandwidth selector (and there is a wide choice of bandwidths to choose from both in AM and SSB), alarm button, SSB selection button, that you can select either USB or LSB, info button for FM RDS, up/ down slewing tuning, memory page button and the frequency keypad. 9 or 10 kHz MW frequency stepping can be set via a button on the front panel as can turning the beep sound on and off when depressing the buttons (handy). There’s also a lock for the radio, a button to turn on or off the LW band, a button to set the FM band depending on the country the radio is used, a time set button and a button used to quickly toggle through the SW bands. The light button can be used to permanently turn the dial light on should that be required. There is also a Display button that allows the user to toggle through, a temperature reading, Alarm time, clock and signal strength. So how does the radio perform? In a word, superbly! It looks Jaycar have finally got it right with a good performing portable pocket receiver. Audio is crisp despite a small speaker and as mentioned earlier, this radio shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity. I cannot comment on how the radio performs on an external antenna that is yet to be determined. Build quality is good and the buttons exhibit a very good tactile response. It would’ve been nice to see a selectable Synchronous detector but at the price point of $129, that may be asking too much. Besides the DSP circuitry with its many bandwidths handles signals very well indeed. This radio is a “keeper” and is definitely recommended. P.S. The SW frequency coverage is greater than shown in the specs, mine tunes to 29999 kHz (Sept Australian DX News via DXLD) ADVENTURES IN DXING - N2KZ [illustrated: see original] by KARL ZUK http://home.lanline.com/~pcara/docs/pcud0917.pdf I admit it. I don’t listen to broadcast radio much anymore. Modern technology now allows on-demand listening and viewing. No longer do we need to wait for specific broadcast times or suffer through interference to hear a program we like. Touch your phone or tap a mouse and it all arrives in perfect quality instantly. We truly have entered into a new age of wireless distribution. How convenient it is! Subscribing to this new world is effortless. I create a list of podcasts that I enjoy and they automatically load onto my devices as they are published. I can mow my lawn for three hours and listen to a parade of content I enjoy, seamlessly played without interruption or intervention. Often, these programs have little advertising and certainly don’t suffer from the clutter heard on broadcast radio. The world of listening is now so much better. I have even broken a decades old habit of watching the clock to hear hourly newscasts. Using the CBS News Radio app or TuneIn, I can hear a multiplicity of newscasts and commentary literally from around the world. How miraculous to watch Sky News live from Britain anywhere I go. No longer do I feel remorse tuning in at five minutes after the hour knowing that the hourly newscast has passed by. I can recall it instantly and listen to my heart’s content. Listening on-line also gives me access to the second part of the hourly newscasts from CBS. Most stations opt out after the first three minutes of the five minute newscast. The CBS webcast plays it all. My car radio automatically records the last twenty minutes of what I have been hearing so I can recall a moment I might have missed. Just rewind and replay! The concept of live radio and television still has a handhold or two left. Sports coverage will always be live. Breaking news will always be live. You don’t have to be home to watch. Not only can you take it with you, you can also replay it on demand as you wish. Very convenient! Thinking like a capitalist, what is the business model for this new world? Analog dollars have turned into digital dimes (or even pennies) as audiences dwindle. There is no longer a captive audience where only a handful of stations serve a community. Now thousands of choices await your attention. How can you continue to profit from a broadcast business with a fractionalized audience? On-demand programming is actually a savior for commercial broadcasters everywhere. Consider how inefficient and clumsy continuous networks or local stations can be. The chances of hearing or seeing one of your favorite shows is improbable at best. Also, remind yourself how much money and how many human beings are necessary to keep the music playing. With on-demand, the cost of doing business plummets. There are no transmitters to power and maintain. Broadcast technicians and programmers can be reduced significantly. Without being on the air, broadcast regulations can be circumvented, too. No longer will stations be looking for time-killer infomercials or barter advertising trying to eke out some income during hours with minimal audiences. On-demand maximizes profits and enhances audience convenience and numbers. So many more people . . . [sidebar] Karl’s podcast list includes ‘On The Media’, from New York Public Radio station WNYC. Sky News broadcasts to the world on cable, satellite and Internet from studios in west London. (Can you copy the message from this cover of Wireless World, Sept 1913?) [caption] . . . can enjoy a program when they can watch or listen at any time. Nielsen ratings now evaluate ‘Live plus three days’ or ‘Live plus seven days’ cumulative audiences. High tech analysis now meters the amount of Tweets or shares a show achieves. It really is a whole new world. Predictably, we are also witnessing the obsolescence of televisions and radios as individual devices. My personal unscientific and casual poll tells me that most people under thirty think of TV sets and radio receivers as being contemporary as dinosaurs roaming the Earth. Cell phones alone have absorbed dial-up telephones, Instamatic and Brownie cameras, video recorders, calculators, calendars, newspapers (remember those?) notepads and radios and TVs and more! Of course, there are elderly naysayers who will warn us to be wary of all of these newfangled devices and methods waving their sticks high in the air! “What will happen if the Internet collapses?” “What will happen if electric power fails and we can’t charge our devices?” Our complete independence from regional power grids may happen in our lifetimes. Some people are off-grid already by self-generating with wind or solar power. Our energy efficiency continues to improve. As for the Internet someday being halted or commandeered by rogues... it is probably inevitable and could be catastrophic. Historians will never forget that moment. Change the channel! I don’t want to think about it. In the meantime, take advantage of all the resources at your command. Use the TuneIn, iHeart and Radio.com apps. TuneIn alone provides more than any shortwave radio. Learn about all that YouTube has to offer. There are multitudes of television streaming apps, as well. Welcome to the 21st century! An exciting world is waiting for you! How will it all work out? Stay tuned! Until next month, 73s and dit dit de N2KZ ‘The Old Goat` (Karl Zuk, Sept 2017 PCARA Update via DXLD) In the same issue, this article: ACROSS THE POND — N2KZ [Note from the editor: Karl wrote this article for the August 2017 issue of Communication, monthly journal of the British DX Club, http://www.bdxc.org.uk The original target audience was readers of Communication — who are mostly located ‘across the pond’ in the British Isles.] 2017 has become a memorable year in the world of radio. Broadcast technology has matured into a new era of delivery. Noise on medium wave and annoying picket fencing and capture effects on FM have finally found a cure. No longer are North Americans restricted to traditional over-the-air broadcast transmission. Now we listen to the Internet. On this side of the pond, digital radio broadcasting has never been embraced as a viable method of transmission. Instead of beginning fresh with dedicated spectrum space for digital, we were offered in- band on-channel digital marketed as ‘HD Radio®.’ The ‘HD’ moniker only confused the public further! The design engineers behind HD Radio had good intent but created chaotic results especially for DXers. Digital information is broadcast on broad sidebands of analog signals cluttering adjacent channels with a relentless hammering buzz. A strong HD Radio broadcast masks two channels high and low of the original frequency which really destroys all hope of DXing on five continuous channels! And, oh yeah, the system really doesn’t deliver. We North American DXers have suffered through this mêlée since 2002! HD Radio is difficult to receive. Although HD-capable radios are available as an option in many latemodel automobiles, portable and home HD Radios are hard to find. You need a very strong and clean signal to make HD Radio lock in. Driving along varied terrain listening to an HD Radio broadcast can be challenging. When the digital broadcast loses lock, the radio reverts back to analog. The HD and analog broadcasts are never in perfect synchronicity so you will hear double words or upcuts as the radio automatically switches back and forth. [‘Upcut’: broadcasting term for turning on the microphone after the host has begun speaking. – Ed.] The AM HD Radio experience can be really interesting. The difference in quality between analog and HD is remarkable. Switching between severely frequency-response-limited monophonic analog to full stereo HD is profound. You’ll also hear all of your co-channel, adjacent channel and man-made interference disappear when your radio locks to digital, as well. After all, HD Radio is in the digital world and immune to the noises we all know and love. Digital signals arrive alone, not with all their co-channel friends and noise! FM HD Radio is slightly better in sonic quality than its FM analog twin. FM HD also has the ability to carry multiple broadcasts on one carrier. The most popular use of FM HD virtual channels are simulcasts of AM sister stations. Listen to Newsradio 880 WCBS in New York City when they announce their legal ID at the top of the hour: “WCBS AM and HD, WCBS FM HD-2 and WCBS online.” Enough choices? (I am not convinced you can hear WCBS outside of the USA. WCBS is geolocked to North America. I could not listen to them in France and Ireland. I presume the same is true within the United Kingdom.) HD virtual channels provide some interesting listening. In the New York City area there are several ethnic stations broadcasting via FM HD sub-channels with Spanish and Russian-speaking content along with multiple alternate formats like classical, jazz and pop music variants. Take a look at WNEW in New York City: 102.7 HD-1 is ‘Fresh 102.7’ — a simulcast of the primary analog FM signal. 102.7 HD-2 is ‘Smooth Jazz.’ 102.7 HD-3 is a simulcast of all-news WINS 1010 — an AM radio station. Confusing and elaborate, isn’t it? Even if you can decipher this maze, how many people actually listen to these sub-channels? When you lose the digital signal to . . . [sidebar] Diagram of IBOC HD Radio spectrum in hybrid AM mode. Analog sidebands are restricted to ±5 kHz above and below the carrier frequency. Digital sidebands extend ±15 kHz above and below the carrier. WCBS-FM on 101.1 MHz carries the audio of WCBS-AM (880 kHz) on its HD2 digital subchannel. Primary Secondary Analog (± 5 kHz) and Secondary Primary digital (-) digital (-) tertiary digital digital (+) digital (+) f-15 f-10 f-5 f (carrier) f+5 f+10 f+15 kHz kHz kHz kHz kHz kHz Digital Analog . . . 102.7 HD-1, your radio reverts to analog 102.7 FM. What happens when you lose the signal to one of the sub-channels? You hear silence! Grrr. HD Radio also serves as a data delivery system. I can view live color weather maps in my car that receive their data via a local station’s HD transmissions. Speaking of silence, technology has some curious quirks. When digital signals drop lock, they literally disappear. Technical broadcast types refer to this as ‘falling off the cliff.’ All SiriusXM® satellite receivers have a built-in noise generator to lessen this aural horror. When the bit error rate gets near the edge of losing lock, the noise generator comes on to mask the loss of signal. Their design engineers wanted to continue the analog fade-out experience! A similar effect is built into the design of HD Radio. When digital signals get close to losing lock, a technique known as ‘blending’ happens. It sounds like a crossfade between two sources of audio. Because of constant changes in digital processing delay (the amount of time devices need to digitize the signal) the digital signal is always out of step with the less-processed analog signal. Real time doesn’t seem to exist anymore on North American radio. Top of the hour time pips, beeps and bells almost never accurately hit at the exact beginning of an hour. In digitized broadcast audio programme* chains, there is digital processing everywhere that slows the audio considerably. You speak into a microphone that attaches to a digital console. It travels over a CAT5 cable to a digital processor that eventually goes to a digital studio-to-transmitter link and/or a digital streamer for Internet listeners. The over-the-air transmitter includes digital processing, as well. Add more time if the programme comes to you via satellite. *[British spelling, more to follow. –Ed.] If you listen using a digital receiver you add even a little more time! WCBS 880 New York’s time pips are heard at about 20 seconds after every hour! Digital transmission literally takes its time! Look to the Sky Is AM, FM and HD Radio enough? No! There are many more audio sources! SiriusXM satellite radio is also available throughout North America by subscription. It is quite similar to World-Space and the Japanese MobaHO! services, now both deceased. North America once had competing systems, XM Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. Due to financial instability, the companies merged in 2008 to form a single monopoly. Over 100 channels are broadcast on SiriusXM, but the content choices are limited. Many channels are dedicated to sports play-by-play broadcasts and sports commentary. Talk show channels are also found in multiplicity. SiriusXM music mixes are reminiscent of an Apple iPod on random shuffle. How I long for the sounds I listened to in decades gone by when musically trained DJs played excellent mixes, adding their commentary to a limitless playlist! You can count the classical and jazz offerings on one hand. SiriusXM’s best qualities are found in its distribution. You can pick up their signals virtually everywhere. The XM system uses geosynchronous satellites hovering about 36,000 kilometers above the equator in stable positions following the rotation of the Earth. Sirius originally relied on several constantly moving low-earth-orbit satellites flying in continuous, elliptical patterns roughly 2,000 kilometers over their service area. The Sirius LEOs actually provided a superior robust transmission system, more apt to fill in hard-to- reach gaps in coverage. Additional land-based repeaters, for both XM and Sirius, bring satellite radio content into areas filled with sky- blocking business buildings, bridges and tunnels. If you travel to remote areas, few analog AM and FM radio stations may be heard but SiriusXM shines through. It may be a Godsend if you have nothing else! A New World Let’s enjoy the year 2017: Internet radio has changed radio forever. My reliance on portable radios and analog car reception is now a memory. At home, I can listen in perfect full quality to my computer or smartphone. My 2016 model car includes Internet radio access. Imagine rolling along listening to Radio New Zealand International or 4BC Brisbane, Australia in stereo while commuting in the New York City area. Shortwave listening was never this good! My mobile listening is made possible by ‘apps’ loaded into my car’s audio system using my smartphone as an Internet portal. In turn, my smartphone connects to the car’s user interface (Toyota Entune) via Bluetooth. Steve Scott is afternoon newscaster at digital broadcaster [caption] WCBS, Newsradio 880 [caption] My audio choices are wide and varied: AM Radio, FM Radio, XM Radio, iPod, Bluetooth, iHeart, Slacker and Pandora. Most useful are the offerings provided by iHeart Radio. You can enjoy select stations from North America and beyond along with custom iHeart music channels very similar to SiriusXM. You can even customize music to your liking into your own ‘channel.’ Pandora and Slacker can also be accessed as alternative music sources. Pandora allows you to build channels based upon a single artist (e.g. Amy MacDonald Radio) to ones based upon genres (e.g. Celtic Folk Radio.) The choices are limited only by your imagination! Services not available via iHeart can be heard using the TuneIn or Radio.com apps loaded directly onto my phone. TuneIn offers nearly every station you can think of, from Paris to Mongolia to Sydney except for all the stations owned by iHeart. Radio.com provides stations exclusively owned and operated by the American CBS station group. Using these three apps should cover just about all there is! Now I can listen to BBC Radio Scotland or RTE Radio One during my commutes. Kaye Adams is my new best friend! [Kaye Adams is a Scottish Radio and TV presenter. –Ed.] When traveling, I access all of these apps using my smartphone via a wireless Bluetooth connection to my car’s audio system. At home, my computer can double as my radio, too! Some smaller-market or independently owned stations require you to find their live audio directly on their web site or by loading their station app onto your device. It takes more effort but nearly every station now streams in one way or another. Internet reception is remarkably reliable. I frequently make long journeys to visit my daughters at college in Boston and Delaware. Driving up and down the American northeast metroplex, I can enjoy seamless reception via the Internet for the entire drive. This is quite a breakthrough. North America has never had DAB* or DAB+ so now we have an Internet equivalent. Radio never sounded so nice and clear! *[DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DAB+ are the digital radio standards employed in Europe, using the former Band III television frequency range of 174 - 230 MHz. See ‘PCARA Update’ for May 2015. - Ed.] Old School I feel nostalgic when I now listen to AM and FM analog broadcasts. 50 years ago, when audio choices were few and limited, American radio was incredibly local. Entire small towns and cities would tune in to the local station hosted by live and local hosts and hostesses throughout their entire programme day. As time passed, and the listening public gained more and more choices to choose from, the number of people who tuned in to local stations declined rapidly. To save money and improve their business model, many stations first converted from local programming to nationwide syndicated shows. Station owners could switch on their satellite receivers and have their automation systems insert local advertising spots and IDs. This was the beginning of ‘no on-site people necessary radio.’ Today’s free broadcast radio is hard on the ears! Listen to American radio during morning and evening drive times and you will often hear groups of radio hosts offer condescending banter along with endless stretches of commercials. Many shows follow this ‘Morning Zoo’ concept. At least to this one listener, inane talk combined with heavy commercial loads does not create large audiences (but a lot of station owners think so!) New York City has over 75 radio stations to choose from. A rating over 5% of the audience is considered huge! Where is the business model here? Radio station owners now aim to produce your ‘entertainment’ audio as cheaply as possible and sell a lot of adverts. This mindset carries over to engineering, as well. When I was a young pup growing up doing beginner jobs in radio, a chief engineer would concentrate on meticulously maintaining one AM/FM station. Now engineers are ‘contract employees’ (freelancers) looking after multiple stations known as ‘clusters.’ The art of the broadcast engineer is in the hands of ‘the greys’ - those old engineers (like myself) with grey hair! Everything now is based on IP and computers. All the new ‘engineers’ are young computer guys! But who looks after the transmitters?? Do You Hear What I Hear? Broadcasting nationwide radio is a great way to save money. Radio station programmers have plenty of shows to choose from. Just put a satellite or IP receiver on the air and walk away! No people necessary radio! Two syndicated radio shows dominate North America. Middays, hundreds and hundreds of stations broadcast the pomposity of the ‘Excellence In Broadcasting Network’ hosted by conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Agree with him or not, Rush’s rants can be quite entertaining and attract large audiences across the continent. On overnights, the ratings leader is ‘Coast to Coast AM’ with George Noory. For four hours every night, George hosts an endless parade of experts chatting about conspiracy theories, extraterrestrial landings, new health cures and who knows what. This show is meticulously produced and slick. Listen in and you will instantly understand its success. You’ll hear it on dozens of stations carrying ‘Coast to Coast AM’ up and down the AM dial wherever you tune in. One other newfangled competitor for listeners is the world of podcasts. This is public access audio at its finest. Nearly anyone can post a podcast without any prohibitions regarding content, length and quality of show or worries about distribution costs. I am sure you have heard of them and they are everywhere. Having programming at your beck and call — on demand — is very convenient! Podcasts can also be incredibly narrowcast! Consider a podcast targeted for you and me: The Shortwave Radio Archive at https://shortwavearchive.com If you miss the good old days of SWLing, this is for you. Consult Chrissy Brand’s ‘Webwatch’ column for other good ideas! [Chrissy Brand is a DX blogger, ‘RadioUser’ columnist and editor of British DX Club’s ‘Communication’ –Ed.] My favourite watering hole to discover quality podcasts is WNYC, New York City’s premier public broadcaster: http://www.wnyc.org/podcasts/ I regularly listen to The Daily from The New York Times newspaper, WNYC’s On The Media and National Public Radio’s Fresh Air. Of course, many of the world’s broadcasters also offer on-demand podcasts as well. Very interesting is Radio New Zealand International’s signature news programme ‘Dateline Pacific’ at http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific Rolling along listening to Radio New Zealand International [caption] The possibilities are endless! Yes, in the world of radio in the year 2017, the programme possibilities are endless and fascinating. Alas, there is just one thing I miss about the good old days: I live in one of the largest media markets in the world (New York City,) yet you will almost never hear direct mentions or news pertaining to my local densely-populated suburb. At its peak, there were almost a dozen radio stations serving my area in Northern Westchester. Now there is just one FM station that mentions any local news and events. It has such a wide area of coverage that it might as well be a station from New York City. Although I live just a few miles from a relatively large city, Danbury, Connecticut (population about 85,000,) all the radio stations from that area overlook my town because we are not in the same state! I live in Katonah, New York which might as well be near Mars in their eyes. In the meantime, I am listening to BBC Radio Scotland. Enjoy this crazy world we live in! Any comments or questions? Please reach me at karlzuk‘at’hotmail.com - 73 from Karl across the pond (via DXLD) PCARA means Peekskill/Cortlandt Amateur Radio Association Inc. Lots of good info there and more articles by Karl; access to issue archive: http://home.lanline.com/~pcara/newslett.htm Such as the May 2017 issue: http://home.lanline.com/~pcara/docs/pcud0517.pdf about his Early Radio Adventures (from which I drew the item some weeks ago about WGEO Schenectady being heard without a radio (gh) SAME QUALITY, NEW LOOK! CHANNEL MASTER ROTATORS Here is the original email from Channel Master (Mike Bugaj, CT, Aug 24, WTFDA gg via DXLD) -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Same Quality, New Look! Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:13:19 -0400 (EDT) From: Channel Master Dear Channel Master Fan, Reviewed as the best TV antenna rotator on the market, we have made some minor enhancements to make it even better. Upgrade your antenna system today with a *new complete rotator system* [$149] https://www.channelmaster.com/Antenna_Rotators_s/33.htm If you already own a Channel Master rotator and wish to upgrade your *control unit* get on our list to reserve yours and be notified as soon as the first stand-alone control units become available. Sincerely, your partner in TV Freedom, | 1-877-746-7261 TM and copyright © 2017 Channel Master, L.L.C. 2065 W. Obispo Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85233. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. All product images and screenshots are for demonstration purposes only. All Rights Reserved (via Mike Bugaj, WTFDA gg via DXLD) CM9521HD Rotor https://www.channelmaster.com/TV_Antenna_Rotator_p/cm-9521a.htm This rotor has METAL GEARS. This thing should last years. From Channel Master: Hello, This rotor does have metal gears. For all of the information that we have available on the product, visit its product page: https://www.channelmaster.com/TV_Antenna_Rotator_p/cm-9521a.htm Kind Regards, Jordan, Channel Master Support support@channelmaster.com 1-877-746-7261 (via ibid.) The link provided by Mike (and Channel Master Support) appears to be the CURRENT rotator. The promotional e-mail I received gives the following link, which I believe is the NEW rotator it replaces and improves upon. Note the lack of an "A" in the model number. This can be very confusing. I plan to look further into this. https://www.channelmaster.com/TV_Antenna_Rotator_p/cm-9521hd.htm?Click=148270&utm_source=emailpromo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017_08_9521HD_Launch (Chris Lucas, Aug 24, ibid.) My 9521A has been out back for over 10 years and even survived a direct tree hit. Glad to see they brought it back (Bill Nollman, ibid.) INDEPENDENT R’SHACK DEALERS UNLEASHED BY LATEST BANKRUPTCY By: TWICE Staff http://www.twice.com/news/retail/independent-r-shack-dealers-unleashed-latest-bankruptcy/65906 RadioShack’s second bankruptcy in two years may have brought its company-owned stores to the edge of oblivion, but it has apparently sparked a renaissance among the chain’s approximately 425 independent franchisees. As Wisconsin dealer-owner PJ Kruschel explains, inventory is beginning to flow again, and the departure of the corporate stores has ramped up customer demand and unshackled RadioShack dealers from restrictions on expansion. Kruschel, who will grand-open the country’s first post-bankruptcy RadioShack tomorrow in Baraboo, Wis., shared his observations in an email to TWICE, which we posted below with his permission: “I’ve owned a RadioShack dealer store for the past ten years and just opened a new store a couple weeks ago. It’s the first new RadioShack since the latest bankruptcy. There is another store opening in Utah and a couple more in Tennessee coming in the near future, but I’m the first. “Us dealers are now in charge of re-growing the company. Unlike the corporate stores, we have the flexibility to adjust for our markets. For instance, my original store, in the Wisconsin Dells, rents movies, does computer and phone repair, and sells lots of items tourists might need, like specialty chargers for laptops, cameras, etc. “My second store started as a repair shop, doing computer and phone repair, and selling refurbished phones, laptops and accessories. We added Boost Mobile and now RadioShack. “Our grand opening is this Saturday [Aug. 26] from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., where we’ll be giving away lots of stuff like Green Bay/Minnesota tickets, a 55-inch Toshiba TV, Sennheiser headphones and lots more. Plus we’ll be installing free tempered-glass screen protectors on phones. “In the last couple months RadioShack has been refilling their warehouse and we’ve been seeing much more traffic from customers driving up to an hour-and-a-half away to get those essential parts and pieces available only in a RadioShack. “The future for us existing dealers and prospective small business owners looking to open a RadioShack has been impressive. Dealers are evaluating new markets in larger cities that used to be off limits due to RadioShack corporate stores having a presence there. The rule of thumb was any city with a population over 10,000 was off limits for us dealers. Now, cities like Chicago, Nashville, Milwaukee, etc., are not only open, but RadioShack is encouraging us to open in these markets.” – PJ Kruschel, Dells and Baraboo RadioShack (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) RADIO MISINFORMATION An article on Hurricane Harvey in this morning's Corpus Christi Caller-Times (page A5) mentions the Rockport Police Department's radio tower was damaged by the storm. It then continues: "Emergency radio channels were unavailable, and first responders were limited to 'shortwave radios that span only a couple miles,' said Matt Jamison, a volunteer firefighter from Fulton. 'There's a lot of people using that one channel, and it's not really effective when you're trying to do a large-scale search-and-rescue (operation),' Jamison said." (Mike Cooper, Aug 28, DXLD) A HELPFUL TIP FOR SUBMITTING RECEPTION REPORTS This is mainly useful if you have logged a station playing music in a language you don't understand but will only work if you have a smartphone or tablet, really. If you can't or don't submit recordings to stations, that's fine. But in my experience, that just means you need to submit a little more written detail beyond "a man singing followed by a chorus". Titles and artists are big help. I have both SoundHound and Shaam on my phone. Shaam [sic] seems a bit better with international tunes and has a slightly better success rate. I just had Shazam identify two songs in my aircheck of Radio Clube do Pará 4885 from Brazil. I've had it identify Turkish language songs during the Voice of Turkey English language broadcasts. All you have to do is play back your recording on your computer; a small set of speakers will be fine, or even headphones. Then bring up the app on your phone and hold it right up to the sound source. I've had it work on some pretty cruddy, noisy signals or on songs I'd never think it'd get. Just a helpful tip that I've found works for me (Paul Walker, Aug 28, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ ECLIPSE RADIO: PAST & PRESENT Tomorrow, Monday August 21, a spectacular total eclipse of the sun will be visible right across the United States, with the path of totality stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. The pathway of totality will be 70 miles wide, and the eclipse shadow will move along this narrow corridor at a supersonic speed. The total eclipse of the light from the sun, due to the moon intervening in between the sun and the earth, will begin over the North Pacific Ocean at sunrise. In fact at that location, the sun will rise in total obscurity, a very rare occurrence. The eclipse will enter the United States on the Oregon coast at Lincoln Beach at 10:15 am local time at a speed of nearly 3,000 miles per hour, 2,955 miles per hour to be exact. The path of totality of the eclipse will travel across the United states in a slightly curved pathway for an hour and 33 minutes. It will then exit the United States at an isolated beach at Cape Romain in South Carolina at 2:49 pm local time at a speed of 1502 miles per hour, a reduction in velocity of approximately 50%. It is anticipated that many millions of people will view this spectacular cosmic event, and for many it will be a once in a lifetime occurrence. Many people who live and work near the pathway of total obscurity will travel into the curved pathway to view the total eclipse, and multitudes from other countries have poured into the United States for the occasion. Then of course, there will be many amateur radio operators who will sit at their electronic equipment during the time of the eclipse in their locality so that they can take advantage of the enhanced propagation during the 2½ minutes of total obscurity. So, what happens to radio signals during an eclipse of the sun? Back on January 24, 1925, there was a spectacular total eclipse of the sun over the northern areas of the United States, and for the first time ever, radio scientists were able to make an intensive study of propagation conditions during the period of totality. The signals from two radio transmitters at Schenectady in upper New York State were monitored in New York City for five days in a row; before, during and after the 1925 eclipse. The daily time for monitoring the signals from the two radio broadcasting stations was from 6:30 am to 11:00 am, remembering that the time of total obscurity on Eclipse Day itself was at 9:11 am, local time. The two broadcasting stations whose signals were monitored in New York City were mediumwave WGY with 5 kW on a wavelength of 380 metres (790 kHz), and 2XI with probably just 1 kW on 75 metres (4000 kHz). The distance between the transmitters in Schenectady and New York City was approximately 160 miles. By comparing the paper-tapes for the five days, upon which was etched the comparative signal strengths from both the mediumwave and shortwave transmitters, the radio scientists at RCA and AT&T in New York came to the following three conclusions:- * The transmitted signal on mediumwave at the onset of the eclipse behaved in the same way as at the approach of sunset, wth an increase in signal strength. The transmitted signal as the eclipse was departing behaved in the same way as at sunrise, with a diminishing signal strength. * Similarly, the shortwave signal behaved at the onset of the eclipse with a diminishing signal strength, and at the departure of the eclipse, with an increase in signal strength. * The fading patterns on both mediumwave and shortwave were similar in character to the normal fading patterns exhibited at sunset and sunrise. The longwave signals from England on 12,500 metres (24 kHz) were also studied by RCA radio scientists at both Riverhead on Long Island and at Belfast in Maine. They discovered that the longwave signal behaved with the same sunrise-sunset pattern as the mediumwave signal, taking into account though that the eclipse traversed both localities, North America and England. There was another eclipse of special radio interest that occurred over Europe and Asia on June 19, 1936. The signals from the following stations were studied by radio scientists in Japan:- JOIK 830 kHz 10 kW Sapporo Experimental 3550 1 watt Saruhutu JKR 5300 1 kW Otiisi As would now be expected, the monitoring observations in Japan in 1936 exhibited the same propagation pattern as normally experienced at sunset and sunrise. For the festive events associated with tomorrow’s 2017 total eclipse, Thomas Beebe in Marion Illinois has obtained a special short term amateur license for an eclipse radio station. His license for station W9E permits five days of amateur communication for all things related to the eclipse event. A special news release from TV station WSIL in Carbondale Illinois mentions amateur station W9E in Marion and its special eclipse coverage. The United States Post office issued a special postage stamp earlier this year that focuses nationwide attention upon the 2017 total eclipse. This special stamp will change color if the warmth of the finger is applied to it. What happens to a radio signal during an Atomic Explosion? It is very evident, that there is no similarity between a Total Eclipse and an Atomic Explosion. A Total Eclipse brings an awesome darkness to the land, and an Atomic Explosion brings highly destructive devastation to the land. However, in spite of the massive differences between a Total Eclipse and an Atomic Explosion, there is one common occurrence for them both. A Total Eclipse and an Atomic Explosion: They both produce changes in the upper atmosphere that impact the propagation of radio signals. Johnston Atoll is a cluster of four small coral islands 860 miles south west of Hawaii, with a total area of just one square mile. There has never been a local population on the atoll, though at times there have been a thousand or more American service personnel on duty on these islands. During nearly a score of years running from 1958 to 1975, the United States conducted many rocket fired nuclear tests in the atmosphere, at high levels and low levels. Radio monitoring in Hawaii, Japan and New Zealand demonstrated that the propagation of radio signals across the explosion zone at almost all frequencies was greatly reduced, as was also the local atmospheric noise (QRN). It was stated that apparently the nuclear explosion produced an absorption effect of all radio transmissions, R/T and QRN. Immediately after a nuclear explosion, all R/T and QRN disappear, though soon afterwards there is a partial recovery, though full recovery may not become evident, sometimes for days or even weeks. One report stated that the disturbance pattern for all radio signals and all atmospheric noise was similar to that which occurs during a violent sun flare. At Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, an international radio monitor there reported a complete blackout of all radio signals for around five days, except for enhanced signals at the very high end of the radio frequency spectrum, and also at the very low end of the electronic frequency range even during the day. The Quartz Hill Receiving Station in Wellington New Zealand reported an enhanced signal strength from the BBC transmission in England on 25 MHz (11 metres). Interestingly, the United States installed a special shortwave transmitter on Johnston Island specifically for the low level atmospheric nuclear tests in 1962. This transmitter was on the air with specific tone signals on 12020 kHz, similar to the tones from the chronohertz station WWVH in Hawaii. At the time of the explosion at 0900 UTC on July 9 (1962), Quartz Hill in New Zealand heard a click from the Johnston Island transmitter, and then total silence. We are not aware that any international radio monitors received any QSLs for the broadcasts from this unique transmitter. During this nuclear test explosion, Quartz Hill was also listening to 2UE Sydney on 950 kHz, their own 1YA in Auckland on 760 kHz, Radio Australia Shepparton on 7190 kHz, VOA Honolulu on 9650 kHz, and WWV in Boulder Colorado on 10000 kHz. In all cases, at the time of the explosion, the signal was either completely lost, or seriously diminished. (It should be noted that WWVH in Hawaii was off the air for 3 minutes after the top of each hour back in those days.) A listener in Invercargill at the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand reported that the only mediumwave station in the North Island that could be heard down south was the powerful 100 kW 2YA which was on 570 kHz back then. However even then, the 2YA signal was noted at a much lower level than normal. During the months of August and September in the year 1958, the United States conducted a series of secret nuclear tests in the South Atlantic. These tests were performed at an extremely high altitude, though the results as far as radio propagation was concerned were very similar to other known nuclear tests in the South and Central Pacific. We express appreciation for all of the above information on radio propagation after a nuclear explosion to websites that are readily accessible on the internet. We are grateful also to the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics for indirect quotations from their information which is available for research and teaching purposes. QOTW163 QSL of the Week: QSL letter verifies Nuclear Radio Station - The United States conducted a series of atomic tests at the Mercury site in Nevada in May 1955. They installed a mediumwave station into a building at the site and it was on the air several evenings beginning on April 26, and it was blown off the air at the time of the nuclear explosion on May 25. The programming from this unique radio station consisted of a test announcement on a repetitive tape recording; and the antenna system was a vertical long wire attached to a 150 feet tall guyed mast. Mr. Norman Maguire of Albuquerque in New Mexico was fortunate enough to hear the transmissions from this temporary experimental station and he sent a reception report for which he received a letter of confirmation. The full page letter from the Federal Civil Defense Administration in Battle Creek Michigan verified the broadcasts from experimental station KO2XDN with 250 watts on 1240 kHz (Adrian Petersen, IN, script for AWR Wavescan August 20 via DXLD) BELATED MEDIUM WAVE ECLIPSE OBSERVATIONS Hello, Glenn, I've just finished listening to WOR 1892 and realized I should have sent in my eclipse medium wave observations. I hope you don't mind if I share some here. My QTH is about 10 miles north of Columbia, MO, in the totality zone, which began at 1:13 PM CT Monday. I monitored for several minutes before totality and until 30 minutes afterward, using a Grundig FR- 200. Like you, we had plenty of QRN from thunderstorms to our north. We had no rain here during the event. I was surprised not much was coming in prior to the eclipse. 1630 from Wyoming was the first I heard. Then I began hearing KSTP. Here are some of the others I received after the event, though the list isn't exhaustive. Too many stations weren't coming in well enough to verify fully. 1700 - Des Moines 1630 - Wyoming alternating with KCJJ, Iowa City 1590 - Something playing Dave Ramsey 1550 - KAPE, Cape Girardeau, MO 1540 - KXEL, Waterloo, IA 1530 - WCKY, Cincinnati, OH - Great signal, surprisingly 1520 - The country station in Sikeston, MO, briefly 1510 - WLAC, Nashville, TN 1500 - KSTP (as noted above) 1460 - KXNO, Des Moines, over the Catholic station in St. Charles, MO 1430 - KZQZ, St. Louis, with a steady signal for most of my monitoring time 1300 - WNQM, Nashville, blocking out KMMO, Marshal, MO 1290 - WIRL, Peoria, IL, briefly 1280 - Unidentifiable local announcer in Tennessee 1260 - IL station in St. Louis area 1200 - A couple unidentifiable signals. One carrying religious programming. Possibly Fargo, ND? 1190 - Unidentifiable talk, possibly WOWO? 1160 - Alternating signals from religious stations in Chicago and Nashville, TN 1110 - KFAB, Omaha 1090 - Possible mix of KXEN, K.C., MO, area and KAAY, Little Rock, AR 1030 - Spanish station, Memphis, TN, area 890 - WLS, Chicago, weak Nothing unusual below that. In spite of the cloudy sky, the eclipse was spectacular. However, I expected it to get darker. It was similar to a coming storm during twilight, and it was over all too soon. 73, (John Wesley Smith, -- kc0hsb@centurytel.net Visit http://www.destinysurvival.com Where Preparedness Means Survival, Aug 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ECLIPSE LOGGINGS FROM SOUTHERN IL Hi Glenn, I was able to make it down to the (near) total eclipse in southern IL, 9 miles NNE of Sesser. Found a public boat access out in the country, and had the whole parking lot to myself. Everyone was trying to pile into Carbondale, but this spot was between one and two miles north of the northern edge of the zone of totality, so there was no demand for this particular location. I was there primarily to observe radio phenomena, so the 99.5+ percent obscuration would not likely produce any observable difference in propagation than if I was shoulder-to shoulder with the crowds (with no room for antennas or equipment) down in Carbondale and adjoining areas. Cloud static levels on LW were insurmountable, with static crashes peaking at 40-60 db over S-9, on the Yaesu FT-817 w/converter and pre- amplified box loop, so did not spend much time there. A sampling of NDBs were logged before the static reached these high levels. This was about 2 1/2 hrs. before the eclipse, so these should be groundwave signals: 233 AZN St. Joseph, MO 1540 344 UNU Juneau, WI 1549 366 EOK Keokuk, IA 1551 371 FQW Murfreesboro, TN 1553 396 GOI Fort Knox, KY 1558 The 4-foot active whip was hauled up into a nearby tree about 15 feet above the ground at 1615z, giving a big improvement in performance compared to putting it on the roof of the car. WWV on 2.5 was inaudible at 1620z, with 5 MHz giving 35444 signals, and 10 MHz at 55555. All X-band MW and WWV signals were logged using the Sony 2010 and the active whip up in the tree. Reception of WWV on 10 MHz at 1729z had easily-audible WWVH in the background with its informational announcement. I don't ever recall hearing WWVH at this time on this frequency, except maybe in the winter. The total obscuration for my location was at 1821z. Checks on 5 MHz had a 55545 signal from WWV, with rapid flutter audible on the signal, but not degrading the quality of the audio to any significant degree (1728z). 2.5 MHz was inaudible at 1730. By 1735, 2.5 was audible with 35233 signals. 2.5 1801z 35233 2.5 1807z 45333 Increasing static levels. 2.5 1819z 45333 X-band loggings: 1620. Syndicated financial advice program (Dave Ramsey). WNRP, Pensacola, FL most likely as Dave Ramsey show is on their schedule from 1:00 - 4:00 pm weekdays. 1838z 1630. Station with a sports format; presumed WRDW, Augusta, GA. 1836z KCJJ Iowa City, IA with local weather forecast. “The Mighty 1630.” 1836z 1640. “CBS Sports Radio” format; presumed WTNI Biloxi, MS. 1835z Talk program with callers discussing child-rearing practices; presumed WSJP Sussex, WI. (1835z) 1650. “CBS Sports Radio” format. KCNZ, Waterloo, IA; website shows Fox Sports affiliation. 1660. Sleep-number bed ad with mentions of Kansas City and phone number with 816 a/c. That a/c shows as Kansas City, MO. Station had a sports format. KWOD, Kansas City, KS. 1815z Sports format, and ad for a local golf course; annc. had a Michigan accent. Sounded like Lake Doster Golf Club, which shows up on search as Plainwell, MI, which maps just north of Kalamazoo. Likely WQLR, Kalamazoo, MI. 1815z Music station with mention of “94.7” turned up as WBCN, Charlotte, NC; website as “94.7 Smoke, It’s All About The South.” 94.7 turns out to be a translator, yet gets top billing. 1833z 1670. Sports format dominant; being c/c’ed by another sports station only a second or two behind the dominant. WOZN, Madison, WI, and other station could be WMGE, Dry Branch, GA; shows Fox Sports affiliation. 1832z 1680. “Congratulations…you have northeast Louisiana’s best radio station…playing the most variety …Ninety-nine-seven My FM.” KRJO, Monroe, LA. Talk format in background about social issues; likely WPRR, Ada, MI. 1831z 1690. Strong signal with Frank Sinatra song; possibly WPTX, Lexington Park, MD? Standards format listed on radiostationworld.com 1830z Urban talk radio format in background; WVON, Berwyn, IL good possibility. 1830z. 1700. Strong sigs on a sports format. KVNS, Brownsville, TX only English language sports station listed. Methinks it’s really Des Moines. More research reveals that indeed KBGG Des Moines is currently a News/Talk and Sports format; schedule revealed a local sports program during this time block. 1829z Tuning 1600 and below starting at 1853z yielded strong co/channel on most frequencies, with most channels indistinguishable from graveyard freqs. WCKY Cincinnati on 1530 had a rapid fade-up at 1855z. With all daytimers on the air, and 24h stations on daytime patterns/power, the c/c was difficult to sort out. The most interesting thing that was noted was that in the time leading up to the full eclipse, the band still retained more of a daytime quality to it, with individual stations being audible. Starting around eclipse time, the band opened up rapidly, as if it took some time for the D-layer to “soften up” in order for the band to open. I should note that the opening became less pronounced on the lower end; below about 800 kHz. This opening lasted for approximately 45-50 minutes after the total eclipse. Receiver: Sony ICF-5900W and 4-foot active whip in tree. Due to the static crashes on LW mentioned before, I did not attempt to do any extensive tuning there, which was a shame, but after all, it’s summer in southern IL, so it goes with the heat, humidity, and cicadas. One station in particular jumped out at me: EOK Keokuk, IA on 366 kHz had enhanced by at least two s-units (between static crashes), and was punching through the noise quite well at 1825z. Speaking of cicadas, they started quieting down about 5 mins before totality, and during totality, there were just a few crickets chirping, The air temp dropped from 93 to about 80 degrees. A big tree in the middle of the parking lot was casting hundreds of very skinny crescent shadows of the nearly-eclipsed sun on the gravel. I would have gotten this to you sooner, but I had made a series of I- Phone videos that needed to be listened to multiple times in order to be a bit more accurate. Would have liked to have made a pre-eclipse recording of the world below 1600 kHz, but felt I had a better chance by focusing on the X-band with its lower density of stations. Reception of WWV on 2.5 helped push me toward this as well. By the time I’d finished recording the X-band, the band below 1600 had mushroomed into full scale graveyard-channel-like reception. It was a great time. 73, (Steve Zimmerman, Aug 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I rode the Amtrak eclipse special from Chicago to Carbondale and back yesterday. I had an old walkman style radio with me to listen to on the train but at the eclipse party in downtown Carbondale I was too busy to tune around on the MW band to check for distant stations during the lack of sunshine on the ionosphere. The eclipse in Carbondale was almost a no show. A cloud came along and hid most of the totality but for about ten seconds the ring of fire around the moon was visible through a hazy hole in the cloud. It got very dark and the crickets started chirping. Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun Times was there at the Saluki stadium at Southern Illinois University and wrote an article about it today's paper. I don't know how long the article will be available on line (William Hassig, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: STEINBERG: Clouds intrude but Carbondale eclipse still thrills http://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/steinberg-clouds-intrude-but-carbondale-eclipse-still-thrills/ STEINBERG: CLOUDS INTRUDE BUT CARBONDALE ECLIPSE STILL THRILLS http://www.quitopolis.com/content/united-states/2017/08/21/steinberg-clouds-intrude-but-carbondale-eclipse-still-thrills.html CARBONDALE — As if a total eclipse of the sun weren’t dramatic enough. Or, maybe, as if a meteorological phenomenon as common as a solitary cloud could be jealous of all the attention being lavished on a rare astronomical wonder, and might try to crash the party and spoil the fun. Or, maybe, because a struggling small town just can’t catch a break in this sagging economy, and fate just couldn’t wait for the eclipse to even be over before it started dampening Carbondale’s hopes that all this national exposure will spark lingering interest in their community, with its surrounding forests and trails. But as the point of totality approached Monday, clouds gathered in to what had been sunny skies for days. They threatened to wreck the Great American Eclipse, here in an area that was so proud of the length of “totality” — the time the moon would completely cover the sun so it could be looked at safely — that it was ballyhooed on the special eclipse-viewing glasses being handed out by Southern Illinois University: “2 minutes 38 seconds of darkness.” OPINION Talk about hubris. People came here and not other places in the country so they could view totality a few seconds longer. And now it looked like they wouldn’t be able to see it at all. At about 12:30 the waning sun, an ever-larger bite being taken out of its right side, was obscured by a rogue cloud, with an even bigger gray barge of a cumulus-nimbus [sic] waiting in the wings. There wasn’t wind enough to hope. Across town, a little after 1 p.m., Curtis Conley, the manager of PK’s, a bar on Illinois Avenue, closed up, and sent everybody into the street, more as a favor to his employees than to his customers. “Everybody wants to see it,” said Conley. “I don’t want to make ’em stay inside.” PK’s Bar manager Curtis Conley, left, with owner Gwen Hunt, who started the Carbondale bar 62 years ago. It closed for a half hour during the totality of the eclipse so patrons and employees could go outside and see it. | Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times [capción] Conley reported “a record week,” but other area businesses were less enthusiastic. “You want to take home a case of chicken?” said the manager at the Giant City State Park Lodge restaurant, in nearby Makanda, Sunday night, saying they had 1,400 guests but had expected a thousand more, which would have put them on par with Mother’s Day, their busiest day of the year. At Saluki Stadium, along with 14,000 others who paid $25 to hear the SIU band play “Thriller” and see three weather balloons sent up with scientific equipment and listen to cable TV hosts fill time, Ed Hill and his girlfriend June Mannion explained why they came down from Barrington. “It’s bucket list,” said Hill, 69. All seemed fated to end in disappointment. Poor Carbondale. They plan for years, spruce up, beautify their downtown, install new cell towers so everyone can Snapchat the astronomical wonder, and the guest of honor hides in a closet of clouds. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad. I felt disappointed, sorry to miss the spectacle, almost personally responsible, wondering if I had dragged a few dark clouds of bad luck along with me. As if the botched eclipse were somehow a cosmic referendum that I had just been measured by and found wanting. Then, amazingly — miraculously, if you prefer, for those uncomfortable with all this emphasis on science and its clockwork predictability — at 1:15 p.m. the sun peeked into view through a hole in the otherwise thick cloud, an extreme crescent. Hope dawned. A cheer went up. “The sun!” people at Saluki Stadium cried. “The sun!” Fingers pointed heavenward. Ed Hill, an engineer from Barrington, with his girlfriend June Mannion, a pediatrician, viewing the eclipse. “It’s bucket list,” said Hill. | Neil Steinberg/Sun-Times [caption] Then murk again, and the appointed moment arrived — 1:21 p.m. Seconds ticked past. There were no confused birds that I noticed, no insects calling, but an unnatural gloom fell over the stadium, yellowish at the horizon. It was very quiet. “Oh no, it’s not going to happen,” thought Tyler Hong, 18, who had driven here with his friend Jason Leung, also 18, from San Mateo, California. Then it did happen. The long-anticipated total solar eclipse, a deep blue disk of the moon with the whitish ring of the corona around it, appeared briefly through the clouds. Loud cheers erupted. “Look! Look! Look!” people cried. “We got five seconds of totality,” said Hill, afterward. “I wanted more, but it was definitely worth coming.” At other locations around campus viewers reported 10 or 20 seconds. Not much. But enough. “Awesome, amazing,” said Dan Ruffo, who came from Rochester, New York. His wife Martha, though aware of the scientific nature of the struggle between astronomical and atmospheric titans transpiring above her, had found herself indulging in some magical thinking. “We came all this way … it can’t be covered by clouds,” she recalled thinking. “It can’t be covered up.” And was the flash she saw enough to make the journey worthwhile? “You’d have to be dead not to think it’s pretty cool,” she said. “We got lucky,” said Jason Leung, one of the teens who drove in from California. “It was definitely worth it,” said his friend, Tyler Hong (via DXLD) A FLOP IN MID-NORTH INDIANA After reading the reports posted this morning thought I would share mine. Terrible thunderstorms started at three the morning of the eclipse. When morning came it was so overcast it was already as dark as the eclipse. Twice during the morning I was able to see the sun but only for a few minutes. Cloud cover got denser. Shortly before the eclipse was due to happen the thunder and lightning started up again. It was difficult to tell when the eclipse actually happened as it was already dark out there. Because of the thunder and lightning I didn't dare hook up an antenna to the radios and it was unpleasant enough outside that I wasn't going out to sit on the porch with a portable with all the lightning flying around out there. So it was a flop here. If I were terribly religious I'd say that God was pissed that people weren't reacting properly to his warning for us to straighten up and fly right (John H Carver, Jr., Mid-North Indiana, DX LISTENING DIGEST) MORE ECLIPSE DX AT SEATTLE I went back through my SDR files from Monday's eclipse and found a few additions to my earlier report. All times are PDT [UT -7] 1270 --- KBZZ? Sparks, NV 10:23 a couple of Reno area ads weak & mixing with KAJO 1280 --- KRVM Eugene? OR? 10:30 BBC news u/KIT, no ID but this is the only thing that makes sense 1350 --- KSRO Santa Rosa CA, 10:21 eclipse coverage, a couple of promos with several call IDS, local ad, fair-good but soon faded 1350 --- KRLC, Lewiston 10:35 country music & ad for local movie theater, fair-weak during KTIK fade 1620 --- Unid 10:29 talk under local KYIZ, bits of vocal music 10:31, apparently KSMH West Sacramento (Bruce in Seattle Portzer, IRCA via DXLD) ECLIPSE DX SDR RECORDINGS For anyone interested in DXing the MW band during the Solar Eclipse totality, I am offering WinRadio G33DDC recordings from Mt Juliet, TN. The 475 kHz to 1725 kHz recordings span from [CDT = UT -5] 12:12-12:41 PM and 12:57-2:55 PM. At this QTH the eclipse started at 11:59 AM, totality 1:27:37 - 1:30:03, and eclipse ending at 2:54 PM. Recordings via WinRadio G33DDC and a Wellbrook 4x33’ ALA100N loop oriented along the NW/SE the eclipse path. From my initial listen, there is some very amazing propagation and unique eclipse-related broadcasts from daytime broadcasters to be gleaned. The recordings are 118 GB total size and will require aa 128 GB thumb drive and can be decoded via the free WinRadio G33DDC Excalibur software via http://www.winradio.com/home/download-g33ddc.htm Send your 128 GB thumb drive and 1$ USD return postage world-wide and I will copy the recordings and return your thumb drive and you can DX the eclipse from Mt. Juliet, TN with the WinRadio software at your leisure. Mail to: SWL.DX P.O. Box 338 Rossville, TN 38066 73, (Brandon Jordan, KM4PBQ, Fayette County, TN EM55 http://www.swldx.us WinRadio G33DDC G313-e | RFSpace SDR-IQ NetSDR | Elad FDM-S2 | Icom IC-7200, Array Solutions SAL-30 Shared Apex Loop, Wellbrook ALA100HG Loop, Aug 24, dxldyg via DXLD) ALBERTA ECLIPSE DX Here is a summary of the eclipse DX the SDR recorded for me here in southern Alberta while I was at work. This was using the Perseus with the Wellbrook Phased Array. It was set up for SSW so wasn't optimum for stations further east. I did also do a recording out at my beverage site, which I haven't had a chance to listen to yet, so I suspect I'll hear some additional stations on that. As others have noted the top end of the band was much better than the low end. And, I was in the same boat as Kaz, as the peak reception happened on the half hour (1730 UT in my case), so the top of the hour at either 1700 or 1800 didn't do me much good, making IDing some of the stations a bit more difficult. In most cases the time listed is when I could first hear any audio. 73, Nigel Pimblett, Dunmore, AB Frequency UT Call Location 670 1734 KBOI Boise, ID 710 1705 KYYA Billings, MT 720 1734 KDWN Las Vegas, NV 750 1705 KERR Polson, MT 780 1730 KKOH Reno, NV 820 1735 KUTR Taylorsville, UT 830 1742 KUYO Evansville, WY 840 1731 KXNT North Las Vegas, NV 850 1745 KOA Denver, CO 870 1732 KLSQ Whitney, NV 880 1740 KJJR Whitefish, MT 890 1735 KYWN Meridian, ID 890 1734 UNID KDXU? 920 1730 UNID ? 930 1728 KYAK Yakima, WA 930 1740 UNID KSEI? 940 1743 UNID KVSH? 950 1715 KCAP Helena, MT 950 1727 KOZE Lewiston, ID 960 1735 UNID KOVO? 970 1729 KBUL Billings, MT 980 1738 KSPZ Ammon, ID 980 1728 KVLV Fallon, NV 980 1735 UNID ? 990 1725 KATD Pittsburg, CA 990 1742 KRKS Denver, CO 1000 1728 KKIM Albuquerque, NM 1000 1727 KOMO Seattle, WA 1010 1733 KIHU Tooele, UT 1020 1741 KMMQ Plattsmouth, NE 1030 1734 KTWO Casper, WY 1040 1741 KCBR Monument, CO 1050 1730 KFIO Dishman, WA 1060 1721 KBGN Caldwell, ID 1060 1727 UNID in Spanish 1070 1727 UNID ? 1080 1739 KSLL Price, UT 1080 1721 KVNI Coeur d'Alene, ID 1090 1722 KBOZ Bozeman, MT 1090 1738 KMXA Aurora, CO 1100 1725 KFAX San Francisco, CA 1100 1737 KNZZ Grand Junction, CO 1100 1730 KWWN Las Vegas, NV 1110 1724 KBND Bend, OR 1120 1725 KANN Roy, UT 1130 1725 KXET Mount Angel, OR 1140 1732 KGEM Boise, ID 1140 1725 KHTK Sacramento, CA 1140 1743 KZMQ Greybull, WY 1150 1744 KNRV Englewood , CO 1160 1722 KSL Salt Lake City, UT 1170 1740 KJJD Windsor, CO 1170 1728 KLOK San Jose, CA 1190 1726 KDYA Vallejo, CA 1190 1723 KEX Portland, OR 1200 1733 UNID ? 1210 1731 KQEQ/KRPU Fowler/Rocklin, CA 1220 1724 KDOW Palo Alto, CA 1220 1744 KLDC Denver, CO 1230 1735 KOBB Bozeman, MT 1230 1759 KXLO Lewistown, MT 1240 1731 KJCR Billnigs, MT 1240 1716 UNID ? 1250 1733 KNEU Roosevelt, UT 1250 1719 KWSU Pullman, WA 1260 1736 KEIR Idaho Falls, ID 1260 1800 KPOW Powell, WY 1260 1719 KWEI Weiser, ID 1270 1724 KBZZ Sparks, NV 1280 1732 KZNS Salt Lake City, UT 1290 1750 KGVO Missoula, MT 1290 1719 KOUU Pocatello, ID 1300 1725 KAPL Phoenix, OR 1300 1754 KBRL McCook, NE 1300 1715 KLER Orofino, ID 1310 1725 KLIX Twin Falls, ID 1320 1723 KIFM West Sacramento, CA 1320 1744 KOLT Scottsbluff, NE 1330 1737 KOVE Lander, WY 1330 1721 KYOZ Spokane, WA 1340 1755 KYLT Missoula, MT 1350 1722 KRLC Lewiston, ID 1350 1717 KTIK Nampa, ID 1360 1747 KRKK Rock Springs, WY 1370 1738 KSOP South Salt Lake, UT 1370 1717 KXTL Butte, MT 1380 1717 KKOO Ontario, OR 1380 1727 KTKZ Sacramento, CA 1390 1727 KLGN Logan, UT 1410 1738 KWYO Sheridan, WY 1410 1730 UNID ? 1420 1725 KUJ Walla Walla, WA 1430 1712 KCLK Asotin, WA 1430 1742 KEZW Aurora, CO 1430 1732 KLO Ogden, UT 1440 1723 KMED Medford, OR 1450 1756 KMMS Bozeman, MT 1460 1720 KUTI Yakima, WA 1460 1743 KZNT Colorado Springs, CO 1470 1715 KBSN Moses Lake, WA 1470 1742 KKTY Douglas, WY 1480 1725 UNID ? 1489.96 1737 KUGR Green River, WY 1490 1734 KDBM Dillon, MT 1490 1715 KHTC Malmstrom AFB, MT 1510 1743 KCKK Littleton, CO 1520 1723 KKXA Snohomish, WA 1530 1712 KFBK Sacramento, CA 1530 1738 KQSC Colorado Springs, CO 1540 1728 UNID in Spanish 1550 1705 KKOV Vancouver, WA 1550 1727 KMRI West Valley City, UT 1560 1703 KVAN Burbank, WA 1570 1718 KCVR Lodi, CA 1580 1745 KFCS Colorado Springs, CO 1580 1715 KGAL Lebanon, OR 1590 1718 KTIL Netarts, OR 1590 1749 KVGB Great Bend, KS 1600 1730 KOPB Eugene, OR 1600 1715 UNID in Spanish 1620 1725 KSMH West Sacramento, CA 1640 1720 KDZR Lake Oswego, OR 1660 1724 KBRE Merced, CA 1670 1721 KQMS Redding, CA 1680 1725 KGED Fresno, CA 1690 1722 KFSG Roseville, CA (Nigel Pimblett, IRCA via DXLD) PERSEUS SCREENSHOT OF PROPAGATION CHANGES TO MW BAND DURING 21 AUGUST 2017 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE This is so amazing, I had to share it with you guys now. Earlier today I returned from watching yesterday`s (21 August) total solar eclipse south of Madisonville TN at the Friend-ship Baptist Church, which was on the center line. I took the Perseus and Wellbrook ALA1530S loop antenna along and recorded the MW band during the event. Visually, the change in propagation showed up even more dramatically than I expected in the waterfall display. Just doing a preliminary check, here is a screenshot of what the upper part of the band looked like just before the eclipse started (1658 UT), during totality (1834), and just after it ended (1959). You can plainly see the increase in strength and increase in number of signals on the band during totality, and a return to previous conditions at the end of the eclipse. I had the loop oriented 315-135 degrees, which was about 15 degrees a little north of the eclipse path. Close enough though. It will be interesting to see which stations came up during totality and where they're located. But it will take some time to review the recordings. Not being a telescope, camera, or any other instrument commonly associated with astronomy or solar eclipses, the Wellbrook loop on its pedestal brought questions from about 2 dozen people. About a third of them were amateur radio operators (Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Canada, etc.). It got to be annoying after a while having to repeat the same answer. Just posted a video I made to Youtube of the solar eclipse as seen from the Friendship Baptist Church outside Madisonville, TN. Take a look if you like. The link to the video is: https://youtu.be/NikvhO0O8GM (Dave Valko, Dunlo, PA, USA, SW Bulletin Aug 27 via DXLD) In case you haven't come across it yet: GPS ‘SEES’ THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE August 25, 2017 - By Richard B. Langley The eclipse across America on Aug. 21 was not only a magnificent visual event, it was also observed indirectly by the impact that it had on the propagation of radio signals — including those of global navigation satellite systems. There was a decrease in the number of free electrons in the part of the Earth’s ionosphere along the eclipse path where sunlight was temporarily blocked by the moon. While not as significant as the daily variation as day turns to night, the effect was clearly seen in the signals received on the ground from GPS satellites. GPS signals are routinely used to monitor the behavior of the ionosphere. The density of electrons in the ionosphere affects the speed of propagation of radio signals and this effect is slightly different at different frequencies. By combining measurements made on the L1 and L2 legacy signals transmitted by all GPS satellites using high-grade receivers, scientists and engineers can measure the total electron content (TEC), which is the number of electrons in a column with a cross-sectional area of one meter squared along the path of the signal from satellite to receiver. . . http://gpsworld.com/gps-sees-the-great-american-eclipse/ -- Richard Langley, NB, dxldyg via DXLD By Richard himself! Much more, with charts (gh, DXLD) WNAH ECLIPSE DX TEST If you recorded the MW band during last Monday's eclipse you might want to check your recordings for the "eclipse propagation test" from 1360 WNAH, Nashville, TN that was on the air during the eclipse. See Thomas Witherspoon's blog for the details: https://swling.com/blog/2017/08/wnahs-solar-eclipse-propagation-test/ They are looking for reports of reception and will QSL. I was able to hear their morse code ID for two or three minutes right after totality here in central Pennsylvania on my Perseus recording (Brett Saylor, State College, PA, Aug 31, NRC-AM via DXLD) It would have been more helpful with some advance publicity to DX media (gh) ARCTIC RADAR TO PROBE 'SPACE WEATHER' By Jonathan Amos BBC Science Correspondent 23 August 2017 From the section Science & Environment Image copyright NIPR --- Image caption Artwork of EISCAT_3D: The Northern Lights are a benign consequence of space weather The UK is to contribute to a sophisticated new radar system in the Arctic to study "space weather". This phenomenon describes the effects on Earth's wider environment as it is constantly bombarded by particles and magnetic energy from the Sun. The impacts can damage satellites and even disrupt electricity grids. The radar, to be built across Norway, Sweden and Finland by the European Incoherent Scatter Association (EISCAT), should come online in 2021. The international organisation already operates radar facilities in the far north, but the new technology is regarded as a big step forward in capability. "This is the next generation," said Dr Andrew Kavanagh, a EISCAT member scientist working with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). "The system will look like a flat field of antennas, much like some of the big radio astronomy telescopes such as LOFAR and SKA. We will be able to do a lot more with this new system - looking at large parts of the sky simultaneously. A 3D view of the sky." Image copyright NASA Image caption Some of the Sun's eruptions head straight for Earth Britain is paying £4-6m of the £63m total cost. The participation will give the nation's researchers working in the field of solar- terrestrial physics access to the radar data when it becomes available. The Sun perpetually billows clouds of magnetic energy and plasma (a gas of electrically charged particles) in all directions. But often great eruptions of this emission are directed straight at Earth. When these interact with our planet's own magnetic field and atmosphere, they set off all manner of disturbances. The Aurora Borealis is one such consequence, as particles are accelerated downwards to collide with air molecules to produce colourful curtains of light in high-latitude skies. But there are more concerning interactions that can lead to upsets in spacecraft electronics, drop-outs in radio communications, and surges in power networks on the ground. There is even some evidence that the magnetic disturbance from solar storms can confuse the "biological compass" whales use to navigate the oceans resulting in their stranding. The concerns have led the UK government to put space weather on the National Risk Register. A London Economics analysis earlier this year found that losing access to the GPS satellite-navigation service for a period of five days would cost the British economy more than £5bn. Image copyright BAS Image caption The British Antarctic Survey hopes soon to resume operations at Halley The new radar system will be set up at Skibotn in Norway, near Kiruna in Sweden, and near Kaaresuvanto in Finland. Skibotn will have a transmitter and receiver array, while the two other locations will have receiver arrays. The technology will enable scientists to probe in detail the ionosphere - the region of the Earth's upper-atmosphere that ranges from about 70km to 1,000km in altitude. It will sample the electron concentration and temperature, and the ion temperature and velocity at various heights along the radar beam direction. Dr Kavanagh explained: "We will have digital beam-forming and steering, which means in practice that we can generate multiple beams looking in multiple directions, so that we can cover a volume of the sky rather just look at what we like to call a pencil beam." Some of the interactions can stimulate currents that then heat the high atmosphere. This is a particular interest for some UK scientists. The heating can alter the density of air molecules at altitudes where low-orbiting satellites move. This perturbs their trajectory ever so slightly. And by the same token, it also changes the path of redundant hardware, or "space junk", speeding up or slowing down the time it takes for this material to fall back to Earth. Image copyright ESA Image caption Artwork: Space junk poses a collision threat to active satellites Prof Duncan Wingham is chief executive of the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc), which holds the UK membership of EISCAT. He said: "EISCAT_3D will give us a 3D picture of interactions between space weather and our upper atmosphere with a detail we've not seen before, giving us answers to questions researchers have about the impacts of space weather on the upper atmosphere. "We need this information to reduce the risks posed by space weather on our communications systems, satellites and power grids, which we all rely on." The British Antarctic Survey does much of its space weather research at the other end of the globe, at its polar bases Rothera and Halley. The latter was recently evacuated because of developing cracks in the ice platform on which it sits. This meant Halley's space weather instruments had to be turned off, breaking their data contribution to the forecasting models produced by scientists. Dr Kavanagh said BAS hoped to get this equipment back up and running soon, adding that there was a plan for the future which would allow instruments to be operated remotely should Halley have to shut down again. Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter: @BBCAmos (via Gerald T Pollard, DXLD) WTFK? any HF?? Another version mentions one VHF frequency: (gh, DXLD) ARCTIC RADAR TO PROBE 'SPACE WEATHER' Southgate 23 August 2017 BBC News reports on the EISCAT-3D radar project to be built by UK, China, Japan and Northern European countries The radar, to be built across Norway, Sweden and Finland will operate on 233 MHz and should come online in 2021. EISCAT already operates radar facilities in the far north, but the new technology is regarded as a big step forward in capability. "This is the next generation," said Dr Andrew Kavanagh, a EISCAT member scientist working with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). "The system will look like a flat field of antennas, much like some of the big radio astronomy telescopes such as LOFAR and SKA. We will be able to do a lot more with this new system - looking at large parts of the sky simultaneously. A 3D view of the sky." The new radar system will be set up at Skibotn in Norway, near Kiruna in Sweden, and near Kaaresuvanto in Finland. Skibotn will have a transmitter and receiver array, while the two other locations will have receiver arrays. The technology will enable scientists to probe in detail the ionosphere - the region of the Earth's upper-atmosphere that ranges from about 70 km to 1,000 km in altitude (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts :Issued: 2017 Aug 28 0402 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/weekly.html # # Weekly Highlights and Forecasts # Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 21 - 27 August 2017 Solar activity ranged from very low to low levels. Very low levels were observed on 26 Aug while low levels were observed from 21-25 Aug and again on 27 Aug. Regions 2671 (N11, L=305, class/area Fkc/430 on 21 Aug) and 2672 (N08, L=227, class/area Dao/270 on 22 Aug) were the only regions on the visible disk and were responsible for a total of 34 C-class flares between the two. The largest events of the period were a C6/1f at 27/1516 UTC from Region 2671, a C5/Sf at 21/0316 UTC from Region 2672, and another C5/1n at 25/0727 UTC with an associated 100 sfu Tenflare from Region 2672. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed during the period. No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels from 22-27 Aug while very high levels were observed on 21 Aug. The largest flux of the period was 52,010 pfu observed at 21/1725 UTC. Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G2 (Moderate) storm levels. The period began under the waning influence of a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Solar wind speed was decreasing from approximately 700 km/s to around 580 km/s by late on 21 Aug with total field values near 4 nT. By approximately 21/2100 UTC, total field began to increase to 9 nT while the Bz component deflected southward briefly to -8 nT. Solar wind speed increased once again to near 675 km/s at 22/0655 UTC before slowly decreasing once more. A prolonged period of southward Bz was observed between 22/1840-24/1310 UTC reaching a maximum of -6 nT. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to unsettled levels on 21 Aug, quiet to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels on 22 Aug, and unsettled to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 23 Aug. Solar wind speed continued to decline to around 330 km/s by early on 25 Aug. Another enhancement in total field was observed at the end of the period to 10 nT with another prolonged period of southward Bz after 27/1200 UTC. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to unsettled conditions on 24 and 27 Aug while quiet conditions were observed on 25-26 Aug. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 28 AUGUST-23 SEPTEMBER 2017 Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels throughout the forecast period. There is a slight chance for M-class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flares from 28 Aug-02 Sep as Region 2672 transits across the visible disk. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at mostly high levels throughout the forecast period due to recurrent CH HSS influence. A decrease to moderate levels is expected on 30-31 Aug, 08 Sep, and again on 13 Sep due to electron redistribution associated with the arrival of the CH HSSs. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 28 Aug, 30 Aug-02 Sep, 08-09 Sep, 13-17 Sep, and 23 Sep with G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels likely on 31 Aug and 13-16 Sep and G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels likely on 14-15 Sep due to recurrent CH HSS activity. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2017 Aug 28 0402 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 2017-08-28 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2017 Aug 28 78 10 3 2017 Aug 29 78 8 3 2017 Aug 30 78 15 4 2017 Aug 31 77 25 5 2017 Sep 01 75 18 4 2017 Sep 02 74 15 3 2017 Sep 03 74 8 3 2017 Sep 04 72 5 2 2017 Sep 05 72 5 2 2017 Sep 06 72 5 2 2017 Sep 07 75 5 2 2017 Sep 08 80 10 3 2017 Sep 09 85 8 3 2017 Sep 10 85 5 2 2017 Sep 11 85 5 2 2017 Sep 12 85 5 2 2017 Sep 13 85 25 5 2017 Sep 14 85 30 6 2017 Sep 15 88 30 6 2017 Sep 16 88 25 5 2017 Sep 17 88 12 4 2017 Sep 18 88 8 3 2017 Sep 19 85 8 3 2017 Sep 20 85 5 2 2017 Sep 21 82 5 2 2017 Sep 22 80 5 2 2017 Sep 23 78 10 3 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1893, DXLD) GLENN`S PROPAGATION OUTLOOK FOR MEDIA NETWORK PLUS AS OF AUG 31, 2017 Keith, from Space Weather Services Australia, the global HF propagation forecast thru September 2, normal to fair at middle and high latitude bands, normal at low latitudes. From Space Weather South Africa thru September 2, minor magnetic storm September 1, active magnetic conditions September 2; shorwave fadeouts unlikely, MUF unstable. From Met Office UK thru September 3: solar activity low. minor G1 to moderate G2 geomagnetic storms likely September 1 and 2. From Space Environment Predixion Center, China, planetary A index peaking at 20 on September 1; 10 on the 8th; 19 to 26 on the 13th to 16th. Solar flux dropping from 86 on September 1 to 71 by the 13th, up to 79 by September 22. China`s predixions seldom agree with the Space Weather Predixion Center in Boulder, Colorado, solar flux dropping form 75 September 1 to 72 September 4-6, then rising to a peak of 88 September 15 to 18. G1 minor geomagnetic storms likely September 13, becoming G2 moderate September 14 and 15, A and K indices peaking at 30 and 6. Lowest A`s and K`s of 5 and 2 on September 4 to 7 and 10 to 12. William Hepburn`s tropo index maps at www.dxinfocentre.com show extreme tropospheric ducting on VHF and UHF: off both Californias September 1, and Baja California September 5; off the northwest coast of Africa September 3-5; central Mediterranean September 2, eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea September 3 to 5; across the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea all week at least to September 5; along the northwest coast of Australia September 1, Gulf of Carpinteria September 4 (via DXLD) TIPS FOR RATIONAL LIVING ++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE OPPOSITION ON COMEDY CENTRAL PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 25TH https://radioinsight.com/community/topic/the-opposition-on-comedy-central-premieres-september-25th/ RI Community › Forums › Television Insight › National Television August 26, 2017 at 3:17 pm #176283 Bill Recto Participant http://www.thedailybeast.com/daily-shows-jordan-klepper-debuts-his-crazy-alex-jones-inspired-late-night-persona It’s a parody of Alex Jones (via DXLD) ###