DX LISTENING DIGEST 9-055, August 4, 2009 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 2009 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1472, August 5-11, 2009 Wed 0500 WRMI 9955 Wed 1530 WRMI 9955 Wed 1900 WBCQ 7415 Thu 0530 WRMI 9955 Thu 1900 WBCQ 7415 Fri 0000 WBCQ 5110-CUSB Area 51 Fri 0100 WRMI 9955 Fri 1130 WRMI 9955 Fri 1900 WBCQ 7415 Fri 2030 WWCR1 15825 [or 2028:30] Sat 0800 WRMI 9955 Sat 0800 IPAR/IRRS/NEXUS/IBA 9510 [except first and second Sats] Sat 1630 WWCR3 12160 Sun 0230 WWCR3 5070 Sun 0630 WWCR1 3215 Sun 0800 WRMI 9955 Sun 1515 WRMI 9955 [suspended, until mid-August?] Mon 0500 WRMI 9955 Mon 2200 WBCQ 7415 Tue 1100 WRMI 9955 Tue 1530 WRMI 9955 Tue 1900 WBCQ 7415 Wed 0500 WRMI 9955 [or new 1473 starting here?] Wed 1530 WRMI 9955 Wed 1900 WBCQ 7415 Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS VIA WRN NOW AVAILABLE: http://podcast.worldofradio.org or http://www.wrn.org/listeners/stations/podcast.php OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org ** ABKHAZIA [and non?]. 9495, Avto Radio, Russia. Known as only FM station, heard with song "Love Hurts" and advertisements in Russian and ID 1113-1118 close/down. It was on 22/7 after end of news of Apsua Radio from Sukhumi (started at 1100 daily). Apsua radio noted Mon-Fri with news in vernacular and some Russian at new time 1700-1715, next music and close/down around 1720 because on // MW frequency 1350 later started TWR from Armenia using another transmitter but same frequency (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** ALAND ISLANDS. ÅLAND ISLANDS OUTRAGED BY FINNISH-LANGUAGE RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS The authorities of the Finnish semi-autonomous province of the Åland Islands have complained to the government, the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) and Digita about official statements read only in Finnish on YLE’s Swedish-language radio stations. A number of Ålanders were outraged on Friday when a statement about a spill at the Porvoo oil refinery was read only in Finnish on the radio. The authorities underline in the complaint that many Ålanders did not have sufficient command of Finnish. Both Finnish and Swedish are official languages in Finland. (Source: NewsRoom Finland) (July 29th, 2009 - 15:02 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** ALASKA. STRANGE NEW AIR FORCE FACILITY ENERGIZES IONOSPHERE, FANS CONSPIRACY FLAMES --- By Noah Shachtman 07.20.09 WIRED MAGAZINE: 17.08 Politics : Security http://www.wired.com/politics/security/magazine/17-08/mf_haarp?currentPage=all Another long HAARP article (via W5DRP, WTFDA via DXLD) ** ALASKA [non]. Re 9-054: This means Spanish and Portuguese will be broadcast from KNLS in the future? (Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ? I just said I think they are really referring to their upcoming Madagascar station. They don`t even have antennas at Anchor Point suitable for LAm (Glenn, ibid.) KNLS - Yet only two antennas at 300 degrees target (+/- slewed to 315 / 285 degrees each) Distance to S America about 8700 miles at 100 degrees. Distance like Buenos Aires to Kazakhstan, Ural. Distance Madagascar to SAm about 6000 - 7000 miles. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** ALBANIA. 7425, R. Tirana with schedule and into news read by YL, SIO 333 -- almost as hard to understand as Cairo! 0230-0235 18/Jul (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet July 31 via DXLD) ** ANGOLA. 4949.7, RNA-Canal "A", Mulenvos, 2224-, 02 Aug, empty carrier, no audio perceived; 35333 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ANGUILLA. 1 Aug 09 (Friday evening in North America): USA (non): University Network with PMS, 11775 at 0215z via Anguilla with bubble jammer underneath and occasionally R Martí under that. Nothing on 6090 at that time. The next evening (2 Aug) nothing on 11775 but 6090 back as usual (Jerry Lenamon, Waco, Texas, Drake R8B, Eton E-1, sloper, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ANTARCTICA. ANTARTIDA, 15476, LRA 36, Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel, Base Esperanza, 1814-1830, 27-07, canciones argentinas tipo Horacio Guaraní. 25322, locutora, comentarios, español. 25322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Antartida, 15476 a las 1900 31/7, RN San Gabriel Base Esperanza, Programa de musica variada, Español, 24222 (Antonio Madrid Gutierrez, Moraleda, Granada (España), Rx: Kenwood R5000+Degen, Ant.: Dipolo de 100 mts, Web: http://www.elradioescucha.tk logsderadio yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. While scanning the bands, I ran into a Spanish language program on 11133.5 LSB. I heard several Radio Continental IDs and a web site address in .com.ar, so it appears that the Argentinan 11 MHz feeder program has moved to 11133.5 LSB. Pretty good signal into New Hampshire at 2300 UT on Jul 30 2009. All rights reversed (Rik van Riel, HCDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. 3240 (!), AM 16-20, Mar del Plata, 2208-, 01 Aug, Castilian, light songs, IDs; harmonic of 1620 (obsvered on 31 Jul, 2212-2227, when rated 45343, along with R. Nueva Bolivia 1640 audible as early as 2204, rated 45343 too); 24331, QRM de UNID Greek pirate station [see EUROPE], harmonic as well (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. 15345, Radio Nacional, General Pacheco, 2146-2209, 26- 07, locutor, locutora, identificación: "Radio Nacional", "pasan tres minutos de las siete de la tarde", "Amigos y amigas de Radio Nacional, bienvenidos a Talento Argentino, un programa sobre el arte y la cultura", canciones, tangos. 34433 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA [and non]. Big het between 15344 and 15345, Friday July 31 at 1922. Roughly equal signal levels, but modulation in Arabic from Morocco on 15345 dominant. At 2001, RAE IDs in English et al. could be outmade on 15344, or quite close to there (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. LA PERIODISTA MARÍA SEOANE DIRIGIRÁ RADIO NACIONAL Aceptó el ofrecimiento de Tristán Bauer y asumirá mañana. Reemplaza a Eduardo García Caffi. La secundará el también periodista y escritor Vicente Muleiro. Los periodistas María Seoane y Vicente Muleiro asumen mañana la direccion de Radio Nacional. María Seoane aceptó el ofrecimiento del presidente del Sistema Nacional de Medios Públicos, Tristán Bauer, y asumirá mañana a las 13 como nueva directora de Radio Nacional, en reemplazo de Eduardo García Caffi. Su segundo será el periodista y escritor Vicente Muleiro. . . Fuente: http://www.clarin.com/diario/2009/07/30/um/m-01968656.htm (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. CONCURSO DE RADIODIFUSION ARGENTINA AL EXTERIOR RAE-Radiodifusión Argentina al Exterior, con la colaboración del Grupo Radioescucha Argentino, lanza un concurso en el cual pueden participar todos los oyentes de la Argentina y del Mundo. Los requisitos para hacerlo consisten en enviar dos informes de recepción de las emisiones de RAE. Uno correspondiente a los programas en español y el otro de cualquiera de las transmisiones en alguno de los restantes seis idiomas en los que transmite Radiodifusión Argentina al Exterior. La vigencia del concurso comienza el lunes 03 de Agosto de 2009 y se podrán preparar informes de recepción hasta las 2359 UTC del día 17 de Agosto de 2009. Se ha elegido esta fecha de finalización del evento puesto que en esa jornada, en la República Argentina, se recuerda el 159 Aniversario del fallecimiento de nuestro prócer máximo, el General Don José de San Martín, a quien conocemos en la Argentina como "El Padre de la Patria".- Los informes de recepción deberán ser enviados por correo electrónico a rae @ radionacional.gov.ar o bien por correo convencional a Radiodifusión Argentina al Exterior, Casilla de Correos 555, C1000WAS, Buenos Aires, Argentina. En todos los casos el plazo para enviar los reportes finaliza el 30 de Septiembre de 2009 constancia que surgirá del envío electrónico o del matasellos de correos, según el caso. A todos los participantes se les hará llegar la verificación a sus informes de recepción mediante el envío de la correspondiente Tarjeta QSL. Además, entre todos los reportes recibidos se sortearán dos discos compactos con música representativa de la Argentina. Agradecemos su participación Saludos cordiales (Arnaldo Slaen, GRA, August 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. Wednesday 29th July, 2009, at 0350 UT, (1.50 pm Sydney time), Radio Symban True to their word, is back on shortwave, 2368.5 kHz. Two weeks ago the new aerial had difficulties in being secured in place, on a very cold Saturday morning, and some minor damage occurred. (I was present). Testing is now taking place. The new aerial system took 2 cranes to get into the air, mounted in a timber yard, In Inner Sydney at Marrickville. This is about 5 miles in a direct line west of Sydney’s Internal airport, Mascot, or Kingsford Smith Airport. The power is 50 watts for test purposes. The station is using a loop, and an mp3 player to check various systems. In short, the power will be raised over time. Do not think that the internet feed and the 151 MHz feed is the same mp3 player. It is not. Radio Symban welcomes reports by email to dxer @ fl.net.au or if you would like to write a report to receive a hard copy reply, please enclose 2 USD’s to cover the cost, to John Wright, 29 Milford Rd, Peakhurst NSW 2210, Australia. Preliminary test results from night time listeners (DXers with serious gear), have yielded results, from Brisbane, Bathurst and the Gosford area. Daytime is yielding fair to good results around the target area of Sydney. To Angelo, Con, Steve and the Radio Symban team, well done and good luck! (John Wright, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) 2368.5, Radio Symban, Marrickville. On Air 29/7 0350, good level Greek music, first seconds of transmission, this was heard at Mascot airport only 5 miles from the site, and good level from home at Peakhurst (John Wright, Peakhurst NSW (Icom R8500 & Degen 1121, EWE antennae, August Australian DX News via DXLD) Presumed, playing Greek sounding music around 0815. Signal is very minimal - maybe I'm too close, 29/7 (Wayne Bastow, Wyoming NSW (Icom R75, longwire), August Australian DX News via DXLD) Strong 1118 with continuous Greek music, 30/7. Heard throughout the day on 1/8 with similar program format, only 200 km from here, so would expect a reasonable signal (Craig Seager, Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Drake R8A, Horizontal Loop, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) Radio Symban?? Hi, Following a tip from Johno: On 2368.5 kHz a station unidentified playing Greek sounding music around 0815 UT. Signal is very minimal - maybe I'm too close. Probably only 10-15 km from me. Might try tomorrow during the day. This on my R75 - tried on the ATS- 909 with telescopic aerial signal faded in and out occasionally from the noise (Wayne Bastow, Wyoming, NSW, Australia, 33 23' 44.29" South, 151 21' 11.99" East, July 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 12.1 kilometer westwards. in Google Earth 33 22'29.18"S 151 13'34.67"E 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) Hi Wayne, Perhaps a check for parallel with audio streaming would help. http://www.radiosymban.com.au/ (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, USA, ibid.) Hi, I'm hearing the Sydney Greek station Radio Symban back on the air, on 2368.5 kHz. A good signal here in Northland NZ at 0708 UT today, 30 July (Bryan Clark, ibid.) 2368.000, Radio Symban, 1215, Surprised to find this with non-stop Greek vocals. Either tracking CD's or running a loop, no announcements heard. Excellent S9+50 but I'm only 900 km from the transmitter site in metro Sydney. 30 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Or 2368.5 ? I understand from the three decimals that you can measure the exact frequency? I had a weak carrier yesterday at 2000 on 2368.486 kHz here in Finland, maybe them? 73, (Mauno Ritola, ibid.) Hi Mauno, My error on the frequency so thanks for bringing it to my attention. The actual measured frequency is as you report: 2368.486 kHz. Just to be safe, I have double-checked all of my other logs and those frequencies, as reported, are correct. Sorry about the typo on this one log (David Sharp, NSW Australia, ibid.) Thank you. Ron Howard has heard it in California, so it might not be totally impossible in Europe, either. 73, (Mauno Ritola, ibid.) Mauno, the station is still on, so I checked again. The carrier you had on 2368.486 must have been Symban. That's the exact frequency my FT-950 is "sitting on" right now. From my perspective, I'll be curious to see if I get ground wave during local daytime and whether there are any live programs/IDs. I think on a good opening you will get audio, if you haven't already. 73 (David Sharp, NSW, 1449 UT July 30, ibid.) 2368.50, Radio Symban (presumed), 1253-1337, July 30. Best reception after my local sunrise, which was about 1311. Heard their Greek style music and singing. When I got home from the beach I immediately checked their website for audio, to see if it was the same type of music and singing I had just heard and it was, but I cannot confirm that it was parallel. Was unable to hear any announcements (maybe they didn’t have any?), only heard music and songs. Had tuned in earlier at 1204, to find the signal mostly below threshold level, but even then I could briefly make out some singing. Thanks to Wayne Bastow for the timely tip in dxldyg! Interesting that David Sharp today measured this at 2368.000, whereas my E-1 showed about .50 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Ron, My typo on the frequency for Radio Symban. Sorry for the error. Station is running continuous Greek music, I have heard no announcements. 73s (David Sharp, ibid.) One must beware of logging programs which by default add .000, lacking any other specific decimals, as this may well not be justified. Is this what happens, rather than a typo? (gh, DXLD) Hi, I'm hearing the Sydney Greek station Radio Symbam back on the air, on 2368.5kHz. A good signal here in Northland NZ at 0708 UTC today, 30 July, and very good at 1930 UTC recheck (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai, NZ - AOR7030+ and EWEs to Americas, ibid.) Response from R. Symban (2368.50 kHz): Hi Ron, Thank you very much for your email. We are extremely delighted by your report and comments and we must admit we are very surprised that our signal was heard in your part of the world considering we are in test mode for a few days and are only transmitting at 50 Watts. There is nothing else attached to the system as yet, which causes us to strongly believe that our new aerial and when our new transmitter is connected soon to replace the 50 Watt, we expect big things. Please stay tuned as there is big changes due to Radio Symban, we are sure you will know when this happens. Again many thanks and we look forward in hearing from you. Enjoy. Regards, Angelo (Radio Symban - Sydney Australia) (via Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, July 30, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi folks, My thanks to Mauno Ritola for advising me that Radio Symban, Australia might now be back on the air on 2368.5 kHz. I was able to hear this station 24 hours ago & it is still running a test broadcast now. A few months a go I advised that this station, according to ACMA radio frequency records, had changed registered SW TXer sites from Peats Ridge (Gosford) to Marrickville (Sydney, suburb). This "appears" to have now happened and the station is now back on air. Today I received a email confirmation from the station advising that they are indeed on air, but testing with 50W only - I presume that this site of Marrickville (Victoria Lane) is correct, but as no accuracy of site coordinates is specified on government frequency register so the site could be anywhere around the general area. The station also didn't confirm the site, but says they hope to go to full power very soon. Members can view studio images here on our public website: http://shortwavesites.googlepages.com/other Regards (Ian Baxter, Australia, July 30, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) Reasonable daytime signals here (0130), very good local evenings during the past week. 50 W sounds about right. Continuous Greek music - haven't heard any announcements. Audio is a bit "thin". Rgds (Craig Seager, NSW, 1 August, ARDXC via DXLD) Radio Symban - 2368.5 kHz Sydney, Australia. Presently off air at 0200 UT on 3rd August, 2009. [later:] Hi folks, Within the last 1/2 hour or so Radio Symban noted back on air with much stronger and improved signal (but briefly), sounding more like 100-200W. Time is now 0410 UT. At 0415 signal strength appears to be back to nominal 50 W, but programming appears to now be live, but delay noted between webstreaming service & 2368.5 kHz outlet. Obviously still testing. [later2:] 2368.5 kHz on air with live talkback and Greek music programming at 0820 UT. After transmitter tinkering this afternoon, station now has a much stronger signal compared to previous days, but I doubt 1 kW yet(???), but output probably at least 200 W. Almost all LED's lit on SONY 2001D with whip antenna inside home, and station now a better DX prospect for DXers outside the region. Good luck, Regards (Ian Baxter, NSW, Australia, Aug 3, dxldydg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 2368.50, Radio Symban (presumed), 1213-1341, Aug 3. Greek music and singing, but unlike my July 30 reception, today clearly heard announcers along with the music. Reception was better than the 30th, so I have to agree with Ian Baxter’s comment that today’s broadcast seemed to have a more powerful signal. Thank you Ian for the updates! Reception was poor due to considerable QRN (summer time noise) (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 2368.5000, While DXing from my cottage on the Queen Charlotte Islands off the north-west coast of Canada, using my Perseus receiver, I heard Radio Symban from Australia from around 1100 tune-in for the next couple of hours, sometimes at fairly good levels. No English noted at all. Not sure whether all in Greek or not, but lots of Greek sounding music, and at least one pretty definite Radio Symban ID heard. No email access from my cottage, and I'm now in Vancouver airport, on my way home to Victoria. Very happy to hear this one! Not sure whether anyone else has been hearing them in the Americas, since I haven't been reading emails since Thursday (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, Aug 3, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) How did they ever come up with an assigned frequency of 2368.5? Is it a relic of some utility channel spacing on the 2 MHz band, or chosen to avoid some active adjacent frequencies? Note that Walt puts it out to 4 decimal places, while earlier reports were .486; is Symban itself varying, tweaking frequency to be super-precise? (gh, DXLD) FYI – Both Angelo and Tom are announcers on R. Symban. Angelo Matsoukas: Managing Director Email: symban @ radiosymban.com.au Tom Tsamouras: Advertising Consultant Email: symban_03 @ hotmail.com Tom just sent me an email: Hi Ron, I am glad you enjoyed the Createn music played! I am sending you a copy of our weekly programme so you know what`s on! If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the material on air please don't hesitate to let me know. Regards, Tom Tsamouras Open the following link: http://www.radiosymban.com.au/programme%20new.htm Note it is in both Greek and English. They have a good number of program relays (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, California, USA (August 3), ibid.) Hi Ron, thank you for the addresses. Yes, a lot of relays. So I was listening yesterday between 1930-2030 to "*Old* * Urban Popular* “Ston diskon ta gyrismata” with */George Zagorianako/* live from Radio Messolongi". I wonder what the power is now; comparing to the signals of x-band Aussies it might be 500 W or more. 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, Aug 4, ibid.) ** AUSTRALIA. 4910, VL8T, Tennant Creek, 2133-2145, 27-07, inglés, noticias, locutor, locutora. En paralelo con 5025. 25322. (Méndez) 5025, VL8K, Katherine, *2130-2150, 27-07, inicio transmisión, "ABC News", noticias en inglés. 25322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. R. Australia in English, 9580 at 1945z 2 August via Shepparton, 100 kW at 70 degrees. About one hour past solar zenith here, approaching sunrise along the Australian East Coast, virtually all 8900 miles daylight on 31m. Waltzing Matilda farewell at 1959z (Jerry Lenamon, Waco, Texas, Drake R8B, Eton E-1, sloper, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BANGLADESH. 7250, R. Bangladesh, Dhaka. Very strong 1232 in English, but very bad transmitter buzz made it almost unreadable, 29/6 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** BENIN. I received the following information from James Burnett, the regional Engineer for TWR Africa, regarding the status of the TWR shortwave relay in Benin: There is not much progress yet on getting the Shortwave from Benin going. We are presently waiting for the powers that be to grant us a license and then, Lord willing we hope to proceed. The 100 Kilowatt AM station on 1566 kHz is running well. So this is still a year or two away (Brandon Jordan, TN, July 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BHUTAN. Bhutan Broadcasting Service on 6035 is running on low power using the old transmitter as the new transmitter was giving some problem and is currently off air. Weak signals noted this morning (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, July 28, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BIAFRA [non]. 15665 WHRI, Friday July 31 at 1917, V. of Biafra International reconfirmed as speaker was addressing ``fellow Biafrans``. Next check 1955 with anthemic closing, 1957 WHRI QSY to 7520 announcement and off (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 5580.3, R. San José, San José de Chiquitos. Traditional Bolivian ballads sung in Spanish 1045, 30/6 (Phil Ireland, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 5952.5, Radio Pio XII, Siglo XX, 2207-2222, 26-07, música latinoamericana, locutora: "la canción, eres como una espinita, que se me ha clavado en el corazón, de Fernando Torres", "Vamos a atender ahora las llamadas telefónicas, llámennos a nuestros telefónos 5820743 y ... Atendemos las llamadas de nuestros amigos de Oruro y Potosí". Buena señal hoy. 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 4451.2, Radio Santa Ana, Santa Ana de Yacuma, 2330 fade in to 2345+, as signal improves station signs off often 2350v. Music with OM DJ, good CP program, /Aug 6 Bolivian Independence Day/, 24, 25, 26 July 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8 R7 Sony 2010XA, Various Antennas, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 4409.8, Radio Eco, Reyes, Beni, 2243-2249, 27-07, canciones latinoamericanas, locutor presentando las canciones. Español. 15321. 4451.2, Radio Santa Ana, Santa Ana del Yacuma, 2225-2230, 27-07, locutor, español, comentarios. Señal muy débil y con ruido. Sólo audible en LSB. 15121. [WORLD OF RADIO 1472] 4699.4, Radio San Miguel, Riberalta, 2219-2225, 27-07, locutor, español, comentarios, canciones latinoamericanas. 15321. 5952.5, Radio Pio XII, Siglo XX, 2209-2220, 27-07, locutor, español: "Las comunidades de Guaralla, en el municipio de...", "Las diferentes comunidades y nuestro proyecto de capacitación en Potosí", algunos comentarios en quechua. 23222 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 3310, R. Mosoj Chaski, Cochabamba, 2214-2226, 01 Aug, Quechua, talks, interviews; 24341, adjacent utility QRM. 4796.4, R. Lípez, Uyuni, 2231-2242, 29 Jul, Aymara (tentatively), talks, some Indian tunes; 24331, adjacent QRM de China 4800. 4865, R. Logos, Stª Cruz de la Sierra, 2235-2248, 29 Jul, Castilian, religious propaganda program; 24341, CODAR QRM (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 4699.305, R. San Miguel, 1110, lengthy talk by Spanish man, several mentions of "Bolivia" and "Riberalta." The most reliable Bolivian here, audible most nights but exceptionally strong tonight (S9+10). 29 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 2379.96, R. Educadora, Limeira. Long-winded dissertation in Portuguese, 0842 - poor copy, followed by contemporary music, 29/6 (Phil Ireland, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) Phil found this, and at first I must admit I had my doubts; 90 mb Brazilians are difficult enough from Eastern Australia, let alone 120 mb! Someone will no doubt quickly speak up and tell me I'm wrong, but I can't recall any previous reports of Brazil on this band reported in the ADXN over the past 3 decades, at least from NSW locations. Portuguese talks 0844 tune-in, into vocals. Apparent ID 0851, still audible 0930, 30/6. Quite satisfying (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** BRAZIL. I'll preface these logs by saying condx here have been extraordinarily good over the past 24 hours with some interesting results from LAm. 2379.954, Rádio Educadora de Limeira, 1038, Portuguese, threshold with occasional talk by a man cutting through, no ID so tentative, but excellent ZY opening at the moment. First time I have heard this. 31 July 3255.052, Rádio Educadora 6 de Agosto, 1055, Portuguese, fair with man in reverb, clear mention of "Brasil" at 1057 UT, slight upward drift on transmitter. First time I have heard this. 31 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. BRASIL, 4805, Radiodifusora do Amazonas, Manaus, 2143-2155, 26-07, portugués, locutor, transmisión partidos de fútbol. 25322. 4845.2, Rádio Cultura Ondas Tropicais, Manaus, 2120-2220, 26-07, locutor, portugués, transmisión partidos de fútbol. 25322. También 2143-2208, 27-07, canciones brasileñas, locutor, portugués, identificación a las 2154: "Radio Cultura Ondas Tropicais", "Manaos, Amazonia". Mauritania sigue fuera del aire el 27-07. (Méndez) 5990, Rádio Senado, Brasília, 2115-2140, 27-07, locutor, locutora, identificación y comentarios: "Senado Federal, comunicação para a cidadania", "De 2ª a 6ª feira Jornal do Senado, sete e meia da noite na Voz do Brasil", "Rádio Senado, en Brasilia 6 e 18", canciones brasileñas. 45444. (Méndez) 9565, Rádio Tupi, Super Radio Deus é Amor, Curitiba, 2103-2119, 27-07, locutor, portugués, comentario religioso, identificación: "Super Rádio Deus é Amor". 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 4894.91, tentative, Brasil, Radio Novo Tempo, Campo Grande PR, 1000 to 1025 Portuguese OM, very weak noted 28 July and other days 4905.01, Radio Anhanguera, Araguaína, 1000 but first Brasil to fade out 24, 27 and 28 July. 5035, Radio Aparecida, Aparecida, 0320 to 0330 with Portuguese OM and string music and vocal, better this time than at 1000. 27 July. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8 R7 Sony 2010XA, Various Antennas, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 4825, R. Canção Nova, Cachoeira Paulista, São Paulo SP, 2135-2153, 29 Jul, religious propaganda program "No Coração da Igreja", full ID+fqs and A Voz do Brasil at 2200; 35422. 4845.2, R. Cultura Ondas Tropicais, Manaus AM, 2132-2152, 29 Jul, songs program; 34433, CODAR QRM only as MTN 4845 was off, though nicely audible on \\ 783. 4915, R. Daqui (ex-R. CBN), Anhangüera GO, 2059-2126, 29 Jul, song version of Ave Maria, listeners' messages; 44433, increasing QRM de B. 4915, R. Difª, Macapá AP, 2123-2140, 29 Jul, religious propaganda program, ID+frequencies at 2130, slogan "A Nossa Voz" ("voz" [voice], not "vóz" as written in more than one list, including Brazilian), religious program "O Som do Evangelho" followed; 54433, QRM de B. 4915, R. Difª, Macapá AP, 0821-f/out 0925, 30 Jul, music, messages, chatter; 25432. 5970, R. Itatiaia, Belo Horizonte MG, 2224-2237, 01 Aug, football program, with infos, comments & reports; 35342. 6135, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 0919-0945, 31 Jul, program "Tempo da Terra", folk music, advertisements; 25442; \\ 9630 very good, 11855 fair. 9505, R. Record, São Paulo SP, 2138-2156, 29 Jul, football program, advertisements, program "Record nos Desportos", announcements; 55544. 9530, R. Transmundial, Stª Mª RS, 2113-2127, 01 Aug, cooking recipes in religious propaganda program; 44433, adjacent QRM. 9645.3, R. Bandeirantes, São Paulo SP, 2117-2128, 01 Aug, ads, music, football; 33442, strong adjacent QRM. 9695, R. Rio Mar, Manaus AM, 2033-2040 (when transmitter abruptly off), 30 Jul, advertisements, full ID+frequencies, interview on the Fundação Rio Mar (station owner); 33432, adjacent QRM. 11735, R. Transmundial, Stª Mª RS, 1416-1412, 31 Jul, religious songs during some religious propaganda program; 34443, QRM de TZA, which was rather poor, even using the Central African Beverage. 11815, R. Brasil Central, Goiânia GO, 1909-1945, 29 Jul, music, ads, all in program "Na Beira da Mata", TCs; 43543, adjacent QRM. 11815, ditto, 1415-1515, 31 Jul, ads, football news, infos, chatter; 34443. 11855, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 1414-1450, 31 Jul, listeners' phone-call, music; 14441, very poor by 1445. 11915, R. Gaúcha, Ptº Alegre RS, 2103-2118, 31 Jul, advertisements, TCs, football news & related interviews; 33441, QRM de Saudi Arabia which was airing prayer, so B was nicely audible during the many silent moments. 11925.2, R. Bandeirantes, São Paulo SP, 2108-2136, 31 Jul, news magazine "Serviço Bandeirantes", with news, traffic reports, infos, ads; 44433 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 5990. R. Senado, Parque do Rodeador DF, 1010-f/out 1030, 03 Aug, listeners' anniversaries, songs; 25433. This was weaker (!) than R. Aparecida 6135 heard this morning at the same time, and it was even better than its \\ 9630! 9565, SRDA, Curitiba PR, 2120-2136, 02 Aug, pathetic program about healing through religion; 33432, co-channel QRM. 9630, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 0955-1227, 03 Aug, program "Siga bem, caminhoneiro", ID+fqs & affiliated stations list too, "Jornal Brasil Hoje",..., sermon in progess at 1210 when poorer reception, but better than \\ 11855; \\ 6135. 9630 ditto, 1913-1954, 03 Aug, advertisements, music, program announcements, health advice, all in program "Cantinho Sertanejo"; 34433, adjacent QRM only. 9665, R. Marumby, Florianópolis SC, 2130-2142, 02 Aug, cooking recipes, songs; 23442, QRM de KRE 9665.2; the heterodyne is easily avoidable, not the QRM as both countries are received with the same [SoAm] Beverage. 9695, R. Rio Mar, Manaus AM, 2138-2200*, 02 Aug, football magazine, ID; 55444! 9819.7, R. 9 de Julho, São Paulo SP, 2143-2206, 02 Aug, sermon, songs; 54443, adjacent QRM de China 9820 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 9581.75, R. Globo, São Paulo. Interesting frequency, weirdsounding Portuguese preacher, very mournful tone 2110. Coming in rather well. Nominally 9585, 2/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. Estaba escuchando a Radio Nacional da Amazônia, 01 de Julio 2009 en internet, y la escuche identificandose como ..."uma emissora EMC "Empresa Brasil de comunicação". Com "Madrugada Nacional" Otra identificacion fue "Radio Nacional AM Brasilia", ya que antiguamente se identificaba como ..Uma emissora RadioBras". Sabiendo que se escucha en la onda corta en 11780 y también en 6185 KHz. Bien, esta es la informacion que conseguí. Sobre EMC... em: http://www.ebc.com.br/empresa [. . .] Em 2007, um movimento que envolveu amplos setores da sociedade civil, como acadêmicos, comunicadores, cineastas, jornalistas, dirigentes de emissoras de rádio e televisão não-comerciais, assim como grupos e entidades dedicados a refletir sobre a comunicação, culminou no Fórum da TV Pública, liderado pelo então ministro da Cultura Gilberto Gil. Ao receber a proposta básica deste Fórum a favor da criação de uma televisão pública, o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva comprometeu- se com sua implantação. Foi o que fez, em outubro de 2007, ao editar a Medida Provisória 398, depois convertida pelo Congresso na Lei 11 652/2008. Assim foi criada a Empresa Brasil de Comunicação, encarregada de unificar e gerir, sob controle social, as emissoras federais já existentes, instituindo o Sistema Público de Comunicação. Outra missão da EBC, articular e implantar a Rede Nacional de Comunicação Pública. en Wikipedia... A Empresa Brasil de Comunicação (EBC) é uma empresa de economia mista do governo federal do Brasil, criada em 2007 para gerir as emissoras de rádio e televisão públicas federais. http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empresa_Brasil_de_Comunica%C3%A7%C3%A3o 73 de (Yimber Gaviria, Colombia, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BULGARIA. BULGARIAN RADIO STATION FINED BECAUSE MADONNA SPEAKS ENGLISH Bulgaria’s Council for Electronic Media decided to slap Darik Radio with a hefty fine for airing a recorded Madonna invitation to her fans in Bulgaria, because in the invitation, the pop-star spoke English, Bulgarian daily 24 Chasa has reported. According to chapter 12 article 1 of the Radio and Television Act, all advertisements in foreign languages are forbidden, and so the commission has ordered Darik Radio to pay a penalty, the amount of which is expected to be in the range of 2000 to 15000 leva (US$1445- 10838). Should the radio station repeat the broadcast, the fine will be doubled. The 10 second message from Madonna to her fans in Bulgaria said; “Hello Bulgaria, this is Madonna and I expect to see you at the August 29 show in Sofia in Vassil Levsli Stadium”. A spokesperson for Sofia Music Enterprises, the Bulgarian organisers of Madonna’s concert, said “this is normal procedure and it is used in all countries. Any time Madonna has a concert in a country, she records a message for her fans, and it is always in English. There is no way that an exception will be made just for us.” Konstantin Vulkov, programme manager of Darik Radio said the station “apologises that Madonna is not proficient in Bulgarian.” Darik Radio will have to stop the offensive broadcast, unless Madonna brushes up on her Bulgarian. (Source: Sofia Echo) (July 31st, 2009 - 13:34 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) With English-only reigning in Oklahoma, just wait`ll we catch someone speaking Bulgarian! Or Finnish (gh, Enid) ** CAMBODIA [non]. A fascinating program is available for a few more days, perhaps the best program I have heard in some time. It looks at the music scene in Cambodia in the late 60s and early 70s, and the development of "Khmer Rock"...a fusion of traditional Cambodian music and Western Rock and Roll, which at the time blasted across the border from Vietnam via AFVN (clips included). The result is a quirky rock music, often sounding like psychedelic garage bands. I've been surfing the net all day listening to and reading about this music which until yesterday I didn't know existed. Its also sobering to listen to the music and these artists, because after April 1975 almost all of them died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, in the infamous killing fields. All for the crime of Rock and Roll...for being artists, intellectuals, free thinkers and famous in a land being driven back into the middle ages. Khmer Rock and the Killing Fields (Duration: 30 minutes) Availability: 3 days left to listen Last broadcast on Tuesday, 13:30 on BBC Radio 4. Synopsis Robin Denselow tells the story of Cambodia's rock and roll stars who emerged during the late 1960s with a new sound known as Khmer Rock. Under Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, almost all these singers and musicians were killed, but they are still revered by Cambodians today. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lrv50 (Fred Waterer, ODXA yg via DXLD) I bet some of the music is taken from some of the Cambodian offerings of Sublime Frequencies http://www.sublimefrequencies.com/ This label, a project of Alan Bishop of the weirdo rock band, The Sun City Girls, has issued some really interesting recordings of music recorded off am, fm and shortwave radio. We've played some at the Listening Lounge (David Goren, swprograms via DXLD) at Kulpsville ** CANADA. CANADA'S OPPOSITION LEADER CONDEMNS CLOSURE OF RCI'S UKRAINIAN SERVICE Thought you might want to know that Canada’s Opposition Leader, Michael Ignatief, met with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) on July 31, 2009. In a press release the UCC wrote about his reaction to the closing of the Ukrainian Service at Radio Canada International: “The Liberal Leader expressed dismay about funding cuts to Radio Canada International which resulted in the cancellation of broadcasting in the Ukrainian language. "It is unfortunate that Ukraine was singled out. This flies in the face of Canada's commitment to the democratic development of Ukraine. In a country where many parts of the population have access only to Russian media, this will deprive many Ukrainians who listened to this broadcast of a valuable source of independent information," said Michael Ignatieff.” Rceei Ahkshin of Radio Canada International Action Committee (RCI Action Committee) via Facebook (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dxldyg via DXLD) ** CANADA. CHU Canada 3330, x2 x3 x4 --- Canada's time station, CHU, transmits on 3330, 7850 and 14670 kHz. It is also putting out some harmonics of the signal on 3330 kHz. I have personally heard CHU on 6660 and 9990 kHz. In addition, Chris Smolinski in Maryland has heard CHU on the 4th harmonic, 13320. All rights reversed (Rik van Riel, NH, July 31, harmonics yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** CANADA. I seemed to be getting CFRX again with a very reduced signal last night. Here in Wisconsin one can hear them 24 hours a day on 6070 (Sheryl Paszkiewicz, Manitowoc WI, July 28, NASWA yg via DXLD) CFRX, 6070, heard here at 1200 on 29 July. I'm not familiar with their transmitter but it seems as though they may be running on exciter power only without the finals being lit off (Steve Lare, Holland, MI, USA, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Just a weak hum is what I've been hearing lately, around 0900. I thought they were facing problems with this transmitter. Or is it that hum belongs to another source? 73 (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, July 29, ibid.) CFRX - what is wrong? So could someone find out what the problem is at CFRX? Maybe running exciter only, suggests Steve Lare, MI, as very weak; inaudible in OK and elsewhere. I see there have been zero posts since March on the CFRX yg. Tnx, (Glenn Hauser, 1814 UT July 29, ODXA yg via DXLD) Hi Glenn: I am hearing CFRX in the evenings here at my QTH in Barrie Ontario Canada about 1 hour north of Toronto --- but it is weak, not as strong as it used to be. I suspect they are transmitting at greatly reduced power. I heard them tonight about 2300 GMT Wed July 29 on my hustler 6BTV, Kenwood TS-850S, about SINPO 34343. So they are on, just not audible where you are (Julian Smith, VA3SAJ, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CFRX, which had been missing or on very low power for a few days, again audible on 6070, July 31 at 1233, with usual drivetime chat, but warbling het from North Korea which always bothers until after 1250 or so (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CFRX, 6070, Aug 2, 0100 - after a few days of almost normal signal levels from CFRX, they again appear to be off the air. No sign of them this evening at 0100 UTC, or at 0425 re-check (Brandon Jordan, Memphis TN, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Question on French Canadian FMs --- Glenn, We had a nice E opening to the Northeast Thursday evening, with New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, etc. coming in, as well as audio from Montreal's Channel 6 CBC TV. There was a great deal of French on the dial, with two talk format stations in parallel on 93.1 and 97.1. The only stations I could find on the internet searches that would make any sense are CBJ3 in Dolbeau, QC on 93.1 and CBON Timmons, ON on 97.1, both CBC French. Any ideas on who else they might have been? Thank you! (Eric Loy, Champaign IL, July 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. 780 CFDR is dark --- 780 CFDR Halifax NS went dark on the morning of July 27, 2009. The station commonly IDed as KIXX which was perhaps skirting the law to the extreme. This leaves Halifax, a city of 300,00 to 400,000 people, with no, I repeat, Nada, ziltch, el zippo, AM radio stations. But, a truckload of FM stations ever growing in number. 900 CKDH Amherst NS will be going dark before too long as well. When it does, it will leave NS with 1420 CKDY, 1350 CKAD, 1450 CFAB [slated to be flipped to FM once MBS Radio can work something out with the CRTC], 1270 CJCB and 1140 CBI [slated to be flipped to FM]. There is some talk that CBC may decide to not go ahead with the CBI flip and instead use the nested repeater approach. That would make sense - a few thousand watts of FM could cover the urban part of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality while allowing 1140 CBI to cover the rural parts of CBRM and areas in the rest of Cape Breton not presently served by FM repeaters. Cape Breton is very hard to cover with FM unless one uses a LOT of transmitter sites. So, now, it`s 780 WBBM Chicago and I'm sure one or more South American stations on 780 for me (Phil Rafuse, PEI, July 31, ABDX via DXLD) ** CANADA. CJOY-1460 Guelph ON has applied to the CRTC to move to FM (95.7 MHz, 9.5 kW, 53.7 metres). I suspect that the reason that CJOY did not apply to move to FM some years ago is that until recently the CRTC did not allow a true oldies station to operate on FM, as the amount of hits from before 1981 that could be broadcast was limited to no more than 50%. This rule is still in effect in French language markets however. http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-461.htm#21 21. Guelph, Ontario Application No. 2009-0766-0 Application by 591989 B.C. Ltd. to convert the English-language commercial radio station CJOY Guelph from the AM band to the FM band. The new station would operate on frequency 95.7 MHz (channel 239B) with an average effective radiated power (ERP) of 9,500 watts (maximum effective ERP radiated power of 30,000 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 53.7 metres). The applicant proposes to maintain CJOY’s current Oldies music format on the proposed FM station The applicant is also requesting approval to operate under the condition of licence set out in Broadcasting Decision 2006-398 allowing it to broadcast a minimum level of 30% Canadian content in any broadcast week where at least 90% of musical selections from content category 2 that it broadcasts are selections released before 1 January 1981. The applicant is requesting permission to simulcast the programming of the new FM station on CJOY for a period of three months from the date of implementation of the new FM station. The applicant is also requesting, pursuant to sections 9(1)(e) and 24(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the revocation of the licence of CJOY effective at the end of the simulcast period. 73, (via Deane McIntyre VE6BPO, July 30, DXLD) ** CANADA. This may be of interest to some of the club members. From an article in the Thunder Bay, ON paper, the following was noted: CHEK-TV Victoria and CHCA-TV Red Deer are scheduled to close by the end of August by CANWEST. CANWEST is selling CHCH-TV Hamilton and CJNT-TV Montreal to a Toronto Company. CANWEST Global keeps CHBC-TV Kelowna, BC as a Global affiliate. JE in MN (John Ebeling, July 27, WTFDA via DXLD ``Why are they doing that? If its money they should raise ad revenue a bit and cut some employees if they have to.`` Already did that. This is the next step. Basically, local TV in Canada died when the networks bought up all their affiliates. Not only that, they were allowed to buy up a SECOND tier of stations. Now they "supposedly" can't afford to run them. This would never have happened in the U.S. The CRTC goofed up - they should never have allowed this mass consolidation of TV station ownership. I think Global is eliminating its own competition (the second tier) to consolidate viewership on the main network. CHCH-11 & CJNT-62 were bought for $12. CKX-5 Brandon for $1. Surely they must be worth more than that. wrh (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) ** CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC. Website for state broadcaster Dave Kernick writes: The Central African Republic’s government-run broadcaster Radio Centrafrique now has an online presence at http://www.radiocentrafrique.org The website is in French, the country’s official language. Although the site does not have a live audio stream it does offer an extensive audio archive, including news bulletins in French and the national language, Sango. The complete news archive, extending back to January 2008, can be accessed by clicking the appropriate language section of the laterally scrolling link near the top of the homepage. Other audio material can be accessed via the “Programmes” text box on the left-hand side. Initially broadcasting from a converted truck in the then French territory of Oubangi-Chari (or Ubangi-Shari, part of French Equatorial Africa), the station has been on the air since December 1958. No information on Radio Centrafrique’s current broadcasting frequencies was found on the website, however according to the current edition of the World Radio TV Handbook the station broadcasts on 1440 kHz mediumwave and 106.9 MHz FM, and irregularly on 7220 kHz shortwave. (Source: Dave Kernick) (July 31st, 2009 - 17:34 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO, BIOT. 4319-USB, AFN, Diogo Garcia, 2202-, 30 Jul, NPR news in "All Things Considered"; 33342, adjacent utility QRM, both data & voice (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHILE. Does anyone know of the plans for CVC Santiago? CVC seems to be phasing out shortwave. It might be had at a good price (Jerry Lenamon, TX, July 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHILE. Atención radios comunitarias! ...se viene la ARCHI Mientras la Asociación de Radios comerciales de Chile (ARCHI) está muy preocupada por el cierre de 34 radios sin concesión o vencidas en Venezuela, en Chile desataron una auténtica "operación silencio" en Valparaiso, que afectó a tres emisoras comunitarias del puerto: Radio UV-15, radio 2000 y la emblemática Radio Placeres. La política de "tolerancia" a las estaciones libres en el país parece haber llegado a su fin, y se hace necesario exigir a las instituciones del Estado la necesaria democratización del espectro radioléctrico, que es un patrimonio de toda la humanidad. Al mediodía del jueves 30 de julio, comenzó en Valparaíso una redada de la Brigada del Ciber Crimen de la Policía de Investigaciones, la cual allanó y bajó las transmisiones de la radio 2000 de Montedónico y de la Radio UV-15 del Cerro Las Cañas. A las 11:30 horas del mismo día, llegó un fuerte contingente policial de la PDI hasta los estudios de la Radio Placeres, con claras intenciones de bajar las transmisiones. La Asamblea de Radio Placeres decidió resistir el operativo "que es parte de una estrategia de cercenamiento de la libertad de expresión" y que sería "impulsada por el propietario de la Radio 'Congreso', el patético concejal de la Alianza Eugenio 'Tiqui Tiqui' González, quien en su calidad de presidente regional de ARCHI interpuso una querella en contra de las radios sin fines de lucro en nuestra zona, para acallar las expresiones populares y comunitarias que rompen con el cerco informativo oficial", señalaron en un comunicado. . . Fuente: http://www.radiotierra.com/?q=node/1488 (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) Monkey see, monkey do ** CHINA. 10000, BPM Lintong, 1329 Aug 3. "BPM" Morse Code ID's (10 of them), then YL with voice ID at 1329:40. The CW punched thru nicely but could not make out much of the voice. Fair under WWVH/WWV (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, CO, Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** CHINA [and non]. Firedrake July 29: At 1348 poor on 9000, not heard on 8400. At 1350 good on 11300; 1352 poor on 13970; 1356 good on 15150. July 30: took a day off from monitoring! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 30 July, 2136 - 9000 kHz, prob. SOH+FIREDRAKE. Battimento per prob. SOH 9000.1 kHz. Su 8400 non c'era niente. July 31, 1436 - 12040//11990//11805 kHz, CNR 1 JAMMER+FIREDRAKE+ VOA Mandarin. Per VOA Tibetan solo CNR 1 JAMMER. Su 13970 non c'era niente (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) July 31: 0445 on 17700 --- unusual time on unusual frequency: WRTH, Aoki and EiBi show not a single station on 17700 at any time. So we can only assume Sound of Hope was on there drawing the jammer. At 1243, poor on 9000, none on 8400; 1302, fluttery open carrier on 11300, 1305 resuming Firedrake; 1304 on 12040, Firedrake mixing with CNR1 jamming. Firedrake August 1: at 1355 poor on 9000, nothing on 8400. No higher ones found either (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [and non]. Domenica 2 agosto 2009: 0512 - 21690 kHz CNR 1 JAMMER vs RFA Mandarin, Segnale insufficiente-sufficiente. Forse tracce di RFA. 0636 - 17880 kHz, FIREDRAKE vs RFA Mandarin. Segnale sufficiente- buono. Ex CNR 1 Jammer o errore tecnico? (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, playdx yg via DXLD) Firedrake August 2: at 1310 audible on 9000, not 8400. At 1330, fair on 11300, none higher. August 3: not checked. August 4: at 1255, poor on 9000, not 8400; at 1258 good but with flutter on 11300; same at 1358. It`s not clear whether the lack of reception on 8400 and higher channels is due to poor propagation and/or seasonal reduxion in jamming as Keith Perron predicted, now that we are two months past the Tiananmen anniversary (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. CNR-1 off the air 4460 and 5030, Aug 4: see MALAYSIA/SARAWAK ** COLOMBIA. 5910, Marfil Estereo, Puerto Lleras, 0610-0655, 28-07, canciones latinoamericanas, llaneras, canciones españolas, locutor: "La una de la mañana con catorce minutos, desde Puerto Lleras transmite HKI79, Marfil Estereo, para todo el departamento del Meta, llevando ondas de paz", cortos comentarios religiosos y de nuevo música, "Están sintonizando Marfil Estéreo". 45444 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA. MEJORAS, SISTEMA DE TRANSMISIÓN, EMISORAS 5910 Y 6010 KHZ Hola Colegas, Me permito informar que durante los últimos 8 dias se han realizado mejoras en los equipos de transmisión y antenas de las emisoras 5910 Marfil Estéreo y 6010 LV de tu Conciencia. El objetivo principal fue la instalación de un nuevo sistema de antenas para optimizar el cubrimiento de los 6010 kHz en el territorio colombiano y disminuir su intensidad en otros lugares; el diseño esta elaborado por ingenieros canadienses que trabajaron con Radio Logos en Bolivia y el aporte de otros donantes se ha podido realizar este trabajo que incluyó la labor de más de 15 personas ya que fue necesario modificar el transmisor también. Con esto se pretende dar solución a la situación presentada con la emisora Radio Mil de México y que por mucho tiempo se buscó. En la señal 5910 con mejoras en la antena existente, se busca una mayor cobertura a nivel latinoamericano. Aunque no pude asistir y presenciar las actividades realizadas, en los próximos estaré enviando un completo informe sobre las mismas donde espero incluir algunas fotos. Como nos es necesario, pedimos a los amigos diexistas no[s] reporten cómo sintonizan estas señales; que confirmaremos con la nueva QSL y calcomanía de la emisora. Cordialmente (Rafael Rodríguez R., QSL Manager, July 29, playdx yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) So is 6010 now using a lazy-H NVIS antenna? RHC is still blowing everything away on 6010 after 0500. And we can still hear XEOI without either around 1230 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** CONGO [and non]. Hi, A little bit on the recent Congo item in DXLD: Yes, Belarus does dominate 6115 in Europe. Yesterday, July 30th, however, there was some bits and pieces of French audible under that, around 1825/1830 but not much later. Maybe I'd try a bit earlier today.73 (Thorsten Halllmann, Elmstein, SW Germany, July 31, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6115, R. Congo, Brazzaville, 1840-1920, 03 Aug, vernacular, African pops, talks after 1900; 34433, deteriorating and increasing adjacent QRM (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Hi Everyone. I noted in passing last week that Radio Revolución (Cuba) was on the Radio Havana frequency of 9600. This was around 0500 UT but I forget the exact day. I wrote it off as nothing special but since, all I hear on 9600 is RHC. An error at the transmitter site? Perhaps, an intentional relay, due to the ongoing political dramas in Honduras? If this has already been discussed elsewhere, I apologize for the oversight (David Sharp, NSW Australia, July 31, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) David, Sure about that ID? R. Revolución is not the name of any national network, strange as that may seem, but of a provincial network in Santiago de Cuba. Perhaps RHC was just relaying some event from there, especially if it was around July 26 (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, ibid.) Hi Glenn and Everyone, What I heard was "Radio Revolución" and several mentions of Cuba. Having heard many Cuban stations when in Florida, this still sounded new to me, so I consulted the WRTH. It could have been a relayed event via RHC but if that's the case, there were no RHC ID's. Perhaps I should shoot off an email to Arnie Coro, to see if he knows more about this. I seem to remember at some point, audio was just cut and the transmitter went off. Wish now I had given this a little more attention. I have tried 9600 several times since but have only heard RHC (David Sharp, NSW Australia, ibid.) Some frequency checks this Thursday morning (July 30) between 0620- 0700 UT revealed: RHCuba, 6140 was fair to good in English but the other 6 MHz outlets were all poor and unusable. 11760 was fair to good in Spanish mixing with ditter ute (Noel R. Green (NW England), dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) RHC, 13790, still audible July 31 as late as 0450 altho signal declined to poor level, in Spanish // 11760. Per RHC online schedule, 13790 is for Rio de Janeiro until 0500. Is RHC still running extra mid-day transmissions in Spanish? Yes, July 31 at 1915 check on 11690, 11760, 11800, 13760 at least. Furthermore, over a month since the Honduran (non)coup, what had been the first English broadcast each day, at 2030-2130, is still blown away for more and more unnecessary Spanish: August 1 at 2120 the listed English frequencies 11760 and much weaker 17660 an echo apart, were in Spanish // 11770. No DXers Unlimited! Maybe Prof. Coro should do a Spanish version too? However, the 23-24 English hour was airing on 13790 for all those cariocas, checked at 2319 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also UNIDENTIFIED 11978 According to a recent mail from RHC, the only transmissions in French are 0000-0100 and 0130-0200 UT on 13790 kHz. Concerning the webcasts in French, they wrote 2000-2030 and 0000-0100 (but also heard at 2130 UT. Also heard at 2100-2130 (instead of English) last Sunday (26/7). Regards (JM Aubier, France, August 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Wasn't listening too closely, but I think I heard Esperanto today (Aug 2) on 11760 at 1500. Hope so! 73 de (Anne Fanelli in Elma NY, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Sundays only; was back the week before (gh) RHC has usually been in Spanish on 11760, but Aug 4 at 0526 they were back in English as per schedule, // 6140, 6060 and 6010, interviewing an American about The Cuban Five, injustice; named Susan Grok (sp?) talking to Lena. Meanwhile RHC Spanish was on 6120, 6000 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [non]. As I tuned across R. Martí, Sunday August 2 at 2129 on 13820 heard them plugging TV Martí transmission times, which I unfortunately was not prepared to copy, but I think they mentioned both a VHF and UHF channel, late at night, as well as satellite channels. And also plugged RM on 1620 kHz for east and central Cuba at 10 pm- midnight M-F = 0200-0400 UT Tue-Sat --- of course via WDHP Virgin Islands, not mentioned as such. This forces the DentroCubans to jam 1620 with a domestic network, and for a lot more than 10 hours a week. WDHP, is it really worth it? But this was not only on 13820: plus loud distorted plus and minus 50 kHz FMy no-carrier spurs from Greenville around 13770 and 13870, // 11930 as well. How convenient that RM spurs on 13 MHz band do not collide with RHC or its spurs. At least the GB spurs are sporadic rather than permanent (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC [and non]. SPECIAL SHORTWAVE TRANSMISSIONS TO AND FROM PUNTA CANA DURING HFCC/ASBU CONFERENCE In conjunction with the HFCC/ASBU B09 Coordination Conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, several special shortwave transmissions are planned. Radio Netherlands' relay station in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles will carry out special DRM transmissions on 9710 kHz on Thursday and Friday, August 20 and 21, between 1700 and 2100 UT. This transmission will use 120 kW DRM at 350 degrees on a HR 1/1/0.5 antenna. From Santiago, Chile, CVC La Voz will carry out a special DRM transmission on Friday, August 21 at 1700-2200 UT on 17640 kHz. The antenna will be directed to Mexico, but should provide good coverage of the Dominican Republic as well. We are waiting on details of special DRM transmissions from TDF in Montsinery, French Guiana; CBC in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada; and one other possible location. We are also planning to conduct special tropical band transmissions from the conference in conjunction with the inauguration of a new radio station in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Telecommunications Institute, INDOTEL, has authorized provisional transmissions by Radio Discovery (Radio Descubrimiento in Spanish) from the Dreams Punta Cana Resort on the east coast of the Dominican Republic with low power (100 watts) on the frequency of 4730 kHz in a combination of three different modes: standard AM amplitude modulated, single sideband (SSB), and WinDRM, which is a form of DRM transmission used by amateur radio operators. In order to decode the WinDRM transmissions, a listener must connect his receiver audio output to a computer with the WinDRM software installed. WinDRM can be downloaded free of charge at http://n1su.com/windrm/download.html The broadcasts on 4730 kHz will take place throughout the week of the HFCC/ASBU B09 Conference August 17-21 during various daytime and nighttime hours. The antenna used will be a half-wave dipole. Special QSL cards will be available for reports on the 4730 kHz transmission. Details will be announced on the air. After the HFCC/ASBU Conference, Radio Discovery will move to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and will resume transmissions from there in the near future (Jeff White, WRMI, August 4, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) R. Discovery is not exactly new! Jeff previously operated it briefly from the DR in the 1980s, just above 15 MHz (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1472) ** ECUADOR. 3279.9, La Voz del Napo, Tena, 2306-2318, 29 Jul, Castilian, end of news (presumed), LA rhythms; 25331 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ECUADOR. CORREA ANUNCIA QUE SE REVERTIRÁN "MUCHÍSIMAS" FRECUENCIAS DE RADIO Y TV EN ECUADOR El presidente de Ecuador, Rafael Correa, aseguró este lunes que se deberán revertir al Estado "muchísimas" frecuencias, una vez termine la nueva auditoría a un informe previo sobre la entrega de permisos para el uso de frecuencias de radio y televisión en este país. Correa señaló en una entrevista con la Asociación Latinoamericana de Educación Radiofónica (ALER), que se ha conformado una comisión técnico-jurídica para que realice un nuevo análisis del informe de auditoría sobre las frecuencias de radio y televisión. Con ello, el jefe de Estado pretende que se eviten errores para luego ir "con toda contundencia a sancionar los abusos que se han cometido y a corregirlos". Correa dio por sentado que habrá críticas s la medida, pues habrá quienes consideren que esto es un ataque a la libertad de prensa y de expresión. "El informe es gravísimo y va a haber que revertir muchísimas frecuencias y verán cómo se arma un galimatías por parte los propios medios de comunicación", alertó el jefe de Estado que, desde el inicio de su mandato, en el 2007, mantiene un pulso con cierta prensa que él considera que defiende intereses particulares. Correa alertó que "con ese informe caen muchas vacas sagradas de este país". Fuente: EL Tiempo Colombia http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/correa-anuncia-que-se-revertiran-muchisimas-frecuencias-de-radio-y-tv_5768707-1 (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, Aug 3, DXLD) Monkey see, monkey do (gh) Frecuencias radioeléctricas: nuevo informe del CONARTEL “determinará las correcciones necesarias”, dice titular del organismo Se evitará contrademandas al Estado de personas que se beneficiaron con la autoconsesión de frecuencias El presidente del Consejo Nacional de de Radiodifusión y Televisión (CONARTEL), Antonio García, indicó que el estudio que se lleva a cabo respecto a la entrega irregular de las concesiones de frecuencias de radio y televisión se encuentra en proceso, adelantó que una comisión encargada por la Presidencia de Ecuador entregará, posiblemente, un informe preliminar la próxima semana sobre las personas involucradas en el tema. El titular del organismo no descartó que, luego del análisis de cada permiso, se lleven procedimientos jurídicos y legales en contra de los individuos involucrados en la autoconsesión de frecuencias. Además, sostuvo que lo acontecido en Venezuela, respecto a las estaciones radiales, son “meras coincidencias, se está tratando en ambos gobiernos luchar contra la corrupción y tratando de combatir y apalear la desinformación”. . . Fuente: Ecuador Inmediato http://www.ecuadorinmediato.com/noticias/109946 (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) ECUADOR TO NATIONALIZE RADIO, TV STATIONS Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa is seeking to take control of the country’s radio and television stations in a bid to stave off ‘irregularities.’ The president announced his decision on Monday due to the ‘corruption and mediocrity’ of ‘many’ Ecuadorian news outlets. However, the leftwing president has not indicated the nature of the ‘irregularities’ within Ecuador’s broadcasting community. Correa’s decision comes two days after a similar measure was introduced in Venezuela, where the government ordered the closure of 34 radio stations, in the latest bid to rein in the country’s media. The Ecuadorian President has twice penalized opposition media since taking office in 2007. (Source: Press TV)( August 4th, 2009 - 9:16 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** ECUADOR [and non]. 11625, VG August 2 at 0014, quite impressed by the journalistic quality of HCJB`s world news in Spanish --- until I heard a VOA ID! Of course it`s impressive: HCJB is relaying VOA, which moved on from Wáshington to news from LAm capitals, and at 0019 plug about presencia de Estados Unidos en Ecuador. This is the programming somehow sponsored by the US embassy on La Voz de los Andes, as a goodwill/PR gesture. VOA`s own evening Spanish is now at 2300-2400 only, on 5890, 6110 and 9825; and I was in fact hearing 9825 before 2400 in music, but nothing // 11625 on any band after 0000. Perhaps HCJB recorded the news an hour earlier, or there`s news again at 0000 on a satellite feed (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EGYPT. 7540, R. Cairo, "The Holy Kor`an and Its Meaning" and ID. Time pips to 0215 when they went into news read by OM talking through about 75 pillows. Are they EVER going to fix their modulation? SIO 442, 0204-0224 18/Jul (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet July 31 via DXLD) R. Cairo, 11590, scheduled English to NAm at 2300-2430: Aug 2 at 0010 found modulation just barely audible, but when a man was talking it was barely discernible as Arabic; conversing with a weaker woman, seemingly English, so maybe language lesson. 0020 music, somewhat better modulated, not involving a studio mic. What a waste. Equally so 9915, August 2 at 0050, good signal but somewhat undermodulated; trouble is, it was extremely distorted, only audible at peaks, which I eventually decided were in Spanish. Yes, this is R. Cairo`s 0045-0200 broadcast to South America. ¡Qué basura! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hello everyone, Managed to install a decent antenna here in Montreal, so much noise from the neighbors; really hard to do some dxing and radio listening at times. Well, came across Radio Cairo tonight 0200 UT on 7540, with a very good signal, and what is especially amazing, really good modulation. I usually don`t understand a thing, cause it's too low or too distorted. Some dance music with multiple ID's in English and a run up of today's program. Another ID at 0206 followed by the news in English. Hope it stays this good in the future (Gilles Letourneau, Montreal, Canada, Kenwood R-5000 and 50 feet outdoor wire, Aug 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) YES, Radio CAIRO, 7540 kHz, very STRONG here too after 0200z and AUDIO MODULATION is pretty good (Steven Wiseblood/AB5GP, TX, UT Aug 4, ibid.) They have occasionally cleared up only to go back in the mud. Shows the problem is soluble, but they don`t know how to make it permanent (gh) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA ECUATORIAL. 5005, Radio Nacional, Bata, 2109- 2133, 27-07, locutor, noticias: "22 horas con 11 minutos, continuamos con las noticias en Radio Nacional", locutora, noticias de Malabo y de Bata. A las 2125: "Noticias de fuera de casa", noticias internacionales. 34333. (Méndez) 6250, Radio Nacional, Malabo, *0538-0601, 28-07, inicio transmisión a 0538 con canciones africanas, a las 0553 comentarios en español por locutor. 25222. (Méndez) 15190, Radio Africa, 0618-0645, 27-07, locutor, inglés, comentario religioso. 35433 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15190, August 2 at 2115 found S9+18 signal but extremely undermodulated, which was just fine for a screaming YL (?) preacher, from R. Africa (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ERITREA [and non]. 7165, Voice of Peace and Democracy, 7/29 and again 7/31, noted signing on 0359 following HoA music IS and several announcements by man interspersed with the IS,. Typically a strong signal. This IS ID consists of a number of words, including "democratsy" (sp?). Listed M-W-F only. Strong signal. Note, below: on some off nights VoBM chooses to pirate this frequency, but to little avail. ERITREA -- 7165, V. of the Broad Masses of Eritrea, heard pre-sign-on on 7/28, a Tuesday when, reportedly, V. of Peace and Democracy, the Ethiopian programming to Eritrea is not sked. Strong signal with repeated HoA IS and frequent interjected announcements by man, "Dimtsi Hafash". Easy to distinguish from V. of Peace and Democracy. Programming began, with woman talking, 0300, and immediately smashed by Ethiopian white noise jammer. On 7/31, a Friday, when V. of P&D was preparing to sign on 7165, the VoBM heard with IS/IDs, weaker but in the clear, pre-0300 on 7175. Into regular programming at 0300 and this night no jamming noted. Typically, the Ethiopian transmitters put in a more solid signal than Eritrea (Don Jensen, Kenosha WI, NASWA yg via DXLD) See also ETHIOPIA [and non] below ** ETHIOPIA. 5950, V. of Tigray Revolution, Addis Ababa, 0317-0322, Aug 1, listed Tigrinya. HoA instrumental music and announcer; fair under co-channel RTI-Okeechobee; // 6170-poor with slop via 6165-RNW Bonaire. 6110, R. Fana, Addis Ababa, 0309-0317, Aug 1, listed Ahmaric. Continuous HoA vocal music and ballads with brief announcer at 0313; good; nothing on // 6890 or 7210 via T. Hallman's Africalist (Scott R. Barbour Jr., Intervale, N.H. USA, NRD-545, RX-350D, MLB1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 5989.6, R. Ethiopia, Geja Dera, 1753-1821, 26 Jul, vernacular, local songs, news (presumed) at 1800, then more songs; 24432, adjacent QRM, weak modulation; \\ 9704.2 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 30 July - 0537 - 9704.1 kHz, R. ETHIOPIA - Gedja, Amarico, intervista OMs. Segnale sufficiente-buono. 7110 ha lasciato la banda OM? Da vari giorni a tale ora è spenta. (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) Radio Ethiopia heard July 31st on 9704.2 kHz at 0925 with vernacular (probably Amharic) dialogue and folk music. Signal strength was about 3 to 4, with no trace of La Voix du Sahel. A strong heterodyne comes on before 1030 when PBS Xinjiang signs on in Kyrgyz on 9705 kHz (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA [and non]. 7165: Four different signals noted here at 0440 on 22/07: the strongest was the spur of Vatican radio sign-on in Bulgarian on fundamental 7335 [leapfrog 7335 over 7250 --- gh]; next Ethiopia ES; unID station: white noise Eritrean jammer (pse see 7175) (Pankov*). 7175: Very unusual observation: at 1558 on 21/7 and same at 0358 on 22/7. Till 1558 was the usual program of Eritrea (till 0358 same and next procedure is the same). The music stopped in the middle and a man said something in vernacular, next sign-on of white noise jammer, break, sound "bouuuuh", break again white noise and ... goes to 7165 where except R. Ethiopia started another radio station (its ID is related with word "democracy") and added Eritrean jammer. So, Eritrea was not on the air on 7175 1600-1830 on 21/7 and not 0400-0500 on 22/7! Ethiopia is not more on the air after 1830 on 7165 and Eritrea is going on and after 1830 and 0500 on 7175 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** EUROPE. EUROPirates --- 1636.4, UNID Greek, 2315-, 29 Jul, Greek music & songs; slightly overmodulated; 25342. 1665, R. Relmus, HOLLAND, 2152-2214, 31 Jul, Dutch/English, oldies, phone number announcement; 45343, superb signal for a 1 kW pirate station 1690, UNID Greek, 2212-, 30 Jul, international oldies; 35343. 3240, UNID Greek, 2209-, 01 Aug, Greek songs; 35321; harmonic of 1620 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ARGENTINA ** FALKLAND ISLANDS. Falkland Islands Radio Service --- After exchanging a few emails with the FIRS Station Manager, Corina Gross, I requested some promo material from them. It took only 12 days to get here, but I got a beautiful Falkland Islands Radio Service Postcard/ QSL card and 5 bumper stickers. The station has a website at http://www.firs.co.uk where they stream live, but only during selected times. Going to the website will tell you, in GMT, when they stream. They are having problems with their website, but streaming and their streaming schedule is available. The Falkland Islands Radio Service operates on multiple frequencies including 531 kHz, along with 96.5, 102 and 105 MHz. The AM signal is 15,000 Watts, and I presume it to be non directional. The FM transmitters are scattered throughout the island and range from 5 Watts to 2000 W I just thought some of you might find this useful and/or interesting! Now I await a postcard, stickers at airchecks from V7AB 1098 kHz and a tshirt from "Magic 89.1" A3V Radio in Tonga! -- Sincerely, (Paul B. Walker, Jr., http://www.onairdj.com http://www.facebook.com/onairdj July 30, IRCA via DXLD) Surely 530, not 531 kHz (gh, DXLD) The correct web site URL is: http://www.firs.co.fk It is currently down (Pete Taylor, Tacoma, WA, 1657 UT July 30, IRCA via DXLD) Yet the listen funxion remains: http://www.firs.co.fk/live.php (gh, 1651 UT August 3, DXLD) ** FRANCE. Re 9-053: The petition for declaring RFI's social plan illegal has been rejected, the works committee has even to pay 3,000 Euro for the proceedings. The French Satmag reports the result as "unions KO". Commenting on this decision, RFI management said that they will start in early September to implement the social plan and that now a window for voluntary agreements has opened. Unionists write in their blog that they are surprised about a public body being allowed to introduce such a social plan, completely lacking measures to save job positions and only providing measures for downsizing RFI. No dismissal will be accepted "dry", full legal action will be taken at short notice. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iWzIyeMHwPrg3wF_F3vFXDnEGYZA http://www.satmag.fr/affichage_module.php?no_theme=1&no_news=10980&id_mod=50 http://rfiriposte.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/notre-combat-est-juste/ (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FRANCE. For the past two days, RFI was not heard on WRN, replaced by other programs (including Dick Carlson's "Danger Zone" on Sunday). WRN Web site still lists RFI as airing at 1400 UT, but WRN has never been good at letting listeners know what's going on. (Mike Cooper, GA, Aug 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) France back on WRN at 1400 UT today, after two days of non-appearance (Mike Cooper, Aug 3, DXLD) So maybe it`s now M-F only? (gh, DXLD) ** GABON. Good propagation to Africa on 31 metres aonce again noted around local midday. On 27 JUL, Africa no. 1 was noted around 1115 on 9580 kHz with signals in the S4 - range. The program consisted of the usual phone-in game "Challenge" presented by Fanny Ella Assa. 73s (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY [and non]. A-09 Media Broadcast(ex DTK T-Systems) P 1 of 4: Voice of Croatia: 0100-0500 on 9925 NAU 100 kW / 325 deg to NWAm Croatian/English/Spanish 2200-0300 on 9925 WER 100 kW / 240 deg to SoAm Croatian/English/Spanish 2300-0300 on 9925 WER 100 kW / 300 deg to NEAm Croatian/English/Spanish Radio Japan NHK World 0330-0400 on 6130 WER 250 kW / 045 deg to RUS Russian 0430-0500 on 6130 WER 250 kW / 060 deg to RUS Russian 0530-0600 on 9850 WER 500 kW / 195 deg to WeAf French 0530-0600 on 11750 WER 500 kW / 180 deg to WeAf French 0830-0900 on 15190 WER 500 kW / 105 deg to WeAs Persian 1200-1230 on 9790 WER 250 kW / 300 deg to WeEu English 1300-1345 on 17595 WER 500 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Bengali 1345-1515 on 17595 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Hindi/Urdu Corrections, now [as of Aug 2] via VT Communications: 1300-1345 on 15215 TAC 100 kW / 131 deg to SoAs Bengali, ex 17595 WER 1345-1430 on 9585 TAC 100 kW / 163 deg to SoAs Hindi, ex 17595 WER 1430-1515 on 9680 TAC 100 kW / 170 deg to SoAs Urdu, ex 17595 WER Polish Radio External Service 1030-1100 on 11915 WER 100 kW / 300 deg to WeEu Polish 1030-1100 on 11995 NAU 100 kW / 100 deg to EaEu Polish 1100-1130 on 13745 WER 100 kW / 060 deg to EaEu Russian 1100-1130 on 13840 WER 100 kW / 090 deg to EaEu Russian 1130-1200 on 5965 WER 100 kW / non-dir to WeEu German 1130-1200 on 5975 WER 100 kW / 040 deg to WeEu German 1200-1300 on 7330 NAU 100 kW / 005 deg to WeEu English 1200-1300 on 9525 WER 100 kW / 300 deg to WeEu English 1300-1330 on 11835 WER 100 kW / 060 deg to EaEu Russian 1300-1330 on 13690 WER 500 kW / 060 deg to EaEu Russian 1330-1430 on 9440 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg to EaEu Belorussian 1330-1430 on 11975 JUL 100 kW / 070 deg to EaEu Belorussian 1430-1500 on 11750 JUL 100 kW / 085 deg to EaEu Ukrainian 1430-1500 on 11955 WER 100 kW / 045 deg to EaEu Russian 1500-1530 on 9440 JUL 100 kW / 070 deg to EaEu Ukrainian 1500-1530 on 11750 WER 100 kW / 075 deg to EaEu Ukrainian 1530-1600 on 5975 WER 100 kW / 045 deg to WeEu German 1530-1630 on 9670 JUL 100 kW / 085 deg to EaEu Polish 1630-1700 on 9670 WER 100 kW / 060 deg to EaEu Belorussian 1700-1800 on 7265 WER 040 kW / 300 deg to NoEu English DRM 1700-1800 on 9790 ISS 100 kW / 025 deg to NoEu English 1800-1830 on 6140 WER 100 kW / 075 deg to EaEu Russian 1800-1830 on 9695 WER 100 kW / 120 deg to EaEu Hebrew 1830-1900 on 6175 WER 100 kW / 075 deg to EaEu Ukrainian 1830-1930 on 6140 WER 100 kW / 075 deg to EaEu Ukrainian 1900-1930 on 6050 WER 100 kW / 045 deg to EaEu Russian 1930-2000 on 6030 WER 040 kW / non-dir to WeEu German DRM 1930-2000 on 6135 WER 100 kW / 040 deg to WeEu German 2100-2200 on 6155 WER 100 kW / 055 deg to EaEu Polish 2100-2200 on 7245 NAU 250 kW / 220 deg to WeEu Polish WYFR (Family Radio): 1800-1900 on 3975 WER 100 kW / non-dir to CeEu Hungarian 1800-1900 on 9635 NAU 250 kW / 230 deg to SoEu Spanish 1800-1900 on 9895 WER 100 kW / 105 deg to SEEu Romanian 1900-2000 on 3975 WER 100 kW / non-dir to SEEu Serbian 1700-1900 on 9565 NAU 250 kW / 065 deg to EaEu Russian 1600-1700 on 11670 NAU 500 kW / 105 deg to WeAs Persian 1700-1800 on 11850 WER 500 kW / 105 deg to WeAs Persian 1600-1700 on 13645 WER 500 kW / 120 deg to N/ME Arabic 1700-1800 on 11885 WER 500 kW / 120 deg to N/ME Arabic 1800-1900 on 11600 WER 250 kW / 150 deg to NoAf Arabic 1900-2000 on 9590 WER 500 kW / 150 deg to NoAf Arabic 1900-2000 on 11840 WER 500 kW / 210 deg to WeAf French 2000-2200 on 6115 NAU 250 kW / 210 deg to WeAf Arabic 2200-2300 on 7420 WER 250 kW / 210 deg to WeAf Arabic 1700-1800 on 13840 WER 100 kW / 180 deg to NEAf Arabic 1800-1900 on 13790 WER 500 kW / 180 deg to WCAf Hausa 1900-2200 on 9610 WER 500 kW / 180 deg to WCAf English 2000-2100 on 9595 WER 500 kW / 180 deg to WCAf French 2100-2200 on 9720 WER 500 kW / 180 deg to WCAf French 1600-1700 on 15750 NAU 500 kW / 155 deg to EaAf Amharic 1700-1800 on 15750 NAU 500 kW / 155 deg to EaAf Swahili 1400-1500 on 13605 WER 250 kW / 075 deg to CeAs Uzbek 1300-1500 on 15255 NAU 500 kW / 084 deg to SoAs Bengali 1400-1500 on 13660 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Sinhala 1400-1600 on 15670 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Hindi 1400-1600 on 15715 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Kannada 1500-1600 on 13830 WER 250 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Gujarati 1500-1700 on 15370 NAU 500 kW / 095 deg to SoAs Tamil 1600-1700 on 11680 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Hindi 1700-1800 on 11730 WER 250 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Punjabi 1400-1500 on 15690 ISS 500 kW / 088 deg to SoAs Malayalam 2200-0100 on 11965 GUF 250 kW / 170 deg to SoAm Portuguese 0000-0100 on 9760 GUF 250 kW / 215 deg to SoAm Spanish 0200-0300 on 9760 GUF 250 kW / 215 deg to SoAm Spanish (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, July 31 via DXLD) 9760 was on 9790 (gh, DXLD) ** GERMANY [non]. FYI, QSL from Deutsche Welle --- I am just getting back into this, so sorry if this is not new info. I gave DW a reception report via their website (0400, 7245 kHz via Kigali) and got a very nice QSL package in about a week. Packet with the actual QSL postcard, plus two stickers and a banner, and a printed schedule. There was no actual place on the website for QSL's, just for listener feedback. I entered the report in the text area of the feedback form, along with my mailing address. Best regards (Brian, AE7BP (former N3GDE), August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GREECE. Glenn: I am listening to the Voice of Greece, on the Internet, which had the news in Greek at 1300-1305 UT, followed by "Greek In Style" with a woman announcing in English that they would have older and contemporary Greek songs following. They also announced the frequencies of 9420 and 15630 which are not audible in this area at this time. Click ERA 5 below to hear. VOICE OF GREECE (ERA 5)-LIVE INTERNET RADIO http://tvradio.ert.gr/radio/liveradio/voiceofGreece.asp (Regards, John Babbis, Sunday August 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Program of Weekends of Voice of Greece for August 2009. From 1 until 30 August 2009 and for each Saturday, Voice of Greece will have her own program from 06.00 until 12.00 Greece time (0300- 0900 UT; the remaining hours will be with connections with the other programs of ERA; while all Sundays of August, ERA-5 has her own program from 12.00 until 17.00 Greece time (0900-1400 UT). The program of Saturday 06.00 until 12.00 Greece time (0300-0900 UT): UT Greece Time (0300-0305) 06.00-06.05: NEWS IN GREEK (0305-0400) 06.05-07.00: THE PERSONS OF THE WEEK (From 15 up to the end of August: (0300-0400) 06.00 until 07.00 it will connect with NET 105.8) (0400-0500) 07.00-08.00: CONNECTION WITH NET 105.8 (0500-0600) 08.00-09.00: HISTORY OF ONE WEEK (0600-0605) 09.00-09.05: NEWS IN GREEK (0605-0615) 09.05-09.15: MUSIC (0615-0645) 09.15-09.45: THE THIRD BELL (0645-0700) 09.45-10.00: ECOLOGICAL PAGES (0700-0715) 10.00-10.15: I KNOW SEA SONGS (0715-0730) 10.15-10.30: FOLKLORE TESTIMONIES (0730-0800) 10.30-11.00: THE SONGS OF TODAY (0800-0900) 11.00-12.00: GREECE IN PERSON The program of Sunday from 12.00 until 17.00 Greece hour: (0900-0905) 12.00-12.05: NEWS (0905-0945) 12.05-12.45: REASON GOOD (0945-1000) 12.45-13.00: I KNOW SEA SONGS (1000-1100) 13.00-14.00: CONNECTION WITH SECOND PROGRAM (1100-1200) 14.00-15.00: CONNECTION WITH NET 105.8 (RADIONEWSPAPER) (1200-1230) 15.00-15.30: GREEK FLAVORS (1230-1245) 15.30-15.45: IN THE ILINES, IN THE BILINES (1245-1300) 15.45-16.00: I KNOW SEA SONGS (1300-1305) 16.00-16.05: NEWS IN GREEK (1305-1400) 16.05-17.00: GREEK IN STYLE (ENGLISH) VOICE OF GREECE (ERA 5)-LIVE INTERNET RADIO http://tvradio.ert.gr/radio/liveradio/voiceofGreece.asp RADIOPHONIKOS STATHMOS MAKEDONIAS (ERT 3)-LIVE INTERNET RADIO http://tvradio.ert.gr/radio/liveradio/102fm.asp (John Babbis, Aug 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Daily program of “Voice of Greece” for August 2009. From Monday, August 3, 2009 and for one month, from Monday until Friday, Voice of Greece will have her own program from 15.00 until 20.00 Greece time (1200-1700 UT); the remainder of the day she will connect with the other programs of ERA, NET 105.8, the Second Program and ERA SPORT: UT Greece Time (1200-1215) 15.00-15.15: GREEK LESSONS (1215-1245) 15.15-15.45: SHIPPING NEWS (1245-1300) 15.45-16.00: I KNOW SEA SONGS (1300-1400) 16.00-17.00: HELLO COMPATRIOTS (1400-1407) 17.00-17.07: NEWS IN GREEK (1407-1500) 17.07-18.00: HELLO LITTLE GREECES (1500-1505) 18.00-18.05: FROM WHERE AND WHY (1505-1600) 18.05-19.00: THE SONGS OF COMPANY (1600-1700) 19.00-20.00: NETWORK WITHOUT BORDERS (from August 17 until 22 from 19.00 until 20.00 Greece time (1600-1700 UT) it will connect with NET 105.8) Each Tuesday because of programmed transmitter maintenance, the program is as follows: (1200-1215) 15.00-15.15: GREEK LESSONS (1215-1315) 15.15-16.15: RADIONEWSPAPER (1315-1345) 16.15-16.45: SHIPPING NEWS (1345-1400) 16.45-17.00: I KNOW SEA SONGS (1400-1407) 17.00-17.07: NEWS IN GREEK (1407-1500) 17.07-18.00: HELLO LITTLE GREECES (1500-1505) 18.00-18.05: FROM WHERE AND WHY (1505-1600) 18.05-19.00: THE SONGS OF COMPANY (1600-1700) 19.00-20.00: NETWORK WITHOUT BORDERS (from August 17 until 22 from 19.00 until 20.00 (1600-1700 UT) it will connect with NET 105.8) (via John Babbis, Aug 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Note: tho program titles are given in English here, they are in Greek, u.o.s.! ** GUINEA-Conakry. 7125, R. Guinée, Sonfonya, is inaudible, certainly not just on account of poor propagation. [later:] After my today's earlier report, it was just our mere luck to have found Guinea 7125 back. I was tuning the 60 m, stopped on what was later confirmed to be Brazil's R. Novo Tempo, Cpº Grande MS, and switched my 2nd receiver on - this had been left on 7125 since this very afternoon. Sonfonya is back with what seems to be a stronger signal but also with stronger audio/modulation; vernacular program with African pops prior to 2200 when changed to French for the usual 2200 newscast that typically runs up till 2230. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, Aug 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HONDURAS. 3340.000, HRMI Radio MI, 1143, presumed, with religious talk by Spanish man. Threshold at best, no ID heard. 30 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. Yesterday 1 Aug 2009 Saturday AIR Mumbai was noted on 4845 khz at 0230 UTC instead of 4840. 73 (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India, Aug 2, dx_india yg via DXLD) Right now (1454 UT) on 4840 kHz (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, Aug 2, ibid.) ** INDONESIA. RRI Makassar, 4749.95, July 29, 0950 - weak signal at tune in, but rapidly strengthening to fair levels as 1006 UT sunset in Makassar and 1107 sunrise in Memphis. Female announcer until 1000 ID, then recitations from the Qur`an lasting until 1012. Female announcer back playing songs, male with long monologue from 1030. ID by female at 1100 then news. During the 1000-1100 UT period, RRI Makassar was the best signal in 60 meter band signal below 5 MHz. After poor African and LA conditions noted this morning, this was a nice surprise. Other possible 60 m.b. Indo signals observed: very presumed RRI Wamena carrier on 4869.93 and tentative RRI Jambi on 4925 with occasional threshold audio, hampered by CODAR and much stronger R. Educação Rural 4925.25 with prompt *1000 sign on (Brandon Jordan - Memphis, TN, USA, Perseus SDR, Wellbrook ALA-100, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Brandon, Thanks for your observations! Nice to see a log of Makassar with the exact frequency I have been hearing them on. At my QTH they normally strengthen about 1345 or so. Earlier than that and I find CNR-1 dominates. Yes, Jambi has been heard for the past few days now. They are not heard all that often even at Asilomar Beach (Ron Howard, California, ibid.) 4749.93, RRI Makassar, 1000-1015 July 30, Signal has faded in completely yet, but noted a person in Qur`an type reciting. At 1004 a male comments in Indonesian language. Again at 1008 more Qu'ran reciting. Finally, at 1012 a female opens the broadcast with comments and music. In the meantime, the signal is fading in from a poor to a fair (Chuck Bolland, ibid.) ** INDONESIA. 3344.962, RRI-Ternate, 1230, good with EZL Indo pops, talk by a man. Usual cochannel PNG off today. (Also worth noting that East Sepik 3335 also off today and has been sporadic over the past week or so.) 30 July. 3976.056, RRI-Pontianak, 1310, pop vocals, discussion between a man and a woman, strong and clear with weak bubble jammer underneath. 30 July. 3987.036, RRI-Manokwari, 1300, noted in passing with RRI ID and into news. This part of the band is pretty "sloppy" with white noise and bubble jammers but this was still readable in LSB. 30 July. 3995.037, RRI-Kendari, 1312, indescript talk by Indo man, sounded like he was reading off frequency lists with several FM's mentioned. Very good. 30 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 9524.9, VOI, 1250, 7/30/09. Good signal. Asian music with double reed instrument and tabla-like percussion. Music through TOH to 1300:40 Indo announcement. Dead air to 1302. Several English IDs. News at 1303:34 by YL. Signal down 2 S-units by 1335. Reception 8/2/09 during same time period showed S5 signal. English news this day started at 1304 (Jerry Strawman, Des Moines, IA, Drake R8, Wellbrook 1.1 Meter Loop http://www.radiodx.net/wordpress/ Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) VOI missing again from 9525 or vicinity, July 31 at 1340 during the English hour. No sign of it around 11785 either, just the China/US radio war. VOI had been absent from 9525v on July 31 during the 1300 English hour, but my checking for VOI August 1 was a bit out of synch: just tuned in at 1357 after the musical prélude to CRI Russian had started on 9525.0 --- but there was CCI and a het, so good evidence VOI had returned. I tuned in at 1500 again too late, just as a carrier was going off, which should have been VOI rather than CRI. VOI checks: 1333 August 2 in English, still slightly below 9525.0 with hum; August 4, ditto but since it`s Tuesday, this must be Banjarmasin: 1301, introducing ``Exotic Indonesia`` co-produxion with RRI there, 1304 news from Jakarta starting with crash of plane which left Jayapura, then another news item switching back to Banj studio. Often in the Banjarmasin segments there was some crosstalk on the feed. 1333 Today in History, including the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. 1337 interviewing guest from New Zealand; 1353 talk on ancient history of Banjarmasin. 1357 ruined by CRI Russian prélude on 9525.0 before VOI could wrap up the English hour. BTW, it`s more concise and a lot easier to follow log reports which consistently as I try to do, put the times before each program detail, rather than --- ``at xxxx``. And the date should go with the first time mentioned, rather than at the very end or even in the credit line. When there is a date in the credit line, it should mean the date of the report, not necessarily same as date of reception (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9524.88v, Voice of Indonesia, 1340, August 4, “special interview” with New Zealand ambassador to Indonesia (Ambassador Phillip Gibson); 1349 Tuesday segment from RRI Banjarmasin; 1357 covered by CRI sign-on (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL. Noted Irish writer Frank McCourt, author of “Angela’s Ashes,” about growing up poor in that country, died recently from cancer. I copied down a passage which seems to summarize how many Dxers might have discovered their passion for the hobby: “When the play finishes she (the author’s mother) lets me fiddle with the knob on the radio and I roam the dial for distant sounds on the shortwave band, strange whispering and hissing, the whose of the ocean coming and going and the Morse code dit dit dit dit. “I hear mandolins, guitars, Spanish bagpipes, the drums of Africa, boatmen waiting on the Nile. I see sailors on watch, sipping mugs of hot cocoa. I see cathedrals, skyscrapers, cottages. I see Bedouins in the Sahara and the French Foreign Legion, cowboys on the American prairie, I see goats skipping along the rocky coast of Greece where the shepherds are blind because they married their mother by mistake. I see people chatting in cafés, sipping wine, strolling on boulevards and avenues. I see night women in doorways, monks chanting vespers, and here is the great boom of Big Ben. “This is the BBC Overseas Service, and here is the news.” My sentiments, exactly, Frank! 73 (Sue Hickey, NL, CIDX Forum, Aug CIDX Messenger via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. South Herts Radio === Hello Glenn, Sorry, the SHR live stream has been off air for several weeks. I am uploading world of radio to listen on demand from the listen again page every week. The reason the live streaming has been suspended is due to my house move which has been onging since Wednesday and will take a bout two weeks as I am still between both homes for a while. When I am settled properly at my new home near Cambridge UK, I will recommence live streaming of South Herts Radio. I could use a content delivery server to stream for me during this moving period but I don't have time to sort it out. Meanwhile all shortwave, FM and live streaming of SHR remains off air for about another 6 weeks, there may be the odd ocassional test. Listen again features will continue and I will announce when SHR resumes normal service. Please continue to list world of radio on SHR as scheduled and I will be in touch soon. People will still hear it via the listen again page anytime. I plan to do a 1 kW shortwave broadcast of SHR on a Sunday in late September with hired airtime on a well established legitimate carrier from Europe. This time e-mailing you from London but not for much longer. Best Wishes, (Gary, http://www.southhertsradio.com - International Community Radio. On shortwave, On FM, Online - we are SHR, Aug 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN. 7235, IRIB with intro including schedule read by OM, then into News read by YL with REALLY snazzy bumper music. Lead item was about President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election (still!). Then into news and views sort of programme with OM and YL swapping stories. SIO 343+ //9495 SIO 3+33+ but a little muddier and harder to understand, but both in better than I expected! 0137-0200 18/Jul (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet July 31 via DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. 7460, OPPOSITION. Radio Payam e-Doost via Madagascar at 0240 on 8/2. Fair to good in (l) Farsi, with slight QRN (Gerry Dexter, Lake Geneva, WI, NRD 545, TenTec 340, "Mark” (MK-l) ant, NASWA Flashsheet Aug 2 via DXLD) ?? Did you think ``MDA`` stood for Madagascar instead of Moldova? (gh, DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. Giovedì 30 luglio 2009, 0510 - 15690 kHz, R. FARDA - Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), Canzoni jazz e rap in farsi! New psy- formulas? Segnale buono (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. ANOTHER NEW SHORTWAVE SERVICE TO IRAN MOOTED [moot == suggest, propose, rather than never-mind or put down!] Dr Arash Irandoost, a pro-democracy activist who advocates Regime Change in Iran, has floated the idea of starting a shortwave radio station, Radio Neda, to force regime change in the country. Writing on the Right Side News website, Dr Irandoost says: “I have been discussing the merits of establishing shortwave radio broadcasting with media experts and those interested in over throwing the Islamic Dictatorship of Iran. The idea has received wide acceptance as a viable tool. I have decided to share it with the people of the world and ask them for their input and financial support, as they have been most generous and supportive allies of this pro-movement, absent and silent: many world leaders and international organizations.” “Despite its vast natural resources, Iran is still a third world country. However, almost all Iranians own radios and use it regularly to get their news and entertainment. Radios are not illegal and almost all automobiles are equipped with shortwave band. Shopkeepers, housewives, taxi drivers, street vendors, and factory workers listen to the radio on a regular basis. Besides, they are very cheap thanks to China and Korea imports. A note worthy of mention here is that Khomeini successfully used the shortwave broadcast from France for almost a year to broadcast his propaganda against the Shah and prepare the people for uprising prior to revolution of 1979.” Read the whole article SHORT WAVE RADIO vs THE IRANIAN MULLAHS AND THEIR NUCLEAR BOMB http://www.rightsidenews.com/200908015770/global-terrorism/short-wave-radio-vs-the-iranian-nuclear-bomb.html (August 2, 2009, 1610 UT by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) SRG August 2nd, 2009 - 20:24 UTC --- A “pro-democracy activist“?! What a joke! Obviously he wants to set up yet another anti-Iranian SW propaganda outlet. I don’t get it what his views have to do with democracy? I had to laugh after reading how he points to example of Khomeini’s using SW. It’s not 1979 anymore. Today, politically active Iranians prefer satellite TV to SW (comment, ibid.) ** IRELAND [non]. New 6225, *1925-2030*, G [sic = UK], 26+27+28.07, World R Network live stream, via Meyerton (presumed), English, open carrier and then end of relay of R Sweden in English with ID: "This is Radio Sweden, thank you for listening!", 1928 WRN ID, promo for various international stations that are relayed, "This is World Radio Network, now with RTE Ireland", ads, 1931 News from Dublin, weather, sports, religious programme, hymn: "There is only one God", interview about finances, ID: "Radio in English" 55444. Best 73, (Anker Petersen, from Skovlunde, Denmark, done on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) 6225 was `new` several weeks ago when first reported in DXLD, ex-6220 (gh) ** ISRAEL. Israel DTV - Haaretz article (English) http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1104226.html "On August 2, Israeli TV viewers will begin being able to receive free digital-quality broadcasts of channels 1, 2, 10, 33 and 99 via special decoders... There are three main types of decoders, and the most readily available models are made by Apex Digital and Konka, although the Israeli company NowCom will soon market its products as well..." The article goes on and on about various options and what options are coming up and where things can be purchased and where to get more information (Doni Rosenzweig, July 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ISRAEL [and non]. 6973, Galei Zahal, regular these days, but varying in strength depending on the day. On 8/2, very good from early 0040 tune in. Usually a good signal around 0130-0230 with easy listening music of several nationalities. A favorite listening spot for casual listening, along with Radio Rebelde, 5025, the latter when I am in the mood for something more up tempo! (Don Jensen, Kenosha WI, NASWA yg via DXLD) ** ITALY. 26000, R. Maria, Andrate, 2151-2226, 02 Aug, religious choir, chimes at 2200 for rosary in Latin, choir; 35444 (!), deteriorating (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KENYA. KENYA BROADCASTING CORPORATION TO DROP SHORTWAVE/MEDIUMWAVE The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is to stop using short and medium wave frequencies so as to save on costs, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. Information Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo said the frequencies were consuming too much power and were already overtaken by technological advances. The national broadcaster has also committed to reduce its power bills by at least Shs. 25 million ($330,000) as a way of dealing with its debts. After a meeting with the Parliamentary committee on Energy, Communication and Information, he said a review of spending at the KBC would be conducted so as to make it more competitive. (Source: journalism.co.za) (July 29th, 2009 - 15:15 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) 4 comments so far 1 Phil July 29th, 2009 - 16:58 UTC Good luck trying to cover rural Kenya on FM 2 Jonathan Marks July 29th, 2009 - 19:33 UTC This move seems to be hiding the fact that KBC has made some very strange moves into the digital broadcast space and is on the verge of collapse unless the government pumps in 13m dollars to keep it afloat. KBC is far more interested in TV and the AM radio is seen as a dead loss. The KBC have a debt of 233m dollars as a result of buying obsolete analogue transmission equipment acquired on 129m dollar loan from the Japanese government. The government has paid about 116m dollars of the loan, but the equipment is too expensive to run. KBC says they have a monthly power bill of 386,610 dollars to keep the MW and SW going. But compare that to the 31m dollars in assets belonging to the Kenyan Multi-Media University which were irregularly transferred to the Communications Commissions of Kenya when the university was taken over by the Ministry of Education. This story is only just starting to develop. Many other public service broadcasters are watching to see how this fiasco unfolds (MN blog comments via DXLD) Add one more 3: As already reported in DXLD, SW has been gone from Kenya for some two sesquiyears already, so why are they even mentioning it now? (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) 4 Chris Greenway August 2nd, 2009 - 16:46 UTC The “obsolete analogue transmission equipment” was a major new MW transmission network (20 new 50- and 100-kW transmitters at 10 sites) installed by the Marubeni Corporation in the early 1990s. Broadly speaking, almost all of the network is still working - not a bad achievement in Africa almost two decades later. As you’d expect for a national AM network for a country about the twice the size of the UK, the electricity bill is substantial. The fact that the KBC can’t afford the power bill or the loan repayments doesn’t in itself make the MW networks “obsolete”. It is, however, true to say that the networks are “obsolete” because most Kenyans now use FM for their radio listening as there are dozens of private FM broadcasters and the BBC, VOA, RFI and CRI all have 24/7 FM relays in Kenya. It was bad luck for the KBC that they made a big investment in AM just a few years before the FM explosion. With hindsight the KBC would have done better to have installed new FM networks, retaining some limited MW capability for the most remote regions. It’s now convenient for the KBC’s management to blame their current woes on a decision taken by their predecessors 20 years ago (ibid.) Since there are private/commercial broadcasters in Kenya, I have to wonder whether KBC would consider selling some of the (soon to be) defunct MW sites and the dormant shortwave sites? This is presuming the MW/SW sites have been maintained to the point of being sell able (David Sharp, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. PDR. 3959.696, KCBS-Kanggye, 1248, presumed with patriotic vocals and military music. Presumably running the "Regional" program as 2850.024 has the "Central" program from Pyongyang. 30 July. 3560.065, Voice of Korea, 1225, Korean, usual patriotic fanfare and music, occasional talk by a man. Fair-good. 31 July (David Sharp, FT- 950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5700 Harmonic, KCBS, Pyongyang. Stirring patriotic song 1238, 2 x 2850, which was much better on 2/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. Hello, Does anybody know the postal address/contact info of the English Service of the Voice of Korea, Pyongyang? Thanks in advance (Maruf Dewan, July 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) The address I've used before that works is very simple. Voice Of Korea Pyongyang Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (NORTH KOREA) (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) I was just going to write that before Keith said it first. I should add that response time does vary depending on how well your country has relations with the DPRK. For many years, I remember hearing that it was next to impossible for anyone in the U.S. to send letters to Pyongyang and thus had to make use of intermediaries in another country. For me in Canada responses from Voice of Korea don't take too long to arrive, usually one to three months tops. Though I haven't received a response for a letter I sent in March, before the nuke test (Jon Pukila, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada, ibid.) Re 9-054: Radio not mentioned in this story, but must-reading for anyone who has anything whatsoever to do with NK, including listening to VOK, let alone trying to QSL them or serving as their PR agent (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1471, DXLD) N. KOREA'S HARD-LABOR CAMPS: ON THE DIPLOMATIC BACK BURNER --- By Blaine Harden, Washington Post Foreign Service, Monday, July 20, 2009 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/19/AR2009071902178.html (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1471, DXLD) The big problem with the DPRK is there is no quick fix to the problem. Unless a peace deal can be finally signed after all these years. The way it stands now even if Kim Jung Il was to die someone else would just take over. This is the good part. The bad side is there would more than likely be a power struggle and there are many in the military who are even more looney than Jung (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. KCTV via CNN --- It`s great to hear the developments that have taken place in P`yongyang today! I was just watching "The Situation Room" on CNN. On the large video wall they were showing "North Korean TV" (KCTV Pyongyang was showing color bars) and the anchor said they were standing by for the latest video and images. I think "The Situation Room" will have gone to bed before any video comes up - it's still around eight hours till North Korean TV signs on for the day and KCTV is not known for running "Breaking News" coverage! Cheers, (Mark Fahey, NSW, UT Aug 4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA SOUTH [and non]. 5000, HLA still on air? Dear Takahito, is HLA time signal station on 5 MHz from South Korea still on service? http://www.kriss.re.kr/time/research/service/hla.jsp Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HLA_(radio_station) HLA is a time signal radio station in Daejeon, Chungcheongnamdo Province, South Korea. Established on November 24, 1984, it transmits a continuous signal on 5 MHz (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 26 via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) Re: HLA still on air ? Dear Wolfy, HLA on 5000 kHz has not been audible in Japan, so there is a possibility of the transmission stop. But there is no mention about this in their Korean homepage. As for their QSL, please have a look at my homepage http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~BCLSWL/QSL0304.html VLF Time Signal Station JJY, located at Hagane-san, Saga prefecture, on 60 kHz covers all the territory of South Korea too. 60 kHz radio-watches, sold in Japan, are also usable in South Korea. Then generally there seems to be the less need for standard time signal on shortwave (Takahito Akabayashi, Japan - July 27, ibid.) Hagane-yama Standard Frequency station (60 kHz) (Fuji-cho, Saga-gun, Saga prefecture). Standard Time and Frequency Signal Emission by JJY, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. http://jjy.nict.go.jp/jjy/index-e.html (BC-DX Aug 3 via DXLD) ** KURDISTAN. On my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire: New 4794.97, 0245-0315, CLANDESTINE, 26.07, Voice of Iranian Kurdistan, Iraq (presumed) Kurdish (presumed) talk by man and woman, heterodyne and jamming 23232. Audio disappeared 0300 (possibly fade out), but jamming continued till past 0315. Not heard on 4800-4900 (Anker Petersen, Denmark, via Dario Monferini, Italy, playdx yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** KURDISTAN. 3932, "Dendzhi Kurdistana Iran" Radio. ID in Kurdish (seems to be Sorani Kurdish dialect) at 0310 on 22/7, next talking mentioned "Marx and Engels", accompanied with IRAN jammer. At the same time on 4765 (over Dushanbe!) with different program in Kurdish with same ID, translated as "Voice of Kurdistan in Iran" (approx.), noted at 0355 moved to 4801 to avoid the IRN jammer (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** KUWAIT. Excellent signals from Kuwait on unscheduled 13620 kHz, heard 25 JUL at around 0915 in Arabic with long interview, time-signal and ID at 1000. 73s (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KYRGYZSTAN. 6030, Radio Maranatha (Tentative), Bishkek. Lots of music and announcements. Thought I heard Kyrgyzstan mentioned at 1825. Gone by 1848 21/07 (Kelvin Watts, Penrith NSW (Icom R75, 20m longwire), August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** MALAWI. TWR Malawi via shortwave --- Per communications just received from James Burnett, Regional Engineer at Trans World Radio Africa, their TWR Malawi partner has committed to getting the Malawi shortwave relay station on the air by the end of the year (Brandon Jordan - Memphis, TN, USA, July 30, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Why would they need Malawi? Is TWR in nearby Swaziland on the way out? They also buy lots of time on SENTECH, South Africa; to replace that? How many transmitters, powers, antennas, etc.? Glenn The only other information that I have is the 'future plan' listing in the Africalist http://www.muenster.org/uwz/ms-alt/africalist/ 4870 [TWR Malawi] R(eligious) f(uture plan) 1(kw) 73, (Brandon Jordan, ibid.) Which refers to WRTH 2009 on page 264 showing that, in addition to five FM frequencies around the country. One must go thru each new WRTH with a fine-tooth comb for such newsy items. So in that case it will just be for local/area coverage. But will revive Malawi as a SWBC radio country, as MBC left SW several years ago (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** MALAYSIA/SARAWAK. 5030, Sarawak FM via RTM, 1301-1412, Aug 4. Extremely nice to find Sarawak completely free from the usual heavy QRM from CNR-1. In vernacular; “RTM Kuala Lumpur” news; nice singing “Sarawak” jingle; DJ on the phone; pop songs (Tom Jones with “Delilah”, but most of the songs were in vernacular); IDs for “Radio Malaysia Sarawak”; // 7130.50 (some ham QRM), both fair. At 1355, when 7130.50 was totally covered by the start of CNR-1 echo jamming on 7130.0, this frequency continued on in the clear. Have posted audio segments from both frequencies at dxldyg “Files > Station Sounds” (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, Dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALI. Radiodiffusion-Télévision du Mali regularly heard in the local morning, e. g. today, 29 Jul at 0749 on 7285.88 kHz. 9635 kHz also used, usually heard later, around 1100, with S3 to 4 signals. Program consists of French and vernacular talk; quite often official declarations, and lots of fine cora music. 11965 kHz appears to be off the air. 73s (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MAURITANIA. 783, R. Mauritanie, Nouakchott, 2146-2204, 29 Jul, Arabic, long list of names, talks; 54444, QRM de Spain; silent on \\ 4845 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4845, R. Mauritanie, 7/20/09, 0715-0725. OM talking in Arabic. But it doesn't matter much because modulation is so poor. The signal goes from severely over-modulated to grossly under-modulated, so much so that the audio could barely be heard. Copy impossible. And this comes after Nouakchott returned to 4845 with a brilliant signal (Bruce Barker, Broomall, PA, NRD535D and an Alpha Delta dx sloper antenna, NASWA Flashsheet Aug 2 via DXLD) ** MEXICO [and non]. Radio Mil por lo visto su señal es muy variable a lo largo del día; por ejemplo, escuchada el 26 de julio de 2009 entre las 1230-1300 UT con señal muy variable entre SINPO 24423 y 44444 con música y anuncios comerciales identificándose como “NRM” (“Núcleo Radio Mil”), en ocasiones interferencia de Radio Habana Cuba en 6000 kHz en inglés [??]. A las 0030 UTC con el programa “Radio Conciencia” http://www.conacyt.mx/comunicacion/Radio/index2.htm --- no confundir con la emisora “La voz de tu conciencia”) en una entrevista con un médico hasta interferencia entre 0100-0130 UTC de una emisora al parecer Radio Suecia en 6010 vía Sackville, Canadá en idioma desconocido (¿sueco?) y entre 0130-0200 UTC en inglés, después fragmentos de música sin precisar la estación ya que la señal era muy pobre. A la mañana siguiente el noticiero del Núcleo Radio Mil escuchado por fragmentos entre 1330-1400 UT con moderada interferencia de Radio Habana Cuba en español en la frecuencia antes mencionada. El 4 de agosto a las 1200 UTC al finalizar severa interferencia de emisora desconocida, anuncio con identificación e inicio del noticiero "Enfoque". Envío archivos de audio http://rapidshare.com/files/263652271/SW6010KHZ-04AGO2009-1200UTC.zip.html Atte: (Ing. Civ. Israel González Ahumada, M.I., Aug 4, Mérida, Yucatán, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also COLOMBIA! ** MEXICO. 4800, XERTA, Radio Transcontinental de América, México DF, 0525-0615, 28-07, canciones religiosas en español, locutor, comentario religioso. 15321. (Méndez) 6104.7, XEQM, Mérida, 0530-0559, 28-07. Antes de 0530 horas fuerte interferencia de Radio Japan con su programa en inglés [via CANADA] en 6110, luego sin interferencia hasta las 0559 que inicia transmisión la BBC en 6105 [ASCENSION]. Canciones latinoamericanas, locutor, español, atendiendo llamadas de oyentes, locutor: "Llámennos a estos teléfonos...". 15321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 4800.000, XERTA, 0708, Spanish, rising above noise floor with "Radio Transcontinental" ID by a man, then into music. 1 August. 6104.778, XEQM, 0735, tentative, presume it's this and not a Brazilian, since what I could hear was in Spanish. First noted as a het against unID on high side, so only partially readable in LSB. 1 August. 6184.938, XEPPM, 0718, tune-in to program of blues, jazz and folk music. No announcements or talk until finally a "Radio Educacion" ID at 0727. Fair-Good. 1 August. (David Sharp, NSW Australia, FT-950 +ICF-2010, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. I haven't IDed anything from Oaxaca this year; and I've only IDed three TV stations from Chiapas this year. Many Mexicans are received here, yet few are IDed. I have talked about the difficulty of IDing TV DX from Mexico, and have shared my tips on this list and my tvdxtips.com site for eleven years. Very few DXers have paid any attention to what I've said. My site contains a thorough primer about IDing TV DX from Mexico, as well as local logos. I used to put a lot more information on the site, but my limited time and the lack of users caused me to cut back a few years back. As you know the area the DX was from and the offsets of the stations, maybe you should count all your receptions except XHTAA-2 and XHQRO-2. You did have stations from Mexico, and they should be counted somehow. That Wiki list contains many errors, BTW. When I talk about the difficulty of IDing Mexico TV DX, it just causes DXers to be disappointed and have hard feelings toward me. Therefore, I'm not saying anything else about this subject right now. You guys up north are certainly receiving some extraordinary DX. I've enjoyed reading the reports (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, July 27, WTFDA via DXLD) Danny, I want to thank you for your input on my Mexican. I looked at the Azteca 13 stations and all were low-powered except XHFA and the direction seemed to fit. I did not take into account it would be Azteca Ind. So for now will change it to XHCH. Now tell me [old roy is a newbie when it comes to Mexico] when they run those 5 to 6 minute clusters of ads, do any of them insert local ads? And also old roy > may be in need of your help down the line would that be ok? (Roy Barstow, Cape Cod, ibid.) Well, Roy, you are the victim of bad information. Although some sources (including the Mexican government) list XHCH-2 as independent, XHCH-2 has been an Azteca-13 relayer for at least seven or eight years. Some stations insert local ads, while some small area stations never ID and/or run local ads. I think if this Mexican 2-hop Es remains this common for you guys up north you are going to have to start logging Mexican TV the old fashioned way: IDs and local ads. You cannot depend on Mexico TV being the same for very long, with frequent network relayer switches. Nobody except somebody at Televisa and TV Azteca knows for sure where all of their relayers are located and which network they relay. I saw an Azteca-7 relayer the other day on channel 3 (with the typical TV Azteca local two-line text ID - in this case upper left) that is *not* listed anywhere. I don't remember how many of these unknown relayers I've received over the years. Fernando told me these IDs and local ads are inserted at the unmanned transmitter sites by automated equipment, and they generally ID as the transmitter site, rather than city of license or market area. (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, ibid.) I'd also like to thank Danny for creating his website. The other day I was paging through it and saw a logo that I had seen earlier in the day, but didn't realize it was a network logo because it was in the lower right of the screen (usually where I see program logos from Mexico). Turns out it was the Telesistema logo for HRCV-3 Honduras. I would encourage everyone to take a gander at his site, especially these days with all of the Latin American DX coming in (Jeff Kruszka, ibid.) ** MEXICO. Mexican transmitter sites --- While I am sure every Mexican FM or TV station would like to be on a mountain, and the trend is in that direxion, I remember visiting several border towns and finding FM (sometimes even AM) towers on top of downtown buildings, some not even very high, but the best available site under the circumstances, RF hazards to health and overloading radios not considered a problem. I expect this would still be more likely in smaller towns. 73, (Glenn Hauser, OK, July 31, WTFDA via DXLD) I think that is the case with many TV stations in the small towns and villages of Mexico. Many of those are probably low power TV network relayers that don't run any kind of IDs or local ads (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, ibid.) ** MEXICO. 2:34 PM with a heading of 260 degrees on 2 and seems Zero offset. Running what seems to be a comical sitcom or whatever. Lots of ads and small circle T/R light colored with something darker within this circle. Any help would be nice (Roy Barstow, Cape Cod, July 29, WTFDA via DXLD) As I outpointed with a log of mine some weeks ago, It`s not the circle, but what`s in it: two vertical bars, and to their right three dots vertically. That`s Aztec (and Mayan) notation for 13, i.e. 5 + 5 + 3. One reference: I gather 13 is also considered a lucky number by the Aztex. What do you bet that 100% of their programming is in Spanish? However, it seems that Azteca 7 just uses an ordinary numeral, why? Often misrepresented as `Arabic`. 73, (Glenn Hauser, OK, ibid.) XHFA-2 is a very tough catch. I use a TV/VCR for each Es channel for Mexico TV DX. Nevertheless, that station has been IDed here only three times in the last fifteen years: once by local ad, twice by tiny, supered text ID upper right. I was going to suggest that maybe Roy had XHCH-2 which really gets out well. In checking offsets on Doug's Data XHFA is +2 and XHCH is -2 (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, ibid.) Speaking of Azteca --- big fine for not running thousands of IFE PSAs prior to the early-July elexion (gh) ** MEXICO. IMPONE IFE MULTA A TV AZTECA DE CASI 22 MDP México.- El Consejo General del Instituto Federal Electoral multó con casi 22 millones de pesos a Televisión Azteca por no haber transmitido spots de campaña. La concesionaria no difundió 5 mil 734 spots en los canales 13 y 7, de las señales que transmite por los sistemas Sky y Cablevisión, en mayo, junio y los primeros días de julio. Además de la multa, la televisora tendrá que reponer en parte del tiempo comercial con el que cuente en Sky y en Cablevisión, los promocionales no transmitidos, de acuerdo con una pauta que elaborará el IFE. El proyecto de resolución original proponía multar con 62 millones de pesos a Televisión Azteca por la no transmisión de promocionales. El presidente del IFE, Leonardo Valdés, consideró que este tipo de montos podría inhibir conductas violatorias de la ley. No obstante, después de una votación cerrada, el IFE aprobó la propuesta del consejero Virgilio Andrade de multar con 21 millones 920 mil pesos a la televisora. Esta cifra fue calculada tomando en cuenta la reincidencia en la omisión de promocionales en que incurrió Televisión Azteca. Fuente: http://www.wradio.com.mx/nota.aspx?id=852566 (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) ** MEXICo. XHCOL-3 and Doug's Database --- Although I've stated that Mexico TV information contains errors and omissions, this is no reflection on Doug and his excellent TV Database. Doug relies on official government sources for his Database, and that is where many Mexico problems originate. Otherwise, Doug's site is excellent: It is reliable, it is updated often, and it is free. I like Fred Cantú's Mexico Radio TV site, but it also has errors and omissions for TV. Cantú does have one important piece of information on his site that every TV DXer needs to know: XHCH-2 Chihuahua runs the Azteca-13 feed in real time, while XHIT-4 Chihuahua runs Azteca-13 programming on a one hour delay. The Chihuahua stations were doing that for a couple of years before Cantu mentioned it on his site. The only way Doug and Cantú would be able to keep up with all the changes in Mexico would be to travel to every Mexico TV market at least once a year (and we know that is impossible). My latest unknown station is Azteca-7 relayer XHCOL-3 Atenquique, Jalisco. Coordinates from Doug's site (which I assume are for transmitter site) put XHCOL-3 *Colima's* tower twenty-five or so miles from the village of Atenquique. Common sense tells me that a station serving a good-sized city like Colima is not going to ID as a small village unless their transmitter is located there. My thought is that two transmitters are involved, one in Colima, another in Atenquique. The small text ID upper left looks like this: XHCOL-TV CANAL 3 ATENQUIQUE JAL (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, WTFDA via DXLD) Yep, it's considerably more difficult keeping track of things in Mexico, and the quality of my Mexican data is considerably poorer than the Canadian and U.S. information. I did spend some time on the phone with Jim Thomas this afternoon - he put me on to some good leads on the COFETEL (Mexican government regulatory agency) website which may provide for significant improvements. There are a number of problems with my data as it exists, especially with regard to transmitter coordinates. The official Mexican government information I have right now **does not include tower sites**. It's got city, state, channel, callsign, ERP, name of licensee, and effective date of the license. Transmitter coordinates (and antenna heights) for Mexican stations in my database come from four sources: 1. The U.S. FCC database. Stations near the border (within 400 km if I recall properly) must be "notified" to the U.S. Department of State. (and vice-versa) DoS reports them to the FCC, which in turn uses the data to ensure they don't authorize any U.S. stations that would cause interference in Mexico. In order to be of value, this "notification" data must include tower coordinates and antenna height. I am not convinced this data is always accurate. Canadian government data notified to the FCC does not always match what's in Canada's domestic database -- and vice-versa, information on U.S. stations in the Canadian database doesn't necessarily match what the FCC has. Indeed, for this reason I ignore data in the FCC DB when preparing my Canadian listings, and ignore data in the Canadian DB when preparing U.S. listings. Unfortunately the U.S. database is the only source I have for antenna heights in Mexico. In any case, stations in interior Mexico -- not close enough to the border to be subject to interference from the U.S. -- are not notified, and thus don't appear in the FCC DB. 2. Wikipedia. Of course this source is famed for inaccuracy, though to be honest I find it's right far more than it's wrong. In any case, only a literal handful or two of Mexican stations have tower coordinates on their Wikipedia pages. 3. Tower coordinates for *AM* stations in the same town. AM and FM radio stations must also be "notified" to the U.S. government. FM coordinates aren't of value to me - because they, too, are only notified if they're within 400 km of the border, so if a town is close enough to get its FMs notified, its TV stations are also notified. But AM stations are notified throughout the Americas. (even down into Argentina!) The vast majority of Mexican towns that have one or more TV stations listed also have at least one AM station. Of course, chances are the TV transmitting antenna is NOT on an AM tower, and especially it's probably not on the tower of the AM station I chose at random! But it's got to be somewhere near the town in question, and that's better than nothing... 4. Coordinates for the town/place itself. Sometimes, if the TV station is the only station in a given town, the town itself is listed on Wikipedia -- I'll lift the coordinates from there. Again, the TV tower probably isn't located in the center of town, but it's better than nothing. Sometimes, when a TV station is licensed to a place other than a town, the coordinates for that place (usually a mountain) are on the Web. For example, XHPTP-34 Cerro Pico Tres Padres, Edo. Mexico. This is a mountain, not a town, but its coordinates are available online. I'm hoping Jim's source is going to pan out. It's got a lot of promise. – (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) After reading Doug's comments about the coordinates, I think Colima/Atenquique is simply another Jalapa/Las Lajas/Perote type situation. Therefore, XHCOL-3 probably has only one transmitter, and that would be in Atenquique on a mountain (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, ibid.) ** MONGOLIA. 12085.000, Voice of Mongolia, 1028, IS and English ID. Strong signal but overmodulated. 29 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF- 2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MOROCCO. 1079.8, RTM-"Q", Rabat, 0955-, 02 Aug, Arabic, songs, seemingly some children's program; 55454, but pretty bad at dusk due to QRM de Spain; at the end of the afternoon on Sat., 01 Aug, \\ Rabat 94.2 provided a splendid option (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. Happy Station July 30, 2009 0100 UT http://www.radio4all.net/files/kperron@gmail.com/3101-1-happy_station_073009_0100utc.mp3 Happy Station July 30, 2009 1500 UT http://www.radio4all.net/files/kperron@gmail.com/3101-1-happy_station__073009_1500utc.mp3 (Keith Perron, Taiwan, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Happy Station's Tribute To Dxers Part 2 --- From Keith Perron: Hi Everyone, A number of people have been contacting me asking first if I was going to do a second special DXERS show and if I was when? The answer is YES and YES. Happy Station Tribute To Dxers Part 2 Air date: August 13, 2009 Time: This will be for the 1500 UT Transmission Frequency: 9955 kHz Webstream: http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.wrmi.net My guests and topics will be: Soviet Jamming with a former Lithuanian Minister Of Communications and long time DXer Rimantas Pleikys. Simon Mason author of Secret Signals to talk about the mystery of spy number stations. And the full interview with Jerry Berg about his books on the history of shortwave radio. This show will air on World FM 88.5fm in Tawa & Redwood, New Zealand on August 15, 2009 at 1000 UT. The webstream for that transmission can be heard at http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.worldfm.co.nz If you have any questions about that show my email is pcj.happystation@ gmail.com Keep Listening, (Keith Perron, Taiwan, via Mike Terry, BDXC-UK via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS ANTILLES. TWR Bonaire VIDEO [flv file, 7 MB]: http://www.twr.org/files/video/bonaire09.flv (Dragan Lekic, Serbia, July 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEW ZEALAND. There were some errors in ZLM Taupo Maritime Radio schedule given at DXLD 9-058. Here is the correct schedule in UT. Coastal Warnings and bulletins; 1333 1733 0133 0533 on 2207 4146 6224 kHz (1 hour earlier between last Sunday in September and first Sunday in April) Coastal Reports; 2003 0003 0803 on 2207 4146 6224 kHz (1 hour earlier between last Sunday in September and first Sunday in April) Oceanic warnings; 1503 0303 on 6224 12356 kHz (all the year round) Oceanic warning; 1533 0333 on 8297 16531 kHz (all the year round) Oceanic weather bulletins and warnings; 2103 0903 on 6224 12356 kHz (1 hour earlier between last Sunday in September and first Sunday in April) Oceanic weather bulletins and warnings; 2203 1003 on 8297 16351 kHz (1 hour earlier between last Sunday in September and first Sunday in April) QSL letter and some photographs are shown in my homepage http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~BCLSWL/QSL0908.html (Takahito Akabayashi, Japan, July 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA. 6089.85, R. Nigeria, Kaduna, 2117-2136, 30 Jul, vernacular, talks, ads (presumed), ID at 2130, tribal tunes during another program at 2131; 54444, adjacent DRM QRM (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. WEED Radio on 6930 USB at 0615-0626* UT. Best in narrow USB at exactly -0.5 PBT, where the audio really rose out of the noise to a nice level. At 0616, the "Loralei" song from Queen (I believe), an old 1930's depression era song, "Hear the Curfew Blow," last song was a Big John-style country rap, titled "Mean." Several WEED IDs with heavy reverb effect and off at 0626* (Michael Bryant, KY, Eton E1, Aug 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Take a listen in the 6900 to 6955 kHz range between 0400 and 0600 UT, particularly at the weekends, for low powered North American 'hobby stations'. Last weekend I heard WEAK Radio on 6930 in this time period, and they were also audible a few times during the week. Then yesterday (1 August) I caught Wolverine Radio on 6925 between 0427 and 0450 closedown - probably the strongest signal I've ever had from a US pirate. WEAK Radio promptly verified last weekend's reception - they are 100 watts from the Southeast USA. Now I just need to track down an email address for Wolverine! (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai - Northland NZ, AOR7030+ and EWEs to the Americas, August 2, Ripple mailing list via DXLD) Prof. Hauser, It sure sounded like Weed Radio, but the heavy reverb on the ID did make it difficult to clearly understand and the ID loop was only ran once. Thank you for the correction. The location of SE USA fits, as the signal was quite strong on the peaks, at least here in Louisville, KY. Didn't expect to hear a pirate at that time in the local morning. Thanks for your hard work, (Mike Bryant, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Sep 18-Sep 20, 1800Z-1700Z, Kenton, OK. Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, NØT. 26th Okie-Tex Star Party. 7200 14.235 28.440. Certificate. Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, PO Box 22804, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1804. First Star Party Special Event. All invited. Stop by if you’re in the area. ac0j@hotmail.com or http://www.okie-tex.com (ODXA Listening In via DXLD) ** OMAN. 15355.000, Radio Oman, 0353, English, pop music, then talk by a woman about the United Nations at 0353, followed by: "There's much more on the way, on Radio Oman..." (Except on this frequency!) Off at 0358 during dance cover of Depeche Mode's "I Just Can't Get Enough." Fair. 1 August (David Sharp, NSW Australia, FT-950 +ICF-2010, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA [and non]. INDONESIA. 3344.962, RRI-Ternate, 1230, good with EZL Indo pops, talk by a man. Usual cochannel PNG off today. (Also worth noting that East Sepik 3335 also off today and has been sporadic over the past week or so.) 30 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF- 2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4746.930, Radio Huanta Dos Mil, 1144, Spanish, news or similar by a man, local time check at 1147, into ads, dropping off fast. 31 July. 4857.442, Radio La Hora, 1154, strongest Peruvian today, rapid-fire talk by a man in Spanish, mention of "Cusco," mensajes, brief music bridges. 31 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4746.9, Radio Huanta 2000, Huanta, 2249-2305, 27-07, locutor, español: "Cinco de la tarde y cuarenta y nueve minutos, continuamos llevando alegría a nuestros oyentes", canciones peruanas. 15321. 4774.9, Radio Tarma, Tarma, 2247-2304, 27-07, locutor, comentarios, música, identificación: "Radio Tarma". 15321. 4857.5, Radio La Hora, Cuzco, 2254-2307, 27-07, música andina. 15321. 4955, Radio Cultural Amauta, Huanta, 2230-2245, 27-07, música andina, locutor, quechua, luego comentario en español: "La palabra de Dios". 25432. 5120.2, Radio Ondas del Suroriente, Quillabamba, 2232-2239, 27-07, canciones peruanas. Muy débil. Sólo en LSB. 15321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 5120.21, R. Ondas del Sur Oriente, Quillabamba. Good with Spanish talks 1214, mention of Lima 1216, jingle 1219, ID 1230, 2/7 5460.09, R. LV Bolívar, Bolívar, fair 1236 with uptempo Latin tunes, some thunderstorm splash on 2/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** PERU. 4790.2, Radio Visión, Chiclayo, escuchada por última vez el día 1 de Julio; luego, imposible de captar durante todo el mes, parece que está fuera del aire actualmente. (Méndez) 9720, Radio Victoria, Lima, imposible escuchar a esta emisora en esta frecuencia durante todo el mes de Julio, parece fuera del aire actualmente en 9720, y los últimos días de Julio también parece fuera del aire en 6019.6 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4824.47, LV de la Selva, 0948 nice lively OA and LA Pops. 0957 short canned ID by M and W, and immediately back to music. Beginning to fade after 1005. Very short jingle by M at 1012. One ad and jingle at 1017, then back to more music at 1018. 1027 canned announcement by W mentioning "la mejor música ?? ". More announcements at 1047 but almost gone. Finally disappeared with last bits of music heard at 1051. All tropical band signals seemed weak this morning. (1 August) 73 (Dave Valko, Dunlo PA, HCDX via DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. Radio Pilipinas, 1730-1830 UT transmission on 15190, 11720 and 9395 is currently carrying a recording of a Manila domestic FM station instead of its own programming. Heard at 1730 tune-in with ID "Business Talk on DWBR 104.3 FM - Business Radio" then references to it being "Saturday morning" in Manila. Quite good reception on all three frequencies. Programming is mostly in Tagalog with some English. WRTH 2009 lists DWBR as a station of the Philippine Broadcasting Service which also operates Radio Pilipinas. I'm not sure if this is usual Sunday programming on Radio Pilipinas, or if perhaps they are carrying DWBR because of the recent death of former president Corazon Aquino? (Dave Kenny, Caversham, AOR7030+ 25m long wire, Aug 2, BDXC-UK yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. FEBC Philippines --- After 61 years of broadcasting the Good News, FEBC privileged to minister to different ethnic groups through their heart languages. Our stations in Mindanao have broadcasts in Cebuano, which is widely used in the region. They also carry programs in Ilonggo and other Visayan languages. In addition, there are broadcasts in particular tribal dialects, such as Tiruray, Manobo and T’Boli in 1116 DXKI Koronadal and Matigsalog in 1197 DXFE Davao. When 1143 DZMR Santiago City begins to operate, there will be broadcasts in Ilocano, which is the lingua franca or the most common language in Northern Luzon and the Cordilleras. Furthermore, there will be programs in Ibanag, Itawis and Ifugao, which are the heart languages of some people groups in the area. We hope to eventually broadcast in 10 more languages and dialects in the years to come. (Philippine DX News report No. 30 by Henry Umadhay in Antique, Central Philippines, for AWR Wavescan Aug 9, via DXLD) These are archived at http://pilipinasdx.blogspot.com/ ** PITCAIRN ISLAND. Does anyone know if there's a radio station on Pitcairn Island? The CIA Factbook seems to indicate there is 1 station, an AM but no FM or TV. However, every other source I find seems to say NO radio stations exist on the island. I know how small, remote and sparsely populated the island is, so I'm just curious. -- Sincerely, (Paul B. Walker, Jr., Ord NE?, IRCA via DXLD) Paul, Nothing in the WRTH. Seems the Island has a population of about 50 people. Wikipedia says there are no broadcast stations on the Island. No TV stations. One pay phone. A handful of amateur operations on the Island. Links below. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcairn_Islands http://www.government.pn/ (Dennis Vroom, Salmon Creek, WA, Aug 2, ibid.) Paul, In all the years I've done the PAL log, I've never run across any references to Pitcairn stations. There are hams there but that seems to be about it, radiowise. I suppose it's possible the locals have a low powered station that nobody knows about, but that remains to be seem. From what I can tell, references like the CIA factbook tend to be only slightly in sync with reality (Bruce Portzer, WA, ibid.) I`m sure Adrian Peterson, SDA, AWR Wavescan, has done exhaustive features on the history of radio, broadcasting on Pitcairn. May have put it into DXLD when published (gh, DXLD) Years ago, I used to enjoy listening to the hams on Pitcairn who were very active, especially on 20 meters. Unfortunately, they don't seem to bother anymore, and it's been years since I've heard them, nor aware of anyone else who has heard them. I think they've gone over to satellite for their leisure time/communication (they used to have regular nets for messages, etc.) (Walt Salmaniw, IRCA via DXLD) ** PORTUGAL [and non]. RDPI, tuned in at 1959 August 2 just in time to hear timesignal at 2000*. Checked against WWV a minute later, it was accurate to the second. But I noted the frequency as 15540, while it must really have been 15560 as scheduled Sat/Sun until 2000. An hour later at 2100 I happened to be tuned to REE via Costa Rica on 17850, and their time signal was one second slow, partly but not completely due to the satellite-delayed feed from Madrid, unless it take three hops (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. New 4831, *1958-2200*, 26.07, Spurious, Voice of Russia, via Tbilisskaya, Russian. VOR IS, religious programme, 2058 chimes, ann, time signal, another Russian programme 25232 heard // 1089 Tbilisskaya, caused by default transmitter at Tbilisskaya on 5920, i.e. 5920 - 1089 = 4831. (Anker Petersen, from Skovlunde, Denmark, done on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Hello Glenn, Voice of Russia has returned to the DRM mode on 9725-9730-9735 kHz, heard today, August 4th, around 1000 hrs. I presume it's the German program heard in AM before. 73s (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. RUSSIA 12040 Moscow spurious emissions in 25 meter band. Tonight July 27th some VoRussia Moscow intermodulations again, observed in 1900-2005 UT slot on 11962.4 - 11969.6 kHz, 12110.8 - 12115.9 kHz, 12264.8 - 12276.2 kHz. [still had intermodulations on August 1st, wb.] (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 27 via DXLD) ** RUSSIA [and non]. I’ve been listening a lot to the Voice of Russia for three reasons: first, because of the programming (great Russian choirs), second, because I get homesick for the place sometimes (I visited it several years ago and I would drop everything to go back again, even with a side trip to VOR) and I still keep in touch with some people there, and third, because the reception for the past few months has been awesome. I usually get it in the evenings on 9665 kHz [via Pridnevstrovye]. It’s even better than local CBC and private radio, coming in clear as a bell. I wish I could receive the Beeb that clearly. 73 (Sue Hickey, NL, CIDX Forum, Aug CIDX Messenger via DXLD) ** SAUDI ARABIA. 9715, BSKSA, Riyadh. Holy Qur`an (please see ADXN On Air July 2009) in Arabic, reported for decades, and checked once more on 19-21/7: IS from 0256, s/on at 0300 with ID and close/down at 0854. Now without traditional "buzz" sound (Pankov*). 17785 BSKSA, Riyadh. S/on at 0752 with program in English till 0758 when a man said "we end the program from Riyadh and resuming it at 1 pm from a studio in Jeddah", next a program in French 0800-0956 was. 19/7. The next program in French was heard on 17660 1400-1556 and not after (pse see previous ADXN). In Bengali was observed till 1455 only on 15120 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via DXLD) Venerdì 31 luglio 2009, 1408 - 21505 kHz, BuzzSKSA - Ryadh (Arabia Saudita), AA, nxs OM. Segnale buono. No buzz su // 21640 (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) 2 August: 0633 - 17730 kHz. SuperBuzzSKSA - Ryadh (Arabia Saudita) AA, notizie OM. Segnale buono. No buzz su 17740 (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, playdx yg via DXLD) 15205, BSKSA, August 1 at 1715-1756* melodic muezzin, perfect lullaby for a rare noontime nap. I had wisely chosen this instead of Sawt ul- Buzz on 15435. Per Aoki, 15205 is 500 kW, 320 degrees from Riyadh (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SERBIA. FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL RADIO SERBIA REMAINS UNCLEAR Media Network by Andy Sennitt July 29 2009 The Serbian news agency Tanyug quotes the Minister for the Diaspora, Srdjan Sreckovic, as saying that "The Serbian government will rent a satellite as of January 1, 2010, in order to be able to broadcast programmes of Radio and Television of Serbia RTS in the territory of the USA, Australia, and Europe, maintaining that it is in the state interest to air RTS programmes in all countries where Serbs live." The minister added that "This is the beginning of a completely new stand toward the diaspora," suggesting that there will be significant changes in the way programmes are distributed. The minister was only referring specifically to broadcasts in Serbian. As reported previously, a budget has been agreed for continuing broadcasts in Serbian plus eleven foreign languages, but only satellite and Internet were mentioned in the announcement, suggesting that shortwave transmissions may be dropped. http://blogs.rnw.nl:80/medianetwork/future-of-international-radio-serbia-remains-unclear (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** SERBIA [non]. In case it`s about to be closed down, I made a point of checking International Radio Serbia again on 9675, August 2 at 0045. Unfortunately that`s UT Sunday when English at 0030 is replaced by Serbian, also folk music. So I will hear English at 0100, right? No, transmitter when off at 0100:30* and did not come back in the next four sesquiminutes when I upgave. It supposedly shifts from 310 to 325 degree beam for 7-days-a-week English at 0100-0130, as in Aoki and here: http://glassrbije.org/E/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=21&Itemid=34 I recall several weeks ago they had problems with the 325 antenna, but I thought they were just using the 310 instead (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOMALILAND. 7145 R. Hargeisa, Somalia. In Vernacular with the earliest time heard here at 1220 on 22/7 with ID, something like "Idoo Somale" at 1300. Asking more for their s/on time (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) Quite good, local music 1525, then Somali announcement, mentions of Somalia, then echo intro. into next program segment, 2/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** SPAIN [and non]. REE, Amigos de la Onda Corta, DX program, UT Sunday August 2 at 0008 on 15160 via Costa Rica with item about FARC broadcasts being heard over the border in Ecuador; at 0011 found much better modulation and reception direct from Noblejas on 11680, and after 0030 the mailbag program, not immediately Cuban-dominated (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also PORTUGAL ** SUDAN [and non]. 4750, tentative, South Sudan, Radio Peace, 0330 to 0400* with audio fading in an out. Thanks Scott Barbour! 183 Saarland strong same time, 198 BBC. 27 July. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8 R7 Sony 2010XA, Various Antennas, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN. Radio Peace – Change of Frequency --- Hi Glenn ! Received this today. 73, (Patrick Robic, Austria, July 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: -------- Original-Nachricht -------- Betreff: Radio Peace Sudan - Change of frequency Datum: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:24:20 -0400 Von: Peter Stover Organisation: Educational Media Corp. This week, the Radio Peace technical team is performing routine maintenance. In the process of tuning our transmitters, the 4750 kHz transmitter frequency will be changed to 4740 kHz to eliminate interference from a broadcaster in Uganda who began using the frequency about four years after Radio Peace started its operation on 4750. We'd appreciate monitoring reports. We can be contacted at this email address. Other news about Radio Peace can be found at our website: http://www.GlobalEndeavor.org (Pete Stover, Manager, Radio Peace via Patrick Robic, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Aside from CODAR, other utes, only other station on 4740 is per EiBi: 4740 0400-0600 VTN Son La RTV VN VTN 4740 1200-1401 VTN Son La RTV VN VTN 4740 2200-0100 VTN Son La RTV VN VTN or per Aoki: 4740 R. Son La 1 0300-0500 1234567 Vietnamese/Meo 1 ND Son La VTN 4740 R. Son La 1 1150-1400 1234567 Vietnamese/Meo 1 ND Son La VTN 4740 R. Son La 1 2200-0030 1234567 Vietnamese/Meo 1 ND Son La VTN 10355E 2120N and per DSWCI DBS: B 4739.6 - VTN Son La R & TV station, Son La 2200-0100 0400-0600 1200- 1400 Vietnamese/Vernacular, // 828 MW. ID: "Viet Nam ... dai phat thanh truyen hinh Son La" APR09 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Sent an inquiry to Sei-ichi Hasegawa in Japan, asking if anyone there had recently reported hearing R. Son La (4739.60v). His response was that no one was hearing them and was probably off-the- air, which corresponds with my observations. So unless they suddenly start up again after all these months, R. Peace should be fine on their new frequency of 4740 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, July 30, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO PEACE TECHNICAL TEAM TO MAKE FREQUENCY CHANGE Spotsylvania, Virginia July 28, 2009 "During a routine maintenance and resupply trip this week, the Radio Peace technical team plans to fine tune both of the transmitters which carry Christian broadcasts to tens of thousands of people in South Sudan, southern Darfur, the Nuba Mountains and North Sudan. In the process, engineer Livingstone Kiniaru will change the frequency of the 4750 kHz shortwave transmitter to 4740 kHz to avoid an interference problem that has been created by another broadcaster in the neighboring country of Uganda. This rather simple adjustment will allow the Radio Peace programs to be heard clearly in five languages once again across its coverage area in South Sudan and southern Darfur. Pray that this technical procedure will be successful and that both Livingstone and mechanic Sam Sele will have safe travel to and from Radio Peace this week. Also, pray for our transmitter operators and security crew who live at the broadcast facility in South Sudan." http://www.globalendeavor.org/ (via Mike Terry, July 30, dxldyg via DXLD) 4750, tentative, R. Peace Nuba Mountains, *0225-0242, July 31, vernacular. Sign-on with talk in unidentified language and occasional music bits; music at 0240; very poor; still buried waaay under band noise; nothing noted on planned frequency switch 4740. Checked both frequencies at 0225 the following night, 8/1, but nothing heard on either thru 0235. 4750, SUDAN, R. Peace Nuba Mountains, *0226-0238, Aug 3, English. S/on with "This is Radio Peace." ID and gospel-like religious music bit; repeated two more times then "You are listening to Radio Peace" ID at 0028 into W announcer over music with talk in presumed English; too weak to detail; tentative ID in passing at 0237; poor tho best reception to date (Scott R. Barbour Jr., Intervale, N.H. USA, NRD-545, RX-350D, MLB1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN [non]. 30 July, 0512 - 13840 kHz, R. DABANGA - Talata V. (Madagascar), AA/dialetti, tk OM/YL. Segnale sufficiente-buono. In sottofondo musica afropop. Problema tecnico o jamming? (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) ** SURINAME. 4990.000, Radio Apintie, 1105, Dutch, comments by a woman, can't think there's anyone else here in this language. Fading out fast and competing with cochannel China, which was fading in. No ID. Thanks Tankoo tip. 31 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. 7445, Radio Taiwan International, 1108-1120 Aug 3, Noted a female in English language comments . At 1109 she gives ID as: "... English language ... brought to you by Radio Taiwan ..." This is followed by others briefly in English comments. Signal was poor. No jamming noted, so I guess the Chicoms don't care what the English hear from Taiwan? (Chuck Bolland, 27.27N 080.56W, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAJIKISTAN [and non]. Another buzzy distorted audio, like odd satellite feed frequency noted against Orzu-TJK relay, RFA Tibetan program 1500-1600 UT, and RFA Uyghur 1600-1700 UT (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 29 via DXLD) I believe he refers to ChiCom jamming rather than Orzu defect (gh) ** THAILAND. Dear Glenn: On the 1st of April, 2009 I received a QSL card from Radio Thailand for its reception on 29.07.2006 on 9680 kHz from 2030 to 2045 UT. Best, (Andy Martynyuk, Moscow, Russia, Aug 2, 2009, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It all takes time ** TURKEY. The Voice of Turkey was heard on unusual 9651 kHz instead of 9655 on July 31st for the transmission in Georgian starting 1000. The carrier was on half an hour before the start of the broadcast. 73s, Good DX & good week-end (Robert Foerster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UGANDA. 4795.95 [sic; surely typo for 4975.95] R. Uganda (presumed). 0345, 8/2/09. Weak signal under T-storm crashes. Extended talk by OM. Not heard in many months (Jerry Strawman, Des Moines, IA, Drake R8, Wellbrook 1.1 Meter Loop http://www.radiodx.net/wordpress/ Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** UKRAINE. 2 August: 0532 - 9945 kHz, R. UKRAINE INT. - Kharkiv, English, musica lcoale e letterbox OM/YL. Segnale sufficiente - buono NF? 9950 libera (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, playdx yg via DXLD) ** U K. Worth a listen: BBC Radio 4: "MI6: A Century in the Shadows" Radio 4 has begun a three-part documentary series commemorating the 100-year anniversary of MI6, the UK's analog to the USA Central Intelligence Agency. Considering the importance that radio has played in the communication of information between field agents and headquarters, folks here might find it worth a listen. Bletchley Park - the codebreaking center for British intelligence - is mentioned in the first episode of the series. The first episode, "Gadgets and Green Ink", is available on-demand until roughly 0900 UTC on Monday, August 3rd; that's when the second episode, "Heroes and Villains", goes to air; that episode will then be available online for a week. Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ls8ll (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) ** U S A. I have been receiving a VOA/HCJB DRM transmission on 9400- 9405-9410 kHz from 0205 tune in. I was re-installing the Dream software on my PC this evening, and just happened upon this test transmission as I was scanning for a DRM transmission to test my set up. Not sure which transmitter this one is originating from. Programming has been VOA Music Music until 0300, then News followed by American Gold program, featuring "Rock's First 10 Years, Part One". Signal quality is very good, and the DRM audio stream is 20.90 kbps mono. There are also images being sent, VOA and HCJB logos. Also, DRM listeners beware. Earlier this year I received image files sent via DRM from a TDF test transmission that contained viruses! My virus software picked them up as soon as they downloaded, but I was quite surprised to say the least and contacted TDF to let them know. They seemed surprised also. Of course, the image files received during this VOA transmission were clean. -- (Brandon Jordan - Memphis, TN, USA bcdx.org@gmail.com - http://www.bcdx.org Perseus SDR + ALA-330S + Dream software 0329 UT Aug 4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viruses via DRM?! Another good reason to do without it (gh) Several NA DXers have reported in the "drmna yg" of a VOA/HCJB DRM test on 9405 kHz today 4th August 0100 - 0300 UT. The banner reads "VOA / HCJB" with one stream of audio at AAC+ Mono (20.9 kbps) and another with a MOT Slideshow (3.84 kbps). Some kind of demo transmission. Anyone has further info on this? (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) VOA/HCJB DRM Tests This has not yet been officially announced, but since it is showing up on here, I'll provide some advance information. IBB engineering and the HCJB Global Technology Center have teamed up for some DRM demonstration and test broadcasts from the IBB site in North America. Broadcasts officially begin on August 10. Transmissions may be on this week for internal testing purposes. The initial schedule is: 0000-0400 UT 9405 kHz aimed 45 degrees with a log periodic antenna 2000-2200 UT 15475 kHz aimed 306 degrees with a rhombic antenna Modes, times, and frequencies are subject to change for test purposes. Reception reports are welcome and may be sent to drm @ voanews.com (note that emails with large files (>3MB) are automatically deleted by the system). (Gerhard Straub, August 4, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Transmitter site is Greenville, North Carolina & they are using a HCJB-designed exciter (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, Cumbre DX via DXLD) Tnx for the info, so apparently 9530 was also a test for that. 15475?? That will blow away one third of the LRA36 Antarctica broadcast on 15476 until 2100. Who picked that frequency??? Since they are subject to change, please do so, at least 15 kHz away from 15476. Why rhombic and LP? Can`t use Greenville curtains for this? (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) 9530 is reported to have service label "WAZ Nachrichten, Germany". Here's some more info .. http://www.drmrx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2138 (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also UNIDENTIFIED But that doesn`t mean it was transmitted from Germany; as Alan Johnson, NV, doubts too. Nor is `HCJB` above from Ecuador. Would it be too much to ask for the DRM folx to keep their schedules current? (gh, DXLD) I'm still reading Echo des Tages DRM news in German on 9530 2100-2230 and WAZ Nachrichten Journaline text data starting at 2230. Haven't checked end time for WAZ. Also reading VOA/HCJB DRM audio + pictures at 2220. Weak with ID but no decode. 9405 strong signal starting at 2230. Intermittent decode, playing contemporary rock music. ID stated DRM test and listed email address. Didn't copy address as signal was off at 2231 (Terry Wilson, MI, Aug 4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Isn`t Journaline part of that joint BBC/DW DRM service which had been for Europe only? (gh, DXLD) WAZ still on 2301 UT, off by 2320. 5 Aug 09: VOA/HCJB DRM on 9405 returned at 0000 UT with moderate signal I couldn't decode. Accompanying text reads "You are listening to the VOA / HCJB DRM demo transmission. drm@voanews.com" Signal strength jumped at 0035 and was nearly perfectly decodable for 45 minutes, with VOA Music Mix, interrupted by news about Clinton in Korea at the top of the hour. Decoding developed problems starting at 0015, with constant dropouts and the audio appearing only in hiccups, a common problem with the digital formats world governments are restricting us to and inferior to analog transmission. It's more intolerable than any QRM/N I ever encounter on analog SW. I doubt I'm in the target region for VOA/HCJB, but I don't even get perfect decode from Sackville. Though VOA had the MOT Slideshow enabled, there were no pictures being broadcast. Despite continued strong signal strength, fading distortion made the signal completely undecodable by 0145. A comparable analog broadcast would still be booming (Terry Wilson, MI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. Some frequency checks this Thursday morning (July 30) between 0620-0700 UT revealed: VOA: There was (and often is) a good signal from Greenville on 9885 in French. Programme concludes about 0630 but transmission continues with ID and then a playing of Yankee Doodle until about 0632, by which time D. Welle in Hausa via Sines has "crash" started at 0630. There was a big clash today of almost equal signals. There are many available and empty frequencies for one of them to move to to avoid this problem (Noel R. Green (NW England), dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. George McClintock, who has a CP for a new SW station near Nashville, is asking for suggestions on what to call it. Working call is WBWW for We Broadcast WorldWide, but he would like some other ideas. Format will not be totally religious, so the slogan/call should allude to its international flavor. Before submitting a call, please consult FCC AM, FM and TV Query to find whether that call is unassigned and available. Linx to those queries are in the shortcuts dropdown on this page: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/ No obscene or joke slogans, please. Presumably they need to start with W-. Post your ideas to DXLD and we`ll pass them on to George (Glenn Hauser, OK, July 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) How about WWRI - Worldwide Radio International or Worldwide Radio Intercontinental? Not to get too nostalgic, but it would be nice to revive a call like WNYW or WRUL; but unfortunately those are in use. (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Glenn: I have an idea for a call that may not have been used before - How about WGRI for "Global Radio International? And I know one of the first shows will be Good ol' World Of Radio! 73's, (Noble West, TN, ibid.) George, My first idea is to have `SW` in the call. Offhand, I don`t think any US shortwave station actually has SW in its name, while more than one have `World` or `Worldwide`. That would give you 52 possibilities with SW in the middle or the end. My top choice would have been WRSW, but that`s for a town called Warsaw. WSWE is available. As in Shortwave-Earth (Glenn to George, via DXLD) ** U S A. Where's the Doc ? Part three. Hi all - I did rechecks of 5935 during local overnight, no joy on WWCR or DGS; what gives? I recall in the past that Glenn (Hauser) was aware of some problems with the DGS empire getting the bills paid. 73 (Rick Barton, Arizona, July 28, ABDX via DXLD) I have heard no such thing lately; probably transmitter problem (gh) Hi all - I haven`t been able to copy WWCR/University Network overnight or all day yesterday. I had the Caribbean Beacon yesterday on 11775 with Pastor Melissa fair (with the equipment I was using) , but no sign of even a carrier on 13845. Overnight rechecks of 5935 were no joy. 73 (Rick Barton , Cave Creek, Arizona, mobile - Sangean ATS-803A, roofmount bottom-loaded whip ant, July 28, NASWA yg via DXLD) /begin tongue-in-cheek mode And this is a problem for what reason? /end tongue-in-cheek mode (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, ibid.) The Bilderburgers got tired of it continuing to rag on them. Just like the old Trio TV network. This cable network ran all types of counter-cultural shows, including Alex Jones sneaking into the some big west-coast gathering of those who secretly run the world. The also ran a show with another well known conspiracy writer (whose name escapes me at the moment) who was trying to sneak into and keep track of who was at one of the Bilderburger meetings, and the fellow from England who thinks that the world is controlled by people who are really alien and reptilian but just look human. For some reason the Jewish ADL thinks he is talking about them. And for those of you too young to remember the mini-series V from the early 1980s (full of reptilian aliens who are able to look human), they are remaking it right now. A number of these were produced by the BBC. But anyway, the Trio network must have ticked off the wrong people. The Trio network doesn't exist any more. You don't mess with these people. WWCR may have just pushed them too far... [Cue Twilight Zone music] :-) 73, (Curt Phillips W4CP, Raleigh, NC USA, ibid.) ?? While I don`t axually listen to PMS/DGS, I don`t think the Bilderburgers are part of their shtick; you get carried away (gh, DXLD) Had WWCR on 13845 missing with rechecks all (local) afternoon Tuesday but heard s/off at 2330, so they must have come on after 2330 for a short time. 5935 was missing all night. I agree with Glenn that only the University Network frequencies for WWCR were off the air. 73, best DX to all (Rick Barton, Arizona, July 29, ABDX via DXLD) Altho the University Network transmitter of WWCR was off the air July 27 and 28, it was back July 29 on 13845 at 1352 check; also 15825 at 1301 July 31 with black gospel music instead of Tony Alamo (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) HI GLENN - u probably are on top of this, but just in case, WWCR (5935) has been on all evening here. Regards (~Rick Barton, AZ, 0320 UT July 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Something to watch tomorrow - all afternoon today, WWCR was drifting all over the place, sometimes on 13842 and then back to 13845. My portable's batteries are a little suspect, but I have never known the receiver to drift with low battery, so I am thinking it is the station itself. But I'll check it again tomorrow with fresh batteries (Rick Barton, AZ, July 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Rick, Did you ever confirm whether WWCR was really drifting around 13845? Despite its other problems, I have never noticed anything like that. If it was your batteries, the same thing should have been happening with other stations and frequencies. 73, (Glenn to Rick, via DXLD) No other drifting was heard by me since Thursday. On that day, I had my radio hooked up mobile. I was on the road. Because the battery was a bit low, I set the rx to narrow bandwidth (if you`ve had experience with the ATS-803 or DX-440, the audio is better narrow when the batteries start to go). Several times WWCR drifted off frequency and I had to retune (a bit tricky when driving). At one point it was clear down to 13852. Over the weekend, I observed no problem with WWCR (Rick Barton, AZ, Aug 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Again I have never noted any such drifts, but probably not monitoring when you were. Wish you had tested other stations/frequencies to tell whether it was your receiver. However, 13845 keeps going off the air so there must be some problem with it (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Hi All - as a repeat of events last week, WWCR was off again today from 1930 to 2020 UT. There was University Network audible on 11775, so it was only the WWCR transmitter that was off, not the whole DGS thing. 73 (Rick Barton, Cave Creek , AZ, Portable (ATS-803A), roof- mounted base-loaded whip, Aug 4, ibid.) WWCR, 15825, as I tuned by at 1917 July 31, heard screaming preacher`s syllables going into loops, another marvel of The Digital Age, almost amounting to self-parody. Per sked, at 1915-1930 M-F is Ron Ralph of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Aug 4 at 1353 I checked 18770 before WWCR, and as soon as I tuned in I heard the ``voice of the last days prophet of god``, i.e. Brother Scare on WWRB second harmonic audible weakly peaking to S6 thanks to sporadic E, and // 9385. Then at 1355 I tuned WWCR 15825 and sure enough, it correlated with Es super-strength signal carrying black gospel music show which replaced Tony Alamo. However, 13845, the UN/DGS/PMS channel, was absent again tho still running via Anguilla 11775 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Four days after convixion, Tony Alamo is still rambling on WINB, 9265, July 31 at 1244, replacing Brother Scare on the schedule; 1259 ID and joining another preacher in progress with no introduxion or identification of whom. The convicted Tony Alamo is still airing on WINB, such as July 31 at 1916 as I tuned by 13570 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. 9955, August 2 at 0049, nothing but heavy jamming audible where WRMI should be. On schedule at 0045-0100 UT Sundays is Verdad para el Mundo, which if it is the same as the English version, Truth for the World, is purely religious and does not need to be DentroCuban jammed. However, there are several exile shows earlier in the evening, mixed in with DX and religion, which doesn`t save the latter from getting jammed too (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ** U S A. Making a routine check of WBCQ for the Monday 2200 UT airing of WORLD OF RADIO on 7415, I brought up the webcast a couple minutes past the hour, and it was running, but silently. Finally, WOR 1471 started at 2213. Just another reminder that: if you don`t hear us at the scheduled time, don`t give up! (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Or: tune in a quarter hour early just in case --- I just searched thru the group and checked the last three issues of DXLD and haven't found any mention of this: The last two weeks of DXPL dring the "DX Block" on local Saturday nights on WWCR (5070 kHz, 0145 - 0300 UT Sundays) have been non- standard. Last week's DXPL (UT 7/26/09) was entirely missing. WWCR started WoR at 0215 UT instead of the normal DXPL at that time, and that continued until 0245 UT and was followed by a practically-full- 15-minutes of dead air, terminated by a brief spasm of a repeated last few seconds of WoR. This week's DXPL (UT 8/2/09) *was* aired at the correct 0215 UT time, but it was an old repeat, with an internally- announced date of "July 18"! So has DXPL actually been produced at all these past two weeks? I just did a Google for the program name postings during just the past month, and the only thing that seemed to indicate that it was currently being aired was a "Twitter" that seemed to assert that a current program *was* available. There were no other English-language discussions indicating whether or not it was. Or maybe this is totally a WWCR issue? (I hardly ever receive WRMI here in the midwest US, so I haven't heard DXPL via that outlet.) If anyone has any info on this, please post. 73, (Will Martin, MO, Aug 2, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. WBOH noted at 2320 July 12 on 5920 with an announcement "for all WBOH listeners": "We will be having to make some very important decisions about WBOH in the near future". Continued by asking listeners to email or write-in, saying at what times and where they were listening: "We want to hear from you as soon as possible". Suggests they are thinking about cutting back shortwave transmissions or even closing down? (Alan Pennington, Caversham, BDXC-UK Communication via August World DX Club Contact via DXLD) ** U S A. AMERICA RAISES HER VOICE (Popular Science, Ene 1941 – v. 138, nº 1) Hi fellow DXers, I've just OCR'ed and put together in a pdf file this text found on the Popular Science edition of 1941. What I found particularly interesting was the tale of the search of "American broadcasters for a sound that would symbolize the United States" told at the final paragraphs of the story. 73 (Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, playdx yg via DXLD) Viz.: A vast expansion in its International short-wave radio stations is giving the United States a new ace to play in the never-ending game in which world powers seek to bolster their prestige over the air. Two million dollars is being spent on new transmitters which will double and treble the power of many American stations. When the work is finished, in the spring, this nation will be able to compete, particularly in Latin America, on an even wattage with the huge short- wave stations of Europe, and thus will be able to attain three objectives: Correct false impressions about this country; provide uncensored news free of propaganda, and beguile listeners with entertainment. No longer, then, will the smooth-voiced word dispensers of unfriendly lands be able to tell our neighbors, without getting a quick answer, that ours is a country made up exclusively of gangsters, goldfish- swallowing college boys, and materialistic business men. There are 2,100,000 short-wave receiving sets in South America. This country's broadcasters believe that they are reaching most of them now and will soon reach all of them, with the story of the United States as it really is. The audience is willing; no doubt of that. For where the National Broadcasting Company received less than fifty letters a month from South America in 1936 it now gets 2,500 a month. And many of them emphasize they are disgusted with the propaganda fed them by European stations. The great amplification of the transmitters in the United States was decided upon last summer at conferences between representatives of the State Department, the Federal Communications Commission, and officials of the twelve international broadcast stations, all privately operated. Most of the stations will rise in power to 50,000 watts. Actually they will have much greater than 50,000-watt effectiveness in South America, for engineers have developed directional antennas that narrow the field of the broadcast to a long, fan-shaped beam pointed over any part of the world desired. And inside that beam, a 50,000-watt station has the effectiveness of 500,000 watts. Before the construction program was ordered there were only two stations here with 50,000 watts or better. One is the 50,000-watt station WLWO of the Crosley Corporation, Mason. Ohio. The other is WGEO of the General Electric Company, South Schenectady, N. Y., which has a power of 100,000 watts but operates at 65,000. The other international broadcast stations and their pre-construction power were WNBI and WRCA of N. B. C., both at Bound Brook, N. J., both 35,000 watts; WCBX, Columbia Broadcasting System, Wayne. N. J., 10,000; WCAB. WCAU Broadcasting Company, Newtown Square, Pa., 10,000; KGEI, General Electric Company, San Francisco, Calif., 20,000; WGEA, General Electric, South Schenectady. N. Y., 25,000; WBOS, Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, Millis, Mass. 10,000; WPIT, Westinghouse, Saxonburg. Pa., 40,000; and WRUL and WRUW, both of the World Wide Broadcasting Corporation, Scituate, Mass., both 20,000 watts. They will need the added power and the directional antenna to meet the competition. In 1930 there were only three short-wave stations in all Europe. Now there are at least forty, with more being built all the time; Germany constructed eight such stations in 1936 to broadcast the Olympic Games, and used these as a nucleus of a system which has been augmented with the capture of each new country. Germany has heretofore had many advantages over American stations. The German radio is financed by government funds so that the broadcasters have been able to use as many as six transmitters for one program, feeding it out over different wave bands so that listeners finding interference on one will be almost certain to get clear reception on another. In addition, the Germans have paid many South American stations to pick up and rebroadcast programs. Hitler’s speeches are rebroadcast as many as six times by the German radio. The addresses of King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill are repeated by the British almost as often by recordings. All this repetition and predominance in numbers can be offset, broadcasters here believe, by the increased power of the American stations and by the directional antenna. Dr. E. F. W. Alexanderson, General Electric’s radio wizard, originally designed such an antenna to assure reliable reception by Admiral Richard E. Byrd's expedition in Little America near the South Pole. Within the past year a steerable directional antenna has been developed by N. B.C. engineers and put into operation at WRCA. Beams of the directional antennas have proved so strong at times that the signals have passed over to the other side of the world. A listener in Melbourne, Australia, wrote N.B.C. that when he accidentally tuned into the South American beam "I was surprised to find my receiver almost blown out of my hand by the volume of your signals." A priest doing missionary work inside the Arctic Circle north of Nome, Alaska, astonished N.B.C. men by writing that he had been enjoying the descriptions in Spanish of the fights in Madison Square Garden. For several years America's stations have been devoting themselves to the patriotic service of sending out honest information to the countries in which foreign propaganda has been at work. They have broadcast operas, symphony orchestra concerts, and oral descriptions of cultural pursuits in this country, all intended to show us in a better and fairer light. The news reports have been most popular. N.B.C. sends out fifteen minutes of last-minute news every hour on the hour for sixteen of the twenty-four, giving it alternately in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and English. In all, the American stations are short- waving thirteen hours and nineteen minutes of news a day to Central and South America. American radio stations, by feats of unparalleled speed in reporting, have scooped the official German and British government radios on their own most important news, by margins of a half hour or more. English listeners heard from the American stations their first news of the invasion of Norway. President Roosevelt s major speeches have been put on the air in Portuguese and Spanish within thirty-five minutes of the time he has delivered them. Swift, highly skilled translators have made it possible. N.B.C. has repeated the President's remarks as often as three times in Spanish and twice in Portuguese to be sure that all parts of South America, which stretches from east to west across six time belts, can hear it. [not six unless included are CAm, Mexico] Besides the sober work of improving American international relations, the shortwave stations have their more informal moments. WGEO has a “mail bag" for Admiral Byrd's men on Friday nights, broadcasting messages from friends. Two-way conversations on the program across the 10,000 intervening" miles have come through as clearly as local phone calls. A stunt on one or these intimate programs provided General Electric with a highly valuable property, a distinctive signal which its stations now use as their signature on the air. Short-wave broadcasters throughout the world envy the British radio, which has the chimes of Big Ben, the famous clock of the Houses of Parliament, as its identifying signal. American broadcasters have searched for a sound that would symbolize the United States just as well. The only thing in Washington comparable to Big Ben is the Arlington Naval Observatory time signal, but the only noise that makes is a "beep-beep." The Liberty Bell is cracked and silent, so that is out. The noise of American steam engines was considered but rejected. One broadcaster summed it up cynically by saying that false ideas about the United States are so general that the only sound that would be recognized as the United States would be the wail of a police siren followed by the rattle of machine guns. "Then General Electric hit on a signal which, at least for its stations, has solved the problem. Thunder and lightning storms are unknown in ice-covered Little America, so one night as a joke the engineers of General Electric broadcast to Byrd's men the crashings and bangs of 10,000,000 volts of artificial lightning created in the G. E. laboratories. "Here's something you are missing," the announcer told the men of the expedition. The noise was most impressive. Soon afterwards, General Electric made a recording of the thunder of three man-made lightning bolts, and since then has used it as its signature on the air. The "voice of electricity" not only is appropriate for the company's stations, but also symbolizes the might of American scientific progress. ______________________________________________________________________ (Popular Science, Jan 1941 – v. 138, nº 1, OCR by Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, Jul, 2009, DXLD) ** U S A. Silent station study --- Dear Glen[n], I am a 25-year old man living in southeastern Ontario. I have been listening to World Of Radio regularly for about a year and a half and find it very informative. I have compiled an amateur study of U.S. radio stations that have gone silent. I have tried to search for underlying reasons why specific stations have gone silent, other than the usual “financial difficulties.” I have also tried to find out what trends these reasons could point to. As you will notice, there are gaps in the study. As I said, it is an amateur study. I would appreciate any additional information you or your listeners could contribute. I have also removed the listings for the translators so that people will not have to scan through a bunch of information they don't want to read. If listeners want a copy of the study they can email me at alexhorton55 @ gmail.com Thank you (Alex Horton, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Original lists from FCC as of mid-July are at: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/status/silentAM.html http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/status/silentFM.html (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** U S A. Leesburg's WAGE Suspends Operations --- Aug 2, 12:20:pm Tough economic conditions have claimed another area media outlet, as Loudoun County’s only radio station – AM 1200 WAGE – shut down this morning. If you tune to the frequency on the AM dial, you’ll now only hear dead air. WAGE management indicated this is only a temporary suspension, as they are continuing their plans to make the station into a 50,000-watt regional station that can be heard throughout the Washington D.C. metro area. . . http://www.dullesdistrict.com/index.php?q=content/leesburgs-wage-suspends-operations (via Artie Bigley, OH, DXLD) They were granted a CP by the FCC for 50 KW on 1190, on 29 October 2008. Is it normal for an applicant to provide the FCC with coordinates for their antenna farm before they are sure they can acquire the land they need at that location? Incidentally, the CP appears to be good until 2011 and it seems like Canada has not yet given its clearance for the proposed changes. Regards, (Fred Laun, Temple Hills, MD, Aug 4, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. CPs on the air: 1180, KYES, MN, Rockville - This new station is on the air with U7 50000/5000 CH 8000 is on the air blasting away from seven towers (using two during day and nighttime operation and six at night) located at N45-21-43 W94-17-57. The day and night patterns are virtually a circle, while the nighttime pattern shoots 99% of the signal to the northeast with a small lobe off the back. Rockville is a small community located southwest of St. Cloud (Bill Hale, AM Switch, NRC DX News July 20 via DXLD) I assume he meant to say `critical hours` for some of those citations rather than `night` in order to make sense (gh) KYES, 1180, Rockville, Minnesota --- Appears to be on r.s. [regular schedule] now; quite strong in Grand Rapids this afternoon (John Sampson, 1934 2 August, IRCA via DXLD) Which Grand Rapids? ** U S A. 1530 UNID Mystery Solved --- Hi Glenn, There's a late- breaking discovery on this unidentified station thanks to fellow- Oklahoman DX'er, Richard Allen! We've been hearing an UNID station on 1530 several times in the past month or so. Thanks to Richard's research, I believe I can honestly ID this station even without hearing the call letters. Here's some notes from my latest reception of this station from Emerald Lake, OK. 1530, UNID, 0632-0805, 7/28/09, After listening for almost 90 minutes to our previously UNID station calling themselves "the Gypsy", I have the distinctive pleasure of telling you the station remains an unidentified operation. I was able to copy a little more detail last night, but I'm still unable to nail down their ID. Clear station slogan "Classic country AM 1530, the Gypsy." Another slogan was: "Carol (or Carroll) county's classic country, AM 1530, the Gypsy." I'm sure Richard won't mind me sharing some thoughts on this station that he sent me a couple days ago: "Maybe the unidentified station on 1530 kHz is WWDX in Huntingdon TN? It's a 1 kW daytime-only operation with a PSSA (July s/off 0315 GMT) with a country music format. The engineer probably forgets to switch off the transmitter before going home. I cannot find a website for either WWDX or its owner, Jim W. Freeland. But the FM affiliate, WVHR 100.9, can be found at http://www.thefarmradio.com/ " I did some checking and Huntingdon, TN is indeed in Caroll County, TN! After looking at the FM affiliate's website, it looks as if perhaps what we thought was being said, "The Gypsy" could have actually been "The Dixie." I am convinced the UNID can safely be ID'd as WWDX, Huntingdon, TN. I knew you would want to hear about this latest discovery. They don't seem to be on the air every night or propagation doesn't favor it, one or the other. That's the latest on it, Glenn. 73's! (Kirk Allen, Ponca City, OK, July 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 660, KTNN Window Rock AZ; 8:30-11:30 AM MDT [1430-1730 UT], 27/28-July; AM 6-60 KTNN Window Rock, The Voice of the Navajo Nation (with variations); Extensive calendar announcements, obits and sale/trade in Navajo each morning (It's always interesting to listen for English words that apparently have no Navajo equivalent, such as "school supplies", "recreation center" & "Oak Ridge Boys"; C&W & gospel tunes in English and Navajo chants (have not heard any so far with oldies lyrics -- a real hoot!); all ads in English; CNN News at ToH. Good over continuous white QRN near Alamosa, but rock solid at Durango (Harold Frodge, visiting CO, MARE Tipsheet July 31 via DXLD) ** U S A. NEW MEDIAS AT TRAVIS By Maj Vanessa Hillman, 60 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs chief. TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CA – Team Travis is benefiting from the addition of new medias [sic] introduced to help optimize communication at the base. Over the last 5 months, the base has developed a new radio station AM 890, a video outlet for Airmen to tell their story called T-Tube and are beginning an effort to have blogging capabilities at their fingertips. "I believe we can't communicate enough," said Col. Mark Dillon, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "Our Strategic Communication Team has worked hard to enhance medias and use new technology to communicate across the Team Travis spectrum." Colonel Dillon had a vision when he got here to increase communication capabilities. In order to carry out this vision, a multi-disciplinary team was developed to devise a strategy geared toward utilizing and developing new communication techniques. The end result: several commercially available and up and coming medias were incorporated. "The Strategic Communication Team focused on developing medias commonly used in our society, and especially our younger generations which comprises nearly 50 percent of our total force," said Maj David Kuch, 60 th AMW Strategic Communication director. We routinely get our news electronically, and we need to utilize these to communicate with Team Travis." The success of these new of medias is dependent on participation by Airmen, Major Kuch said. The user-friendly communication methods help Airmen tell their stories and provide updates to the base populace to optimize awareness of what is going on at Travis. One of the first changes that were made was the enhancement of the AM radio station the base had acquired for emergency services. Golden Bear Radio, AM 890 serves as the "voice of Team Travis." "The vision is for the radio to be where all personnel will turn in the event of disaster," said Maj. Joanna Bourne, 60th Medical Group Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist and program director for AM 890. "By including all units in weekly programming it is the hope that base personnel will be used to going to the radio for important information. Then in the event of a disaster, all will have the ability to be well-informed and up-to-date by just tuning in to the radio." The programming of the AM 890 is a 24-hour loop of recorded messages including items of interest to all personnel including special base events, local happenings, security updates and health and fitness information. As interest grows, so will the programming. Team Travis members don't need to worry about being an experienced radio personality or knowing how to write a radio script. Help is available. "As program director for the station, I am happy to guide any personnel that need advice on how to write a script to get their word out" said Major Bourne.1 For information on the Golden Bear Radio AM 890 or to add a spot, please contact Major Bourne at (707) 816-5975 or through email at AM890.management @ travis.af.mil (an Air Force link dated 6/24/09 via Dale Park, HI, IRCA DX Monitor via DXLD) ** U S A. RADIO TALK-SHOW HOST NEIL ROGERS RETIRES --- Neil Rogers, for decades an acerbic and often-abrasive South Florida radio talk- show host, has retired. BY ELINOR J. BRECHER, ROBERT SAMUELS AND GLENN GARVIN Neil Rogers, for three decades one of South Florida's most popular radio voices as well as one of its most controversial, walked away from his job Monday with a fat buyout check and a declaration that his broadcasting days are over. Rogers, 66, and WQAM-AM 560 jointly announced that he is leaving the station and that his 10 am-to-2 pm slot will be filled with a sports-talk show. His last show aired Friday. “WQAM decided they wanted to go with an all-sports format all the time,” said Norm Kent, Rogers' attorney. “They made an attractive offer on the balance of his contract, and Neil took it.” Though Rogers technically remains employed as a WQAM consultant, his website, http://www.neilrogers.com declared the buyout an “early retirement,” and Kent said his client has no intention of returning to the air. “It's well known how much money he's made on radio over the years, and he's talked on the air for years about retiring,” Kent said. 'When WQAM made its offer, he decided, `Why not?' If he wants to come back, there's no non-compete clause in the contract. I could get him a deal at [radio chain] Clear Channel tomorrow. But he's not interested.” Rogers had more than five years left on his deal with WQAM, which was renewed – at an undisclosed cut from his previous $1.5 million annual salary – in April 2008. His show was the only non-sports program on WQAM. Officials at neither WQAM nor corporate parent Beasley Broadcast Group were available for comment Monday. In a press release, though, Beasley vice president Joe Bell noted that “Rogers was a ratings leader in Miami for years and we're happy that we could reach a new accord that works well for both parties.” DELAY FAILED Rogers was pulled off the air for a day last month after WQAM's seven- second delay failed while he was reading aloud a listener's e-mail that included a deadly four-letter word. But Kent said the incident had nothing to do with Rogers' departure from the station. The more likely trigger is a change in the technology that the radio-ratings company Arbitron uses to track audiences. Arbitron has always compiled its ratings from written diaries kept by listeners, who often write down the names of familiar shows rather than keeping careful track of whom they actually listen to. But now Arbitron is equipping its South Florida sample listeners with devices it calls “portable people meters” that clip onto a belt or pocket and – using computer codes embedded in the broadcast – record exactly what station or show is being listened to. The meters have jolted the radio world wherever they have been introduced. “There are personalities all across the country, major names in major markets, who've lost jobs because the meters showed something the stations didn't want to see,” said Perry Michael Simon, the news-talk-sports editor of http://allaccess.com a website that reports on the radio industry. “And South Florida stations are starting to see results from the meters.” Kent acknowledged that WQAM executives mentioned the meters during the talks over Rogers' future that began about three weeks ago. “They said they needed to juice up the station's ratings as the meters started,” he said. “They said they wanted a five-day-a-week host this summer.” But Rogers, whose contract requires him to work only two days a week during the summer months, refused, Kent said. COLORFUL CAREER If Rogers is really retired, it ends one of the longest and most colorful careers in the history of South Florida radio. In its heyday, Rogers' show spared no one – politically, religiously, ethnically or age-wise. Sexual double entendres and obnoxious bodily function sound effects were a staple of his shtick, as were the Yiddish-isms that laced his rants. His show roamed sexual boundaries long before it was fashionable. In 1976, at a time when the Rock Hudson’s and Lily Tomkins’ of the world were still deeply closeted, Rogers declared himself gay on the air. No one much seemed to care, except Coral Gables attorney Jack Thompson, who wrangled endlessly with Rogers in court over the subject matter of his show, with little success. There was far more official rancor over the vitriol Rogers freely dispensed, particularly in the city of Hallandale Beach, a favorite target during the 1980s: He called the residents “wrinkled, miserable cheapskates” who stole packets of artificial sweetener while dining at early-bird specials. “He would say, `If you see an old man on the street in Hallandale Beach, hit 'em,” said former Mayor Arthur “Sonny” Rosenberg, who verbally sparred with Rogers during the period. “What the hell is this? He should have retired 30 years ago. I don't think he deserves any praise about anything.” HUNG UP ON HIM Rosenberg frequently called the show to complain. But, he said, Rogers would always hang up on him. Rosenberg even said he pressured Gulfstream Race Track to withdraw sponsorship from the show because of all the attacks. Rogers – real name Nelson Behelfer – grew up in Rochester NY, and attended Michigan State University. An ice hockey and harness racing fan, he spent five years announcing University of Miami Hurricanes baseball games. In South Florida, he worked at WIOD, WKAT, WNWS, WINZ and WZTA, in addition to WQAM (Miami, FL Herald dated 6/24/09 via Dale Park, HI, IRCA DX Monitor August 1, via DXLD) ** U S A. KB2GSD --- Steve Mendelsohn, W2ML, was Cronkite’s radio engineer at CBS for many years. “I had many chances to discuss my favorite hobby, ham radio, with ‘the world’s most trusted anchor man,’” he told the ARRL. “Gradually, his interest increased, but on finding that he had to pass a Morse code test, he balked, saying it was too hard for him; however, he told me he had purchased a receiver and listened every night for a few minutes to the Novice bands. “At the CBS Radio Network, Walter would arrive 10 minutes before we went on the air to read his script aloud, make corrections for his style of grammar and just ‘get in the mood’ to do the show. In those days Rich Moseson, W2VU, was the producer of a show called In the News, a 3 minute television show for children voiced by CBS Correspondent Christopher Glenn. On this day, Rich was at the Broadcast Center to record Chris’ voice for his show and had dropped by my control room to discuss some upcoming ARRL issues [Mendelsohn was ARRL Hudson Division Director at the time -- Ed]. “When Walter walked into the studio, I started to set the show up at the behest of our director, Dick Muller, WA2DOS. In setting up the tape recorders, I had to send tone to them and make sure they were all at proper level. Having some time, I grabbed The New York Times and started sending code with the tone key on the audio console. For 10 minutes I sent code and noticed Walter had turned his script over and was copying it. “We went to air, as we did every day, at 4:50 PM and after we were off, Walter brought his script into the control room. Neatly printed on the back was the text I had sent with the tone key. Rich and I looked at the copy, he nodded, and I told Walter that he had just passed the code test. He laughed and asked when the formal test was, but I reminded him that it took two general class licensees to validate the test and he had just passed the code. Several weeks later he passed the written test and the FCC issued KB2GSD to the ‘most trusted anchorman in America.’ “Having passed the licensing test, Walter was now ready to get on the air. His first QSO was on 10 meters about 28.390 MHz. He was nervous and I called him on the phone to talk him through his first experience. As we talked on the air, a ham from the Midwest come on and called me. Acknowledging him, I asked the usual questions about where he was from, wanting to give Walter a bit of flavor of what the hobby was about. I turned it over to Walter, and following his introduction, the gentleman in the Midwest said, ‘That’s the worst Walter Cronkite imitation I’ve ever heard!’ “I suggested that maybe it was Walter and the man replied, ‘Walter Cronkite is not even a ham, and if he was, he certainly wouldn’t be here on 10 meters.’ Walter and I laughed for weeks at that one.” (ARRL via August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) ** U S A. Re 9-054, K1MAN: The Glenn Baxter thing is a poser. I'm an (inactive) volunteer examiner and, to the best of my knowledge, you get a two-year grace period to renew your license before losing your callsign. During that grace period, however, you can't operate till you (re)gain a valid license. So what, exactly, is the point of Part 97 (the FCC rulepart pertaining to amateur radio) if enforcement is so poor? This is why I love CW :-). 73 de Anne Fanelli in dampish Elma NY, July 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Re 9-054, Dallas downtown on 1680: You can hear my recording of the station at http://bill.dxclipjoint.com/sounds/toh/001680-downtown-dallas-tis-20040530-1330.mp3 There are references to the station at the following URLs. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-911highrise_11met.ART.North.Edition1.3e1b6a0.html http://www.dallasalert.org/docs/DERTPRES.pdf http://www.downtowndallas.org/OurPrograms/Safety.aspx I wonder if they ever had call letters and why they were not licensed as a "normal" TIS (Bill Harms, Elkridge, Maryland, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. SHORTWAVE RADIO IS FINDING A RECEPTIVE YOUNG AUDIENCE The Los Angeles Times reports that teenagers in Calabasas have been discovering shortwave radio and getting their Amateur radio licenses Thanks to science teacher Karl Beutel, 75 teenagers in Calabasas have become licensed amateur radio operators and hope to lead a new wave of shortwave enthusiasts. Read the LA Times story at http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-teen-radio25-2009jul25,0,1740751.story?track=rss (via Southgate http://www.southgatearc.org/news/july2009/shortwave_radio_finding_receptive_young_audience.htm via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) Nonsense. Most ham radio ops, especially new ones, are involved in 2 meter repeaters, e.g. in this story about local emergency communications as backup for cellphones. At best non-repeater 2-meter comms, nothing whatsoever to do with shortwave. Writer Bob Pool obviously has no idea what shortwave really is (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Glenn, You hit the nail on the head. Yesterday I contacted Pool to get the contact information of them to do a short interview on HS. My question to him was, Are they using shortwave? He said yes. After I contacted two of the guys we wrote about, they said no. They said 2 meter repeaters. LOL This reminds me of a journalist I met from the US who works as a CNN correspondent who works based out of Botswana. He said his internet connection is so bad that he can't listen to the BBC. I showed him my small sony SW Radio and he had no idea he could listen to BBC, VOA and others on SW. It also didn't help hat he had no idea what shortwave was. LOL (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) However, a discussion ensued with Chuck Bolland who maintains that ``shortwave`` as he understands it does not end at 30 MHz, but goes on upward indefinitely. The Dewey Decimal System would agree with him, if you ever tried to research something about shortwave at an old library, where microwave is a subset of shortwave, etc. (gh) ** VANUATU. R. Vanuatu, 3945, noted here July 29 via Chris Mackerel's online receiver in New Zealand, fair strength but muddy audio on speech, best readable in LSB, 1135 tune in had religious programme in French with occasional music, 1200 similar programming in Bislama to 1215 off with brief announcement and music (Mike Barraclough, England, August World DX Club Contact via DXLD) 3945, R. Vanuatu, Vila. “Radio Vanuatu, it’s 8 o’clock” in English at 2100 on 22/7 (John Adams, Beech Forest Vic (JRC NRD-535 Ewe and Folded Dipole, August Australian DX News via DXLD) Local news in Pidgin, followed by announcements about Vanuatu & ID, 0730 2/7 (Phil Ireland, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) Reactivated after many months, strong 0610, mentions of various Pacific island locations, Vanuatu community centre, and then into vocal group. No sign of 7260, ID in Bislama 0614, 2/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD). Official opening ceremony for the reopening of Radio Vanuatu's shortwave transmitter 1015, speeches etc., all in Bislama of which I could make out only some of the content. Mentioned that they were now running 10 kW, instead of the restricted output of 5 kW in recent months, 1/8 (Craig Seager, Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Drake R8A, Horizontal Loop, August Australian DX News via DXLD) Also at 2029 with soft pop group 2030, 2/7. Happy to hear this as early as 0230 on 3/7, fair by 0258 in Bislama (Craig Seager, DX- Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. Movil Fuerza Aerea --- En la frecuencia 6730 en USB donde se encuentran las emisiones de Protección Civil a nivel nacional, pude escuchar un llamado que decía lo siguiente: INTERROGATIVO ESTACION QUE COPIA A MOVIL FUERZA AEREA, esto fue a las 2:15 de la tarde [1415 local plus 4:30 = 1845 UT]. Por lo tanto es una frecuencia donde ademas de las transmisiones de PC se pueden copiar algunas otras transmisiones interesantes como esta de la movil fuerza aerea venezolana. atte: (José Elías Díaz Gómez, Venezuela, August 1, noticiasdx yg via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. DIOSDADO CABELLO ANUNCIA EL CIERRE DE 34 EMISORAS DE RADIO Y TV http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/71246/diosdado-cabello-exige-destitucion-de-directores-de-34-emisoras-de-radio/ Al menos 34 emisoras de radio serán cerradas en Venezuela, por considerar que han faltado a los requisitos legales para operar, anunció este viernes el ministro Diosdado Cabello, director de la Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Conatel). “Tienen que apagar los transmisores una vez notificados por Conatel. Por eso algunos de ellos se escondieron cuando llegamos. Si hay que notificarlo por (avisos) prensa lo vamos a hacer”, dijo Cabello en una rueda de prensa. “Estas son las primeras 34 decisiones que tomamos (sobre un total 240 emisoras) y tienen que ver todas con decisiones inmediatas“, dijo. Conatel realizó el mes pasado un censo de las emisoras de radio que funcionan en el país, para el que se solicitaba a las concesionarias que presentaran la documentación que avala la vigencia de su licencia. El funcionario explicó que de acuerdo a la Ley, el concesionario, una persona natural, no está habilitado para traspasar el derecho a usar el espectro, ni puede ser usufructuada por herederos una vez fallecido el concesionario. Explicó que no puede traspasarse la concesión a una empresa a menos de que ésta pertenezca al concesionario que la recibió del Estado, pues “ése es el espíritu del legislador”. Amazonas. 1130Khz AM Erasmo Núñez (Renuncia por omisión de solicitud de renovación) Amazonas. Orbita 107.5 FM Titular: Abel Cermeño. Barcelona. 970AM José Bringa. Bolivar. Canal 7 de TV en Upata. José David Natera. Ciudad Bolívar. 96.9 MHz Ramon Rafael Castro Mata. Valencia. Nelson Belfort Yibrín 100.1 FM Carabobo Puerto Cabello, 98.3 FM. Pedro Ezequiel Listuit Caracas. Rosa Rodríguez 102.3FM (Emisora del Circuito CNB) Punto Fijo. CNB 100.1 Nelson Belfort Yibrín. Punto Fijo. 96.1 FM Ramón Jesus Mendez Guárico. 99.1 Bernardo José Donaire. Mérida. Rubén Chirinos 106.3 Miranda. Guillermo Mejías. 1530 AM y otra en FM . Miranda. 97.1 FM Monseñor Bernardo Heredia (extinción por fallecimiento) Charallave. 92.1FM Gabriel Robinson. Caucagua. Radio Barlovento 1230. El Hatillo 96.9 FM Carlos Ghersy Nueva Esparta. 96.1 FM Arturo Gil Escala. Porlamar. 92.9 FM Ramón Borra Gómez Porlamar. 1140 AM. Acarigua. 1170 AM Ramón Ramírez Meléndez Sucre. 103.3 FM Luis Salazar Nuñez., Sucre. Radio Sucre 600 Khz Táchira. 730 AM. Modesto Marchena Táchira. Arturo Alvarez Leal 94.5FM Vargas. Canal 26 UHF Catia La Mar (Televisión) Vargas. Alcides Delgado 106.9 FM Maracaibo: 105.1 FM Guido Briceño. Maracaibo: Luis Guillermo Govea 102.1 FM Ciudad Ojeda: 1430 AM Ciro Avila Moreno. Santa Cruz de Mara. 1300 AM Moisés Portillo Dos de las 34 emisoras sancionadas pertenecen a Nelson Belfort, empresario propietario del circuito CNB. El ministro recordó que “quienes hagan uso del espectro radioeléctrico, deben estar autorizados”. Cabello dijo que estos [sic = something missing] Los causales de estos procedimientos son fallecimiento del titular de la concesión, extinción de la concesión de uso del espectro radioeléctrico e incumplimientos en la presentación de los datos de los nuevos operadores de las emisoras en casos en que estas concesiones han sido traspasadas. Cabello aseguró que en este último caso, se les “cerraron las puertas” de las emisoras a CONATEL. El Ministro también ha anunciado que siguen notificándose a otras radioemisoras los procedimientos que están por abrirse en el ente regulador de las telecomunicaciones. Aseguró que quienes estuvieran en el grupo de concesiones mencionadas deben apagar sus transmisores y apelar la decisión, si así lo desean, ante el Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (via CDXA, via DXLD) CERRADAS LAS 34 PRIMERAS EMISORAS DE RADIO EN VENEZUELA http://sintoniadx.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!956BF69EACAB477D!3207.entry EL MINISTRO DIOSDADO CABELLO ACABA DE NOMBRAR LAS 34 PRIMERAS EMISORAS DE RADIO Y TV QUE DEBEN CERRAR SUS EMISIONES. QUERIDOS AMIGOS Y COMO EN SINTONIA DX ESTAMOS PENDIENTES SIEMPRE DE ESTAS INFORMACIONES Y COMO SEGUIDORES DE LAS EMISORAS EN AMPLITUD MODULADA, EN VERDAD ME DUELE MUCHISIMO TENER QUE COMPARTIR ESTA NOTICIA CON TODOS USTEDES. EMISORAS QUE SON PARTE DE LA HISTORIA DE NUESTRA VENEZUELA DEBEN CERRAR SUS EQUIPOS. LAS EMISORAS EN AMPLITUD MODULADA QUE DEBEN CERRAR SUS TRANSMISIONES SON LAS SIGUIENTES: RADIO AMAZONAS 1130 EN AMAZONAS RADIO MUNDIAL 970 EN BARCELONA. RADIO TUCUPITA 1270 EN TUCUPITA RADIO BONITA 1520 EN MIRANDA RADIO METROPOLITANA 1550 EN MIRANDA RADIO BARLOVENTO 1270 EN MIRANDA RADIO PORLAMAR 1140 EN PORLAMAR RADIO ACARIGUA 1170 EN ACARIGUA RADIO SUCRE 600 EN SUCRE RADIO FRONTERA 730 EN TACHIRA RADIO 1430 EN MARACAIBO????? (¿cuál es esta emisora?) RADIO AMISTAD 1300 EN MARACAIBO ESCUCHE LA LISTA DE EMISORAS COMPLETAS EN LA VOZ DEL MINISTRO DIOSDADO CABELLO. http://www.box.net/shared/jlj88bfs6e DEBO DECIR QUE LA EMISORA MATRIZ DEL CIRCUITO CNB UBICADA EN CARACAS DEBE CERRAR SUS TRANSMISORES. HAN ENTREVISTADO AL DIRECTOR DE CNB Y PRESIDENTE DE LA CAMARA DE LA RADIO NELSON BELFORT Y ESTE HA DICHO QUE LAMENTABLEMENTE CUANDO LE LLEGUE LA NOTIFICACIÓN TENDRAN QUE APAGAR LA RADIO. EL DIRECTOR DE ZULIANA FM EN MARACAIBO HA DICHO LO MISMO, QUE TENDRAN QUE APAGAR SUS TRANSMISORES. Y EL DIRECTOR DE UNA EMISORA COMUNITARIA FM EN EL HATILLO HA DICHO LO MISMO QUE LOS ANTERIORES. QUERIDOS AMIGOS POCO A POCO SE ESTA ACABANDO CON LA HISTORIA DE LA RADIO EN VENEZUELA (José Elías, Venezuela, 0209 UT August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Saludos colegas diexistas: NOTICIA DE ULTIMA HORA: POR RIESGO AL DECOMISO DE EQUIPOS DE RADIO: DIRECTOR DE RADIO BONITA HA APAGADO SU TRANSMISOR, EMISORA HA QUEDADO FUERA DEL AIRE. DIRECTOR DE RADIO BARLOVENTO HA APAGADO SU TRANSMISOR, EMISORA HA QUEDADO FUERA DEL AIRE (José Elías, Venezuela, 0303 UT August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) all-caps sic Saludos cordiales queridos amigos diexistas. Espero que se encuentren muy bien. Radio Porlamar 1140 AM que transmite desde Porlamar, Isla de Margarita acaba de ser cerrada; se despidieron colocando el himno nacional (José Elías, 2136 UT Aug 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Glenn: So if this is true, that means that the only station that occasionally appears on shortwave from Venezuela -- Radio Amazonas -- is now off the air (Jeff White, DX LISTENING DIGEST) As in first entry below, altho its SW not mentioned. Why are so many of these stations giving up without a fight? (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) CHÁVEZ CLEANING UP THE BANDS The following stations were closed down by the government this weekend. It would seem that the CNB Network, clearly oppositional to the government, was closed for political reasons. As for the remainder, several other causes are possible. More closures are expected soon. Amazonas * 1130 AM, Erasmo Núñez (renuncia del título por omisión de la solicitud de transformación según el artículo 210). RADIO AMAZONAS * 107.5 FM Orbita, Abel Cermeño. Anzoátegui * 970 AM, José Bringa, Barcelona. MUNDIAL 970 Bolívar * Upata: Canal 7 TV, José David Natera. * Ciudad Bolívar: 96.9 FM, Ramón Rafael Castro Mata. Carabobo * Valencia: 100.1 FM, Nelson Belfort Dividin. * Puerto Cabello: 98.3 FM, Pedro Ezequiel Listuit. Caracas * CNB 102.3 FM, Rosa Rodríguez de Huescáfore. Delta Amacuro * Tucupita: 1270 AM, Socrates Hernández. RADIO TUCIPITA Falcón * Punto Fijo: CNB 100.1, Nelson Belfort Dividin. * Punto Fijo: 96.1 FM, Ramón Jesús Mendez (93,7) Guárico * 99.1 FM, Bernando José Donaire. Mérida * 106.3 FM, Rubén Antonio Chirinos. Miranda * 1520 AM, Guillermo Obel Mejías. RADIO BONITA "LA GUAPA" * Emisora FM, Guillermo Obel Mejías. * 1550 AM, Monseñor Bernando Heredia (extinción por fallecimiento). RADIO METROPOLITANA * 97.1 FM, Monseñor Bernando Heredia. * 92.1 FM, Gabriel Robinson, Charallave. * 1230 AM, Radio Barlovento, Caucagua. RADIO BARLOVENTO * 96.9 FM, Carlos Herci, El Hatillo. Nueva Esparta (Porlamar) * 99.1 FM, Arturo Gil Escala. * 92.9 FM, Ramón Borra Gómez. * 1140 AM, Sucesión Pedro Sosa Guzmán. RADIO PORLAMAR Portuguesa * 1170 AM, Ramón Ramírez Meléndez, Acarigua. RADIO ACARIGUA Sucre * 103.3 FM, Luìs Salazar Núñez. * 600 AM, Luís Salazar Núñez. RADIO SUCRE Táchira * 730 AM, Modesto Marchena. RADIO FRONTERA * 94.5 FM, Arturo Álvarez Leal. Vargas * Canal 26 UHF, Catia La Mar. * 106.9 FM, Alcides Delgado. Zulia * 105.1 FM, Guido Briceño. * 102.1 FM, Luis Guillermo Gouvea. * 1430 AM, Ciro Ávila Moreno, Ciudad Ojeda. RADIO REGIONAL? LISTED ON 1330!! * 1300 AM, Moisés Portillo, Santa Cruz de Mar. RADIO AMISTAD? Source: Globovision. Slogans in capital letters have been added by yours truly (Henrik Klemetz, Sweden, August 2, MWC via DXLD) DOZENS OF RADIO STATIONS SHUT DOWN IN VENEZUELA - CNN.com The article doesn't mention anything about shortwave stations being part of the shutdown... http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/01/venezuela.radio.stations/index.html?iref=mpstoryview (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, Aug 1, NASWA yg via DXLD) Because there were none left already (gh) UPDATE 2-Venezuela begins shutdown of 34 radio stations http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0146551720090801 73, (Aug 1 via Joe VA6JWT Talbot, AB, DXLD) VENEZUELA: 'FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION MUST BE LIMITED' By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER (AP) CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's top prosecutor insisted Thursday that freedom of expression in Venezuela "must be limited" and proposed legislation that would slap additional restrictions on the country's news media. The new law would punish the owners of radio stations, television channels and newspapers that have attempted to "cause panic" and "disturb social peace," Attorney General Luisa Ortega said. It also would punish media owners who "manipulate the news with the purpose of transmitting a false perception of the facts." . . . http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyUV62oPuXBor_gBTOupaNkH66bgD99P3IKO0 (via Zacharias Liangas, Greece, DXLD) CHAVEZ ACCUSED OF GAGGING MEDIA Venezuelan opposition groups have protested against a decision to take 34 radio stations off the air, calling it an attack on freedom of speech. . . [with video] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8180109.stm (via Kirk Allen, OK, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. Llegó Globovisión Radio! Ahora usted podrá escuchar Globovisión las 24 horas del día en cualquier lugar del mundo y desde su blackberry. Usted ingresa a movil.globovision.com y allí podrá hacer click en Globovision Radio! Y estar al día con lo que ocurre en el país. Para poder disfrutar del servicio verifique que su móvil tenga un software actualizado. Igualmente puede escucharnos si clickea Globovisión Radio dentro de nuestra página web Globovision.com Fuente: Globovision http://globovision.batanga.com/Player/new/default2.asp?nocache=0.9520341106959795 Y la señal en Vivo de Globovision, solo por 20 minutos (via Yimber Gaviria, Colombia, July 28, DXLD) GV is of course #1 on Chávez` hitlist as a TV network (gh, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. CHÁVEZ SUPPORTERS STORM TV STATION Armed protestors stormed the Caracas headquarters of a television station critical of Hugo Chávez’s government on Monday, one of the channel’s managers said. Globovision’s Maria Fernanda Flores said around 30 people arrived at the outlet’s headquarters by car and aimed guns at security staff, forcing their way into the building - where they activated two teargas canisters. One municipal policeman, charged with guarding the building, and some private guards were hurt during the attack, the station said. ”We cannot tolerate that violence would be an instrument though which we resolve our differences,” Flores said. Station manager Alberto Federico Ravell said he held Chávez responsible for the attack. ”This attack is no longer against freedom of expression, it is against the lives of the people who work here.” Images from the scene showed flag-carrying demonstrators dressed in military-green tee-shirts and red berets standing by as a smoky canister was kicked away by security personnel. The attack comes as Chavez’s leftist government launched a crack-down on 32 radio and two television stations, which it accused of not meeting legal operating requirements. Two years ago, the government closed down RCTV, the country’s most popular private television network, whose news coverage was overtly anti-Chávez. (Source: AFP) (August 4th, 2009 - 9:10 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. Hi, The article on Venezuelan stations being closed reminds me to ask whether YVTO is still active? 73 (David Sharp, NSW, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Should not have any political problems with that one! But I think not. Last reports of it in DXLD, 2008y: 4900 spur, YVTO Caracas, 0606-0612 March 25. They`ve been popping up on some odd frequencies the last few months; logged on 5100 12/31/07, 1 MHz below their old 6100 frequency; good (Richard Parker, Pennsburg PA, Collins 51s-1, 51-X, R390A, SE3, antenna farm, Tropical Band Logs, May NASWA Journal via DXLD) But 4900 and 5100 are spurs from 5000 (gh, DXLD 8-057, May 7, 2008) Finally managed to hear the YVTO spur on 5100, March 26 at 0617-0620, definite time pips; Spanish announcements hard to make out but just before 0620, heard check ending in ``50 minutos`` so has to be Venezuela. There was also intermittent RTTY interfering. Not heard on 5000 or 4900 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST 8-038, March 26, 2008) ** VENEZUELA. ENFRENTAMIENTO ENTRE OYENTES DE ORBITA Y SEGUIDORES DEL GOBIERNO Saludos cordiales queridos amigos diexistas. Espero se encuentren muy bien. Las transmisiones que se oyen a través de Órbita 107.5 FM indican que se hay un enfrentamiento entre las personas que están a favor de Radio Órbita 107.5 FM y de los seguidores del gobierno que están de acuerdo con que la cierren. Desde la ciudad de El Tigre se informa que también hay un enfrentamiento igual yla caravana que apoyaba a Orbita fue interceptada por grupo policial con armamento en mano y reprimida (José Elías, 2256 UT Aug 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Queridos amigos la manifestación que se efectuaba frente a la sede de Radio Orbita 107.5 FM se ha salido de control y segun la transmisión que se escucha a traves de la radio ya hay personas heridas, hay piedras y palos de lado y lado y se han escuchado detonaciones. Mientras tanto los funcionarios de Conatel no se hacen presente en la radio y por lo que estoy escuchando creo que no irán hoy a la radio. Los animos están demasiado caldeados (José Elías, 0000 UT Aug 4, ibid.) Radio Orbita 107.5 FM despide su transmisión de hoy por los fuertes hechos que se estaban presentando frente a su sede en Puerto La Cruz, pero la emisora sigue en el aire porque los funcionarios de Conatel [no!] se presentaron el dia de hoy. atte: (José Elías, 0041 UT Aug 4, ibid.) CIERRE DE EMISORAS Diexismo & Comunicación no podía estar al margen de la agresión a los medios de comunicación en la hermana nación de Venezuela. Daniel Camporini Villate 4534 B1605EKV Munro [ARGENTINA] Tel.: 1561573411 http://www.dxradiomonitor.freehosting.net http://www.historiasderadio.podomatic.com (August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: Editorial --- Creo que la actitud del gobierno de Venezuela con respecto a la radiodifusión independiente, al clausurar a 34 emisoras de radio, es un muy peligroso antecedente ya que trae consigo la regulación del derecho y la libertad de expresión enmascarado detrás del los llamados “delitos mediáticos”. Este proyecto es uno más en el controvertido camino iniciado por el gobierno de Hugo Chávez con respecto a las libertades públicas y cuyo cono de sombra se cierne sobre toda Latinoamérica. Esta campaña sistemática en contra de los medios independientes y de libre opinión se inició en el 2004 con la promulgación de la ley de contenidos hasta llegar al cierre de los medios de comunicación, pasando por la violencia verbal y física como se ha podido observar hoy en la agresión a Globovisión. Esta nueva amenaza de regulación supone penas de hasta cuatro años de prisión para quien difunda determinadas informaciones cuyo contenido seria evaluado de manera discrecional y además cataloga como delito el no revelar información, con lo que se vulnera el secreto de las fuentes informativas. Como parte del mundo de las comunicaciones, Diexismo & Comunicación condena el peligroso cercenamiento de la libertad de expresión y prácticamente catalogar de criminales a quienes ejercen la labor periodística. Esta situación también debe servir de alerta sobre el riesgo que existe para que este clima de hostilidad y violencia sobre aquellos que piensan diferente se derrame sobre otras partes de la geografía regional. El debilitamiento de los medios de prensa independientes y la concentración de la información en manos de un solo medio, en este caso un gobierno personalista, es un síntoma de una enfermedad que creíamos desterrada de nuestro continente. La lucha por poder mantener la libertad de opinión y pensamiento debe ser permanente y expresada en todos los forosa nuestro alcance, es la obligación de todos quienes creemos que solo en discenso es posible ser libre. Daniel Camporini, Julio 3, 2009 [sic; must mean Agosto 3] (via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. VENEZUELA: RADIO RETIRADA DEL AIRE TRANSMITE POR ALTAVOCES DESDE UNA PLAZA DE CARACAS ---- Por Agencia EFE – Caracas, 3 ago (EFE).- Una de las más de treinta emisoras de radio retiradas del aire el pasado fin de semana por el Gobierno venezolano transmitió hoy a través de altavoces desde una plaza de Caracas, donde sus trabajadores recibieron la solidaridad de peatones y conductores. Los periodistas y otros trabajadores de la emisora CBN 102.3, una de las más populares de la capital, improvisaron un estudio al aire libre en la plaza Alfredo Sadel, ubicada en una zona comercial del este caraqueño. Desde sus micrófonos, y también a través de pancartas, denuncian que, "en su arremetida contra la prensa", el Gobierno del presidente Hugo Chávez ha cometido "un radiocidio". . . Fuente: http://www.google.com/hostednews/epa/article/ALeqM5iCkPA6yJfS_1FynmnKav7KbfOSFA (Via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. OPOSITORES ATACARON EMISORA COMUNITARIA LA VOZ DE TURMERO Aragua.- La emisora comunitaria La Voz de Turmero 97.7 FM denunció que durante la madrugada de este lunes, sujetos que hacen vida dentro de las filas de la oposición en el municipio Bolivariano Santiago Mariño, atacaron sus instalaciones para tratar de impedir que este medio de comunicación siga cumpliendo con su labor de informar a toda la colectividad. Estos sujetos, que ya se encuentran plenamente identificados, colocaron "pegaloca" en los candados de la entrada principal del medio de comunicación, con el propósito que el personal no accediera a las instalaciones de esta emisora, que goza del prestigio de la ciudadanía por ser vocera de problemas, necesidades y propuestas que a diario realiza el soberano a las autoridades nacionales, regionales y municipales. . . Fuente: http://www.rnv.gov.ve/noticias/?act=ST&f=29&t=104209 (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) a pro-Chávez station ** VENEZUELA. PUEBLO DE BOLÍVAR RECHAZA MEDIDAS ANTIDEMOCRÁTICAS DE UN GOBIERNO DICTADOR --- Hernán Martínez. Según opinan la dirigencia democrática de Guayana --- Seguirán con acciones de calle en todos los municipios del estado Bolívar para protestar medidas que van en contra de la gente para estar informada A juicio la diputada Nelly Frederick, el presidente Chávez con sus medidas antidemocráticas lo que está buscando es un estallido social, pues, con esa actitud autoritaria está tratando de acorralar al pueblo para que no opine, y que no se entere de los conflictos que él mismo ha creado. "Este calentamiento de hoy, esta protesta no solo es para rechazar esas medidas dictadoras, sino que iremos casa, por casa, utilizaremos lo que denomina el pueblo los radio bembas, para decirle al pueblo lo malo de este gobierno. Aseguro la parlamentaria regional" . . . Fuente: Diario el Progreso http://www.diarioelprogreso.com/edi-040809/html/pag02-a.htm (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. RADIODIFUSORES DE UPATA DESAPRUEBAN CIERRE DE EMISORAS martes, 04 de agosto de 2009 --- Carlos Andrés Monsalve Las 34 radios afectadas por la acción gubernamental forman parte de un grupo de 240 emisoras que será sometido a revisión por supuestos incumplimientos de las leyes que regulan el sector. Según Conatel, 240 radios y 45 televisoras no acudieron a entregar la documentación requerida, y por ello deben salir del aire Upata.- El cierre de emisoras que ha iniciado el Gobierno nacional a través de la Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Conatel) sigue generando rechazo en la colectividad y preocupación entre quienes laboran en las empresas radioeléctricas. En Upata, capital del municipio Piar, los locutores, operadores de audio y los ciudadanos manifestaron su rechazo a las medidas, por considerarlas riesgosas para el ejercicio de la libertad de expresión. Víctor Hugo Garrido, director de Especial 95.5 FM, no oculta la tristeza al comentar la clausura de emisoras. “Ante estas medidas será el pueblo el que tendrá que abrir, sus propios medios de comunicación. Para mí la radio ha representado bonitas experiencias, he conocido gente emprendedora, como el grupo Belfort, hoy seriamente afectado”, señaló. . . Fuente: Correos del Caroni http://www.correodelcaroni.com/content/view/133012/112/ (via Yimber Gaviria, Colombia, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. REVOCADAS LAS CONCESIONES A 34 EMISORAS EN VENEZUELA El pasado viernes 31 de julio, el ministro de Obras Públicas y Vivienda, y director de CONATEL, Diosdado Cabello, dio a conocer la lista de 34 estaciones de AM, FM y televisión, a las cuales se les revocó la concesión. Según el ministro, la citada medida se debió a cuatro causales: fallecimiento o renuncia del anterior titular, vencimiento de la fecha de la concesión sin solicitud de renovación, e improcedencia de cambio de título. Las 34 estaciones forman parte del grupo de 240 que no presentaron los recaudos solicitados por CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones), durante el reciente censo convocado por el organismo estatal. En consecuencia, al no ajustarse a derecho, tales concesionarios se ponen al margen de la ley. El proceso de reordenamiento del espectro radioeléctrico está enmarcado dentro la política revolucionaria de democratización de los medios de comunicación y del acceso a la información. Evidentemente, la acción de CONATEL no ha sido bien recibida por los grandes oligopolios comunicacionales del país como Unión Radio, Circuito Nacional Belfort, AM y FM Center, entre otros, ya que pone en grave peligro sus intereses económicos e ideológicos. Como cosa rara, el “comodín lingüístico” del “ataque a la libertad de expresión” ha sido colocado de nuevo en la palestra, con el fin de manipular a la población en relación con el tema. Cabe destacar que han sido revocatorias de concesión y NO cierres, debido a que las emisoras podrán seguir transmitiendo por cable, satélite o internet. Éstas tan sólo perdieron su habilitación administrativa para explotar una porción de las ondas hertzianas. ¿Se acuerdan del “affaire” RCT-FUISTE? El mismo cuento chino de la “oh- posición”. A continuación, la lista de estaciones de radio y TV que debieron cesar sus emisiones a partir del pasado fin de semana, por no haberse puesto al día con su documentación: Amazonas: Abel Cemeño 107.5 MHz, José Bringa 970 kHz. Bolívar: David Natera, Canal 7 y Ramón Castro de 96.9 MHz. Carabobo: Nelson Belfort, 100.1 MHz, Pedro Grispui 98.3 MHz. Distrito Capital: Rosa Rodríguez 102.3 MHz (Circuito CNB, antigua “Caraqueña 102.3” ). Delta Amacuro: Sócrates Hernández, 1270 kHz. Falcón: Nelson Belfort, Punto Fijo CNB 100.1 MHz, 96.1 MHz, Ramón Méndez 93.7 MHz. Guárico: José Donaire 99.1 MHz. Mérida: Rubén Chirinos 106.3 MHz. Miranda: Guillermo Obelmejías 1520 kHz y otra de Guillermo Obelmejías en FM. Monseñor Bernardo Heredia 1550 kHz (Radio Metropolitana). Monseñor Bernardo Heredia 97.1 MHz (Metropolitana FM), Gabriel Robinson 92.l MHz, Radio Barlovento 1230 kHz en Caucagua. Carlos Ghersi 96.9 MHz. Nueva Esparta: Arturo Gil 99.1 MHz, Ramón Borra 92.9 MHz, Sucesión Pedro Sosa 1140 kHz. Portuguesa: Ramón Ramírez 1170 kHz. Sucre: Luis Salazar: 103.3 MHz y Radio Sucre. Táchira: Modesto Marciana 730 kHz y Arturo Álvarez 94.5 MHz. Vargas: Canal 26 UHF y Alcides Delgado 106.9 MHz (Playa 107, filial de la desaparecida “Sonera 14- 50” ). Zulia: Guido Briceño 105.1 MHz, Luis Govea 102.1 MHz, Ciro Ávila 1430 kHz y Moisés Portillo 1300 kHz. P.D. Acá les refresco la definición del término “CONCESIÓN”, según el Diccionario de la Real Academia de la Lengua Española: “(…) Acción y efecto de conceder (…) Negocio jurídico por el cual la Administración CEDE a una persona facultades de uso privativo de una pertenencia de DOMINIO PÚBLICO o la gestión de un SERVICIO PÚBLICO en PLAZO DETERMINADO y bajo ciertas condiciones (…)”. Al buen entendedor… - Fuente: Diario Últimas Noticias. (ADÁN GONZÁLEZ LIENDO, Venezuela, Certificado de Locución #26950, Locutor, productor y guionista de radio, Aug 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VENEZUELA [non]. CUBA/VENEZUELA, 11670, *2200-2210, 27-07, español, inicio transmisión: "Bienvenidos, transmitimos directamente desde la República Bolivariana de Venezuela a través del canal de onda corta de Radio Nacional de Venezuela; escuchen las noticias y luego una entrevista con el Presidente Hugo Chávez". 34433 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nonsense; we all know it`s relayed via Cuba, and not ``directly from the RBV``, yet (gh, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA [non]. 15250, RN de Venezuela via Cuba. Long, dour treatise on the situation in Honduras, all in English. Occasional Spanish ID. Tune/in 2310, more Spanish IDs, etc. 2330, patriotic song, then back into English, 1/7 (Craig Seager, DX-Pedition Tuckers Rocks, near Coffs Harbour NSW, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** VIETNAM. 9730, Voz de Vietnam, Hanoi. // 7280 at 1800 s/on in Spanish for already many years, checked 19-21/7. Everywhere even in VOV English Service schedule is given 1800-1830 in English. Only in WRTH is correct (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi, August Australian DX News via DXLD) ** VIETNAM. R. Son La (4739.60v), inactive: see SUDAN ** YEMEN. 9780.04, YRTV San'a, 1948-2013, July 31, Arabic. Middle-East music until announcer at 2001 with ID; anthem-like music into news; brief announcer into music at 2012; weak but improving (Scott R. Barbour Jr., Intervale, N.H. USA, NRD-545, RX-350D, MLB1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE. 4828.000, Voice of Zimbabwe, 1620, English, excellent signal with hilife, ID by a woman at 1630 and into a discussion with a government official. 31 July (David Sharp, FT-950 +ICF-2010, NSW Australia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 6700 AGAIN: Aug 4th at 1740 noted on 6700 a station with non-stop Afghan sounding music. Apparently reduced carrier with audio on both sidebands. Sounds pretty much same that Radio Solh used to be (Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. USA: Family Radio in English, 7360 at 2220z. I find nothing on the Family Radio website about this channel. I'll check again on Sunday to see if it may have been a punch up error. I searched DXLD for a mention of this, perhaps one of the new broadcasts from Ascension but nothing there either (Jerry Lenamon, Waco, Texas, Drake R8B, Eton E-1, sloper, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Strange. Scheduled during that hour on 7360 are both CNR Beijing in Tibetan and CRI via Moscow (gh, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 11978, July 31 at 2017, rapid clix roughly centered here, at rate similar to that of heavy DentroCuban jamming on 11930 against R. Martí. I still think this is a weak spur of the DCJC, altho no match could be found around 11882 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ NON, AND NON Hi Glenn, Love your work. Question: What does [non] and [and non] mean in the loggings? 73, (John Wilke, K9RZZ, Milwaukee, WI) John, Since logs are sorted by country of origin, any deviation from that needs some notation. [non] can refer to several things, including: log is from a relay in another country. Or log is a clandestine or `target` broadcast TO the country rather than from it. [and non] means the item refers to broadcast from the country and ALSO one of the above. Or some other country is also mentioned in the item, such as interference, or somehow related to the main item (Glenn to John, via DXLD) Thanks for the explanation Glenn, but still having trouble grasping this. I understand that each logging is listed under the country that the programming originates from rather than the transmitter location, but none of the loggings are simple and straight forward, all seem to have explanations of one form or another. So does [non] = "notation" ? and [and non] = multiple notations??? Am still not clear on this. Sorry! (John Wilke K9RZZ, Milwaukee) Well, SW broadcasting is rather complex the way it is carried out, so this is an attempt to deal with it rather than just ignore all the distinctions as some do in their logs. No. [Non] means negative. [and non] means the item could be separated into two items, one with no notation, and the other with [non]. Such as it concerns broadcasts from the home country and relays as well. To me this is merely a matter of applying logic to the facts of a particular item. I don`t know how I can explain it any more clearly except perhaps by taking my latest log report and trying to explain exactly why I put [non] or not with each item (Glenn to John, via DXLD) Hi Glenn, As a long time listener to your World of Radio program and an occasional contributor to your weekly internet logging report. I was wondering if you could share what type of receiver or receivers that you prefer to use. I know that you are in Enid, OK and I am just outside of Little Rock, AR; however you do report some fine DX catches that sometimes I am just not able to pull in. I am somewhat limited as to what kind of antenna I can erect, but I prefer loops anyway. As far as receivers, I have an Icom R75 that has been heavily modded along with an Eton E1 that I can use as a portable. Any tips from "Shortwave's foremost DXer" would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, (Larry Beth, Bryant, AR, July 30) Hi Larry, Thanks for the nice words, but I am not using anything special. Main rx is an original unmodified FRG-7. Also have a DX-398, = ATS 909, and YB-400 handy for checking parallels, etc. Or going out into the yard to get away from computer noise. My neighborhood has a rather high noise level, anyway, so I am not very motivated to upgrade receivers. Maybe if I ever move to a quieter rural location? I don`t know what you have in mind that I get but you don`t, but keep in mind that a lot of the DX I mention comes from other reporters. Since I don`t have first-hand experience with many receivers or antenna designs, I don`t make recommendations. 73, (Glenn to Larry) And antennas are random wires, some outside, inside if necessary Taking a week off. No new posts until 10 August or thereabouts. In the meantime, for media news, consult Andy Sennitt's Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog and Glenn Hauser's DX Listening Digest. For public diplomacy: John Brown's Public Diplomacy Press and Blog Review. Posted: 01 Aug 2009 (Kim Andrew Elliott, kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ ATS-909XR Maybe a new Glenn's list will be in the NA version of this one too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jelyce/3244800568/ (Terry Wilson, MI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) No one asked me "BIRDS EYE VIEW" OF ANTENNA FARMS Perhaps you folks already know all about this, but just in case, I have found it quite entertaining. With Microsoft's new Bing map service: http://www.bing.com/maps/ You can get the coordinates of AM antenna farms from the FCC web site and then plug them in here, and then select the "birds-eye-view" option, and in most cases you will be rewarded with a very nice view of the tower arrays in question. Regards, (Fred Laun, Temple Hills, MD, Aug 4, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) Wow, the clarity of their satellite view is scary - much better than Google Earth! And look at all the crap in my neighbors` back yards, very interesting (Bill Nollmann, ibid.) RADIO SHACK REBRANDING TO "THE SHACK"? by Joshua Topolsky [LINK] posted Aug 2nd 2009 at 9:15PM Details are a bit light on this one, but thanks to a tipster and some chatter we picked up on the interblogs, it looks like Radio Shack may be about to undergo a pretty noticeable rebranding. The above image was taken from a terminal within a store, and while it's not completely clear if this is a short-term promotional push or long-term strategy (apparently the company will remain Radio Shack on the corporate side), our tipster says that in-store signs will reflect the change this week, and storefront signage will begin to be reworked as "The Shack" sometime later this year. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense -- radios aren't exactly considered cutting edge these days, and from the sounds of things, the store is about to launch a full assault on the mobile space, bringing T-Mobile into the fold this month, and attempting to cover the gamut on cellphone reselling. Still, we're not sure "The Shack" is the right direction -- - unless they wanted us to immediately picture a remote location where very, very bad things happen. Update: Apparently we're not the only ones talking about this -- someone has added detailed info on the rebranding to the company's Wikipedia page. According to the writeup, the switch will kick off with celebrations "in San Francisco and New York featuring '14 foot tall laptops' streaming the images from their webcams from one city to the other, live music in both locations, as well as television coverage of the event." Uh, okay! Update 2: Guess they weren't kidding. Here's the promo page on Radio Shack's site. Thanks Ellis D.! (source unclear, via Mike Cooper, DXLD) RADIOSHACK TO LAUNCH NEW BRAND KNOWN AS “THE SHACK” Radio Shack Corporation will launch a new brand name called “The Shack” on 6 August. Contrary to some reports I have seen, the name of the company is not changing, only the brand name that its products will use. Lee Applbaum, RadioShack’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that many customers, and even shareholders, refer to the company as “The Shack”. The new branding was developed by Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners of Sausalito, CA, which was named the Company’s creative agency in April. RadioShack has approximately 4,450 company-operated stores, almost 1,400 dealer outlets and nearly 600 wireless phone kiosks throughout the US; and approximately 200 company-operated stores in Mexico. (Source: RadioShack) (August 4th, 2009 - 16:03 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Colegas. Vejam essa notícia sobre o PLC no UOL. Infelizmente o poder econômico fala mais que a razão. 73 (Jorge Freitas, SWL1023B, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclubepr yg via DXLD) Viz.: INTERNET VIA REDE ELÉTRICA: UM PASSO PARA CONECTAR PELA TOMADA Por CIBELE GONELLI | Para o UOL Tecnologia 29/07/2009 - 08h00 Usar a internet vai ficar bem mais fácil. Cada tomada de uma residência será o ponto de acesso para se conectar à rede mundial. Essa nova opção para acessar a web vai começar a ser comercializada em breve para os usuários brasileiros. A Anatel (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações) homologou em abril a tecnologia de internet pela rede elétrica, que permite o tráfego de voz, dados e imagens. Conhecida como PLC (Power Line Communication), a nova forma de acesso à web já existe há cerca de dez anos e é vendida na Europa a links de 4,5 Mbps —que devem chegar a 14 Mbps até o final do ano. No Brasil, o uso começou no Paraná, na fornecedora de energia elétrica local, no final da década passada. Desde então, foi desenvolvida uma tecnologia compatível com o sistema elétrico brasileiro, que foi testado nos últimos dois anos, até ser homologado. . . http://tecnologia.uol.com.br/ultnot/2009/07/29/ult4213u782.jhtm (via Freitas, ibid.) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM see also DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; GERMANY; ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NIGERIA; RUSSIA; U S A [9785-9790-9795 for TDP as scheduled?] DRM = Don't Recognize Me? 29 July 09, 23:45 UT, Receiving TDPradio's DRM signal at S9+20 but no decode, no station ID even, which I can always get even when none of the audio is decodable. Intermittent decode on MOI Kuwait DRM (Arabic music,) so my set-up and DRM decoder are working. Technical snafu from Sackville? Are they trying the DRM+ format? If so, does that require a different decoder? No stereo dance music on SW for me today (Terry Wilson, MI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Turned into WAZ Nachrichten at 2230 (Journaline data stream, no audio.) Here's the audio I caught from Echo des Tages: http://www.mediafire.com/?jyjmm2uzm1m (Terry Wilson, MI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Echo des Tages being DW`s daily news magazine (gh) 30 Jul 09 22:15 UT: I don't see it on the official DRM list, EIBI nor ADDX, but I'm getting Echo des Tages DRM in German on 9530. S9+40. Near perfect decode, but low quality AAC+ Mono 14.56 kbps. Is this Sackville? (Terry Wilson, MI, ibid.) 9530 DWL DRM, maybe test of reception in HFCC conference location Dominican Republic. Unknown bc site, from Sackville-CAN or RNW Bonaire relay? (Wolfgang Büschel, BC-DX Aug 3 via DXLD) Bei der High Frequency Coordination Conference, die zweimal im Jahr fuer die Sommer- bzw. Wintersendeplaene stattfinden, werden etwa 80 Prozent der weltweiten Kurzwellensendungen miteinander abgeglichen. In der Regel nehmen Delegierte aus 40 Laendern an den Konferenzen teil. Aus Anlass der Konferenz wird es auch wieder einmal DRM-Sendungen aus Bonaire geben. Vorgesehen ist folgender Sendeplan: 1700-2100 UT 9710 Bonaire (120 kW, 350 degr) Spanisch (Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-D, ntt Aug 1, ibid.) A few weeks ago the DRM = Dumb Radio Morons made a big deal about some dance station from Belgium was on DRM SW to Asia. What rubbish. Does anyone see DRM catching on? As far as I'm concerned they are just a bureaucratic over paid group of managers. I like the idea behind DRM, but so far I'm not impressed (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) I don't see IBOC catching on. The only way it could make it is if some branch of national government was bribed by IBOC lobbyists and then enforced a change for the worse upon hundreds of millions of people without them having any say in the matter, either before or after the fact. DRM is like DTV; you either get the station or you get nothing. At worst it sounds like a low-quality dial-up internet radio stream. At best it sounds pretty good (Terry Wilson, MI, ibid.) see also USA DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE LETTER I've pretty much come to the conclusion that nobody cares. At least, nobody in charge cares. Okay, that's a gross generalization, but when I hear some of the stuff I've been hearing lately, it makes me feel like nobody cares. That isn't new, of course. For the last few years, I've heard and seen things going on in radio, some of which I've chronicled here, that made me feel that nobody was paying attention. This week, though, that feeling is just intensifying with each new head-scratchingly puzzling thing I hear. (And this is going to devolve into a rant about HD Radio, among other things, so if you're sick of that, you can skip ahead to the Talk Topics plug) Some of it is just sloppiness. The jock on a country station who stepped all over about 20 seconds of the vocals of some Taylor Swift song, well, either the guy had no idea how long he had, or something happened with the voice tracking... but since the song had a short intro, even a voice track should have hit the post. And, yes, I heard my share of dead air, weak and underdeveloped talk topics, unprepared personalities, and stop sets filled with PSAs and those painful "Radio Heard Here" things (I know, business is bad, but... wow, that sounds dire) that made me wonder if the PD or GM or Regional VP or anyone with a title was tuning in. But the worst of it came from my experience playing with one of those Best Buy portable HD Radios. Yeah, yeah, I know. But it's the cheapest and easiest way to get HD in my car, and since I can't get L.A. FMs at my house, that's the only way I can hear what they're doing on those HD subchannel things. And, despite the limited appeal of an FM-only radio in an age when even your keychain can play MP3s, store photos, and cook dinner, it's not a bad little device. In fact, I kinda like it. So when the local Best Buy finally started to sell them, I fought through the mobs of excited HD Radio purchasers and.... Okay, there were no mobs. In fact, that's "Nobody Cares," Chapter 1: If you don't go searching for them, you will never find an HD Radio in the store. These were hanging on a forlorn pegboard all the way in the back of the store, next to the cassette and CD portables, which, sadly, is appropriate company. There were no signs. There were no other models. There was no attempt to educate consumers about the technology. They were just hanging there in the Ghosts of Technology Past department, without even a price sticker on the peg. I don't think the staff even knew they were there. All that stuff from the NAB and the Grand Exalted HD Radio Alliance about major marketing to get people to adopt, embrace, LOVE HD Radio? That's happening in another universe. I think they bought ads on the sides of unicorns. The first portable is out there, in the wild, and there's no marketing for it at all. Nobody cares. I hooked the thing up to my car radio, and I tried it out. That leads me to "Nobody Cares," Chapter 2: You can't hold an HD signal very long, and that leads to two critical problems. One, you know how the primary HD channel is supposed to cut back to analog when you lose the HD, and cut back to HD when it's available? On several stations in L.A. and San Diego, the analog and digital are not in sync. You're listening to a show and it... stutters. The switch from analog (underwater, bassy) to digital (bright, trebly) is hard enough on the ears; if the two streams are a couple of seconds off, it's impossible. You would think that the people at these stations would notice the problem, but there it was. Nobody cares. A bigger "Nobody Cares" problem, and one especially acute for talk radio, involves those "multicast" channels. Here's what the HD Radio marketing doesn't tell you: Those channels cut out all the time. You can't listen for very long. And it happens under all conditions. Try this: Clear day, driving along the freeway with line-of-sight to the Los Angeles antenna farm. We had one of the HD-2 channels on, and it would drop out not only while driving under bridges, but every few minutes without any apparent reason. It turns out that HD-2 and HD-3 channels disappear behind any obstruction -- hills, buildings, trees, other cars, Andrew Bynum -- and become unlistenable. They also disappear when there's no obstruction. And the next time I get a press release trumpeting how an AM station is now available on an FM HD-2 channel, I'll know the truth -- you're not adding a thing. The "multicast" channels are unlistenable. Nobody cares. While we're at it, a couple more multicast complaints -- I heard at least one talk station on an HD3 channel with volume levels that fluctuated so widely that it was impossible to listen for very long (the very lowest, hardest to hear levels were during the actual talk programming; the commercials were louder). Nobody at the station seems to notice. And another HD-2 music channel played the same song every time I checked in, a couple of hours apart; I was unaware of the existence of the All-Ting TIngs channel, and even a fan of "That's Not My Name" could tell you that you probably should throw in another song or two. Just sayin'. Someone should be spending some time making sure that the rotations work, but, after all, nobody's making any money on those channels, because nobody's listening, which is because nobody's being given a compelling reason to buy into the medium, which doesn't always work anyway. This could be fixed, but, well, nobody cares. Oh, and here's another "Nobody Cares": Proponents always promote the ability of stations to show title and artist information on the receiver's screen, a selling point against satellite radio. But when there's a syndicated show on, I've seen the screen display something like "NWN_2009_07_26_SEG1" for 20 minutes. I've seen one station stuck on "NEW_LEGAL_ID_OCT2008" with the name of the voice guy. Isn't someone at the station supposed to be checking that? I guess nobody is. Nobody cares. Look, maybe HD Radio isn't fixable, maybe radio has its problems, maybe you're not being paid what you want or you're in fear for your job, but that shouldn't mean the people who run and work in radio shouldn't take some pride in what they're producing. I think a lot of you do take pride, and there's still a lot of excellent information and entertainment being produced and distributed by radio people every moment of every day. But when I hear stations out of sync, dropping signal, changing volume levels, playing the same song over and over, screwing up the song display... clearly, somebody in charge is not listening to their own station. Someone should, because someone else cares: the listeners. Listeners care. I listen, and I care. And if you don't give me what I want, you're telling me to find another station, or another medium. Please... care. ===================== For those of you who DO care about your shows, there's a lot of material for your perusal at All Access News-Talk-Sports' Talk Topics show prep column. This week so far, you'll find items about dissolving bikinis, special toys for dogs (yes, THOSE kinds of dogs), weaponized toilet cleaners, how to sell your stuff, a very, very long golf course, how perfume cleared out an office building, why some folks would like you to paint your roof white, a guy's inappropriate (and repeated) relationship with a horse, how shopaholism killed a woman, why banks aren't rushing to help people avoid foreclosure, the Great Beer Summit, a bad attempt at viral marketing, what not to wear to work, a sportswriter's unusual side business, the latest UCLA slang dictionary, why one guy might end up in prison for going to a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, and much more, plus the rest of All Access with news, columns, ratings, job listings, the Industry Directory, and all the resources you need, all free. Next week's column, by the way, will be in HD! That doesn't stand for high definition, by the way. It means Highly Dubious. Or Hateful and Derisive. Whichever fits. Perry Michael Simon Editor All Access News-Talk-Sports (via Brock Whaley, HI, DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV see also ISRAEL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Re: DIGITAL TV SWITCH STILL HITTING BUMPS - DailyPress.net | News, Sports, Jobs, Escanaba Information | The Daily Press Two factors I see at play: 1. The attitude that people who rely on their own antennae to receive DTV aren't big spenders, so who cares about them. 2. The profit motive of those who stand to profit from any given new technology (Saul Chernos, Ont., WTFDA via DXLD) I do think there's something to #1. Not necessarily that they aren't big spenders in general. But that they aren't interested in spending $$ on TV -- either: 1. They can't afford to spend much on *anything*; they're relatively unlikely to buy anything the advertisers are selling. 2. They're not much influenced by TV -- they may be spending plenty of $$ but their spending decisions are relatively unlikely to be influenced by advertising. #2 is applicable within the cellphone industry. While we were converting our on-air signals to digital, another large digitalization project was in progress. We were also converting the microwave gear used to do live remotes to digital operation. This was being done to allow the use of narrower microwave channels. Going digital frees 35 MHz of spectrum, which has already been purchased by Sprint Nextel. **Nextel is paying for the digital conversion**. They're paying to replace *all* the 2 GHz band remote transmitters; *all* the receivers; any necessary control equipment; antennas. They're also paying the labor to install all this stuff. You can imagine how much they're paying (it's into six figures for our station alone, and there are hundreds of stations involved). That gives you an idea of just how much channels 52-69 are really worth. The cellular industry is not stupid. They wouldn't be spending six figures to retrofit Nashville TV stations for digital if they didn't think they were going to earn at least seven figures of revenue in this market. Not to mention the rest of the country. I should also mention there were quite a few in the cellular industry who felt they should get channels 2-69 -- that OTA TV should be eliminated altogether. I'd heard calls for that as early as the mid- 1980s. The DTV conversion was rushed. I think the Supreme Court decision overturning cable must-carry was a wake-up moment for broadcasters. They realized cable could launch HDTV at any time and OTA broadcasters would need years of FCC action to catch up. I think the big mistake we made as an industry was to not *thoroughly* survey the audience *during* the transition period. We presumed if we weren't getting massive complaints, the transition would go well. It's looking like those who were having problems simply procrastinated - ignored the problem and figured it would go away. The DTV Delay Act probably didn't help matters. If you think this is contentious in the U.S., wait two years and see what happens in Canada. Where there is essentially no analog/digital parallel period. (the vast majority of those Canadian DTVs that are operating are operating at flea power, and very few DTVs are operating at all.) Many (most?) of the relay stations that cover vast areas of the country will almost certainly not be converted to digital -- will simply go off the air. For example, if you live in Saskatchewan, and you aren't within the Regina or Saskatoon city limits, you probably won't receive any OTA television. In theory, all OTA stations in provincial capitals and larger cities will be required to convert -- but most haven't even begun. IMHO if every required station began the conversion process *today*, at least half wouldn't be done by deadline. I think there's a VERY good chance that in three years, CBC, CTV, and TVA (and *possibly* Global) will be the only channels with an OTA presence; A, E!, TQS, and all the rest will be basic cable channels. (I guess I should mention Tele-Quebec, the educational channel, *has* promised to convert their transmitters in their renewal filed last week. I am not at all convinced they'll be *able* to do so before the deadline.) (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, Aug 1, WTFDA via DXLD) According to an article in Time magazine, the "unused spectrum" from channel 52-69 was sold for 19 Billion. This is why some of the articles about the digital change over talk about digital TV being more "spectrum efficient". There now are stations in NYC, Scranton, PA and Philadelphia all using channel 31 for their digital signal. The greatest distance between them is about 105 miles. Where the signals overlap, the viewers probably are getting no signal which can decode due to the high number of errors that the tuner is detecting (Bob Seaman, ibid.) My understanding is that the FCC's 'optimal' separation now is on the order of 70-75 miles for DTV. From the ESB to the tower farm in Philadelphia is close to 90 miles. If you have a good directional gain antenna and rotor and are located at a good site, you can get NYC DTV as well as SWB in Doylestown. Coverage for DTV is worse in close, gets better as you move out and then deteriorates - but that all presumes good line of sight, minimal blockage and some height at the antenna to get DTV reception in the NE beyond about 50-60 miles (Russ Edmunds, WB2BJH, Blue Bell, PA, ibid.) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ THE 2009 PERSEID METEOR SHOWER NASA Science News for July 31, 2009 Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, setting the stage for the 2009 Perseid meteor shower. FULL STORY at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31jul_perseids2009.htm?list1066436 Usually there are some radio propagation effects. 73s (Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) i.e. meteor scatter rates increase markedly (gh) If E-skip has gone belly-up in your neck of the woods, don't forget the Perseids meteor shower has began. I've noticed quite a few lengthy trains on FM already this morning, monitoring 89.5. Wouldn't it be interesting if some of you TV DXers left your Zenith/Insignia boxes parked on channel 2 to see if you could snag any PSIP information during the duration of the Perseids shower? (Jim Thomas, wdx0fbu, Milliken, Colorado, (40 miles north of Denver), Aug 3, WTFDA via DXLD) GEOMAGNETIC SUMMARY APRIL 22 2009 THROUGH JULY 27 2009 Tabulated from email status daily. Date Flux A K Space Wx April 22 71 5 1 no storms 23 71 4 2 no storms 24 71 1 0 no storms 25 70 5 2 no 26 69 2 1 no storms 27 69 2 2 no storms 28 68 3 1 no storms 29 69 2 1 no storms 30 70 3 1 no storms May 1 69 3 1 no storms 2 68 3 1 no storms 3 69 3 1 no storms 4 68 3 0 no storms 5 68 2 2 no storms 6 69 6 2 no storms 7 70 8 3 no storms 8 71 13 2 no storms 9 72 7 2 no storms 10 72 3 1 no storms 11 72 4 1 no storms 12 74 1 1 no storms 13 74 1 1 no storms 14 74 6 2 no storms 15 74 0 0 no storms 16 74 4 2 no storms 17 74 1 1 no storms 18 73 2 2 no storms 19 73 2 1 no storms 20 72 4 1 no storms 21 72 2 1 no storms 22 72 3 1 no storms 23 70 3 2 no storms 24 69 3 1 no storms 25 69 2 0 no storms 26 68 2 0 no storms 27 67 2 0 no storms 28 68 8 0 no storms 29 68 4 1 no storms 30 69 3 1 no storms 31 69 1 0 no storms June 1 73 2 0 no storms 2 72 1 1 no storms 3 73 3 1 no storms 4 71 4 1 no storms 5 70 6 1 no storms 6 69 3 1 no storms 7 69 4 2 no storms 8 69 3 1 no storms 9 69 2 2 no storms 10 69 3 1 no storms 11 69 1 1 no storms 12 69 1 0 no storms 13 68 3 1 no storms 14 68 6 2 no storms 15 67 3 1 no storms 16 68 3 1 no storms 17 68 1 1 no storms 18 68 3 1 no storms 19 67 0 0 no storms 20 67 5 2 no storms 21 67 7 1 no storms 22 68 2 1 no storms 23 68 3 3 no storms 24 67 18 3 minor 25 68 7 3 no storms 26 67 2 2 no storms 27 67 5 2 no storms 28 67 12 3 no storms 29 69 12 1 no storms 30 68 8 1 no storms July 1 68 8 2 no storms 2 67 2 2 no storms 3 67 2 1 no storms 4 71 2 1 no storms 5 72 4 2 no storms 6 70 3 1 no storms 7 71 4 2 no storms 8 71 5 1 no storms 9 69 5 3 no storms 10 68 7 2 no storms 11 68 2 2 no storms 12 68 4 2 no storms 13 67 8 3 no storms 14 67 13 2 no storms 15 67 5 1 no storms 16 67 3 1 no storms 17 66 1 1 no storms 18 67 0 1 no storms 19 68 1 1 no storms 20 68 7 1 no storms 21 68 5 1 no storms 22 68 22 2 moderate 23 68 9 3 no storms 24 68 5 1 no storms 25 69 7 2 no storms 26 68 1 1 no storms 27 69 4 1 no storms (IRCA DX Monitor August 1, via DXLD) IPS REVISES ITS FORECAST FOR SOLAR CYCLE 24; NEXT MAXIMUM IN 2013 IPS Radio and Space Services has made a significant change to its forecast for solar cycle 24. The forecast cycle maximum smoothed sunspot number has been dropped from 134 to approximately 90. In addition the time of maximum has been shifted away by one year to September/October 2013. These changes were made due to the protracted solar minimum currently being experienced, and the apparent statistical relationship between long solar minimums and lower following solar cycles maxima. (Source: IPS via Ehard Goddijn)( July 31st, 2009 - 15:15 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) BACK TO 1981: AUDIO, PUERTO RICO, FM DX VIA TEP & SO. BRAZIL TROPO, FROM VALIZAS, URUGUAY BY H. NIGRO For those who would be interested in hear some Caribbean TEP on FM here is my session of a day in a distant summer of 1981 in location Barra deValizas, Rocha on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay. http://www.imeem.com/people/FRPNdy1/music/115MkFSC/horacio-a-nigro-caribbeantep-fm-dx-valizas-1981-uruguay/ Description: Complete DX listening session (28m52s) of Puerto Rico FM radio stations heard via Trans Equatorial Propagation and also So. Brazil (Porto Alegre, RS) FM via tropo with an analog three band JVC radio cassette recorder + a half wave folded dipole for FM band, 2m high, beaming North. Jan 1981 by DXer Horacio Nigro, Location "Barra de Valizas", Dept. of Rocha, 265 km E of Montevideo, Uruguay. Some of the stations recorded here Radio Stress (PR), WCHQ, Camuy (PR), R. Lider 99(PR), Estereotempo(PR), Gaucha FM & Bandeirantes FM (Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) besides a couple of UNID stations. Mostly Spanish & Portuguese. These were indeed fascinating moments!! 73 & DX (Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Episode #3 - Space Weather / Radio Propagation Podcast The third edition of the weekly podcast about space weather and radio propagation has been posted for the week of August 2, 2009. The NW7US Space Weather and Radio Propagation Podcast, Edition #3, is available at http://podcast.hfradio.org/ If you wish to use the RSS feed to subscribe to this podcast, the RSS feed is available at: http://podcast.hfradio.org/index.php?option=com_podcast&view=feed&format=raw&Itemid=59 In this episode, NW7US explains the basics of sporadic-E propagation. Tomas also discusses the weakening magnetic strength of current sunspots, and the outlook for Solar Cycle 24 and the rest of 2009. Additionally, the weekly, 'Space Weather and Propagation Week in Review' is presented. Direct link: http://podcast.hfradio.org/components/com_podcast/media/2009-08-01-NSWARPP-E0003.mp3 73 de (NW7US, Tomas David Hood - Bitterroot Valley of Montana, swl at qth.net via DXLD) FCC EXPANDS ARRL'S 500 KHZ EXPERIMENTAL LICENSE On July 28, the FCC approved a modification that expands the ARRL's 500 kHz experimental license WD2XSH https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=100140&x=. According to Experiment Coordinator Fritz Raab, W1FR, the expansion allows for more frequencies, more stations and portable operations. "We can now operate between 495-510 kHz," Raab said. "We were previously limited to 505-510 kHz. We will not be using 500 kHz itself so as to ensure that there is no conflict with the heritage stations on that frequency. The expansion also gives us the opportunity to expand the number of participating stations. We can now have 42 stations, where before we were limited to 23." Raab said that the expansion will now let participants operate within 50 km of their designated stations. This was not allowed under the previous terms of the experimental license. "Some stations have reduced operating bands to ensure that they do not interfere with nearby non-directional beacons (NDB). The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology granted the WD2XSH experimental license to the ARRL in September 2006 http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/09/15/104/ Find out more information on the ARRL's 500 kHz Experiment in the July/August 2007 issue of QEX http://www.arrl.org/qex (From the ARRL letter July 31 via Brock Whaley, Dick Pache, DXLD) CHANGES IN VLF RADIOWAVES IN IONOSPHERE OBSERVED DURING TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE --- The Hindu, Mumbai, August 4, 2009 Significant changes in the lowest part of earth-ionosphere have been observed by the scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) who conducted experiments on Very Low Frequency (VLF) radiowaves for the first time during Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) on July 22. The scientists monitored very low frequency (VLF) radiowaves travelling long distances through the earth-ionosphere wave guide and found increase in VLF signal strength during TSE at around 50 to 60 kms above the earth... http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200908041222.htm (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels during 27 - 30 July. Activity increased to unsettled levels early on 31 July, but returned to quiet levels by midday. Quiet levels persisted during the rest of the period. ACE solar wind data indicated the unsettled conditions on 31 July were due to a coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). Velocities increased from 329 to 431 km/sec during 31 July. Interplanetary magnetic field activity associated with the CH HSS included increased Bt (maximum 7 nT at 31/0614 UTC) and intermittent periods of southward Bz (minimum -7 nT at 21/0606 UTC). FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 05 - 31 AUGUST 2009 Solar activity is expected to be very low. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels during 21 - 22 August. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected during the rest of the period. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels during 05 - 06 August due to a coronal hole high- speed stream (CH HSS). Field activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during 07 - 08 August. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled levels during 09 - 10 August as another CH HSS disturbs the field. Quiet conditions are expected during 11 - 17 August. Field activity is expected to increase to active levels on 18 August with a chance for minor storm levels due to a recurrent CH HSS. Activity is expected to decrease to unsettled levels on 19 August as the CH HSS subsides. Mostly quiet conditions are expected during 20 - 31 August. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2009 Aug 04 1901 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 2009 Aug 04 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2009 Aug 05 68 7 3 2009 Aug 06 68 7 3 2009 Aug 07 68 5 2 2009 Aug 08 68 5 2 2009 Aug 09 68 7 3 2009 Aug 10 68 7 3 2009 Aug 11 68 5 2 2009 Aug 12 68 5 2 2009 Aug 13 68 5 2 2009 Aug 14 68 5 2 2009 Aug 15 68 5 2 2009 Aug 16 68 5 2 2009 Aug 17 68 5 2 2009 Aug 18 68 18 5 2009 Aug 19 68 8 3 2009 Aug 20 68 5 2 2009 Aug 21 68 5 2 2009 Aug 22 68 5 2 2009 Aug 23 68 5 2 2009 Aug 24 68 5 2 2009 Aug 25 68 5 2 2009 Aug 26 68 5 2 2009 Aug 27 68 5 2 2009 Aug 28 68 5 2 2009 Aug 29 68 5 2 2009 Aug 30 68 7 3 2009 Aug 31 68 5 2 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1472, DXLD) ###