DX LISTENING DIGEST 13-27, July 3, 2013 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 2013 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html [also linx to previous years] NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn WORLD OF RADIO 1676: *DX and station news about: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia non, Chile, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Newfoundland, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, South Carolina non, Taiwan, UK, USA and non SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1676, July 4-10, 2013 Thu 0330 WRMI 9955 [confirmed] Thu 2100 WTWW 9479 [confirmed] Fri 0328v WWRB 5050 Sat 0130v WBCQ 5110v-CUSB Area 51 [confirmed; next week move to 0200] Sat 0630 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1430 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1500 WRMI 9955 Sat 1730 WRMI 9955 from WRN Sat 2330v WTWW 9930 [last week: instead Sun 0000 on 5085] Sun 0400 WTWW 5830 Sun 0630 HLR 15785-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio tests planned Sun 1030 HLR 15785-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio tests planned Sun 1430 HLR 15785-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio tests planned Sun 1830 HLR 15785-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio tests planned Sun 2330v WTWW 9930 Tue 1100 WRMI 9955 Wed 0630 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Wed 1430 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Wed 1630 HLR 15785-CUSB [confirmed test last week] Thu 0330 WRMI 9955 [or maybe 1677 if ready in time] Recent editions have also been airing in rotation at variable times on WTWW 9930 between 17 and 24 UT, maybe 5085 between 00 and 01 UT. Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://www.wrn.org/listeners/#world-of-radio WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS VIA WRN: http://www.wrn.org/listeners/customize-panel/addToPlaylist/98/10:00:00UTC/English OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org DAY-BY-DAY ARCHIVE OF GLENN HAUSER`S LOG REPORTS: Unedited, uncondensed, unchanged from original version, many of them too complex, minutely researched, multi-frequency, opinionated, inconsequential, off-topic, or lengthy for some log editors to manage; and also ahead of their availability in these weekly issues: http://www.hard-core-dx.com/index.php?topic=Hauser DXLD YAHOOGROUP: Why wait for DXLD? A lot more info, not all of it appearing in DXLD later, is posted at our yg without delay. When applying, please identify yourself with your real name and location, and say something about why you want to join. Those who do not, unless I recognize them, will be prompted once to do so and no action will be taken otherwise. Here`s where to sign up: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dxld/ ** AFGHANISTAN [non]. 11545, CLANDESTINE [sic] (Afghanistan). Radio Salaam Watandara [sic] – Tiganesti [sic], 0351-0400* Jun 30, man announcer with talk in Pashto language followed by a woman announcer with apparently ID and closedown announcements. Poor to fair (Rich D'Angelo, Wyomissing PA, Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B, Eton E1, Eton E5, Alpha Delta DX Sloper, RF Systems Mini-Windom, Datong FL3, JPS ANC-4, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) Read all about it in DXLD 13-25 & 13-26: it`s not clandestine, and is from Bulgaria, says Ivo (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** ALASKA. SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY (STA) 850 KICY AK Nome – Licensed for U10 50000/50000, non-directional day and night but directional during “specified hours” (2300-0400 local), granted STA for 25000 during non-directional hours to save energy, remaining 50000 and directional during “specifed hours.” (AM Switch, NRC DX News July 8 via DXLD) In Russian to Siberia (gh) ** ANGOLA. Re: ``1088 Angola, R. Nacional, 2002, first noticed as huge het against 1089 and partially readable in LSB with news by a man, easily //'ed to 4949v. (21/6 David Sharp, dxldyg via DXLD)`` David, It's almost a miracle, that the Mulenvos 1088 signal was caught with (readable?) audio. According to my source, it seems this transmitter is radiating splatter, and the audio is distorted. Also, part of the monopole ground plane was severed by (foreign) workers as a result of ongoing constructions nearby. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST Hi Carlos and Everyone, If you note in my original log, I did not say how "readable" the audio was, only that is was easily //'ed to 4949v. As said previously, it's pretty rare reception in my part of the world. Would also be curious to know what the ground plane being severed might do to the usual radiation pattern. In addition to being able to // the station, being offset from 1089 makes this pretty obvious. 73s (David Sharp, ibid.) Interesting information, Carlos; does your source say if it was a recent occurrence? Total distance is less than half with respect with what David has just achieved, and a few hundreds km less than the distance to the Portuguese coast, but you and other DXLD readers might want to compare a recording of 1088 I've made last summer (mid August 2012) on the small Sicilian island of Favignana, facing the northwestern port of Trapani. I think it was between 21 and 22 UT. Measured on Google Earth, it's slightly less than 5200 km but I was listening - in LSB of course - with a barefoot Tecsun PL660, with only its tiny ferrite antenna, in a extremely quiet location. Audio was actually rather good, radiation was most likely still in good shape. https://www.box.com/s/46e55d052ecb62340c43 73 (Andy Lawendel, Italy, ibid.) Hi Andrea, Thanks for your correspondence and my apologies for somehow overlooking previous correspondence from Carlos. The audio on 1088 was good enough to // with 4949v so am absolutely sure who I heard. Also, since it is an "offset" reception is a little easier, especially if tuned in LSB. From memory, this is only he second or third time I have heard the station in NSW, so it's not a common occurrence. 73s (David Sharp, ibid.) David, Andrea, I wrote "(readable?)" which means I was also merely asking whether the signal you, David, received, was also readable - and, just in case you and Andrea misunderstood my yesterday's message -, please, I was in no circumstance doubting about the catch. The parallel 4950v is also referred to. We're aware this signal and many ups & downs: sometimes with barely audible modulation, sometimes with fair modulation: this confirms what my contact reported about this HF unit: module testing rather than actual broadcasting any channel. So my words were only reflecting what my source reported to me precisely a month ago. David, he says *half* of the monopole radials were cut by the workers; this has an effect on radiation, not only deteriorating the electrical balance of the system but also generating a different lobe. Andrea, I listened to your audio recording, and must congratulate you on this catch, and would also like to ask if I could pass it to my source who may eventually be in Mulenvos again as I write, and if so maybe he's able to check the "1085 kHz" [sic] unit. Curiously, he also mentions "702", not 945 which I found most odd. Best 73 & good DX, (Carlos, ibid.) Even though I am much closer to Angola, I can't really help much. I am hearing what sounds like Portuguese talk on 1088, but it is not // to the confirmed (with ID) Radio Nacional on 4949. Note that I sometimes do hear Angola on 1088 at this time of night, but it is generally fair to very poor, so what I am hearing now could be them. Radio Nacional, 4949, Mulenvos. Jul 1, 2013 Monday. 1858-1938. Time pips and ID at 1900 “Radio Nacional de Angola”, followed by OM's in conversation. Fair. Angola? Radio Nacional? 1088 Mulenvos. Jul 1, 2013 Monday. 1858-1938. Portuguese? talk, barely readable. NOT // 4949. Poor, as it often is. Jo'burg sunset 1527. On 702 I am hearing faint Arabic talk (as usual here) - I have never heard Angola on that frequency. I would not expect to hear Angola on 945 as the frequency is used by the much closer Radio Botswana, which is loud and clear at present (Bill Bingham, Johannesburg RSA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ANGUILLA. 6090, CARIBBEAN BEACON, 0113 MAY-19, AM, VG, Pastor Scott (Jack Amelar, Pt Hope MI, MARE Tipsheet 28 June via DXLD) WHICH pastor scott, Jack? Dead Dr. Gene or Genella/Barbi? :) --kvz (Ken Zichi, ed., ibid.) Melissa modestly goes by Pastor while the other guy is always Doctor Scott, haven`t you noticed? (gh, DXLD) ** ANTARCTICA. Video recording by my friend, Bulgarian sailor Georgi Tamahkyarov. Amazon River. Radio Argentina Exterior RAE in English 1850 on 15345v and LRA-36 Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel in Spanish at 1900 June 27 on 15476 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb9oyNTfaAo&feature=youtu.be -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Spot-checking long file, he tunes to 15476 at 11:00 minutes in, not earlier? (gh, DXLD) LRA 36 strong today, 15476, 1815 UT --- Noticed it on Twente SDR and immediately checked my receivers and I have a carrier and almost, but not quite audio. Usually gets stronger around 1900. On Twente I have clear if weak audio, steady & unmolested by BBC Arabic. 1819 music and YL talk, sound of a phone being dialed, dtmf type tones, into more music and YL talking, DH KCMO. Seemed to be gone for a while around 1945 to 2000. Back & heard well at 2002 on Twente but still no audio and in fact almost no carrier via my QTH. DH (Dave Hughes, June 28, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15476, July 1 at 1859 I am on the porch trying for at least a carrier from LRA36, and there it is – definitely a JBA signal on 15476, but I soon must evacuate since the neighbor`s lawn is starting to get sprayed with some noxious chemical (which is why mine grows natural weeds and his doesn`t). Back at 1946 I can still whiff it, but the carrier is still there too for my auditory sensors, JBA and of course, weaker than BBC Arabic on 15480 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. Nueva emisora de Onda Media en la X-Band --- Amigos de la Lista, 1650 KHz, RADIO EL MENSAJERO, es una nueva emisora religiosa evangélica de carácter “no oficial”, que ha comenzado recientemente sus emisiones desde su QTH de la calle Carlos Cazón Nº 2338, de la localidad de Rafael Castillo, Partido de La Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires.; Teléfono: (011) 4698-3163, E-mail: . La estación es operada por el Movimiento Cristiano “La Senda Antigua”, a cargo del pastor Emilio Gaette. Se puede escuchar además el audio de la estación a través de la Página Web: . Por otra [sic] parte, se pudo comprobar que se encuentra fuera del aire RADIO GUARANÍ AM 1650 (1650 kHz) que emitía desde San Justo, también desde el Partido de La Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires, por ello la nueva estación RADIO EL MENSAJERO, ha ocupado la frecuencia que dejara libre aquélla - (Marcelo A. Cornachioni, Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, June 29, condiglista yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ¿Otra mas? ¿Todos los dias una nueva? (¿Los transmisores de MW los regalan?) ¿Sigo haciendo preguntas estupidas? -- (Rodolfo Tizzi, Uruguay, ibid.) Al parecer son baratos los transmisores de MW en Argentina. Ummm, quizás; menos mal que no lo han imitado en Chile (Claudio Galaz, Chile, ibid.) Es largo de explicar porque la Argentina es un país muy extraño pero se podría sintetizar diciendo que instalar una radio en nuestro país es más fácil que corroborar que el agua del Rio de la Plata es líquida (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, ibid.) Excepto el agua del Riachuelo que tiene la asombrosa particularidad de ser sólida. Enviado desde mi BlackBerry® de Claro Argentina (Rubén Guillermo Margenet, ibid.) ** ARGENTINA. 1670, R. Rubi, Rafael Castillo, La Matanza, Buenos Aires, MAY 26, 0200 - Under CJEU with a couple of IDs by woman and what sounded like program announcement with a bit of a reverb effect. ID sounds just like what I found on somebody's YouTube recording of the station (Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, DXpedition, by Niel Wolfish, DXing with Ken Alexander, all logs made from the car using the WiNRADiO Excalibur SDR and the Wellbrook Loop, The National Radio Club's International DX Digest (IDXD) 80-28, June 28, 2013, via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA [and non]. 6060. RAE. 27 de junio a las 1203 UT. Comienzo del programa en Portugués con audio sobremodulado y mucho QRM de otras señales no identificables. Además produce espurios desde 5860-6035, concentrándose en 5925, 5970, 6015. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL- 660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) Video recordings by Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Brasil June 27, 1848 UT R. Argentina Exterior in English on 15345v General Pacheco and LRA-36 Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel in Spanish at 1900 on 15476 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb9oyNTfaAo June 28, 0250 UT R. Argentina Exterior in English on 11711v General Pacheco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPOsyfEL3eU June 30, 2000 UT R. Nacional Argentina in Spanish on 15345v General Pacheco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8FxE74EEvk Dear colleagues, sorry for local noise in some video recordings on June 30 and July 1. This is with great probability from the engine of the ship. Ivo (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) No one uses patchcords any more (gh, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA [and non]. With the Naval station at Anthorn, Cumbria, UK [q.v.], 19.6 kHz being off-air till the weekend, there appeared to be the very weak warble of an FSK transmission on 19.8 kHz, which I presume is NWC in Australia. The Russian Alpha signals on 14.88 kHz are still operating. One long stronger beep, a pause, then two more weaker beeps. VLF listening was cut short this afternoon by biting midges, I've not known them to be that bad for a while! 73's (Nick Rank, On a hill above Buxton, UK, R9924 pocket portable & home-brew VLF set, 1644 UT July 3, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. ABC Sydney 702 Technical Breakdown Audio --- Well, I don`t know why? A studio switch error? The ABC 702 (ABC Local Radio in Sydney) technical breakdown audio tape is currently playing out on Radio Australia 9710 (observed at 0750 UT). Just checked - The Radio Australia webstreams are also playing the ABC 702 technical emergency tape as well (Mark Fahey, Sydney Australia, 0756 UT June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Australia on June 29, on 5995 // 6080 // 6140 (via Singapore) // 6150 // 9580 // 12065 with live sports coverage of the Australian Wallabies vs British/Irish Lions; match ending at 1151; followed by interviews with the players; all frequencies fair (Ron Howard, CA, ibid.) QSL: Radio Australia digital tests: 9580 May 18 test, email reply from Nigel Holmes, who said "we will send a special Radio Australia QSL card for this achievement. This may take a little time." He said June 7 would be his last day at RA. I also received an attractive eQSL for 7410 June 9 test; 13 days for report sent to radigital-at-mail2australia.com (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also CAMBODIA [non] ** AUSTRALIA. ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE 85 YEARS YOUNG By John Casey (Multiplatform Reporter) It was 85 years ago today that the first Flying Doctor flight took off and the Broken Hill RFDS Base has celebrated the occasion with an open day. Broken Hill is unique within the Royal Flying Doctor Service as it is the only location where visitors can see a working Base in action every day of the week and it attracts more than 12,000 tourists every year. But it is the local residents that the RFDS would like to see more of. "Generally the feedback we get from local residents when they visit is that they weren't aware of all the facilities we have here," RFDS South Eastern Section Business manager/Tourism Sue Williams explained. "We would love more locals to come out and support us because all the proceeds we raise from our tours and merchandise sales from the Bruce Langford Visitor Centre help fund our aircraft and medical equipment," Ms Williams added. While the first ever Flying Doctor flight took off on May 17, 1928 from Cloncurry in Queensland to answer a call for help from the remote town of Julia Creek, the Broken Hill Base operations commenced in May 1936. The BH Base services an area of around 640,000 square kilometres, operating six King Air B200 aircraft. The ever-increasing suite of services provided extends from primary health to dental and breast cancer and Broken Hill is also the corporate headquarters for the RFDS South Eastern Section under the command of Executive Director, Captain Clyde Thomson. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Georgy Seward (22) has been with the organisation for four years and helps keep the RFDS in the air. "It's a very challenging job and a role I really enjoy," Georgy said. Article from ABC News 17/5/2013 http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/05/17/3761582.htm (via July Australian DX News via DXLD) WTFK? Still on SW, I think (gh) ** AZERBAIJAN Voice of Justice is back on shortwave. Observed again on Fri June 28: 1400 on 9677.8vSPK 010 kW / non-dir to CeAs Azeri Tue/Fri, horrible modulation, with break of audio -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BANGLADESH. QSL: Bangladesh Betar 15505, English email reply in 7 days from Touhida Chowdhury betar.external-at-yahoo.com for reception of Urdu service. The email thanked me for my report and welcomed me to their audience. My report was sent to both the External Service and R&D/Engineering Dept email addresses; hopefully the latter will come through with a QSL card (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15505, June 27 at 1359, BB IS is JBA and so is the timesignal ending at 1359:43 as Urdu is opening. 15505, July 2 at 1357, open carrier, very poor; 1358:25 IS from BB; no timesignal heard by start of Urdu at 1359:45. 15505, July 3 at 1358, JBA carrier with tone; no IS or TS heard past 1400, but started talking just before 1401 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BENIN. DX Tip: 1566 TWR Benin good right now, 0327 UT --- 1566 TWR Benin with clear audio at the moment and steady signal, best I've ever heard them here. 73, (Tim Tromp, West Michigan, Perseus SDR + phased BOGs, UT July 3, ABDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) Thanks for the tip - Tim - I'm getting them right now on my Racal RA6790/GM, DX Engineering Phaser, Clifton Labs active whip and Wellbrook 1530 combination (Phil Rafuse, VY2PR, Stratford PE Canada, 0403 UT, ibid.) I'm getting a carrier on 1566 at 0445. Too weak for audio (Bruce in Seattle Portzer, UT July 3, IRCA via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) Thanks for the tip, wish I would have checked mail earlier. 0443 fair carrier, weak by 0505. I wish I could understand propagation better, only TA carrier found. 73, (George S[herman]., MN, ibid.) ** BOLIVIA. 6134.85, 0105-0115 26.06, R Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Spanish ann, mentions of Santa Cruz, cock crowing, ads, ann: "Música romántica", 45343 (Anker Petersen, Denmark, in Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS and Bonito Radiojet, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) 6135-, June 30 at 0100, R. Santa Cruz is even stronger than usual, as must be getting a trans-equatorial propagational boost, but now becomes too obvious that it`s also somewhat distorted by overmodulation; salsa music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6134.83, R. SANTA CRUZ. 3 de julio a las 0120 UT. ID de la emisora: “Una radio con todas las voces y con tono de pueblo” y con grupos de cumbias y música pop en español. A las 0125 avisos comerciales con ID “De norte a sur, de este a oeste, te acompaña Radio Santa Cruz”, para volver a las 0130 a la música tropical. A las 0206 se acaba la transmisión con una despedida, nombrando sus frecuencias de onda media y onda corta, administradas por el instituto radiofónico Fe y Alegría. A las 0209 canción de la emisora hasta las 0210. SINPO: 53434. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA [and non]. 6155-, July 2 at 0056, lo audible heterodyne (LAH) between two close stations, the stronger of which is slightly on the lo side. Mostly YL talk, and cadence sounds Spanish. Not helped by lots of static crashes, and from 0100, RHC cutting 6165 on and off, from 0103 staying on it with splatter out to here. 0108 a bit stronger, still LAH, 0113 into praise music. Surely presumed R. Fides, which everyone reporting it recently puts on the lo side of 6155 as lo as 6154.93 but now it`s higher, maybe 6154.96 or so with that low het which per HFCC and Aoki could only be All India Radio, Aligarh, 6155, Urdu service, 250 kW, 282 degrees per HFCC, but 500 kW, 325 degrees per Aoki, surely the peak hour to hear it way over here. Could Fides also be on old // 9625? We`ll never know with all that DRM noise from REE Costa Rica. Recheck at 0158-0200, 6155- is still on but the splash from RHC is even worse. Fides sign-off has been reported at 0200, and WRTH 2013 daggers it as irregular. Meanwhile, 6135-, R. Santa Cruz was much, much stronger, still on at 0200; Brasil SRDA 6120 audible too an hour earlier. 6154.95 approx., July 3 at 0056, rock music, 0058 YL DJ, more music past 0100; 0102 announcement possibly mentioning Fides, but too much noise, and after 0100 splatter from RHC 6165 IS. No het this time from India, however (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. Fim da AM --- Fonte: http://www.caderno7.com/2013/06/migracao-de-emissoras-de-radio-am-para.html#.UdLU8awhBT5 Eu fico indignado!!!!!!!!!!! Abraço forte, (Rondon Neto, Brasil, 2 July, radioescutas yg via DXLD) Viz.: MIGRAÇÃO DE EMISSORAS DE RÁDIO AM PARA FM: O FIM DO AM? --- Da ABERT A presidente Dilma Rousseff aprovou a migração das emissoras de rádio AM para a faixa de FM. A proposta foi apresentada à presidente pelo ministro das Comunicações, Paulo Bernardo, na quinta-feira, 6. A decisão atende a uma demanda da Associação Brasileira de Emissoras de Rádio e Televisão (ABERT) e das Associações Estaduais de Radiodifusão, que consideram a migração das emissoras AM para os canais 5 e 6 de televisão o caminho mais adequado para o rádio AM brasileiro. Atualmente, as emissoras que operam em ondas médias sofrem com níveis crescentes de interferências e ruídos que prejudicam a prestação do serviço. ``A decisão da presidente Dilma será fundamental para o futuro de mais de 2 mil rádios AM que poderão integrar-se ao atual ambiente de convergência, com mais qualidade de transmissão e condições de seguir prestando o relevante serviço ao país``, afirma o presidente da ABERT, Daniel Slaviero. As condições para a realocação serão definidas pelo secretário de Comunicação Eletrônica do Ministério, Genildo Lins, que discutirá com a ABERT os termos de uma proposta a ser encaminhada, em regime de urgência, ao Congresso Nacional. A mudança pode ser o fim da rádio AM? Aguardaremos! (via DXLD) A timely development has taken place in Brasília within the past few days. I learned about it from the radioescutas Yahoo Group. In short President Rousseff has authorised a big push to move the primary format for radio in Brasil from AM to FM. Having now "mapped" such a large proportion of the 1600+ stations, my timing could not have better. As the contributor (Rondon Neto) says - await developments on this one. 73's and 88's (Dan Goldfarb, mwmasts yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL [and non]. Just downloaded the latest HFCC A-13 schedule from zipped folder at http://www.hfcc.org and noted that some of the other reference files in the folder have also been updated this June: broadcasters and sites. Glancing thru those, I see numerous entries for Brazilian SW stations and sites, each with their own unique abbr! Yet none of these ever appear in HFCC schedules, to their own detriment. Sign of progress? No, checking last year`s files, they were already there too, so never really used, or used long ago and still on the list? There are also lots of other LA entries, and elsewhere surely defunct (Glenn Hauser, OK, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 4863.9, June 29 at 0100, talk and music here, stronger than another carrier on 4865.0, hetting it, also with stronger TADIL-A bonker QRM. There are two Brazilians nominal 4865, so which is which? On June 22-23, Thomas Nilsson in Sweden, SW Bulletin, also had unID from 4863.93 to 4863.98. In the condiglista, Arnaldo Slaen in Argentina and Rodolfo Tizzi in Uruguay say the 4864 one is R. Alvorada de Londrina, Paraná. And on June 25 at 0052, Claudio Galaz in Chile IDed R. Verdes Florestas on 4865 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re Brazilian on 4863.81 --- Recorded again this night, June 29. The signal was stronger than preceding nights. Henrik Klemetz listened to a piece of my recording at 0032z and says "It seems you have recorded a piece of a relay from Com a Mãe Aparecida with TC for Brasilía." I thought I heard R Clube da Bahia mentioned but not confirmed by HK, so obviously something else. Thanks a lot, Henrik, for your assistance. I will continue to record this one until I get a proper ID. None so far, not even on TOH at 2200, 2300 or 0300z when I have recorded. On 4865.028, R Verdes Florestas is back again after being absent a few Days before June 25. 73 (Thomas Nilsson, Sweden, June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thomas, was also hearing this around 2330 or so, several nights during the Christmas/New Year's period, but never enough to tell much other than definitely a Brazilian. And no, this is definitely not Verdes Florestas, which continues to stick to its signature off-frequency of about 4865.02 or so. Good luck pulling an ID on this one for us! (Ralph Perry, ibid.) Since neither Thomas nor Ralph`s reply quotes anything back I am not sure if these were provoked by my latest log and/or material in latest DXLD, where the conosuristas are quite sure the 4864v is R. Alvorada de Londrina. Of course a definite ID of what`s there now is desired, but here is what they reported: [as above] (gh, ibid.) Yes! It is Radio Alvorada, from Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. I can hear this station all nights. 73's (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Glenn & Ralph, I saw the information in latest DXLD. I just wanted to share the latest info from my location that despite several recordings I can't find any ID in them. Info from Arnaldo Slaen in a message in this group says that this one is definitely R Alvorada. I just want to get that ID also here and this is much easier now when we know for sure that it is R Alvorada on this off frequency. 73 (Thomas Nilsson, Sweden, ibid.) ** BRAZIL. 4915, June 29 at 0101, no signal from R. Daqui, not even a carrier, while as I reported 48 hours earlier, this was a standout signal compared to all the other Brazilian carriers on 60m. Nor the other 4915 station audible either. Altho Brazil is a very large country and could be selective propagation, I suspect that R. Daqui is really off the air tonight. There are still weak signals on 4864, 4885, 4905, 4925, etc. 4915, June 30 at 0101, still zero signal from R. Daqui for the second evening in a row, despite usual weak carriers from variety of active 60m ZYs. 4915, July 1 at 0056, fair signal with music, and within a few seconds of tune-in, ID by Rádio Daqui. Yay, it`s back after missing a couple of nights and again the best ZY by far on the 60m band. 4915, July 2 at 0058, R. Daqui is off again, vis-à-vis poor carriers on other 60m ZY frequencies such as 4885, 4925; but plenty of CODAR. 4915, July 3 at 0054, music here, so one of the Brazilians is on and propagating, unlike last night, probably R. Daqui. This time the one on 4885 is noticeably stronger, but several other ZY frequencies are JBA (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. QSL: RÁDIO EDUCAÇÃO RURAL DE TEFÉ, Amazonas state, 4925.24, full data paper QSL and local postcard in 48 days for Portuguese airmail report and mint stamps. V/s. Thomas Schwamborn. 73 (Al Muick, Whitehall PA USA, June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. QSL: BRASIL, Rádio Inconfidência, 15190, QSL in 21 months for different reports by post and e-mail. v/s Marco Antônio P. Coelho, Técnico. (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. More video recordings from my friend Bulgarian sailor Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River: 0150 UT, Various Brasilian stations on June 30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osdcrj1_8h8 More on: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdcU3OPAH9H3dwm_Opd6Vzw/videos 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Video recordings by Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River June 30, 2200 UT Various Brasilian stations http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8feK-4-RFOs (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) ** BULGARIA. For the first time ever in Bulgarian radio history, private radio stations will be broadcasting here on medium waves – it will be happen after contest for two frequencies serving area around Stara Zagora, Yambol and Burgas on 963 and 1161 kHz. Probably for using of the transmitters located near Stara Zagora earlier on 873 and 1161 kHz. According to press–release of State CEM Commission dated 20 June 2013 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Probably: MW INSTALLATION near Stara Zagora Stara Zagora Mogila ex873 kHz 60 kW 165degr 42 23 40.74 N 25 42 10.50 E Maybe also Targovishte site on 1161 kHz 10 kW 43 14 47.84 N 26 31 20.43 E Probably also MW station near Burgas Malko Tarnovo Chereskama 963 kHz 5 kW 112m mast 42 00 11.53 N 27 32 19.55 E (BC-DX via DXLD) ** CAMBODIA [non]. PALAU, Starting from July 2, 2013, Khmer Post Radio added 1 more hour of broadcasting (Special election’s edition for the whole month of July) 1000-1100 9960 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs Khmer. Regular program is 1200-1300 9960 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs Khmer and will continue. 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, July 2, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Khmer Post Radio adds one hour of SW to its schedule: Special Announcement --- Starting from July 2nd, 2013, Khmer Post Radio added 1 more hour of broadcasting (Special election’s edition for the whole month of July) from 5-6 pm (Cambodia time) in the same SW Station 9960 kHz. Khmer Post Radio 1000-1100 9960 July 2~ 1200-1300 9960 http://hiroshi.mediacat-blog.jp/e92040.html (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dx_sasia yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** CAMBODIA. BBG CONDEMNS FOREIGN MEDIA BAN IN CAMBODIA June 28, 2013 The Broadcasting Board of Governors has condemned a directive issued by the Cambodian government that forbids the broadcasting of all foreign programming for 31 days prior to the July 28 election. The directive affects all FM radio stations broadcasting Radio Free Asia and Voice of America programming. "I am extremely troubled by the Cambodian government's actions today," said Victor Ashe, a member of the BBG's governing board and the vice chairman of the board overseeing RFA and who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Poland from 2004-2009. "By denying its citizens access to unbiased news and information in this critical time it is undermining its own legitimacy and blatantly repudiating the very democracy it claims to espouse. When I visited Cambodia in May, I met with leaders in the media and civil society. I know first-hand how much they rely on the reporting of RFA and VOA." Radio Free Asia reports that at least 10 FM stations in Cambodia have dropped programming as a result, and e-mails from listeners are already starting to pour in. VOA's Khmer Service says the government's decision to pull VOA radio programs from FM stations has sparked immediate complaints on Facebook and other social media sites. Both broadcasters have issued statements condemning the ban. Radio Free Asia will continue to provide programming through its websites and social media platforms as well as on shortwave radio. VOA will continue providing news and information broadcasts on direct-to- home satellite, web streaming and shortwave and AM radio broadcasts from outside Cambodia. Because of the Cambodian government's action, both broadcasters are now considering adding shortwave frequencies. In a statement today, the U.S. State Department urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to reconsider the decision. " This directive is a serious infringement on freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and starkly contradicts the spirit of a healthy democratic process," said State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell. (BBG PR via Hansjoerg Biener, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) VOA CONDEMNS CAMBODIAN BAN ON FOREIGN BROADCASTS http://www.insidevoa.com/content/voa-condemns-cambodian-ban-on-foreign-broadcasts/1691500.html WASHINGTON, D.C. - Voice of America is urging officials in Cambodia to reverse an order that bans FM stations from broadcasting programs from VOA's Khmer Service and other international networks. "The decision to pull VOA off FM stations in Cambodia deprives audiences of vital news and information ahead of the July 28th general election," said VOA Executive Editor Steve Redisch. "Reliable, accurate and balanced news and information are critically needed ahead of elections. We condemn any effort to silence the media," Redisch said. In a circular issued June 25th, Cambodia's Ministry of Information ordered "all FM stations" to suspend "rebroadcasting from all foreign radio stations that broadcast in Khmer language" in the 31 days preceding nationwide parliamentary elections. VOA is considering adding additional frequencies to its shortwave broadcasts. It will continue to provide news and information broadcasts on direct-to-home satellite, web streaming and AM radio broadcasts from outside Cambodia. Last year, on the day before local elections, Cambodia's Ministry of Information forced FM stations to stop foreign news broadcasts, allowing them back on the air 48 hours later. International broadcasting officials condemned that decision, calling it contrary to the principles of free and fair elections and counterproductive to democratic goals. VOA's Khmer Service is one of the most popular international sources of news in Cambodia, and the government's decision to pull VOA radio programs off FM stations sparked immediate complaints on Facebook and other social media sites (VOA PR via gh, Hansjoerg Biener, DXLD) In general it not only concerns USIB but also RFI, BBC and ABC who, contrary to USIB, even have dedicated FM outlets in Cambodia. Of them the BBC obviously does not consider it a priority (unless again "they first want to check the facts"), so far they have not issued a press release (as predictable it would be: we condemn, says Peter Horrocks...). No surprise in as far as they do not run services in Cambodian and, that's my impression, just took the FM outlets because they could get them. The same goes for the ABC. Radio Australia is now a mere appendix of Australia Network and its complete distribution again broke down completely (btw, why the Sydney loop? Melbourne operations already closed?). Not the kind of circumstances under which I would expect anyone to care for some FM outlets in Cambodia. A bit more interesting is the case of RFI. They have a daily one hour broadcast in Cambodian, besides the FM outlets in Cambodia also carried by a mediumwave transmitter in Taiwan (as part of their exchange arrangement with RTI, the one RTI would just have to use to put English to NAm on an Issoudun transmitter if they really care). But no reaction from this side so far, nothing has been added to the press releases section at rfi.fr since March. And francemediasmonde.com, the website of AEF, is just a mere portal page. Thus so far the most interesting aspect of this story is again what has not been reported. >> Khmer programs of at least three foreign broadcasters—U.S.-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA), as well as Radio Australia—will be barred from being aired under the directive. Three other foreign broadcasters—the state-run Voice of Vietnam and China Radio International and French public radio station RFI—will not be affected as they operate their own stations in Cambodia. [...] Pa Nguon Teang felt the directive was specifically aimed at RFA and VOA. “The ban intends to stifle the voice of RFA and VOA because the government has regarded the two stations as opposition radio stations,” he said, adding that by preventing local stations from carrying programs by the two entities, the government believes it can "silence" the opposition parties. << http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/radio-06282013140700.html Ah-yes: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/khmer/ still exists, just has been taken off shortwave at some point in the past. The criterion for "they operate their own stations" is quite unclear: WRTH 2013 shows a local licensee for RFI as well, which could likewise be asked "to stop broadcasting foreign programs", which of course would mean that they, the Centre Culturel Français, have nothing to broadcast at all because they act merely as letterbox for AEF. And an opinion that "the directive was specifically aimed at RFA and VOA" raises the question how their Cambodian services compare to those of ABC and RFI. Note also how the RFA report does not mention the BBC. Apparently its English-only programming, for which also http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/asiapacific/radio/cambodia_1.shtml still shows an outlet at least in Phnom Penh, is not considered as relevant to audiences there at all. All the best, (Kai Ludwig, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) To sum it up after a bit more research: The VOA release states that the order is limited to Khmer-language programming. So the BBC is not affected altogether, on the other side its FM outlets in Cambodia of little relevance anyway. Any further details are still missing (Kai Ludwig, later, ibid.) Ah-yes: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/khmer/ still exists, just has been taken off shortwave at some point in the past. ``Australien / Kambodscha: Radio Australia hat am 12. Juli 2006 seine Kurzwellensendungen für Kambodscha aufgegeben. In Kambodscha hat sich Radio Australia Sendezeit auf UKW-Sendern gesichert, die insgesamt ein Hörerpotential von 85 Prozent der Bevölkerung haben. Der letzte Sendeplan lautete: 05.00-05.30: 11920 (Kranji 250 kW, 13 ) Khmer 23.00-23.30: 9720 (Kranji 100 kW, 13 ) Khmer Da die beiden Kurzwellensendungen von einem angemieteten Standort kamen, fiel die Streichung leicht. (R Bulgaria 25.7.2006 via Wg. Büschel BCDX, Dr. Hansjörg Biener)`` And it will be just as easy for the ABC to terminate the remaining shortwave broadcasts to Asia as well. Btw, leased is anything they use, also Shepparton, owned and operated by Broadcast Australia under a general contract that may or may not be prolonged (Kai Ludwig, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RFI in Khmer from 1992, but capital station in French even earlier in 1992 --- Seit dem 18. Nov. 1992 sendet RFI Paris rund um die Uhr über einen UKW-Sender auf 92,0 MHz in Phnom Penh. Khmer: ab April 1993 via Irkutsk auf Sendung, schon einmal für 1985/86 geplant HJB (Biener, ibid.) A quick look into the literature: WRTH 1994 shows 7305. The frequency list shows it for RFI from either France or Hungary (where they leased spare airtime at this time); the main chapter lists besides the TDF facilities only China and Yamata. At least on 7305 it must have been transmitted from an Asian site. WRTH 1998: 12025, frequency list shows France, main chapter (besides a remark "a new relay station is under construction in Thailand" -- were they ever serious about such a project?) the same as 1994. WRTH 2008: No Cambodian/Khmer shown at all, so apparently no AM outlet existed at this time and the mediumwave relay from Taiwan started only years after shortwave had been terminated. All this 1200-1300 each, obviously this slot has never changed (Kai Ludwig, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) BBG WELCOMES LIFTING OF FOREIGN MEDIA BAN IN CAMBODIA, URGES COMPLETE MEDIA FREEDOM June 30, 2013 The Broadcasting Board of Governors welcomed the decision by the Cambodian government this weekend to lift its ban on Khmer-language programming from overseas ahead of the July 28 national elections, but called for continued international vigilance regarding remaining restrictions on media in Cambodia both before the elections and beyond. "We are pleased that the Cambodian government has decided to allow broadcasting by all groups on the upcoming elections, but restrictions on media freedom remain," said Victor Ashe, a BBG board member and the vice chair of Radio Free Asia. "An important part of all democracies to allow full media coverage of all candidates and campaigns with the people making the final decision on election day. Furthermore, the people of Cambodia deserve nothing short of complete freedom of the press at all times." Ashe, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland from 2004 to 2009, has visited Cambodia three times in as many years - most recently in May, when he met with leaders in media and civil society on behalf of the BBG and RFA. The Cambodian government lifted the ban after an international outcry that included statements from the U.S. State Department, the BBG, RFA and Voice of America, both of which are supported by the BBG and have Khmer-language programs. RFA will continue to provide this programming on shortwave radio as well as through its websites and social media platforms. VOA will continue providing news and information broadcasts on direct-to-home satellite, web streaming and shortwave and AM radio broadcasts from outside Cambodia. Both are in a position to add shortwave frequencies should the Cambodian government reverse course and restrict media freedom even further during the coming month. The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia issued a statement today calling the decision to drop the ban on foreign broadcasts "a positive development in line with the requirements of a democratic electoral process." The embassy urged the Cambodian government "to ensure full press freedom, including during the campaign period up to and including the day of the national elections, and to take other steps recommended by the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia." (BBG PR June 30 via Hansjoerg Biener, DXLD) CAMBODIA LIFTS PRE-ELECTION RADIO BAN Australia Network News Jun 30, 2013 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-30/an-cambodia-lifts-pre-election-radio-ban/4790354 Cambodia has quickly reversed a ban on foreign media content on local radio stations, after a public outcry. The government's Information Ministry had told local FM stations to suspend foreign-made, Khmer- language programs in the lead up to the July 28 general election, saying the stations must remain 'neutral'. Phnom Penh was accused of censorship by broadcasters, the public and the United States. The US State Department criticised the directive, saying that it was a "serious infringement" of freedom of expression. The Information Ministry overturned the ban Sunday, issuing a statement saying local radio stations could "resume airing [foreign- produced] programs as usual." The ministry says it made the decision after a "request", but didn't say who asked for the ban to be lifted. Prime Minister Hun Sen has total control of local television and most radio stations in Cambodia, and his Cambodian People's Party is expected to win next month's election. Rights groups have welcomed the decision to withdraw the ban. President of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights, Ou Virak, says reason seems to have won the day. He says the government's decision to back down on the ban has avoided an angry backlash from the public. "Such a move would have undermined the legitimacy of the election, hence the legitimacy of the next government," he said. AFP (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) CAMBODGE: LES RADIOS INTERNATIONALES `A NOUVEAU AUTORISEES `A DIFFUSER Article publie le : dimanche 30 juin 2013 `a 11:57 - Derniere modification le : dimanche 30 juin 2013 `a 11:57 Le gouvernement du Premier ministre cambodgien Hun Sen (photo) a fait marche arrière. AFP PHOTO/Christophe ARCHAMBAULT [caption] http://www.rfi.fr/asie-pacifique/20130630-cambodge-radios-internationales-peuvent-nouveau-diffuser Par RFI Au Cambodge, les radios locales sont `a nouveau autorisees `a vendre des heures d'antenne `a des radios etrangeres produisant de l'information en khmer. L'interdiction leur en avait ete faite vendredi 28 juin pour la duree de toute la campagne electorale precedant les legislatives du 28 juillet. Avec notre correspondante `a Phnom Penh, Stephanie Gee C'est sur la chaine nationale que le ministere de l'Information a fait passer le message. La voix des radios etrangeres reprise sur nombre de stations locales s'entend `a nouveau depuis dimanche. Le departement d'Etat americain avait appele Phnom Penh `a revenir sur cette decision, vivement critiquee et impopulaire aupres des Cambodgiens, tres `a l'ecoute des programmes d'information produits en khmer par les radios americaines Radio Free Asia et Voix de l'Amerique, l'Australienne ABC et RFI. Dans un paysage mediatique majoritairement controle par le gouvernement et ne vehiculant que la doxa du pouvoir, ces emissions rassemblent `a travers le pays d'innombrables auditeurs de tous bords politiques. Ils trouvent l`a une independance de ton dans le traitement de l'actualite et des informations relayees nulle part ailleurs. Sur sa page Facebook, le ministre de l'Information, mobilise en province par la campagne electorale et qui n'avait pas signe cette circulaire, explique que cette mesure n'a jamais ete une option consideree par son ministere. Neanmoins, cinq jours avant les elections, tous les medias devront s'abstenir de retransmettre des sondages d'opinions sur les resultats des elections emanant de medias etrangers (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) as is with accents stripped, except for substituting ` before a (gh) ** CANADA. 6030, CFVP, Calgary 2147 with ID for CKMX and CFVP, ads for Acura and Sleep Country. Fair June 27. By the way, for anyone wondering, the CKMX-CFVP transmitter site is surrounded by farm fields and well away from the river valleys that had so much flooding this month. (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening in my car with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna. Editor of World English Survey and Target Listening, available at http://www.odxa.on.ca dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. CFRX was off all weekend -- I tried at many different times to hear them, and although 6160 from Newfoundland was in in the evenings, I never once heard CFRX which is usually a daytime 'local' at the lake. Transmitter issues? Anyone know any details about what is going on? --kvz (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet June 28 via DXLD) Yes, in DXLD previously. See also NEWFOUNDLAND ** CANADA [non]. BULGARIA, Frequency change of Bible Voice Broadcasting from June 28: 1630-1830 NF 11525 SOF 100 kW / 126 deg to WeAs Persian, ex 15750 1530-1730 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, July 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHILE. Hola amigos DX: Les digo que si pueden presten atención a las 03 UT a la frecuencia de 7215 kHz, pues habrá una transmisión test en modo LSB de una nueva radio en Onda Corta, desde Chile, que se llama RCW, Radio Compañía Internacional. Si pueden escucharla, avisen del contenido. Habrá E-QSL, para los oyentes que avisen en esta lista. Saludos y 73 ! (Claudio Galaz, Chile, 2329 UT June 28, condiglista yg via DXLD) Pirata... autorizada... ? (Horacio Nigro, Uruguay, ibid.) Hola: Pirata por el momento, supongo. Más que nada es Test de los equipos. Los reportes mándenlos a mi mail: cgalazt@yahoo.cl (Claudio Galaz, 0117 UT June 29, ibid.) Acabo de hablar con el responsable y sí, es legal. Es transmisión de CD6737, pero como programa especial. Yo paso a ser responsable de las E-QSL. Saludos! (Galaz, 0128 UT, ibid.) A las 03 UT en 7215 en modo LSB. O sea, en un poco rato más. Así es, acabo de hablar con el jefe. 73 a todos! (Galaz, 0145 UT, ibid.) Nothing audible here at 0303-0305 UT check on 7215-LSB. Can`t be legal on the hamband even if they claim to have a CD callsign (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Prueba en 7215 --- ya inició saludando así: ``Buenas Noches, comienza nuestra prueba para Centro, Norte y Sur de Sudamérica`` y luego música; es impresionante los estáticos que hay, UT 0300 (Ernesto Paulero, Argentina, 0304 UT June 29, condiglista yg via DXLD) Radio Compañía, en 7215 kHz emisión de prueba, en fase de experimentación (Paulero, 0314 UT, ibid.) Radio Compañía QSL image: http://static.dyp.im/52iHV7guw2/5e892e767e8d11d8997b20348f854ad1.jpg via Claudio Galaz, FB (via Horacio Nigro, Uruguay, June 29, condiglista yg via DXLD) 7215. RADIO COMPAÑÍA WORLDWIDE RCW. 29 de junio a las 0301 UT. ID de emisora e himno nacional de Chile en modo LSB. A las 0305, 0309 y 0312 se repite: la “…Vía estación repetidora número 2, para Norte, Centro y Sudamérica” como transmisión de prueba de equipos en 40 metros. A las 0313, gong de emisora que se repite a las 0316. SINPO: 43343 con algo de estática en la frecuencia. También registrado por Ernesto Paulero, vía E-mail: cgalazt @ yahoo.cl para confirmación de e-qsl y p-qsl, por https://soundcloud.com/claudio-radioham-dx/chile-prueba-7215-khz-0301-utc desde Buenos Aires, Argentina. Y por Tony Paredes desde Mar del Plata en: https://soundcloud.com/claudio-radioham-dx/lsb-rcompania-06-29-000736-mar 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 5 metros de alambre de cobre, QTH: Poblado de Barraza Bajo, Comuna de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** CHINA [and non]. 15250, CNR1 JAMMER. 27 de junio a las 1235 UT. Mujer habla en chino y se repite 3 minutos [sic: segundos?] después, en contra de VOA en chino desde Filipinas. Ambas señales se repiten de la misma manera, pero sin generar sobre modulación. SINPO: 54454. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) Firedrake [non] hunt June 27 at 1344 found nothing 12-18 MHz except poor signal on 15570 with CNR1 hetting KBS 15575, but 15570 cut off at 1344:45*; there was another circa 15545 but it too went off before I could nail the exact frequency, and unlike 15570 it did have a het from V. of Tibet, via TAJIKISTAN. Aoki as of June 28 shows *jammed VOT on 15568 until 1340 switching to 15562; and on 15543 until 1345 switching to 15542. Firedrake June 28 before 1300: 13795, very poor at 1252 Very poor propagation brings no CNR1 jammers, 12-18 MHz except: 13830, very poor at 1252 [non?]. 21680, Thursday June 27 at 0518, JBA signal vs noise level, talk from algo. HFCC shows IBB TINIAN, 250 kW, 313 degrees in Cmn = Chinese Mandarin during this hour only and only on Thursdays and Fridays; what luck! Too weak to tell whether RFA or ChiCom jamming, but propagationally Tinian is much more likely here. ** CHINA. Firedrake [non], June 30, with degraded propagation, before 1400 only found: 13530, poor at 1338 with flutter 13970, very poor with het at 1340, none in the 12s 14700, very poor with het at 1342, none in the 15s, 16s, 17s Firedrake July 2, before 1330: 13795, fair at 1324 The rest are CNR1 jamming instead: 13830, poor at 1325, none in the 12s 14750, fair at 1325 15105 & 15195, fair at 1328 with echoes, CCI 15545, very poor at 1327 with het on lo side; none in 16s, 17s Firedrake July 3, before 1400 13795, poor at 1350 Only CNR1 jamming, with none in the 12s, 13s, 15s, 16s, 17s: 14800, fair at 1350 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGST) 7325, CRI returned here June 30 with fair reception at 1326 in Japanese. Would have been good reception except for the OTH radar QRM (Ron Howard, CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) So ends the maintenance period, which Aoki shows was to last only thru June 29, and so CRI also resumes burying Wantok Radio Light, Papua New Guinea, which is apparently blissfully unaware of the cochannel (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA. SEÑAL COLOMBIA - SISTEMA DE MEDIOS PÚBLICOS Uno de los placeres más grandes en la vida es renovarse. Y a partir de hoy nuestra empresa cambia interior y exteriormente. Lo que conocíamos como Radio Televisión Nacional de Colombia (RTVC) evoluciona para darle paso a Señal Colombia, Sistema de Medios Públicos. De ahora en adelante esta marca agrupa a los canales de televisión Señal Colombia y Señal Institucional; las emisoras Señal Radiónica y Señal Radio Colombia (antes Radio Nacional de Colombia), así como a Señal Memoria (antes Fonoteca). “Porque no todo tiene que ser igual y puedes elegir”, es una forma de resaltar que nuestros medios atraviesan un muy buen momento. En los más recientes premios India Catalina, el canal Señal Colombia ocupó el primer lugar en las categorías Mejor Programa de Entretenimiento, Mejor Presentador de Programa de Entretenimiento y Mejor Programa de Humor. A las dos emisoras, Señal Radiónica y Señal Radio Colombia, se suman dos nuevas en versión online: Señal Rock Colombia y Señal Clásica. Allí se encontrará una programación especializada en estos géneros, que hacía falta en la oferta radial colombiana, tanto pública como privada. Señal Colombia Sistema de Medios Públicos, es una excelente alternativa para los oyentes y televidentes colombianos. Desde ahora se emprende un nuevo camino para la radio y la televisión pública, donde términos como convergencia, inclusión digital y nuevos medios, marcan el rumbo. En palabras de Diego Molano, Ministro de Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones: “Tenemos que cumplir un rol: el de producir buenos contenidos, contenidos positivos. Tenemos que ser la marca de esos contenidos, una marca de cinco estrellas totalmente multiplataforma con contenidos que educan y se administran responsablemente”. “Más que un cambio de marca, es una muestra de nuestra evolución”, sostiene Diana Celis, gerente general de Señal Colombia, Sistema de Medios Públicos. Con esa evolución se da una mayor coherencia entre todos los productos y marcas, mayor contenido y, por supuesto, se mantiene el sello de calidad que siempre nos ha caracterizado. FUENTE: Señal Memoria (ex-Fonoteca RTVC) más en http://www.senalmemoria.gov.co Via Rafael Rodriguez, Colombia Facebook: de Señal Radio Colombia https://www.facebook.com/SenalRadioColombia?fref=ts ((( Señal Nacional ))) Las emisoras estatales en un solo clic. http://senalnacional.blogspot.com/ (via Yimber Gaviria, noticiasdx yg via DXLD) ** COLOMBIA. RADIO GALEÓN PASA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA A SER DE UNA CADENA NACIONAL --- 01 de Julio del 2013 Caracol Radio manejará esta radiodifusora samaria durante 10 años. La radio samaria comienza, este mes, una nueva etapa. La emisora Radio Galeón, fundada el 29 de julio de 1975 por el fallecido Rodrigo Ahumada Bado y reconocida por su independencia, será administrada por la cadena nacional Caracol Radio, que la arrendó durante los próximos 10 años. Este cambio en ‘la emisora de la integración costeña’, que a partir de ayer está en manos de Caracol Radio, ha generado nostalgia en muchos oyentes samarios que sienten que se pierde un patrimonio de la ciudad, al igual que expectativas sobre lo que será la nueva programación. . . http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/caribe/radio-galeon-pasa-de-la-independencia-a-ser-de-una-cadena-nacional_12904050-4 (via Yimber Gaviria, DXLD) WTFK? 890, 20 kW, HJPM, Santa Marta (gh) ** CUBA. QSL: Radio Rebelde 5025, sent ND QSL card like the one shown on Rebelde's website. Spanish report with MP3 file was sent to web-at-radiorebelde.icrt.cu and reply from Osana Osoria, Editora, arrived 4 days later. This was my fourth try at QSLing Rebelde; I'm not sure why the others went unanswered despite their soliciting reports on the website (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 6010, June 30 at 0510, RHC English, only with trace of modulation at peaks on big otherwise open carrier. Other frequencies are OK. Wiggle that patchcord! 9850, Sunday June 30 at 1240, RHC with great `Cuba Campesina` music, as I pick this frequency for best signal; a mistake since it`s chopped off the air rudely at 1255 as this transmitter will take a while to retune to 15340 on the `Chicago` beam. Quick retune to 11860 for the rest of it. 15340 and much weaker 15230 are the OSOB at 1305 June 30, except for both sides of the China radio war on 15115. Propagation continues to be much degraded. At 1305, I can also hear 17580 fairly, but nothing on 17730; by 1307, a JBA signal becomes audible on 17730. This week`s `En Contacto` after 1335 concludes with a Ruben Guillermo Margenet feature recorded years ago with clip of final Spanish broadcast from R. Budapest, on anniversary of its closure, and also the final DX program from R. Moscú that Manolo de la Rosa presented before moving back to Cuba. And note: the codey closing theme of En Contacto plays out complete, unusual, as the show must have had a bit of time to fill. Catch it on the repeats starting around 2240v and Monday 0135. 6165, July 2 at 0100, RHC is cutting on and off the air in Spanish instead of English; then off a bit until staying on in English from 0103. Bad news for R. Fides on 6155; see BOLIVIA. 5040, July 2 at 0105, RHC Spanish on this frequency suffers from squeal by defective modulator (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Malena Negrín Iser, la locutora más popular de la Onda Corta La nota, muy interesante por cierto, puede leerse completa en el siguiente link: http://www.radiocubana.cu/index.php/historia-de-la-radio-cubana/32-memoria-radial-cubana/837-malena-negrin-iser-la-locutora-mas-popular-de-la-onda-corta (via Arnaldo Slaen, condiglista yg via DXLD) A 2009 summary of her career, having retired from RHC (I thought that was somewhat later), former co-host of En Contacto with husband Manolo de la Rosa, who still does the show with another lady. I guess she`s OK, despite the `memoria` labeling of this page, and the portrait is of someone else (gh, DXLD) ** CUBA. TV Es to [from] Cuba this morning. Hi Guys: Well, Es is still pretty sparse here the past month or so. Only thing I can muster up for this week is a couple of Cuban TV Stations that surfaced this morning!!! Never hit FM here that I witnessed. TV is SHARP DIGITAL 21 Inch. Antenna is "El Cheapo VHF/UHF/FM Beam" Mounted at 6 Feet on a Tripod in the Backyard!! 2, TeleRebelde, CMBA??, June/30/13, 0930 EDT, SS, FAIR --- Movie in Spanish with Victorian ballroom dancing scenes at 0930. Movie over and a few CUBA history snippets at 0945 EDT. TELEREBELDE ID on screen at 0945. Into cooking show with female host. RELOG ROSS, ONT. 3, CubaVision, June/30/13, 1001 EDT, SS, FAIR, "Willy Wonka" movie in English with SS Sub Titles. Movie over at 1113 EDT and "CUBAVISION" ID on Screen at 1113 EDT. RELOG ROSS, ONT. 73 ROB VA3SW (Robert S. Ross, London, Ontario CANADA, GRID SQUARE is EN92jw, WTFDA via DXLD) ** DIEGO GARCIA. 4319-USB, AFN first time in over a week to ten days, 2340 with music using 1.7 filter. At 0000 the ute may dominate. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida DX LISTENING DIGEST) june 30 ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 830, Radio HIJB, Santo Domingo, JUN 6, 0400 - Under domestics WEEU Pennsylvania and WTRU North Carolina, heard what sounds like a sign-off announcement in Spanish ("oyentes... a partir de las seis de la mañana" - listeners... from six in the morning), then a nice rendition of the DR national anthem, followed by some pop- ish Spanish music with a quick fade-out. Clip posted at http://www.dropbox.com/s/mivzw9pwbbhactu/830-HIJB_DR_pres.mp3 Thanks to Chuck Hutton and others on RealDX for assistance. 2013 WRTH lists 10 kW night power and a sign-off time of 0300, so it's conceivable this was them given the disturbed conditions of the past week (Brett Saylor, Central PA; Perseus SDR with 16 x 36-ft SuperLoop pointed at 180 , NRC IDXD June 28 via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) Come to think of it, DR logs on MW are quite rare inside North America. In fact, this IDXD includes a big DX-pedition log of LAs from a coastal location, and no DR except the 1680 x-bander. Per WRTH 2013, there is at least one DR on most MW frequencies, with some skips below 990; and from 990 to 1600 every frequency with one, in some cases two, three or even four in this relatively small country (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 1680, HISV, R. Senda, San Pedro De Macorís, MAY 26, 0204 - ID with calls at 0204 by man and program announcement by woman. Underneath WTTM (Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, DXpedition, by Niel Wolfish, DXing with Ken Alexander, all logs made from the car using the WiNRADiO Excalibur SDR and the Wellbrook Loop, The National Radio Club's International DX Digest (IDXD) 80-28, June 28, 2013, via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) One of few countries licensing X-banders: others on 1620, 1640, 1650, 1660, 1700, per WRTH 2013 (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** ECUADOR. QSL: Radio Oriental 4781.6, FD QSL card, sticker, and letter in Spanish from Luis Enrique Espin, Gerente. 320 days after sending original report, and 5 months after sending followup, both in Spanish with audio CD plus $3. Report was mailed to Av. Jumandy No 536, Casilla 260, Tena, provincia de Napo, Ecuador. Letterhead also lists an email address: radioriental-at-hotmail.com (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EGYPT. 9965, July 3 at 2259-2302, R. Cairo English to N. America is instead tone test, but sufficient level atop the buzz. One might be interested in how they treat the latest coup. Too busy with WORLD OF RADIO to check further until 0021 UT July 4, now with vocal music, undermodulated; same at 0051 after out of English. How about the 0200-0330 broadcast in ``English`` on 9720? At 0215 UT July 4 when there should be news, unmodulated. But it doesn`t take a coup for R. Cairo to accomplish this. Morsi deserved to go for not fixing Radio Cairo (hi). The other nominal English to W Europe and onward to N America is at 2115-2245 on 11890, unchecked yet. WRN had been providing R. Cairo audio on demand, but even worse, John Figliozzi finds that there`s nothing there for the past month (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) One might want to listen to Radio Cairo --- English at 2300-2430 on 9965, just tone past 2302, louder than the buzz. Next English is 0200- 0300 on 9720, often barely modulated. Anything interesting on the 2115-2245 on 11890? (Glenn Hauser, 2302 UT July 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I can hear Cairo now (2325 UT) on 9965 and, while I can make out a male voice and an occasional word or two, the modulation is still poor and the message indecipherable. It is a different program than one usually hears at this time (when that is possible) and it very much sounds like someone reading a communiqué. It's unfortunate we can't get more out of this. On the plus side, I suppose, is the the fact that the signal itself is very strong. I'm checking the WRN recording of the most recent Radio Cairo broadcast they have, but I suspect it will be yesterday's, not today's. [later:] And there's nothing in the wrn.org archive for the last 30 days (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Summer A-13 schedule of Radio Cairo: 0030-0430 on 9965 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg NEAm Arabic + MERadio on 9191v 0045-0200 on 9720 ABZ 250 kW / 330 deg NoAm Spanish 0045-0200 on 13620 ABS 250 kW / 241 deg SoAm Spanish 0045-0200 on 13855 ABS 250 kW / 286 deg CeAm Spanish 0200-0330 on 9720 ABZ 250 kW / 330 deg NoAm English 0200-0700 on 13850 ABS 250 kW / 315 deg NoAm Arabic GS 0400-0600 on 15610 ABZ 250 kW / 170 deg CEAf Swahili 0700-1100 on 17510 ABZ 100 kW / 250 deg WeAf Arabic GS 1015-1215 on 17830 ABZ 250 kW / 090 deg WeAs Arabic 1215-1330 on 17870 ABZ 250 kW / 090 deg SoAs English 1230-1400 on 15710 ABS 250 kW / 106 deg SEAs Indonesian 1300-1600 on 15535 ABS 250 kW / 241 deg WeAf Arabic 1330-1400 on 15365 ABZ 250 kW / 070 deg WeAs Dari 1330-1530 on 15245 ABZ 100 kW / 070 deg WeAs Farsi 1400-1600 on 15545 ABZ 250 kW / 070 deg WeAs Pashto 1500-1600 on 13580 ABS 250 kW / 315 deg EaEu Albanian 1500-1600 on 15160 ABS 250 kW / 061 deg CeAs Uzbek 1530-1730 on 17840 ABZ 250 kW / 170 deg CEAf Swahili 1600-1700 on 15450 ABZ 100 kW / 160 deg ECAf Afar 1600-1800 on 15345 ABS 150 kW / 196 deg CSAf English 1600-1800 on 15735 ABZ 250 kW / 090 deg SoAs Urdu 1700-1730 on 15285 ABZ 100 kW / 160 deg ECAf Somali 1700-1900 on 9280 ABS 250 kW / 005 deg N/ME Turkish 1730-1900 on 15285 ABZ 100 kW / 160 deg ECAf Amharic 1800-1900 on 9490 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg WeEu Italian + MERadio 8716v 1800-2100 on 15710 ABS 250 kW / 241 deg WeAf Hausa 1845-2000 on 17625 ABZ 250 kW / 245 deg WeAf Fulfulde 1900-2000 on 9685 ABS 250 kW / 005 deg EaEu Russian 1900-2000 on 12050 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg WeEu German + MERadio 11276v 1900-2030 on 15290 ABZ 250 kW / 250 deg WeAf English 1900-0030 on 11540 ABZ 100 kW / 160 deg CEAf Arabic Voice of Arab 2000-2115 on 12050 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg WeEu French + MERadio 11276v 2000-2200 on 15225 ABZ 250 kW / 110 deg AUS Arabic 2100-2300 on 15205 ABS 250 kW / 241 deg WeAf French 2115-2245 on 11890 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg WeEu English + MERadio 11116v 2215-2330 on 15480 ABZ 250 kW / 245 deg SoAm Portuguese 2300-0030 on 9965 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg NEAm English + MERadio 9191v 2330-0045 on 15480 ABZ 250 kW / 245 deg SoAm Arabic 2330-0045 on 13855 ABS 250 kW / 286 deg CeAm Arabic Note: Many of these frequencies, most have severe technical problems such as extreme distortion and/or undermodulation (DX RE MIX NEWS #776 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, April 16, via DXLD 13-16 via 13-27) [excerpting English only from above:] 0200-0330 on 9720 ABZ 250 kW / 330 deg NoAm English 1215-1330 on 17870 ABZ 250 kW / 090 deg SoAs English 1600-1800 on 15345 ABS 150 kW / 196 deg CSAf English 1900-2030 on 15290 ABZ 250 kW / 250 deg WeAf English 2115-2245 on 11890 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg WeEu English + MERadio 11116v 2300-0030 on 9965 ABS 200 kW / 325 deg NEAm English + MERadio 9191v (via gh, ibid.) ** ERITREA [non]. SUDAN [non] {sic}. QSL: Radio Asena via Samara 15245, email confirmation from Amanuel Esayu for Nov 2013 reception, 3 days after sending follow up, 184 days after original report. The report plus MP3 recording were sent to aseye.asena-at-googlemail.com (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I know this one is confusing, Eritrea or Ethiopia? But it`s in Tigrinya per Aoki, not Sudan, but presumably for Eritrea (gh, DXLD) ** ERITREA [non]. GERMANY, 15310, R. EYSC via Germany, Jun 25 *1730- 1742 25332 Tigrigna, 1730 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Eritrean pops and talk (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 6030, Radio Oromiya, 0300-0325, July 1 (Monday UT). No possibility to hear them till R. Martí went off the air at 0300; even with jamming from Cuba, was able to immediately hear their repetitive xylophone-like IS till 0302; then announcer in vernacular; 0304 to 0315 non-stop repetitive HOA music and singing cutting through the jamming; 0315 onward announcer. Nothing heard from Calgary. Confirms their new, earlier sign on. The setting sun was just on the horizon out over the Pacific Ocean at 0325 UT. Beautiful! 6090, Amhara State Radio (presumed), 0336-0350, July 1. In the clear with no QRM; in vernacular; some HOA music; re-checked at 0355 to find strong Caribbean Beacon (University Network) via Anguilla finally on the air and blocking reception (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA [non]. QSL: CLANDESTINE RADIO, Voice of Assenna, 15245, via Bulgaria?, full detailed e-letter in 1 day for e-report to aseye.asena@googlemail.com. v/s Amanuel Eyasu, Funder and Editor. (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** EUROPE. Short Wave Gold 1386 --- Hi, Short Wave Gold (SWG) is now also on 1386 kHz besides their 6260 kHz (silent on Mon morning). On 1386 kHz heard for three nights in a row; maybe they are on the air during daytime hours too (impossible to catch it here in the middle of Europe). (Karel Honzik, CZECHIA, 0918 UT July 1, MWCircle yg via DXLD) He gives no hint of WHERE this is, but 1386 is a LPAM frequency in the UK, per WRTH, power limited to ONE watt. 6260 would surely be a pirate, however. There were several reports of the SW frequency in June from Europe, including: (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6250 Shortwave Gold (Pirate). On new frequency, noted at 0350 on 19/6, ex 6210, ex 6245. Pop songs with DJ in English (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, Australian DX News via DXLD) ** FINLAND. 6170, 0745-0750 Sat 22.06, Scandinavian Weekend R, Virrat. Finnish chatting and song, 25232; not heard in 25 mb. Later only hums on scheduled frequencies, so transmitter problems? (Anker Petersen, Denmark, in Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS and Bonito Radiojet, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** GERMANY. 3985, 0045-0055 26.06, De Luxe FM, via R 700, Kall-Krekel non-stop pop music in German and English, 55555 AP-DNK 3995, 0050-0100 26.06, Life FM, via HCJB, Weenermoor. English interview about problems with hacking on the internet, always take copies of important documents! Song, 0059 ID: "Life FM", 55555 AP-DNK 6095, 1120-1140 29.06, The Mighty KBC, via Wertachtal. English ann pop music, ID's in English, Dutch, French and German, 45454. The only audible station on the 49 mb here at noon! AP-DNK 7265, 1110-1125 Sat 29.06, Hamburger Lokalradio, via Göhren. German reading story about a prince and birds, 35343. The only audible station on the 41 mb here at noon! Best 73 and enjoy the midsummer, (Anker Petersen, Denmark, in Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS and Bonito Radiojet, but the stations in Germany are not really DX, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** GERMANY [and non]. 15785 CRI, Xian. Was hoping to catch the Hamburger Lokalradio test from *0600, but instead only this in Chinese, 30/6 (Craig Seager, Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Murphy B40-C, Racal RA 6790/GM, Afedri SDR-Net), July Australian DX News via DXLD) Later learnt that the test did not come off this week. I see that Xian is on 15785 until 0700, not a good share, but clear after that (gh) No Test broadcast from Hamburger Lokalradio Today! Dear Listeners, I have received the following information from MVBR: ``Hamburger Lokalradio (MVBR) have some technical problems with their aerial matching unit; their technical staff are working on the problem. Hamburger Lokalradio (MV Baltic Radio) are very sorry to inform you that we will not be on the air today, More tests will follow in the weeks to come! [15785-CUSB at 06-08, 10-12, 14-16, 18-20 UT]. Sorry once again for the inconvenience; we wish you good DXing!`` 73s (Tom Taylor, 1331 UT June 30, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) No test broadcast of Hamburger Lokalradio on June 30 via Goehren: 0600-0800 15785 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu English and German and WOR* 1000-1200 15785 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu English and German and WOR* 1400-1600 15785 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu English and German and WOR* 1800-2000 15785 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu English and German and WOR* * World of Radio with Glenn Hauser planned airing at 0630, 1030, 1430, 1830. More tests will follow in the weeks to come! Probably/maybe on July 7, 2013 (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) HLR testing today on 15785 kHz --- Michael Kittner of Hamburger Lokalradio has emailed to say that HLR are testing today (Wednesday) from 1600 to 2000 UT on 15785 with 1 kW. Reception reports are requested to Hamburger Lokalradio, Kulturzentrum LOLA, Lohbruegger Landstrasse 8, 21031 Hamburg, Germany; E-mail: redaktion @ hamburger-lokalradio.de Confirmed here from tune-in at 1650 with Glenn Hauser's World of Radio in progress, initially very poor signal with severe splatter from 15790, but reception much improved since 1700 when the interfering station closed, though still quite a weak signal. 73s (Dave Kenny, Caversham Berks, UK, AOR7030 + 25m longwire, July 3, BDXC-UK yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) HRL is testing NOW on 15785 kHz until 20.== UT. Good Listening 73s (Tom Taylor, 1811 UT July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GREECE. 7450, RS Macedonias, Avlis. Last time (for now). Observed RS Macedonias on SW (no and on MW also) with ID at 1800 on 8/6. Relay already a common discussion studio of V of Greece, for example at 0340 on 21/6, heard also // 6210, 9420, 15630 and on 19/6 on harmonic - see please 14900 14900 Harmonic, Greek Radio. 2 x 7450 – strong signal at 0850 on 19/6, // 6210, 7450, 9420, 15630 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, antenna Folded Marconi 16 meters own made, July Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) And 6210 is difference product 15630 minus 9420, not intentional (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15630, June 27 at 0515, open carrier dead air, tho good signal from VOG, but modulation resumes at 0516. Others report lots of disruptions to SW transmissions, not just in modulation (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) This morning June 28 at 0545 UT: ERT on 7475, instead of scheduled 11645 // 9420 and 15630 June 28: Only single frequency 9420 of ERT from 1100. No signal on 7475(instead of 11645) and 15630 till 1150 and 9935 and 15630 from 1200 June 28 at 1600 UT: ERT again on all three frequencies: 7450, instead of scheduled 9935 // 9420 and 15650. 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yesterday ERT's employees have received the document for sacking. Two months will be paid at first : http://air.news.gr/cov/xarti.jpg One employee collapsed after receiving his sacking document (Greek) http://www.newsit.gr/default.php?pname=Article&art_id=217910&catid=6 (Zacharias Liangas, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) June 29: No signal of ERT on shortwave from around 0900 UT. Silence on all freqs: 9420, 11645/9935, 15630/15650 -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Now at 1450 UT Avlis is on air again; when checked two hours ago, all ERT/ERA channels were silent then. I didn't check ERT/ERA3 recently, due to absence at HAM RADIO FAIR Germany, past 3 days. 73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) July 1: ERT from 1200 UT on wrong frequency 11645, instead of 9935 // 9420. And from 1400 on wrong 15630, instead of 15650 -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, ibid.) [and non]. GREECE/CHINA/FRANCE Today July 1st noted no ERA3 transmission from Thessaloniki. All 3 channels had same pop music program. At 15-16 UT Avlis 15630 kHz co-channel also underneath weak IBB-RFE-RL Tajik program from Issoudun France. Avlis 11645 kHz suffers by co-channel Voice of Korea, PR of Korea, Ar/En/Ar 1500-1757 UT. Avlis 9420 kHz suffers by 124 Hertz BUZZ / whistle tone from co- channel CNR 13th Uyghur program from Lingshi Tibet China, on odd 9419.866 kHz. 0800-1200 SILENT SILENT SILENT 1200-1300 11645/182º/af 15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/as 1300-1400 11645/182º/af 15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/as 1400-1500 11645/182º/af 15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/at 1500-1600 11645/182º/af 15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/at 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Compare to previous/nominal schedule that John Babbis posts every day: 1200-1300 #9935/285º/eu 15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/as 1300-1400 #9935/285º/eu *15630/285º/eu 9420/323º/eu/as 1400-1500 #9935/285º/eu 15650/105º/au/me 9420/323º/eu/at 1500-1600 #9935/285º/eu 15650/105º/au/me 9420/323º/eu/at *Transmission ends 10 minutes earlier #ERT-3 Radiophonikos Stathmos Makedonias (Thessaloniki) via Avlis 1 (via wb, DXLD) Re 9420: No, the buzz was symmetric from Avlis transmitter a bit on the upper side. But why did it stop suddenly at 1544:30? (Mauno Ritola, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re: ``Today July 1st noted no ERA3 transmission from Thessaloniki. All 3 channels had same pop music program.`` Just as is the case all the way since 12 June. It seems that since then no radio production by fired ERT staff members takes place at Thessaloniki, just TV, on and off. Besides some local stations there's only one radio program from the occupied Athens broadcasting house (occupied because it is officially supposed to be dead and abandoned), and this program is carried on all three shortwave transmitters (Kai Ludwig, July 1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GRENADA. COUNTRY # 99 HEARD ON AN ULTRALIGHT RADIO --- Hello To All, While tuning the dial this evening I heard a station in English with Religious talk in English underneath CBG Gander, Newfoundland on 1400 kHz. As the evening progressed the signal began to intensify with each peak and at times was almost equal to the Gander station. Finally on the hour came the station ID, alas [sic] another new country for the Ultralight logbook as follows: 1400 kHz - GRENADA - Harbour Light of the Windwards, Carriacou, 0100 UT 7/2/13 with religious programming in English, gospel songs then into station ID followed by "Daily Light" broadcast (heard through and at times equal with CBG Gander NL); checked the web, also // tunein.com webfeed. Ultralight Station #1078. Country #99 On Ultralight. Latin Station #222. Receiver: SRF-M37W barefoot. Good DX (Allen Willie, Bristol's Hope, Newfoundland, IRCA via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** GUAM. 13362-USB, June 30 at 0107, I am first tuning LSB for LTA on 13363.5, since it`s UT Sunday so could be active with silly ballgame, and there is something with broadcast talk cadence --- but instead it`s USB from 13362, and in English, going from very poor to copiable at 0109 during drunk-driving PSA, i.e. surely AFN from US military where I understand that drunkenness is quite a problem. I always check for 12759-USB, AFN Diego Garcia around this time too, but no luck for months. 15345v LRA was in well, anyway, on its weekend extension (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUAM. 9880, July 3 at 1220 some switched-on Bach makes me pause, 1223 into Korean. Must be as listed KSDA, 12-13 in Korean, 100 kW, 330 degrees (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUAM. 15430, GUAM, RFA at 1515 in Chinese with a woman with talk over soft music - Very Good Jun 30 Barton-AZ (Your Reports Express, ODXA Listening In via DXLD) This is a good example of how not to edit. Barton originally reported this in ABDX as ``Marianna Islands``, but the editor expends great effort in rewriting and condensing everyone`s logs, thus raising the probability of introducing errors, rather than simply copying and pasting them. (Which is why he and I parted company some months ago.) RFA, of course, never uses either Guam SW transmitter site, but rather Saipan or Tinian in the nearby Northern Mariana Islands. In this case, per HFCC, it`s Saipan (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUATEMALA. 4055, Radio Verdad 1047 July 1, English, man reading from Leviticus; check again at 1108 hymn, organ music and different man in English with prayer and Bible reading. Good (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening in my car with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. Last Telegram? India will pull the plug on its 160-year-old telegram service on 14 July, this year. This will probably be the last telegram ever sent in the world. However, telegrams are still relevant in this vast country. More than 500 million people are still without access to a phone or Internet. For these people, telegram still remains the only digital communication available. 'At their peak in 1985, 60 million telegrams were being sent and received a year from 45,000 offices (Irish Radio Transmitters Society Radio News Bulletin, Sunday 23rd June 2013 via Mike Terry, June 27, dxldyg via DXLD) ** INDIA. HAMS FROM HYDERABAD AIDING RESCUE OPS TNN | Jun 27, 2013, 02.00 AM IST HYDERABAD: VU2JOS is on the job. And so is VU2MCW. Two hams, amateur radio operators, are volunteering in the rescue operations in Uttarakhand. The National Institute of Amateur Radio (Niar) in the city has jumped into action to assist the administration in establishing contact at places which are difficult to access. Jose Jacob, with call sign VU2JOS and Mukesh Kumar Gola, with call sign VU2MCW, reached the disaster-hit Uttarakhand a couple of days ago. They are volunteering along with the Bharat Scouts and Guides in the rescue measures. "Some places cannot be reached with the available communication facilities. That is when a ham's services are needed the most to convey information," said S Ram Mohan, director of Niar. Operating from the base station at Dehradun, Jose Jacob told TOI over phone that hams from all over the country were in touch with him seeking information about their family, friends or relatives. He said checking from the database that was created by the administration, information was being given out to hams. "We are getting more requests from hams from Kolkata and Rajkot," he said. Jacob, who has been a ham for over 33 years, rendered help in the tsunami-hit areas and also during the super cyclone in Odisha. Another base station of the hams has been set up at Barkot town in Uttarkashi district from where VU2MCW Mukesh Kumar Gola is operating. Another 10 hams are also on standby to be rushed to Uttarakhand if needed. Officials are making use of satellite phones and mobile phones to coordinate the rescue operations but they are said to be falling short of sat phones. Mobile phones are also not reachable at some places because of the hilly terrain. The only way of passing out information could be through the services of ham radio. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Hams-from-Hyderabad-aiding-rescue-ops/articleshow/20787968.cms?prtpage=1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Uttarakhand Emergency Communication frequencies: 7073 kHz LSB, 14160 kHz USB ---------------------------------------------------------------------- National Institute of Amateur Radio Raj Bhavan Road Hyderabad 500082, India Tel: +91 40 2331 0287, +91 40 6516 7388 Fax: +91 40 2331 0787 http://www.niar.org (via Jose Jacob himself, DXLD) UTTARAKHAND DISASTER: HAM RADIO OFFERS HOPE TO FAMILIES OF MISSING New Delhi: "Help us", "Can you find my aged parents" -- distress messages like these are flooding ham radio operators assisting in efforts to reunite families in disaster-hit Uttarakhand. Immediately after the mayhem, some ham radio volunteers rushed to the affected areas and were supported by fellow operators across the country. Soon this mode became an important lifeline of communication in the disaster-affected areas where telecommunication networks were extensively damaged during the rains. More at : http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-disaster-ham-radio-offers-hope-to-fam_858810.html --- (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dx_india yg via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. Query about Radio Republik Indonesia Stations --- After sending an on-line query late last month to the Voice of Indonesia (VoI) and asking assistance to obtain Letters of Verification from several Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) stations, I received this encouraging message on 28 June 2013: Thank you for your email. We really appreciate it. We will forward your email to RRI Program & Production Directorate. Perhaps they will be able to help you connect to RRI stations. While VoI wins kudos for replying to my query, I am wary of any response soon from the RRI stations in question, chiefly RRI Kendari, RRI Makassar, RRI Fak Fak, RRI Maidun, RRI Ternate and RRI Wamena. Each station was previously contacted in Bahasa Indonesia, with SAE and PPC (Self-prepared Verification Letter), by mail and/or email. And yet, months have passed without yielding any response. I am aware budgetary constraints, poor management and inadequate mail service affect some of these RRI stations. IRCs may be impossible to exchange in some outposts, in which case money or Indonesian postage stamps would suffice. Money and IRCs were previously sent to a few RRI stations and, again, there was no response. An Indonesian SWL made this known to me nearly a month ago. The situation is not unlike the NBC provincial stations in Papua New Guinea. Still, it is gratifying to learn at least someone at the Voice of Indonesia is thoughtful enough to acknowledge a listener, even one in neighbouring Malaysia. Thank you, Voice of Indonesia! (Posted by T.L. Breyel at 8:11 AM June 29, Malaysia, shortwavedxer.blogspot.com via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. 3344.86, RRI Ternate. Back with one of their infrequent broadcasts; July 1 random listening between 1201 to 1327; long segments of OM & YL chatting; did not carry the Jakarta news relay at 1201 as both RRI Makassar and RRI Palangkaraya did; some pop and EZL songs; IDed by familiar RRI jingle; fair-poor. 3344.86, RRI Ternate. July 2 off the air after being back for one day; back again July 3 with Jakarta new relay at 1202 (// RRI Makassar and RRI Palangkaraya), but did not carry the complete news; by 1227 noticed was not //. Still heard at 1318. (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 4749.96, RRI Makassar, 1228, July 3. Ending the Jakarta new relay with patriotic song “Bagimu Negeri” (For You Our Country); // 3325 RRI Palangkaraya, but not // RRI Ternate. Next month we should start to look for them to switch to the patriotic song “Dirgahayu Indonesiaku” to mark their independence anniversary in August (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 9526-, June 28 at 1210, no signal detected from VOI. Reception has been so poor for weeks that I have not even been trying for it, but apparently really off the air now. Atsunori Ishida, http://rri.jpn.org/ shows no logs of it June 18-23, but not updated since; on vacation? Meanwhile, at 1256, the other RRI, domestic transmitter next to it in Cimanggis continues to be obviously on and propagating, despite stupidly sticking to 9680 with the China radio war and making a LAH with them, maybe 40 Hz (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Back on Indonesia, 9525.89. V. of Indonesia, Jun 30 1239-1258, 33443, Japanese, Music program, ID at 1247 and 1252 and 1257 (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, They are finally back! June 30 heard VOI on 9525.88 at 1303 in English with the news and 1332 reading a listener's reception report; almost fair (Ron Howard, CA, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Voice of Indonesia, Jakarta. Strong on 9525.90 at 1757 UT 30-6. Here a link for the audio https://www.box.com/s/k3q8ew095hltl50me9pd Vertical antenna +Perseus SDR 73, (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) 9525.885, VOI, Cimanggis hit by CRI Russian service on 9525 kHz even at 2000 UT July 1. Poor signal from INDONESIA, but CRI on S=9+35dB here in Europe. (73 wb) (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. DXLD on WRN --- Now on, essential listening every Saturday 9 am UT. I take the easy option here in the UK via http://www.wrn.org/ (Mike Terry, England, 0908 UT June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. Glenn`s favorite late-evening music webcasts: UT Sat 0300-0500, On Site, from KUSP, with Joe Truskot: mostly classical, concerts from Monterey Bay area; July-September Carmel Bach Festival, and New Music festival, also at various times and dates, additional evenings UT Sun 0200-0500, SpyLab, from KOSU, hosted by Katie Wicks, dance/techno music to un(?)wind by; one hour may suffice UT Sun 0300-0700, Tangents, from KALW with Dore Stein: world music but partial to Turkish, also tour organizer; also OD for one week UT Mon 0300-0500, Other Voices, Other Sounds, from KUNM; ``Contemporary music and sound art with an international perspective``. Also OD for two weeks UT Tue 0300-0600, Beyond Borders, from KSFR: Susan Ohori, ``An enthusiastic exploration of music from all around the world, from a true World traveler.`` She`s very soft-spoken and don`t be put off by her rambling announcements; the music is great UT Tue 0400-0700, Global Music from KUNM; also OD for two weeks UT Wed 0400-0700, Map is Not Territory, from KSFR with The Invisible Man: variety of music, grows on you; starts with classical, works into jazz, world ``Eclectic, cool, non-traditional, pushing-your-envelope music`` UT Thu 0400-0600, Spice Route, from KBCS, ``An exploration of the immense variety of music coming from South Asia, ranging from the classical and folk traditions of Zakir Hussein and Ravi Shankar, to Bollywood film music and modern experimental sounds. Hosted by Arpana Sanjay``. Archived for two(?) weeks UT Fri 0400-0700, Fresh from KUNM; ``New Mexico's international electronic and "new" music program Featuring guest composers, artists and interviews``; OD for two weeks {this is my least favorite; sometimes it`s just rap or hip-hop; need another option} I`m not providing easy play linx, to avoid overload upon my recommendations, but you can find them without much trouble, or via http://www.publicradiofan.com Times shown are during DST; all one hour later during Standard Time Most of these stations provide MUCH more music of a very wide variety of genres, worth pursuing (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Last Chance to hear FITSAT-1 + UK Radio Ham's Lunar Satellite The CubeSat FITSAT-1 is expected to burn-up in the Earths atmosphere by Wednesday, July 3. Reception reports of its 437.250 MHz (+/- 10 kHz Doppler shift) CW telemetry beacon have been requested. Further information at http://amsat-uk.org/2013/06/29/fitsat-1-ham-radio-cubesat-to-de-orbit-by-july-3-reports-requested/ A UK radio amateur is planning to send a CubeSat to the Moon and aims to deploy "Pocket Spacecraft", see http://amsat-uk.org/2013/06/28/uk-radio-ham-plans-lunar-cubesat/ ---- 73 (Trevor M5AKA, June 29, AMSAT-UK website http://amsat-uk.org/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/AMSAT-UK/208113275898396 Twitter https://twitter.com/AMSAT_UK monitoringmonthly yg via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non?]. Barco pesquero Avencasa haciendo llamada de auxilio --- http://youtu.be/V5oQ-p0eyng Este llamado de emergencia lo escuchamos el sábado 29 de junio aproximadamente a las 0 de la noche hora local en la frecuencia 8761 según mi radio Grundig Satellit 750. Avisamos al colega Amador Romero YY7ARS en Juan Griego, Isla de Margarita y este avisó a las autoridades respectivas dándose inicio inmediatamente a un rescate que culminó exitosamente. Atte: (José Elías Díaz Gómez, Venezuela, July 1, condiglista yg via DXLD) Published on Jun 30, 2013 Aproximadamente a las 9:00 de la noche hora venezolana del sábado 29 Junio 2013 cuando rastreaba las ondas de radio con mi receptor Grundig Satellit 750 y pasaba por las frecuencias HF Marinas escucho la voz de un hombre que en forma desesperada decía "Esta es una emergencia, el barco Avencasa se está rompiendo, auxilio, auxilio". Me detengo en la frecuencia 8760 kHz en modo USB. El marinero decía que el barco estaba escorado y que era muy difícil llegar al radio banda marina porque era muy peligroso debido a la inclinación de la embarcación. Inmediatamente me puse en contacto con el colega radioaficionado Amador Romero (YY7ARS) en la isla de Margarita y le di aviso de lo que estaba sucediendo. Inmediatamente Amador se puso en contacto con las diferentes autoridades marinas del Edo. Sucre y de la Isla de Margarita y comenzó un operativo que terminó felizmente con el rescate de los 7 tripulantes del barco Avencasa; la actuación del colega Amador fue vital para que todo culminara felizmente. Hay que destacar también la importancia de otra embarcación de nombre Muchomar que en todo momento sirvió de puente entre la embarcación averiada y autoridades marinas; también escuché mencionar a La Picúa. Así mismo quiero destacar el excelente trabajo de la Guardia Costera y Armada Venezolana por la prontitud con la cual actuaron en este caso. Particularmente fue una satisfacción poder colaborar en algo en este rescate que se llevó a cabo con éxito y mantener a los amigos que me siguen a través de mi cuenta twitter @sintoniadx de lo que estaba aconteciendo con la embarcación Avencasa y sus tripulantes hasta que fueron rescatados y llevados a puerto seguro, en este caso a Güiria, Estado Sucre. Gracias a las comunicaciones que se hacen a través de la onda corta, pude escuchar este llamado de emergencia y avisar a las personas indicadas para que se llevaran a cabo las acciones respectivas. Por eso mismo sostengo que la onda corta no morirá jamás y cada día mi actividad como diexista, radioescucha y radioaficionado me llena de satisfacción y orgullo (Díaz, with the YouTube, via DXLD) Toda la comunicación fue hecha vía onda corta en la frecuencia 8760 kHz modo USB. El VHF marino no pudo ser utilizado por la forma tan inclinada como quedó la embarcación. Celular y Wifi nada que ver en ese sitio. Un abrazo (José Elías, condiglista yg via DXLD) ** IRAN. 17610. IRIB. 27 de junio a las 1250 UT. Via Kamalabad. Hombre habla en idioma chino. Señal con un poco QRN y modulación baja. SINPO: 34444 // 17670, Vía Sirjan con SINPO: 33333. No se escucha en 21500, ni 21650, banda cerrada. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) Special broadcasts of Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran for Ramazan: 1930-2327 5945 AHW 500 kW / non-dir to WeAs Azeri July 9 - August 8 2230-0027 5990 KAM 500 kW / 073 deg to CeAs Tajik July 9 - August 8 2300-0027 7325 SIR 500 kW / 320 deg to N/ME Kurdish July 9 - August 8 2330-0327 7405 SIR 500 kW / 336 deg to WeAs Azeri July 9 - August 8 0030-0127 9730 SIR 500 kW / 310 deg to N/ME Turkish July 9 - August 8 (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) i.e. for pre-sunrise feasting in certain areas (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. 7585, July 1 at 0058, fair signal with pop music, i.e. R. Farda, 250 kW, 310 degrees from Iranawila, SRI LANKA, which is on very long hours, 1700-0130 per Aoki (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ISRAEL. 15760, Kol Israel, Jun 30 *1356-1406, 35433-35333, Farsi, 1356 sign on with IS, ID, Opening music, Opening announce, News, // 13850 kHz (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ISRAEL. 15850, Galei Zahal, Jun 28 1345-1402, 25332, Hebrew, Talk and music, ID at 1359, SJ at 1400, [Ko.Hashimoto, JAPAN] 15850, Galei Zahal, Jun 29 1254-1304, 25432, Hebrew, Music and talk, ID at 1259 and 1300, SJ at 1303 (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re 13-26: ``Could there be two different transmitter sites, unaware of what the other is doing? (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1675, DXLD)`` Why two separate sites? 15850.011 / 15850.007 is the regular 15/13.850 MHz transmitter on the upper side. The other of 6884.964 has been few days also on 15 MHz channel, but on lower side on 15849.921 or 15849.922 kHz. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I was only suggesting this because it would be more likely to happen if they were separate places. And IDF could well have more than one site for communications purposes. Running two transmitters on almost exactly the same frequency at the same time is not very smart. 73, (Glenn to Wolfy, ibid.) Perhaps he is saying offsets match with 6885v ** ITALY. The demolition of the RAI Santa Palomba medium wave tower plant http://youtu.be/eJsKBHd2tUs Roby (Roberto Rizzardi, mwmasts yg via DXLD) It seems that the big lattice tower was gone already in last August. I think it should have been in frame here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mecrip/7735060062/ See also http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/palomba_e.html The Thomcast (as the company was called at this point) solid-state gear, which apparently boosted 846 kHz from the long-listed 540 to 1200 kW and 1332 kHz from 300 to 600 kW, must have been installed only a few years before a bailiff shut it down in April 2000. As a substitute, RAI leased airtime on the Col de la Madone 702 kHz outlet and kept it until 2004. In May 2000, RAI was allowed to put these transmitters back on air with reduced power, only to get further closure orders in August 2000 and March 2002. After the last one they could restore the 846 kHz signal not before April 2003, running 75 kW. It stayed on air this way with the usual Radiodue programming until RAI took Radiodue and Radiotre off mediumwave completely, effective 15 May 2004. That night Radiodue disappeared from 846 kHz at 23:58, then the transmitter carried for a few more minutes Notturno Italiano until it has been switched off at about 00:10. 1332 kHz, which had substituted for Notturno Italiano since 2002, carried it once more and finally left the air for good at 06:00. In January 2007, 846 kHz was brought back once more with low power and from January 2008 used for DRM tests with a new TRAM 25 transmitter (perhaps already used for the AM operation during 2007; the picture inscription on the referenced page is ambiguous). At some point until yearend 2011, this DRM signal disappeared again, this time obviously marking the end of the transmitter site altogether (Kai Ludwig, June 30, mwmasts yg via DXLD) RAI Siziano (Milano) on 900 kHz MW is off air. Copper cables were stolen. Technicians are working to repair the damage. 73 (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, July 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ciao, RAI 900 Siziano è off air da ieri per un furto di cavi di rame. I tecnici sono al lavoro per riparare i danni. 73 (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, playdx yg via DXLD) Again on air at 2130 UT, but with pretty unclean modulation. Btw, are really still 600 kW in use at night, as stated here? http://the-antenna-site.eu/italy-lacchiarella-stazioneradio.html The only way to do this appears to be switching on an elder tube transmitter. I assume the last picture on this page shows the complete solid-state transmitter set-up at Siziano, and there are a DX 50, a DXD 100 and a DX 100. The DXD 100 could be the transmitter used for the DRM signal on 693 kHz (if still on air, I can not detect any trace of DRM hiss on this frequency right now, just the UK synchro network, producing a hollow sounding BBC Five Live), the others for 900 kHz, which thus would be 100 or perhaps 150 kW now. No carrier break or other change whatsoever around 2200 UT. And I'd say the signal on 900 kHz sounds rather like 100 than 600 kW; at times an Arab station becomes pretty obvious underneath (what else than Saudi Arabia, but it's not // 1521 kHz as it should be). The audio is not only distorted, it also has crackles on it; wiggle that patchcord! And to what the grotesque non-closure of 657 kHz at midnight? I did not pay attention to the announcement before midnight, obviously a canned standard they play each day, but it seemed as if it stated that only FM plus 900 and 1107 kHz are supposed to stay on air overnight. And so 657 kHz cut away at midnight, for a sequence of pulses and beeps I suspect not serving an engineering purpose at all. Then some open carrier, I wait for it going off to reveal what's looming in the background (appeared to be one of the FSU stations) -- but instead at 2202 it cut back to Radiouno which it still transmits at 2230. I guess the transmitter (Pisa/Coltano, the only remaining one now) will stay on air throughout the night, which would be no new situation at all. Btw, 657 and 900 kHz were tonight the only present Italian signals here in eastern Germany at all ("present" means disregarding what may be embedded in the jumble on other frequencies). (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Here is what is left from RAI in Italy on MW: http://mwlist.org/mwlist_rai.php Updates welcome! Milano/Siziano is listed with 50 kW according to well-informed sources. Irregular 24h operation [and not] of transmitters listed is common. 73, (Günter Lorenz, ibid.) Re: ``Many RAI medium wave transmitters have been closed and only the following remain on the air: 657 kHz Pisa, 900 kHz Milano, 936 kHz Venezia, 981 kHz Trieste, 999 kHz Torino, 1062 kHz Ancona/ Cagliari/ Catania/ Trento, 1107 kHz Roma, 1116 kHz Palermo, 1431 kHz Foggia, 1449 kHz Belluno and 1575 kHz Genova. Trieste and Trento are expected to close soon.`` The difference between officially given and real powers seems to grow everywhere. Seems to be well in accordance with this on http://wrth.com/updates_national.html 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) ``Milano/Siziano is listed with 50 kW acc to well-informed sources.`` Let's take a very sharp look at this and compare the, I think, first taken pictures at http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/siziano.html with the presumably more recent http://the-antenna-site.eu/pictures/italy/lacchiarella-stazioneradio24.jpg First to note is that these transmitters have obviously been set up in the place of a removed, larger transmitter. Then in the days of the DRM euphoria the transmitter on the right was not there yet. I assume that at this time the Harris gear had only been used for the DRM signal on 693 kHz while 900 kHz was still operated with a tube transmitter, and I seem to remember that the sound of the modulation suggested this, too. Now all the DRM gear is gone and another DX 50 popped up where this desk was. If I read it right, the plate on the left transmitter now reads DX 50, too. What's a "DXD 100", is that a combiner to create a 100 kW block? If so it appears that Siziano now has a 100 kW set-up for 900 kHz and no higher powered tube transmitters are in regular use anymore, perhaps no longer exist in operational condition there at all. So 100 kW now or, maybe, just 50 kW if the quoted source is well aware of the current operational practice. ``Irregular 24h operation [and not] of txs listed is common.`` But is it really irregular on 657 kHz? I think this frequency has been used for nighttime service since Santa Palomba has first been forced off air. I suspect it may be a case of left hand not knowing what the right one is doing. This substitute nighttime service was originally done by the Naples/Marcianise transmitter. Scenario: When the Marcianise transmitter was shut down, the right hand decided to keep from now on Coltano on air overnight instead while the left one still feeds this transmitter with the studio output meant for the MW transmitters with the overnight break (which as well could result in open carrier all the night if it would not cut back to the program feed soon after the elaborate ticking and beeping). Btw, looking at the Harris pages also brought the explanation of the weird 55 kW power figure: That's what one gets when maxing out a 3DX 50 (Kai Ludwig, ibid.) ** JAPAN. Some pre-dawn Canada Day listening here in BC: 3925, Radio Nikkei-1, 1037 July 1, Japanese, traditional music of stringed instrument and percussion, talk by man and woman. Fair, // 6055, 9595 3945, Radio Nikkei-2, 1033 July 1, Japanese, songs including "Ue o Muite Aruko-", the song that became a hit in North America in the early 1960s. Fair with ham QRM July 1 (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening in my car with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3945, R. Nikkei-2 (presumed) June 24 and 25 heard long after their normal sign off time; heard after 1300; in the past have heard similar for transmitter testing, but for two consecutive days? Eliminating any chance of hearing Vanuatu! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN [non]. July 1: Radio Japan NHK World via MBR: 1730 on 15445 NAU 250 kW / 140 deg to WeAs in Russian, instead in Japanese, scheduled 1700-1900 -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. P5, NORTH KOREA (Press Release-Update from the P5 Project Leadership Team): [edited] "P5 Project Team members Paul Ewing/N6PSE and David Flack/AH6HY have just returned from their extensive travels throughout the DPRK. Total distance covered was from Panmunjom at the DMZ in the South to Sonbong in the North, bordering China and Russia. Paul and David are among the first Western travelers to be allowed to enter the DPRK from Namyang and later exiting from Wonjong back into China. The purpose of the visit was to meet with DPRK Government Representatives in Pyongyang and to survey and assess various potential Dxpedition venues throughout the country. Particular attention was paid to terrain and the availability of reliable power. We are making further refinements to our proposals for a major Dxpedition. We will continue to communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to further refine our proposals. Our goals are to provide a much needed P5 contact to the entire amateur radio community world-wide. We also enjoyed visits to several schools, and we enjoyed the conver- sations that we had with the school children. We also were able to visit various factories throughout the country. Plans for a 2nd visit to the DPRK are already underway. We are very pleased at this time to announce our partnership with the Chinese Amateur Radio Community and their involvement in the P5 Project. We have invited Fan Bin/BA1RB to join the P5 Project Leadership Team and to represent the Chinese Radio Amateur Community in our project. Thank you, The P5 Project Leadership Team - N6PSE AH6HY YT1AD K3LP WD5COV BA1RB" Updates can be seen on the following social media: https://twitter.com/N6PSE http://www.intrepid-dx.com/p5 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Intrepid-DX-Group/180857615282553 (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1118, July 1, 2013, Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW, Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio), via Dave Raycroft, ODXA yg via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. DPRK RADIO TRANSMITTERS A NATIONAL SECRET When North Korea launched a modernization of its broadcasting network in 2011, the Chinese company chosen to supply new TV and radio transmitters to the country faced a problem. The location of broadcast towers in North Korea is so much of a state secret that engineers from the company weren’t permitted to travel to the DPRK to help install the transmitters, the company, Beijing BBEF Science and Technology, said on its website. Instead, eight North Korean engineers spent a month in China being trained on how to install and operate the devices, which included a medium-power TV transmitter, several shortwave radio transmitters and a powerful mediumwave (AM) radio transmitter. The training ran from June 1st to June 27th last year. On June 24 a ceremony was held (pictured, above) marking the training. BBEF listed the attendees as: President Zhao Baoshan, Party Committee Secretary Zu Wei, Vice President Ye Jin, and North Korean trainees. Firstly, President Zhao Baoshan congratulated to the trainees on what they had learned and appreciated their performances. Then Vice President Ye Jin gave a short speech, praising the progress made by these technicians. North Korean expressed gratitude for the training and mentioned their wishes for further cooperation with BBEF. Last but not least, Party Committee Secretary Zu Wei and Vice President Ye Jin awarded the interns with Certificates of Completion. — BBEF website in English Perhaps it’s an indication of the importance of propaganda and the government’s official media system that it’s not willing to allow outsiders to travel to the transmitter locations. Recent monitoring of North Korean radio transmissions does indicate the installation of a new radio transmitter on 11680 kHz shortwave. Previously the broadcasts on 11680 kHz, like some other North Korean domestic radio transmitters, wandered a little either side of their assigned frequency but they are now observed to be exactly on 11,680 kHz. While the location of the transmitters might be a secret inside North Korea, that’s not quite the same outside of the country. Thanks to the satellite images on Google Maps and other mapping services, the location of most transmitters has already been found (North Korea Tech via July 2013 Australian DX News via DXLD) Sounds familiar, and may not be a very new report, but stuff on NKT is undated (gh, DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. 6070, VOK. June 28 no station noted in the few minutes of dead air before sign on at 1200; on with IS, ID and National Anthem. MP3 audio of sign on format posted at https://www.box.com/s/t0nl67dvg1h3hel6z5xw Some QRM from 6075. Would be rather unusual for any RRI station to be playing their NA during their programming, but is standard format for VOK (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Someone thought it might be RRI; Jayapura was on 6070 years ago (gh) 11680, June 30 at 2024, emotional speech in Korean with background music; must be KCBS which per Aoki is on the air from 20 to 18 UT with 50 kW ND. Unusual to hear this time of day (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 5985.0, Shiokaze/Sea Breeze via Yamata. June 28 (Friday) again in English with fair reception at *1330; usual format; best in LSB (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA SOUTH. 6015, KBS Hanminjok Bangsong 1 (presumed). For all of 2013, I have been able to hear their programming here even with jamming; had speculated that they increased their power to cut through the ever present N. Korea jamming, but seems not so, as this week can clearly hear that it was the jamming that had become ineffective till this week, when the jamming went back to full strength (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, June 28, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KUWAIT. 15540, Radio Kuwait with fd ‘QSL Certificate’ misspelling my name and certifying that ‘Kennen V Zichi is an Official Monitor of Radio Kuwait’s Transmissions’ and then misstating the date and time of my reception! Ah well -- as Harold F is wont to say, ‘definite proof that letters were exchanged’ This for reception on 28/July/2012 1847-2032 UT, and received in 11 months for a paper report to Radio Kuwait External Service, PO Box 967 / 13010 Safat / KUWAIT which came back to me around the holidays with a bunch of stickers on it from Israel saying there was no such address. I took it back to the post office, with the (as far as both the postmaster and I were concerned) obvious observation that while there may be no such address in ISRAEL, that was not where I was aiming to send the letter! They put it inside another envelope and sent it off again to Kuwait (with a note to NOT send it to Israel if they took my advice!) and apparently it did get there the second time. Such effort, but hey, worth it! (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet 28 June via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) QSL: Radio Kuwait 15540, sent attractive FD QSL certificate in 322 days for July 2012 report, and another FD QSL certificate plus letter from Layali Mulla Hussain, Head of Frequencies Propagation Section, in 68 days for April 2013 reception. Both were for reports sent to kwtfreq-at-media.gov.kw The QSLs were received 2 weeks apart, so they must be getting caught up on the QSL backlog (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15515, R. Kuwait, Jun 29 0557-0605, 35433-35333, Arabic, Arabic music and news, ID at 0601 [Ko.Hashimoto, JAPAN] 15515, R. Kuwait, Jun 30 0522-0533, 34433, Arabic, Talk, ID at 0523, Arabic music (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15540 & 17550, June 30 at 2024, R. Kuwait English & Arabic services with fair signals, as conditions have recovered somewhat (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Summer A-13 SW schedule of Radio Kuwait: 0200-0900 on 5960 KBD 250 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic General Service 0500-0900 on 15515 KBD 300 kW / 059 deg to EaAs Arabic General Service 0800-1000 on 7250 KBD 500 kW / non-dir to WeAs Farsi 0900-1600 on 11630 KBD 250 kW / 230 deg to CeAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0900-1800 on 21540 KBD 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Service 1000-1200 on 21580 KBD 500 kW / 084 deg to EaAs Tagalog 1000-1600 on 9750 KBD 300 kW / 286 deg to NEAf Arabic General Service 1600-1800 on 15540 KBD 300 kW / 100 deg to SoAs Urdu 1600-2100 on 6050 KBD 300 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic General Service 1700-2000 on 13650 KBD 500 kW / 350 deg to NoAm Arabic General Service 1800-2100 on 15540 KBD 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu English 2000-2400 on 17550 KBD 500 kW / 350 deg to NoAm Arabic General Service (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) ** MALAYSIA. 5964.7, Klasik Nasional via Kajang // 9835 (Sarawak FM also via Kajang). June 30 with the annual Qur'an International Level (“Peringkat Antarabangsa”) recitation competition (Tilawah Al-Quran); 1413 to 1433 with ten minute segments of reciting from the Qur’an by different reciters; both frequencies almost good, but slightly out of sync; being held at the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur through July 6. Will the competition be carried on both frequencies every day? http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ms&u=http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majlis_Tilawah_Al_Quran_Peringkat_Antarabangsa&prev=/search%3Fq%3DMajlis%2BTilawah%2BAl-Quran%2BPeringkat%2BAntarabangsa%2BTahun%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D916 and http://www.islam.gov.my/en/node/42036 5964.7, Klasik Nasional via Kajang // 9835 (Sarawak FM also via Kajang). July 1 indeed they continued today with live coverage of the annual Qur'an International Level (“Peringkat Antarabangsa”) recitation competition (Tilawah Al-Quran); at 1314 again with ten minute segments of reciting from the Qur’an; announced reciters name and country (“India”, “Indonesia”, etc.); both frequencies fair-good, slightly out of sync. Looks like this could be a regular feature this week! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) QSL: Sarawak FM, 9835, QSL in 6 weeks for e-report to zulrahim @ rtm.gov.my v/s Zulfiki Ab Rahim, Senior Asst. Director, RTM Kajang. Traxx FM, 7295, the same as Sarawak FM (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** MEXICO. I heard my first XE running IBOC. It's my biggest XE pest; XEKAM-950. Martin Foltz confirmed it. He's a lot closer. I never thought about IBOC in other countries before. Are there other XE's running IBOC? (Dennis Gibson, CA, June 29, ABDX via DXLD) XEKAM = Radio Fórmula Californianas, Tijuana per WRTH 2013. Plenty on FM, especially in the DF, but maybe not on AM (gh, DXLD) ** MEXICO. XESDD 1030 new slogan/format --- I heard this first on the 26th and then listened more yesterday. XESDD 1030, new slogan is "1030 AM Radio Romance" and format is news. Their website is http://www.latremenda1030am.com and links to a schedule for PSN Primer Sistema de Noticias. Schedule is 6AM-8PM [PT = PDT = UT -7]. Don't know what their programming is outside of those times (Martin Foltz Mission Viejo CA, June 27, ABDX via DXLD) ? ``Romance`` doesn`t make sense for a news format. Another word? And that`s not XESDD but XESSD, La Tremenda, Ensenada; Tijuana says Cantú (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 1050, July 1 at 1144 UT, XEG Monterrey NL is still in, some guy making a funny voice and repeatedly mis-gendering ``la programa``, ha ha, in taking phone calls from people with normal voices (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 1570, June 28 at 1150 UT, XERF concluding a mañanitas song mentioning San Juan, and starting ``servicio social`` notices of missing persons (extraviadas) with phone numbers on both sides of border, including toll-free 877s. I assume a lot of these are about illegal immigration attempts which may have gone bad; or successful ones with the personas in hiding. We`re over the hump of earliest sunrises here in Enid, 1116 UT today, latening about a semiminute per day, reaching 1135 in a month, per http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/enid-oklahoma.html 1570, XERF Ciudad Acuña also still in July 1 at 1150 UT with mañanitas and servicio social announcements, mostly missing persons, but also a dog and a job opening; fading out by 1155 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. More sporadic E analog TV DX, June 27, UT: 1428 on 2, fade-in Azteca net-7 news grafix, at first video only 1434 on 2, full-screen INFO on one line, 7 below it; quite steady but weak; 1439 some audio begins to appear as MUF inches up by 4.5 MHz 1445 on 2, interview about Los Tigres de Monterrey. If still Azteca—7, no doubt XHTAU Tampico, which in the mornings relays Monterrey studio rather than México DF, per Oglethorpe; altho Monterrey has own ch 2 station and another Regiomontanan on 34 is relayed on 2 in Saltillo, all of which have been frequently seen here 1506 on 4, Televisa net-5 with bugs, in and out 1519 on 2, Televisa net-2 star bug in UR; and large circle bug in LL: I think that is for the Hoy (Today) show 1550 on 2, CCI between net-2 bug UR, and Televisa net-4 with f bug in LR; XHY? 1559 on 2, Televisa net-5 bug in LR with toon, CCI Opening peters out afterwards. Bits of sporadic E occasionally poke MUF up to 55 MHz, with some video briefly on NTSC channel A2, with antenna south: June 29 at 2043 UT, fade-in enough easily to recognize the +v Mas Visión bug in the UR, i.e. XEWO-TV, Guadalajara; fades right back out, and again JBV at 2059; unID video bits continued next bihour a few times; 2301 UT on A2, fade-in a drama with Azteca net-7 bug easily spotted very briefly in UR, probably XHTAU, Tampico; nothing more. Sporadic E analog TV DX June 30, UT: 1455 on 2, fade-in of Televisa net-5 bug LR, with Bob el Esponja, and fade right back out. Had been watching snow for almost an hour; another glimpse of same at 1500, this time with audio too. Here we go? Still in & out weakly at 1507. 1543 on 2, Azteca net-7 bug, stronger than some other CCI 1602 on 2, Azteca-7 in UR, with animation 1630 on 2, weak signal but now visibly soccer 1649 on 3, fade-in US sitcom, Spanish ads, video only; soon fade out along with ch 2 1715 on 2, fade-in algo 1720 on 2, ad in Spanish, video and audio 1730 on 2, animation, net-7 bug UR 1802 on 2, large font program title includes ISRAEL 1805 on 2, interview, fade-in enough to make out TeleVer bug UR: XHFM, Veracruz 1822 on 2, still same; interviewer has big boxy sign on his hand mike, unseems legend TeleVer on it, what? 1912 on 2, soccer and CCI, weak; nothing further (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MICRONESIA. 4755.52, PMA-The Cross Radio, June 26 found their DTMF tones (dual-tone multi-frequency signaling) were not working; running long past their normal 1200 sign off; heard as late as 1358, but June 27 and 28 back to normal (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR. 5985.78, Myanmar R, Yangon, 1459-1501, Jun 14, IS, QRM was Qinghai PBS on 5989.98, frequency has been drifting a little, 23232. Also heard in LSB at 1530-1545, Jun 15, English ID and news, 34232 (Tomoaki Wagai, Wakayama, Japan, DSWCI DX Window June 26 via DXLD) ** MYANMAR [and non-log]. 6165, Thazin Radio. June 28 checking their new schedule [DXLD 13-26], but clearly not broadcasting; 1230 found strong CNR6 with a very weak VOV-4 underneath playing some indigenous music, which might confuse people into thinking they are hearing Myanmar; at 1400 Vietnam signed off (matching their schedule), leaving CNR6 in the clear, with no trace of another station; checked again at 1430 looking for Myanmar’s English segment, but again only CNR6. 7200.06, Myanmar Radio, 1431*, June 28. Running long past their normal sign off time; played their indigenous theme music before going off. As Wolfy has reported recently, their audio for a long time now had been anywhere from terribly distorted to mildly garbled; am still hearing the lower spur. 7200.06, Myanmar Radio, tuned out at 1440 on July 1. Running past their former sign off time; played their indigenous theme music at 1430; seemed to go into their distance learning service with a lecture in vernacular; poor with heavy ham QRM (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR. Most of Newfoundland & Labrador will lose over-the-air TV at the end of this month. CBC TV closed their analog transmitters last summer; on July 31st, NTV will close their analog transmitters. No other stations exist in most of the province. CBC and NTV both converted their transmitters in St. John's to digital, and those transmitters continue to operate. I believe the Aboriginal Peoples' Television Network continues to operate its analog transmitters in Labrador – this includes CHTG-TV in Goose Bay and five very low-powered transmitters on channels 12 and 13 (Doug Smith, July WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** NICARAGUA. 8989-USB, "El Pescador Preacher" 2340 to 2349 locutor en español with religious message. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thanks for that! Surprisingly, 8989-USB was quite readable in central Milan on the usual PL660 and whip until 0000+ sign off. I'd never expected it, here at my home location. 73 (Andy Lawendel, Italy, UT June 30 dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 8989-USB, “El Pescador Preacher“, 0006-0012 Jun 30 [sic; must mean Jul 1], thanks to Wilkner tip finally heard with man announcer with Spanish talk until ended transmission. Poor to fair (Rich D'Angelo, Wyomissing PA, Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B, Eton E1, Eton E5, Alpha Delta DX Sloper, RF Systems Mini-Windom, Datong FL3, JPS ANC-4, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) ** NIGERIA. Summer A-13 SW schedule of Voice of Nigeria: 0500-0700 15120 IKO 250 kW / 007 deg NAf English not active at present 0700-0800 15120 IKO 250 kW / 007 deg NAf French not active at present 0800-0900 15120 IKO 250 kW / 007 deg NAf English not active at present 0800-0900 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WCAf Hausa 0900-1500 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WCAf English 1500-1600 15120 IKO 250 kW / 007 deg NAf English not active at present 1600-1630 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg ECAf Swahili 1630-1700 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WCAf Yoruba 1700-1730 9690 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WCAf Igbo 1730-1800 15120 IKO 250 kW / 007 deg NAf Arabic not active at present 1800-2000 15120 AJA 250 kW / 007 deg NAf English DRM 2000-2100 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WAf French 2100-2200 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WAf Fulfulde 2200-2300 7255 AJA 250 kW / 248 deg WAf Hausa (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** NIGERIA [non]. Hamada Radio International, 11945, non detailed e- letter in 21 months! for e-report via different ways. Answer came from bashir.mabai @ gmail.com v/s Bashir Mabai. (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** NORTH AMERICA. Pirate station, XLR8, 6925 USB, 2345 UT Saturday, June 29, 2013. Signal is inbooming here in KCMO with, I guess, a Devo show. Their drummer passed away this week. Signal is S9+10 on R75 & random wire. DH KCMO (Dave Hughes, Kansas City MO, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing inbooming here when checked about an hour later, off? I haven`t heard a 42 mb pirate in weeks now, blamed on high summer noise level and lack of activity (Glenn Hauser, OK, DXLD) See also USA: WOR ** NORTH AMERICA. Hello everyone, unID pirate now on 6925 AM mode with very low modulation, it seems; fair signal into Montreal, S6-S8 at 0115 UT (Gilles Letourneau, Montreal, Canada, UT July 3, http://www.youtube.com/officialswlchannel dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I've got it down here about 225 miles to your south, Gilles. Can't make out what it is but it's S8-9 here with, as you said, pretty low modulation. Sounds like either oldies rock or dixieland jazz. (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, Eton E1XM, A/D DX Sloper, 0125 UT, ibid.) No sign of it at all here in St John's, NL. (Using Grundig Satellit 750 with its whip and a 3m wire attached.) (Philip Hiscock, 0128 UT, ibid.) Hello John, He gave out the ID about 5 minutes ago; did not understand at all. If modulation would be good, it actually would be quite strong and easy to listen to. 73! (Gilles, 0130 UT, ibid.) The pirate was Radio Free Whatever. I had him fairly well from about 0100 until I had to unplug my antennas at about 0145 UT. He was followed by what was apparently a recreation of Amelia Earhart`s final radio comms. The Earhart stuff was downright creepy. Apparently that is an annual thing judging by the logs from HFU. Amelia was absolutely inbooming compared to RFW http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,11614.0.html DH KCMO (Dave Hughes, Kansas City MO, ibid.) ** OKLAHOMA. APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMITS 1210 KGYN OK Guymon – Applies for U7 50000/10000 (ch 39000), correcting to 36-40-34/101-22-57. (AM Switch, NRC DX News July 8 via DXLD) Here we go again? (gh, DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. 88.1, July 1 at 2348 UT I have the TV antenna toward NE hoping to capture edge of Es opening, but instead I hear stronger signal than last time of ham repeater ID every 7+ minutes, which I copy this time: N5LWT/R --- ARRL lookup leads to Worth, Thomas A, N5LWT, at 2302 Eucalyptus Ave, Enid OK 73701, but not for the repeater with his call. Googling on N5LWT does find it listed as a repeater here: http://www.aresok.org/drillmap.asp?level=3&zone=1&district=4&code=24 showing outputs at 147.3750 and 444.8250 MHz. I suppose the 2m one is more likely to produce an image if not spur on the FMBC band, but I haven`t figured out the formula, if it involves the receiver 10.7 MHz IF on the FM band (55.845 MHz and 450 kHz on LW/MW/SW). Ideas? Leaving 88.1 on for some minutes, I`ve yet to hear any QSOs, just the automatic ID. BTW, I am listening on the ATS-909 with whip antenna only, but it and other receivers in the shack are obviously affected by the C-490 UHF/VHF TV antenna maybe 25-30 feet away, without any direct connexion to it, but to TVs nearby; as rotating it causes weaker FM signals to fade up and down, even tho the amp on the antenna has the FM filter engaged. Signals just bouncing off the elements? (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. KOSU's NEW STUDIOS --- KOSU is facing a watershed moment as it expands on its history of success with the construction of a new studio and offices in downtown Oklahoma City. Located in the renovated Hart building at 726 West Sheridan Avenue in historic Film Row, this 4,000 square-foot facility includes new on-air and production studios, an expanded newsroom and a public performance space, The Hart Beat, which will serve as the centerpiece of the station's community engagement focus. KOSU is projecting a sign-on date of September 1, 2013. "Through this facility, we will create new, original programs, and provide our listeners with an even greater understanding of the issues and music that define our region and shape our lives," said Kelly Burley, KOSU Director. The OKC studio is the cornerstone of KOSU's five-year strategic plan, enabling the station to expand its radio journalism franchise, doubling the capacity to create original program content through its own efforts and through local content partnerships with StateImpact, The Spy and This Land Press. KOSU's new Film Row Studio is made possible through the generous support of the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation and the Kirkpatrick Foundation. The station is seeking additional financial support to sustain the facility for the next 15 years, with naming opportunities available for air and production studios, The Hart Beat, the newsroom and the lobby. As additional funds are raised, KOSU will also repurpose its Stillwater studios at OSU as a student production center. The station also opened a mini-studio in OETA's facility at OSU-Tulsa in 2012. Once KOSU opens in OKC, the station will have a physical presence in three of its largest communities of listeners, contributors and underwriters, positioning the station to create community through content and content through community (News from KOSU Radio, June 27 via DXLD) Thus KOSU further removes itself from its roots at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. The signal in Enid seems somewhat weaker now and I wonder if they have also moved the 91.7 transmitter further into OKC, or done something else to attenuate it here (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 92.1, July 3 at 0052 UT I notice that KAMG-LP Enid is back on the air after a week or more off (and before that weeks of dead air), resuming praise music in Spanish; shux (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. NAB is proud to present the third installment in a powerful video series demonstrating the irreplaceable and indispensable role that local radio and television broadcasters play as “first informers” during times of emergency. The first installment featured the tornadoes of Joplin, MO and Tuscaloosa, AL; the second featured broadcast station efforts from Washington, DC to New York in the coverage of Superstorm Sandy. http://nabroadcasters.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/local-broadcasters-a-lifeline-for-residents-of-moore-ok/ This film focuses on Moore, OK, where in May deadly tornadoes stretching 17 miles long and measuring 1.3 miles wide ripped through the nation’s heartland, demolishing neighborhoods, businesses, a hospital and two elementary schools. Twenty-four people died, a toll that could have been far greater were it not for the efforts of local broadcasters. Oklahoma governor Mary Fallin thanked broadcasters in a post-storm press conference, saying, “The media has done a superb job over the last couple of days of keeping people informed about the current weather conditions, especially our weathermen and those that have been on the ground driving and calling and tracking the storm itself…I had many people come up and say, because of the media and their rapid response and reporting on the track of the storms, they were able to get to a storm shelter and be safe.” This 6-minute mini-documentary features never-before-seen footage of the devastation, along with testimonials from local broadcasters related to their preparation for the unprecedented weather emergency, their uninterrupted news coverage, their support for first responders and victims of the storm, and their assist in recovery efforts. The film includes commentaries from broadcasters such as these: “It was no longer about having good television, and instead it was about providing life-saving information.” Damon Lane, KOCO-TV Oklahoma City chief meteorologist “You have to be as descriptive as you can and paint the best picture of what the storm is doing and where the storm is.” John Welch KFOR-TV, Bob Moore Chopper 4 pilot/reporter “(Our station) was constantly getting needed, vital information…(Listeners) knowing that you’re connected like that means the world to them.” Janet, KJ103 (KJYO-FM), morning show host “When we really shine is when the storm has passed and the recovery efforts start.” Brad Copeland, KATT-FM morning show host “Any little way that we can help make someone’s life a little easier during these tough times. I think that’s what it’s all about.” Steve O’Brien, Magic 104.1 KMGL, program director/morning show host. “With the power of that storm and with the velocity that it had coming in to that Moore area; if (residents) hadn’t known, we could have lost hundreds (of lives), and we didn’t.” Linda Cavanaugh, KFOR- TV, anchor/reporter NAB salutes the heroic lifeline coverage of Oklahoma broadcasters. Many thanks once again to the film’s producer Media Arts Professor Scott Hodgson from the University of Oklahoma. Working with the Broadcast Education Association, Scott and his students spent countless hours collecting footage and conducting interviews for this video account of broadcasters’ remarkable efforts in covering this horrific act of Mother Nature (via Jim Thomas, Springfield MO, WTFDA via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. LONG thread in the aftermath of the OKC tornado and whether to blame KFOR`s Mike Morgan for telling people to flee: http://www.thelostogle.com/2013/06/06/finally-mike-morgan-breaks-his-silence-on-fridays-storm-coverage/ The Lost Ogle is a great place for discussion about Oklahoma events in general. (Name comes from the fact that KWTV and KFOR both have Ogle anchors, brothers; can this really be another one? I somehow doubt it) (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3204.96, NBC Sandaun, random listening from 1240 to 1411*, June 30. In Tok Pisin/Pidgin; pop songs as well as indigenous music; some religious programs (was Sunday); 1401 National Anthem and expected them to go off the air as usual, but they continued on for a while (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3204.96, NBC Sandaun. Better than usual reception July 1. In Tok Pisin/Pidgin and some English; at 1246 asking listeners to call in with the answer to “After how many years would you celebrate your silver anniversary?”; one caller said “100 years!”; “News Roundup” in English ended at 1307 followed by commercial announcements; played pop songs (Pacific Island songs and pop songs – “Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” by Fleetwood Mac, etc.). Enjoyable! (Ron Howard, ibid.) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3260, NBC Madang, 1212:31*, June 29. Broadcasting again after being off the air yesterday; mentioned “Saturday night”; in Tok Pisin/Pidgin; suddenly off by timer. By far the strongest PNG heard today. (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA [re 13-26:]. 3325, NBC Bougainville. Nice to find them regularly broadcasting again; poor reception and underneath RRI Palangkaraya; June 28 from 1238 to 1250 had a brief opening (was not heard at all before that!) with the best reception; pop Pacific Island song and mostly talking; 1302 distinctive NBC bird calls and into the news; suddenly off at 1303*, which clearly is when their timer to set to turn off the tx (June 26 and 27 also 1303*) 3325, NBC Bougainville, 1303:21*, June 29. Much better reception than yesterday; DJ with dedications/requests of pop sings; in Tok Pisin/Pidgin; heard as early as 1217; poor and mixing with RRI Palangkaraya; suddenly off by timer. My local sunrise was at 1250. (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3325, NBC Bougainville. June 30 clearly off the air today. Will they return tomorrow? 3325, NBC Bougainville. Indeed they did return on July 1 after being off the air yesterday; 1253 playing pop songs; poor and mixing with RRI Palangkaraya (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3385, NBC East New Britain, 1200:34*, June 29. Usual series of advertisements in both English and Tok Pisin/Pidgin; DJ in Tok Pisin/Pidgin with pop songs; suddenly off by timer (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 3385, NBC East New Britain, 1100 July 1, English ads, music, interrupted at 1102:40 for NBC news in Tok Pisin by woman. Fair. Also heard carrying the same newscast were 3205 Sandaun, 3260 Madang, 3325 Buka and 3365 Milne Bay (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening in my car with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU [and non]. 5980. R. CHASKI. 27 de junio a las 1131 UT. Hombre predica en quechua y a las 1156 UT música en el mismo idioma. Señal con QRM desde China por CNR8 en coreano en 5975 hasta las 12 UT, además del espurio de RAE, desde Argentina y que a las 12 UT se hace más presente sobre esta frecuencia. SINPO: 52444. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) 5980, June 28 at 0059, R. Chaski carrier JBA on the FRG-7 as storm front is approaching here, until cut off at 0103:47.5* which is 5 seconds later than yesterday. 5980, June 29 at 0057, JBA carrier from R. Chaski, until cutoff at 0103:53* which is 5.5 seconds later than yesterday (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5980, Radio Chaski, Urubamba, 30-06 [sic] 2237, Spanish comments by male with music in the background, best with phaser, 32222 (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, Diff. antennas +Perseus SDR, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) Date must be wrong, posted on June 29 at 2244 (gh, DXLD) 5980, June 30 at 0058, usual R. Chaski carrier with bits of modulation vs noise level until cutoff at 0103:58* which is five seconds later than yesterday (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Video recordings from Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River June 30, 1030 UT Radio Chaski in Spanish on 5980 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf4WSy5Kbto June 30, 1100 UT Radio Chaski in Spanish on 5980 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krQ9jgA_ZXA June 30, 2300 UT Radio Chaski in Spanish on 5980 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLrU1z8em7Y July 01, 0020 UT Radio Chaski in Spanish on 5980 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfZ3wtQRMeY July 01, 0104 UT Radio Chaski in Spanish on 5980, end of broadcast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPdcx6Mkpt4 (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) 5980, July 1 at 0054, R. Chaski usual weak but sufficient carrier until cut off at 0104:03.5* which is 5.5 seconds later than yesterday. How far will they get into the fifth minute past the hour this time before timer reset? 5980, July 2 at 0059, R. Chaski carrier detectable until 0104:09*, i.e. 5.5 seconds later than yesterday. 5980, July 3 at 0056, R. Chaski with usual very poor signal and bits of modulation, a bit clearer after China is finished with Cuba on 5990 around 0100; Chaski cutoff at 0104:14* which is 5 seconds later than yesterday (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5980, R. CHASKI, 3 de julio a las 0052 UT. Final del programa “El amor que vale” de Adrian Rogers, después a las 0057, música instrumental. A las 0100, ID: “Esta es Red Radio Integridad” y locutor habla de la radioemisora, avisando la página web y el facebook, para volver a un ID de la emisora: “Red Radio Integridad, la voz que glorifica a Dios”. A las 0103 UT, se escucha el comienzo de “momentos de la creación” hasta las 0104 UT en que sale del aire. Señal con un poco de sobremodulación. SINPO: 43343 [and non] 5980, R. CHASKI, 3 de julio a las 1148 UT. Hombre habla en quechua con SINPO: 42243, pero con mucho espurios de RAE que se concentra en 6020 y 5971 y que no deja escuchar de buena manera, nada a su alrededor. 73! (Claudio Galaz, Rx: Tecsun PL-660, Antena: 20 metros de coaxial de cobre de 5 Ohms, QTH: Centro de Ovalle, IV Región, Chile, condiglista yg via DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. QSL: VOA Philippines, 7575/9760, QSL in 4 weeks for e- report to manager_philippines @ phi.ibb.gov (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** PUERTO RICO. 1660, WGIT, Canóvanas, MAY 26, 0001 - Man and woman having a heated discussion with somebody on the phone. A bit of music at 0003 followed by station promo and a spot for a barbeque place (Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, DXpedition, by Niel Wolfish, DXing with Ken Alexander, all logs made from the car using the WiNRADiO Excalibur SDR and the Wellbrook Loop, The National Radio Club's International DX Digest (IDXD) 80-28, June 28, 2013, via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. [Re 13-26, 7325 Adygey Radio]: see WRTH 2013 on page 472: Mondays 17 June broadcast also in Arabic and Turkish, (=Everyday languages of the Circassian minority in the target countries). All 1-hour programs are online: (Wolfgang Büschel, July 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews via DXLD ** RUSSIA. 13735, June 30 at 1303, open carrier with fair signal, off within a minute. At 1339 now there`s some broadcast with solo male singer, but very poor and can`t determine the language. HFCC shows R. Rossii via Moskva site at 1330-1700, 250 kW, 267 degrees (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. OPINION --- The national system of short-wave radio in Russia is almost completely lost, which is contrary to the national interest, the chairman of the consortium "Digital Broadcasting Technology Platform" (CTPD) Andrew Bryksenkov. Since the beginning of the 90s a nationwide network of short-wave (HF) communication in Russia began to decline, and by now almost completely ceased to exist. In fact, completely exhausted, the network infrastructure has been destroyed. Actively used only departmental SW communications (Russian Ministry of Defense, intelligence agencies, border guards). Agencies interested in the development of reliable radio communications in the last decade have had to decide the challenges they face. As a result of fragmentation of the Interagency some of them create their own HF networks that do not interact with each other. In the Soviet Union, SW communications, having national importance, actively developed. By the early 90-ies of the short-wave radio used to transmit telephone messages, telegrams, streams of digital information and facsimile. Upon designation and range distinguished international and intra-Community general state line HF communications. Intra-Community lines were divided into trunk (between the capital of the Soviet Union and the capitals of the Union republics, territorial and regional centers) and zonal (intra-and intra). Unfortunately, now all that was produced for decades in the field of state-wide SW communications almost completely lost. At the same time, in most advanced countries, primarily in the United States, and now a great emphasis on creating and maintaining a high- availability systems, centralized management and emergency communications (ES) and the special period using the latest advances in digital technology radio communications. This is connected with the transition to digital and the emergence of new opportunities to create a national network of wireless SW communications on the type of cellular communication. Currently, the U.S. has three integrated SW radio systems: - National Reserve SW communication system that provides redundancy of the national system of communication; - SW radio agency FEMA (Federal Agency for action in an emergency), providing coordination in emergency situations; - The system of military SW radio communications, which will be used for contracts in cases of emergencies and during the special period. In this vzaimointegrirovannuyu [sic] national short-wave communication network includes more than 1,040 U.S. receiving and transmitting centers HF radio and regularly carry out comprehensive training. In Russia, information on the number of departmental transceiver UHF communications center is closed. Using publicly available information on the number of essential Rospechat [sic] powerful radio transmitters in the United States and Russia as a ratio of 10 to 1 can be cautious conclusion that in Russia the number of departmental transceiver SW communications centers, only it nogim [sic] more than 100 units. In this case the territory of Russia is much higher than the United States. I think to change the situation, it is appropriate to discuss the same at the federal level and to create a company - the network operator shortwave communication with the provision of paid services to interested organizations and agencies. According to specialists, intensive care network will require about 7 billion rubles. In the future, performing a public function, the network will make a profit by providing paid services to interested organizations and agencies. Creating a network of HF communications will enable the creation of a stable connection for public use with all subjects of the Russian Federation, the reservation document communication flows, especially in emergency situations and the special period. The development of this system will bring the documentary communication to remote municipal entities. The updated form of the system can be used to provide radio communications, interactions with any interested country or organization, even a considerable distance from the territories? Russian theory. The upgraded system SW communications can also be successfully used as a backup connection the Ministry of Communications of Russia. In addition, it is important to realize that in the Far North of Russia and its Arctic coast, at high latitudes, shortwave radio is often the only means of communication with the "mainland." In cases of emergency SW communication is the essential tool for maintaining control system state structures of the Far North. The first steps to address this issue have been made. In the far north in the late summer of 2012 in Arkhangelsk and Naryan- Mar specialists of the Russian Television and Broadcasting Network (Federal State Unitary Enterprise "RTRS") and the company Rohde & Schwarz conducted the first in our country successfully tested a new digital radio transmitters operating in the short-wave band. At the trials in Arkhangelsk are two types of short-wave transmitters - the Russian system PEARCE (development of the Russian Institute of High- Power Radio - RIMR), and equipment 4000 series of Rohde & Schwarz. http://www.digit.ru/opinion/20130624/402681728.html (Sent Michael Levin, St. Petersburg, Moscow Information DX Bulletin, Weekly electronic publication #847, June 25, 2013, The editor of the current issue: Konstantin Gusev; via RusDX via DXLD) Not broadcasting ** RUSSIA [and non]. RADIO JITTERY ZYGMUNT DZIECIOLOWSKI and KEVIN KLOSE 25 June 2013 http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/zygmunt-dzieciolowski-kevin-klose/radio-jittery The crisis that has shaken the Moscow bureau of Radio Liberty over the last year appears to be drawing to a close. Zygmunt Dzieciolowski spoke to its Acting President and CEO Kevin Klose about his plans for the station. ZDZ: In communist times Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe were the main source of uncensored information and analysis for people living behind the Iron Curtain. It is legendary in these parts of the world. Quite often I hear from my Russian friends how in periods when the station was jammed they stayed up long into the night trying to catch the signal as clearly as possible. KK: I happened recently to be queuing in front of a museum. It was raining, and a man just in front of me looked as though he needed an umbrella. I helped him with the one I had. We had a conversation; he was from Russia, but lived abroad. We moved together in the queue and in the end I told him that two of my children married Russians, that I have Russian grandchildren. He looked kind of surprised, so I added too that I am currently president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)… ZDZ: What was his reaction? KK: This kid was about 24-25, and looked at me like - ‘incredible, Svoboda[Russ: Liberty], Svoboda, oh my parents, oh I know about Svoboda.’ I am not sure this guy has ever listened to Svoboda, but it was in the thinking of his family for generations. Radio Liberty has been on air since 1st March 1953; this is its 60th year. Five generations have listened to our programmes, as I have said in Washington, and that is amazing. ZDZ: The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The world in which the USA helped to create the radio station no longer exists. But Radio Liberty and its Russian Service survived even this historical earthquake. KK: What is the first need of a people, a society, a community, which wants to explore actual self government, making its own decisions according to its own precepts and values, discussing what its policy will be? Does it need to defend itself and how it is going to do that? And who should be picking up the garbage, and how should this be paid for? What about freedom of speech, religion? That is why people can’t live without accurate, truthful, independently reported facts and the mechanism through which it happens. Its main component is people who are schooled in, trained in and devoted to accurate witnessing, recording and accurate reporting of what they have seen. It is as fundamental as that. If people are denied the ability to engage in and create that kind of fact telling and fact witnessing themselves, it is going to be much harder for them to create an open, free, just society where independent points of view would be engaged, welcomed and worked through. Journalism is the first partner of democracy. Soviet-era Radio Liberty has an almost legendary reputation among dissident circles. Photo: (cc) Wikimedia Commons/Ivan Tolstoy ZDZ: Life for the independent media is not easy in Putin’s Russia. But Russians today have much easier access to information than older generations. Does Russia still need foreign broadcasting? Does Russia still need Radio Liberty? KK: Seven years ago there were 30 small radio stations around the country which used our content; listeners could listen to our broadcasts on their frequencies. But the authorities told these stations to take our content down. No more Liberty on your wavelengths. Why did they do it? Is that freedom of speech? There are plenty of paid-for Russian television, radio and Internet outlets available to Americans. We are a free society which has a guarantee of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and we actually observe that. So the simplistic idea that the cold war is over, is actually not accurate today. America has itself benefited from independent, free media and freedom of the press. And we think the benefits are substantial. They are fundamental for building democratic societies, a democratic way of thinking. So taxpayers of the United States have supported this kind of activity for years. This is how we live in the community of nations. In my adult life I have been extremely fortunate. I have been employed by the Washington Post, a great, independent American newspaper. I came to RFE/RL for the first time in the early nineties. And then I became president of National Public Radio (NPR) in the USA. These journalistic organisations followed standards of independence and verifiability. Their sceptical, thoughtful, coherent storytelling was based on reported facts, observations and ideas that people can struggle with. It is not an offence to anybody when Liberty’s Russian Service observes similarly good standards of reporting, and does it in Russian. I do not think there should be any problem about that. If there are a lot of media working in Russia, it is just one more media source. Let it exist. It is not threatening anything. I do not think freedom of speech is a threat to anybody. And I think the freedom of passage of ideas is essential to societies keeping up with the pace of social change. ZDZ: Is it the right thing, though, for the US government to fund a radio station broadcasting to another country and critical of its government? The US government doesn’t fund media in the US. KK: We are promoting independent journalism, which is the first partner of democracy. What people do with independent fact-finding journalism is their business; We are not dictating to them. We do think that the provision of this is essential for the exploration and maturing of internally responsible societies. As I said, I worked for 10 years as president of National Public Radio in the United States, which is a private, independent, nonprofit company. RFE/RL is exactly the same thing. Nobody tells me what we should put on the air. Or on the internet. There is no government influence whatsoever. ZDZ: The Soviet authorities described Radio Liberty as a nest of reactionaries and CIA agents working round the clock to destroy the happy life of the Soviet working class. Official Russia doesn’t feel comfortable either with initiatives and projects funded from abroad, as the law on foreign agents demonstrates. A few months ago the Kremlin expelled USAID. Are you afraid something like this might happen to you too, And you would have to close your Russian bureaus? KK: In the community of nations there are such things as reciprocity. Values. And we value a multiplicity of ideas and views. There is a lot coming out of Russia from organisations not happy with what Liberty and its Russian service do. So what is the issue? Liberty is not a part of American foreign policy. It is not even part of what the Russian government tries to portray as representing American goals and views. I think it is a very important source for people who are exploring civil society and want to create a multiparty democracy. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to us. It’s that simple. ZDZ: Since September last year your Russian Service has been in the throes of a crisis. Your predecessor Steven Korn approved a major staff reshuffle and a fundamental change in the Russian Service’s format. Dozens of experienced journalists were fired, and well known journalist Masha Gessen was appointed as the station’s director. The new strategy was to stop broadcasting and develop Internet content. But this did not work out well, and there was a dramatic fall in audience figures. The Russian human rights community was also outraged, and Its leaders appealed to the US Congress, the White House and State Department to stop Svoboda’s transformation from a serious broadcasting organisation concerned about human rights into just another entertainment outlet. Washington got the message and you were asked to sort out the crisis… KK: The station’s Broadcasting Board of Governors got in touch with me at the end of 2012. I was travelling in a car when I received a phone call from one board member, Susan McCue. They remembered me as the president of Liberty who moved the station from Munich to Prague. I went to Washington, and had a meeting with three members of the board sometime in January. They asked me if I would be interested to serve as interim, or acting, president and CEO, with full powers to do what I needed to do. To succeed the person who was leaving. Because they did not have time to organise a search, my name came up… they had looked into my background. So I said it would interest me. I knew there was some kind of upheaval in the Russian service in Moscow, with some staff changes. I do not want to minimize what I knew, but I did not know much. 'Liberty is a very important source for people who are exploring civil society and want to create a multiparty democracy. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to us. It’s that simple' - Kevin Klose ZDZ: You had already worked at Radio Liberty in the nineties. KK: I have great affection for RFE/RL. I went there originally in 1992, after 25 years of working at the Washington Post, one of the best newspapers in the world. I remember very well a conversation I had at that time with former Liberty president Eugene Pell. He wanted to write an article for the Washington Post; he felt that Radio Liberty should be kept open, at a point when many people believed that the cold war was over. He also asked if I knew anybody qualified to run it. I said I knew Radio Liberty from when I had been the Post’s Moscow bureau chief. And the only reason for me to leave the Washington Post would be to get my hands on responsibility, not for reporting from Russia to the United States, but for broadcasting fact- based journalism to the Russians. My most difficult task was relocating the station from Munich to Prague. It was very difficult; we had a dramatic downsizing of the staff in the aftermath of the cold war. But it was a successful operation; we moved to Prague without losing a single second of broadcasting, and I stayed there as RL president until 1997. ZDZ: Having accepted the offer from the Broadcasting Board of Governors, how soon did you realise that sorting things out at Svoboda would not be an easy task? KK: There had been wholesale dismissals and various other things; there was some disarray in the organisation. And after making my own assessment of the situation I considered whether I could be of help to them, and whether they would support what I thought needed to be done. But it made things easier that there were a number of voluntary resignations by people from previous leadership, and that is absolutely normal - when leader who has assembled a team leaves, typically his closest associates want to leave with him. ZDZ: But there was also a new wave of staff changes in the Russian service….. KK: When I was appointed CEO I first talked to Masha Gessen, the Russian Service director appointed in September 2012. She is an accomplished journalist and author, with a splendid international reputation. We discussed her views about the Russian bureau, and what she would be doing. I went to Moscow in mid February, and we had further conversations there. I also talked to people on the staff and people who had been fired in September 2012, and I talked to a variety of people whom I’ve known since the seventies. Then the Boston marathon bombings happened. Masha Gessen reported on that and was very interested in the Tsarnaev brothers; she had also done a lot of work on Pussy Riot and her book on Putin was very successful. So we began to talk about her future and in the process of that conversation she said she actually wanted to write a book about the Tsarnaevs. I was with her in the Moscow bureau when she made the announcement about her resignation. Within the next few hours, a number of people hired in September 2012 also quit… end of story. But now the Russian service has been left diminished in size. 40 people left - some voluntarily, some not - in September; 15 came in, and then those people left voluntarily in April. So where do you turn? The next place to go is the people who worked here before. But the media environment in Russia is changing rapidly, people are increasingly using mobile devices; we have to be there, it doesn’t mean our principles or ethics are different, but the content and the format are going to be different. We are going to figure that out. You want to join us on that? Come on and come back. And if you know anybody who is interested and is smart enough to do this stuff, the way we would not be able to figure out on our own, we want to talk to these people too. So this is what is going on at the moment. Masha Gessen's short and highly controversial tenure as head of Radio Liberty began with the mass firing of 40 people from the station. Photo: (cc) Wikimedia Commons/Rodrigo Fernandez [caption] ZDZ: You have had a wonderful career with what some would describe today as the old fashioned traditional media. But at the same time you do not hide your enthusiasm for the new digital era. KK: During my last visit to Moscow I walked down Tverskaya Street. Every restaurant there is jammed with kids, every kid has got a mobile device of one kind or another, and they’re having six different conversations - with their friend across the table, with people in New Delhi; some on Skype, some tweeting; they are in a completely different zone of contact. I am not saying it is more substantive - or less; it is just an entirely different zone. They are not confined as they were in Soviet times, so we have to be in that zone, we have to be relevant in their thinking, we have to interact with them, using Twitter, using Facebook, if they are using all these new services that aggregate communities and people sharing ideas. We have to be a part of it; the New York Times and Washington Post are doing the same thing, we have to do that as well. ZDZ: Is there any chance for Liberty to get access to normal radio frequencies? KK: It is not easy, but there are some options. One thing that we could do is to continue short wave broadcasting, but it is expensive. It takes a lot of power, a lot of electricity. And people no longer listen to it as they did in the past. There is also audio and video streaming on the Internet. As for mobile devices and apps - we are getting there, but our response speed has to be improved. We have to make sure that the news and events of the past few hours, of the past day, are very much part of our presentation and on our website, svoboda.org[Russian language link]. I know it from NPR, where the more we did high quality news, breaking news at the top of every hour, and in prime time, the more our audience grew. ZDZ: Would this work for Russia too? KK: We want to know. We want to expand our news reporting capacity, so we can get breaking news to the public, more and faster. ZDZ: How much do you know about your audience in Russia? KK: The figures that we have, we can argue them round and you can argue them flat as they say, but they show that we have always had a deeply committed core audience in Russia. It has been typically urban centred, but not always. I think in the era of short wave, our broadcasts were much more widely available, because the farther away you got from major metropolitan urban centres, the less jamming there was. There were fewer people living there but the signal was clearer; maybe they were listening more, but we did not know. ZDZ: How do you see Russia’s future? Even in Russia you may hear some voices warning that its history may repeat the Soviet scenario. 'We are moving in a very complicated era now. In some ways it was easier in the past.' Kevin Klose KK: Even though I did not expect the Soviet Union to fall like that, I could see that it was impeding its own ability to renew itself: by its very strange closed borders; by its refusal to allow people to come and go easily; by its attempt to monopolise information and its embedded fear of allowing its populace to know serious things about the way their country was functioning. And Russia’s future? I think it is extremely uncertain, that is what I would say. Do you remember the tragic April fire at the psychiatric hospital outside Moscow? So many people died. I was very much interested how it was covered and how people reacted to this. They spoke openly not about anger, but about fury. The people who lost their lives were not protected; there were plenty of opportunities to make sure that fire fighters would get there sooner, and so on. And these matters had not been looked into. The spontaneous reaction of people who did not even have relatives in the hospital had a deeper meaning. If a society doesn’t publicise responses that are positive and credible, that gets to be very uneasy. It makes for a change. And change can happen unexpectedly. Every society, every nation has its own pace, its own abilities, and it can’t just stop completely. It will continue to move, outpacing any attempts to stop it. You know, there was a lot of analysis of the events in Egypt several years ago, when the Internet was shut down, and actually that turned out to be a catalyst for greater confrontation, and people got engaged in that, because they were denied something they had got used to. There are various governments that are uneasy with the free flow of information. We are moving in a very complicated era now. In some ways it was easier in the past (via Hansjoerg Biener, Germany, DXLD) ** SAAR. ANOTHER FELSBERG MAST DETONATED On 13 June another mast of the Felsberg main antenna has been detonated without prior announcements. Pictures: http://radioforum.foren.mysnip.de/read.php?8773,1147812,1148000#msg-1148000 This press report http://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/aufmacher/saarland-ticker/saarlouis/Berus-Sendemast-Europa-1;art239502,4820341 quotes the operator mentioning a "rebuilding". Seems they want to configuree the two remaining masts as radiator and reflector to use them again to transmit 183 kHz (Kai Ludwig, Germany proper, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAUDI ARABIA. Summer A-13 SW schedule of BSKSA Radio Riyadh: 0300-0555 on 15170 RIY 500 kW / 355 deg to WeAs Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0300-0755 on 17895 RIY 500 kW / 040 deg to CeAs Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0300-0955 on 9715vRIY ??? unregistered to N/ME Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0400-0655 on 15285 RIY 500 kW / 190 deg to CSAf Swahili 0600-0855 on 15380 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to N/ME Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0600-0855 on 17730 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic General Program 0600-0855 on 17740 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Program 0800-0955 on 17785 RIY 500 kW / 270 deg to WCAf French 0900-1155 on 11935 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to N/ME Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0900-1155 on 15490 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Program 0900-1155 on 17570 RIY 500 kW / 070 deg to SEAs Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0900-1155 on 17615 RIY 500 kW / 100 deg to SEAs Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 0900-1155 on 17805 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic General Program 0900-1155 on 21670 RIY 500 kW / 100 deg to SEAs Indonesian 1000-1225 on 15250 RIY 500 kW / 250 deg to WCAf English Radio Jeddah 1200-1355 on 15380 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to N/ME Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1200-1355 on 17625 RIY 500 kW / 100 deg to SEAs Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1200-1455 on 13775 RIY 500 kW / 070 deg to SoAs Urdu 1200-1455 on 15120 RIY 500 kW / 070 deg to SoAs Bengali 1200-1455 on 17705 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Program 1200-1455 on 17895 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1200-1455 on 21505 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic General Program 1300-1555 on 17615 RIY 500 kW / 190 deg to CSAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1400-1555 on 17660 RIY 500 kW / 270 deg to WCAf French 1500-1700 on 15225 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic "Call of Islam" 1500-1700 on 15435 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic "Call of Islam" 1500-1755 on 7240 RIY 500 kW / 040 deg to WeAs Farsi 1500-1755 on 9885 RIY 500 kW / 040 deg to CeAs Turkmen/Uzbek/Tajik 1500-1755 on 13710 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1600-1755 on 15205 RIY 500 kW / 320 deg to WeEu Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1600-1755 on 17560 RIY 500 kW / 270 deg to WCAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1700-1755 on 15225 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic General Program 1700-1755 on 15435 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Program 1800-2055 on 9675 RIY 500 kW / 340 deg to N/ME Turkish 1800-2255 on 9555 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic General Program 1800-2255 on 9870 RIY 500 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Arabic General Program 1800-2255 on 11820 RIY 500 kW / 320 deg to WeEu Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1800-2255 on 11915 RIY 500 kW / 295 deg to NEAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce 1800-2255 on 11930 RIY 500 kW / 270 deg to WCAf Arabic Holy Qur'an Sce (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) ** SLOVENIA. QSL: Radio Murski val, 648, date/time letter in 24 days for English airmail report and mint stamps. V/s Jerneja Pirnat (no title listed). Heard on a recent trip to Austria. Mint stamps save the day again. I am becoming very convinced that this is absolutely the way to go. Less likelyhood of any currency disappearing along the mail route, etc. 73 (Al Muick, Whitehall PA USA, June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOMALILAND. SOMALIA, R. Hargeisa on 7120 kHz, Times of sign off: Jun 01 1900* Jun 02 1901* Jun 03 1900* Jun 04 1859* Jun 05 1900* Jun 06 1900* Jun 07 1901* Jun 08 1900* Jun 09 1859* Jun 11 1901* Jun 12 1900* Jun 13 1900* Jun 14 1904* Jun 15 1902* Jun 17 1859* Jun 18 1901* Jun 19 1901* Jun 20 1900* Jun 21 1903* Jun 22 1903* Jun 23 1857* Jun 24 1900* Jun 26 1902* Jun 27 1901* Jun 28 1902* Jun 29 1900* Jun 30 1859* (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, NRD-515, NRD-345, Satellite 750, DE-1121; ANT, 70m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7120, Radio Hargeisa, 1321-1343, June 27. Usual segment in English; 1321 “Latest headlines” beginning with many items about “Somaliland” and ending with extensive news items of President Obama’s trip to Africa which started today and also mentioned Nelson Mandela; 1339 to 1343 talk about science and technology; certainly one of their better days (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) R Hargeisa heard here in east London at 1840 with local music, then ident in Somali and many mentions of Somaliland. 7120 kHz, SINPO=33443, best in USB to avoid QRM (J Kempster, London E14, Yaesu FT-897, helical vertical, June 28, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) 7120, Radio Hargeisa, 1330, July 1. Abbreviated English segment; non- stop HOA music till 1341 theme music to end the English segment; had noted English at about 1323; heavy ham QRM (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOUTH AFRICA. A-13 schedule of Channel Africa: 0300-0355 on 5980 MEY 250 kW / 019 deg to ECAf English Mon-Fri 0300-0455 on 3345 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri 0500-0655 on 7230 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri 0600-0655 on 15255 MEY 250 kW / 328 deg to WeAf English Mon-Fri 0700-1200 on 9625 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri 1200-1300 on 9625 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf Nyanja Mon-Fri 1300-1400 on 9625 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf Lozi Mon-Fri 1400-1500 on 9625 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf Portuguese Mon-Fri 1500-1600 on 9625 MEY 100 kW / 005 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri 1500-1555 on 15660 MEY 250 kW / 005 deg to ECAf Swahili Mon-Fri 1600-1655 on 15235 MEY 250 kW / 340 deg to WeAf French Mon-Fri 1700-1755 on 15235 MEY 250 kW / 340 deg to WeAf English Mon-Fri A-13 schedule of SA Radio League: 0800-0900 on 7205 MEY 100 kW / non-dir to SoAf English Sun 0800-0900 on 17660 MEY 250 kW / 019 deg to EaAf English Sun, not 17570 1630-1730 on 3230 MEY 100 kW / non-dir to SoAf English Mon A-13 schedule of Radio Sonder Grense: 0500-0755 on 7285 MEY 100 kW / 275 deg to SoAf Afrikaans 0800-1755 on 9650 MEY 100 kW / 275 deg to SoAf Afrikaans 1800-0455 on 3320 MEY 100 kW / 275 deg to SoAf Afrikaans (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. Test broadcast of Brother Stair The Overcomer Ministry on July 1: 1100-1200 on 15445 UNID hidden transmitter site English, SINPO 25543 in BUL -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, July 2, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SPAIN. QSL: Radio Vitoria, 1602, Special E-QSL for last transmission in 2 days for e-report to radio_vitoria @ eitb.com v/s Xabier Matxain (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** SPAIN [non]. 5995, June 29 at 0520, REE on wrong frequency again via COSTA RICA, nothing on 5965, where it is supposed to switch at 0400. Per HFCC, there is also an antenna shift from 110 to 150 degrees, so which was this on? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SWAZILAND. TWR Swaziland e-QSL for 15475 kHz test --- Received an email for my reception of a one day test transmission on 15475 kHz. via TWR Swaziland. Also with attached e-QSL, from Lorraine Stavropoulos. "Dear Ron, The other engineers are very excited that you heard their test broadcast! I heard them saying so! Yours faithfully, Lorraine Stavropuolos" e-QSL posted at https://www.box.com/s/c1tww76sgd68kdrs0pm4 Thanks very much to Dave Valko for his kind assistance in obtaining this unique confirmation! (Ron Howard, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ron also forwarded the sked he received from TWR Swazi: It confirms 6120 starting an hour earlier than before in English as some have reported. Also all the details of language variations. Too bad they don`t give site for the `others` --- 5965 I guess would be UAE but it`s not in HFCC. 11635 is, tho shown as 215 degrees rather than 0. And 13660 is Rwanda. What about South African site? Apparently they quit Meyerton already. B12 in WRTH 2013 had only one quarter-hour per week from there, 0330 in Oromo. Yet it`s under South Africa as HQ. Did you `warn` them about Antarctica on 15476? Any idea why they were testing 15475? (Glenn to Ron, via DXLD) When I send a thank you email to Lorraine, I will remind her about Antarctica traditionally being on 15476 and ask her what their plans are, pointing out that a big TWR signal there would overwhelm the much lower powered station, depending on the scheduling. Best regards, (Ron to Glenn, via DXLD) Viz.: ** SWAZILAND [and non]. TRANS WORLD RADIO - MANZINI, SWAZILAND BROADCAST SCHEDULE A2013 31th March 2012 to 26th October 2013 TIME/UTC DAY LANGUAGE FREQ PWR ANT AZI Target Zone MTWTFSS 0255-0325 12345 Ndebele 3200 50 8 3 Zimbabwe 0255-0310 6 Ndebele 3200 50 8 3 Zimbabwe 0255-0325 7 English 3200 50 8 3 Zimbabwe 0255-0325 1234567 Shona 3240 50 6 3 Zimbabwe 0325-0340 1234567 Ndau 3240 50 6 3 Zimbabwe 0325-0340 1234567 Ndau 3240 50 6 3 Zimbabwe 0330-0345 34 Sidamo 9530 100 102 13 Ethiopia 0330-0345 1 5 7 Amharic 9530 100 102 13 Ethiopia 0330-0345 2 Oromo 9530 100 102 13 Ethiopia 0342-0357 1234567 Lomwe 4775 50 8 3 Mozambique 0400-0430 12345 German 3200 50 9 233 South Africa 0400-0500 67 German 3200 50 9 233 South Africa 0400-0430 12345 German 4775 50 4 233 South Africa 0400-0500 67 German 4775 50 4 233 South Africa 0400-0445 67 Chewa 5995 100 11 5 Malawi 0430-0500 12345 English 3200 50 9 233 South Africa 0430-0800 12345 English 4775 50 4 233 Southern Africa 0500-0600 67 English 3200 50 4 233 Southern Africa 0500-0800 67 English 4775 50 4 233 Southern Africa 0501-0800 1234567 English 6120 50 4 233 Southern Africa 0500-0800 1234567 English 9500 100 11 5 Central Africa 1400-1415 1234567 Urdu 15360 100 103 43 Pakistan 1355-1425 6 Makhuwa 7315 50 11 5 Mozambique 1355-1425 7 Portuguese 7315 50 11 5 Mozambique 1425-1455 1234567 Portuguese 7315 50 11 5 Mozambique 1455-1510 1234567 Makua 7315 50 11 5 N Mozambique 1510-1555 1234567 Lomwe 7315 50 11 5 N Mozambique 1455-1525 12345 Malagasy 9585 100 3 64 Madagascar 1440-1525 67 French 9585 100 3 64 Madagascar 1425-1455 1234567 English 6025 100 6 3 Zimbabwe 1455-1525 1234567 Shona 6025 100 6 3 Zimbabwe 1525-1555 12345 Ndebele 6025 100 6 3 Zimbabwe 1525-1555 67 English 6025 100 6 3 Zimbabwe 1555-1625 1234567 Shona 6025 100 6 3 Zimbabwe 1800-1830 1234567 Zulu 1170 50 ND Swaziland 1830-2145 1234567 English 1170 50 ND Southern Africa 1545-1615 7 Shangaan 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1600-1630 12345 Tshwa 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1600-1630 6 Shangaan 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1615-1645 7 Tshwa 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1630-1645 1 4 Portuguese 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1630-1645 23 56 Shangaan 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1645-1759 1234567 Ndau 4750 50 6 3 S Mozambique 1557-1627 12345 KiRundi 15105 100 10B 13 Burundi 1630-1645 1 Amharic 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1630-1700 234 Oromo 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1645-1700 12 7 Oromo 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1630-1645 56 Kambaata 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1645-1700 56 Hadiya 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1700-1730 123456 Amharic 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1700-1715 7 Amharic 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1730-1800 12345 Oromo 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1730-1800 6 Amharic 11750 100 10B 13 Ethiopia 1800-1900 1234567 English 11750 100 10B 13 East Africa 1700-1745 1234567 Swahili 9475 100 11 5 East Africa 1745-1815 67 Swahili 9475 100 11 5 East Africa 1745-2000 1234567 English 3200 50 9 233 South Africa 1700-2030 67 English 3200 50 9 233 South Africa 1705-1735 1234567 Yawo 7300 100 6 233 Malawi/North Moz 1750-1820 12345 Umbunbu 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1820-1835 1234567 Chokwe 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1835-1850 1234567 Umbundu 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1850-1905 1 Luvale 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1850-1905 2345 7 KiKongo 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1850-1905 6 Portuguese 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 12 Portuguese 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 3 Luchazi 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 4 Luvale 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 5 Fiote 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 6 Lunyaneka 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1920 7 Kuanyama 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1920-1950 1234567 Portuguese 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1950-2005 1234567 Kimbundu 6130 100 1 312 Angola 1905-1935 1234567 Lingala 9940 100 101 343 D R Congo 1935-1950 1234567 French 9940 100 101 343 D R Congo 1950-2020 6 French 9940 100 101 343 D R Congo Explanation: DAY is the day of the broadcast = 1 is Monday etc. & 7 is Sunday FREQ is the frequency in kilohertz PWR is the power of the transmitter in kilowatts AZI is the direction of the antenna Local times are: Kenya UTC+3 Ethiopia UTC+3 Somalia UTC+3 Tanzania UTC+3 Sudan UTC+2 Mozambique UTC+2 Angola UTC+1 Zimbabwe UTC+2 DRC UTC+1 Notes: Evening English on 3200 start now at 17h45 1170 MW starts at 18h00 UTC. Other TWR Africa SW Broadcasts BROADCAST SCHEDULE A2013 31th [sic] March 2012 to 26th October 2013 TIME/UTC DAY LANGUAGE FREQU AZI Reception Area MTWTFSS 1300-1315 4567 Afar 13660 30 Ethiopia 1630-1657 12345 Somali 11635 0 Kenya/Somali 1630-1645 7 Somali 11635 0 Kenya/Somali 1800-1830 7 Kunama 5965 225 Eritrea 1800-1830 6 Tigre 5965 225 Eritrea 1800-1815 1234 Tigrinya 5965 225 Eritrea 1815-1845 12345 Tigrinya 5965 225 Eritrea 1830-1845 7 Amharic 5965 225 Ethiopia Local times are: Kenya UTC+3 Ethiopia UTC+3 Eritrea UTC+3 Chad UTC+1 Somalia UTC+3 Tanzania UTC+3 Nigeria UTC+1 Sudan UTC+2 Ghana UTC+0 Liberia UTC+0 Cameroon UTC+1 (via Ron Howard, CA, tidied up, eliminating meter bands, and realigned by Glenn Hauser for DXLD) ** SWEDEN. [re 13-26:] SAQ 17.2 kHz --- Good reception this morning (30/6) of SAQ Grimeton. The first weak carrier was detected here at 0842 UT followed by bursts of strong carrier and into the ID routine "VVV VVV VVV DE SAQ SAQ SAQ". But at 0854 a long carrier burst interrupted the IDs and was followed by a descending tone, a weakening carrier and silence. I feared the worst; however, the carrier came back up again at 0858 to resume with a couple of ID strings and into the CW message at 0900:11 UT "CQ CQ CQ DE SAQ SAQ SAQ....." End of message came at 0906:40 with the sound of the generator being run down at 0907:06. Will be listening out for the 1200 transmission also. 73's (Nick Rank, Buxton, Home-brew VLF receiver on a Buxton hill-top, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) I have been trying for many years to hear the special transmissions from SAQ with no luck but this morning`s message is my first successful intercept with good clear signal and good tone, I was able to copy the message without listening to my recording. I hope to be lucky again at Christmas time (Rob MW0CVT, ibid.) [and non]. SAQ afternoon broadcast --- Another good signal from SAQ, 17.2 kHz from tune-in at 1141 right up until the close down at 1206. The carrier was going up and down in strength around 1143, presumably as adjustments were made at the transmitter. Continuous ID strings until exactly 1200 when the CW message was aired. A weak descending tone at 1206 as SAQ was powered down. A quick tune around VLF earlier brought in part of the transmission from (presume) RJH66, Kyrgyzstan on 25.1 kHz at 0829 UT. Brief CW "V V V" from RDL, 18.1 kHz, somewhere in Russia at 0836, plus good signals from another 6 naval stations. Not heard the Norwegian station on 16.4 kHz for a while, though (Nick Rank, Home-brew VLF rx, Buxton, ibid.) ** TAIWAN. Frequency change of Sound of Hope Xi Wang Zhi Sheng: 2200-2300 NF 7200 TSH 100 kW / 325 deg to EaAs Chinese, ex 7105 // 9635 TSH (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) So both this and MYANMAR can`t resist using this no-person`s-land band-edge channel (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ** TAIWAN. TAIWAN URGED TO KEEP RADIO BROADCASTS INTO CHINA Published: 2 Jul 2013 at 20.49 Online news: Asia http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/357991/taiwan-urged-to-keep-radio-broadcasts-into-china A man eats a meal as he listens to the radio in front of the Fujiang river in China's southwestern province of Sichuan on June 3, 2008 [caption] Several US legislators have urged Taiwan to stop tearing down shortwave radio transmission towers which have broadcast uncensored news to China since the 1960s. The legislators have raised fears the move could reduce the range of the broadcasts by the state-funded Radio Taiwan International (RTI). On Monday RTI began work to demolish towers at two radio stations in the southern cities of Tainan and Huwei. The Tainan station, once one of the world's biggest, has 20 signal transmission towers which are each 75 metres (247 feet) high. "I have been informed that Senators James Inhofe and Bob Corker are concerned about plans that may reduce pro-democracy shortwave broadcasts into mainland China by Radio Taiwan International," US Representative Dana Rohrabacher said in a letter to Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou. Ma initiated the island's ongoing détente with China after being elected in 2008. "These towers are powerful strategic assets that can broadcast uncensored news and information to all of mainland China," the letter said. "Any demolitions that would reduce the capability to transmit into China should be halted until alternatives can be fully explored." The move also raised eyebrows at the Sound of Hope Radio Network, a San Francisco-headquartered radio station which has entrusted RTI to broadcast Chinese-language shortwave programmes to the mainland 17 hours a day. "Shortwave radio programmes are critical to the people in mainland China, where half of its 1.3 billion population don't know how to use keyboards. Many of them rely on shortwave radio to find the truth," Allen Zeng, president of the network, told AFP. RTI insisted that despite the demolition of the ageing facilities, its shortwave broadcasts on behalf of clients which also include Radio Free Asia of the United States would continue. "All the programmes transmitted through the two stations will be moved to other stations which have updated facilities and greater transmission power," an RTI publicity manager told AFP. She said the demolition, aimed at reducing the number of RTI transmission stations to six, was in accordance with a resolution approved by parliament in 2010 to enhance RTI's efficiency. Taiwan and China have remained technically at war since their split in 1949 at the end of a civil war, but tensions have eased markedly since Ma came to power. He was reelected in January 2012 (Bangkok Post via DXLD) TAIWAN TEARS DOWN ANTENNAE CARRYING UNCENSORED NEWS TO CHINA By Matthew Robertson, Epoch Times | July 2, 2013 Last Updated: July 2, 2013 11:25 pm Radio Taiwan International's substation in Tianma, Tainan, has 20 antennas, each 75 meters high, forming a circle. RTI is planning to shut down its substations and end its contracts with Sound of Hope Radio and Radio Free Asia. SOH suspects that the suddenness and resoluteness of the decision may suggest political pressure from mainland China, whose regime has long resented the broadcaster. (Li Yuan/Epoch Times) [caption] Allen Zeng, the CEO of Sound of Hope, had been trying desperately for two months to put a stop to the process, but has been met with deaf ears by Taiwanese broadcast authorities. Before he became a cause célèbre in the West, the blind Chinese human rights lawyer Chen Guangcheng often would, trapped in his Shandong home, listen to the news and human rights reporting of Sound of Hope Radio. But now the radio waves of the fiercely independent station are being threatened by bulldozers and bureaucratic fiat, as Taiwan’s largest government-run radio station, Radio Taiwan International, moves to tear down dozens of the expensive towers that send shortwave signals into China and around the world, under what is widely seen as pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. On July 1 the first shortwave broadcast tower located at Tianma, in Tainan, southern Taiwan, was ripped down, according to the Vice President of SOH, Sean Lin, who lives in Washington. His colleague, Allen Zeng, the CEO of Sound of Hope, had been trying desperately for two months to put a stop to the process, but has been met with deaf ears by Taiwanese broadcast authorities. There are a total of around 28 of the 75-meter (246 feet) high structures located at Tianma and Huwei in Taiwan. Sound of Hope has for nine years been renting them to carpet mainland China with its broadcast for four or five hours every night, becoming one of RTI’s largest customers. Radio Taiwan International has been using shortwave less and less in recent years. Built with the help and funding of the U.S. military, the technology was in the 1970s part of a strategy of attempting to bring uncensored news to people in China, where the domestic media is subservient to the Chinese Communist Party, with an eye to helping the country undergo a democratic transition. Voice of America and Radio Free Asia broadcast into the mainland, where the communists jammed their signals and called them “enemy stations.” Now, rather than bringing free news to China’s masses, RTI is focused on a domestic Taiwanese audience, which it can serve perfectly well via the Internet. Shortwave broadcasts have little role, so the station has for some time sought to cut costs and shed the towers. Yet this shift does not explain the peculiar circumstances at present: not the suddenness of the decision to destroy the towers, which were originally simply set to be decommissioned at the end of this year; not the secretiveness and uncommunicativeness of RTI officials in carrying it out; and not their dogged unwillingness to strike any sort of deal with Sound of Hope and Radio Free Asia about taking the towers off RTI’s hands, rather than the latter having to forcibly tear them all down. In May, Sound of Hope got word that the towers were going to be taken down sometime in mid-summer. They didn’t get any official notice from RTI, though—they heard that from supporters at one of RTI’s outposts. Efforts to talk to RTI by Zeng, who after hearing about what was going on immediately travelled to Taiwan from California, have been largely fruitless. “Not only did the RTI president order the teardown, he himself went to Tainan, which is on the other end of Taiwan, to make sure it happened, showing how much weight he gave to this teardown,” Zeng wrote in an email. “Earlier last Friday his secretary told me ‘The president cannot meet you on Monday, as he is fully occupied that day.’ In other words, instead of meeting with me and listening to my plea for keeping the towers, this RTI president went to Tainan to tear down the towers first.” The Taiwanese government did receive a series of letters from United States Congressmen known for their robust support of freedom of speech and human rights in China, but a source close to SOH said that when asked, President Ma Ying-jeou said he had not heard of the controversy. Assuming Ma is being genuine in saying that letters to him on the matter never reached him, Zeng says this may indicate that political games are being played by officials in the administration who would stand to benefit by having done a favor for the Chinese regime. No direct evidence suggests that is what is happening, but it would fit into a well-established international pattern over the years, where the Party exerts intense pressure on outsiders and proxies to achieve its political objectives, particularly as they relate to shutting down voices the regime views as critical. “The Chinese Communist Party is directly at work here,” Zeng wrote in a letter, attempting to rally support. “RTI, instead of honoring requests from the U.S. Congress (three letters were written to President Ma from the House), chose to make sure those towers be down as fast as possible. Only the CCP and its proxies in Taiwan have that motivation.” If the towers are taken down and SOH is no longer able to use them, its signal will still go into China via its own equipment, but it may be more susceptible to jamming, according to Sean Lin. It is still possible that the tower teardown can be stopped, though it may take a high-level political decision in Taiwan. Only one tower in one location has so far been taken down, according to Sean Lin, and SOH supporters continue to seek support both on Capitol Hill and in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. There are still headwinds, however. An official in Tainan city, where the Tianma towers are located, told Sound of Hope, according to Zeng: “The reason you want to preserve the towers is exactly the reason they want to demolish them. RTI told us that those towers are too powerful and can reach half of the globe. They said ‘we are afraid that somebody else could obtain those towers for other purposes, so we have to destroy them when we leave.’” “In other words,” Zeng said, “the letters and concern from U.S. Congress about Radio Free Asia, Voice of America, and Sound of Hope reusing the towers becomes a catalyst for destroying them faster.” (via Alokesh Gupta, dx_sasia yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) SOUND OF HOPE RADIO COMMENTS UNTRUE: REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE (2013-07-03) http://english.rti.org.tw/newsinfo.aspx?tid=F8CEDF391941F8C1 Taiwan's representative office in the United States says that the Sound of Hope Radio Network's comments about the office are untrue. The Sound of Hope Radio Network is a radio station headquartered in San Francisco that was founded by supporters of the controversial Falun Gong. It has entrusted Taiwan's state-funded Radio Taiwan International (RTI) to broadcast Chinese-language shortwave programs to China. On Monday, RTI began to demolish towers at two broadcasting substations in the southern cities of Tainan and Huwei. RTI said that the demolition is part of an effort to enhance the radio station's efficiency. It also said that despite the demolition, it would continue its shortwave broadcasts on behalf of clients. Several US Congress members wrote a letter to President Ma Ying-jeou urging Taiwan to stop tearing down shortwave transmission towers. The Sound of Hope Radio Network recently said that Taiwan's representative office in the United States had not relayed the message to the president. But on Tuesday the representative office refuted the network's comments, saying that it had explained the situation to concerned members of the US Congress (RTI News July 3 via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) TAIWAN RESPONDS ON SHORTWAVE TOWER TAKEDOWN By Matthew Robertson, Epoch Times | July 2, 2013 Last Updated: July 2, 2013 11:26 pm A photograph of the shortwave radio towers at the Tianma substation. Sound of Hope Radio, which uses the towers to broadcast its uncensored news into mainland China, is concerned that the demolition of the towers is being done in a secretive and rushed manner. Taiwanese diplomats responded recently that there is nothing unusual about it. (Sound of Hope Radio) [caption] Radio Taiwan International's substation in Tianma, Tainan, has 20 antennas, each 75 meters high, forming a circle. RTI is planning to shut down its substations and end its contracts with Sound of Hope Radio and Radio Free Asia. SOH suspects that the suddenness and resoluteness of the decision may suggest political pressure from mainland China, whose regime has long resented the broadcaster. (Li Yuan/Epoch Times) The de facto embassy of Taiwan in Washington, called the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, has given its first official response to claims by an independent Chinese radio station that the national Taiwanese broadcaster is engaged in a precipitate process of dismantling shortwave radio towers that broadcast over mainland China. Sound of Hope Radio Network has been the most vocal of the stations that will be affected if the teardown of the towers is completed. At least three Members of Congress, all known for support of human rights in China, including Frank Wolf, Dana Rohrabacher, and Christopher Smith, have also written to the office of the president of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou, calling on him to intervene and preserve the towers. The response by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, or Tecro, in Washington, says that many of Sound of Hope’s grievances are “completely inconsistent with the facts.” It was posted in Chinese on the agency’s website on the afternoon of July 2, with an English translation to follow. A representative at Tecro could not say who was responsible for the note, and follow-up questions were not immediately answered. At issue is the plan to dismantle two of Radio Taiwan International’s shortwave broadcast substations: the Tianma substation, located in, Tainan, and one in Huwei, in the county of Yunlin. The plans had been on the cards for several years, as part of efforts to slim down RTI and make it run more efficiently. A chief point of contention between SOH and RTI is the timing of the teardown, and the exploration of alternatives to outright demolition. Sound of Hope says that RTI has acted covertly and hastily, and repeatedly refused to have meetings with SOH staff to explore any alternative options. Tecro, in the first official Taiwanese response, sought to emphasize that everything proceeded normally, and defended Pu-tsung King, the Ambassador to the United States, who Sound of Hope says played a role in facilitating the rapid teardown work. In a telephone interview, Sean Lin, the Vice President of Sound of Hope, said that the letter attempted to give the impression that everything in Taiwan was proceeding as normal, but in fact RTI’s behavior was “very abnormal.” He said that after U.S. congressmen had raised concerns over the plans to dismantle the Huwei substation, leaked to SOH by contacts in Tainan rather than formally communicated, instead of seeking dialogue, RTI then quickly added the Tianma substation to the demolition roster. “They hastened the process to demolish the towers,” he said. “During this entire process, they refused to talk to anyone.” One of the concerns raised by RTI and supporters is that the Huwei substation is inefficient and costly. Lin said: “We have many ways to save costs. If they had talked with us, they would have been happy with our plans. They just didn’t want to sit down.” The current controversy comes just months after Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecommunications company, renewed its lease with NTD Television, another independent television broadcaster whose programming is disliked by the Chinese Communist Party. Chunghwa went silent on the renegotiation of a two year lease for one of its satellites, but relented after protests and petitions were held in Taiwan, U.S. Congressmen wrote letters, and Taiwanese politicians and media personalities began speaking out. Both episodes figure in broader concerns about the curtailment of free speech in Taiwan, a small island off the coast of mainland China with its own constitution, diplomatic corps, and military. Taiwan’s official name is the Republic of China, but the Chinese Communist Party regards it as a renegade province and maintains an extensive network of ballistic and cruise missiles aimed at it. Relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China have traditionally been tense, but have warmed greatly over the last five years under the Ma administration, who adopted a range of more conciliatory policies towards the PRC (via Alokesh Gupta, dx_sasia yg via DXLD) ROC OFFICE REBUTS SOUND OF HOPE CHARGES ON BROADCASTING ISSUE 2013/07/03 14:41:09 http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201307030014.aspx#.UdTtOGHNHSo.twitter Washington, July 2 (CNA) The Republic of China's representative office in the United States on Tuesday described as "inaccurate" a radio network's claim that the office has failed to convey to its home government congressional concerns over a shortwave broadcasting issue. The Falun Gong-affiliated Sound of Hope Radio Network said recently that several U.S. Congress members have expressed concerns about Radio Taiwan International's decision to demolish RTI broadcasting towers in southern Taiwan. The towers have been used in part to send shortwave radio signals to China, including programming that the Falun Gong contracts Radio Taiwan International (RTI) to broadcast, and the group fears that without the towers its exposure in China will be limited. The Sound of Hope charged that Taiwan's representative office, under the leadership of King Pu-tsung, did not seem to have conveyed the congressional concerns to President Ma Ying-jeou or forwarded letters addressed to him on the issue by American lawmakers. "The allegations are not true," the ROC representative office said in a statement. The office has dealt with the issue promptly and faithfully and has conveyed the congressmen's concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related government agencies, the statement said. On June 21, ROC Deputy Representative to the U.S. Jacob Chang also met with Sound of Hope senior executives to listen to their appeals and convened to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs their appeals the same day, the statement said. "It's extremely regrettable that Sound of Hope has run reports without verification," King said in the statement. San Francisco-based Sound of Hope was founded by Falun Gong supporters in 2003. It began leasing time on Radio Taiwan International's shortwave radio network in 2004 to broadcast programs to China. Much of the programming has been broadcast via RTI towers in Tainan and in Huwei, Yunlin County, but the Tainan towers were torn down in June and work on the Huwei site is expected to start in the second half of the year. A resolution passed by Taiwan's Legislature has demanded that the towers on the two sites be completely torn down by the end of 2013. Arrangements have been made for Sound of Hope Radio programs to be broadcast to China in the future via RTI's Danshui and Baozhong facilities, the statement said. The Taiwanese broadcaster has given Sound of Hope assurances that the move will not affect the number of hours it can broadcast through RTI facilities and the services it receives, the statement said. RTI has already briefed U.S. congressional members through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan's representative office in Washington, D.C. on its decision-making process and handling of the case, the statement added. According to the office, the towers' removal was based on valid reasons and had been planned for a long time. Residents in the vicinity of the Tainan towers have long complained about electromagnetic wave interference and repeatedly pushed for their relocation, and the Huwei towers are being removed to make way for a special high-speed rail zone, the statement said. The decision to demolish the Tainan towers was made in 2004 when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was still in power and the decision to phase out the Huwei station was made in 2011, it said. DPP Legislator Chen Ting-fei, who represents a Tainan constituency, has on many occasions pushed for early removal of the towers to facilitate the city's development, according to the statement. It further said the Tainan station was torn down in late June ahead of schedule mainly because the site was part of a river cleaning and flood-prevention project. (By Tony Liao and Sofia Wu) enditem/ls (via Zacharias Liangas, July 3, DXLD) Epoch Times Articles - RTI Tainan http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/145286-taiwan-tears-down-antennae-carrying-uncensored-news-to-china/ http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/147703-taiwan-responds-on-shortwave-tower-takedown/ My question is: As a result of RTI transmitter site consolidation. Is there a reduction in SOH SW transmissions from RTI SW sites? (Ian Baxter, NSW, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN [non]. 6115, Radio Taiwan International via WYFR with English News, and features about things like the Mango festival in Taiwan, and a show called "Original Waves" with a talk about Taiwanese aboriginal people called the Atayal and their tribal customs including head-hunting and facial tattoos! I learned something new. More features like "Eye on China" and "Real Chinese for Real People" language lesson. S/off with sked and ID and "This is WYFR Okeechobee Florida" just before carrier drop. In well, 4+54+4+4 0300-0400* 27/Jun (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet 28 June via DXLD) Last days of WYFR --- Anyone know if RTI will be on other relays after July 1st? (Gilles Letourneau, Montreal, Canada, dxldyg via DXLD) Not to replace WYFR transmissions. As already discussed here. Apparently they will retain the ones via France, etc. (Glenn, ibid.) Video recordings of my friend, Bulgarian sailor Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River, Brasil: Radio Taiwan International in Spanish 0200-0300 on 11995 via Issoudun on June 30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXzA36K9gMM&feature=youtu.be 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15440, June 30 at *2158, sometime before 2159 the WYFR carrier cuts on, 2200 opening RTI relay for the *last* time, local quality signal, with just enough lite selective fading once in a while to remind us this is via the dynamic medium of international shortwave by ionospheric propagation. I`ve usually listened to RTI on a hit-and- miss basis, but on this momentous occasion I monitor the entire hour (as re-relayed from the shack FRG-7 by feeder on 88.1 MHz thruout the house to several FM radios). News starts with record heat wave in Taibei; 2205 `Week in Review`; 2208 plug `new` website http://english.rti.org.tw and `This Day in History`: 1859y, Niagara Falls tightrope stunt; 1894, Tower Bridge opens in London; 1990, E&W Germany merge economies with DM for both; outro by Andrew Ryan 2210, plug upcoming shows `Chinese To Go`, `Soundwaves`, but first: `Hear In Taiwan` for Monday, July 1: soft stories such as an ATM at a supermarket which keeps shocking people, bad grounding?; huge lines of people applying for flight attendant jobs, which may not be as glamourous as they think; ghost sightings 2225, `Chinese to Go`, learning to say ``give up your seat``, as in a courtesy by younger people to older people on bus, not always willing 2231, rock music, must be `Soundwaves`, or fill? 2247 Chinese performer, songs titled ``If`` and at 2255 ``Do You Know``. 2258-2300 canned announcement of entire RTI English schedule including the canceled WYFR relays as if they will still exist, and mixing in low-power MW relays via US stations on 1210, 750, without saying where they are! There was NO mention during this broadcast that it would be the final one on SW to North America! So much for historical perspective. 2300 WYFR ID in Chinese (no English) and right into a Chinese dialect. [see USA: WYFR final log in the interim] UT July 1 on 6115, reception is never as solid as on 15440, but recheck after Family Radio`s own finale at 0300 UT: this RTI relay is obviously a repeat of the one 5 hours earlier, same news of heatwave, etc. And spotchecked, not listening to whole thing again. Concludes with ``This is WYFR, Okeechobee, Florida`` at 0400 and pulled the big switch, off at 0400:04* July 1, 2013 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. Frequency change of Radio Taiwan International: 0100-0200 on 11875 TNN 250 kW / 180 deg to SEAs English, cancelled 1000-1500 NF 6180 HUW 100 kW / 310 deg to EaAs Chinese, ex 6135 1100-1200 on 9465 TNN 250 kW / 180 deg to SEAs English, cancelled 1100-1300 on 11720 TAI 300 kW / 300 deg to EaAs Chinese, cancelled 1200-1300 on 7445 PAO 100 kW / 225 deg to SEAs Chinese, additional 1200-1300 on 9465 TNN 250 kW / 180 deg to SEAs Amoy, cancelled 1400-1500 NF 9735 TNN 250 kW / 205 deg to SEAs Indonesian, ex 11875 1500-1600 NF 7445 PAO 100 kW / 225 deg to SEAs Thai, ex 7555 2200-2400 on 11700 TAI 300 kW / 300 deg to EaAs Chinese, cancelled [non] Video recordings from Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River June 30, 0200 UT Radio Taiwan International Spanish on 11995 Issoudun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXzA36K9gMM June 30, 0250 UT WYFR Family Radio in English on 6115 Okeechobee and June 30, 0300 UT Radio Taiwan International English on 6115 Okeechobee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TOXn0unt_k July 01, 0300 UT Radio Taiwan International English on 6115 Okeechobee The last transmission for North America via WYFR Okeechobee, Florida, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kc-iF_8oz8 (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) Having failed to replace WYFR with some other relay to N America, how can R. Taiwan International now be heard? Theoretically it looks like the English relays via France to S Asia at 16-17 on 15485, and to Africa at 17-18 on 15690 should be possible, and maybe will be on a better day, but July 3 at 1657, no signal on 15485 (off already?), and at 1700 nothing but a JBA carrier on 15690. BTW, Alan Roe tells me that RTI quoted my e-mail about the need for a new relay, on their mailbag this week, ``We`ve Got Mail`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7445, RTI, July 3, 1150. Pop music to the hour and skeds/closing announcements by M (Andrew Ryan). I recall that, years ago, I used to listen to this transmission direct from Taiwan to catch programs I missed from the day before on the USA relays. But co-channel QRM (memory says a transmitter from PRC) made listening impossible so I gave up. Rechecking the frequency, now that WYFR is gone, I was pleasantly surprised that this channel is again an option (Rick Barton, AZ, logs from my truck, roofmount Wilson 11 m.b. loaded whip; Grundig Satellit 750, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) RTI new schedule changes reduced hours --- RTI English Service Frequencies & Broadcast Times (From 07/01/2013 to 10/27/2013) [target] UTC Taiwan Time Frequency (meter band) China 1600-1700 0000-0100 6180 (48.54) Europe 1800-1900 0200-0300 6155 (48.74) Philippines 1100-1200 1900-2000 1359 (MW) Africa 1700-1800 0100-0200 15690 (19.12) South Asia 1600-1700 0000-0100 15485 (19.88) Southeast Asia 0300-0400 1100-1200 15320 (19.58) 1100-1200 1900-2000 7445 (40.29) (via Richard Lemke, Alberta, July 1, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) With sites added by Wolfgang Büschel altho he does not credit himself: TAIWAN/FRANCE RTI Taipei English from 01 July 2013 til 27 Oct 2013. 03-04 SoEaAS 15320 Paochung 11-12 PHL 1359 MW Fangliao Pingdong 11-12 SoEaAS 7445 Paochung 16-17 CHN 6180 Tainan [?? See Kai below before this was posted] 16-17 SoAS 15485 Issoudun-F 17-18 AF 15690 Issoudun-F 18-19 EUR 6155 Issoudun-F (via Robert Lemke-Alb-CAN dxld July 1, via Büschel, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) see remaining entries in Aoki Nagoya list (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Now it is obvious that the Tainan transmitters have been shut down, effective today and in all likelyhood related to the cessation of the last Family Radio relays. The frequency change to 6180 for the 1600 transmission appears to be related to a site change. All other former Tainan outlets of RTI English have simply disappeared, just like the Okeechobee slots. It is particularly remarkable that even South Asia is now served from Issoudun rather than from Taiwan itself. And it is now pretty obvious why they do not consider using Issoudun airtime for North America. Of course it will be interesting to see the complete new RTI schedule or what remains of the RTI schedule (Kai Ludwig, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) R Taiwan International and `We've Got Mail` --- Hi Glenn, Just a quick mention in case you haven't heard it. Your note to RTI about ending of N. American transmissions was read out in today's We've Got Mail. They're going to pass your suggestion to "upper management". It's at about 10 minutes into the programme. You can find it at: http://english.rti.org.tw/programschedules.aspx?date=2013-7-2 and click on the link or direct at this rather long link (if the link holds together) http://english.rti.org.tw/moviepreview.aspx?url=http%3a%2f%2fcrs.ccdntech.com%2frds%2frd.htm%3ffile%3dvod09%2fwma%2f4_20130702_0025_424.wma However, it doesn't work in Mozilla, but works OK in Internet Explorer. 73 (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, July 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Chuck Ermatinger made a similar inquiry. Hostesses also replied to a question about RTI transmitter sites only by saying there are eight of them around the island, all aimed outwards (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Wolfgang recently posted a Taiwan TX Site/Broadcaster/Transmission Hours schedule on the DXLD YG. Now I'm not sure what * denotes after the frequency, but what caught my eye was three simultaneous SW transmission from the Kouhu site. Previously I could only find 2 SW LP antennas at that site. My question is: Are there really three transmissions happening at once? If so there's obviously another SW antenna not accounted for at that tx site - somewhere. I was aware of LP antennas on site for SW (Ian Baxter, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) Paochung? For all the years I have been living in Taiwan I would like to know where Paochung is? There is no place in Taiwan called Paochung. There has never been any place in Taiwan called Paochung. The pronunciation is Taichung (tai pronounced as tai as in Taiwan). For example, where I live in bopomofo it's spelled Panchao (but it is pronounced as Banchao with the B sound). Tamshui is not pronounced as tam, but as dan (Danshui) (Keith Perron, Taiwan July 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Keith, Seems to me spelling Paochung comes from some ``official`` source. Taiwan transliterations are always confusing. I am aware of the D/T and B/P pronunciation thing, but one would think that Paochung would be pronounced with a B- instead of a T. Maybe it`s a completely different name? Also, recent Epoch Times rant referred to another site name I have never heard of. What do you think this is, alternatively spelt or pronounced? Perhaps Tianma is a smaller subdivision within Tainan. ``On July 1 the first shortwave broadcast tower located at Tianma, in Tainan, southern Taiwan, was ripped down, according to the Vice President of SOH, Sean Lin, who lives in Washington.`` (Glenn to Keith Perron, via DXLD) Hi Glenn, Depends on who and which department you talk to. Almost all government departments use both. In the last two years they started fixing up things with streets. You can have one street. At one end the silly spelling, then the other end using pinyin. The problems RTI is facing are the same as stations like Radio Ukraine Int, Radio Poland and others. Times changed, the way things are done changed, but they didn't change (Keith Perron, Taiwan, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN [non]. QSL: PCJ Media International, sent eQSLs for 9925 via Nauen in one day from Keith Perron, and 11835 via Trincomalee in 10 days from Victor Goonetilleke. Both reports were sent to pcjqsl-at- pcjmedia.com (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) PCJ on 11835 at 1330 --- Modulation must be really low this morning, as I can just barely make out some speech (and even what sounded like a dog barking!), despite the signal being around S5, which was similar to previous weeks. Of course the ionosphere is also very disturbed this morning. 73, Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, Sunday June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) via Trincomalee, SRI LANKA Radio PCJ --- en 11835 totalmente tapada con una portadora, 1341 UT June 30, condiglista yg via DXLD) covered by a carrier ** TURKEY. I won another intricately decorated pouch for answering Voice of Turkey`s Question of the Month, received in the P-mail June 27. Similar, but different design from the previous one which is visible here: http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTpouch1.jpg http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTpouch2.jpg The new one is here: http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTpouch3.jpg http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTpouch4.jpg Also enclosed another coaster with diffraxion(?) overlay; and a pocket calendar card with this illustration, which I assume is NOT of the latest park demonstrations: http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTcal1.jpg And the calendar itself is interesting in showing that certain month names in Turkish are cognate to ours, while others are different: http://www.w4uvh.net/TRTcal2.jpg And organized so that the first day of week is Monday, like Christians Meanwhile, the 1230 English broadcast on 15450 continues to be inaudible to JBA (Glenn Hauser, OK, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The Voice of Turkey transmitter on 9830 never shut down today at 2255 after the English broadcast and went into a German transmission at 2300. I can't find this transmission listed anywhere on any schedule, including VoT's outdated schedule on their web site. Still on at 2324 with Turkish pop music, after a lengthy newscast that ran until 2320. Has anyone observed this apparent anomaly on other days? (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, July 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Probably part of a continuous webcast language rotation, filling in hours when SW is supposed to be silent (gh, DXLD) Somebody at transmitter switch caught it at 2342 (Figliozzi, ibid.) You could try the three livestreams they run, I hope here at a glance at the bottom of the page: http://www.lyngsat-stream.com/radiocountry/Turkey.html These are not mere webcasts; all three channels are also on Turksat: http://de.kingofsat.net/tp.php?tp=665 I assume these are originally the three program feeds for the shortwave transmitters (which may still be fed through terrestrial circuits rather than depending on the Turksat signal now), and indeed it is well possible that additional playouts now run also when no shortwave transmission is due, simply instead of putting out silence or a test tone on the webstreams and on satellite (Kai Ludwig, ibid.) ** U K. MSF 60 kHz --- MSF, the time signal transmitter located at Anthorn, Cumbria on 60 kHz is off-air all this week. From 1/7 to 5/7 they are off continuously, but from 6/7 to 18/7 they are off during the day, returning overnight. Details at http://www.npl.co.uk After nearly 2 days without a signal, several of my MSF digital clocks are all reading a few seconds out and none of them agree! Have noticed that Naval station GBZ, 19.6 kHz, also from Anthorn, is also silent. Will have an opportunity to listen for the Australian Naval station on 19.8 kHz. 73's (Nick Rank, Buxton UK, July 2, BDXC-UK yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) See also AUSTRALIA ** U K. BBC Afrique radio re-launches with a new, expanded schedule PRESS RELEASE Kinshasa, 27 June 2013. BBC Afrique has announced an exciting new radio schedule for its audiences across Francophone Africa. From Monday 1 July 2013, BBC Afrique will be bringing its audiences an expanded BBC Matin, along with an even stronger interactive element and new programmes presented in a more conversational, relaxed style. The BBC Afrique schedule will increase from 8 hours a day to up to 15 hours, broadcasting from 0430 to 1900 GMT (04:30 to 19:30 Saturdays). The new schedule will be launched with a live edition of BBC Matin from Kinshasa on Monday 1 July. BBC World Service Head of Journalism, Nikki Clarke, says: “We are delighted to be here to launch the extended BBC Matin and the new BBC Afrique. DR Congo delivers the largest share of the BBC Afrique audience who rely on us for credible and independent news and analysis. Every week, millions tune in to BBC Afrique for quality content, and we have embarked on this new schedule to deliver an even better service to them, and to reach new audiences from across Africa.” Ata Ahli Ahebla will co-present the first programme from Kinshasa, with Helene Alex in Dakar. Ata Ahli Ahebla says: “BBC Afrique is breaking with the more formal and traditional way of presentation, turning our shows into a constant interaction between the co- presenters, business and sports presenters, reporters, programme guests and listeners. We welcome everyone to BBC Afrique’s new, dynamic radio.” Highlights of the new BBC Afrique radio schedule include: - the flagship morning show, BBC Matin, will broadcast for three and a half hours and include a new slot, Journal Monde, focusing on international stories with an African perspective - hourly news bulletins will now be accessible via mobile platform and social media - a new weekly sports programme, MultiSport - an interactive two-hour show with Hans Masro and Nathalie Wakam in Dakar, and reporters from across the continent - will cover all kinds of sport with views from players, coaches and fans on radio and social media - the new daily A Vous L’Antenne (Over to You) will channel listeners’ engagement with BBC Afrique, offering them a platform, in addition to social media and SMS, to voice their views - the new weekly cultural programme, Le Magazine de la Culture, presented from Abidjan by Valerie Bony, will reflect the vitality of culture on the continent and in the diaspora - the new weekly music show, C’est le moment, with Ata Ahli Ahebla in Dakar, will bring the best of African music, from modern classic to unsigned artistes. BBC Afrique Editor, Ibrahima Diane, adds: “As we re-launch our radio schedule, we are writing a new page in the history of BBC Afrique. The new and revamped programming is created with our audiences in mind, making sure they are even more engaged, and more visible across our radio output. We want this connection to go from strength to strength.” For the BBC Afrique new radio schedule, go to http://bbcafrique.com Ends// For more information, please contact BBC Global News Communications lala.najafova @ bbc.co.uk Notes to editors: BBC Afrique is part of BBC World Service, an international multimedia broadcaster delivering a wide range of language and regional services on radio, TV, online and via wireless handheld devices. BBC World Service uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of 192 million globally, including shortwave, AM, FM, digital satellite and cable channels. Its news sites include audio and video content and offer opportunities to join the global debate. BBC World Service offers its multilingual radio content to partner FM stations around the world and has numerous partnerships supplying content to news websites, mobile phones and other wireless handheld devices as well as TV channels. The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 256 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and http://bbc.com/news ---------------------------- http://www.bbc.co.uk This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this (BBC PR via DXLD) ????? What do you mean, it`s confidential??? It`s a PRESS RELEASE!!! So does this mean the SW service will be expanded to continuous 0430- 1900/1930? Not so easy to do, as on all the FM relays. We`ll have to keep an eye on the bottom of this page with SW schedule: http://www.bbc.co.uk/afrique/institutionelles/2010/12/000000_schedules_frequencies_afrique.shtml (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBC CRITICISED FOR SIX-FIGURE PAYOFFS National Audit Office report reveals broadcaster paid one on four departing managers far more than they were entitled to John Plunkett, The Guardian, Monday 1 July 2013 14.15 EDT BBC NAO report management payoffs George Entwistle received -L-486,500 even though he resigned in November last year after just 54 days as director general. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA [caption] The BBC has admitted to a "fundamental failure of control" after a damning investigation by the public spending watchdog revealed it had repeatedly broken its own rules with a string of controversial six-figure payoffs to top management. The National Audit Office report, published on Monday, said the corporation had paid out a total of -L-60m to senior staff, including -L-949,000 to former deputy director general Mark Byford, and -L-486,500 to George Entwistle who resigned in November last year after just 54 days as director general. Another former senior BBC executive, Roly Keating, took the unprecedented step of returning his -L-375,000 payoff after the NAO report branded the decision to award it "seriously deficient". The BBC had paid departing management more than they were entitled to in nearly a quarter of the 60 cases reviewed by the NAO, costing licence fee payers at least -L-1m. The BBC Trust described the NAO's conclusions as "deeply worrying" and said the failure of management to stick by its own rules on payoffs was "entirely unacceptable". It is the latest setback for the BBC and its new director general Tony Hall, coming less than a month after it was forced to scrap its costly Digital Media Initiative after wasting nearly -L-100m of licence fee payers' money. Hall, who recently announced a -L-150,000 cap on future redundancy payments, admitted the BBC had "lost its way on payments in recent years". He said the redundancy programme had helped the BBC to cut its number of senior staff by a third in recent years, to 445. "But we have to accept that we achieved our objectives in the wrong way," said Hall. "The level of some of these payments was wrong - I said so in my first week in the job." Tory MP Rob Wilson described it as an "absolutely shocking report" and said it posed further questions for former director general Mark Thompson, who has already faced calls to return to give evidence to parliament over the Digital Media Initiative fiasco. Anthony Fry, BBC Trustee and chair of the trust's finance committee, said: "Although the BBC has achieved significant savings in its senior manager pay bill, some of the NAO's conclusions are deeply worrying, particularly the failure to follow agreed severance policies in a number of cases as a result of weak governance from the BBC executive in the past. Such practices are unacceptable, and I have no doubt that they will, quite rightly, be met with considerable dismay by licence-fee payers and staff alike." The NAO report said the BBC had "breached its own policies on severance too often without good reason" and "put public trust at risk". It found instances in which former senior managers were given big payoffs even after they had found jobs elsewhere, and examples of executives who were given guaranteed consultancy and other work at the time of their departure. A total of -L-60m was paid out to around two-thirds of 401 senior staff who left between 2005 and March this year. The payoffs had helped trim the bill for senior management, saving -L-188m over the same eight year period. Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: "The BBC has too often breached its own already generous policies on severance payments. Weak governance arrangements have led to payments that exceeded contractual requirements and put public trust at risk." Culture secretary Maria Miller said the NAO had revealed a "culture of payoffs that simply cannot be justified" at the BBC. Roly Keating, the BBC's former director of archive content who left last year to become chief executive of the British Library, returned his -L-375,000 payoff after it was criticised by the NAO. The watchdog said the payoff had not been agreed by both the then director general Thompson and the BBC's director of human resources Lucy Adams, despite previous claims to the contrary. Explaining his decision to return the money, Keating told Hall: "You will understand that as a matter of principle I would never wish to benefit from a payment that could not be demonstrated to have been fully and appropriately authorised." The BBC also published on Monday the amounts paid to four of its most senior former executives in their last year in the job. Former chief operating officer Caroline Thomson received a total of -L-860,000, including -L-683,000 for loss of office, in 2012/2013. John Smith, the former chief executive of BBC Worldwide who is paid from commercial rather than licence fee income, picked up -L-1.4 million after he decided to pay back six months salary in lieu when he took up a new job at fashion house Burberry. Both Entwistle and Thompson were given considerable financial assistance for legal costs related to the Pollard inquiry into the Savile scandal, receiving -L-107,000 and -L-86,000 respectively. Entwistle received a total of -L-802,000 in 2012/13, including -L-470,000 for loss of office and an additional three weeks' salary of -L-25,000 after he resigned, with Thompson picking up a total of -L-503,000 (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U K [non]. BBC WS to Southern Africa is presently a waste of time in the evenings. For the past few weeks in Jo'burg 3255 and 6190 from Meyerton have seldom been audible, let alone readable, after about 1645, and 17640 from Ascension goes off-air at 1700. This hardly encourages South Africans to call in or fire off emails to "World Have Your Say". It presumably also means that those South Africans who do call in are a very selective sample, comprising the minority who can afford to listen via satellite or internet streaming, thus negating the whole purpose of the programme. Come to think of it, we only get the 1800 repeat anyway, by which time contributions are no longer wanted; so ordinary shortwave listeners have already missed the boat by the time it starts. Ironic really, as tonight's WHYS email newsletter is calling for input from South Africans to discuss President Obama's visit tomorrow (Bill Bingham, Johannesburg RSA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. "THE MOST IMPORTANT RADIO STATION YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF MARKS 50 YEARS ON THE AIR" "Every night, while millions of Americans are fast asleep, clocks and wristwatches across the country wake up and lock on to a radio signal beamed from the base of the Rocky Mountains. The signal contains a message that keeps the devices on time, helping to make sure their owners keep to their schedules and aren’t late for work the next day..." A superb article with photos published today about WWVB here: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/07/wwvb-time-radio/ (via Mike Terry, July 2, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) They've changed the URL. It's now: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/?s=wwvb (Ray Robinson, ibid.) ??? I`ve heard of it; what`s wrong with me? (gh) RADIO WORLD: WWVB MARKS 50 YEARS http://www.radioworld.com/article/wwvb-marks--years/220190 July 5 rings up 50 years for station WWVB(AM), Fort Collins, Colo. It was DJ-less before satellite and automation created DJ-less stations. In fact, it’s never needed a DJ. Airing at a low 60 kHz, no one actually audibly hears the station yet everyone depends on it. Better known as the “atomic clock,” WWVB broadcasts the time “to an estimated 50 million radio-controlled clock radios, wall clocks, wristwatches and other timekeeping devices across the U.S. mainland,” as NIST Tech Beat put it. Its signal ultimately affects everyone from broadcasters to shippers. A modern economy couldn’t run without an accurate, core clock and a way to widely distribute its signal. WWVB is run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The earliest iteration of the station started as WWV in 1920. Part of the station’s mandate is to provide “time and frequency signals, geophysical alerts and marine storm warnings to users, including amateur radio operators, stopwatch and timer calibration laboratories, piano tuners and telephone callers wishing to manually set watches and clocks,” according to NIST Tech Beat. Here are some hallmarks of its longevity: 1920: WWV began experimental broadcasts in Washington. 1960: Got its call sign, WWVB (the B reportedly stands for Boulder, its home before it moved to Fort Collins in the mid-1960s), and began official broadcasts at four thousand watts (4 kW). The power level was later increased to 13 kW, which it stayed at for many years. 1999: WWVB’s signal was boosted to 50 kW so it could reach the entire U.S. mainland and be picked up by small antennas. It now operates at a power level of 70 kW (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. 2000, New York Radio VOLMET -- contrary to reports, they are still on this channel -- at least they were 0716-0720* 22/Jun -- ID and 'out' at :20, 35454 (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Port Hope MI, MARE Tipsheet 28 June via DXLD) WSY70 ** U S A. WLO Mobile, 17362 USB, E-QSL in 2 weeks for e-report to info @ shipcom.com v/s Rene Stiegler. (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. Globe Wireless --- Amigos, Têm saído uns comentários na lista da UDXF de que as estações marítimas da Globe Wireless estão por encerrar suas atividades de HF. Se confirmado, será uma grande perda de utilitárias. Forte 73, (Fabricio A. Silva, PP5002SWL, Tubarão - SC, radioescutas yg via DXLD) Viz.: GW HF Ends 30 June --- A highly reliable source states that GW HF will officially end on 30 June although some elements may "dribble on" for a little while after that. RD (Richard Dillman, WPE2VT, Chief Operator, Coast Station KSM, Maritime Radio Historical Society, http://www.radiomarine.org June 27, UDXF yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) Globe Wireless What will be the future from HF? First were International broadcasters like RAI, Radio Swiss and others. Now the utility stations on maritime band. What will come to follow? (Roberto Landolpho, ibid.) Hi all, I only recently got interested in GW FSK (assuming that what this post is about) and once I started to understand the protocol (thanks to Ian and Al) I was surprised by the inefficiency of it. At least when I compare it to HFDL, which serves a similar function for aero instead of maritime traffic. So I was wondering why GW did use their own protocol and not use HFDL instead? A money issue perhaps? By the way, how long has GW FSK been around? Cheers, (Dick, ibid.) Hello Dick & all, GW FSK has all the feel of something quite elderly (perhaps 1980's?); the clue for me is the lack of any error correction/detection in it. That takes a little computation power, not a problem now when a 32 bit ARM processor costs 4 Euros in small quantities but back when these things were done with 8 bit processors, then this was a big problem. I get the feeling that as time went on, different modulation methods were introduced such as 200 baud FSK (which does it appears have error correction), PSK and OFDM. However, to keep backward compatibility, the 100 baud FSK protocol was frozen in time. As for HFDL, remember GW carries a wide variety of traffic. With 100 baud FSK we just saw the position reports but on OFDM there were, it appears telegrams, emails and all kinds of computer files being transferred. I'm not sure HFDL has that capability. Regards (Ian Wraith, ibid.) Hello Ian & all, Your analysis makes sense and brings me back to 'when I was young(er) and serviced midsize computers with 32 KB or max 64 KB (yes Kilo Bytes) of main memory. It seems it is about time GW FSK is replaced by a more efficient mode/protocol. What I have seen so far (and I monitor HFDL for several years) is that it does not support email nor computerfiles. Sometimes there are Base64 encoded messages (multiple transmissions are required to get the whole message accross) that look like some sort of small document. But in general I see clear text messages that sometime look formatted, position reports, technical engine & equipment status reports. Also part of the HFDL protocol are performance reports that tell the groundstation which frequencies the aircraft tried and which succeeded. It seems reasonable to assume those reports are used by the network to switch frequency depending on propagation. Not sure if and how 'automated' this is. Those interested in HFDL might join the HFDL group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hfdl/ So time to say goodbye to GW FSK and focus your/our efforts on OFDM (I guess). Cheers, (Dick, ibid.) ``Sometimes there are Base64 encoded messages (multiple transmissions are required to get the whole message accross) that look like some sort of small document.`` The time-slots are far too short - so there would be a lot of congestion due to the multiple packets required to transmit a reasonable Email message. ``So time to say goodbye to GW FSK and focus your/our efforts on OFDM (I guess).`` If you mean GW-OFDM, presumably that will disappear along with the FSK! « GW HF Ends 30 June » not GW _FSK_ Ends 30 June. 73 de (Jim (MPJ), ibid.) HFDL is a totally different concept and probably not suitable for the subscribers and type of traffic GW supported. There are restrictions on the bandwidth ship stations can utilise in the bands assigned to Maritime Mobile operation. HFDL would just be too wide. It's probably also a proprietary system. The (two?) remaining maritime HF Email systems use their own protocols as well. 73 de (Jim (MPJ), ibid.) Globe Wireless' website hasn't any trace of closing down HF. What will 4000 ships now do with their proprietary hard & soft? From my humble monitoring, I noted only few real traffic in the last weeks; mostly channel markers. OFDM has proven unreliable and slow from between ship and shore - from my point of view. Today, I noted only some European channel markers. Despite good conditions (ARINC Johannesburg von 22 MHz easily caught here), no GW-signals from e.g. South Africa, Bolivia etc. Even not A9M (but their usual SITR-A-marker with CW). Next days will show what to expect from GW in the future on HF. BTW: traffic on the other HF-networks doesn't make big waves either. 73 (Nils, DK8OK, Schiffhauer, ibid., WORLD OF RADIO 1676) Sorry to hear this as some of these stations were probably only transmitting GW traffic so they will probably be gone or maybe someone else will give them some business and they can stay on the air (Martin Foltz, So Cal USA, ibid.) Don't write this net off so quickly. Not all the companies want to upgrade to satcomms. Keep an open mind. It`s not going to vanish overnight like SITOR nets did (Alan Witt, ibid.) Fabricio, Ao que parece estão migrando para comunicações satelitais. É uma perda de um conjunto de estações que podia render confirmações de países bastante exóticos, mas, de qualquer maneira, para quem gosta de modos digitais marítimos ainda há muitas opções. Foi um balde de água fria até mesmo para muitas empresas que produzem softwares de decodificação. Justo agora que o modo de transmissão deles estava ficando comum até mesmo em programas gratuitos eles caem fora. 73 (Ivan Dias Jr. - Sorocaba/SP, http://ivandias.wordpress.com http://twitter.com/ivandiasjr radioescutas yg via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. USA/U.K./LUXEMBOURG/GERMANY/NATO Europeanwide AFN celebrates the 70th anniversary on on 4th July. I have just found in the radio forum a reference to the 70 year old anniversary of the AFN. In the series "AFN Wide OPEN" a 30 minute movie on the history of the AFN is shown. A quick featured movie - the target audience is known quite young now - with many historical film documents, and occasionally some technical aspects. Have fun watching that movie - hard to believe it's been so long again 73/55 de Juergen DL1SAX (via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 2 via DXLD)) ** U S A. LET THEM EAT ICE CREAM http://laborweb.afge.org/sites/bbg/l1812/index.cfm?action=article&articleID=d10e896d-7eeb-4a08-8ad8-12659cf295ea While the Agency is organizing ice cream socials in Washington, ostensibly to "improve" morale, down in Miami the illegally fired employees of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting have one more reason to lose their appetite. They have been waiting several years now for the Agency to reinstate them in their jobs, as an Arbitrator has ruled they should be and as the administrative tribunal, the FLRA, has upheld. But while a few of their colleagues in Washington, DC, are enjoying the ice-cream cones and sundaes served up by the Agency, their own stomachs are churning while they lose their homes, stand by helpless as their careers are destroyed, and watch their family lives disintegrate. The Arbitrator ruled that the RIF should be reversed and the Marti employees should be rehired and compensated. But instead of complying with the ruling, the Agency has repeated the same behavior that cost U.S. taxpayers 500 million dollars in the Hartman v. Albright 2001 legal case; it has ignored the ruling and filed an appeal. In this case, the Agency appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals regarding the FLRA’s decision that upheld the Arbitrator’s ruling. Agency officials are now opposing the FLRA. The FLRA has filed a motion to dismiss the Agency’s appeal but the Justice Department, taking over the Agency’s case, has filed an opposition to the FLRA’s motion. Why the Justice Department, funded with taxpayers’ money, is acting against the interests of the citizens who were illegally RIFed, is a whole other question. In concrete terms, these are legal maneuvers that delay the inevitable for the Agency -- having to admit it was wrong, and compensating the illegally-fired employees in Miami. In the short term, the Agency’s maneuver protects IBB management. As they delay, the day of reckoning is pushed back, ostensibly, to a day when these managers will be gone from the Agency – meaning they will not have to be held accountable or assume any of the consequences for the Agency’s illegal behavior. The U.S. taxpayer will have to pay -- not the management officials responsible for these actions. Their retirements and bonuses will be safe. While in Miami the lives of many honest, hardworking people are utterly destroyed, here in DC, management will continue scooping vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, instead of treating employees with dignity, fairness and respect (AFGE Local 1812, latest entry as of early UT July 1, but no longer are any items dated, via DXLD) ** U S A. VOA, RFE/RL on CSPAN NOW --- Effectiveness of VOA and RFE/RL is topic on C-SPAN at 1315-1400 UT Monday, with Ross Johnson. Should be accessible later from archive (Glenn Hauser, 1316 UT July 1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Did not start until 1320; Viz.: C-SPAN | Washington Journal --- Ross Johnson, senior scholar at the Wilson Center, will discuss the purpose of Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and other services which operate as tools for diplomacy and foreign policy, but some have criticized the management of the programs. Available via: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/RossJ (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Analysis / VOICE OF AMERICA ENGLISH LOST MOST OF ITS ABILITY TO ORIGINATE NEWS COVERAGE ON RADIO AND FOR THE WEB By BBGWatcher on 22 June 2013 in Analysis, BBG Forum, Featured News, Hot Tub Blog with No Comments http://www.usgbroadcasts.com/bbgwatch/2013/06/22/voice-of-america-english-lost-most-of-its-ability-to-originate-news-coverage-on-radio-and-for-the-web/ BBG Watch Commentary A UK resident who has been relying on Voice of America English news since at least the 1980s has sent us comments which confirm what BBG Watch has been saying for a long time. The VOA English Service has lost most of its ability to originate news coverage to attract any kind of substantial audience -- on radio, television, Internet, social media. The author was responding to our article, VOA English has a staff reporter in Istanbul, finally, which had the following statistics: Russia Today Video about Turkey from Istanbul - 597 Facebook "Likes". Al Jazeera Report "Was this Turkish game show censored?" - 513 Facebook "Likes". VOA Video about Turkey from Washington - 18 Facebook "Likes" A Russia Today report on the same day and on the same subject, both with video, was 33 times more popular than a VOA report. Russia Today had reporters on the ground in Turkey; VOA English did not by the decision of its management. (VOA English had a stringer in Istanbul, but he was not reporting on the protests in late May and very little in early June.) The number of "Likes" for other VOA English news reports is even smaller, often in single digits. 18 Facebook "Likes" was a good number for VOA English reports on Turkey. Many others had far less (Between five and eight.) These numbers are not an aberration. One can look at any day or any VOA English report: Al Jazeera, Russia Today, clobber VOA in the number of readers, Tweets, Facebook "Likes," and popularity of programs every day. Al Jazeera and Russia Today have far more Facebook fans than VOA English. They beat VOA in all media platforms. Voice of America English is not a major digital new media and social media player as VOA Director David Ensor and International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Director Richard Lobo are telling members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), their oversight board, and members of Congress who pay for their salaries and for the programs with U.S. taxpayers' money. As our UK based author explains, VOA English is not an Internet and new media player because to a large degree it stopped originating news. The author also correctly points out that VOA radio had been a originator of great original news coverage and could have been a great source of news content for the web. Think of NPR. But VOA and IBB executives have destroyed VOA English radio and any other form of substantive news origination. They now claim that they are champions of new digital media. They are not. They are champions of bad management and bureaucracy. How else could one explain Director Ensor's lame defense of his decision not to send VOA staff correspondents or video journalists to cover the anti-government protests in Turkey? [WORLD OF RADIO 1676] There is no justification for such a decision. "To report accurately, it helps to be there," Mr. Ensor. That's why your coverage of Turkey was one-sided. Not through the fault of any VOA journalists, but because there was no one on the ground to provide balance. We all know that official government sources always have an advantage in getting media coverage, including coverage from wire services. Turkish protesters could not reach out to you. You had an obligation to reach out to them to offer balanced coverage. This Letter from the UK explains what went wrong. This article (VOA English has a staff reporter in Istanbul, finally) documents so well how reportage of world events by VOA English has declined in recent years. I started listening to VOA English in the 1980s which in retrospect seems like a golden era - and can't imagine that VOA back then would have covered this story so late in the day, and with such a lack of direct reportage. VOA had a series of print adverts in the 1980s published in its `Voice' magazine and elsewhere, showcasing its global network of correspondents with the strapline "To report accurately, it helps to be there". That slogan should be repeated to current IBB/VOA management until the message sinks in - you can't cover major news events from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. I can remember Al Pessin's extraordinary updates from Tiananmen Square in 1989, Gill Butler's reports from a Kuwait just liberated from Saddam Hussein, Jolyon Negele's expert analysis from various Eastern European capitals during the fall of Communism - what gave these reports their impact was the expertise of the correspondents, but also the fact that they were reporting from the scene. Cobbled together wire service copy is no substitute. One major problem today compared with the 1980s is that back then VOA had three live hour long news analysis programs, "Asia Report", "World Report" and "Report to the Americas", which provided a platform for correspondents to report and analyse the news in significant depth including live two-way interviews between the anchor and correspondents in the bureaus. Today, VOA English has no equivalent of these three news analysis programs, with the longest news analysis shows being half an hour at most, and live two-way interviews with correspondents very rare (Reporters' Notebook on Fridays being a once-a-week exception). I always felt that the quality of correspondents' analysis on the "Report" programs had much in common with in-depth newspaper reports - so the irony is, the reports on these programs would have been, in text form, excellent analysis & background pieces for the VOA website today, if the radio shows were still on air. VOA English also had its 20 minute "Newsline" and "Morning Newsline" live programs throughout the day - 14 live editions I think - which meant that listeners were never far away from a constantly updated stream of correspondent reports from the worldwide bureaus. Again, this constant flow of reports throughout the day would today be a great driver for the internet site today, and I can't help thinking that one reason the English news website is so poor, and over-reliant on re-written Reuters & AP copy, is because VOA no longer has the radio news shows to bring in a constant stream of updated correspondent reports throughout the day, which could then go on the website. Today's news analysis programs such as "International Edition" and "Crossroads Asia" usually sound pre-recorded - as a result VOA English has lost its feeling of immediacy, and is no longer a radio station I go to for live coverage of breaking news. I tried VOA during the Boston bombings and their aftermath, but VOA's coverage of that news story was also, in my view, poor, again mainly through a lack of on the scene reporting, and a lack of immediacy. (Sorry to hark on about the 1980s golden era again, but back then, VOA had a news bureau in Boston providing an interesting window on New England for international listeners. VOA English news coverage really was of extraordinary high quality in those days, and it saddens me to read & hear what a pale shadow today's VOA is in comparison). Sorry for the long comment - your article really got me thinking it doesn't have to be this way, VOA can do so much better, it just has to be allowed to connect back with itself, its own history, and its own Charter. Maybe Richard W. Carlson should be made BBG Chairman, with re-building VOA news & English broadcasts a top priority. (BBGWatch via Mike Cooper, DXLD) VOICE OF AMERICA ENGLISH IS HOURS LATE IN UPDATING NEWS STORIES ON FACEBOOK, LOSES TO RUSSIA TODAY AND AL JAZEERA --- By BBGWatcher on 25 June 2013 in Featured News, Hot Tub Blog with No Comments http://www.usgbroadcasts.com/bbgwatch/2013/06/25/voice-of-america-english-is-hours-late-in-updating-news-stories-on-facebook-loses-to-russia-today-and-al-jazeera/ BBG Watch Commentary Screen shot of VOA Facebook page on June 25, 1:40 PM Washington time, shows no recent news on Snowden. The photo of Chinese blind dissident Chen Guangcheng has nothing to do with the 'Saudi Arabia Shifts Workweek' top story but was not removed for hours. Russia's state supported broadcaster Russia Today (RT) leads U.S.- funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) by enormous margins in all audience engagement and other audience counting measures for English- language news reporting on the Snowden spy case and in reporting on practically all other international news stories. The advantage of such broadcasters as Russia Today English and Al Jazeera English over Voice of America English news service is especially evident in social media use. While Russia Today posts numerous video news reports on YouTube and updates its Facebook page religiously, VOA is often hours late in sending news stories to Facebook and in posting videos on YouTube. VOA English also posts far fewer original news reports and videos than Russia Today. Unlike Russia Today's website, VOA English news website does not show the exact time in hours and minutes when a news story is posted or updated. If it did, it would be obvious to readers and members of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), its oversight federal board, that the VOA English news service is habitually late in covering even major U.S. and international news stories. A check done at about 1:40 PM Washington time showed that Snowden- related VOA English news reports have not been updated on Facebook for anywhere from 12 to 18 hours. Russia Today posted numerous Snowden- related and U.S.-related stories, many of them with a clear anti-American propaganda theme. Some examples: International confidence in US economy `crumbling' after Snowden leaks, Russia Today, 1,109 Facebook "Likes" on RT Facebook page, 4,400 "Likes" on RT page. The second report shows how Russia Today repeats and amplifies China's anti-American propaganda. `Mad invader, eavesdropper': China slams US after Snowden accusations, Russia Today, 1,531 Facebook "Likes on RT Facebook page, 4,300 Likes on RT page. Meanwhile, VOA failed to post to Facebook its own interview with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Kerry: Lives May be Lost Due to Snowden's Betrayal, which was already available on the VOA English news website for several hours but received almost no social media attention. At 2:00 PM Washington time, the VOA story had only 21 Facebook "Recommend" scores. A transcript of the interview had only 4 Facebook "Recommend" scores. Neither VOA report was posted on Facebook as of 2:00 PM Tuesday, Washington time. The VOA English news website also did not feature on its home page on June 25 the VOA interview with Kerry. The report on the interview was filed sometime on June 24. The home page today featured instead a video story, Nigeria Reaches for the Stars With Space Program. VOA English website also featured today at one point its own report on Putin's statement on Snowden, Putin: Snowden in Transit Zone and Will Not Be Extradited. The VOA report on Putin's comments on Snowden did not have any Facebook "Recommend" scores when checked earlier today by BBG Watch. It later managed to get 4 Facebook "Recommend" scores. Russia Today Facebook page, June 25, shows several recently posted Snowden-related news stories. Russia Today news story, Putin: Snowden still in Moscow airport, won't be extradited, free to go anywhere, had 1,026 Facebook "Likes." It was posted on Facebook three hours earlier. VOA posted the same story on its own website about four hours later. It got 2 Facebook "Recommend" scores but was not put on VOA's Facebook page, even though it included statements from Kerry and the White House. Another VOA English news report, Kerry: US Not Looking for Confrontation with Russia over Snowden, was also not posted on the VOA Facebook page as of 5:00 PM Washington time even though it was already on the VOA English website for several hours, where it received only 3 Facebook "Recommend" scores. VOA did post to YouTube a report on the interview with Secretary Kerry, Kerry: `Lives will be Lost' Due to Snowden's Betrayal. It had 301 views after 19 hours and 6 comments. A Russia Today video posted to YouTube yesterday, Chase Mode: US set to catch Snowden amid biggest hunt for whistleblowers, had 12,615 views and 674 comments. The statistics by how much Russia Today beats VOA English News in social media use are staggering. Russia Today English has 920,983 YouTube subscribers and 1,012,986,279 views (over one billion); Voice of America English has only 23,763 YouTube subscribers and 26,948,148 views. Both organizations joined YouTube within one year of one another, March 2007 for Russia Today, and March 2008 for VOA. Facebook scores are also vastly in favor of Russia Today English over Voice of America English. Russia Today has 949,299 total "Likes" to VOA's 355,093 [WORLD OF RADIO 1676] Russia Today and Al Jazeera beat VOA English many times over not just on the Snowden story coverage. The VOA English News Division and its English broadcasts have been decimated to such a degree by controversial managers of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) -- the administrative arm of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the board and the agency in charge of U.S. international broadcasting -- that they are incapable of covering most news in a timely manner. IBB executives have been rated in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey as being the worst managers in the federal government. Comparison of Most Popular Voice of America and Russia Today Turkey English News Videos on YouTube June 1-9, 2013 But even when VOA should and could cover a major international news story, such as the anti-government protests in Turkey, its executives decided not to send any staff reporters or video journalists to Istanbul in early June. VOA Director David Ensor defended this decision as being responsible and VOA's coverage as balanced. Critics said that VOA's English- language coverage of Turkish protests was not balanced because news writers in Washington lacked direct access to the demonstrators and posted instead news wire service reports which tended to focus more on statements from Prime Minister Erdogan. A BBG Watch review of VOA English coverage of Turkey in early June showed this to be true. Russia Today had its own reporters on the ground in Turkey and posted numerous video reports on YouTube in early June. One of them had over 150,000 views while a VOA English video report filed from Washington at about the same time had only 300 views (BBGWatch via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A [non]. Botswana: 9885, V of AMERICA, 0253 MAY-18, AM, F, Carrier until 0300 sign-n with news bulletin (Jack Amelar, Pt Hope MI, MARE Tipsheet June 28 via DXLD) Comment: Come on VOA, at least bring back Yankee Doodle instead of dead carrier! [ :) -- kvz (Ken Zichi, ed., ibid.) While it doesn`t always work out, the reason for such ``crash starts`` is to avoid overlapping with another station using same frequency right up until top of hour, often another IBB site --- in this case Tibetan via TAJIKISTAN on 9885 until 0300 which no doubt has enough QRM already (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. VOA Radiogram digital text and images this weekend. In addition to text in the MFSK mode, VOA Radiogram for the weekend of June 29 and 30 will continue to experiment with EasyPal digital images. More information at... voaradiogram.net/post/54115786931/voa-radiogram-for-29-30-june- includes-easypal (Kim Elliott, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Unfortunately, not much luck tonight at 0230 on 5745: much too low of a frequency for this time of the year, with the sun still quite high in the sky on the west coast. MFSK 16 did fine, and 32 a little less so, but no luck at all with the digital image modes via EasyPal. 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) Hello Walter, I too have my problems this weekend --- Yesterday were relatively weak signals on 17860 kHz (O = 3 -) l In the night / early morning here in Europe the signal on 5745 kHz was much stronger (O=3- 4). But digital image decoding was not much better; something disturbed the synchronization. Maybe there are more hops/jumps on the lower frequency to Europe than on the high - and this damages the structure of 16QAM modulation. Maybe I have more luck tonight on 15670 kHz with the "Super Moon in Singapore". This time, I can only offer the "Greek Super Moon": http://www.rhci-online.de/130626155113-Supermoon_greece.jpg Yesterday I also tried to receive SSTV Easypal of amateur radio. The 14233 kHz seemed to be here a good frequency for this in Europe. Here are two screenshots from yesterday: http://www.rhci-online.de/SSTV-EASYPAL-14233kH_F6FPU-1.gif http://www.rhci-online.de/SSTV-EASYPAL-14233kH_F6FPU-2.gif 73+55 (roger, ibid.) Interesting, Roger. I too wondered why I was having trouble demodulating the signal. It wasn't too weak, and yet even the MFSK 16 and 32 modes had lots of errors, and the digital images, absolutely nothing. Perhaps it wasn't just the propagation this week? 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) Hello Walter, On Sunday evening I had also tried again: 15670 kHz from 1930 to 2000z. In the beginning there were short interrupts at the broadcast and at the end of the program the AM-Modulation sounded pretty awful. I think once, the old shortwave transmitter comes to its limits with the digital broadcasts. Narrow-band emission are still OK. But the DRM-related emissions in DigiPal probably require a digital- capable transmitter newer design. During test receptions in Digipal (14.233 kHz) between a Russian and a French amateur radio operator I had SNR values of 17db and more. I think these use modern SDR transceiver. http://www.rhci-online.de/130701002325-Clip.jpg http://www.rhci-online.de/130630223309-Clip.jpg You can also request again the missing data packets of the image of the first Passage; awesome (as a radio amateur with a transmitter). The radiogram-broadcasts of the VoA are quite interesting, a bit of a challenge - but where is the practical benefit in the future? Program schedules, program notes, OK, but it need not necessarily be to transfer small and colorful images, wasting airtime. Such a fun thing radio amateurs can allow .... ;-) http://www.rhci-online.de/130701000023-Clip.jpg http://www.rhci-online.de/130701003621-Clip.jpg 73+55 (roger, Germany, July 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. 9925, June 30 at 0058 check, The Mighty KBC, Netherlands via Nauen, GERMANY, has good signal level, but with extremely heavy flutter due to propagation disturbance, not uncommon for this weekly roll-of-the-dice. Should be a good test for the VOA Radiogram attempts this week (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. WORLD OF RADIO 1675 monitoring: confirmed on WTWW- 1 9479, Thursday June 27 at 2100.5; also on WWRB 5050, UT Friday June 28 at 0333, preceded by about a minute of silence as Dave was getting the computer playback going, which followed big band music fill. 5050 stayed on until end of WOR at 0402, then some open carrier. Next: UT Saturday 0130v on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB; Saturday 0630 & 1430 on HLR Germany 7265-CUSB; Saturday 1500 & 1730 on WRMI 9955; Saturday & Sunday 2329v on WTWW-2 9930; UT Sunday 0400.5 on WTWW-1 5830. Also, Hamburger Lokalradio for the next four Sundays is testing 15785- CUSB with 1 kW from Göhren, Germany, and is very interested in reports even from outside Europe. This will include WORLD OF RADIO at 0630, 1030, 1430 and 1830 amid two-hour blox in English and German starting half an hour before those times. WORLD OF RADIO 1675 monitoring: confirmed on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v- CUSB, from 0142:17 UT Saturday June 29; next: Sat 1500 & 1730 on WRMI 9955; Sat & Sun 2329v on WTWW-2 9930; UT Sun 0400.5 on WTWW-1 5830; also any time, any day between 17 and 21 on 9930 (tho seemed to be off Friday afternoon); Sun 0630, 1030, 1430 & 1830 on Hamburger Lokalradio, Germany, test with 1 kW, on 15785-CUSB. 5110v-CUSB, June 29 at 0137, toward the end of `AWWW`, Allan Weiner says something about a new WBCQ program from July; lots of noise made copy difficult, so not sure of the details, but I think he said it would be M-F at 9-10 pm [01-02 UT Tue-Sat] on 5110, so the last part of AWWW after 9 pm would be cut off that frequency. If correct, that also means WORLD OF RADIO could no longer be heard after 0130, which did air this week starting at 0142:17. An inquiry is out to Area 51 about this (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Let's plan for WOR to move to Saturdays at 0200 effectively July 13 (Friday July 12, 10:00pm eastern time). "Heart and Soul of America Broadcast" starts Tuesday July 9, runs Tuesday through Saturday 0100 to 0200. Master control at Monticello is responsible for running the new show. I will continue to provide WOR as part of the Area 51 schedule. The Grateful Dead music hour will follow WOR. Regards, Lw (Larry Will, Area 51, July 3, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9479, 9930, 12105, June 29 at 1930, all three WTWW frequencies are inaudible, and presumed off. Later I am not so sure they were off, or just blacked out. At 2305, now 9930 and 9479 can be detected but quite weak vs their normal super-signals. 9930 improves by 2330 when I am expecting WORLD OF RADIO, but instead it`s a preacher and music until almost 2400*. WTWW got to next frequency 5085 quicker than I did, to find that WORLD OF RADIO 1675 had just started by 0000. I have no idea if this is a permanent change or a variation, but check both next week. Recheck at 0058, 5085 had Ted Randall announcing a Field Day 2013 broadcast. WORLD OF RADIO 1675 monitoring: via Tom Taylor, Hamburger Lokalradio says technical problems have prevented their planned 15785 tests today, including World of Radio; maybe next Sunday. Maybe on WTWW-2, 9930, sometime between 17 and 21 UT Sunday; and/or 2330v on 9930 (Glenn Hauser, OK, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1675 monitoring: as in other item, this week appeared at 0000 UT Sunday on WTWW-2 5085 instead of 2330 Sat on 9930. Next: UT Sunday 0400.5 on WTWW-1 5830; presumably Sunday 2330v on 9930. WORLD OF RADIO 1675 monitoring: confirmed on WTWW-2, 9930, Sunday June 30 starting at 2328:35. Next: Tuesday 1100 on WRMI 9955; Wednesday 0630 & 1430 on HLR 7265-CUSB. 9930, July 2 at 2020, WTWW-2 is back on with a QSO show playback; 12105, WTWW-3 is in French. WORLD OF RADIO 1675 was playing on 9930 when I checked at 2351 about Romania 21500, so must have started around 2328.5 on this Tuesday. WORLD OF RADIO 1676 monitoring: completed in time for first airing on WRMI, 9955, UT Thursday July 4 at 0330; repeats are Sat 1500 & 1730, Tue 1100. On WTWW: Thu 2100.5 on 9479; Sat 2329v on 9930 (but last week was 0000 UT Sunday on 5085 instead); UT Sun 0400.5 on 5830; Sun 2330v on 9930. Also new or previous WOR any day, any time between 17 & 24 on 9930, 00-01 on 5085. (This week it showed up Tuesday at 2329.) On WWRB: UT Friday at 0326v on 5050. On Area 51 via WBCQ: UT Saturday 0130v on 5110v-CUSB (from July 13 this moves to UT Saturday 0200-non variable). On Hamburger Lokalradio: Sat 0630 & 1430 on 7265-CUSB; Sun testing at 0630, 1030, 1430 and 1830 on 15785-CUSB (also appeared this Wednesday at 1630, having missed the tests last Sunday). Full schedule including many webcasts: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html DX/SWL/Media programs has been updated: http://www.worldofradio.com/dxpgms.html WORLD OF RADIO 1676 monitoring: first broadcast confirmed on WRMI, UT Thursday July 4 at 0331 on webcast, 0351 check on 9955, vs. Cuban pulse jamming, but WOR mostly readable. Next: Thursday 2100.5 on WTWW-1 9479 UT Friday 0326v on WWRB 5050 UT Saturday 0130v on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB Saturday 0630 & 1430 on Hamburger Lokalradio 7265-CUSB Saturday 1500 & 1730 on WRMI 9955 Saturday 2329v on WTWW-2 9930 [or Sunday 0000 on 5085, as last week?] UT Sunday 0400.5 on WTWW-1 5830 Sunday 0630, 1030, 1430, 1830 on HLR 15785-CUSB, test planned Sunday 2329v on WTWW-2 9930 Tuesday 1100 on WRMI 9955 Wednesday 0630 & 1430 on HLR 7265-CUSB; maybe 1630 on 15785-CUSB WOR also can appear any day, any time on WTWW-2 between 1700-2400 on 9930, 0000-0100 on 5085. As Dave Hughes points out reports in hfunderground.com - some pirate on 6925 AM was relaying WOR UT Thursday around 0200; ``thanks for the rebroadcast`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9930, Sunday June 30 at 2025 check, WTWW-2 is not on air, nor is WTWW-3 12105. However at 2150, 9930 is on with Martha Garvin. Perhaps schedule reduced to purchased time after 2100? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 12105, WTWW, July 2, 1550. Talk by woman in Arabic to ToH and man with lengthy IDs and announcements in English. Very very good (Rick Barton, AZ, logs from my truck, roofmount Wilson 11 m.b. loaded whip; Grundig Satellit 750, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. KVOH Testing --- KVOH / Voice of Hope, Los Angeles is being reactivated this summer. Currently the station is conducting a series of engineering test transmissions on 17775 kHz. The next scheduled test will be this Saturday, June 29th, for two hours from 1900 to 2100 UT. The power used will be 50 kW, primarily targeted at Cuba, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, but the signal should also be heard over a wide area of the U.S.A. (east of the Rockies). There's even a slim chance it might be heard in Western Europe before local sunset. The test program will be bilingual, with announcements in both English and Spanish. Reception reports will be very much appreciated to the mail and/or email addresses given in the broadcast. All will be verified by means of a new printed QSL card. Since the Voice of Hope is a non-for-profit ministry, return U.S. postage would also be appreciated where possible. : ) (Ray Robinson, KVOH, June 27, dxldyg via DXLD 13-26 via WORLD OF RADIO 1676) KVOH test being heard here with weak signal at 1843 on 29 June on 17775. Repeatedly playing Kenny Loggins' "Highway to the Danger Zone," with 1 kHz tones, some dead air, and what appeared to be an interval signal played over and over. SINPO 25422. Meh (Al Muick, Whitehall PA USA, Microtelecom Perseus / Wellbrook ALA-1530P active loop, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Not hearing it at all at the moment up here in New York (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, Eton E1XM, A/D DX Sloper, 1906 UT, ibid.) Extensive ID's with postal info in English on the hour and now doing the same in Spanish. Way down there, but audible (Al Muick, PA, 1909 UT, ibid.) I can tell there's something there by pulling out a weak, smack dab on frequency het using ECSS emphasizing the upper and then lower sidebands. But there's still no audio here (John Figliozzi, 1932 UT June 29, ibid.) KVOH emisiones de prueba 17775 kHz --- La están reportando colegas desde Estados Unidos. Imposible por ahora desde el Rio de la Plata (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, 1919 UT, condiglista yg via DXLD) No tanto. Aquí en Montevideo se escucha un murmullo ininteligible a las 1920 UT. – (Rodolfo Tizzi, Uruguay, ibid.) En el Icom llega ahora, 1924 UT, una señal bajísima. En el SDR de la Universidad de Twentee nada de nada (Arnaldo Slaen, ibid.) En 17775 ahora por acá con bastante Ruido y se le podría otorgar 23222; UT 2012 (Ernsto Paulero, Argentina, ibid.) Hola Colegas, Por acá captada con un 35333; al principio de la emisión tan solo señal portadora y murmullo, luego de las 1925 mejor y se pudo captar las identificaciones en inglés y español. A las 1950 con breves anuncios de programas evangélicos es español como "Cruzada con Luis Palau", "Un mensaje a la Conciencia", "La Voz de Vida para las Américas". La Identificación en español que contenía correo-e y dirección postal se iniciaba asi: ``Atención Norteamérica, Centroamérica, Suramérica, Islas del Caribe, ésta es KVOH, la Voz de la Esperanza, Los Ángeles; éstas son pruebas de transmisión de la emisora KVOH Voz de la Esperanza; KVOH mantiene sus frecuencias autorizadas por la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones en Wáshington DC para transmitir en la frecuencia 17.775 MHz en la banda de 16 metros y en la frecuencia 9.975 MHz en la banda de 31 metros. Estas son pruebas de transmisión..." También con algunas melodías y me pareció que la emisión de la primera hora fue repetida en la segunda. Para el amigo Ernesto y los demás colegas, la dirección electrónica es: mail @ kvoh.net Buenos DX (Rafael Rodríguez R., Bogotá D.C. - COLOMBIA, ibid.) Here in southern interior of British Columbia, as heard with the Eton E1 and Sony AN1 active antenna, in my car: 17775 USA KVOH, Los Angeles 2043 tune-in to test broadcast, playing Gospel songs, 2048 English ID followed by Spanish with numerous IDs, address and mentions of what I assume were promos for themselves and programs they will be carrying, such as “Voz de la Esperanza”, “”La Voz de la Victoria”, “La biblia en las noticias””, “Radio Noticias, servicio mundial”; 2100 closing in English with “This is a test broadcast of K-V-O-H, the Voice of Hope…”, mention FCC authorization, final “This is a test broadcast.” and ID and off at 2100:50. Ranged from poor to good, noise high at times and deep fades, June 29, (Harold Sellers, BC, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Pretty much identical here in Victoria, Harold, a poor start with the IS just above the noise floor, but improving to good at times, but with deep fades as well to almost oblivion. Ended on a just barely audible level in English, whereas the Spanish just before was much stronger. I emailed a report to them, thanking them for actually returning to the air, compared to so many stations these days that are abandoning SW in droves. I received a very nice email from Ray Robinson who expressed surprise that I was even able to hear anything of KVOH, and wondering whether it arrived here via LP. Perhaps, with the really deep fades. He also promised a paper QSL, which would be nice. 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 17775, June 29 at 1902 UT, KVOH reactivated with advance-publicized 2- hour test broadcast this date only: At first I was out & about using only the DX-375 I keep in the car; fair reception, deep fades on rather insensitive radio with whip only. Full ID in English about the tests, asking for reports. As it turned out, this was not a good day to carry out such a test. The K index was 3 at 18, and went up to 4 by 21 UT; and back at 06 UT it had hit 7! ``Geomagnetic storms reaching the G3 level occurred`` in the past 24 hours, says WWV. Besides that, 16m band propagation has generally been pitiful for weeks in the summer doldrums. Yet it`s a stand-out signal at this time of day when hardly anyone else in the Hemisphere is interested in even trying to transmit on this band. The revived KVOH is merely resuming the frequency originally occupied for years, aimed eastward in the daytime only. It`s again also announcing the other registered frequency, 9975, which had not really been used for a lot longer than the last years on 17775 only. Do they plan to use it now? Back on home rig FRG-7 at 1926, deep fades remain, and even at peaks, it`s not enough to overcome the prevailing noise level. The *only* other signal on band is open carrier on 17530, 250 kW Greenville warming up for an hour in French aimed east, which is roughly at equivalent level, even tho KVOH is 50 kW aimed 100 degrees (again, still, right?), not too far off from here. At 1926 there`s another English test ID, and then Spanish, with slogans such as ``Voz de vida para las Américas``, ``La Voz Esperanza`` (no de la audible), with Apartado 102, Los Ángeles CA 90078 or mail@kvoh.net addresses, the latter requiring spelling-out in Spanish. 1929 same in English, and ``when you care enough to listen to the very best``. Then some gospel music with a reggae beat. Another check at 2000, paying attention to the transmission quality: certainly have fixed the ailing old transmitter: now the modulation is OK and the carrier stable. Sometimes the KVOH announcements are momentarily under-modulated, but I assume a lapse in the input level. No spurs heard, but it may require a stronger perhaps Es-boosted opening to detect them if they have not been removed. You may recall that I reported them numerous times in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, varying slightly around 17630 and 17920, extremely distorted but matchable to the fundamental audio. At 2000, 17775 is slightly stronger than Cuba 17720 which is slightly stronger than VOA 17530. 2043 more gospel music, as VOA is now finished and its only companion on the band is Cuba 17720 which is still somewhat weaker, but intended for Europe and presumably off the side to here. Other DXLD yg members were checking this out: barely made it to eastern USA or not at all, barely to S America or not at all, and to British Columbia was apparently about like I heard it, despite being off-beam, but not surprising at a good single-hop distance, which may have been Es-enhanced. Testing on more days for more than two hours will be required for a better evaluation (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thank you, Glenn. We're still tweaking the transmitter, but we wanted to know what it sounded like so far We'll try again in a few weeks, when hopefully conditions will be more favorable. We're also working on getting 9975 back on the air as our night-time frequency (after WWCR goes off 9980). I have your address -- will send a QSL (Ray Robinson, KVOH, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Video recordings of my friend, Bulgarian sailor Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River, Brasil: Test broadcast of KVOH Voice of Hope 1900-2100 on 17775 via Rancho Simi on June 29 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LCCdl-ii2I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWxNPLlqlPM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFSYCBXxXGI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiMjUubdkdU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4DM9R4zbHU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtjRdxcZMWs (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) No signal in Sofia, Bulgaria of KVOH test -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) KVOH Voice of Hope again on SW. The first test was on June 29: 1900-2100 17775 VOH 050 kW / 100 deg to CeAm En and Sp via Rancho Simi According to the HFCC registrations of Federal Communications Commission: for Summer A period 1400-0100 17775 VOH 050 kW / 100 deg to CeAm High Adventure Ministries 0100-0700 9775 VOH 050 kW / 100 deg to CeAm High Adventure Ministries [NO, it is 9975 --- gh] for Winter B period 1500-0200 17775 VOH 050 kW / 100 deg to CeAm High Adventure Ministries 0200-0800 9775 VOH 050 kW / 100 deg to CeAm High Adventure Ministries Video recordings from Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River June 29, 1900-2100 UT KVOH - Voice of Hope test on 17775 Rancho Simi ** U S A. 11635, UT Saturday June 29 at 0524, gospel huxter on WHRI has squealing imposed upon him by defective modulator. I think this frequency is active only on Saturdays, tho HFCC registrations show it every day except Fridays (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 6115, WYFR Okeechobee FL with "Patterns in Music", a middle aged Harold Camping waxing philosophic about cannibalism in the Bible (honest!) and then more elevator music after ToH. In well 554+4+4+ 0125-0205 27/Jun (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet 28 June via DXLD) A few weeks ago Kevin put an article here about Family Radio's troubles. It is busy imploding. It has sold off a number of major market stations. In case anyone missed it contributions went down 70% after Harold Camping's prediction of the end of the world last year didn't happen. It has subsequently downsized. Radio engineering may have been downsized and perhaps there's no money to fix things short of being off the air. In Southern California about six weeks ago they applied for a CP for KFRN-1280 in Long Beach to move in/diplex with KLTX-1390. About ten days later they requested dismissal of the application. Huh? I have met a number of San Diego area chief engineers in the last five years. However they are acquaintances and I wouldn't feel comfortable approaching them for their thoughts on another station's possible engineering problems. However Tim Hall can tell us what he's hearing in Chula Vista (Dennis Gibson, ABDX via DXLD) LAST DAYS OF WYFR --- Dan, Please clarify when will be the final final sign-off, by local time and day and UT day and time. Will FR be last or RTI? 73, (Glenn to Dan Elyea, WYFR, June 28 via DXLD) Last transmission will be RTI, Glenn. Signing off at 0400 UT (July 1 UT date). Signoff will be at Midnight, June 30 (local calendar date). 73, (Dan Elyea, June 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I.e. 6115, so WYFR programming until 0300 UT July 1; I wonder if they will say anything historic, or just stop playing another old Camping tape? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Dan Elyea at Okeechobee confirms to me that the final final broadcast of Family Radio from WYFR will be on 6115 until 0300 UT Monday July 1, followed by Radio Taiwan International relay in English for the last time until 0400*****. WYFR is history as of midnight EDT tonight (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) More video recordings from my friend Bulgarian sailor Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River: 0250 UT, WYFR Family Radio in English on June 30 and 0300 UT, Radio Taiwan International in English on June 30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TOXn0unt_k 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re WYFR's shut-down: "I twice-toured WYFR in Okeechobee in the past 6- 8 years, once was on my own and once was as part of a tour arranged by the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club (FMARC) of which I am a member and other than the former RCI site in Sackville, NB, WYFR in Okeechobee is the only SW actual station I’ve ever visited. I have some pictures of the tours someplace -- probably in my bank safe deposit box ;-) -- and I wrote a little non-technical piece on it for the FMARC newsletter, The Modulator. The tours were quite an experience, to be sure. The antenna farm alone was absolutely mind boggling, and this station was large enough so that it had its own little repair and manufacturing shop, not only to service what equipment it had, but actually to fabricate some replacement components. As I recall, one or two of the transmitters were actually built there in the shop. Anyway, I’m sorry to see it fade into the past" (MAREite Tom Root, MARE Tipsheet June 28 via DXLD) "I have been reading about the closure of the WYFR transmitter site. I was first made aware from the MARE Tip Sheet and since found other sources on the web. While in Florida this past April, I managed to stop at the WYFR Transmitter facility, roughly 30 road miles NW of Okeechobee. A rural area with a few farms and flat grasslands. "I hadn't scheduled my visit, I just showed up and went with what happened. As it turns out, they love visitors. Ray, an engineer who has been with the facility since it was a construction permit, showed me around, the control room, antenna switch room, electrical room, and opened up a (off-air) transmitter. A far more extensive tour that I could have expected. We, along with other engineers spent some time talking radio, shortwave and ham. "Whether you like or dislike the programming content, I have to say the transmitter facility and all it's rhombic antennas is a first class operation. It's a shame if it goes completely silent" (Mareite Jack Amelar, MARE Tipsheet June 28 via DXLD) Very interesting pics from WYFR here: https://plus.google.com/photos/115519153277489147905/albums/5149449666892817121/5149449731317326578?banner=pwa&pid=5149449731317326578&oid=115519153277489147905 (via Dave Hughes, dxldyg via DXLD) 82 of them, a few duds (gh) Some great photos, Dave. Thanks! Never did get down to them, even though my family did visit Disneyworld, which couldn't have been too far away. 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) Glenn, Have you heard if WYFR is being sold or will it just be dismantled? Thanks (Jim K5JG, Carrollton, TX, ptsw yg via DXLD) Are we looking at merely a license surrender and facility tear-down or would the facilities plus license conceivably be sold off? (Stephen Michael Kellat, KC8BFI, ibid.) Video recordings by Georgi Tamahkyarov in Itacoatiara, Amazon River July 01, 0000 UT WYFR Family Radio in English on 6115 Okeechobee, the last day on shortwave. The last day for the transmitters in Okeechobee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIGYoFZPM3E July 01, 0030 UT WYFR Family Radio in English on 6115 Okeechobee, the last day on shortwave. The last day for the transmitters in Okeechobee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSMIw7gj-Xo July 01, 0100 UT WYFR Family Radio in English on 6115 Okeechobee, the last day on shortwave. The last day for the transmitters in Okeechobee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIV46LL5Xo8 July 01, 0155 UT WYFR Family Radio in English on 6115 Okeechobee, the last day on shortwave. The last day for the transmitters in Okeechobee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83Sgp9d0RBs (DX RE MIX NEWS #788 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, July 01, 2013, via DXLD) 6115, monitoring the last few minutes of WYFR, UT July 1 from 0245, playing ``Onward Christian Soldiers`` and ``Battle Hymn of the Republic``, other hymns by chorus and orchestra interspersed with brief Bible verses by non-Harold Camping announcer as ``Words to Live By`` --- probably regular programming; fade out at 0259 for ``It`s people just like you who [illegible] at the ministry of Family Radio``. Last words? Not quite, after almost minute of dead air, ``This is WYFR, Okeechobee, Florida`` ID, and opening RTI repeat --- see TAIWAN [non] After that hour, another legal ID as above spanning 0400 and carrier cut forever at 0400:04*. Nothing ever heard to the effect that this was the end of an era on shortwave. Family Radio has not given any hint about what will become of the 14- transmitter Okeechobee facility, but we hope it will live on with some other identity, preferably secular. How about multiple NPR program streams? Dream on. From tomorrow we expect to hear WWCR on 6115 ex-6875, but only at 2100-0100 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [not yet] Well, I listened to the last hour of English of WYFR to 0300 UT, 1 July on 6115, and then the RTI relay in English to 0400. Sadly, nothing at all indicated this to be the final hours of WYFR. Just before sign-off at 0400, and after the RTI sign-off, there was the usual WYFR single sentence sign-off, and then the transmitter immediately cut-off. No goodbyes. No thank you. Sad that it all came down to this. Reception, as always was very good to the end. Goodbye, WYFR! 73, (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I listened to the last half hour of the RTI 0300 broadcast on 6115 as well. Good signal, although it seems the modulation/processing on this transmission is a little thinner than 15440 at 2200. You are right, nothing special about the final gasp from Okeechobee. Transmitter was cut promptly at 0400:02. The RTI English schedule closing announcement at 0358 still included the dying WYFR relays. Now we wait to see if there will be a revival (no pun intended) of the Okeechobee site under new ownership (Steve Luce, Houston, Texas, ibid.) WYFR on at 4:59 UT 6115 7/1/2013 --- I was contacted by a British pirate operator/dx'er who tells me he heard WYFR at 0459 with a legal ID on 6115. "WYFR Okeechobee, Florida" He was kind of confused about it. I explained FCC regs to him; now I have a splitting headache, btw. I guess this was an automated system that wasn't shut off after the last ID at 0400. DH KCMO (Dave Hughes, Kansas City MO, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Well, I was listening to WYFR at 0400 and the carrier cut a few seconds later. I did stay for another minute, and nothing happened. May I suggest that he was listening at 0359 UT? (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) That is what I asked him. He swears it was an hour after the end of RTI. He says the carrier came on, the ID was spoken & the carrier went off. He was all excited about hearing the station shutdown and was disappointed that they didn't even mention the "end of an era" or anything like that. DH KCMO (Hughes, ibid.) I won't miss them one bit but I will miss those stations they relayed (Mark Coady, Ont., ODXA Listening in via DXLD) WYFR - Okeechobee, Florida (42 photos) On June 30, 2013, NASB member Family Radio closed its shortwave station WYFR in Okeechobee, Florida. Here are photos of this legendary station, one of the largest privately-owned shortwave stations in the United States and the world. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.655654757797640.1073741829.236983979664722&type=1 includes map of antenna types and layout (NASB FB via DXLD) ** U S A. I recall a few years back now a program called "Good Friends Radio." It was based out of Orangeville, Canada, very friendly toward SWL'ers, with publications about the hobby issued, along with QSL's. It was hosted by a friendly speaking fellow whose name was Rod Hembree. Recently, I heard a broadcast from Good Friends Radio and once again sent a reception report to the Orangeville, Ontario address, per WRTH 2012. Yesterday, I received a reply from Good Friends, Inc., P.O. Box 150, Murrysville, PA 15668-0150. I assume that they forwarded my letter from Canada to this new address. Enclosed was the July 2013 Discovery Letter (www.biblediscoverytv.com) and the front page still listed the Canada/International address of P.O. Box 456, Orangeville, Onyario L9W502. However, no QSL was enclosed for my reception report, so I'm wondering if they no longer QSL. I always enjoyed Rod Hembree for his very positive, upbeat and easy to listen to religious programming. The July 2013 issue mentions that they have not met budget for May by 20%. 73's, (Ed Insinger, Summit, NJ, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I assume Ed was hearing this on WBCQ 9330-CUSB, which GFRN rents almost 100%. On the contrary, I find Hembree extremely off-putting with his absolute certainty that he has all the answers about the universe, from God to Jesus to propagation. Anything he says about science or shortwave is just a come-on to his proselytizing (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9350, Saturday June 29 at 2316, comparing WWCR with other Tennessignals from WTWW, I am astounded to encounter some programming other than gospel or political-huxtering! Usual inbooming signal is now attenuated to only fair, deep fades, but with primitive instrumental music, soon announced by phil@wwcr.com that next selexion will be a 1906 wax cylinder, which turns out to be ``I Love to Tell the Story``. I assume/hope he is mixing gospel/secular songs. Uplooked later in the WWCR program schedule dated 1 June, this is `The Talking Machine Show` with Phil Patton, who IIRC is also the CE at WWCR. And there are three more semihour airings, viz. UT: Sat 1000 4840 Sat 1430 15825 Sat 2300 9350 Mon 0400 4840 Aside from the propagation disturbance today, now there`s an ancient- recording show we can axually hear well on SW, unlike the two on WBCQ 7490 which are buried in the daytime noise level here all summer. 4840, UT Monday July 1 at 0400-0430, enjoying the full ``Talking Machine Show`` of old wax cylinder music, a fragment of which we heard on an earlier airing. Excellent signal as always on this WWCR intruder into the 60m tropical/utility band. We may have expected WWCR-1 to glom onto 6115 as soon as WYFR abandoned it, per HFCC registrations effective July 1, but they did not: July 2 at 0054 check, still on 6875 and not 6115, with financial huxter. But they do have dibs on 6115! Current WWCR website transmitter sked is effective only until July 31 still showing 6875 and after 0100, 3215 which I also confirmed at 0105 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DX LISTENING DIGEST) New registered frequencies of World Wide Christian Radio from July 1: 2100-0100 6115 WCR 100 kW / 046 deg WeEu English WWCR-1, not active! 0100-0400 6115 WCR 100 kW / 090 deg CeAm English WWCR-4, not active! 73! (Ivo Ivanov, QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria, July 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 7555, July 2 at 0106, KJES good signal in Spanish, not English, which everyone from WRTH to Aoki to DX Re Mix shows as the only language for the 0100-0230 broadcast. However, the adult pontificating Biblical stuff was speaking with a heavy Gringo accent, diphthongs here, diphthongs there, diphthongs everywhere! Instead of pure vowels in proper Spanish. Soon kids begin responding in unison. No real English heard now, but KJES has been known to go bilingual if not mix up the alleged language schedule. EiBi, however, does show Spanish 0100-0200, English 0200-0230 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. I think some IBOC stations put out dirty signals - I've got this video of WIP 610, Philadelphia putting out a signal from 570 to 650 kHz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maEonHy2eSA (Aaron Krider, IRCA via DXLD) Long before IBOC, I had a local 5 kW at 2.5 miles distance. I could hear? (distorted) sidebands to plus or minus 40 kHz. So I called up the local FCC office and asked what was allowed. Reply was we require sidebands to be -75 dB down at plus or minus 55 kHz. I'm not the best at knowing technical things, so I must ask: Can a radio with good selectivity do anything more than change clear audio to distorted sidebands? In other words, can a radio reject something that is transmitted? If some can, what type of special circuitry is required? I know what is being done with the transmitter is a major factor. When I was 2.5 miles from the 5 kW on 1280, I was also maybe about 15 miles from WCCO-830. Some poor nights, I could weakly detect their splash up to 900 kHz. At the time there was a proposal for US to go to 9 kHz spacing, and some clears that adequately restricted their sidebands would be allowed to increase power to 750 kW. So, WCCO tested their sideband reducer, and was only about half as wide. When FCC said no to 9 kHz spacing and 750 kW, WCCO went back to as wide as it was before. 73, (George Sherman, MN, ibid.) ** U S A. From Tom Taylor's Radio Newsletter today (7/3/13) --- Modesto`s troubled KMPH (840) is back as ``Graffiti Gold,`` probably via a third-party LMA signed by owner Pappas Telecasting. The April 25 NOW told you that the owner`s deal to LMA the 5,000 fulltime station to Texas-based Christian broadcaster Paulino Bernal Evangelism had ended, and the station had gone silent. 840 is an interesting situation, because it`s the replacement for a rare major-market AM move-in. Pappas won FCC permission to re-license 50,000-watt KTRB (860) to San Francisco, which left room to create this new facility at 840. A reader says KMPH is back on the air, perhaps in testing mode, playing up-tempo oldies (via Paul Walker, July 3, NRC-AM via DXLD ** U S A. SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY (STA): 1020 KCKN NM Roswell – Previously granted STA for 10000/10000 using auxiliary transmitter; now granted STA with U1 1000/1000 with auxiliary transmitter problems (AM Switch, NRC DX News July 8 via DXLD) Last week KCKN suffered a lightning strike and they were off the air almost a week; in fact they still might be silent. Lightning struck the transmitter, taking out a final tube and a couple capacitors. Hopefully they'll get their act together soon (Glenn Hauser, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. QSL: card for DX test from KSEY Seymour TX, 1230, received in P-mail July 1 for print-out of log report sent by P-mail, with SASE as requested, not to station but direct to V/s and QSL manager Jim Pogue, Memphis TN, who volunteered to design and print the QSLs for this special. F/D with date 3/24/13, time 0517+ UTC. Tnx, Jim! He also enclosed a blank of his own ham QSL KH2AR. KSEY QSL: http://www.w4uvh.net/KSEY.jpg and linked from http://www.worldofradio.com/QSL.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. unID 1230 Monday morning test: 7/1 0200, 0300, and 0400 - 10 second test tones at 7 second intervals continuing through each hour, over WBLQ, WRBS, and others. -- Update: Found an announcement for the WFAN Mets network repeating between tones, so apparently someone fell asleep at the board or left the station without switching off the network after a game (Bruce Conti, BAMLog! Http://www.bamlog.com July 1, mwdx yg via DXLD) WMML 1230 Glenns Falls NY is the only station on 1230 that I can find listed as a NY Mets Affiliate (Paul Walker, ibid.) Thanks, Paul. I also subsequently found a Mets affiliate list. WMML is unneeded in the logbook here. How can a station go all night in this condition without someone noticing and taking corrective action? Is anybody actually listening besides me at 116 miles away? (Bruce Conti, ibid.) It's likely no one was listening and since audio was present, no silent alarm was tripped (Paul Walker, ibid.) ** U S A. KXEO NAL --- Weird story. 6-28-13: http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=2669812&spid=24698 The FCC's Media Bureau has issued a $2,000 notice of apparent liability to KXEO Radio Inc, saying the public files for KXEO-AM and KWWR-FM in Mexico, MO were missing documents at the time their licenses came up for renewal. In its renewal application, KXEO explained that the missing issues/programs files were in its public file at one time, but in 2010, the longtime GM walked out of the station "never to return," and took the files with him. The application claims the GM -- now deceased -- offered to sell the files back to the station for $100,000. The files for 2004-2010 were never found. The base forfeiture for public file violations is $10,000, but the bureau noted that "the required items were prepared and placed in the public inspection files but were subsequently removed by the former general manager upon his less-than-amicable departure from the stations," and reduced the proposed forfeiture to $1,000 per station. KXEO Inc. has 30 days to pay the forfeiture or file a written statement asking for it to be reduced or canceled; once the matter is resolved, its license application will be granted (via Tim Kridel, IRCA via DXLD) WTFK? KXEO on 1340 ** U S A. 1440, June 28 at 1146 UT, KTNO, Metroplex TX with local news in Spanish and timecheck 6:46, but at 1147 bringing up ``their correspondent in México``, from notisistema.com confirming what I was hearing previously here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1872 – June 28 2013 Listeners to KVTK-AM of Yankton, South Dakota, were recently without the station for a few days. This is because an accident caused the stations broadcast tower to fall to the ground. The tower, which was 309 feet tall, was situated in the middle of what was described as a small, grassy field located about five miles west of the town of Vermillion. Reportedly, a man cutting the grass Monday afternoon June 10th clipped one of the tower's guy-wires, causing it to collapse shortly after 4 p.m. local time. Engineers and other staffers of Five Star Communications, which also owns KVHT-FM, reportedly worked quickly to find the best way to begin broadcasting again after their tower collapsed. According to press reports the station was back in operation from a temporary site on Friday, June 14th. A small building located a short distance from the tower's base was not damaged, as the collapsing metal snaked its way around the structure without striking it. Thankfully, no one was injured in the mishap. (RW, All Access Music via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) WTFK? 1570, 71 watts at night, so a bit less QRM for XERF. No big loss as it`s just an ESPN clone. So what was the ``best way`` to get back on the air? Surely not restoring the tower that quickly. ARNL reports raises more questions than it answers. Maybe a temp longwire antenna, at site of a sibling station? And there is no such call with an -AM suffix (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY (STA): 1570 KVTK SD Vermillion – Granted STA of U1 695/71 from emergency longwire antenna, tower collapsed 6/10 (higher than licensed power but less efficient antenna). (AM Switch, NRC DX News July 8 via DXLD) ** U S A. CNN RADIO CLOSING DOWN --- CNN Radio [ceased] producing programming [June 25] as the company has shut down its radio division. In a press statement CNN said, “The company completed a review of its radio business and has made the decision to cease production of CNN Radio podcasts, effective immediately.” Around 12 staffers are affected by the move, although a few will reportedly be reassigned in the company. CNN Radio ceased producing newscasts for radio stations on April 1, 2012 when its syndication agreement with Dial Global ran out and was replaced by NBC News. At the time CNN planned to still “continue to create original audio news content for other distribution channels including CNN Newsource, the CNN Wire and CNN.com, plus Web and mobile applications” (via July WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) ** U S A. FCC and LP FM frequencies -- Democracy Now You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_gFYKGMO5Y (via Clara Listensprechen, DXLD) In Historic Victory for Community Radio, FCC Puts 1,000 Low-Power FM http://www.democracynow.org/2013/6/20/in_historic_victory_for_community_radio TRANSCRIPT [partial?] --- In a major victory for the community radio movement after a 15-year campaign, the Federal Communications Commission has announced it will soon begin accepting applications for hundreds of new low-power FM radio stations in October. This means nonprofits, labor unions and community groups have a one-time-only chance this year to own a bit of the broadcast airwaves. It is being heralded as "the largest expansion of community radio in United States history." We’re joined by two guests: Jeff Rousset, the national organizer of the Prometheus Radio Project, which has led the campaign to challenge corporate control of the media and open up this space on the dial, and Ramón Ramírez, the president of PCUN, the largest Latino organization in Oregon. In 2006, Prometheus Radio Project helped PCUN establish the low-power FM station "Movement Radio," which has helped inform farmworkers about labor rights, as well as the larger Latino community about immigration reform efforts, health issues and other community- related topics. The FCC’s short application window for new stations will run from October 15 to October 29. "This is a one-shot opportunity," Rousset says. "The work that we do over the next four months will really help shape the course of this country’s media landscape for the next 40 years." (via Kevin Redding, July 3, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. BOSTON PIRATE’S EQUIPMENT SEIZED --- The FCC first warned David Cange to stop broadcasting his pirate station in 2010 after Boston field agents used direction finding techniques to track the unlicensed station at 88.5 FM to his studio in Roslindale, MA. But the warning apparently didn’t do the trick. The U.S. Attorney in Boston says federal agents have seized the equipment used by the pirate station. FCC records show Cange was previously warned about a pirate station in Brockton, MA in 2006. “The FCC remains committed to shutting down pirate broadcasters whose operations potentially endanger public safety and interfere with the legitimate broadcasts of our licensees,” Enforcement Bureau chief Michele Ellison says. “We will continue to use all available enforcement tools, including equipment seizures, to protect the airwaves.” A warrant recently unsealed in U.S. District Court in Boston details the seizure of equipment, a move sought by the FCC after it received complaints from WRRS (88.5), which is a reading service to the visually impaired. According to an affidavit filed with the civil complaint, Cange was broadcasting from a shopping center (via July WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) ** U S A. AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN TWO PIRATE RADIO STATIONS IN NEW YORK Posted: Jul 03, 2013 11:15 PM GST Updated: Jul 04, 2013 8:10 PM GST By ANTWAN LEWIS, Fox 5 News Reporter NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) - If you're trying to find either 104.7 FM or 91.7 FM on your radio dial you're wasting your time. They are off the air. Mike Vecchione with the Rackets Division of the Kings County D.A.'s office said that back in April they got a tip that led to the arrest of Solomon Malka, 51, for operating 104.7 illegally. Investigators set up a sting operation that brought them to a 50-story building on Broad Street in Lower Manhattan. Detectives found illegal radio transmitters on top of the building and Malka inside it. "He claimed that he was the one who put the antenna up or helped put it up and put the transmitting equipment up and also admitted at that point that he knew they were not licensed," Vecchione said. The D.A.'s office gave Fox 5 pictures of the equipment that was seized. The station's format was Caribbean-style music. Malka is accused of using laptops to play the music. Then two weeks ago, authorities came to a building on East 76th Street in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn where they found evidence of a second radio station that was also operating illegally. At that point authorities took 91.7 FM off the air, too. The full investigation eventually included the arrest of a second suspect, Seon Bruce, 40, whom prosecutors say sometimes uses the name DJ Fresh Kid. Vecchione acknowledged that scores of such stations are likely operating in the United States. But his message to anyone thinking of setting up shop in New York: "Shut down. That's the message." Both defendants are charged with unauthorized radio transmission. They face up to a year in jail if convicted. Read more: [with video] http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22757466/authorities-shut-down-two-pirate-radio-stations-in-new-york#ixzz2Y7uVKJgW (via Bruce MacGibbon, OR, DXLD) BROOKLYN DUO ARRESTED FOR PIRATE RADIO STATION | Observer http://observer.com/2013/07/brooklyn-duo-arrested-for-operating-pirate-radio-station/ (Flickr) The Fresh Kid is off the air. In a press release yesterday, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes announced the arrests of Seon Bruce, 40, and Solomon Malka, 51, for operating a pirate radio station out of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The defendants have been charged with a class-A misdemeanor, Unauthorized Radio Transmission. If convicted, they could serve up to a year in jail. Mr. Bruce is believed to have been the deejay for the station, calling himself “The Fresh Kid.” The men were broadcasting on the radio frequency 104.7FM without a Federal Communications Commission license, DA Hynes said in a statement. A radio broadcast license in New York can cost millions of dollars. Several licensed station owners had complained that the pirate radio station was cutting into their business, the Daily News reported. The pair were allegedly selling ads on the station. In April, an FCC engineer tracked the underground radio station’s signal to a rooftop in Manhattan, where detectives promptly seized the transmitting equipment. Mr. Malka told investigators that he had installed the equipment, and was aware that the station was operating without a license. Detectives also found transmitting equipment for another radio station, 91.7FM, which was not broadcasting at the time. Mr. Malka falsely claimed that he had an FCC license for the station. In June, 91.7FM was found to be on the air, and the equipment was seized from an elevator room at the top of an apartment building in Brooklyn. New York has seen more FCC enforcement against pirate operations than any other state, according to a Federal Communications Commission spokesperson, with 330 official actions including citations, fines and shutdowns logged against pirate radio stations since 2003. This further supports our theory that New York is basically the underground college radio station of America (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) STATION HAD LISTENERS, JUST NOT A LICENSE The Caribbean music that bleeds into the Top 40 sounds came from the Bronx and Brooklyn version of 104.7, the FM frequency on which a pirate radio station, 104.7 the Fire Station, has squatted for at least the past decade. It has colorful DJs, live special guests, commercials and devoted listeners. What it does not have is a Federal Communications Commission license for its frequency. . . http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/nyregion/radio-pirates-of-the-caribbean-no-less-are-pulled-off-the-air.html (via Benn Kobb, DXLD) ** U S A. WBAI LAYS OFF ENTIRE STAFF --- Pacifica’s WBAI 99.5 New York has begun issuing notice to its entire staff and management that they’ll be out of work come July 15. The station has been having problems coming up with money to meet payroll and pay rent on its studios and Empire State Building transmitter site. The announcement comes a day after word that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is withholding funding to Pacifica’s five stations for insufficient accounting practices, misreported revenues and failure to comply with CPB rules on open meetings and financial transparency. One of the WBAI hosts claims that the layoffs have come about because “The Labor Department got wind that they were refusing to pay us.” WBAI launched its Emergency Transmitter Fund in March attempting to raise $500,000. At this point it has only raised $378,226 according to the station’s website. In the monthly treasurer’s report, WBAI Treasurer R. Paul Martin wrote on June 12 that the station will likely not be able to meet upcoming payroll and due rent. The General Manager has sent out an E-mail extending the Spring on-air fund raiser by four days on an emergency basis to raise more money. He says, and the CFO concurs WBAI does not have the money to make the June 15, and June 30, payrolls, nor the July 1, Empire State Building rent. The rest of the Pacifica Foundation may not be able to cover WBAI’s expenses later this month and early next month. In addition to WBAI, Pacifica owns 94.1 KPFA and 89.3 KPFB Berkeley/San Francisco, 90.7 KPFK Los Angeles, 90.1 KPFT Houston, and 89.3 WPFW Washington (via July WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) ** U S A. KSFR WORKERS, PATRONS DISCUSS STATION’S FUTURE Posted: Saturday, June 29, 2013 8:40 pm | Updated: 11:38 pm, Sat Jun 29, 2013. By David J. Salazar, The New Mexican | 4 comments Monday’s announcement by KSFR board President Marilyn Mason that the radio station’s general manager, Linda Highhill, had resigned “to pursue other interests” came as a shock to many in the KSFR community and led to questions about the station’s future. “It’s not about Linda, per se,” said John Trentacosta, host of a weekly jazz show, after a meeting Saturday of concerned producers, volunteers and patrons of KSFR. “Where is this station headed under the leadership of this board? That’s the bigger picture, and that’s what we really need to address and deal with.” Others who had gathered for Saturday’s meeting at the Rose Park, on the corner of Galisteo Street and Cordova Road, expressed similar concerns about the financial future of the radio station. They also complained about the board’s lack of transparency. But Mason said she and other board members share concerns about the station’s financial future, and that is what prompted Highhill’s resignation. Mason said Highhill’s departure is part of a plan to secure the fiscal future of KSFR, a public radio station based at Santa Fe Community College, with a greater emphasis on fundraising. Highhill didn’t have the requisite background in this area, she said. “We are in a transition plan as a governing board with the fiduciary responsibility for the station, and toward that end we have a new job description,” Mason said in a phone interview. “We’re not going for a general manger; we are looking to hire an executive director — someone with a background in fundraising who can work with the board in raising money so we can have a fiscally strong KSFR.” On Saturday, more than one person described Highhill’s resignation as “appalling.” In response to Mason’s statement Monday about Highhill’s depature, Trentacosta sent an email in which he said, “Linda has no other interests aside from her immediate family and KSFR was her family.” Her resignation came on the heels of the death of longtime station staple Diego Mulligan — who hosted a radio show for years — adding to the distress of the KSFR community. “I’m agitated, I’m confused, I’m concerned and I’m activated,” said Dan Piburn, who hosts the Jazz Impressions show at the station. Mason conceded that the announcement came at a bad time for the station. “Are they upset about the fact that it happened on the heels of Diego’s death?” she asked. “Of course. Who wouldn’t be?” But, she added, there wouldn’t have been an ideal time to make the announcement. She also responded to complaints about transparency: “There are certain issues that become a board issue where you cannot, from a board [viewpoint], discuss [it] with the full staff. … There’s a lot of information that isn’t known and wouldn’t be good for the station to discuss transparently.” She said she welcomes everyone’s questions about the future of the station — as long as they’re focused on the future. She, the board and Highhill have all agreed not to talk about the resignation for legal reasons, she said. “We want to be sure everyone has a chance to be heard,” she said, adding that two meetings have been set for Wednesday — at 3 and 6 p.m. in room 570 at the college. She also said that board members would be present, since many volunteers aren’t acquainted with them — a concern that was shared at the Rose Park. “I think it’s appalling that we as a community contribute to a public station in which we have no input,” said Meredith Speers, a KSFR patron. Trentacosta said Saturday’s meeting was an effort to increase representation of staff, volunteers and patrons before the board. “The main points are … trying to see how we could get the board, in general, to be representative of what the station’s really about,” he said, “which is a public, community radio station. We do not think the scheduled meetings with the producers and the board would be an adequate forum to address the things that we need to address.” (Santa Fe New Mexican via DXLD) ** U S A. EXCITING NEWS FROM 170 MILLION AMERICANS FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING Dear Glenn, We’ve got some exciting news to share with you today. The 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign will be making some major innovative changes. Over the past couple months, we have been working to rebrand and expand this campaign. New Name --- We are pleased to announce a new name for the campaign: ‘Protect My Public Media.’ The new name clearly states the goal of the campaign – to protect federal funding for public media. We will continue to ask public media activists -- like you -- to sign up on the campaign website as official activists and speak out on behalf of your local station and the programs you love. If you are receiving this message, you will automatically be signed up with the new campaign – Protect My Public Media. Our New Website --- We’ve also been busy working hard to revitalize the campaign website, which will re-launch on July 15. The new website will enable you to easily act to protect public media and tell your story of why public media is important to you. Starting July 15, the former 170 Million Americans website will automatically redirect to our new Protect My Public Media site. Social Media --- In addition to receiving our emails, we also invite you to join our campaign on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – there will be a seamless transition to our new social media handles. If you already like us or follow us, there is nothing that you need to do. Thank you for making 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting the successful campaign it is today, and we look forward to working with you to make Protect My Public Media even more successful in the future. We appreciate your ongoing support of public media. Together we will continue to strengthen public television and radio stations across our nation. Stacey Karp and Colleen Vivori, Protect My Public Media (formerly 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting) 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, national organizations, producers and our viewers and listeners throughout the country in favor of a strong public media in the United States. This project receives no government funding. http://www.170millionamericans.org/ 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting ©2011 All rights reserved (July 1 via gh, DXLD) ** VATICAN [non?]. Vatican Radio Special Broadcast Vatican Radio on air at 0845 UT on 21760 in Portuguese and 21740 in French with a live religious broadcast. Can anyone suggest which transmitter they will be using? Based on the poor signal strength and target area I am guessing it might be Talata Volondry but if anyone can clarify that would be appreciated (Chris Sentence, BDXC2178, West Yorkshire, UK, 0903 UT Sat June 29, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Special broadcasts, website in CESummerTime (UT + 2 hrs) http://it.radiovaticana.va/trasm_spec.asp http://it.radiovaticana.va/trasm_spec.asp?cod=txs_2013_06_29_ita.asp#txs http://en.radiovaticana.va/en3/trasm_spec.asp Usually Rome-noon broadcast on 21 MHz are from Vatican Radio site north of Rome at SMG. Azimuth lobe is southwards approx. 170 / 185 / or 236 degrees and only weak side-/backlobe reaches Albion. Downunder is deep winter season propagation at present. Why they should use 21 MHz from downunder up to N Africa on very long distances? If there is a transmitter free access available from MDG at this time hour? Send a RR to the Vatican Radio engineering department and ask for explanation. They are nice guys over there. 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** VENEZUELA. See INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non?] ** VIETNAM. QSL: Nha Trang radio 7906, sent email reply in Vietnamese thanking me for my report (according to Google translation tool), in 5 days for email report plus MP3 sent to ntrang_radio-at-vishipel.com.vn The report was in Vietnamese, composed using the Google and Bing translation tools. Judging from the response, my email was understandable, but I don't think they know what a QSL is (Bruce Portzer, Seattle WA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7906-USB // 8294-USB, Ho Chi Minh Radio - Vietnam Coast Radio Station, *1305-1316*, July 3. Started and ended with tones; two alerts in English; heavy accent; sounded like: “All stations, this is Ho Chi Minh Radio”; “fishing boat … missing since last contact”; “Vessels in vicinity requested to keep a sharp look out and assist. Please report directly any related information to Vietnam Coast Radio Station. This is Ho Chi Minh Radio over”; marine conditions (have seen this reported as a list of frequencies, but actually not “kilohertz”, instead “kilo- mét” (Vietnamese for kilometers); “Navigational warning” given. MP3 audio at https://www.box.com/s/5wir9htowaxecalm3pa8 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** WALES. UK (Wales): Ofcom recently reawarded the medium wave licence for Montgomeryshire to Radio Hafren Ltd. The Studios, The Park, Newtown, Powys SY16 2NZ, http://www.radiohafren.co.uk Radio Hafren broadcasts 24 h on 756 kHz a music led "AM radio for Mid Wales and the Borders". The station has been on the air since 2010, replacing Radio Maldwyn which had used the frequency since 1993. (Ofcom 12.6., 2.7.2012 via Dr. Hj. Biener) Vereinigtes Königreich (Wales): Die britische Regulierungsbehörde Ofcom hat das Senderecht der Mittelwellenstation Radio Hafren für Montgomeryshire bis zum 30. Juni 2020 verlängert. Bei einer Vorausschreibung des am 30. Juni 2013 auslaufenden Senderechts hatte bis zum 24. Mai 2012 nur der bisherige Senderechtsinhaber Radio Hafren Ltd. The Studios, The Park, Newtown, Powys SY16 2NZ, http://www.radiohafren.co.uk Interesse angemeldet. Radio Hafren ersetzte 2010 Radio Maldwyn, das ab dem 1. Juli 1993 auf der Mittelwelle 756 kHz sendete. Diese Station wurde ursprünglich mit Mitteln des Development Board for Rural Wales und des Montgomeryshire District Council ins Leben gerufen. Beide Einheiten existieren so nicht mehr, und auch diese Form der Finanzierung, so dass die Station seit den späten neunziger Jahren als kommerzielle Firma arbeitet. Bei "AM radio for Mid Wales and the Borders" ist es bislang geblieben, doch hat die Regulierungsbehörde jüngst eine UKW-Frequenz 102,1 MHz für Newtown zugelassen. In der Vorausschreibung heißt es ausdrücklich, dass die Mittelwelle 756 kHz unabhängig von eventuellen weiteren UKW-Frequenzen erhalten bleiben muss. Die Station hat folgende Sendungen, die mit Ausnahme der Nachtsendungen live oder as-live produziert werden. täglich 00.00 Celtica Overnight 02.00 A Little Night Music Mo-Fr 06.00 Breakfast to Brunch 11.00 Golden Years 15.00 Drivetime with Dave Englefield 19.00 Mo John Sambrook’s Fish Fry, Di Steve Snellings Rock Show, Mi Ser-Am Saith (Stars at Seven) gyda Alun Wyn Dafis, Do Steve Snelling goes Country, Fr Tony Wickham and the Jazz Experience 20.00 Mo John Sambrook’s Fish Fry, Di Steve Snellings Rock Show, Mi 60's Extra With Bill Everatt, Do Steve Snelling goes Country, Fr Tony Wickham and the Jazz Experience 21.00 Mo John Sambrook’s Fish Fry, Di Steve Snellings Rock Show, Mi Do Late Night Love Songs, Fr Tony Wickham and the Jazz Experience 22.00 Late Night Love Songs Sa 08.00-12.00 The Saturday Morning Show with Jonathan Davies 12.00-14.00 Totally 80's 14.00-18.00 Golden Years 18.00-21.00 Mike Whittinghams Classic Tracks 21.00-24.00 Dave Gould's Old School Hits So 08.00-10.00 Totally 80’s 10.00-12.00 Golden Years 12.00-16.00 The Vinyl Countdown 16.00-18.00 Totally 90's 18.00-19.00 An hour of Light Music 19.00-22.00 The Country Show with Gordon Davies 22.00-24.00 Late Night Love Songs (Ofcom 12.6., 2.7.2012 via Dr. Hj. Biener, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 630 watts on 756 kHz, from Newtown, per WRTH 2013 (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** ZAMBIA. ZNBC1 on 5915 is present with a reasonable carrier but seemingly poor modulation, and quite noisy with atmospheric QRN (Bill Bingham, Johannesburg RSA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZANZIBAR. 11735, ZBC, Zanzibar. Comment on soccer play Brazil vs Mexico at 1755 in Swahili, next LA song in Spanish, drums tam-tams, pips and ID “It’s 9h East African Time, this is the Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation, the news …“ in English on 19/6 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF2001D, antenna Folded Marconi 16 meters own made, July Australian DX News via DXLD) Nothing at all heard from ZBC Radio on 6015 this morning (0415-0433 check). Not sure if they are off air or if it is down to propagation which, in general, seems very variable at present in the Southern Africa region (Bill Bingham, Johannesburg RSA, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Bill, Thanks for your reports from RSA! Good to receive first hand info. Yes, seems Zanzibar is somewhat erratic. Bryan Clark (NZ) and I both confirmed 6015 off the air on June 24 (a day with very good African propagation); next checked on June 26, found their usual 0257 sign on with pop African music (assume Spice FM intro) and into the usual format; reciting from the Qur'an; better reception by 0340 (Ron Howard, California, ibid.) Also nothing at all heard from ZBC Radio on 11735 yesterday night at 1500, 1600 and 1700, traditionally with very good reception in Bulgaria (Ivo Ivanov, June 30, ibid.) 11735, June 30 at 2023, very poor signal with music, presumed ZBC active again (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [non-log]. 6015, ZBC Radio off the air July 1 during brief checks at 0307, 0326, 0333 and 0351; on a day with good Africa propagation (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE. POLICE TO BAN POSSESSION OF WIND-UP SHORTWAVE RADIOS By Nomalanga Moyo, SW Radio Africa, 27 June 2013 http://www.swradioafrica.com/2013/06/27/minister-theresa-makone-condoned-seizure-of-radios-by-police/ Co-Home Affairs Minister Theresa Makone has defended the move by police to ban possession of wind-up shortwave radios in February. The issue was raised in parliament by legislator Simon Hove, who wanted to know from the Minister what the motives for the ban were. A report in the Herald newspaper indicates that Makone, whose ministry is responsible for the police, condoned the seizures, saying the police were within their powers to confiscate the illegally imported radios. The same report also quoted Makone as saying the receivers were a security threat because they peddled hate speech. Outgoing MDC-T Highfield East MP Simon Hove, who asked the question in parliament, told SW Radio Africa Thursday that Minister Makone’s response left him none the wiser. He said Thursday: “I wanted to know the motive behind such selective and vindictive actions by the police. I wanted the minister to explain to me whether this was government policy or whether police were pursuing political parochial interests. “In her response, Makone went on to address the issue of two-way radio transmitters used by the police and security personnel, commonly known as ‘Over-Overs’, yet my question was specifically about shortwave radios used by ordinary citizens to access and acquire information,” Hove said. MP Hove said it did not make sense that the police viewed wind-up shortwave radios as a security threat. “People have a right to know what is happening around them and beyond. Besides radios do not tune themselves, individuals navigate through several stations before they select a particular station to listen to,” he said. Hove said towards the end of her answer Minister Makone appeared to acknowledge the usefulness of the shortwave radios but still seemed to justify the police actions by saying they were either confiscating illegally imported radios or acting against hate speech. This was also confirmed by the MDC-T MP for Mazoe Central, Shepherd Mushonga, who said Minister Makone first condoned radio seizures before adding that hate speech was also prevalent in the print media within the country. “The radios are not the problem, but the peddling of hate speech, and the police will also confiscate illegally imported radios. The threat is found when citizens are being set against each other,” Makone is quoted in the Herald as having said. Hove said: “Even so, there is no justification for the police to be raiding private citizens’ homes. They are supposed to take this up with the importers. Still, the receivers could not have got into the country without the authorities being aware.” Hove added that the so-called hate speech said to be peddled by radio stations based outside the country, which are the main target of the police ban, is nothing more than citizens finding an alternative channel to be heard. He said public figures should be prepared to be subjected to scrutiny by citizens: “Most of what is being called hate speech by the police is people expressing themselves on issues that wouldn’t have been attended to by elected officials. “The solution is not in shutting out those voices but in listening to what the people are saying,” Hove said. SW Radio Africa could not get a comment from Minister Makone, as her assistant said she was in a meeting. Since the confiscations began in February, human rights activists have raised concern that the banning of the solar powered radios violates the people’s constitutional right to information (via Ron Howard, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. Radio Dialogue, 12105, via Talata Volondry to Zimbabwe, full detailed e-letter for e-report to radio @ radiodialogue.com v/s Sanele Njini, Online Editor. (Artur Fernández Llorella, Catalonia, Spain, You can see some images in my DX blog: http://maresmedx.blogspot.com.es/ Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 1020, June 30 at 0522 UT, QRM to semi-local KOKP Perry OK sounds like the deep voice of the weekend guy on Coast to Coast AM, but there are no 1020 stations on its affiliate list in USA or Canada; no, not KDKA --- on FM in that market. I also thought I heard KCKN mentioned (in English), not necessarily from same QRM; any change in Roswell? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see USA: STA UNIDENTIFIED. 1070, June 30 at 0528 UT, sounds like Roy Masters, looping N-S; instead of on 1090 from KAAY E-W, where he would not be on a Saturday night, anyway. Extensive affiliate list at http://www.fhu.com/radiostations.html does not show any on 1070. Could it be KLIO Wichita which has been known to break away from main True Oldies format at other times? No Kansas affils on his list. Banner ad I see at top of http://www.trueoldies1070.com/ is for Auto Masters, not close enough, and there is no program schedule to be found (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Curiosidad en 6115 --- Uno de los días feriados de la semana pasada, estaba haciendo sintonía en 6115 antes de la 2100 UT que empieza R. Veritas [PHILIPPINES, 250 kW, 350 degrees] en Chino, dado que hace tiempo había escuchado una emisión en español en la frecuencia. Y esta vez antes del comienzo de R. Veritas se escuchaba música y uno de los temas era Garota de Ipanema de Vinicius y Toquinho. Parecía que se trataba, por tener similar intensidad de la señal, de emisiones de R. Veritas anteriores a su S/on, lo que resulta curioso que hayan pasado una canción latinoamericana. Les dejo el link de la grabación por si les interesa: http://200.51.93.37/green2de/veritas6115.mp3 73's (Miguel Castellino, Argentina, 1924 UT June 28, condiglista yg via DXLD) A veces sucede. No recuerdo si Radio Farda u otra pasaban a veces el Condor Pasa. Sí que es raro, pero es posible (Claudio Galaz, Chile, ibid.) We now know that WWCR will be taking over 6115 from WYFR and WWCR will start at 2100. It`s to replace 6875, the frequency which had included the Spanish hour weekdays at 21-22. Altho propagation as far as S America that early before sunset seems unlikely, possibly the previous unID in Spanish was WWCR testing in the hour+ before WYFR was coming up on it. 6115 is also a `reserve` frequency for Minsk, Belarus, which has some Spanish broadcasts (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Noise across the 7 MHz band, July 3 at 0521, gradually diminishing out to the edges, with irregular peaks circa: 6685, 6760, 6820, 6865, 6910, 6950, 7000, 7035, 7100, 7175, 7210, 7265, 7295, 7345, 7380, 7435, 7470, 7510, 7550, 7585, 7620, 7680, 7725, 7755, 7800, 7835. Some others maybe obscured by strong signals, such as 7405 Cuban jamming and R. Martí, but not in the center of this panoply. I don`t hear these at other dayparts (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. [Re 13-26] This might be your 7600 pirate. From Hungary. http://lightningradiosw.blogspot.com/ DH KCMO (Dave Hughes, June 28, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) It's certainly not the Hungarian pirate as it was low-powered and couldn't be heard well in Western Europe. Furthermore, he played alternative rock and indies music, not disco. :) (Georgi Bancov, Bulgaria, June 29, ibid.) Yes, Georgi I kind have my doubts as to this being the unid pirate too. It was merely a suggestion. I think a few people have tried to contact him to see, if on a longshot, it was him (Hughes, ibid.) Hi Dave, Thanks for the suggestion, however I'm also doubtful that it was this station, not so much the different format, but the signal was much too strong for a low-powered Hungarian. Maybe it'll be back another day and reveal itself! (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, ibid.) I contacted the Hungarian Operator after I heard weak Rock & roll music on 7600 via Twente around 1900 UT today 6/29. He replies: ``Hi, I played some rock music on 7600 kHz on Thursday and Friday night. I run some test, I want to resume regular transmissions next month. Previously I also heard that station on the same frequency playing disco music, it wasn't me. So those were two different stations and I don't know who the other one was.`` DH KCMO (Hughes, ibid.) That's great, Dave, now just wondering who played the disco music. Hmmmmmm, another mystery. Thanks, (Steve Mason, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 26110F[M?], UnID threshold level signal 0335, in fact seemed to be two stations, one with music and one with talk. KOVR TV Sacramento was heard here last year with studio link, but what I was hearing didn’t seem to be consistent with their program guide. One needs to be careful here as Asian two-way traffic is sometimes heard on the frequency, though tends to be distinctive and very short overs, 14/6 (Craig Seager, Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Murphy B40-C, Racal RA 6790/GM, Afedri SDR-Net), July Australian DX News via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 55.25 MHz, July 3 at 2343, NTSC video fades in weakly for less than a minute, with antenna south. Probably Mexico ch A2 trying to reach here by sporadic E (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contributions always welcome by PayPal, not necessarily in US funds, but no credit cards, to woradio at yahoo.com or By check or MO in US funds to P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702 PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ INTERNATIONAL RADIO CLUB OF AMERICA --- NO MORE DX MONITOR HARD COPIES June 29, 2013 – Volume 50, Number 29 – Edition 1600 – ISSN 899-9733 FROM THE PRESIDENT (Lee J. Freshwater) Dear Members: For the past year, I have been calling for someone to step up and assume the DX Monitor publishing duties. No one came forward. So, I was forced to submit a proposal to the Board of Directors. IRCA will become an “Internet ONLY” club with the beginning of the next volume. The Board of Directors officially accepted and approved this proposal on June 3, 2013 with all BoD members voting in favor. Please read this proposal carefully so you understand your choices. 25.2.7 – Cease publication of the hard copy DX Monitor, beginning with the next volume, Volume 51 Number 1, dated August 23, 2013. All current HDXM subscribers will have the choice of the following: 1) Have their membership pro-rated to the SDXM (Soft DX Monitor). 2) Get a full refund on remaining issues. Dues expiration dates are printed on your label. HDXM members WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING LYNN HOLLERMAN WITH THEIR CHOICES, EITHER BY E-MAIL OR SNAIL-MAIL. The Ocala Publishing Center will close down on July 7, 2013. Sample copies will no longer be sent via the U.S. Postal Service. - Submitted by Lee Freshwater, President, International Radio Club of America, on June 1, 2013. FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF After this issue, there is only ONE hardcopy edition left. I decided to put my comments last instead of at the top of the bulletin to accommodate the news of the demise of the hard copy DX Monitor. I’ve heard all the reasons for no one stepping forward to take over the publishing duties; I do not agree with one possible reason: apathy. There just isn’t anyone in IRCA with time enough to publish DX Monitor every week during the DX season. I think the main reason for no one stepping forward for this important duty is lack of time. Right now, my time is taken up with putting together DX Monitor, in addition to editing Eastern DX Roundup, DX Worldwide East and SportChannels. IRCA is not the only club going the electronic route; the Worldwide TV-FM DX Association (WTFDA) is phasing out the hard copy edition of their bulletin, “VHF/UHF Digest”. Even I have joined the electronic age in WTFDA, opting to switch from hard copy to soft copy. Each member who opts to have dues pro-rated (like I have) will still get the DXM in Rich Text Format (I switched from Plain Text because RTF keeps the bulletin formatted; Plain Text does not allow me to format the SDXM) with the link for the PDF version on the Web site, which can be downloaded. The one major change is that the page limits are gone - -- column editors can submit as big of columns as they want. Since I took on these duties three years ago, the biggest DXM I’ve put together has been a 36-pager, although I’ve kept a 28-page limit for most issues. (I, for one, wouldn’t mind seeing an occasional 48- pager.) Your Editor-in-Chief has also thrown out the dial-up service (finally!) in favor of a broadband connection. It has also made uploading audio clips of my DX (not only AM, but also FM, SW and NOAA Weather Radio) to my Box account a whole lot faster and easier (IRCA DX Monitor June 29 via DXLD) Not coincidentally: AM LOGBOOK TO CLOSE http://www.amlogbook.com/amlog.htm It is with deep regret that I announce the closing of the AMLOGBOOK. I no longer have the time nor the desire to spend the countless hours of updating and keeping track of AM Radio stations. I have not DX'ed in three years and do not see any Dxing in my immediate future. Noise levels have gotten to the point where Dxing for me is a waste of time, not to mention the lack of anything worth listening to on this forgotten radio band. It's been a pleasure to provide station information for radio hobbyists since 1995, and I am glad I was able to provide it as a FREE service to DX'ers. But time marches on. I will leave the AMLOGBOOK site posted for the next several months. I will then be canceling my domain and email. Thank you for all your support over the years. All the best (Lee J Freshwater, Ocala, FL, July 1, IRCA via DXLD) Lee, You have provided a great service for many years and all of us folks who sit and listen for hours owe you a major debt of gratitude (Mike Hawkins, ibid.) Lee, Your AM Logbook will be missed, but I understand the time it must take. Thank you very much for providing such a great service for so long. 73, (Patrick Martin, Seaside OR, ibid.) format=flowed Lee, I too would like to echo the thanks of DX'ers everywhere. One can only imagine the time you devoted to the effort, truly a labor of love. I share your frustration with the growing noise levels, but hope to continue to find ways to combat it -- and enjoy AM DXing. The past few days have been spent in a campground, doing some ultralight DXing with a Sony SRF-615. Here away from power lines, and most noise sources, it's easy to remember what attracted me to AM DXing in the first place. Hope that you find time to return to the dials, and reasons for doing so. 73, (Les Rayburn, N1LF, ibid.) Lee: I am extremely grateful for your AM Logbook site. Without it, I would not have an accurate list of stations in Braille. A magazine for the blind called the "Braille Technical Press" published an AM log in the late 60's and, although it quickly became outdated, I desperately hung on to it for about 30 years. What a joy it was to throw that away when I was able to print out your data in Braille. I now keep it on a portable computer Braille display, so I can look up stations while traveling. So, thank you very much for facilitating my enjoyment of the hobby (Doug Martin, ibid.) Subject: [IRCA] Lee Freshwater's legacy [or rather, his:] To which I respond: I know the feeling. It has been only recently that I realized that I gave up DX'ing at least five years ago, but I had not given up keeping (or at least trying to keep) a complete list of AM stations in a format that I found useful, thinking that when I returned to the hobby, I'd be ready. A couple of years ago, I bought a Perseus and a computer with enough memory to handle it ... but I never hooked them up. I thought it'd be nice to add an phase an ALA loop and and a 300-foot mini-bog and concentrate of phasing QRM to concentrate on Mexican stations. But between genealogy, writing for the weekly Krum News, keeping up with friends on Facebook, following local high school sports, etc., when would I find the time to check every frequency at the top of the hour to cull out station breaks for my taped collection thereof? I've joked that I invented DX'ing back in 1947, when I was a seventh- grader. I'd never heard of the hobby, but I did have a White's Radio Log and I and a couple of buddies in Corvallis, Oregon, started listing the stations we could hear. We haunted the local commercial radio station, KRUL, and I learned about Broadcasting Magazine, Radio Daily, and their yearbooks, which gave much more detail than White's, or Stevenson's. For a couple of weekends, I commandeered a desk at KRUL and typed the complete list of AM stations for my own use. I visited KOAC, the Oregon State non-commercial station and got to know Grant Feikert, the long-time chief engineer, W7DE, who tried to encourage me to become a ham. I learned about QSL'ing from Grant, but never in my wildest dreams thought broadcast stations would QSL reception reports. In 1950, when I was 15, I bought my first subscription to Broadcasting Magazine. It cost $7.00, and included the Yearbook! But in 1950, I discovered Ken Boord's Radio Television News shortwave DX column and realized that broadcast stations on the shortwave bands did encourage listener reports and rewarded DX'ers with QSLs. I jumped into SWL'g with a bang, and actually was among the first to hear a couple of stations, 4VEH and TGNA, becoming a regular monitor for the latter. I did hear a couple of unusual AM stations in 1950, WHHM-1340, Memphis, and WLDS-1180, Jacksonville IL, and, despite my skepticism about AM stations QSL'g, I sent reports to those two and was surprised when I received actual QSL-cards from each. But I was hooked on SWBC, more-or-less abandoning BCB. I kept up my subscription to Broadcasting, I kept up my fandom for KRUL, and when I started scorekeeping and story-writing for the equivalent of Little League in 1951, by the time I got to high school, I was doing half- time and post-game stats for KRUL's high school play-by-play broadcasts --- purely as a hobby. It wasn't until 1955 that I joined a radio club, URDXC, then NNRC, but still concentrated on SWBC. In 1955, I took my first full-time radio job, at KCOV-1240, Corvallis, and that winter, it became my duty to verify a taped reception report of our sign-off from Roy Millar in Issaquah, Washington. Roy introduced me to NRC, I did a DX program that drew valid reception reports from as far east as Oklahoma City and as far west as Dunedin, N.Z., plus a couple of incorrect tentatives from DX'ers farther east whom I later learned were of dubious reputation ... Thus began my connection with NRC, and, later, IRCA, as well as my broadcasting career, the growing knowledge of the hobby, its history, its mystique --- and I have been eyeball-to-eyeball with many of the grandest names in the DX hobby in following 57 years. I'll be in Minneapolis next month, renewing acquaintances and meeting new friends --- but, Lee, I have to admit -- I'm not a DX'er anymore (John Callarman, KA9SPA, Family Genealogist, Retired Newspaper Editor, DX-oyente, Krum TX (AKA Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon), ibid.) Subject: [IRCA] DXers signing off Reading the posts by Lee Freshwater and John Callarman left me feeling saddened and nostalgic. Saddened for the obvious decline of AM radio and our DXing hobby, and saddened to see two of our legendary DXers signing off. And nostalgic for those magical winter nights when I was a teen in the 1950s-60s, listening first with a little Zenith table radio, then with a Hallicrafters S-85, feeling the excitement of hearing 1 or 5 kW stations in California from my western PA QTH, or the OCs suddenly bursting into the SSB with the s/on of a 500 watter in the deep South, or the barely audible 1YZ on 800, or the amazing signals from daytimers doing Monday-AM FCs or ETs or DX tests on actual clear channels, or the evening parade of s/offs on 1580 progressing westward every 15 minutes, or the astonishing morning when HCJB-1310 faded up to top the channel after sunrise for a once- in-a lifetime clear ID, or typing my report to NRC's DX News and sending it off. Well, as the song says, everything must change, nothing stays the same --- but it's been a great ride, and I'm glad for all of us who got to be a part of it! (Fred Schroyer, ibid.) Like everyone else, I'm sorry to read this morning's posts from Lee and John, and the additional comments about the general decline of the AM-DXing hobby. The domestic radio scene certainly isn't very inspiring, and pessimism seems to be the order of the day. Some giants of the hobby are passing judgment on our future, and calling it a day. Unlike almost everyone else, though, I'm convinced that the AM-DXing hobby still has plenty of excitement to offer those who are willing to take on new challenges -- and try out new styles of DXing. At the peak of the IBOC-inspired pessimism in late 2007 DXers were all too eager to throw off the funereal mindset that was dominating both the IRCA and NRC lists, and take on an exciting new challenge. John Bryant and I formed the Ultralight Radio DXing community primarily to provide DXers an alternative to the gloom-and-doom atmosphere, and the new niche group caught on like wildfire. A positive, exciting message will drown out pessimism every time. Ultralight radio DXing is tough, challenging and completely different from relying on table receivers and large antennas for success -- but the challenge forces you to develop new skills and attitudes, something that you haven't needed to do for decades. The other side of the coin is that the new challenge provides you with DXing excitement that you haven't felt for decades, either! The accidental loss of John Bryant in early 2010 was a shock to us all, and could have given the ULR community a legitimate reason to "throw in the towel." But guess what? John's organizational work had done had already laid a firm foundation of optimism and excitement in our community, and we continued to grow like wildfire. Today our Yahoo group has well over 1300 members, and I honestly can't remember when anyone on Ultralightdx has posted a gloom-and-doom message about the future of the AM-DXing hobby. I was a teenage DXer in the IRCA in 1969, and can well remember how favorable DXing conditions were with clear channels, Monday morning sign-off periods and frequent DX tests. But I can honestly say that the past few years have been far more exciting, with new discoveries like the FSL antennas, enhanced ocean cliff transoceanic propagation and computer-based sharing of MP3 files. Recently two of the most vibrant segments of the AM-DXing community (Perseus-SDR DXers and the ULR community) have cooperated to develop the new Broadband FSL antenna, which has the potential to provide breakthrough spectrum- capture capability on ocean side cliffs. There will be other exciting AM-DXing challenges coming in the next few years, both in antenna development and transoceanic DXing... and I personally can't wait to see what the future will bring. I may sound like a voice in the wilderness, but I'm sure that noted DXers like Allen Willie, Rob Ross, Richard Allen, Gary Deacon and others will agree with me :-) 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA), Ultralight Radio Group Co-Founder, IRCA via DXLD) I too read with sadness of the decision to discontinue the AM Logbook site. Lee's announcement generated a number of comments lamenting the current state of the hobby and folks leaving it. I have a different story to tell. I started BCB Dxing as a youngster and loved it. That led me to SWLing which in turn led me to amateur radio. I'm retired now have downsized; no more big ham radio towers and antennas but I am a DXer at heart. Two years ago I 'rediscovered' the AM band and BCB Dxing. It gives me my Dxing fix and have been totally and thoroughly enjoying it. My enthusiasm spread to my brother who is also now enjoying his AM Dxing, and for him, FM as well. So, it's not all doom and gloom. Despite IBOC, noisy listening, etc, etc, there is life in the hobby. The online tools we have available to aid and abet us in the hobby are incredible compared to my early internet-less days. Today's radios and antenna technology are equally as incredible. I was reading some of these posts and couldn't help but think of Mark Twain's obit comment about reports of his death being greatly exaggerated. Have fun, guys. I am! (Anthony R Gargano, N2SS, ibid.) Anthony, I appreciate your comments. What has happened in my case is not that I've lost my love for DX, it's simply that other time- consuming hobbies have moved up the list of how I enjoy spending my time. During the first six years that I moved back to Texas, I enjoyed the challenge of identifying the stations that would from time to time give me enough clues for a positive ID and a decent tape on a crowded frequency. I could still enjoy the challenge, but there are things that I now enjoy more. I'm so far behind on keyboarding genealogical and family history information I've collected into the data base I could spend 24/7 for months on that chore alone. I'd like to put KA9SPA back on the air, having enjoyed DX'ing, county hunting, 10-10, and schmoozing with fellow hams a Dayton. At my age, 78, the primary legacy I want to leave is a completed family history on Callarmans, where I've identified more than 6,000 descendants of the first John Callarman in America, who died in Fleming County, Kentucky in 1819. The lure of DX remains, but the temptation is currently being resisted. Carry on, fellow DX'ers, and keep the hobby going! (John Callarman, KA9SPA, Family Genealogist, Retired Newspaper Editor, DX- oyente, Krum TX (AKA Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon), ibid.) Lee, you have put tremendous work into the AM logbook, and it's a directory I use often. But I can understand when a labour of love turns into, well, labour. The band certainly isn't what it used to be, and I there certainly are many worthwhile things to do with the brief blip of time most of us get on this planet. I do hope that you will in some way keep in touch with those of us who persist at the dials, and you'll always be welcomed back into the active ranks. May I make one suggestion. The volunteers who put together the paper NRC AM log also have done a marvelous job. I've used these year after year as I have also logged onto Lee's site on a regular basis. I would gladly pay for some kind of combined effort. Lee, I know you want to step down. But is there a way to pass this on rather than ending it? Could it perhaps be a joint IRCA-NRC effort? I like the NRC log because it's handy at the radio table, and I can write notes in it. I like Lee's online log because it's perpetually up to date. The two combined are really indispensable for the serious DXer of North American AM radio. I realize these things cost money. Perhaps a higher discounted rate to members of both clubs, a slightly lesser discount to members of one of the clubs, and of course a higher annual fee for non-members of any of the two clubs. I will join/rejoin both clubs and also contribute to a subscription. The paper log could still be printed every summer/fall - the timing is perfect. I'd be happy to volunteer my time to oversee Canadian data for both of the combined entities - say as Canadian logbook/directory editor. Anyhow, hate to see a very good piece of work come to an end. (Saul Chernos, Burnt River ON, IRCA via DXLD) If either club (or a combined group) want to take it over. I say "go for it". Anyone can download the spreadsheet, and update it. They are more than welcome to my work. And thank you all for the kind words. I am not dead, I am not totally leaving the hobby. I plan to remain a member of IRCA for the foreseeable? future. I am just tired. I still have my KIWA Loop and Drake R-8. They aren't going anywhere (Lee J Freshwater, Ocala, FL, http://www.amlogbook.com http://www.bgs.cc ibid.) For one, I am still very interested in MW DXing. For me, the limiting factor is that there is no commercial availability of these new and exciting ferrite sleeve antennas. For those having the physical skills to make their own FSL antennas the fun and challenges are certainly there. In my case severe arthritis in my 80 year-old hands and wrists makes this task impossible. I hope that some enterprising person will set up a process where some of us could purchase a FSL antenna. Right now I am limited to loops like the Terk Advantage or the the Quantum loop. Outdoor choices like the large loops with masts and rotators are not possible for those living under homeowner or condo association restrictions (Neil Bell, KJ6FBA, ibid.) I'm wishing the same thing. FSL is a power DX tool in a micro space. I'd love to see the FSL and the Grayland QDFA for commercial release. I can play piano, but I can't play the soldering gun : ( Thanks (Derek Vincent, IRCA via DXLD) Lee, thanks for all the work that you put into this for so many years. I have the site bookmarked on my Favorites. I've read some of the comments and hope that someone else can pick up the torch. There is still DX on the MW band, you just need to dig more. Equipment and antennas will play a larger role than in the past. Noise reduction is something that we all need to learn. Station automation brings us stations that don't switch to night power/pattern due to computer malfunctions so we need to be active on the DX Lists. HS Football in the fall can bring in new catches. And don't forget about stations on high power due to weather conditions. So don't give up on MW as change is always in the future (Martin Foltz, Mission Viejo CA, ibid.) There really should not be much talk about the end of the hobby. In the last 5 years, there has been fantastic international DX reported from Newfoundland, the midwest and the Pacific NW. Perhaps that is not your thing, but it does indicate that with special antennas and special (SDR) receivers, it is possible from North America to receive stations from India to Mozambique to Chile. There's plenty to keep me interested although it may mean travel for a week and reviewing SDR recordings for a year (Chuck [Hutton?], ibid.) Gary DeBock said: ``John Bryant and I formed the Ultralight Radio DXing community primarily to provide DXers an alternative to the gloom-and-doom atmosphere, and the new niche group caught on like wildfire. A positive, exciting message will drown out pessimism every time. Ultralight radio DXing is tough, challenging and completely different from relying on table receivers and large antennas for success-- but the challenge forces you to develop new skills and attitudes... something that you haven't needed to do for decades. The other side of the coin is that the new challenge provides you with DXing excitement that you haven't felt for decades, either!`` Yeah, and thanks for that. A chance meeting with Richard Allen at the OKC Train Show a few years back where the discussion turned from trains to the subject of TP DXing on ultralights lead me to a Tecsun PL606 (though he and I would probably prefer "Oklahomun"-branded radios). I've not done as much AM DXing as I'd like subsequently, but I would not have done *any* (save for Cubs baseball on WGN in the car at night) had it not been for the ULR folks. I gotta say, the *content* of the broadcasts these days really turns me off on two levels: one is the sameness - regardless of station, it's all programmed out of the same corporate offices in a way that it wasn't 30-40 years ago. Worse, the ads are all the same! The other is that there is so much *crap* on the airwaves! Political, conspiracies, combinations of same. Back in the day, the most radical thing you were likely to hear was the stuff from the Chicago Federation of Labor on WCFL (1000 kHz, Chicago - now WMVP). I'd be hesitant to give a kid an ultralight these days given some of what can be heard (and explained the next morning). But it's still just as exciting to log a new station! (Peter Laws | N5UWY | plaws plaws net | Travel by Train! IRCA via DXLD) I've been DXing since the early 1970's but only got seriously involved in medium wave around 1996 (so I don't have the same experience base as those of you who lived through the "golden years" of the hobby), and my enthusiasm for DXing has remained fairly constant during most of those years. I currently use a 16' x 36' superloop with a Perseus on my suburban lot, and last year was able to log about 170 new stations in large part due to that setup. I've been fighting noise issues during most of that time but, so far, seem to be able to come up with solutions that let me continue to listen. Once or twice a year I'll also go to a DX-friendly location like the beach and record a couple of nights' worth of SDR recordings which gives me plenty to go through for the rest of the year. So, for me, anyway, there is till a lot of challenges left in the hobby and I continue to look forward to DXing for as long as I can. Thanks to Lee and Barry and all the others who donate so much time and effort to provide top-notch information (Brett Saylor, ibid.) Obviously, the stations are still out there (for the most part), and the propagation mechanisms still work. ``There's plenty to keep me interested although it may mean travel for a week and reviewing SDR recordings for a year.`` That's a minority interest at best. Sure, great catches are still available from great locations, but most of us in the hobby are primarily interested in DXing from our home locations. For us, these are discouraging times, with no hope of improvement in sight. Kudos to Lee Freshwater; he did yeoman service providing a free source of AM station information for many years, and it was his database that gave me the opportunity to start my own free lookup/search site. I fully sympathize with his feelings; it's hard to justify continuing to put the time and effort into maintaining such a site when your own DX efforts are frustrated by intolerable local noise levels. I'm not planning to shut my site down anytime soon, but you can only sustain the interest for so long (Barry McLarnon VE3JF Ottawa, ON, NRC-AM via DXLD) Hi all, At least I've found the database [Freshwater`s] very useful, especially the Excel version which could be filtered in various ways. I've identified approximately 600 AM stations across the pond. I really appreciate the effort, 73 (Markku Jussila, Karper?, Finland, ibid.) IT'S ONLY A HOBBY, BUT --- John, another thing you bring to the table is PERSPECTIVE. You have a few years on me but not so many that I don't appreciate what your Macro view can mean. Appropriately, your last line says it all: "Carry on, fellow DX'ers, and keep the hobby going!" Lee Freshwater's desire to spend some time in reinvention is a healthy one, methinks. I've been watching his long-time requests for help that seemingly have gone unanswered. At the same time, some of us see the multiple postings on these reflectors from folks who don't belong to either club but are obviously interested in DX activities. So we know there's energy out there. Having said all that, many of us heed your advice and don't intend to let a dwindling interest in DX-ing get away from us. On Friday night 8/2 at the convention, Skip Dabelstein will lead what I hope will be a spirited and POSITIVE discussion on the future of the clubs and what we can do to provide useful services, attract new members and reinvigorate existing membership. We do not intend to let this discussion stray all over 'yesterday' but instead focus on today and tomorrow. Many believe we're at a watershed in both clubs. Fewer members are carrying more of the load. Club Board members (who also have a 'life') are accused of being indifferent; but we sometimes forget they're paid their dues over the years. Fewer folks are reading the on-line offerings when nothing new is offered. That happens because members (who of course also have a 'life') don't make sharing a priority. A primary purpose of this year's convention is to audit and hopefully renew an interest in all this. It'll be good to hear what people say about expectations. It may well be that a good number of folks throw up their hands at it all, but as my friend Jim Wulliman would say to the rest of us, "Don't get mad --- get involved!" I hope we can unearth a way to turn up involvement and tap the perceived potential energy. A complete report will be posted following the discussions for those of you interested but unable to make the convention. Kudos to those of you who will be there and will hopefully 'get involved.' (Mark Durenberger, On the Road, NRC-AM via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ AGENDA FOR THE 2013 CONVENTION – “LEARNING AND SHARING” IN THE TWIN CITIES The program agenda for the combined 2013 DX Convention is taking shape. This year’s event is called “Learning and Sharing 2013” and we have a lot of both for you. Folks from the National Radio Club, the IRCA and the Minnesota DX Club will keep your attention through the three days of the get-together. Here’s a partial list of topics: “Interference workshop” (DX-ing in noisy environments, how to enlist the help of the power company for electrical noise; how to quiet down smaller antennas). We’ll hear about Nick’s “DXFISHBARREL” and share a session on using the grey-line. There’ll be updates on what’s going on these days from Long-Wave to 10 gigahertz. Sessions on Ultralights and SDRs: Antenna design sessions will include short verticals for MW, antenna advancements by Kaz; the quest for the ‘perfect’ loop antenna, and the latest on the FSL antenna. Thursday night we’re trying to put together a DX-Pedition with a Beverage antenna on an abandoned railroad bed. We also hope to set up an antenna at the hotel for your use in capturing signals in the Minneapolis area. As a bonus, we’ve added a Friday lunch to the schedule, featuring a fascinating presentation by the IEEE on state-of-the-art antenna advancements. Friday night at the Museum we’ll enjoy a Pizza-Fest, “Show-and-Tell” from members and we’ll block out time for separate club business meetings, followed by discussions of general interest. (Among topics will be “the aging of the clubs,” how to attract new members, what services club members would like.) The world-famous auction will also be held at the Museum Friday night, and this year we anticipate some very nice radio gear going on the block. Saturday evening’s banquet will feature Dean Sorenson, long-time radio broadcaster and a DX Audio Service member who’ll share a fascinating look at what it’s like to build and manage radio stations. The banquet will be followed by the DX Quiz. Time and hotel rooms are running out for registration to the joing DX convention in Minneapolis, August 1-4, 2013. Registration information is found at http://www.nrcdxas.org/ You can register there via PayPal. If you register for the August DX Convention by mail, please note the address has changed. Send your snailmail registration to: Wayne Heinen National Radio Club Post Office Box 473251 Aurora, CO 80047-3251 United States of America If you have questions, please contact Host Mark Durenberger at http://www.durenberger.com For further information about the clubs, go to: http://www.ircaonline.org/ We hope to see you in August at this historic convention. (IRCA DX Monitor June 29 via DXLD) Don`t forget WTFDA participation PICTURES: HAM RADIO 2013, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN My little tour in pictures of this weekend's Ham Radio 2013 in Friedrichshafen is now attached to my website: http://ratzer.at/galerien/ham-radio-2013 Enjoy! 73 from (Salzburg, Christoph Razzer, http://ratzer.at http://remotedx.wordpress.com June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Indeed -- well, enjoyed it. When seeing the Icom rig tuned to 89.6 I immediately expected something appalling. And looking it up did not disappoint that expectation. Not more pictures of the chain saw massacre? And the close similarity to this fuss is unmistakable: http://www.wwwagner.tv/?p=16317 (Kai Ludwig, ibis.) DX-PEDITIONS ++++++++++++ INVITATION TO PACIFIC BEACH DU-DXING Hello All, For those of you on the west coast who are looking for a new DXing challenge during the summer doldrums, why not consider chasing South Pacific DX at ocean beach parks around sunrise? Even though the MW band seems to be in rigor mortis during most of the day, we are actually entering into the peak season for South Pacific DX-- one of the quirks of gray-line propagation related to superb winter- season conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. When John Bryant first told me about this kind of extreme long-range DX in the middle of summer, it sounded like science fiction --- but it's all true. You don't need expensive receivers or monster antennas to participate- - or even an FSL on an ocean side cliff, All of the signals linked below (some quite exotic) were made with simple Ultralight radios and 3' (or 4') portable box loops at ocean beach parks near sea level. The biggest challenge is probably getting out of bed at around 4 AM local time to be at the beach around the first break of dawn. From then on, your DU-DXing results will depend on propagation, local QRM, and luck. Unlike Asian TP-DX signals, South Pacific DX almost always requires a healthy dose of salt water for good results -- and can reach astonishing levels over an all-salt water path (even on simple equipment). The most important advantage that you can give yourself is persistence, the determination to show up at the beach as often as necessary to give you the South Pacific DXing results that you desire. You might get a phenomenal propagation opening the first time that you show up, or you might strike out completely. If you are persistent, though, you will probably come away with some exciting South Pacific DX sooner or later -- and a new appreciation of AM-DXing opportunity during the "summer doldrums." For those who are interested and have questions, please feel free to post on the list (which is viewed by several transoceanic DXing experts) or contact me directly. Good luck! 639-2HC (Coff's Harbour, Australia, 5 kW) July 18, 2010 at Seaside, OR (3' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/642ekfy6rehweld/639-2HC-1256z071810PL380.mp3.MP3 648-New Zealand's Rhema (Gisborne, NZ, 5 kW, now on 684 kHz) August 9, 2009 at Grayland, WA (3' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/yydthhe19oz/648-NZ-Rhema1241UTC080909SWP.MP3 675-RNZ National (Christchurch, NZ, 10 kW) August 9, 2009 at Grayland, WA (3' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/download/ns2dlziynzw/675-3YA1255UTC080909SWP.MP3 738-RFO Tahiti (Mahina, Tahiti, 20 kW) August 9, 2009 at Grayland, WA (3' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/otdztimjktn/738-Tahiti1217UTC080909D96L.MP3 738-2NR (Grafton, Australia, 50 kW July 20, 2010 at Lincoln City, OR (3' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/h97pv3inxv2hr27/738-2NR1240Z071810PL380.MP3 846-2RN (Canberra, Australia, 10 kW) August 20, 2010 at Lincoln City, OR (4' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/4n6bjtju0lzvf26/846-UnID-ABC1321Z082010SWP.MP3 1017-A3Z (Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 10 kW) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/642ekfy6rehweld/639-2HC-1256z071810PL380.mp3.MP3 + 2KY (Sydney, Aus., 5 kW) mix August 20, 2010 at Lincoln City, OR (4' PVC Loop) http://www.mediafire.com/listen/4jxnvj1cv4847d8/1017-Tonga-2KYmix1255Z082010SWP.MP3 (Gary DeBock in Puyallup, WA, USA, IRCA via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See also NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Cell site QRM I used to enjoy DTV DXing --- http://forums.wtfda.org/showthread.php?8240-Houston-we-have-a-problem I hope this doesn't happen to you. 73, (Ed NN2E, Owner / Operator - Murphy's Law Test Site & Thunderstorm Proving Grounds, WTFDA via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See BOLIVIA; ITALY; NIGERIA; USA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC See MEXICO: 950; USA: 610 etc. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ Re 13-26: KAZ ANTENNA REVIEW If anyone knows how to email Steve, please tell him that at 10 x 40 ft, he'll probably want to amplify it. I've had all the signal I need, without amps using about 18 ft x 72 feet. He should definitely fine tune Rt, preferably in no more than 25 ohm jumps, or better yet and since he has an arrangement to switch it in and out, use a method to vary Rt back at the shack. 73 KAZ (Neil Kazaross himself, NRC-AM via DXLD) Kaz will be talking about his antenna ideas at the joint DX-ers convention in Minneapolis August 1-4. be there! http://www.nrcdxas.org (Mark Durenberger, On the Road, ibid.) SANGEAN BETTER THAN REDSUN I have never had a Sangean Made radio quit on me, but all but one Redsun Produced Grundig Radio has died. However, C. Crane must have put their Foot down on the Redsun QC Department because my Redsun make CCRAdios work great. I like my RS radio for FM and SSB on Shortwave, but my favorite radio is my Redsun made CCRadio-SW. 73, (Kevin Raper, KJ4HYD, CE WCKI WQIZ WLTQ, ABDX via DXLD) BBCR4 IN OUR TIME: THE INVENTION OF RADIO Radio 4 Thursday 9.00, then available for download: That's 0800 UT, mostly posting the information in some UK general radio groups :) Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the invention of radio. The Italian Guglielmo Marconi is often credited as the man who invented radio, but other physicists and engineers have been described in similar terms, including Nikola Tesla and Édouard Branly. The story of radio is a fascinating tale involving some of the most brilliant and colourful scientists and inventors of the late nineteenth century. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0368knw (Mike Barraclough, July 1, dxldyg via DXLD) "In Our Time" also goes out at 2030 UT on July 4, which may be a more reasonable time for NA listeners not suffering from insomnia to tap into the BBC Radio 4 stream (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, Sent from my iPad, ibid.) That's a shortened repeat, 30 minutes instead of 45 (Mike Barraclough, ibid.) PC GUIDE FOR SDR RADIOS By Mark Abraham, 62 pages, just published June 18: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0XIuMznsVjhYTcyaW9qMmRoSTg/edit?pli=1 (via Cornel van Ravenswaaij, BDX via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ GEOMAGNETIC INDICES Compiled by: Phil Bytheway E-mail: phil_tekno @ yahoo.com Geomagnetic Summary May 1 2013 through May 31 2013 Tabulated from email status daily (K @ 0000 UTC.) Date Flux A K Space Wx 1 159 21 3 no storms 2 149 13 2 minor, R1 3 148 6 1 moderate, R2 4 142 5 1 no storms 5 137 7 1 minor, R1 6 131 8 3 no storms 7 129 10 2 no storms 8 127 7 2 no storms 9 128 5 1 no storms 10 125 5 1 minor, R1 11 137 4 1 no storms 12 147 5 1 minor, R1 13 150 6 1 strong, R3 14 148 8 2 strong, R3 15 146 9 1 strong, S1, R3 16 145 14 3 minor, S1, R1 17 136 9 2 minor, S1, R1 18 132 21 2 minor, G1, S1 19 135 12 4 no storms 20 132 7 2 minor, R1 21 125 7 2 no storms 22 133 12 3 moderate, S2, R1 23 135 7 2 strong, S3 24 127 20 4 moderate, G1, S2 25 121 32 5 minor, G1, S1 26 120 18 3 no storms 27 110 13 3 no storms 28 105 8 1 no storms 29 107 2 0 no storms 30 104 3 1 no storms 31 102 9 4 minor, R1 Sx – Solar Radiation Storm Level Gx – Geomagnetic Storm Level Rx – Radio Blackouts Level (IRCA DX Monitor June 29 via DXLD) SOLAR MAX COMING IN NOVEMBER 2013? NOAA has a projection for the rest of the solar cycle, updated monthly, showing predicted smoothed sunspot numbers resolved to one-tenth, instead of whole numbers. The smoothing is a 13-month moving average, centered on any month of interest. Sunspot numbers are always whole numbers, so the resolution to one-tenth is an artifact of the averaging or smoothing process. For any current month, the number represents an average of the previous 6 months plus the current month plus the predicted values for each of the next 6 months. The first and last months in the calculation are factored in at 0.5. Before the last day of June 2013, the smoothed sunspot number for February 2013 represents 10 months of known values and 3 months of predicted values, June through August 2013. These are based on the reported numbers from the Sunspot Index Data Center in Belgium. These numbers are always lower then the Boulder sunspot numbers, which are recorded at the bottom of each bulletin and in our own 3-month moving average, reported here monthly. The predicted average sunspot numbers for March, 2013 through July 2014 are 67.5, 70.1, 72.7, 75.7, 78.6, 81.6, 84.7, 86.3, 86.9, 86.7, 86.4, 85.6, 84.7, 83.7, 82.6, 81.4 and 80.2. Note that the peak is centered on November 2013, or perhaps October 2013 through January 2014 to broaden the scope and hedge our bets. A similar prediction for monthly smoothed solar flux tracks this very closely, also peaking in November 2013. Let's see how this looks after the beginning of the new month (QST de W1AW Propagation Forecast Bulletin 26 ARLP026 From Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, WA June 28, 2013, To all radio amateurs, via Dave Raycroft, ODXA yg via DXLD) It`s been hard to come up with anything worth logging lately, due to terrible propagation, such as in the 12-13 UT period June 29. WWV reports: ``Geophysical Alert Message Solar-terrestrial indices for 28 June follow. Solar flux 101 and estimated planetary A-index 22. The estimated planetary K-index at 1200 UTC on 29 June was 6. Space weather for the past 24 hours has been strong. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G3 level occurred`` (gh, DXLD) DAYTIME SKYWAVE ON MEDIUMWAVE [Re 13-26, USA: KOA] Glenn, With respect to your comment about observations of KOA and fading caused by "self-interference" (skywave/groundwave fading) at very substantial distances: ITU-R P.1147-4 is perhaps the most complete discussion of skywave propagation at LF and MF and in general its methods are accepted as the most scientifically valid of what can only be fairly described as "enhanced empirical" methods of calculation. (Like weather forecasting, the number of variables involved and their complexity makes any purely theoretical algorithm fail totally under some condition or another. And some of the variables cannot be accurately measured to begin with.) It has an Annex 2 which is about the only reference I've seen on daytime skywave. The FCC has never wanted to hear about daytime skywave except for the limited (and arbitrarily selected) limitations on "critical hours" and "Canadian restricted" radiation by stations on some of the former clear channels. I and others in my office have observed and measured daytime skywave up and down the west coast for many years. Some examples of it are pretty consistently observable year round. Here's the text of the P.1147 Annex 2: Annex 2 A discussion on daytime sky-wave propagation 1 LF cases Midday field strengths at LF are 7 to 45 dB lower than the values at midnight. The difference is dependent on frequency, distance and season (see also Recommendation ITU-R P.684). 2 MF cases Available data show that midday sky-wave field strengths display a consistent seasonal variation pattern with maximum occurring in winter months. The average winter-month field strength is about 10 dB stronger than the annual median value and the winter-to-summer ratio can exceed 30 dB. The annual median value of midday field strength is about 43 dB lower than its counterpart at six hours after sunset. Field strength exceeded for 10% of the days of the year is about 13 dB stronger than the annual median value. See also the ITU-R Handbook – The ionosphere and its effects on radiowave propagation. '73 (Ben Dawson, OR/WA, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It should discuss sporadic E on MF compared to HF and VHF (gh) RIVERINE ENHANCEMENT OF MEDIUMWAVE PROPAGATION An interesting observation OK Boys and Girls, I have lived all kinds of places on this planet from the mountains, urban areas, on the ocean, in the ocean, in the desert and on a small farm. I have observed a phenomenon the last few days which I have never observed before dealing with AM wave propagation. As we all know when we all live at or go to the ocean to DX we get some monster DX from all across the seas. When we live in the deserts wave propagation and reception frankly sucks. This one is new to me. In my job, I travel quite a bit in a vehicle all over west and central Tennessee. I live very near the Tennessee River and cross over it and its tributaries many times each day. I go over dams and various bridges and travel along the banks of the river and tributaries. There is a small station on 1290, WBTG from Sheffield, AL which is on the Tennessee. My observation is that when I am parallel to the river or crossing it, I can hear this station loudly even at 50 miles.at 1/4 mile from the river the signal is not receivable on a car radio or even a Superadio or one of its variants. WBTG is running 1000 watts. I have observed this phenomenon on larger creeks attached to the Tennessee and even the tiny creek that runs through my property. This is observable at Pickwick Dam near Counce, TN at 38 miles, Pittsburg Landing, TN at 45 miles, the Harrison - McGarrity Bridge on US 64 at Crump, TN at 52 miles, Beason's Creek at the north side of my property at 56 miles and at the Clifton Bridge over the Tennessee in Clifton, TN at about 60 miles. When I travel in Crump. US 64 is very near the river and runs parallel. I get the same signal increase at that location. I also observed this at Horse Creek Bridge between Savannah, TN and Burnt Church, TN on TN 203. I would guess this to be about 45 miles from Sheffield, AL and WBTG, Horse Creek is a tributary of the Tennessee and would probably be called a river in much of the country. These are the only places I have done this observation. To check and see if this phenomenon was only observable on one station from the Sheffield area I tried this on WBCF 1240, from Florence, AL which is a bordering town, along with WSBM 1340 also from Florence, AL. I received equivalent results to WBTG in the same places. The only difference is that WSBM was somewhat weaker than the other two but had the same increase in signal strength. I am wondering for those who live on a large river like the Tennessee which has barge and river boat travel or some who live on very large lakes if they have observed this same effect. It would be interesting to see if anyone else either has observed this or they would do some checking on this hypothesis that there is inland river and large lake enhancement of AM signals. Let me know what you think (Kevin Redding, Crump, TN, June 27, ABDX via DXLD) The Colorado River [TX version] is fairly close, I could give it a try next time I cross it. There are a lot of good candidate stations to try. I might also be crossing the Mississippi soon, that would be a really good one to try. But you can't stop on bridges, so I have to plan carefully (Bruce Carter, TX, ibid.) Here's a little write-up I did on some inland sites here in MA, including river ones: Regarding large lakes, Neil Kazaross does well from Grafton, WI on the western side of Lake Michigan. His site is on an elevated bluff above the lake and I'm sure that helps too (Mark Connelly, WA1ION, South Yarmouth, MA, ibid.) What you`re saying is from fresh water rivers. I live under 100 feet or so from an inland salt water bay that is like a large river about a mile / mile and a half wide. I am sure this is helping with propagation here (starship20012001, Warwick RI, ibid.) Kevin - is the Tennessee River a tidal river? If it is, it would be salt water [often a lower level of salt than the ocean - a mix of salt and fresh water if you will] and that would explain your observations. When I was a kid, my dad has a super-humble cottage, basically a nice shack, on the Lahave River outside Bridgewater in Southern Nova Scotia. The LaHave River is a tidal river, less salty than the nearby Atlantic Ocean, but still pretty salty. That river was a dx magnet. But, you had to get close. 100 feet away, no gain. We had a deck which went over the river say 15 feet at high tide - sit on the deck and the dx was awesome. Even better, run 15 feet of wire up into a tree and a ground wire right into the water. All the Boston and NYC stations of 5KW and up pounded in by day and lots of stuff from around the Maritimes and Newfoundland pounded in too, by day. Now here in PEI, if I set the car radio to 930 kHz by day, I get a very weak CFBC Saint John NB until I get on the Hillsborough Bridge - then CFBC rises up above the RFI quite dramatically. In the winter, drive over Confederation Bridge and a daytime DXer gets 580 CFRA Ottawa at noon nice and strong for the 13 km of the bridge. Now, if the Tennessee River is fresh water, I'd be stumped - unless the ground conductivity is really bad or unless there is some mineral content other than salt that is helping out (Phil Rafuse, VY2PR, Stratford PE Canada, ibid.) I am about 600 km from the sea. If the salt tides make it this far, I would say both polar ice caps and the ice on Greenland probably melted and we would have bigger issues to think about. All the water around here is fresh water. By my house the Tennessee River is about a kilometer wide. It has barges and cruise ships traveling it. I had never observed the increase in the signal on fresh water rivers prior to this. The bridges are not all the same, although I am sure they all have a lot of steel. Obviously the dam I cross is different and the smaller 50 meter long bridge over Horse Creek is different and the little bridge over Beasons Creek going to my house is different, not much more than poured concrete over two huge culvert pipes. But there is reinforcing steel in it. Perhaps all the steel has something to do with it. Interested in what others find (Kevin, Crump, TN, ibid.) Just to clarify - upon some googling, the area of the old cottage [the modest radio Rafuse's former cottage, not the more afluent Rafuse families, lol] would really have been the LaHave River estuary, where the water would be "brackish": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaHave_River So, I guess my question really should be - is that part of the Tennessee River brackish? If not, we have Mark's insights on fresh water vegitation - a good read. I skimmed it fast and now I want to go back over it in detail. Kevin, if you could do so safely - it would be interesting to take a water sample from that part of the Tennessee River if there would be somebody who could test it. I'll bet fellow DXer Darwin would have all kinds of DX/scientific insight on this. Years ago, there was a lot of MW DX talk about sea gain; I think for a while some members of the NRC were even obsessed with it - and we know what true salt water can do for LW and MW dx. Maybe what we are talking about here is "river gain" - perhaps not as dramatic as sea gain but still dramatic in the overall scheme of things. Once my RCA Field Intensity Meter arrives, and I restore it, complete with 14 9 volt batteries to replace the two 67.5 volt batteries, maybe I need to take some measurements of the few am signals left by day here in various locations including near rivers :) (Phil Rafuse, ibid.) Now I'm thinking a couple of things: 1. special vegetation, e.g. magic "muck" theory; see Mark's writeup 2. presence of a conductive mineral - in the water or in the river bed Either way, I think what is happening is that the river, or these portions of the river, have some really good ground conductivity compared to the surrounding soil (Phil Rafuse, ibid.) In 1975 when I was renting a house in Sudbury, MA (20 miles / 32 km west of Boston and the ocean), I was close to Willis Pond. I was able to run a 1200 ft. Beverage antenna northeasterly down a slight hillside slope wooded mostly with oak, pitch pine, and white pine. The last 100 or so feet of the wire ran over a marsh-grass area adjacent to the western shore of the pond. I found that connecting the wire directly to a 6 ft. copper rod hammered into the marsh mud gave the best front-to-back when comparing European medium wave signals (northeast) to ones from New York City (southwest). I had a second Beverage pointed westerly through the woods into a marshy area near another pond (Crystal Lake, a.k.a. Bottomless Pond). I ran that one unterminated. Midwest clears such as WJR-760 could be heard in the daytime (no nearer allocation on 760 then). I was using an R-390A receiver at the time. Here's a map of the site: I'm fairly sure that the presence of the two ponds helped. Here are a few recordings made from the site. Westdeutscher Rundfunk, Langenberg, West Germany - 1586 (17 DEC 1975 at 0625-0632 UT): BBC World Service, Daventry, UK - 647 (25 MAR 1976 at 0418 UT): BBC Radio One, UK - 1214 (14 DEC 1975 at 0715 UT): TransWorld Radio, France (Monaco) - 1466 (20 OCT 1975 at 2304 UT): (Mark Connelly, WA1ION, ibid.) You can hear the Charleston and Columbia stations on Lake Greenwood IF you have a good radio. Get off the water and you lose them. 73, (Kevin Raper, KJ4HYD, CE WCKI WQIZ WLTQ, ibid.) The FCC's official M-3 conductivity map says ground conductivity in the continental US ranges from 0.5 mS/m to 30 mS/m. Seawater is considered to have a conductivity of 5,000 mS/m, which of course explains why coastal DX is so very good. Most engineering experts I know consider the M-3 map to be at best a pretty lousy approximation. In particular, it doesn't address the conductivity of bodies of fresh water at all, which is why you've got to go elsewhere to get some numbers. Here's what the EPA says: "The basic unit of measurement of conductivity is the mho or siemens. Conductivity is measured in micromhos per centimeter (µmhos/cm) or microsiemens per centimeter (µs/cm). Distilled water has a conductivity in the range of 0.5 to 3 µmhos/cm. The conductivity of rivers in the United States generally ranges from 50 to 1500 µmhos/cm. Studies of inland fresh waters indicate that streams supporting good mixed fisheries have a range between 150 and 500 µhos/cm. Conductivity outside this range could indicate that the water is not suitable for certain species of fish or macroinvertebrates. Industrial waters can range as high as 10,000 µmhos/cm." So the first thing we have to do is convert the EPA's preferred units into the FCC's preferred units. 50-1500 umhos/cm converts to 0.05-15 mS/m, if I have the math right. The FCC's M3 map says the ground conductivity in Kevin's part of the world ranges between 2 and 4 mS/m. Most experts I know think it's actually considerably lower than that. So in that case, if the river water is toward the upper end of the EPA's estimate - say, 5-10 mS/m - it would function as a pocket of improved conductivity that could indeed create enhanced reception if you're right on or near the water, in much the same way that DXers near saltwater enjoy enhancement. The result could very well be different in an area with better ground conductivity. My area of upstate NY is on the FCC map in the 8 mS/m area. Getting near Lake Ontario could actually depress DX in my case. For a DXer in the midwest - say, along the Red River in the Dakotas, where the ground conductivity is 30 or better - freshwater might really reduce DX. Interestingly, if the EPA's statistics are to be believed (and my gut tells me they make sense), the more polluted the water, the better the conductivity. It would be interesting to know if DXers in Cleveland in the bad old days enjoyed enhanced reception near Lake Erie or the Cuyahoga River (Scott Fybush, NY, ibid.) Scott - that is excellent information. I'm especially interested in the idea of the "industrial waters" with the potential for increased conductivity. I wonder if that might be a factor in Kevin's locale? (Phil Rafuse, ibid.) In the Texas Panhandle, where I DX'ed for several years, the ground conductivity measurement was close to the highest in the nation, but that doesn't really account for what Kevin is hearing. I have a vague recollection of strongly enhanced reception as I crossed a river on a long bridge that had overhead metal --- perhaps the bridge at Cairo, Illinois, crossing the Mississippi into Missouri. I do not have specific memory, though, of how far from the bridge the stronger signals occurred. I do recall instinctively associating the phenomenon with the metal of the bridge --- enhanced antenna??? (John Callarman, KA9SPA, Family Genealogist, Retired Newspaper Editor, DX-oyente, Krum TX (AKA Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon) I can see a large metal bridge acting as a giant antenna and radiating signal. In Kevin Redding's examples, sounds more like either the water or the soil adjacent to the water - e.g. conductive muck may be responsible (Phil Rafuse, ibid.) I first noticed it on a Superadio II in a fiberglass fishing boat. There is too much traffic to play with the Car Radio when crossing the SC 72 - US 221 Bridge. 73, (Kevin Raper, KJ4HYD, CE WCKI WQIZ WLTQ, ibid.) In the early 1970's I was in St. Augustine, FL on the coast. With a Radio Shack 12-655 at noon I heard WNBC-660, WABC-770 and WCBS-880 from NYC, and even WBZ-1030 from Boston. In 1991 I was in the northern part of Jamaica. That same 12-655 had WBZ-1030 in Boston quite listenable at night. In Providence, RI around 1985 I was at a spot in line with Narragansett Bay pointing right to Puerto Rico. Heard 1 kW WPRA-990 there sign off. Never heard it anywhere else. Salt water is a big advantage. And, fresh water is also an improvement. It's not distilled water, so it does conduct, though less than salt water (Craig Healy, RI, ibid.) Salt Water ROCKS! Our 730 WLTQ gets QSL requests from the Caribbean Islands, and regular Listeners and Donors from as far away as South Florida. We have a City Grade Signal as far South as the Florida Space Coast. 73, (Kevin Raper, KJ4HYD, CE WCKI WQIZ WLTQ, ibid.) I have noticed some very odd, i.e., enhanced, reception camping near both Skull Valley AZ and Silver City, NM. Have no idea why Skull Valley, tho there is a lot of copper and (presumed) silver mining in the area around Silver City. Maybe excellent ground conductivity? I used my "Tomato Stake" antenna and noticed a huge spike in reception after connecting the ground. (I say this knowing I would have had some improvement in reception anyway. One trip there marked the time I had the best reception I'd ever had of Radio Tashkent on 9715. Kevin reminded me of my own listening observations while mobile It amuses me how I can get very good reception, at times, in places I intuitively would have thought would afford poor reception, and vice versa (Rick Barton, AZ, ibid.) Tomato Stake Antenna? I think we need to see that (Ira Elbert New III, ibid.) BERT - I put a photo album here at ABDX titled "Vintage Radio". And I have added to it a photo of the "tomato stake". It's a very long length of wire wound around a plastic garden stake (9 feet). Not the best DXing antenna, but it's quick and portable. I usually take it, and either a Slinky or a spool of wire, to set up antennas quickly for "DXpeditioning" (Rick Barton, ibid.) I've seen that same effect in many places that I have lived over the many years. It was seen in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. Some sites were across bays and some were topographic situations. 73 & GUD DX, (Thomas F. Giella, W4HM, Lakeland, FL, USA, SWL Since 1965, Ham Since 1989, W4HM Amateur Radio & SWL Autobiography: http://www.w4hm.org W4HM Florida Region MF AM Broadcast Radio Stations Via Ground Wave As Heard In Lakeland, FL: http://www.wcflunatall.com/centralflmfstationsheard.htm ibid.) SPORADIC E PROPAGATION PRIMER Remember this? Adam, The hot weather in your area has little if anything to do with the amount of E-skip reception that you can expect to see. E-skip occurs when the upper layer of the atmosphere (the E- layer) becomes ionized. This ionization, depending on the concentration or amount of ionization, causes the 6 meter, low VHF and FM signals to reflect or refract at the area of ionization of the E- layer. It hasn't been proven, but I suspect that this ionization is partially caused by the angle of incidence of the suns rays with the upper layer (E-layer) of the atmosphere. The angle of incidence is the angle that the rays of the sun meet the E-layer. That could account for a major peak of E-skip from May thru late July or August and possibly the much weaker e-skip activity in Dec., near the time of the equinox (Dec. 21st). The angle of incidence is much different in Dec., therefore the activity is usually much less. I also suspect that there is enhancement of the e-layer ionization due to lightning from thunderstorm activity, probably at or near the "mid- point" of the e-skip path. I'm sure there are other sources of ionization which are playing a part in the process. Europe sees more e-skip than North America due to the more northern position of the earth's magnetic field (I believe, but I might be using the wrong term here). Since it is positioned farther north, the e-skip in Europe will extend farther north, so more people will experience it. There is a good article on the WTFDA website about E-Skip that can be found under the heading "Random Reading". It is entitled "Mid Latitude Sporadic E - A Review" by Michael Hawk. It was written in November 2001. You might want to read it while there isn't any e-skip or trop enhancement (Bob Seaman, WTFDA via DXLD) :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts :Issued: 2013 Jul 01 0420 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # Product description and SWPC contact on the Web # http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html # # Weekly Highlights and Forecasts # Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 24 - 30 June 2013 Solar activity was at low levels during the period. Numerous low-level C-class activity was recorded from a variety of regions, the largest a C9/1n at 24/1132 UTC from Region 1778 (S16, L=129, class/area Hsx/110 on 22 June). The largest region on the disk, Region 1775 (S26, L=223, class/area Dkc/410 on 18 June) was responsible for a few low-level C- class flares. Numerous filament eruptions were recorded during the period with possibly three observed to have Earth-directed CME components. The first Earth-directed eruption occurred during 24/1104 - 1204 UTC when a 15 degree long filament, centered near S14W26, erupted. The second Earth-directed eruption occurred during 28/0129 - 0250 UTC associated with a C4/Sf parallel-ribbon flare at 28/0159 UTC from Region 1777 (S15, L=162, class/area Cso/200 on 22 June). ENLIL model analysis suggested a possible weak impact from the resultant CME late on 30 June to early on 01 July. The third Earth-directed CME occurred during 29/0921 - 2342 UTC when a 16 degree long filament, centered near S17W22, erupted. ENLIL model analysis suggested a possible glancing blow from the resultant CME mid to late on 04 July. A greater than 10 MeV proton event at geosunchronous orbit was observed during the period. In response to an M2 flare observed on 21 June, protons became enhanced at approximately 21/1600 UTC. At 23/2010 UTC, flux levels exceeded the 10 pfu threshold, reached a maximum of 14 pfu at 24/0520 UTC and ended at 24/0850 UTC. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels from 24 - 28 June, reaching a maximum flux of 17,678 at 27/1640 UTC. Electron flux levels decayed to moderate levels on 29 - 30 June. Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to severe storm levels. The period began with quiet to active levels from 24 June to early on 25 June due to waning effects from a coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). During this period, solar wind speeds averaged about 550 km/s with total field (Bt) measurements in the 4 to 6 nT range and the Bz component mostly negative to -6 nT. Through midday on 27 June, wind speeds gradually decreased to about 375 km/s, Bt relaxed to about 2-3 nT while Bz was mostly neutral. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to isolated unsettled levels. At 27/1353 UTC, wind speeds increased sharply from about 380 km/s to 460 km/s for a short period and then gradually declined to about 350 km/s through early on 29 June. Bt increased to 8 nT while the Bz component ranged from -5 to -7 nT. This discontinuity at the ACE satellite was possibly due to effects from the 24 June CME. A 44 nT sudden impulse was recorded at the Hartland magnetometer at 27/1440 UTC. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to active conditions which persisted through early on 28 June. This was followed by a short interval of quiet levels through midday on 28 June. At about 28/0800 UTC, the Bz component began a slow, negative dive reaching a maximum of -12 Nt at 27/1905 UTC. It remained between -10 nT to -12 nT through about 29/1100 UTC. Bt reached a maximum of 13 nT during this time frame. Through the remainder of the period, Bz generally indicated fluctuations of +/- 5 nT. By about 29/0400 UTC, solar wind began a gradual increase from 350 km/s to end the period near 500 km/s. From midday on 28 June through 29 June, the geomagnetic field responded with unsettled to severe storm conditions. Indications are that this activity was a result of the 28 June slow-moving transient coupled with a corotating interaction region in advance of a recurrent, positive CH HSS. Additional indications of a transition from a transient feature to the CH HSS was a change in the Phi orientation from negative (toward) to positive (away) late on 28 June coupled with increases in temperature and density. By 30 June, the geomagnetic field had relaxed to quiet to unsettled conditions. Finally, a 24 nT shock passage was observed at the Hartland magnetometer at 30/1125 UTC, likely an indication of the arrival of the expected CME that erupted on 28 June. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 01 JULY - 27 JULY 2013 Solar activity is expected to be at predominately low levels with a slight chance for M-class activity through the outlook period. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high to very high levels from 01 - 06 July, at normal to moderate levels from 07 - 19 July and high to very levels from 20 - 27 July. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be unsettled to active levels due to combined effects from a positive CH HSS and effects from the 29 June CME. Predominately quiet conditions are expected from 06 - 16 July. Unsettled to active conditions are expected from 17 - 21 July as a recurrent, negative CH HSS rotated into a geoeffective position. Mostly quiet conditions are expected from 22 - 27 July. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2013 Jul 01 0421 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 2013-07-01 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2013 Jul 01 110 8 3 2013 Jul 02 110 5 2 2013 Jul 03 105 10 3 2013 Jul 04 100 15 3 2013 Jul 05 100 7 2 2013 Jul 06 95 5 2 2013 Jul 07 100 5 2 2013 Jul 08 110 5 2 2013 Jul 09 115 5 2 2013 Jul 10 115 5 2 2013 Jul 11 120 5 2 2013 Jul 12 120 5 2 2013 Jul 13 120 5 2 2013 Jul 14 125 5 2 2013 Jul 15 125 5 2 2013 Jul 16 125 5 2 2013 Jul 17 130 10 3 2013 Jul 18 130 15 4 2013 Jul 19 130 15 4 2013 Jul 20 120 15 4 2013 Jul 21 115 18 4 2013 Jul 22 110 5 2 2013 Jul 23 110 5 2 2013 Jul 24 105 5 2 2013 Jul 25 105 5 2 2013 Jul 26 100 5 2 2013 Jul 27 100 10 3 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1676, DXLD) ###