DX LISTENING DIGEST 18-32, August 7, 2018 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 2018 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 1942 contents: Anguilla, Australia, Bougainville, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan and non, Moçambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan non, Taiwan, USA, Zimbabwe non; and the propagation outlook SHORTWAVE AIRINGS of WORLD OF RADIO 1942, August 7-13, 2018 Tue 2030 WRMI 5950 7780 [1941 replayed?] Tue 2130 WRMI 5950 [1941 replayed?] Tue 2330 WBCQ 9330v [confirmed] Wed 1030 WRMI 5950 [confirmed] Wed 2100 WRMI 9955 [confirmed from 2100:30] Wed 2100 WBCQ 7490v [confirmed] Wed 2330 WBCQ 9330v [not aired] Thu 2330 WBCQ 9330v [not aired] Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v [maybe] Sat 0630 HLR 6190-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1431 HLR 6190-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM Sat 2130 WBCQ 9330v [maybe, or 2330?] Sun 0310v WA0RCR 1860-AM Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v [maybe] Mon 0130 WRMI 5850, 7780 [really 0130:30] Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v-AM Area 51 Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 Mon 0400 WRMI webcast only Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v [maybe] Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 Tue 2030 WRMI 5950, 7780 [or #1943?] Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: Tnx to Dr Harald Gabler and the Rhein-Main Radio Club. http://www.rmrc.de/index.php/rmrc-audio-plattform/podcast/glenn-hauser-wor ALTERNATIVE PODCASTS, tnx Stephen Cooper: http://shortwave.am/wor.xml ANOTHER PODCAST ALTERNATIVE, tnx to Keith Weston: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GlennHausersWorldOfRadio NOW tnx to Keith Weston, also Podcasts via iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/glenn-hausers-world-of-radio/id1123369861 AND via Google Play Music: http://bit.ly/worldofradio OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org DAY-BY-DAY ARCHIVE OF GLENN HAUSER`S LOG REPORTS: Unedited, uncondensed, unchanged from original version, many of them too complex, minutely researched, multi-frequency, opinionated, inconsequential, off-topic, or lengthy for some log editors to manage; and also ahead of their availability in these weekly issues: http://www.hard-core-dx.com/index.php?topic=Hauser IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!! WOR IO GROUP: Effective Feb 4, 2018, DXLD yg archive and members have been migrated to this group: https://groups.io/g/WOR [there was already an unrelated group at io named dxld!, so new name] From now on, the io group is primary, where all posts should go. One may apply for membership, subscribe via the above site. DXLD yahoogroup: remains in existence, and members are free to COPY same info to it, as backup, but no posts should go to it only. They may want to change delivery settings to no e-mail, and/or no digest. The change was necessary due to increasing outages, long delays in posts appearing, and search failures at the yg. Why wait for DXLD issues? A lot more info, not all of it appearing in DXLD later, is posted at our io group without delay. NEWISH! DX LISTENING DIGEST IN PDF, HTML VERSIONS Jacques Champagne in Ville-Marie, Québec, has developed programs to convert DXLD .txt into PDF and HTML versions for his own use, and now has made them available to the rest of us. Starting with 18-24, they have been posted as attachments to the WOR iog. He says it takes about an hour to do this, once each issue is published. Merci, Jacques! (gh) ** ALBANIA [non]. Radio Tirana's German and English broadcasts of Sat, 04-Aug-2018 are available on Radio360: http://www.radio360.eu/podcasts/de/al/tirana/tirana.php http://www.radio360.eu/podcasts/en/al/tirana/tirana.php However, the streams of Radio Tirana are still down: http://149.202.214.27:8888 Satellite recordings on Radio360? Or is there a new stream address? Best regards, (Alexander Busneag, Germany, Aug 5, WOR iog via DXLD) Presumably yes. Would just require to point some Ku-band dish to 16 degrees East in Europe. Of course not in Florida, also the slim possibility of receiving any sidelobes can definitely be ruled out because the satellite is already below the horizon there. But they could download the file from radio360.eu and drag into their playout instead of burning up electricity with emergency music fill... And this is cute, too: "From now on, Radio Tirana listeners, you can hear us only on internet..." --- then the constant whine on the output and the bad hum on the mic that is cut in and out by a noise gate ... (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.) ** ALGERIA [non]. Mark Coady has posted a couple of logs to ODXA about Calls to Prayer from Saudi Arabia on 25 m being // to relays of RTA via FRANCE on same band. He thinx it`s a network feed from Islamic HQ. I doubt this, as CTPs should depend on local and constantly shifting times; so try to check with two receivers whether they are really //, and synchronized: 11820+, August 2 at 1929, BSKSA Qur`an and there is also Qur`an on very poor 12060, which is RTA via France, but they are *not* // --- or rather they are definitely not synchronized, but Qur`aning is so repetitive, that I can`t tell if they may match some seconds apart. 11985 is another weak frequency this hour of RTA via France, and 11915 is another frequency of BSKSA. As one would expect, 11820+ // 11915, and 11985 // 12060, but not in cross-station combinations. However, since this Qur`aning goes on for most of an hour, it`s not specific Calls To Prayer, but extended recitations, so the two stations could be connected. Further chex might elucidate. It`s really counterproductive to broadcast local CTPs to a worldwide SW audience as that could mislead the faithful into praying at the wrong local times! Some stations may do it anyway since SW is merely plugged into relay domestic services (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Regarding previous reports of RTA via FRANCE and BSKSA direct on 25m both Qur`aning in the 19 UT hour, I said, ``Until now we assumed each country/station did its own CTPs according to local timings, not simulnetworked all over AfroAsia. Are you sure Algeria was //, identical, even synchronized with the BSKSA CTP? To the heathen, they all sound rather alike. Need to compare them on two receivers if I can get them. Extended recitations, not just brief CTPs at variable times. 73 Glenn Hauser`` Then found them not synchronized. Mark Coady, Ontario, now agrees on the ODXA iog: ``12060 FRANCE Radio Algerienne at 1936 in Arabic with Islamic Call to Prayer but with a different cantor than Saudi Arabia on 11820 – Fair Aug 3 Coady-ON`` I`m not sure Moslems (muezzins?) would appreciate being called cantors, but I`m all for reminding all those Abrahamists of their similarities, common roots so they needn`t be at each others` throats. Ron Howard, California, explains further in the WOR iog: ``Hi Glenn, Thanks for your interesting Qur'an comments. Yes, I also believe some posters don't recognize the difference between reciting from the Qur'an vs the Call-To-Prayer (CTP), which are two distinctly different things. Based on my years of listening to both via SW, I can venture a few basic observations. CTPs, as heard on SW, are always 3 to 4 minutes long. Is fairly easy to make out the CTP with the distinctive "Allahu akbar" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrF4IriUwdk Is simple to check on-line for the local CTP times for the SW station heard. I have found the SW CTPs to be within a few minutes of the locally scheduled times. Over the years, the most common prayer that I have heard on SW is the Maghrib prayer (just after sunset). Of course this is a very productive time to catch a SW station, when it is going into darkness, so reception often works out very well. Back in 2015, had a wonderful visit to Istanbul (Turkey). It was the first city in which I heard the adhan (Islamic call-to-prayer), via loudspeakers. Very unique! On the other hand, reciting from the Qur'an normally goes on much longer that 5+ minutes, and doesn't contain the same "Allahu akbar" as with the CTP. Ron California`` (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Sa`udi Qur`an feed to Algeria --- Glenn, If you're trying to match up the Saudi feed with Algiers, try the audio feed of Algeria's Radio Quran for one end: http://www.radioalgerie.dz/player/fr/live/radio-coran I can't hear either of them at the moment. Regards, (Chuck Albertson, Seattle WA, 0446 UT August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Page also linx to audio from 48 local stations (gh, DXLD) ** ANGUILLA. 1610 kHz Caribbean Beacon --- Hi, I notice that 1610 Caribbean Beacon is now back on air with religion. Heard with good signal, 03U, 4 August.,73's (John Williams, Hemel, Hempstead, UK, Elad S2, Flag Antenna, MWCircle iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) But will it be more than 2 days a week like SW 6090/11775? (gh) ** ARGENTINA [non]. See last report, USA: WRMI about RAE in English. On their website with outdated sked info, to read the playback timers, I pretend to download ``today`s broadcast`` podcast in each language (really today? Some are labeled May 2017!), whether languages other than English have also been reduced to half an hour? It`s been inconvenient to monitor them on SW, mostly poor signals or sleep-time. No, only French is less than 30 minutes as always, and English now confirmed totaling only 28:28, but the others are still a few minutes under 60 (Glenn Hauser, OK, UT August 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. 4835, Ozy Radio, 0920-1009, Aug 3. Since about July 4, had been silent here; mostly pop songs, except 0928-0938 & 1002-1008 with the news; at 1008 heard clear, unmistakable Ozy Radio signature theme music ("Waltzing Matilda"). AIR Gangtok reception no longer possible here, but great to have Craig's station on the air again (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) 4835, Ozy Radio. Regarding my Aug 3 reception, I wrote to Craig Allen (owner and operator of Ozy Radio), to congratulate him for getting his station back on the air. His response: "Thanks Ron, Nice to know I have one listener. Regards, Craig." (non-log) Aug 5, found 4835 covered by OTH radar from 1040+. Mauno Ritola noted in WRTH Facebook: "Here in Finland a buzzing carrier blocking the frequency at 1430." To which I responded: "Back in May & June, AIR Gangtok (4835) was clearly having transmitter problems, producing a strong humming audio ("buzzing") on a daily basis. On August 4, after 1230+ UTC, it seemed to me the same humming sound had returned again, so perhaps Gangtok's problems returned?" and Mauno clarified: "Hi Ron, yes, also AIR Gangtok has a similar buzz with +/-50Hz side carriers, but it signed off at 1658 and this stronger buzz still continues. I think it may be somewhere in Russia." Interesting development. August 4, "Waltzing Matilda" theme music of Ozy Radio, heard at 1206, after the news. 4835, Ozy Radio, on Aug 7, at 1006. Another day that was able to clearly catch the "Waltzing Matilda" theme music; was still recognizable even with heavy QRN (static); in addition today with CODAR QRM (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. 5055, 4KZ, 1148:52* cut off, on July 31 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) 5055 kHz, Radio 4KZ North Queensland / Australia Locutor comentário depois música, 1005 UT 01 Agosto 2018 https://youtu.be/3YR7rQfhBSk RX: Yaesu FRG 8800, Antena: Beverage simples (Daniel Wyllyans, Sítio Estrela do Araguaia, Nova Xavantina MT Brasil, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via DXLD) Station 4KZ, on 5055, from 0945+, Aug 5. Pop songs (Bobby McFerrin - "Don't Worry Be Happy," also with seven minutes of Richard Harris - "MacArthur Park," which I had not heard in a long time; nice!) (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. 'UNPRECEDENTED HOSTILITY': MURDOCH, THE GOVERNMENT, AND AN ABC UNDER ATTACK | Amanda Meade https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jul/25/unprecedented-hostility-murdoch-the-government-and-an-abc-under-attack?CMP=share_btn_link The ABC in turmoil: 'Frankly, we are all spooked about everything in here' (via John Figliozzi, NY, August 2, WOR iog via DXLD) Viz.: In part two of our series, Amanda Meade asks if the broadcaster is dumbing down just when it should be muscling up --- Tue 31 Jul 2018 21.32 EDT Last modified on Wed 1 Aug 2018 01.12 EDT Shares 1,252 Comments 791 ABC chairman Justin Milne (left) and managing director Michelle Guthrie: ‘transforming the ABC culture.’ Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP The ABC is poised to launch a new service that is likely to surprise its loyal audience and provoke its competitors and critics. It’s not a hard-hitting new investigative series or radio feature, but a dive into lifestyle journalism. ABC Life will cover topics not traditionally covered online by the ABC in a comprehensive way, including work and career, sex and relationships, fashion and personal grooming, travel and adventure, food and cooking, home and family, and pets. As well there will be new digital treatment of health, wellbeing and fitness, personal finance, consumer rights and gardening. The new venture comes as those who excel at the ABC’s traditional news and current affairs and specialist programming feel increasingly “spooked” by constant political pressure, management instability and cuts to programs and staff. At a time when the national broadcaster should be muscling up, it is directing resources into what some say is a dumbing down. 'Unprecedented hostility': Murdoch, the government, and an ABC under attack ABC Life also puts the ABC more sharply in direct competition with the extensive lifestyle coverage in the commercial media across digital outlets. The Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, soon to be swallowed up by Nine in a major media merger, target a similar upscale demographic to the ABC. News Corp wants the ABC’s online activities curbed. . . https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/aug/01/the-abc-in-turmoil-frankly-we-are-all-spooked-about-everything-in-here?CMP=share_btn_link (via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Very long, illustrated, embedded linx; recommended (gh) ** AUSTRALIA. INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING: NOT SO SIMPLE AS ABC Waiting for news outside the cave at Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand (Photo: Linh Pham/Getty) [caption] By Bruce Dover Ian Macintosh 6 August 2018 15:00 AEDT https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/international-broadcasting-not-so-simple-abc Australia's international voice, once strong, influential and broadcast across much of the Asia-Pacific, has become little more than a croak into the ether. Substantial cuts to funding, waning government commitment, changing national priorities, and digital disruption have resulted in Australia becoming something akin to a fringe broadcaster at a time when our region faces sweeping geopolitical, social, economic, and environmental challenges. `Soft power' of this kind is also a useful counter to hostile propaganda, inaccurate reporting, and extremist rhetoric capable of harming not only the reputation of Australia and its people but also their livelihoods. Despite punishing financial and staffing "efficiencies", particularly since 2014, the national broadcaster still manages to transmit a 24/7 digital multi-platform international service (radio, television, and online) to the region. But the ABC's role, impact, and commitment to international audiences has been diminishing for two decades now, and markedly so in recent years. The model that has sustained almost 80 years of Australian international broadcasting is no longer up to the task, and its effectiveness - as prescribed by the ABC Charter - must now be seriously questioned. Our ability to project a vision of ourselves to the Asia-Pacific region has undeniably diminished with the decline of the ABC's international service. The Australian Government is currently in the midst of a Review of Australian Broadcasting Services in the Asia-Pacific which is assessing the reach and effectiveness of Australia's media in the region. Some submissions to this review will argue for additional funds to be made available to the ABC as a means of rejuvenating and enlarging its now-modest international broadcasting effort. We submit that pumping additional new money into the ABC to lift its game in this field is a "back to the future" strategy that fails to recognise the opportunities offered by a new, more nimble approach drawing on the very best that Australia and Australians have to offer. It is now widely accepted and argued by foreign relations exponents, as well as by experienced broadcast professionals, that, done well, state-funded international broadcasting is an efficient and effective way to shape long-term attitudes and preferences in the region through positive attraction and persuasion. We would add that "soft power" of this kind is also a useful counter to hostile propaganda, inaccurate reporting, and extremist rhetoric capable of harming not only the reputation of Australia and its people but also their livelihoods. However, rather than retain responsibility for Australia's international voice within the ABC, we believe Australia's future international public broadcasting activities should be placed in the hands of an independent corporation or foundation that would better reflect the plurality of views and opinions that shape Australia - not only those captured by the ABC. While we acknowledge the depth of international broadcasting expertise developed by the ABC over many decades, we argue that the commercial media and independent production sector are also well placed to provide a range of dedicated, bespoke programming for Asia-Pacific audiences, and that the bulk of any new public funding must be contestable. Under the current model, Australia has surrendered much of the hard- won broadcasting territory and influence it once held across the region. Other countries have moved in to occupy the space. We believe that without a new model and a new approach, Australia will simply fall further behind its rivals, and any voice we hope to project will be less a roar than a whimper. The new model we propose is based on the following criteria: * An international broadcasting service operated by an independent, statutory corporation or foundation with a long-term strategy and vision (not focused on short-term expediency or "quick fixes"). * A service operating to a charter, based on bipartisan political agreement and supported by business and other sectors, which clearly states that the mission of future Australian international broadcasting is to target and influence international audiences (rather than Australian expatriates). * A charter directing corporation or foundation to produce and broadcast high-quality, independent, contextualised, and trustworthy news, information, and entertainment programs for Asia-Pacific audiences via multiple digital delivery platforms. * Programming content that explains and reflects contemporary Australia and its people, their multicultural way of life, democratic values, and institutions, as well as everyday realities, including culture, education, and sport. * The corporation or foundation to be quarantined from day-to-day partisan political and funding pressures that have thwarted efforts to produce a consistent, compelling, and trusted narrative of Australia for its Asia-Pacific neighbours. * Guaranteed annual government funding in order to deliver on the charter obligations. * No dependence on revenue from advertising, sponsorship, or promotions, but the ability, over time, to attract tax-exempt endowments from public and private benefactors, including high-net worth individuals, foundations, NGOs, and others with a proven commitment to Australia's national interest and place in the world. * The corporation or foundation chairperson to be an eminent and suitably experienced individual. * The board to comprise high-ranking nominees from the ABC, SBS, the Australian Government, commercial media, independent producers, business, educators, the tourism sector, and others with relevant skills and experience. * News and current affairs programming to be produced in close association with the ABC and SBS, given their acknowledged expertise in foreign reporting and languages, but also drawing on commercial news sources where appropriate, and all while adhering to the highest editorial principles, ethical standards, and practices of independence, balance, and accuracy. * A sufficient commissioning fund to enable the new corporation or foundation to buy compelling, relevant, bespoke TV, radio and online content in such genres as general entertainment, children's education, health, social welfare, music, culture, English language learning, and sports. This non-news programming to be sourced from independent producers and commercial broadcasters, as well the ABC and SBS. * The new international service not to be beholden to any one form of technology; instead retaining the flexibility to leverage changing technology options for optimum outcomes. Different markets require different technology solutions, so the new approach must involve a market-by-market strategy, not a one-size-fits-all approach. * The new corporation or foundation to have a strong commitment to regular research, not only to record audience data, market characteristics, and digital consumption trends but also to measure the effectiveness (reach and relevance) of all its programming. * The new corporation or foundation to adopt branding that best represents what Australia's new regional voice is all about, and the audiences it is addressing. This independent model provides for a level of flexibility and efficiency that would guarantee the service was well-placed to utilise the wide variety of digital platforms accessible by current and future audiences. It also ensures that any significant injection of new public funding into international broadcasting would not automatically go to the ABC, but would be contestable by the public broadcasters, the commercial media sector, and independent production houses. And our proposed model allows Australia to choose how it can best develop a commanding international voice capable of engaging and informing Asia-Pacific audiences today and well into the future. Australia should not be allowed to fall any further behind. This article draws on a submission by the authors to the review of Australian broadcasting services. Bruce Dover, Ian Macintosh (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA [non]. Re: [WOR] Unique Radio Australia 1100 UT Saturday August 4th 2018 --- No signal detected here in NB nor using the U. Twente SDR receiver. Possibly didn't air as scheduled -- Richard Langley, NB, 1334 UT Aug 4, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) i.e. via WINB 9265V, q.v. Per Tim Gaynor, WINB did not air the program - nothing heard from KiwiSDRs in NZ or UK; perhaps a xmtr issue? (Bruce Churchill, CA, 1450 UT, ibid.) ** AUSTRIA. 7360, August 2 at 0140, S5-S8 in unID language. HFCC shows BBC via Moosbrunn in Prs, presumably meaning Dari (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRIA. Radio Joystick today on air --- Radio Joystick, The Charlie-Prince Show will be on air today Sunday at 1000 UT, like all first Sunday of the month: https://radiojoystick.de/ "Since 2013 we broadcast via Media Broadcast. The transmitters are located in the small town of Moosbrunn near Vienna, broadcasting our shows on every first Sunday of each month at 12:00 h German time with 100 kW at 7330 kHz on shortwave to Western Europe! 1st Sunday of each month on shortwave 7330 kHz in Europe! On the Internet, the latest program is available at any time on demand for your listening pleasure. Our programs are produced for syndication as a free offer to stations that easily and efficiently may add their own jingles and commercials!" (via Manuel Méndez, Spain, Aug 5, WOR iog via DXLD) ** BAHRAIN. BAHREIN, 9745, Radio Bahrein, Abu Hayan, 1631-1650, 03-08, Arabic songs. 14321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BHUTAN [and non]. CHINA/BHUTAN 6030drm / 6035 kHz --- Katastrophe! Dann kann man BBS Thimphu auf 6035 kHz komplett vergessen. Auf kommt Mr. Thinley Dorjidem von der Abteilung Sendertechnik bei BBS zu Wort. Zwei Zitate: - "Co-channel interference from Chinese and at times from AIR is a problem. However, there is always a struggle with the antenna." Gemeint ist die "Voice of Shangri-La" aus Kunming, Yunnan-CHN. - "The Germany is the country from where most reception reports are received. The listeners from Finland and Japan also send reception reports." Viele Gruesse, (Uwe Volk-D, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 26, BC-DX Aug 4 via DXLD) ** BOUGAINVILLE/INDONESIA. 3325, NBC Bougainville & Voice of Indonesia, on Aug 1, with a major anomaly. VOI very late starting and NBC running much longer than normal. Highlights: 1035-1120: NBC - Non-stop interviews and monologues in Pidgin (no VOI). 1120-1130: NBC - Pop songs (no VOI) *1208: VOI suddenly started; in Japanese; about one hour later than their normal time to start; mixing with NBC till 1257. 1257*: NBC suddenly cut off; about one hour later than normal, leaving VOI in the clear. 1259: VOI with closing contact info in Japanese; followed by the usual segment in English (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** BOUGAINVILLE. RNZI Story About More Shortwave for Bougainville I don't quite understand this story, as there currently is a shortwave service on Bougainville [3325, duh --- gh] https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018656230/bougainville-may-be-about-to-get-shortwave-radio-bac (Barry Hartley, NZ, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: THERE ARE PLANS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA TO RESTORE SHORT WAVE RADIO SERVICES IN BOUGAINVILLE. The service, run by the national broadcaster NBC, ended when Bougainville became engulfed in a civil war nearly 30 years ago. But the regional member for Bougainville in the PNG parliament, Joe Lera, got a positive response when he suggested a beefed up service was needed to improve the dissemination of information, especially leading into the referendum on possible independence. Mr Lera told Don Wiseman radio is vital in the rural areas because these regions do not have ready access to newspapers or television, and the current FM signal is inadequate. Listen duration 3'?:20? https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018656230/bougainville-may-be-about-to-get-shortwave-radio-back Many remote communities in Pacific island countries rely on shortwave radio. Photo: RNZI [caption] Transcript JOE LERA: At the moment on Bougainville only the three urban centres receive the FM and the majority in the rural areas have no access to the radio so they have been missing out on lots of information and issues that affect their lives, but before the crisis [the civil war] we had shortwave transmitters. And when shortwave was in operation everyone, from all corners of Bougainville, were receiving Radio Bougainville and they were kept informed daily. What I would like to see is we should go back to before the crisis. The role that radio played before the crisis, reaching out to all corners of Bougainville so that people can be informed, especially now with the referendum awareness. There are lots of awareness [exercises] going but only the urban centre people receive that information while the 80% rural population is kept in the dark about referendum issues. DON WISEMAN: You are a member of the government. What is the government saying about this? You have made this suggestion. What is going to happen? JL: Well after I raised the issue in parliament last week the Minister [Sam Basil] is coming over with a team, two weeks' time, they are coming over to Bougainville because the national government sees the importance of people getting the information about the referendum and the issues related. Access to information so they vote freely and make decisions without outside influence. The Minister is taking the whole NBC team over and his thinking is two options. One, national government to immediately buy two shortwave transmitters and bring Radio Bougainville back to where it was before the crisis, and two, we want to keep FM. He is also talking national government paying for two FM transmitters. So whichever option it should bring Radio Bougainville to where we were before. DW: When you talk about external forces influencing people, who are you talking about? JL: Well if people don't have access to information about the referendum and the issues related to it people like the ex-combatants, or people who hold one view, like independence, and can force most people, who [otherwise] don't want it. Because of ignorance they will submit to them (via Barry Hartley, NZ, Aug 2, DXLD) PNG PLEDGES BOOST FOR BOUGAINVILLE LOCAL RADIO BEFORE REFERENDUM By Pacific Media Watch - August 2, 2018 https://asiapacificreport.nz/2018/08/02/png-pledges-boost-for-bougainville-local-radio-before-referendum/ Bougainville's Radio New Dawn FM studio. Image: New Dawn [caption] Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk Papua New Guinea is pledging to help Bougainville strengthen its local radio services ahead of next year’s historic referendum on independence, reports Bindi Bryce on the ABC’s Pacific Beat programme. But Bougainvilleans and government leaders appear to be torn between a return to shortwave or investing in greater FM coverage. LISTEN: Bindi Bryce reporting on Pacific Beat http://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/bougainville-radio/10064648 The news comes amid an Australian government review into broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific, triggered by the backlash over the ABC’s decision to end its shortwave service in January last year. https://www.communications.gov.au/have-your-say/review-australian-broadcasting-services-asia-pacific The Pacific Media Centre’s public submission prepared by Dr Lee Duffield and colleagues is here http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/sites/default/files/file_bin/201808/ABC-Review-PMC-submission310718-FINAL.pdf Radio New Dawn FM: https://bougainvillenews.com/new-dawn-fm/ (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) More on the Shortwave and FM radio debate in Bougainville Glenn, Audio interview: http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/short-wave-radio-saves-lives-and-foreign-aid-funds-dan-mcgarry/10071940 Audio interview: PNG wants to help Bougainville improve local radio coverage ahead of next year's independence vote, but leaders are torn between a return to shortwave or improving FM coverage. . . https://player.fm/series/pacific-beat-2309138/shortwave-vs-fm-radio-debate-in-bougainville-ahead-of-independence-vote Short-wave radio saves both lives, foreign aid funds: Dan McGarry Vanuatu has appealed to Australia to restore short-wave radio services to the Pacific region, after they were switched off by the ABC in 2017, saying the service saves lives. Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk. http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/pm/short-wave-radio-saves-lives-and-foreign-aid-funds-dan-mcgarry/10071940 [WORLD OF RADIO 1942] Radio Edit: Tools can help you listen in on shortwave radio Kamloops This Week-20 hours ago Shortwave radio is an efficient way to get radio signals from around the world. It's relatively cheap and AM radio travels long distances very well as a shortwave ... https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/entertainment/radio-edit-tools-can-help-you-listen-in-on-shortwave-radio-1.23389619 Unregulated population migration and other future drivers of instability ... 4 days ago - For example, in Fiji and Vanuatu, shortwave radio was the only form of communication functioning after cyclones. This form of communication is inexpensive https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/unregulated-population-migration-and-other-future-drivers-instability-pacific (ALL via Artie Bigley, OH, Aug 4, DXLD) ** BOUVET ISLAND [and non]. BOUVET ISLAND DXPEDITION ATTEMPT By Ralph Fedor, KØIR [3Y0Z] http://www.tcdxa.org/Newsletters/June2018GrayLine.pdf (via Arctic DX, August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) EVERYTHING went wrong -- fascinating reading, illustrated (gh) ** BRAZIL. Rádios Globo e CBN em AM será descontinuada a do Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo e Belo Horizonte. :-( https://radioamantes.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/globo-e-cbn-deixarao-o-am/amp/?__twitter_impression=true (via Daniel Wyllyans, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Viz.: Globo e CBN deixarão o AM 4 dias ago Anúncios Por Rodney Brocanelli A assessoria de imprensa das rádios Globo e CBN divulgou comunicado informando que será descontinuada a transmissão das emissoras do Rio, São Paulo e Belo Horizonte em Amplitude Modulada. Apesar do aviso, não foi fixada uma data limite para essa saída do ar. Sabe-se apenas que profissionais responsáveis pela manutenção do parque técnico foram dispensados no dia de hoje. Veja abaixo a íntegra do comunicado (via DXLD) The communiqué is reproduced as uncopiable jpg, but touts how much better the quality will be on FM only. See wordpress link. WTFK?? I`m not about to hunt thru 11 pages of Brazilian MW frequency listings in unsearchable paper WRTH 2018, but some or all of these are probably major signals (gh, DXLD) Viz.: Ou seja, fim do sinal nas frequências icônicas de 1220 e 1100 kHz, entre outras. Lamentável! (Rozek, radioescutas yg via DXLD) Lamentável, mas não vou chorar mais de alguns minutos. Não vejo a hora de ter canais como 860, 1100, 1220 livres para boas escutas, e o nível de RF muito mais baixo nas tres capitais (Rocco, RJ, Cotroneo, ibid., WORLD OF RADIO 1942) Rocco, não esqueça dos 780 kHz aqui em SP. Acredito até que nessa empreitada algumas outras afiliadas Globo também devem ir gradativamente. Quanto ao prazo de desativação, eu não creio que será nos próximos dias ou semanas. Então os que são fãs da Globo SP e RJ e CBN, terão chance de continuar os ouvindo pela Internet. Não deve ser simples extinção. Também quanto às frequências que vão livrar, 860 é uma ótima frequência para se grudar nela porque pelo que me consta há sòmente mais 2 estações no Brasil inteiro nesse canal. 1220, o mesmo. Depois disso é esperar pra ver o que vai surgir o que hoje está encoberto por estas estações. 73, (Rudolf Grimm, ibid.) Olá amigos. De antemão já peço que perdoem os erros de digitação, ou português. Vou procurar digitar rápido e sem muito cuidado. Estou no trabalho, quase saindo de volta para casa. Me chamo Marcelo Santos, sou de Niterói - RJ, não sou "radioamador", como a maioria da lista. Já faz um tempo que estou no grupo, sempre como "ouvinte". Se não me engano, entrei nele por conta de um trabalho que fiz na Faculdade de Jornalismo sobre o Padre Landel de Moura e o pioneirismo dos radioamadores de Pernambuco. Não posso dizer que acompanho todas as colocações postas aqui. Mas, vez por outra dou um pouco mais de atenção. Principalmente sobre as escutas dos companheiros mundo a fora. Mas, o assunto aqui é a onda de AM e a o anuncio da Rádio Globo de fechar os 1220 do Rio e os 1100 de Sampa. É verdade. Acho que aqui mesmo já li alguma coisa sobre o fim das Ondas Médias para o rádio comercial. O que vou dizer não pode ser tido como oficial. Na Rádio Globo eu sou operador de áudio e gravação de vinhetas. Alguns conhecem como "Sonoplasta". Então, vejo que toda essa "onda" é por conta de alguns pontos específicos. Porém, todos ligados a forma comercial que o rádio adotou desde os anos 1930. O veículo vive mais uma crise. Como foi a da TV. Agora com a internet. Na primeira, dizia que a TV acabaria com o rádio. Não acabou. Há um século o meio existe, e vinha sendo o mais ouvido entre todos. Toda casa tinha um rádio, e pelas manhãs motoristas em seus automóveis se ligam no transito através da informação rápida do rádio. A nova "crise", dizem é por conta da internet. Bom, quem é bom ouvinte de rádio, sabe que há muito o rádio não tem mais a mesma essência que tinha há alguns anos. E muitos profissionais de rádio, especialmente os mais antigos se ressentem disso. Eu tenho saudades do meu início no rádio, na Fluminense AM, 540 kHz de Niterói. Eu tinha 14 anos. Vi dois anos mais tarde surgir a Fluminense FM, que mais adiante se tornou conhecida por ser a Rádio Rock "MALDITA". Hoje em dia, o que ainda se parece um pouco com o rádio da antigo são as rádios do interior. Rádios de cidades pequenas e afastadas dos grandes centros. Guardam ainda a cultura local, a prestação de serviços e a relação com a comunidade. Pulando rapidamente para a Rádio Globo, o que está acontecendo é uma opção empresarial, guiada pela vontade de acionistas. Muitos deles que não viam no rádio nada mais que um meio de ganhar dinheiro. Nesses anos a publicidade em rádio tem caido muito. O anunciante sem dinheiro, prefere investir um pouco mais e vê na TV a audiência melhor. Em vista disso, da dificuldade de financiar os custos de uma rádio, emissoras não tão grandes como a Globo optam por alugar seus horários para igrejas, pastores, etc. No caso da Globo, foi apresentado um projeto que apontava para uma mudança de público alvo. Seguindo a linha da CBN (também do grupo Globo), optou-se por tentar uma programação que atraísse um público mais jovem, e de poder aquisitivo maior que os habituais ouvintes que tinha. A audiência daquele tipo de rádio, como comunicadores dos anos 60, 70, 80 e até 90 estava envelhecendo, morrendo. Além do mais economicamente se tornava um público cada vez mais de aposentados. A avaliação é cruel, mas tem sua razão de ser. Aos olhos do mercado, aposentados não investem, não compram e isso dificulta ainda mais a venda de comerciais para rádio. O pensamento, do ponto de vista empresarial parecial estudado, argumentado e seguia uma certa coerência. O problema é que parece que, após um ano ainda não resultou em nada de positivo. Os rádios continuam não conseguindo se sustentar. Talvez a idéia de renovar a audiência seja correta. Mas a estratégia foi errada. E discutir isso levaria ainda mais tempo. Voltando à questão do fim dessas rádios no AM, tem razões técnicas (a recepção devido a tantas frequencias espalhadas de celulares, Wifis, e tudo mais), já não fazia do sinal de AM um modo tão vantajoso de recepção. Locais onde a Globo Rio pegava muito bem na cidade, não se estava pegando mais. O AM stéreo não avançou no Brasil. E igualmente o AM Digital. Foucou-se nas FM e na melhora do seu sinal através da tecnologia digital. A grosso modo, o que já aconteceu com as TV em relação às suas transmissões, deve acontecer com o Rádio FM. O AM, podemos dizer, foi abandonado por concessionários do serviço e de certa forma incentivados pelo próprio governo. Este último, se não me engano, pretende utilizar essa banda para outros fins. O certo é que falando de Rádios, como rádio (aquele que você tem um aparelho para sintonizar uma frequencia), o futuro são as transmissões de FM Digital. O AM realmente acaba. E mesmo quem não optou por uma mudança agora no estilo de programação, pensando na renovação da audiência, deve pensar nisso na próxima década. A Globo, vai acabar sendo exemplo do que não fazer quanto aos erros cometidos nessa transição. Mas no fim, todas devem procurar meios de atingir uma audiência mais jovem, e que de poder aquisitivo maior. Nesse meio tempo, a Rádio Globo no Rio e em SP demitiu rios de colegas. E ainda vem demitindo, trabalhando com o mínimo de pessoas. Em BH, o grupo literalmente extinguiu sua rádio AM no início dessa mudança há um ano. Demitiu toda a equipe e repassou o canal. Portanto, olhando daqui de dentro, espero ter contribuído para que os colegas compreendem um pouco melhor o que se passa. Quanto ao futuro do rádio, ainda há que se notar que os olhos dos empresários já começam a manifestar maior interesse também para os aplicativos de usso nos celulares para se escurtar as rádios. Seria como se todas virassem "webradios". Pois também o FM, pode ter suas décadas contadas. Uma rádio como a Globo AM, 1220, operando com um transmissor de 200 Kwats representa um custo enorme em energia. Extinguindo a transmissão do AM, e fazendo-a só através do FM, ela teria uns gastos menores. E como disse, se esse pensamento avançar, deligaram também os transmissores de FM e passaram a transmitir apenas via internet. Abraço! (Marcelo Santos, ibid.) Uma vez ouvi dizer que a faixa de AM ficaria apenas as emissoras de alta potência. Isto é verdade? E se acabar com o AM no Brasil, como ficaria as emissões de outros países, inclusive os fronteiriços com o Brasil? As emissões nesses paises irão ser extintas? Enviado do meu smartphone Samsung Galaxy (merlinsp, ibid.) From Daniel Wyllyans via Hard-Core-DX 2018 08 02: Globo and CBN AM radios will be discontinued from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte: R Globo: RJ – ZYJ458 1220; SP – ZYK694 1100; BH – ZYL283 1150. CBN: RJ – ZYJ459 860; SP – ZYK695 780 (via Tore Vik, South American News Desk, ARC mv-eko 6 August via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 4805 kHz Rádio Difusora do Amazonas FM via Ondas Tropicais ON! 4805 kHz Rádio Difusora do Amazonas FM via Ondas Tropicais ON! Relay FM 96.9 via 4805 OT ... Passou o número do whats app e algumas notícias raramente transmitiu em 4805 em 2018 esperamos que firme a transmissão para principalmente as comunidades ribeirinhas da Amazônia. https://youtu.be/UWP8e4G_x3w 2118 UT 01 Agosto 2018, RX: Yaesu FRG 8800, Antena: Beverage simples (Daniel Wyllyans, Sítio Estrela do Araguaia, Nova Xavantina MT Brasil, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Continue ligando 4805 ondas tropicais --- lá quero informar aí ontem escutei a programação em 4805 kHz ondas tropicais; por favor continue ligando o transmissor todos os dias. Aqui nas florestas tem muitos ouvintes que escutam e nos lugares longínquos do Brasil e Amazônia https://youtu.be/UWP8e4G_x3w (Daniel Wyllyans, Aug 3, to Rdif Amazonas; their reply:) Não se preocupe que manteremos sempre que possível a rádio no ar. Estivemos alguns dias fora por motivo de defeito em um de nossos equipamentos auxiliares. Agradeço pela audiência. Eng. Genival. genival.paula@yahoo.com.br ESCREVA INFORMES PARA O ENGEIRO GENIVAL 4805 RÁDIO DIFUSORA DO AMAZONAS genival.paula@yahoo.com.br https://dxbrazilsw.blogspot.com/2018/08/continue-ligando-4805-ondas-tropicais.html?m=1 (Wyllyans, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 11735, Rádio Transmundial, Santa Maria, 1419-1433, 04-08, “Bom dia RTM”, “Transmundial, para todo o mundo ouvir”. The program “Bom dia RTM” is on air from Monday to Saturday between 0930 to 1455 UT. 25433 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) [RTM turned off SW permanently Aug 9; already in WOR iog, next DXLD] ** BRAZIL. I'm pretty sure RNA on 11780 is running full power, because their signal is about the only one strong enough to punch through the RF cloud around my building. Regards, (Chuck Albertson, Seattle WA, 0446 UT August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11780, UT Monday August 6 at 0151, RNB/RNA is off, unlike most evenings at this time: maybe a Sunday thing (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CAMBODIA [and non]. INDEPENDENT NEWS BLOCKED IN CAMBODIA AHEAD OF ELECTIONS --- August 2, 2018 On July 27, two days before the general election, the Cambodian government blocked the Khmer websites of Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. This blatant disregard for human rights and democratic values is not going unnoticed by the international community. VOA and RFA provided unparalleled Khmer-language election reporting and made it available on shortwave radio and social media. Our journalists have been threatened, jailed and forced to leave the country. However, we will not stop in our efforts to inform and engage Cambodians through objective and uncensored news and information (BBG PR via Hansjoerg Biener, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** CHINA. 4900 // 4940, Voice of Strait, 1058+, July 30. In // for about an hour; both fair. 6035, FM99 (Voice of Shangri-la) via Yunnan, 1220, July 30. Many pop song (YL singer with the Beatles song "Hey Jude," Idina Menzel - "Let It Go," etc.); usual FM format; in Chinese; holding up well against the jamming here; best in USB, due to 6030 DRM (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** CHINA [and non]. 11640, CNR1 at 1153 in Mandarin jamming RTI in Mandarin with a man and woman with excited talk then a number of promos from 1157 to 5+1 time pips at 1200 and more promos – Fair at best rising to good by 1156 Aug 3 Coady-ON 11785, CNR1 at 1206 // 11640 in Mandarin jamming the VOA in Mandarin via Thailand with a man with deliberate talk over light instrumentals – Fair Aug 3 (Mark Coady, Selwyn, Ontario, Kenwood TS440S or Ten-Tec Argonaut II and 40 and 80 meter off centre-fed dipoles, ODXA iog via DXLD) Mark doesn`t say whether the jamming targets were audible (gh) 13570, August 4 at 1643, S0-S2 VP in Chinese? RFA scheduled via Saipan this hour only, so most likely the CNR1 jammer, especially since it`s not off-frequency. 15250, August 4 at 1258, CNR1 jammer, timesignal and ID until 1300*. Was // 15040 vs India. 15250 is vs VOA Chinese via Philippines at 11- 13, unheard (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9660, CNR1 at 1210 // 11640 and 11785 in Mandarin jamming RTI in Mandarin with a woman with deliberate talk – Weak but audible Aug 4 11825, CNR1 at 1238 // 11640 and 11785 in Mandarin jamming the VOA in Mandarin via Thailand with a man and woman with excited talk – Weak but audible Aug 4 11985, TAIWAN, RTI at 1235 in Mandarin with a man being interviewed by a woman – Fair to Good over CNR1 jammer which was // 11785 Aug 4 13830, CNR1 at 1257 in Mandarin jamming RFA in Tibetan via Tajikistan with a man with talk and Chinese opera vocals – Fair Aug 4 (Mark Coady, Selwyn, Ontario, Kenwood TS440S or Ten-Tec Argonaut II and 40 and 80 meter off centre-fed dipoles, ODXA iog via DXLD) 14500, 0930, CNR 1, China. Chinese talk // 17605, jamming for Sound of Hope, 353, 14/07 (Franck Baste, St Bonnet de Rochefort, France, Perseus + Loop ALA1530LNP, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** CHINA. Unscheduled frequency of China National Radio-1, August 1: till 0800 on 15740 unknown kW / unknown to EaAs Chinese, fair/good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/unscheduled-frequency-15740-khz-of.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Unscheduled frequency of China National Radio-1, August 3: till 0800 on 15740 unknown kW / unknown to EaAs Chinese, fair/good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/unscheduled-frequency-of-china-national.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. I’ll continue this month with a short account of a few programmes that I listened to via an overnight recording on my SDR radio. On this occasion, I recorded the ten hours of programming from 2000 to 0600 UT, in a frequency span covering approximately 5000-10000 kHz on the night of 14-15 July. Many more stations than listed here were logged, but here are just a few programmes that I heard. China Radio International --- There was an interesting programme today on Ink and Quill (2030 UT on 5960 kHz) with a review of a book “Songs of the World” by Taiwanese author Chang Lee (apologies if I have the spelling wrong), which has a series of essays on how to enjoy various genres of music, taking an example of a classical piece of music called “O Fortuna” [from Orff`s Carmina Burana, presumably --- gh] that was found in a BBC survey a while back to be number one as the most recognisable piece of classical music, even if the title was not known. Whilst the review was generally favourable, it was concluded that the book was rather self-indulgent concentrating more on the poetical lyrics as against the music itself. I usually enjoy this programme, and will therefore try and seek it out most weeks. It covers a wide range of literature – not just Chinese literature. Ink and Quill airs Friday and Saturday at 1630, with repeats at 2030 and the following day at 1330 UT (Listening Post with Alan Roe, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** CHINA. 03 August 2018 - 09H20 FLASH - CHINA CRITIC SILENCED DURING LIVE TV INTERVIEW - France 24 http://www.france24.com/en/20180803-china-critic-silenced-during-live-tv-interview (c) AFP/File | Vocal critic Sun Wenguang had written an open letter to President Xi Jinping last month that criticised China's chequebook diplomacy in Africa, just as Xi embarked on a trip to the continent [caption] BEIJING (AFP) - A vocal critic of China's government has disappeared without a trace after security forces strong-armed their way into his home in the middle of a phone interview with a US-funded television network. Retired academic Sun Wenguang, who is in his mid-80s, was speaking live to a Chinese-language TV show for Voice of America (VOA) when the authorities suddenly showed up. "The police are here to interrupt again," Sun said from his home in Jinan in the eastern province of Shandong, counting as many as eight intruders as he spoke in an audio broadcast on Wednesday. "It's illegal for you to come to my home. I have my freedom of speech!" are the final words heard from Sun. The dramatic recording highlights the increasing intensity of China's efforts to silence critics of its policies as the ruling Communist Party aggressively nurtures a cult of personality around President Xi Jinping. Sun had written an open letter to Xi last month that criticised China's chequebook diplomacy in Africa, releasing it just as the leader embarked on a trip to the continent, according to VOA and online screenshots that could not be independently verified by AFP. "Listen to what I say, is it wrong?" Sun asked the security detail in the recording. "People are poor. Let's not throw our money in Africa," he said, telling the intruders that "throwing money like this is of no good to our country and society" before the line went dead. - 'Real tyranny' - Sun, who is one of China's oldest activists, is kept under regular surveillance. He was a co-signer of the pro-democracy manifesto Charter 08 -- a quickly censored document that landed co-author and Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo in prison. Liu died last year, the first Nobel winner to die in custody since Nazi Germany. In 2009, Sun was viciously beaten by authorities when he snuck past guards watching his building in an attempt to pay his respects to ousted Communist leader Zhao Ziyang -- who opposed the use of force to quell the 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy protests -- on the 10th anniversary of the former premier's death. Repeated calls by AFP to his mobile and home phone number went unanswered Friday, as did messages sent via social messaging app WeChat. Calls to the Jinan public security bureau and the publicity department of Shandong University, his former employer, also yielded no response. "Every time you hear overblown rhetoric about how we are on the verge of 'tyranny' or 'authoritarianism' in America remember what real tyranny and authoritarianism looks like," said US Senator Marco Rubio of the incident on Twitter. VOA is "monitoring the situation closely and will provide an update to program viewers once more information becomes available," its spokeswoman Bridget Serchak said in a statement. (c) 2018 AFP (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** CUBA. Radio Enciclopedia, 530 kHz, making the trip quite nicely into western Arizona overnight. Weak at 1 AM local [0800 UT], but gaining strength to a nice signal and ID at 0200 local. Received on a 24 inch tuned passive loop to the Sangean ATS-909X. Unable to copy on the PL-600 or SRF-59. using the same loop. Signal overload from 540 KHz swamps both receivers, even with the PL-600's narrow filter. The DSP IF filter on the Sangean makes the difference on this one (Bill, RADIO-TIMETRAVELLER, Quartzsite, AZ, http://radio-timetraveller.blogspot.com August 4, ABDX yg via DXLD) ** CUBA. 6100, August 1 at 0556, this RHC English is JBM; 6000 a bit better; 6060 = 6165 best modulation levels. Something`s always wrong at RHC. How these four relate to each other in strength and modulation level is constantly changing. 13700, August 1 at 1316, RHC AWOL; 1317 carrier cuts on and off and on; 1341 recheck now it`s modulating but failing to emit spurs. Something`s always wrong at RHC. 15140, August 1 at 1909, RHC English is poor, much weaker than normal, only S7; QRP? Something`s always wrong at RHC. 5025, August 2 at 0626, R. Rebelde is dead air except for some whooshing sound. Something`s always wrong at RadioCuba (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15230, Radio Cubana; 1243, 8/2; New moniker for Radio Habana? “Radio Cubana” repeated twice into SS commentary, SIO=353+ (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 13740, August 2 at 1356, RHC is off, unknown whether just quit prior to CRI relay or missed all or part of entire transmission. The separate transmitter for China Plus = CRI English relay does not cut on until *1359:20 and remains dead air until 1401:55 finally fades up CRI modulation, JIP ``news``. Something`s always wrong at RadioCuba. 7340, August 2 at 1414, RHC is still on but VP at S7/S9+10 vs daytime noise level amid `Sonido Cubano` music show during this hour. Really scheduled until 1500, outlasting Radio Martí on adjacent 7335. RHC is obviously cozying up to RM, in the evenings adjacent the other side on 7330, but why? Casual tuners are liable to run into Cuban-sounding RM by mistake, but maybe Arnie thinx that in addition to his co-channel jammers, the RHC signals will help to QRM RM. Maybe it`s different in the Antilles target, but here I`ve got to use LSB or USB for a chance at RHC without ACI. 13740, August 3 at 1359, RHC Spanish with squeal is S9+10 and keeps going past 1400 with nothing from China Plus relay in English. Other transmitter for CRI comes on at *1401 mixing almost imperceptibly with the first one. Keep hearing RHC Spanish until 1402:20 abrupt and smooth cut to undermodulated CRI English with no overlap and no pause, obviously coördinated this time, even tho way too late. Something`s always wrong at RadioCuba. 15140, August 3 around 1710, RHC Spanish is again on here, // 11760. Addition of 15140 at midday must be deliberate but am not sure when it start, maybe earlier than 1700. I first heard this July 21, but still not entered in Aoki dated August 4 --- but other RHC info there is incomplete. Nor in EiBi, but that`s not updated since July 8 --- Eike must be on holiday. 6060, August 4 at 0528, survey of The Cuban Five for RHC English: 6060 is the one AWOL tonight. 6000 is S9+10 and JBM; 6100 is S9 and BM, i.e. slightly better than 6000; 6165 is S9+10/20 with sufficient mod; 5040 is S9+20 with plenty mod but a bit rough. Something`s always wrong at RHC (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15140, August 4 at 1550, RHC Spanish is on, so when does it start? Not as early as 1400; maybe 1500 we hope after Oman`s nominal English hour. Something`s always wrong (i.e. unscheduled) at RHC (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11880, August 4 at 2156, RHC is VG with jazz, not // 11760, 11840, 12000 Spanish, nor 11700 open carrier. I bet it`s the English service, which has happened before. Yes, 2158 Elena Valverde closes the English hour, 2200 IS and into French, which is when 11880 is supposed to start. How much of a fragment of English went out after 2100, when it is apparently on the feeder? Something`s always wrong at RHC. 5990, August 5 at 0101, CRI Plus English news is still on, relay running late; while: 6000, August 5 at 0101, RHC English is still not on (tho I don`t think it`s the same transmitter as 5990; they have overlapped before). By 0103, only // 6165 is on but dead air. Something`s always wrong at RHC. 5025, August 6 at 0135, R. Rebelde is OFF, but detect a JBA carrier a bit high like 5025.01: R. Quillabamba, Perú, or exciter only from Cuba? Something`s always wrong at RadioCuba. 4765, August 6 at 0138, R. Progreso music is S9+20 but modulation breaking up. Something`s always wrong at RadioCuba. At least the third 60m Cuban, RHC on 5040 is OK. 6100, August 6 at 0555, this RHC English air is dead tonight, while 6165, 6060 and 5040 are very good; 6000 merely good modulation. Something`s always wrong at RHC (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [and non]. 9490, August 6 at 0148, heavy jamming against R. República via FRANCE audible underneath. The jam has a higher pitch than usually heard from the DentroCuban Jamming Command (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. INICIA SUS TRANSMISIONES RADIO UNIÓN, LA EMISORA 98 DE CUBA 01/08/2018 https://gruporadioescuchaargentino.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/inicia-sus-transmisiones-radio-union-la-emisora-98-de-cuba/ Durante el acto por el aniversario 65 de la Gesta del Moncada, la emisora número 98 del país, Radio Unión, inició sus transmisiones en el municipio matancero de Unión de Reyes. Resultado de imagen para Radio Unión, inició sus transmisiones en el municipio matancero de Unión de Reyes. [shows frequency 96.3 FM] A la ceremonia asistieron el ministro del Interior, vicealmirante Julio César Gandarrilla Bermejo; el Buró Provincial del Partido Comunista de Cuba (PCC), encabezado por su primera secretaria, Teresa Rojas Monzón, y Onelio Castillo Corderí, director general de la Radio Cubana. En la celebración por el 26 de Julio en Unión de Reyes, se reconoció a colectivos y trabajadores destacados en la producción y los servicios en el territorio y un grupo de jóvenes recibió el carnet de militantes del PCC. En tiempo récord de 60 días, fuerzas constructivas de la Cooperativa No Agropecuaria SANCOF ejecutaron las labores en esa planta y merecieron el Sello Aniversario 95 de la Radio Cubana (GRA blog via DXLD) Glenn, I just checked my notes and the WTFDA FM db. Unión de Reyes already had a station licensed on 96.3 since last summer, signing on initially as a relay. It appears they are no longer a relay and are now a regular radio station, originating their own programming. Thank you for the information and the link (Jim Thomas, http://db.wtfda.org DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DENMARK. 5840, 2035-2050 4.8, World Music R, Randers, Portuguese and English ID's, global pop songs. 45434. Nice E-QSL received from listening a month ago from hartvig@wmr.dk Best 73, (Anker Petersen, Denmark, from Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, wbradio yg via DXLD) World Music Radio from Denmark confirmed the reception of eQSL. Radio receiver - Digitech AR1780. A video of the reception was attached to the report. This radio station can be called a long-liver. The first confirmation of the WMR I received in 1997. They broadcast from South Africa at a frequency of 6290 kHz (Pavel Ivanov, Belgorod, Russia / "open_dx", QSL World, Rus-DX August 5 via DXLD) ** DENMARK. E-QSL from Danish pirate station - Radio OZNRH. The program was transmitted on 29. 07. 2018 on 6310 kHz from Hillerod / Denmark. You can see the confirmation here - http://rusdx.blogspot.com/2018/07/p-irat-e-station-radio-oznrh.html (Piotr Skorek, Poland, QSL World, Rus-DX August 5 via DXLD) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. TVDX A2 Santo Domingo to Germany on Aug 3 Video http://dx.3sdesign.de/temp/20180803-143741-A2-DOM.avi ------------------------------------------------------- Jurgens posted on Skywaves: This afternoon Tele Antillas came in on A2. This is a short video (35 MB), it's not streamable, so you need to dl' it before playing. That way the quality remains unharmed. Distance ~7600 km. VLC will open it and play it. There's not much there to ID it in the video, but Santo Domingo is mentioned in the audio by a YL announcer (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT, Aug 4, WTFDA gg via DXLD) ** EAST TURKISTAN [and non]. 15445, August 4 at 0524, S5-S6 with flutter in Russian, i.e. CRI via Kashgar; weaker signal sounds same on 15665, yes, CRI Russian via Urumqi. Also have a JBA carrier on 15170, presumably Saudi Arabia, which in previous more sunspotty summers would propagate well trans-midnite (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EGYPT. 9799.7, 2155, R Cairo, Talk on volcanoes, poor audio quality, OM in English, 543, 06/07 DH 9879.7, 2140, R Cairo, Weather reports, poor audio, OM in English, 432, 22/07 (David Harris, Emsworth, Hants, UK, Realistic DX 394, 15m long wire, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) Assuming no typos here, R. Cairo must have mis-tried to hit 9880 instead of 9800 on the second occasion, but both of them are minus 0.3 kHz (gh, DXLD) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. 5005, Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, Bata, *0510-0533, 04-08, African songs. Weak, but clearly audible today. 15321. Also *0518-0527, 05-08, Extremely weak, only carrier detected today (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA. 6090, 2050-2102* 4.8, Amhara State R, Geja Jewe, Amharic (presumed) talk, Horn of Africa song, poetry with local music in background, 2100 National Hymn. From *2055 QRM CNR 2. Best 73, (Anker Petersen, Denmark, from Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, wbradio yg via DXLD) ** EUROPE. Reception of Russian Pirate Radio Europe on Shortwave, August 4 from 0745 5836 unknown tx / unknown EaEu, non-stop Music, fair to good from 0858 5836 unknown tx / unknown EaEu announcement Eng/Rus/Ger/Pol Videos from May 1 on 5832v in English/Russian/German/Polish: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/russian-pirate-radio-europe-on.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FINLAND. 11689.8, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat, 0540-0604, 04-08, pop songs, Finnish, comments, male, ID in English at 0600: "Scandinavian Weekend Radio ...". 15321 and at moments 25322. Also 2017-2058*, 04-08, pop songs and comments in Finnish and English, “Closing Ceremony”. 25322. 11719.9, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat, 0715-0725, 04-08, Finnish comments, pop songs. 15321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11689.88, 2020-2030 Sat 4.8, Scandinavian Weekend R, Virrat, Finnish ann, English pop songs, 35343 // 5980.00 (25333). Best 73, (Anker Petersen, Denmark, from Skovlunde on my AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, wbradio yg via DXLD) The offset frequencies should be a big help in detecting it further afield; other reports just say 11690 or 11720. Next: Sat Sept 1, presumably starting 2100 UT Fri August 31 (gh, DXLD) ** FRANCE. 7220, August 1 at 0547, Dandal Kura via ISSoudun modulation seems OK, unlike previously when it was nothing but humbuzz. However, signal is weak in the noise tonight, so am not sure it be pristine. 9790, August 1 at 0547, RFI via ISSoudun is JBA carrier, so cannot evaluate it; a different night than 7220, with much better propagation, this transmitter was also humbuzzing (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5950, 01 Ago, 2003, Portadora com forte zumbido com modulação inaudível e distorcida. A modulação distorcida parece ser em francês que é confirmada ao ouvir no SDR de Twente. Só pode ser KBS em francês desde Issoudun (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia, 12 14´S 38 58´W - Brasil, Tecsun PL-310ET, Antenna dipole of 25 meters-direction northeast-southwest, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Issoudun faulty transmitter --- Issoudun appears to be alternating the use of the faulty transmitter to different services almost on a daily basis. I heard it using 13695 earlier this week for RFI French around 0645 UT with a strong signal during another sporadic E boost to its signals. This time there was more of a background whistle rather than a buzz (Noel R Green (NW England), Aug 2, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) NHK Radio Japan, instead of Dandal Kura Radio via TDF Issoudun, Aug 3 1800-2000 11830 ISS 100 kW / 167 deg CeAf Japanese NHK World R. Japan, instead of 1800-2000 11830 ISS 100 kW / 167 deg CeAf Kanuri Dandal Kura Radio International http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/radio-japan-instead-of-dandal-kura.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Today August 5 humbuzz from 0600 on 11910 Dandal Kura Radio International (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, WOR iog) Dandal Kura Radio Int via MBR Issoudun on August 4 But with buzzing audio of faulty transmitter in Issoudun August 5 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/dandal-kura-radio-int-via-mbr-issoudun.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, ibid.) 9790, August 6 at 0552, RFI in French, S4-S5 with big humbuzz from defective TDF Issoudun transmitter; tonight another frequency from there, 7220 with Dandal Kura is S9 and clear. Some other night, it could be the bad one (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Taiwan International via damaged tx Issoudun, August 5 1900-2000 13835 ISS 500 kW / 185 deg NWAf French Sun, buzzing audio: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/radio-taiwan-international-via-damaged.html (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. Hello and welcome to the August edition of Listening Post. I often ask myself if I have a favourite programme or station that I listen to on shortwave. I always conclude that I do not, but rather that I have a group of programmes that I try not to miss and will attempt to listen to at least once a month. However, within that group are a select few programmes that I try to listen to most weeks (reception conditions permitting). Three such programmes that I try to catch every week are from Radio Ohne Namen’s Here We Go! and two programmes produced and presented by Bill Tillford: From The Isle of Music (FTIOM) and Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot (UBMP). Owing to a block-booking on Channel 292 by Overcomer Ministry, Here We Go! was bumped from its Wednesday morning 0800 UT slot on 25 July to a new time of 1800 UT on Tuesday 24th. However, I thought that was a great change as it meant that there was a 2½ hour continuous segment comprising all three of the above programs. Radio Ohne Namen has since confirmed that 1800 UT on Tuesday has now become a new permanent slot for the programme. As I am finalising this edition of Listening Post on 24 July, I am listening to 6070 kHz from 1800 to 2030 UT and have enjoyed some 1930’s German big-band music, followed by some great Cuban jazz music on FTIOM with Cuban Jazz saxophone artist Michel Herrera. There are some interviews in Spanish (which I don’t understand), but this doesn’t matter as there was plenty of music also. Finally, UBMP had its usual eclectic selection of music at 2000 – this week I enjoyed some very entertaining Assyrian music from different countries, suggested it seems by Alexandra the Romanian belly dancer. You never know what you will hear in this slot – anything from Vietnamese acid (which I heard a few weeks ago) to music dedicated to vegetables, including music played on carrots and other edible instruments (which I heard last week). By the way, upcoming highlights during August of FTIOM will include: rising Cuban Jazz trumpeter Yasek Manzano; Roxana Iglesias, the leader of the Fusion group Frasis; and Ricardito Rivera, lead vocalist with Los Latinos & Conjunto Rumbavana in the 70s and 80s and still active. FTIOM is scheduled: Sunday 1500-1600 on 9400 kHz via Bulgaria Tuesday 0000-0100 on 7490 kHz via WBCQ; Tuesday 1900-2000 and Saturday 1200-1300 on 6070 via Channel 292, Germany Meanwhile, upcoming highlights of UBMP during August will include an episode of music from the DPRK, a Bluegrass episode, an episode of Ska from Eastern Europe and a week of international potpourri. UBMP is scheduled: Sundays 2200-2230 on 7490 via WBCQ Tuesdays 2000-2030 on 6070 via Channel 292, Germany (Listening Post with Alan Roe, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** GERMANY. Fair signal of New Shortwave Radio, August 3: 2000&2155 on 3975 WIS 001 kW / non-dir to NWEu English 2000&2155 on 6160 WIS 001 kW / non-dir to NWEu English http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/fair-signal-of-new-shortwave-radio-for.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6160, Short Wave Radio de., 2033-2050, 03-08, pop songs and comments in English, “This is a new sound on short wave to Europe”, “Test transmission”. // 3975. 25333 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. 19100. 0445 BVB, Nauen. Day of Decision Ministry in English // 9550 [x2 harmonic] 353 08/07 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria Sony ICF2001D & VEF201, Ant Folded Marconi 16m, August BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** GREECE. 8424-CW, August 2 at 0102, dash and DE SVO, over and over, i.e. Olympia Radio, Athens, one of the few CW stations left on SW. 2002 Klingenfuss Guide had it on 8423. Primarily a broadcast DXer, I don`t always bandscan utilities, but now with WLO QRT, nary a dit of CW markers are to be heard on the fixed or marine bands, so this one is welcome. Among lots of open space, one still hears mostly modes unreadable to the ear, fax, RTTY and more complex digitals (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also USA: AAM 13508 ** GREECE. I’ll continue this month with a short account of a few programmes that I listened to via an overnight recording on my SDR radio. On this occasion, I recorded the ten hours of programming from 2000 to 0600 UT, in a frequency span covering approximately 5000-10000 kHz on the night of 14-15 July. Many more stations than listed here were logged, but here are just a few programmes that I heard. The Voice of Greece was heard throughout the night from 2010 tune-in with mostly typically Greek music on 9420kHz, although there were several short breaks in transmission either side of 2300 UT. 9420 remains one of my “go-to” frequencies in the evenings for background music, and I have dipped in-and-out of the ten hours that I recorded many times. 0300 UT marks the start of the new day’s programming with the Voice of Greece interval signal, several ID’s (including an ID in English “This is Athens. You are listening to the Voice of Greece.”), and the National Anthem (Listening Post with Alan Roe, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** GUINEA. 9650, Radio Guinée, Conakry, 0740-0805, 04-08, African songs, French, comments, ID “Radio Guinée, 90.0 FM, Le Grande Maison”, “La Matinale”, at 0800 news. 45444. Also *0635-0810, 05-08, African songs, French, comments, ID “Radio Guinée, le marque de savoir-faire”, “Radio Guinée, responsabilité”, “Radio Guinée, 90.0 FM”. “Radio Guinée la grande maison”, at 0730 Catholic program “Le Jour du Seigneur”. 44444 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ``90.0`` presumably pronounced: ``quatre-vingts-dix virgule zéro`` (gh, DXLD) ** HONDURAS. PUEBLO LENCA EN LA PAZ SURCA Y COSECHA SU PROPIA VOZ “RADIO GUINAKIRINA” --- 03/08/2018 En medio de las concesiones del imperio de “la aurora” que cerca los bienes comunes del pueblo lenca; Abajo desde el sueño de una organización hasta uno y varios puntos del mundo, un grupo de jóvenes aceptó el reto de surcar la comunicación comunitaria y cosechó una radio, una Guinakirina. Resultado de imagen para Radio Guinakirina [caption] “Guinakirina”, que en español significa “La Voz del Pueblo Lenca”, es la propuesta radial del Movimiento Independiente Indígena Lenca de La Paz-Honduras (MILPAH) para escuchar sus posturas, denuncias o una que otra complacencia musical que oriente al tema de los derechos humanos indígenas, de la radio que se ubica en el municipio de Marcala, a unos 20 kilómetros de la cabecera del departamento de La Paz, en la zona centro-occidente del país. Felipe Benítez y Donatila Girón, quienes forman parte de MILPAH, describieron esta nueva alternativa de comunicación que el pasado 28 de mayo inició sus primeras transmisiones. Ambos le comentaron a Conexihon.hn, el surgimiento de esta siembra radial, misma que fue posible gracias al apoyo de la organización Amnistía Internacional (AI), que capacitó a 12 jóvenes que mantienen el interés por producir, locutar y hacer eco donde el pueblo lenca quiera hacerse escuchar. “Le quisimos poner Guinakirina porque estamos en un proceso de recuperación sobre nuestra lengua original materna, que tanto se perdió y una de las formas que la radio tenga éxito es rescatar nuestra identidad como pueblo lenca”, afirmó Girón, quien forma parte del equipo humano de la radio. Los 12 comunicadores sociales miembros de MILPAH fueron capacitados por Amnistía Internacional y concluyeron la formación produciendo material radiofónico para salir al aire a través de la dirección web http://www.radioguinakirina.org que desde el primer día logró audiencia. Una radio en internet es la alternativa ya que, de acuerdo con el mapeo del Sistema Integrado de Telecomunicaciones y Administración del espectro (SINTAE), el espectro radioeléctrico mapeado para la zona número dos, en los departamentos de Comayagua, Intibucá y La Paz se dispersan 96 estaciones sólo en Frecuencia Modulada (FM), de las que 13 están dentro del territorio “paceño”, pero ninguna es comunitaria. Y este es, según Felipe Benítez, coordinador general de MILPAH, el principal propósito de la radio con voz del pueblo lenca, romper el cerco mediático “donde sólo se escucha los medios serviles al sistema capitalista”. Contamos con gente animada en el proyecto de la radio y existe conciencia para denunciar desde nuestros propios medios la situación de violaciones a derechos humanos que sufrimos como pueblo lenca, puntualizó Felipe Benítez. La programación fue sonando desde el 15 de mayo de este año. Un día antes, comenzó la capacitación de los y las jóvenes, al calor del taller, recordar la fundación de MILPAH, sumada la situación de violación a los territorios y los derechos humanos del pueblo lenca es que iniciaron comunicando por medio de la “Guinakirina”, expresaron Felipe y Donatila. Un diplomado de creación y producción de radios por internet con Amnistía Internacional, el 15, 16 y 17 de mayo reciente, fue el inicio de una siembra de la que ya empiezan a ver sus frutos en tierra liberada y defendida por el pueblo lenca de La Paz. Girón, al regresar del espacio dónde se encuentra “resguardado” el equipo de la radio, comentó que desde el 28 de mayo iniciaron pequeñas transmisiones que llegaron a ciertas colonias del municipio. “Nuestra visión es que la información que producimos llegue a diversas partes del mundo desde nuestra radio web”, amplió la comunicadora social. Aunque el proceso de comunicación no sea continuo - reconoce la lideresa lenca - debido a la carencia de un fondo - económico - que permita que los y las jóvenes puedan trasladarse desde sus aldeas hacia Marcala, donde opera la radio; Sin embargo, el entusiasmo y las ganas no las pierden, se mantienen expectantes para iniciar la siguiente transmisión. Para Felipe, el tener como organización sus propios medios de comunicación suma a las tres prioridades que tienen desde MILPAH; junto al tema de juventudes y el papel de la mujer lenca, que ha sido invisibilizada por el dominio patriarcal capitalista “aún cómo hombres nosotros ponemos barreras que tenemos que romper”. Dentro del proyecto de asistencia en la formación que dio Amnistía Internacional, se solicitó capacitar a las y los jóvenes, ya que son quienes pasan al tanto con la tecnología, puntualizó Donatila Girón. “Se trata de cómo los jóvenes pueden utilizarlo - equipo - como algo importante. Es nuestro interés que no usen el internet en cosas que no son importantes y una mejor manera de utilizar esta herramienta es que ellas y ellos mandaran información de la actualidad del pueblo lenca al mundo”, agregó. Otro de los objetivos de una radio vista, producida y hablada por jóvenes es retirarlos de la idea que existe progreso especialmente para los hombres dentro de un batallón policial o militar, al no tener cómo sobrevivir. Por ello, hacer comunicación para el pueblo lenca es buscar “otras formas de vida” y que no vayan a ser parte de quienes reprimen al pueblo. Desde el golpe de Estado del 2009 matan a las juventudes, matan su pensamiento al uniformarlos de verde o azul, expuso Donatila. A pesar de los logros, existen detalles que impiden una jornada diaria de transmisiones de la Radio “Guinakirina”. Al ser una radio en línea, necesitan una mayor señal de internet, pero actualmente se gestionan la instalación de por lo menos un rauter más, que abastezca su señal y este sea exclusivo para la “Voz del pueblo lenca”. Pero Donatila Girón ve más a futuro, y trabajan para tener una radio con frecuencia en el dial, ya que al pueblo lo protege el Convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo OIT, sobre los Pueblos Indígenas y Tribales, y estos jóvenes ya formados son de gran beneficio para este proyecto. Ellos hacen perfectamente la labor de comunicación y su potencial es muy importante para este proyecto. “Me preguntan ¿cuándo seguimos? ¿cómo hacemos? Por lo que estamos tratando de darle seguimiento a ellos y a la radio”, afirmó sonriente Donatila. Pensar en una frecuencia de radio no es imposible, salvo por las barreras impuestas por la estatal Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) para democratizar el espectro radioeléctrico con más oportunidades para el sector comunitario. Sin embargo, sólo en el departamento de La Paz, específicamente en el municipio de San José existe Radio Suyaguare, como medio comunitario, producido por la Central Nacional de Trabajadores del Campo (CNTC). Al respecto, el artículo 27 del convenio 169 de la OIT, insta a los gobiernos a que reconozcan el derecho de los pueblos “a crear sus propias instituciones y medios de educación, siempre que tales instituciones satisfagan las normas mínimas establecidas por la autoridad competente en consulta con esos pueblos. Deberán facilitárseles recursos apropiados con tal fin”. En su visita al país en 2012, el entonces Relator de Naciones Unidas para la Libertad de Expresión, Frank La Rue, recomendó al gobierno de Porfirio Lobo Sosa (2010-2014) garantizar “la revisión de la Ley Marco del Sector Telecomuicaciones de conformidad con las normas internacionales de los derechos humanos, la concesión equitativa del usufructo y manejo de las frecuencias”. El informe de la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) del año 2015 sobre Honduras, puntualizó observaciones hechas por representantes de los pueblos garífuna e indígena, quiénes hacen referencia que el marco regulatorio “no reconoce las costumbres tradicionales y formas de organización social y uso del territorio propia de sus pueblos y que impactan de manera desproporcionada el ejercicio de sus derechos a la libertad de expresión, información y cultura, en contravención del Convenio 169 de la OIT”. “Los medios comunitarios deben beneficiarse de procedimientos equitativos y sencillos para la obtención de licencias, no deben tener que cumplir con requisitos tecnológicos o de otra índole que supongan barreras desproporcionadas de acceso a las licencias, y en su funcionamiento no deben ser objeto de tratamientos diferenciados”, cita un fragmento de una Declaración Conjunta de los Relatores Especiales de la ONU, OEA, OSCE (Organización para la Seguridad y Cooperación en Europa) y la Comisión Africana en 2007. En el mismo sentido, la existencia de pueblos indígenas en distintas regiones de Honduras hace necesario legislar para facilitar mecanismos de acceso a las frecuencias expeditos y con requisitos administrativos mínimos, adecuados para sus formas organizativas. No obstante, en los últimos años, excesivas multas, hostigamiento y procesos penales contra radios comunitarias de los pueblos originarios del país, son una constante y con ello continúa cerrado el acceso a frecuencias para fines comunitarios de voces populares que su grito de denuncia es sordo en un país cuyo control de las comunicaciones recae en un organismo controlado por el propio presidente de la República como es CONATEL. Sin embargo, el pueblo lenca de La Paz sigue con la idea de instalar su voz en la radiodifusión nacional no sólo con “la Guinakirina”, sino con otros proyectos a nivel de municipios para contrarrestar la aurora que oscurece los bienes comunes de la (tomada de http://www.conexihon.hn/index.php/libertad-de-expresion/730-pueblo-lenca-en-la-paz-surca-y-cosecha-su-propia-voz-radio-guinakirina via GRA blog via DXLD) It`s a webcaster only, but want to get a radio frequency (gh) ** INDIA. 5040, AIR Jeypore, 1257, July 31. Indigenous music and subcontinent music; unusually good signal for the summertime. My audio http://goo.gl/k3phzt (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** INDIA. 15040, 1250, All India R, Bangaluru, YL with Russian ID at s/on, then talk, 343, 14/07 (Michael L Ford Newcastle-u-Lyme, Staffs NRD515, NCM515, NRD545, 85' lw, Wellbrook 330ALA loop, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ??? 15040 at 1250 should be amid AIR Chinese, and jamming. AIR Russian is only at 1615-1715 on 15140 et al. (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. 6140, August 2 at 0045, JBA music and talk, no match for S8 storm noise peaks. Strixe me as a frequency usually unoccupied. Aoki/NDXC shows nothing on 6140 between 2357 and 0830. But EiBi has: ``6140 0025-0430 IND All India Radio GOS UR PAK a`` = Aligarh site HFCC: ``6140 0000 0430 41N ALG 250 282 0 146 1234567 250318 281018 D 6075 Urd IND AIR AIR 16043`` And VU2JOS, entry in red with a*terisk as a change from B-17: ``6140 * 250 Aligarh Uttar Pradesh N 0025-0430 Urdu (Pakistan) (Ex 6145/9620)`` N is for the zone in India of transmitter location = north (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. All India Radio, Bangalore has re-commissioned its 500 KW DRM SW transmitter with effect from 3rd August, 2018. DRM transmissions were off air since 27th Feb 2017 as the main tube failed. Tentative schedule in DRM mode : European Beam at 320 deg 1820-2230 UT (2350-0400 IST) - 7550 kHz Japanese beam at 90 deg 2245-0045 UT (0415-0615 IST) - 7550 kHz Please monitor & post your reception reports to : rajendiran45@yahoo.com and spectrum-manager@air.org.in On air with 2 programs (GOS-IV & Vividh Bharati) during check at 1840 UT, 4th August, 2018 (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dx_india yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Recordings of AIR Bangalore DRM 7550 kHz today Hello! Please find 3 recordings made this morning in the facebook links given below: (No Audio due to weak signals, I am not in target area). You can see time in UT on Digital clock in the video Recording 1: 7550 kHz at 0553 hrs IST of 6 Aug 2018 (0023 UTC) https://www.facebook.com/vu2jos/videos/1993177920702044/ Recording 2: 7550 kHz at 0539 hrs IST of 6 Aug 2018 (0009 UTC) https://www.facebook.com/vu2jos/videos/1993163740703462/ Recording 3: 7550 kHz at 0528 hrs IST of 6 Aug 2018 (2358 UTC 5 Aug 2018) https://www.facebook.com/groups/permalink/1787423927990662dxindia/ Yours sincerely, (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad, India, Aug 6, dx_india yg via DXLD) All India Radio AIR 7550 kHz DRM since 03-Aug-2018: 1745-2230 UT to Europe 2245-0045 UT to Asia Channel 1 = GOS-IV Channel 2 = VIVIDH BHARATI Find more details in the updated DRM Shortwave Schedule: http://ab27.bplaced.net/drm.pdf (-- Alexander Busneag, Germany, WOR iog via DXLD) I can see what I presume as a DRM signal on 7550 kHz (6 August at 1830 UT) - but it is way too weak for me to be able to decode (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, ibid.) Hi Alan, It's coming in well here in north west England at the moment, probably just the skip zone is still a bit unfavourable to you at this time. There is also another strong station on 7540 which may be having some negative effects, that goes off at 1900 so it might improve a bit after that (Alan Gale, 1855 UT, ibid.) Thanks, Alan, The DRM signal is slightly stronger now (at 1905 UT), but still far too weak to decode. I'll try again in an hour or so and see if there is any improvement later (Alan Roe, ibid.) Now receiving AIR DRM (6 August 2200 UT) on 7550 kHz with frequent dropouts, although signal is improving. Channel 1 has extremely low audio (to the point of being almost inaudible), but good audio on Channel 2. BTW - Channel 2 is transmitting the Indian classical music from the Ragaam Service, with announcements and ID in English and Hindi (although the transmitted DRM info shows Vividh Bharati) (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. I&B MINISTRY AND MEA AT ODDS OVER ALL INDIA RADIO EXTERNAL SERVICE --- AIR is a broadcast arm of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati and anchors the external services division (ESD). INDIA Updated: Aug 06, 2018 07:31 IST Smriti Kak Ramachandran Hindustan Times, New Delhi https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/i-b-ministry-and-mea-at-odds-over-all-india-radio-external-service/story-k8CDvm9gmYSJ4gDzuYrHiK.html The external services division of All India Radio (AIR) is caught in a turf war between the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), which runs it and the ministry of external affairs (MEA), which is expected to fund it. While the MIB wants the service to continue and even expand; MEA has been suggesting shutting down the programmes, pointing out that the service offered through short wave transmission has outlived its utility and does not attract listeners abroad, said an MIB official aware of the developments. According to this MIB official, the service, which was started soon after the outbreak of World War II has emerged as a bone of contention between the two ministries, as the cost of running the shows is high and the MEA has been unwilling to pick the tab. AIR is a broadcast arm of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati and anchors the external services division (ESD). “As per the Prasar Bharati Act, which was passed in Parliament, the external services division has to be completely funded by the MEA. However, the ministry has not paid since the service started, despite the fact that it plays a crucial role in diplomacy and outreach,” an official of the Prasar Bharati said. The official said the broadcaster has also raised the issue of revamping the infrastructure with the MIB, pointing out how the installations are outdated and need replacement. “The MIB too has not released funds for replacement of equipment,” the official said. On the need for the service, the official said feedback from listeners’ abroad acts as “eyes and ears of the government” and allows them a peek into perceptions abroad. “The short wave transmitters are used to send content meant to popularise and propagate Indian point of view on contentious issues,” the official said. Another official of Prasar Bharati said feedback on issues raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio show Man Ki Baat; policy decisions or bilateral issues are duly shared with the PMO, MEA and the home ministry. “The feedback that we received during the trial of Kulbhushan Jhadav (Indian national accused of being a spy by Pakistan) gave us a valuable insight into what people abroad, including in Pakistan felt about the issue,” he said. To keep the service alive, AIR has asked the MEA to pay Rs 97 crore for the financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19 and the same amount going forward year on year, but so far the MEA has so far not responded. According to the information provided by AIR about the service, the external broadcasts were started on October 1, 1939 “purely as a tool for propaganda for the Allies during the World War II with a service in Pushto language to counter the German Radio Blitzkrieg in the region and supplement the efforts by the BBC in this part of the world.” Since then, the service offers news bulletins and other programmes across 108 countries in 27 languages as a “vital link between India and rest of the World, specially with those countries where the interest of India are intertwined because of Indian population”, AIR website says. The foreign language services include Arabic, Baluchi, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, French, Indonesian, Persian, and Baloch; plans are under way to start services in German, Japanese and Bhutanese. A former Prasar Bharati official who had concurred with MEA’s suggestion to shut down the service told HT: “No one outside India ever hears Akashvani external services — over short wave or medium wave. It’s a waste of public funds. A few years ago as a test case we had asked a few ambassadors to give us feedback on the popularity of the shows; at least two wrote back saying that the frequencies of the programmes in their respective countries could not be found.” This official went on to add that maintaining short wave transmission installation is a huge drain on the exchequer as they “guzzle power” and the equipment is “expensive to maintain.” While an official of the MEA, requesting anonymity said the issue of shutting down the service is “under consideration”, director general of AIR F Shehryar said the biggest problem being faced by the division is that the infrastructure has not been upgraded. Declining to comment on whether the service is being shut down, he said: “We have not been able to replace about three-decade old short wave transmitters which are directed to beam signal to the strategic locations. Usually one transmitter has a life of 8-10 years and once they cross this limit, the valves go off and the transmitters stop catering to the service area.” Posted by: (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, Aug 7, dx_india yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** INDONESIA. On Sun, 29 Jul 2018 at 20:18, Alan Davies wrote: ``Here in Denpasar, Bali, about 140 km from the epicentre near the north coast of Lombok, the quake was strong enough to shake buildings and cause alarm to residents and domestic animals around 2248 UTC on 28 July (0648 local time on 29 July). From Lombok's main city on the island's west coast, Radio Republik Indonesia Mataram Pro-1 continues to operate as usual on its mediumwave frequency of 855 kHz.`` There were a couple more strong quakes centred in northern Lombok this evening which were also felt strongly in Bali. RRI Mataram 855 kHz is currently off the air, but it quite often goes silent anyway on Saturdays and/or Sundays and I don't know if its absence this time is earthquake-related or not. There are widespread power outages reported tonight around the island of Lombok, which has been hit very hard over the last couple of weeks (- Alan Davies, 1411 UT Aug 5, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) The death toll for the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia on Sunday has risen to 91. Thousands of homes have collapsed, and tourists are being evacuated from nearby islands. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/breaking-second-straight-sunday-indonesia-dealt-blow-by-deadly-earthquake/70005689 (via Mike Terry, Aug 6, ibid.) ** INDONESIA. 3325, Voice of Indonesia, via RRI Palangkaraya, 1300, July 30. Intro to the hour in English; still with "9-5-2-5 kilohertz" frequency; news; 1319, promo for the VOI 2018 quiz for free trip to Indonesia; "Commentary"; 1325-1328 "Today in History"; not very readable (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) See also BOUGAINVILLE ** INDONESIA. 3325, Voice of Indonesia, via RRI Palangkaraya, 1058, Aug 4. Unusual propagation, with VOI many times stronger than very weak NBC Bougainville; contact info in English; into Chinese; later at 1145 found both mixing together about equal strength. Have yet to hear any "Exotic Indonesia" programs, as noted via VOI in past years (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. Alert DX: RRI NABIRE? 7300 kHz Alert DX: RRI NABIRE? 7300 kHz https://youtu.be/rj62I1QIDlI (via Daniel Wyllyans, Aug 1, Hard-Core-DX mailing list via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Axually 7289.92 on the 26-minute clip which starts out nothing but noise. About 12 minutes in, briefly switches to clear music, webfeed check?? At 19 in, clear Qur`an which seems to match the SW audio. I do not see any time of recording on this Perseus clip. Nabire is not in current Aoki on any frequency. It`s still in WRTH 2018 as inactive on 7290v at 2200-2300 & 0500-0830v. Without any times, inactive night frequency was 6125. MW is [coincidentally?] 729 kHz, reported in June 2018 from Australian DX News monitors. Ron Howard reported it in *2016*, here via DSWCI DX Window: INDONESIA 7289.93, RRI Nabire, 0922-0957*, Jul 18, light music. Unusual reception, due to actually hearing audio here. (Howard) Note the close match in exact frequency to the new report. Atsunori Ishida`s now dormant website showed it last (barely?) heard July 31, 2016: http://rri.jpn.org/dat/html/2016/2016-08.html (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Exelente informação. 73 (Daniel Wyllyans, HCDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Very good news! Here is a clear ID (“Programa Satu, Radio Republik Indonesia Nabire”) on my 2012 audio, at 0:12 - http://goo.gl/N36LHM (Ron Howard, California, WOR iog via DXLD) 7289.92, RRI Nabire, reactivated on SW. 0808-1026*, Aug 2. Decent signal, but up against summertime QRN (static). Also heard at the same time today by Dave Valko (PA - USA). My edited audio at http://goo.gl/yu3ZNL Highlights: 0808-0900: Mostly non-stop songs; very few announcements. 0900-0910: Reciting from the Qur'an. 0910-1013: Mostly non-stop songs, with ID at 0931 (able to only hear "Radio Republik Indonesia"). 1013-1026*: Indigenous music, into monologue, till suddenly cut off. There are probably two good reasons why this has been reactivated now. It will be recalled that August 17 is Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) in Indonesia. Also Aug 18 through Sept 2, Jakarta and Palembang will host the 18th Asian Games https://en.asiangames2018.id/ which will hold major sporting events. Worth checking for other re- activations this month (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Nabire is on the north coast of Papua, ex-Irian Jaya, at the bottom of the bay called Teluk Cenderawasih, unless that name has been changed too since 1997. In the same province are several towns with recognizable ex-SW stations: Serui, Manokwari, Sorong, Wamena, Merauke (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thanks very much to "DFS" (Shimane, Japan), for today's (Aug 2) audio/video of RRI Nabire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5i0rSFxFIw His audio is considerably better than mine. The ID I heard was actually given at 0932:04 UT (on DFS's audio/video at 0:51). His audio also contains another clear ID at 2:00 (1002:55 UT). Wonderful to have this station back on the air again! (Ron Howard, Aug 2, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7289.92, RRI Nabire, 0815-0910*, Aug 3. Again with fairly good signal strength, but strong summertime QRN (static) reduced the quality of reception. Highlights: 0815-0824: Chatting with people at some event; background sounds. 0824: Clear ID ("Radio Republik Indonesia Nabire") and patriotic song “Bagimu Negeri” (For You Our Country), a song composed in 1942, by Kusbini https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIep7XkDPL8 followed by music program. 0901-0910*: Reciting from the Qur'an. Certainly no regular cut off time noted so far (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) 7289.92, Pro 1 RRI Nabire, 0742 till off around 0940 or thereabout, Aug 6 (Monday). Seems weekdays they are on the air longer (one hour?) than weekends. Audio - http://goo.gl/rSSP6c with one minute of singing and one minute of reciting from the Qur'an, along with summertime QRN/static. Highlights: 0742-0800: Young children singing various songs; non-stop. 0800-0817: ID “Programa Satu, Radio Republik Indonesia Nabire” (seems they never give the "R-R-I" abbreviation in their IDs, as Pro 1 RRI Palangkaraya did before VOI took over 3325), followed by the news. Ending news with patriotic song “Bagimu Negeri,” which I find somewhat strange. In past years the RRI stations in August normally played “Dirgahayu Indonesiaku” all month long, after the news, instead of “Bagimu Negeri,” due to their Independence Day being this month. Are they waiting till the 17th to play it? 0817-0900: Middle Eastern type music/singing. 0900-0910: Reciting from the Qur'an. Thanks very much to Dave Valko for the alert about the abbreviated weekend schedule for RRI Nabire. I tuned in Aug 4 (Sat.), at 0939+ and found them off the air; Aug 5 (Sun.), checking 0848+, with the same results. Dave indicates on Aug 5, he did heard RRI at 0824, but it was gone when recheck at 0846, which is what I also noted a few minutes later. Safe to say their cut off time varies a great deal. [non-log] 7289.92, Pro 1 RRI Nabire, Aug 7, started checking 0813+, but clearly off the air. So which was it - a very early sign off or not on the air at all? (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. STRANGE, COOL AND WACKY SEARCH ENGINES If you’ve Googled your last Google, Binged your last Bong or Yahooed your last Yippee, then PC Tech Bytes has a great list of search engines you might not have heard of. https://www.pctechbytes.com/internet/search-engines/ (via Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec, Aug Radio HF Internet Newsletter via DXLD) 10 UNIQUE SEARCH ENGINES THAT SERVE VERY UNIQUE PURPOSES From Life Hack, your Google searches just return slash-fiction, you find Bing far from beautiful, and Yahoo is, well, Yahoo. Where do you turn to find all that mega-specific information you needed for that witty blog post? Have no fear: we’re here to help. This is a list of 10 of the most obscure, specific, niche search engines available on the internet https://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/10-unique-search-engines-for-unique-purposes.html (via Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec, Aug Radio HF Internet Newsletter via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Decodificando sinais de satélite em orbita da lua! Favor vejam aqui: http://www.qsl.net/py4zbz/dslwp.htm 73 de (Roland PY4ZBZ, aug 5, radioescutas yg via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. CAROLINE --- special event ham station GB5RC --- gb5radiocaroline from the Ross Revenge heard at 2330 UT on 3785 SSB [LSB?] at 59+30. Mentioned that the QSL info is on the radiocaroline website. 73, (Jon Collins, Birmingham, middle of the UK, Tecsun PL-660 + active ant, August 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) GB5RC from the Ross Revenge August 2-6 Martello Tower Group? @g0pkt Jul 29 [with photo] https://twitter.com/g0pkt The HF aerials are installed on Ross Revenge ready for GB5RC next weekend. #gb5rc #radiocaroline (Martello Tower Group on Twitter via Alan Pennington, Aug 3, bdxc-news iog via DXLD) CQ. CQ. CQ. GB5RC calling! If these letters make sense to you along with QRM and QRT and 73's (means best regards) then you have some insight in to amateur radio. Thus you will also know what a SINPO is and that the best one of these comes in at 55555. This weekend the Martello Tower Group will be on the Ross Revenge, seeing how many contacts they can make with amateur radio enthusiasts across the world. Historically they have thousands of contacts each time they run this yearly event. The group consists of a small number of friends who have covered the various costs from their own pockets and have made a generous donation to Radio Caroline and have been given the callsign GB5RC to use. No doubt they will be saying "fine business old man, see you futher down the log" to many enthusiasts around the planet. Radio Caroline, the former offshore radio station, now sending multiple music streams on the internet... http://radiocaroline.co.uk/#home.html (via Mike Terry, August 4, WOR iog via DXLD) Hi Mike, Many thanks for the heads-up. Any chance of a likely schedule of bands, freqs and modes? Got limited time this weekend but I’d like to have a lurk if possible. Cheers (Tom Crosbie, G6PZZ, ibid.) ** IRAN. 7425, August 2 at 0142, almost OC, but JBM with algo. I`m hoping this will turn out to be a Greenville-B mixing product like IBB used to provide, of the pre-Vatican open carrier on 7305 leapfrogging over an adjacent Radio Martí transmitter on 7365 another 60 kHz higher --- but no, no Vatican IS or Spanish is audible by 0148. Instead, HFCC reminds us it is VIRI in Arabic, 500 kW, 289 degrees from Zahedan, all the way from 1730 to 0230. Now if only they can manage to modulate it (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN/OKINAWA. 8785-USB, Itoman Marine Radio, 1000, Aug 5. Thanks again to Glenn for pointing out this one back in 2014; still being heard with a good signal; in Japanese, assume giving the haul information of each Okinawan fishery ship. Well heard more or less on a daily basis. Thanks also to Takahito Akabayashi (Tokyo, Japan) for his original info about this station (callsign JFE) and their mailing address: Fishery Radio Communications Center of Okinawa Prefecture, Nishizaki 1-4-11, Itoman City, Okinawa, 901-0305 Japan. Website (in Japanese) - http://www.okinawa-jfe.jp/ My audio at http://goo.gl/Vcxfkp (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** JAPAN. 9595, R Nikkei 1 at 1430. J-pop, with a real dance club beat. //s long gone by now, but on portable, 31 meters is VG, July 31 (Rick Barton, Logs from Central Arizona, Grundig Satellit 205(T5000) & 750; RS SW-2000629, HQ-180A, & ATS-909X with various outdoor wires. 73 and Good Listening....! - rb, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN [non]. 11934.9, 1358, R Japan via Uzbekistan. Opening anns, news in English, 232, 10/07 (Arthur Miller, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, UK, JRC NRD 525, NRD 545, G5RV 40m long wire, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) Another site without frequency accuracy (gh) ** JAPAN [and non]. I’ll continue this month with a short account of a few programmes that I listened to via an overnight recording on my SDR radio. On this occasion, I recorded the ten hours of programming from 2000 to 0600 UT, in a frequency span covering approximately 5000-10000 kHz on the night of 14-15 July. Many more stations than listed here were logged, but here are just a few programmes that I heard. I often tune to NHK Radio Japan’s Japanese service between 1800-1900 where there is a relay of their overnight Japanese service called Late Night Radio or Radio Deep Night Flight (depending on how Google chooses to translates it) which runs from 11.15pm to 5am Japanese time – i.e. 1415-2000 UT. The segment from about 1810 to 1858 usually includes a music programme – which is usually themed in some way each day, but the themes are very varied. For example, on 16 July I tuned-in at 1830 on 11945 via Issoudun, and enjoyed half an hour of what sounded like 1930’s music (or maybe 1950’s) music – it may have been from a featured artist, although I can’t be sure. You never know what is going to be featured in this slot – I have previously heard programmes dedicated to The Beatles, and to David Bowie. Radio Deep Night Flight is daily 1800-1900 UT on 11945-iss, 13720-yam, and 15445-nau (Listening Post with Alan Roe, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** KOREA (NORTH). 15245, Voice of Korea; 1323-1332+, 8/1; Usual assortment of stirring music with brief English announcements between. SIO=252+; // 13760 SIO=343 with buzz burst QRM, best of the bunch; // 9435 at QRN level & only QRN on listed 11710 (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I assume some of this refer to self-inflicted Juche jammer bleed (gh, DXLD) 15180, August 4 at 0523, VP in Spanish, i.e. VOK, rather than totally deadband in the nightmiddle (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also EAST TURKISTAN ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 6045, August 4 at 1240, K-pop at S9 but about even with noise level. Aoki/NDXC shows Voice of Freedom with 4 x 5- hour broadcasts between 1-hour breaks: 03-08, 09-14, 15-20, 21-02, site Hwaseong. Matches WRTH 2018 but which adds alternate frequencies: 5920, 5940, 6020, 6135; ID: ``Yeogineun Jayu-eui Sori Bang-imnida``, operated by Ministry of National Defense, presumed 10 kW. It`s one of thirteen clandestine stations for DPRK, pp 514-517 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6045.0, Voice of Freedom, *0858, Aug 5. Started with music; "Frontier" by Mr. Yang Bang-ean (Japanese name: Liang Kunihiko); YouTube of "Frontier" at https://youtu.be/vDd38LEu48Y singing station ID; time pips. My audio at http://goo.gl/6dVAsw (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) Since moved back to 5920 per Ron Howard ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 9705, August 3 at 1346, poor S5-S8 in Japanese. NDXC/Aoki shows it`s Furusato no Kaze at 1300-1357 daily via Tamsui District, TAIWAN. This contra-abduxion service seems to be proliferating with all these transmissions in Aoki: 1330-1400, 9705 Taiwan, 9455 Taiwan, 9950 Taiwan 1430-1500, 9960 Palau, 9450 Taiwan, 9560 Taiwan 1600-1630, 7335 Taiwan, 9470 Taiwan, 9960 Palau 1700-1730, 6155 Taiwan Altho all this comes from victimized Japan, none of the broadcasts do; except one more which qualifies, subordinate to the Shiokaze service: 1405-1435, 7325 Ibaragi, Japan And the sibling broadcast in Korean, yet which has Nippon in its name: Nippon no Kaze Ilbon-e Baram: 1300-1330, 9465 Taiwan, 9900 Taiwan, 9940 Taiwan 1500-1530, 9685 Taiwan, 9975 Palau, 7335 Taiwan 1530-1600, 9685 Taiwan, 9965 Palau, 7335 Taiwan 1630-1700, 7335 Taiwan In all cases I`ve rounded off the end times from a minute or three earlier (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 7215, JAPAN. Shiokaze (opposition) at 1340. Huge collision today - two stations, plus high pitched DPRK Jammer. I left for 5 minutes returned to hearing only woman in Japanese over piano music. The Chinese station (CRI via Xian) and Jammer not audible at this time. Went off as scheduled at the top of the hour, leaving the Jammer, which showed up after the Shiokaze carrier went off. - Fair (ATS 909X and 9 foot vertical). August 1 7215, JAPAN, Shiokaze/Sea Breeze, 1300. Open carrier on the channel before the hour. CRI (via Xian) opening with pips, familiar theme music at the ToH. After just a second, familiar Shiokaze piano music starts playing and W in (listed) Japanese begins speaking over music. (I say listed as, tho I can recognize Japanese, the collision of the two stations makes it hard to be sure today). - VG signal with major CCI, August 4 7215, JAPAN, Shiokaze/Sea Breeze at 1330. I tuned in at the BoH just to confirm they were there and, thankfully, they haven't changed the piano music to some other tune. A man in Japanese was heard, then the familiar (what I call) jailbreak alarm sound effect. They were on today. Fair/Good. August 5 (Rick Barton, SW Logs from Central Arizona, Grundig Satellit 205(T.5000) & 750; RS SW-2000629, & ATS-909X with various outdoor wires. 73 and Good Listening....! - rb, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA SOUTH. 4885, Echo of Hope - VOH, 1221, Aug 5. Their usual Sunday religious (Christian) songs, with soloists; is their normal format. My 5 1/2 minute audio at http://goo.gl/BGhsFW Daily I hear this like a local station and is never jammed by N. Korea! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH. 15575, KBS World Radio; 1338-1400+, 8/1; English chit- chatty Korea features program; news, places to visit, things to do, etc. 1357+ ID, sked, contact info & program notes. 1400 continued in presume listed Korean. SIO=353; listed // 9570 covered by CRI in English via Cuba (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15575 - KBS World Radio, Kimjae, 1300 UT 05 Aug 2018 - Fair/good signal from them this morning, local time, with weekend music program playing Korean summer hits. OM DJ in English with multiple IDs and contact info. This is one of the best signals I have heard for this broadcast in quite awhile. Good S6/7 with slight QRM and moderate flutter/fades (Stephen C Wood, Harwich, Mass., Perseus SDR, 20 x 40 terminated superloop antenna, hauula7@comcast.net WOR iog via DXLD) ** KUWAIT. 15530, 0500, R Kuwait. Anthem, English s/on, daily program about Islam, 453 22/07 15530, 0600, R Kuwait. 9 o’clock news in English, weather: very hot 48 -0800*, 353, 16/07 15530, 0655, R Kuwait. Pop, English ‘Youth Impact’ programme, announced fqs 93.3, 963, 11970; 353 17/07 (Alan Pennington Caversham, Berkshire AOR7030+ LW, bev, ALA1530 / Sony 7600GR, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) 15530 0500 R Kuwait. Historical feature, Western pop music, English, 333 17/07 (Alan Roe, Teddington, Middx, Winradio G31, Elad FDM-S2, SDRPlay RSP/17m lw, ibid.) 17550.00, August 6 at 2133, JBA carrier from presumed R. Kuwait in Arabic toward California, not way low as previously caught by me and Ivo. Need to keep an ear on this for English at 20-21 as happened at least once, per Ivo Ivanov: ``Strong signal of Radio Kuwait in English/Arabic on 17549.7, July 29 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/strong-signal-of-radio-kuwait-in.html 2000-2100 17549.7 KBD 250 kW / 350 deg ENAm English, instead of Arabic 2100-2400 17549.7 KBD 250 kW / 350 deg ENAm Arabic Gen Sce, as sched`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KYRGYZSTAN [and non]. See start of UNIDENTIFIED re TWR secret site ** LIBERIA. 6050, 01 Ago, 2012, LIBÉRIA, Radio ELWA em inglês. OM fala. Às 2023 fala de OM bem exaltada com menções a Deus. Às 2034 OM fala com ID e contatos. Na mesma frequência uma sequência de música clássica que eu identifico como sendo a PBS Xizang, confirmada pela audição da transmissão em paralelo em 7240. O sinal melhora a partir das 2025. Sinal razoável com moderada QRM da PBS, moderado fading. Gravação da escuta: http://www.ipernity.com/doc/107414/47082058 73 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia, 12 14´S 38 58´W - Brasil, Tecsun PL-310ET, Antenna dipole of 25 meters-direction northeast- southwest, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) The CCI from Tibet makes a fast SAH (gh, DXLD) ** MADAGASCAR. 6190, 02 Ago, 0227, MADAGASCAR (Relay) KNLS em espanhol. Música gospel às 0228. Às 0231 OM com ID e contatos. Hoje conforme o esquema de transmissão das listas, em espanhol. Sinal Razoável, moderado fading. 73 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia 12 14´S 38 58´W - Brasil, Tecsun PL-310ET, Antenna dipole of 25 meters-direction northeast-southwest, WOR iog via DXLD) The other day they had put KNLS English during this hour. Anything in Spanish from Madagascar World Voice is not really KNLS, which programs from Alaska in English, Chinese and Russian only (gh, DXLD) ** MEXICO. New log - XEGEM-1600 --- Found on a Perseus recording from last September: 1600, XEGEM, Metepec, MEX - 9/12/17, 0501 UT - Faded up over KAHZ and KGST with high choral version of Mexican national anthem, as logged at the Border Inn later that month. XEGEM has been the only Mexican station on 1600 kHz for many years now. New, Estado de Mexico #3, Mexico #307, station #1438 logged from the San Diego area. 73 (Tim Hall, Chula Vista CA, Aug 3, 2018, ABDX yg via DXLD) ** MEXICO. RENACE RADIO MAYA INTERNACIONAL --- 04/08/2018 Comunicadores originarios de Quintana Roo relanzan Radio Maya Internacional con el propósito de expandir el conocimiento de la riqueza de una cultura que es regional, nacional y pretende impactar a otras latitudes del mundo aunque aún no se sabe qué frecuencias empleará y si utilizará la onda corta. Resultado de imagen para pueblo Maya [capción] Luego de casi 18 años de haber intentado por ocasión primera hacer un ejercicio periodístico en las frecuencias cibernéticas con el mismo nombre de marca Eduardo Aguilar, periodista de muchísimos años, a pesar de su juventud, consiguió no sólo volver a aglutinar alrededor de su iniciativa a los mejores y más connotados comunicadores de la entidad, sino sumar voces desde el centro del país e incluso desde planos internacionales muy diversos para conformar una programación que habrá de expresarse durante 14 horas diarias a partir del próximo 13 de agosto. La barra de programas será muy diversa desde los que hablan de estilo de vida, ecosistema emprendedor, la esfera política, las vertientes económicas, desde luego el turismo, la vida partidaria de la región, las esferas nacionales e internacionales así como la cultura, la música, el cine y el deporte pasando por el eje fundamental del periodismo y la noticia. Pero lo más importante: darán especial atención a la difusión de la vida cultural para que la cultura maya ocupe el sitio que naturalmente le corresponde en México y el mundo entero. Radio Maya Internacional, nace como una iniciativa empresarial lanzada desde la creatividad periodística con el compromiso incluso de difundir, tanto por radio como por televisión por internet y Facebook programas específicamente en lengua maya y durante las horas en las que no tengan programación, entre las diez de la noche y las seis de la mañana, serán retransmitidas emisiones pensadas específicamente para radioescuchas europeos y asiáticos en idiomas que puedan ser comprendidas por los receptores durante las mañanas o el día para el viejo continente y algunos países asiáticos. También tienen pensado incluso permitir que algunos programas puedan expresarse en la lengua propia del gran caribe que es el Creole. Eduardo Aguilar se ha asociado con Francisco Ramírez Castillo, un joven funcionario público quien llegó a ser secretario ténico de la Secretaría de la Contraloría y secretario del ayuntamiento Othon P. Blanco. Francisco comprendió que es necesario luchar desde el terreno de la comunicación para “vender” el mundo Maya al mundo y conseguir a partir del entendimiento de las peculiaridades de la cultura milenaria una forma de promover a la región y al país. Esta iniciativa periodística, comprendida como una iniciativa empresarial cuenta con el equipamiento necesario para poder transmitir simultáneamente tanto radio como televisión por las frecuencias cibernéticas y ofrecer su experiencia como producto a otras radiodifusoras y televisoras de la península Yucateca. No han iniciado formalmente y ya tienen en puerta un acuerdo con la estación de Inglaterra en Belice la que establecerá un compromiso de alimentar a RMI de información y tomar la que surja de esta iniciativa. Otras alianzas con medios en la CDMX están en puerta. Para iniciar cuenta ya con una sede propia y con equipamiento que refleja una inversión superior a los 500 mil pesos para iniciar independientemente de capital de trabajo para no tener problemas en lo que resta del 2018 y el año entrante. http://www.elfinanciero.com.mx (via GRA blog via DXLD) ** MEXICO. RAYMIE`S MEXICO BEAT this week --- including DTV = TDT A report in Proceso tonight https://www.proceso.com.mx/545193/grupo-acir-e-imagen-interesados-en-adquirir-las-estaciones-de-radio-de-televisa puts ACIR, Grupo Imagen and a consortium of private investors as the leading groups to buy Televisa Radio. Imagen would have fewer economic competition problems than ACIR, stacked in primarily two cities: Guadalajara and Mexico City. In Mexico City, Imagen would own eight radio and two TV stations; in Guadalajara, it would have seven radio stations and its Imagen transmitter. Nothing is said of the identity of the private investors (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, August 1, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) Quote Originally Posted by Raymie ``It looks like a desire for potential buyers to control most of the Televisa Radio stations might just get PRISA, the other half of Televisa Radio, interested in selling its stake as well. Finding that potential buyers in Televisa's stake would want more control than just 50 percent, the Spanish media conglomerate is exploring selling its own stake, according to Reuters (via El Financiero), which cites two sources with knowledge of the matter. PRISA had not been looking to sell, but they may cough up their position in the radio company if they can get a good asking price. PRISA declined comment to Reuters, while Televisa did not respond to requests for comment from the news agency`` An interesting aspect of this is the very strong contract Prisa has for the administration of the jointly owned properties; essentially Televisa has no say in the operation for the duration of the agreement. This was an easy commitment for Televisa to make, given the many years of money-losing operations of the radio group under their own ownership. Prisa can price its part of the company at a higher price than the Televisa half as they have the operational control (David Eduardo Gleason, La Quinta CA, ibid.) That might explain why they were enticed to potentially sell given buyers didn't feel they'd have enough control buying out Televisa's stake. ——— From radio to television, it's time to check in with a process that's moving faster than many of us might have thought it would. Repacking is starting to take place in interior Mexico. While for the last couple of years, a handful of stations mostly on the border — and some early movers like the Edomex state network and Televisa's Mexico City stations — had been given the green light for new channel allotments, on April 25, the IFT approved the new assignments for stations owned by Radiotelevisora de México Norte, Televimex, and Televisión Azteca, combining to total 61 main stations and 109 of their shadows. These documents have yet to be uploaded, meaning repacking is starting to take place to allotments we do not know of. In Toluca, Televisa's change occurred last week, relocating XHTOL (39) to 19, XHTOK (43) to 36, and shadow XEQ to 22 (matching Mexico City). Querétaro's XHQCZ (40) is broadcasting advisories warning viewers a rescan will be needed beginning Friday to continue watching it. In March, the IFT approved new channels for about 55 main stations in state networks, the SPR system, and independent operations, as well as the shadows of XHGEM, dependent on a main station that had already repacked, and XHTTG in Chiapas, which despite being a common- concession state network will have frequency variance on its four transmitters. We know all of these assignments. All of the stations remained in the UHF band. While 61 main and 109 shadows is a lot still, the load was lessened by a forward-thinking engineering department at Televisa, which in 2014- 15 continually requested that the IFT switch out 600 MHz channels for ones below 37. This decision motivated the construction of the intermittent operation stations along/near the border, such as at Monclova and Hermosillo, and allotment changes in other cities such as Chetumal. The IFT had also begun preparing new allotments in interior Mexico as early as the XHAUM shadows that were put into the RPC in 2016 with a clause specifying the repack channel for XHAUM. Imagen Televisión was prepared for repacking by an IFT meeting item approved on October 20, 2015, in response to a request from Imagen about a month after receiving the network's concession. The network's 31 allotments in the 600 MHz band were replaced with other frequencies on UHF, and 14 more stations that were below 600 MHz changed channel assignments as well. Televisión Azteca solicited all of its digital television authorizations in 2011, though some were not built for three years or more. It also has the most main stations with repacking approved in April, with 27 of them (Raymie Humbert, August 1, ibid.) Back to the Televisa Radio sale saga, we're taking a look this morning at a couple of stories. The first is noteworthy because of its subject and where it was published. In a column that runs in its own newspaper Excélsior, Darío Celis said that Grupo Imagen is not interested in Televisa Radio. https://www.dineroenimagen.com/dario-celis/banorte-durmiendo-con-el-enemigo/102147 It looks like, according to this report, ACIR and Radiorama (the question: which one?) are out in front, with Multimedios and Radio Fórmula having bowed out. Also in the hunt is a bid from Miguel Alemán Magnani. The whole company may fetch $140 million. Another article is informative as to how this process will go once a buyer is identified. In the United States, two separate regulatory agencies must approve the deal: the Department of Justice (antitrust) and the FCC (license transfers). In Mexico, both the economic competition and concession transfer components are ruled upon in one single proceeding by the IFT. https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/Venta-de-Radiopolis-plantea-reto-tecnico-para-el-IFT-20180731-0156.html The market analysis should take into account local, regional and national broadcasting markets, as well as competition in different radio formats, in addition to the sheer number of stations. ——— Meanwhile, in Puebla, XHPBA activity continues to fan the flames of a potential exit from the format. I mean, does this look like any Exa FM logo you've seen anywhere? [illustration: 98.7 SIENTE EL POP] The Facebook page is still named "EXA Puebla 98.7 FM", but that seems to be one of the last remnants of the name on social media. As if that enough, the ¡Aquí Nomás! slogan just disappeared from XEZT's Facebook avatar and the La Mejor logo (but not the design) from its cover photo. Last edited by Raymie; 08-02-2018 at 03:29 PM (Raymie, ibid.) Re Tim Hall: ``990, XEIU-OAX Station confirmed by FB message 7/18 that the AM is still active.`` XECAQ and XEIU are Combos of '94. I'm not surprised (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, Aug 3, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) [and non] Yesterday, a bipartisan letter from the US House of Representatives asked President Trump to add six individuals to the list of those sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act of 2016. https://democrats-foreignaffairs.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-congress-urges-trump-administration-utilize-global-magnitsky One of the individuals is among Latin American broadcasting's most important characters: Remigio Ángel González "El Fantasma", who owns TV stations up and down Latin America. González, a Mexican national, owns XHTVL, XHTOE, XHDY, XHGK, and (indirectly) XHCVP, not to mention the twelve IFT-6 stations owned by Telsusa Televisión México. In other countries, he owns broadcast stations, radio outlets, a handful of newspapers and some movie theaters. González appears here not for crimes committed in Mexico, but for those in Guatemala. The letter contains more information about the crimes, which center around the use of the companies associated with his TGV-3 and Televisiete channels there to funnel money to the Patriot Party, which assumed the presidency and handsomely rewarded Albavisión with the lion's share (69%) of its government advertising budget, totaling $26 million between 2012 and 2015. There's also an international arrest warrant out for his wife, who is the namesake of Albavisión. The report says González has lived in Miami since 1987. González's appearance on this list is attracting international attention in the countries where he holds broadcasting interests, but it could acutely affect his Mexican businesses if the president imposes sanctions. Most broadcast equipment used in Mexico is sourced from American companies, even moreso for ATSC equipment not used in other parts of the world. Potential sanctions could impair his ability to make vital capital purchases for the twelve IFT-6 stations that he owns, if such acquisitions have not already been made (Raymie, Aug 3, ibid.) The next Article 90 clear appears to be imminent, as XHADA-FM Ensenada has changed its Facebook URL https://www.facebook.com/exafm104.1ensenada/?ref=search in preparation for its move from 106.9 to 104.1 MHz. There's also a groovy cover video highlighting the change (Raymie, Aug 3, ibid.) Today, local operation began in earnest for XHICCH in Chihuahua Capital. That said, telling one Canal 44 from the other is gonna be very hard. On the XHIJ morning newscast Contacto Matutino, the hosts in Juárez and the hosts in Chihuahua exchanged a bit of banter, showing two rather identical sets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6uutESYKjk (Raymie, Aug 3, ibid.) Stunting is not something that normally happens in the radio business in Mexico, but in Hermosillo, XHVSS-FM is stunting at this moment. They're playing the song Persiana Americana by the group Soda Stereo on an unending loop (well, except PSAs). The romantic format is gone, and the website for the station lists "Próximamente - 101.1 FM". Este programa es público, ajeno a cualquier partido político. Queda prohibido el uso para fines distintos a los establecidos en el programa [tagline] (Raymie, Aug 6, ibid.) ** MONGOLIA. 7260, Mongolian Radio 3 (presumed), at 1303, Aug 1. Pop songs; much stronger than QRM from China far underneath; today definite carrier (no audio) on 4895, which was probably them; nothing on 4830. The 7260 frequency is normally used daily, whereas 4895 is fairly rare (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** MONGOLIA. Voice of Mongolia --- Four long-awaited QSL cards were received from the Chinese section of Voice of Mongolia for reports from 2015 to 2018. Before that, I repeatedly sent requests to confirm reports to all known email addresses. But apparently the message sent through the facebook page of the station worked. A registered letter from Ulan Bator was sent on July 4. QSL can be found here http://freerutube.info/2018/08/01/qsl-voice-of-mongolia-mongoliya-2015-2018-godyi/ (Dmitry Elagin, Saratov, Russia / "deneb-radio-dx", QSL World, Rus-DX August 5 via DXLD) ** MOZAMBIQUE. MOÇAMBIQUE. Hi Glenn, on a recent dxpedition to Cape Pt, near Cape Town, I had a chance to review this country's AM output and it's in pretty good shape. The following frequencies were active, all with regional transmitters: 765 Nampula, 810 Xai-Xai, 873 Beira, 963 Tete, 1008 Maputo, 1026 Chimoio, 1179 Quelimane, 1206 Inhambane, 1260 Lichinga. These stations are all excellent identifiers, around the top of the hour, with Mbira (indigenous xylophone) and identification with the provincial name, e.g. Emissora Provincial de Sofala. Language is a mixture of ethnic and Portuguese. The WRTH lists these stations at 50 kW and it's quite possible this is still correct. The one station I couldn't get is Pemba on 1224. This is blocked by a big Iranian in the evenings here but even in the early mornings there was no sign of it. For DXers looking for sub-Saharan African DX, these stations offer a good opportunity to hear and identify, a lot of the time with their own regional programming. Not much of this type of radio in the sub-continent these days. I've attached a typical ID recording: EP de Sofala, which was the strongest of the signals here. Given the dire straits of the country's finances, it's a pleasant surprise that the AM radio network remains pretty much intact. Best 73 (Graham Bell, Simon's Town, RSA, August 3, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Graham, Tnx for the report. That motivated me to pull this together. Seems he did get Pemba or something on 1224. 73, (Glenn to Graham, via DXLD) Roy Barstow, a top TV DXer on Cape Cod MA, is also a top MW DXer now. Here`s his report with lots of Brazilians, other South Americans and other Africans, but only Mozambique excerpted here. Which of course is the second-most distant radioland from North America besides Madagascar (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: Sent: Tue, Jul 17, 2018 11:44 am Subject: [CapeDX] When it Rains it pours Pulled into the parking lot of the local beach (Menauhant) on 7/14/18 and set up the mini-loop and other gear. Checked the compass heading and that was at 120 Degrees and happened to be the sweet spot for the night. Not much for Argies this session but Africa was producing. 0000 UT, Antenna 120 degrees: 1179, Mozambique - EP da Zambezia - Quelimane - Group singing. Weak to fair. S 3-4 // 1206 1206, Mozambique - EP de Inhambane - Fair at S 3-5 - Man in Portuguese then singing as above, with long song. S-6 end of file - // 1179 0030 120: 1026, Mozambique - Some Portuguese talk into music. S 5-6 2.600 filter on 1026.300 1179, Mozambique and Spain mixing. 1206, Mozambique - Last part of file with music // 1179 and 1026 0045 120: 1206, Mozambique - Portuguese talk between 2 men. // 1224 1224, Mozambique - As above but weaker. Take care, (Roy Barstow - Falmouth - OLD CAPE COD, Cape-DX via Mark Connelly, nrc-am gg via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Thanks. Wow, that's about 8000 mi! I'll have another go at confirming whether Pemba is indeed active (Graham Bell, Simon's Town, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1206, 1.8, 2200, R Mozambique, Inhambane även kvällen innan då de gick en timme men här efter ett nyhetsinslag om Zimbabwe kom ett klockrent “Radio Mozambique Inhambane”. Saknar ännu detta land i QSL-pärmen så om någon har v/s-info tar jag tacksamt emot. Tyvärr ingen känning på de andra frekvenserna. 1224 murrigt ljud till exempel – någon som ligger snett där verkar det (Jan Oscarsson, Umeå, Sverige, som lyssnat i sommarstugan i Petiknäs, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) 1206, 1.8, 2200, R Mozambique, Inhambane, even the night before they went for an hour, but following a news release about Zimbabwe, a clock called "Radio Mozambique Inhambane". Missing this country yet in the QSL box so if I have v / s info, I would like to thank you. Unfortunately, no sense of the other frequencies. 1224 moody sound for example - someone who seems obnoxious there seems to be (Jan Oscarsson, Umeå, Sweden, who listened to the summer house in Petiknäs, ARC mw-echo August 6th via Google translate via DXLD) ** MYANMAR. 5985, Myanmar Radio, on Aug 1, from 1136 till past 1300+. Special coverage (preempted regular programs); soccer/football game between Myanmar vs South Korea, in the Alpine Cup (four-nation soccer/football tournament played in Mandalay); TV audio feed; background sound of crowd and loudspeaker; mostly fair; game not on 5915 (Myanmar Radio) nor 7345 (Thazin Radio) and unable to hear 6165 (Thazin Radio), due to QRM. My audio at http://goo.gl/JGgWYd Full coverage via YouTube at https://goo.gl/AABti2 5985, Myanmar Radio, from 1152+, on Aug 5. Coverage of the Alpine Cup soccer/football match; Myanmar vs Thailand; preempted regular programs; TV audio feed; background sound of crowd and loudspeaker; fair reception (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** NEWFOUNDLAND. 10051-USB, Gander Radio (VOLMET), 0927, Aug 6. Very readable aviation weather. My audio at http://goo.gl/CM5y1T (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND. UNIDENTIFIED. 13840, 06 Ago, 2140, O que deveria ser RNZ em inglês eu ouvi um OM em francês. Sinal razoável que se desvaneceu próximo das 2200 UT. O mesmo áudio no SDR de Pardinho e em Twente. 13840, 06 Ago, 2140, What should be RNZ in English I heard an OM in French. Reasonable signal that faded near 2200 UT. The same audio in the SDR of Pardinho and in Twente 13840kHz-06Ago2018-2141UT-UNID RNZ http://www.ipernity.com/doc/107414/47107118 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana, Bahia, 12 14´S 38 58´W - Brasil, Tecsun PL-310ET, Antenna dipole of 25 meters-direction northeast- southwest, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENNG DIGEST) It's the weekly news bulletin in French (also aired on Sundays) from RNZ of course! 2140-2147 every Monday (Jean-Michel Aubier, Twitter : @aubierjm, ibid.) ** NIGERIA. 15120/DRM, V of Nigeria "Impressions" with woman from Sierra Leone talking about the differences between there & Nigeria. At end of show, there were addresses including email for comments, then a YL s/off including invitation to tune again at “Come back tomorrow at 8 hours GMT for more programmes, just for you on the English service of Voice of Nigeria", then drums & kazoo (at least it SOUNDED like kazoo!) to carrier off. 12-15 dB s/n ratio & decoding perfectly despite a data rate of only 9.1 kbps 16-QAM mono, FAR less than e.g. RRI which tries to squeeze in 20.96 kbps in 64-QAM in the same 10 kHz, or the BBC which squeezes 64- QAM w/16.92 kbps plus an additional .54 kbps of 'Journaline' data. Bottom line, this bit-rate still sounds pretty darn good (see attached) but it actually decodes & after all, isn't that the whole idea? 1915-1930* 28/Jul DReaM software (Ken Zichi, Port Hope MI2, MARE Tipsheet 3 August via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** NIGERIA [non]. SECRETLAND, Radio Nigeria Hausa/Radio of Truth via SPL Secretbrod, August 1 1800-1900 15110 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg WeAf Hausa Radio Na Gaskiya, fair/good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/radio-nigeria-hausaradio-of-truth-via.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1-2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA [non]. Radio International via BaBcoCk Woofferton August 3 0700-0800 13810 WOF 250 kW / 165 deg WeAf Kanuri, very good, including 0716-0728 13810 WOF 250 kW / 165 deg WeAf news bulletin in French http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-radio-international-via_4.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA [non]. Dandal Kura Radio Int via MBR Issoudun on August 4 0500-0600 on 7220 ISS 100 kW / 167 deg to CeAf Kanuri, very good 0600-0700 on 11910 ISS 100 kW / 167 deg to CeAf Kanuri, very good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/dandal-kura-radio-int-via-mbr-issoudun.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. 7470, UNITED STATES (religious pirate), R. YHWH at 0315 in progress at tune-in. Usual monologue and voice. - Fair (but vastly improved and VG after 0414). Seemed to go off at 0420, but a weak carrier was there when I switched on BFO. Audio came back up at 0433, stayed a minute, then was gone. July 30 7470, R. YHWH at 0345 (in progress at tune-in). Familiar voice of "Josiah" coming in over extreme t-storm static. First time I've had SW on this evening, as we were hit by a major storm with 75 MPH wind and a lot of lightning (most of the evening I have been glued to Phoenix weather radio KEC-94 on 162.55 MHz). Coming only Fair, but on Satellit portable and indoor wire. July 31 (Rick Barton, Logs from Central Arizona, 73 and Good Listening....! - rb, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7470, R. YHWH at 0245. Josiah is back again tonight! (not heard here a cupla nights). I am not monitoring tonight as a T-storm is directly overhead, but I listened long enough to recognize the voice. Recheck had him still going in monologue at 0345. Poor/Fair thru QRN and using indoor wire, Satellit receiver. - Poor/Fair August 3 (Rick Barton, SW Logs from Central Arizona, Grundig Satellit 205(T.5000). 73 and Good Listening....! - rb, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7470, Radio YHWH at 0225 (in progress at tune-in), usual voice and monologue. At 0319, a change of tone like he went "live" and said something about being back in 1 hour, but then the tape rolled again. Suddenly went off at 0416. VG August 5 (Rick Barton, AZ, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. 6870-AM, August 2 at 0047, only pirate is here, S9 vs almost as much storm noise level, steel drum music, segués of mostly soft YL vocals, not recognized. Never heard any announcements or IDs during continuous monitoring (with one ear, anyway), past 0111 during yelling, 0118 ME music. Recheck at 0138 it`s off. Several logs here say it was Mix Radio International at 2309-0134* https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,44802.0.html No one else reported an ID during my listening span, but three guys got IDs at 2318 August 1. 6870-AM, August 6 at 0128, VP S9 pirate with jazz, still at 0153. These say it was Mix Radio at *2352-0159*: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,44915.0.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. 6975-USB, August 5 at 0056, VG S9+5 rock music about ``party``, apparently tonight`s theme from suspected Wolverine Radio, the OSOB; yes 0102 such an ID; 0124 again with ``Radio`` echoing into the distance. 0132 check is off. Many more logs *0030-0131* including SSTV image of kids wearing party cones: https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,44878.0.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORWAY. R Northern Star, Sundays on 1314 kHz 1900-2100 UT Radio Northern Star tests on Bergen Kringkaster 1314 kHz 228 metres MW with 1 kW will continue each Sunday from 2100 to 2300 CET [19-21 UT]. This in // 1611, 5895, WiFi, apps, web etc. At the same time we are happy to announce that our new station The Ferry has made its debut on regular broadcasting, namely on the same transmitter, in the beginning from 2310-0010 CET each day. Transmission times may increase. Reports to 1000@northernstar.no (Northern Star Media Services on Facebook, 3 Aug) More about the station at http://www.northernstar.cc/ and http://northernstar.cc/pdf/radio_northernstar_presentation.pdf Sent from Mail for Windows 10 (Alan Pennington, Aug 3, bdxc-news iog via DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. 800, 31.3, 0158, KQCV, Oklahoma City OK. Other DX-ers have heard this one and several other very nice stations on 800 this last season, but I have not had much luck. So when I heard some Bott Radio Network announcements behind ever-present CKLW-ON I got excited. And two minutes before the top of the hour the prize came: "This is Bott Radio Network, KQCV AM 800, Oklahoma City" (Odd-Jørgen Sagdahl, Trondheim, remote Kongsfjord, Norway, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) This was the only log or item concerning Oklahoma in the entire issue, not even KOKC, as I searched on OK, passing over countless other words in several languages with ok in them (gh, OK, DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. 88.3, August 3 at 1710 UT check, K202BY Enid translator of Family Radio is still on air but dead (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) And still Aug 9 ** OKLAHOMA. DTV RF channel 17, K17JN-D, a translator, is Enid`s only local TV station, which countless people are unaware of since it does not appear in local listings, nor is on cable, tho main 3ABN is somewhere on an upper tier. Six ch 17 channels of 3ABN (Adventist sect) programming have defaulted to dead sound and black screen, causing the STB to claim ``NO SIGNAL`` even tho the signal meter for each shows they are plenty Good. This is the case August 4 at 1630 UT and still at 2330 UT recheck. Well, it is the Seventh Day, after all, but that has not caused the station to vanish before. How long before some human-in-charge notice and fix it? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Partially restored Aug 9 ** OKLAHOMA. FCC DTV News: Oklahoma City 18 KOPX-TV From 50, 104kw/480m; granted Oklahoma City 23 KSBI Operating at (unspecified) reduced power from June 13th pending antenna replacement Oklahoma City 39 KWTV-DT Application for new auxiliary facility, 1000kw/331m; pre-repack antenna about 140m lower than main Tulsa 12 KGEB From 49, 21.5kw/182m; granted. STA to transition early, by September 1st, instead of Phase 2 by April 12, 2019; T-Mobile Tulsa 14 KXAP-LD From 38, 15kw; granted Tulsa 34 KMYT-TV STA to transition from 42 early, by September 1st, instead of Phase 2 by April 12, 2019; T-Mobile; requests amendment to September 4th (the 1st is Labor Day weekend & techs may not be available to adjust cable equipment). Woodward 35 KUOK OFF July 18th, transmitter failure Several applications for Special Temporary Authority for post-repack channels have been dismissed as unnecessary. They were filed presuming stations would be forced off their pre-repack channels before the FCC could act on their displacement applications. In a number of cases the Commission has acted sooner than expected and the stations have been able to move before being displaced (Doug Smith, August WTFDA VHF-UHF Digest via DXLD) ** OMAN. Reception of Radio Sultanate of Oman in English/Arabic, August 6 from 1400 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu English-distorted audio from 1500 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu Arabic, very good audio http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-radio-sultanate-of-oman-in_6.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5-6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3260, NBC Madang (Maus Blong Garamut), 1207* cut off, on Aug 5, after the usual Sunday religious programs (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** PERU. Perú, På 880 hör man Radio Unión, fast inte stationens vanliga program utan i stället La Voz de la Liberación http://www.ipda.com.pe/radio Av. Arica 248, Breña, Lima. I likhet med många andra stationer har Radio Unión hyrt ut AM-frekvensen. FM-frekvensen når flera lyssnare i storstadsområdet med bättre ljud och mindre störningar. FM-frekvensen 103.9 bör anges i WRTH med fetstil som LM13) i WRTH. För egen del tycker jag att det räcker med att ange Lima som QTH. AM-frekvensen kan gott skrivas som R. Unión/LV de la Liberación. Jag skriver detta på förekommen anledning eftersom en DX-are funderat över varför man inte hör Radio Unións vanliga program på 880. Det skulle man ju kunna tro när man kollar i WRTH (Henrik Klemetz, Sweden, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) ** PERU. 4920.903, August 3 at 0135, JBA carrier vs storm noise, presumed La Voz del Pueblo still active on variable off-frequency. I suppose only pre-sunrise, zzz, and post-summer storm season may I have a chance of hearing it better. Tonight`s blitzortung.org map shows closest lightning area is north-central New Mexico (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PERU, 4920.9, Radio La Voz del Pueblo, Santiago de Chuco, 0425-0505, 07-08, here in Lugo extremley weak signal, barely audible, at moments only carrier and at moments some music and comments can be heard. Via remote SDR Kiwi Pardinho, near São Paulo, Brazil, 4920.89, clear signal, Peruvian songs and political advertisements about the local government and the mayor of Santiago de Chuco: "Democracia Directa, Cesar Alcántara, nuestro alcalde", "Democracia Directa promueve el turismo, alcalde provincial de Santiago de Chuco", "Democracia Directa promueve la educación y la cultura, Cesar Alcántara es garantía, Democracia Directa impulsa la salud", "Democracia Directa promueve la artesanía, Cesar Alcántara, nuestro alcalde, cumple". SINPO via SDR Kiwi Pardinho 35433. The past days out of air (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Log in Lugo, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PHILIPPINES. Reception of FEBC Radio Teos in Ukrainian on August 5 1530-1600 on 11650 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Ukrainian Sun, good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-febc-radio-teos-in.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PUERTO RICO. Puerto Rico Special --- WRTH 2018 listar sammanlagt 70 stationer i Puerto Rico (1030 WOSO saknas). Följande stationer är aktiva efter orkanen Maria enligt information från flera olika källor: 550 WPAB, 580 WKAQ, 600 WYEL, 610 WEXS, 630 WUNO, 680 WAPA, 710 WKJB, 740 WIAC, 760 WORA, 810 WKVM , 840 WXEW, 850 WABA, 870 WQBS, 910 WPRP, 940 WIPR, 960 WDNO, 990 WPRA, 1020 WOQI, 1030 WOSO, 1040 WNVI, 1060 WCBG, 1070 WMIA, 1080 WLEY, 1090 WSOL, 1110 WVJP, 1120 WMSW, 1130 WOIZ, 1160 WBQN, 1170 WLEO, 1190 WBMJ, 1200 WGDL, 1210 WHOY, 1230 WNIK, 1240 WALO, 1260 WISO, 1280 WCMN,, 1300 WTIL, 1320 WSKN, 1330 WENA, 1350 WEGA, 1370 WIVV, 1420 WUKQ, 1430 WNEL, 1450 WCPR, 1460 WRRE, 1470 WKUM, 1480 WMDD, 1490 WDEP, 1500 WMNT, 1530 WUPR, 1550 WKFE, 1560 WBYM, 1570 WPPC, 1580 WVOZ, 1600 WCMA, 1660 WGIT. Samtidigt har inga notiser kommit om att nedanstående stationer skulle vara aktiva. Stationernas websidor ger ofta ingen hjälp. På sikt kan vi nog förvänta oss att även dessa stationer kommer igång. 880 WYKO, 890 WFAB, 930 WYAC, 1140 WQII, 1250 WJIT, 1340 WWNA, 1380 WOLA, 1390 WISA, 1400 WIDA, 1410 WRSS, 1460 WLRP, 1510 WBSG, 1520 WRSJ, 1540 WIBS, 1590 WXRF (Tore Larsson, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) ** PUERTO RICO. COMENZÓ A TRANSMITIR UNA NUEVA EMISORA EN PUERTO RICO 28/07/2018 La estación 96.5 FM, “Dándole ‘play’ a la variedad” estrenó con un formato innovador para el gusto de los boricuas de todas las edades, aseguró hoy Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc., (SBS). “Play 96.5FM” comenzará con un cambio de formato, TOP 40 y nueva programación desde hoy. La emisora diversifica su línea de programación con la llegada de nuevas personalidades radiales, las cuales serán parte de audiciones masivas que se efectuarán en las próximas semanas. “SBS Puerto Rico tiene un largo historial de innovación y excelencia en la radio y nos complace anunciar estas mejoras a nuestro grupo de radio en la Isla”, comentó el vicepresidente de Operaciones, Sixto Pabón. “Puerto Rico es el mercado de radio más influyente de los Estados Unidos y creemos que nuestro formato, programación y cambios de talentos nos permitirán conectarnos mejor con nuestro público y, a su vez, nuestros anunciantes con sus clientes. Play 96.5FM cuenta con un formato emocionante respaldado por una sólida lista de personalidades en nuestra programación que impulsará el compromiso a través de nuestras plataformas de radio y digitales”, añadió. Por su parte, el director de Programación de Play 96.5FM indicó que “SBS es una empresa en constante evolución que responde a las tendencias de su mercado. Por esta razón, en recientes ejercicios con grupos focales se reveló el deseo de escuchar música variada y de actualidad en la Isla”. El vicepresidente ejecutivo de Programación y Coordinador de Multiplataforma de SBS a nivel nacional, Jesús Salas, expresó estar muy contento de presentar el nuevo proyecto. “Con esta renovación de la marca y cambios en el formato de la emisora vamos a darle la oportunidad a nuevos talentos sin experiencia, sin importar si eres un policía o un cocinero, si tienes talento podrás convertirte en una estrella de la radio a través de esta estación”, dijo. “Play 96.5FM” en Puerto Rico se encuentra en búsqueda de nuevos talentos, envíen sus demos y resumé vía electrónica: play96@lamusica.com (tomada de http://www.primerahora.com via GRA blog via DXLD) ** ROMANIA. I’ll continue this month with a short account of a few programmes that I listened to via an overnight recording on my SDR radio. On this occasion, I recorded the ten hours of programming from 2000 to 0600 UT, in a frequency span covering approximately 5000-10000 kHz on the night of 14-15 July. Many more stations than listed here were logged, but here are just a few programmes that I heard. Radio Romania International --- Another interesting series of programmes from 0000 UT on 9730 kHz which included World of Culture with a feature about a new book “The History of Lapses on Lost Manuscripts” which looks at lost manuscripts. The idea for the book came from a moment in 1989 during the Romanian Revolution when the author “I saw the Central University Library on fire in the middle of Bucharest and no-one could do anything about it. Lots of rumours circulated. I did not know the cause of the fire, but I remember thinking ‘so that’s how libraries burn; that’s how the Library of Alexandria must have burnt’.” The author goes on to consider how important literature is in today’s world: whether certain types of books (fiction in particular) are now dying out; and whether reading as a whole is dying out. The conclusions were that neither was true, and considers the possibilities for novels arising out of lost manuscripts – perhaps other authors writing novels based on lost manuscripts. I found the programme this week to be slightly confusing - jumping as it did between Aristotle, lost manuscripts and modern novels - but never-the- less it was a worthwhile 10 minutes listening. World of Culture was followed by RRI Encyclopedia. This series is a bit like opening an Encyclopedia at random each week. This week was a very interesting feature about an anticommunist resistance and repression memorial at Oradea. This week’s programme starts: “Shortly after the end of World War II the majestic medieval citadel of Oradea had sadly become one of the dreaded instruments of repression for anti-communist revolt. In one of the wings of the princely castle, lying at the centre of the citadel, a transit concentration camp for political detainees had been set up running between 1947 and 1952. It was from here that the convicts were loaded on a train and taken to penitentiaries in Targu Jiu or Timishoara. Also, the concentration camp was a “dispatch point” to USSR for ethnic Germans. Of the 96,000 ethnic Germans who were dislocated from Romania, loaded onto over- crowded cattle or freight cars and carried all the way to the remotest corners of the USSR, hundreds of people were taken from Oradea as well. In the memory of those who fought against communism and were imprisoned in Oradea, a memorial was set up in the old citadel [L]”. “Cristina Puscas is one of the curators of the aforementioned museum. ‘[L] Sadly, very little has been done to keep the memory of those people alive. That is why the memorial seeks to mark, on Romania’s map, which is a bloodied map, one of the more than 250 anticommunist repression centres across the country. Unfortunately, only a few of those centres have been turned into memorials, save for the centres in Sighet, Pitesti, Gherla and Oradea, as well as some other centres. But there’s still a lot of work to be done’.” The programme continues with some details of the imprisonment and torture methods including a method used: “L to punish and crush the revolutionary spirit [by] putting people in ‘the hole’, a special cell which was recreated in the Oradea Citadel. [L] ‘The hole was a punishment cell, it was some sort of prison within a prison, with no light, no bucket, no bed, with water flowing on the floor’.” I found this of particular interest as I have just returned from a holiday to Romania, during which I visited the memorial in Sighet. A fascinating memorial, but sad and also shocking to find out, once again, what people have suffered and what people can do to each other. The last half-hour from 0030 UT was All That Jazz, an enjoyable 10 minutes of jazz music, DX Mailbag, acknowledging listeners reception reports, and finally Through the Looking Glass with a look at Marcu?a Monastery. All-in-all, it was a fascinating hour of programming. Staying with RRI, I switched to 9790 at 0100 UT for their Romanian service and the weekly Radio Concert Season (the re-broadcast of the first hour of the programme as originally broadcast on Radio Romania Muzical). Not being that knowledgeable about classical music, it’s difficult to detail exactly what I heard, but the programme seemed to consist of works by Rachmaninov and Georgio Enescu. An enjoyable hour until the transmitter was rudely cut midnote at 0157 (Listening Post with Alan Roe, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** ROMANIA. From July 28 1500 UT, RADIOCOM Tsiganeshti tx#1 300 kW is temporarily off air due to technical issues. The following RRI transmissions are affected http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/from-july-28-1500utc-tiganesti-tx1-300.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Concerning 9510 kHz: Should it be on air also tomorrow it can definitely not come from Saftica because the transmitter will already be on 15130 kHz. I understand the situation to be such that Tsiganeshti got in the refitting project in 2008 three new transmitters. Two of them are routinely used for Radio Romania International programming, and it now turns out that SRR has indeed access to these two transmitters only, with Radiocom not being committed to provide the third one even as substitute in cases of failure. Pretty crazy, but apparently the contract has been made this way. Thus it is apparently this third transmitter that transmits for what is now Milano Ventures on 7290 and 9510 kHz. Perhaps at 50 percent power, in which case it would indeed be the alleged 150 kW (Kai Ludwig, Aug 4, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Romania International's regular schedule: http://ab27.bplaced.net/rri.pdf Since 28-Jul-2018, 1500 UT, RADIOCOM ?igane?ti TX1 (300 kW) is temporarily off-air due to technical issues. The following RRO transmissions are affected: 0000-0100 UT: Eng 9730 kHz 0100-0200 UT: Fra 9730 kHz 0200-0300 UT: Spa 9730 kHz 0300-0400 UT: Eng 9730 kHz 0400-0430 UT: Zho 17780 kHz 0430-0500 UT: Rus 7390 kHz DRM 0500-0530 UT: Fra 11790 kHz 0530-0600 UT: Eng* 7330 kHz DRM 0600-0630 UT: Deu* 7330 kHz DRM 0630-0700 UT: Ara* 9740 kHz 0700-0800 UT: Ron 17750 kHz/Sun 0800-0900 UT: Ron 11990 kHz/Sun 0900-1000 UT: Ron 15130 kHz/Sun 1000-1100 UT: Fra*15130 kHz 1100-1200 UT: Eng*15130 kHz 1200-1230 UT: Ara 15130 kHz 1230-1300 UT: Zho 17755 kHz 1300-1400 UT: Rus 11940 kHz 1400-1500 UT: Deu 11910 kHz 1500-1530 UT: Rus 9580 kHz DRM 1530-1600 UT: Ara 11830 kHz 1600-1700 UT: Ron 9695 kHz 1700-1800 UT: Eng 9760 kHz DRM 1800-1900 UT: Deu 6090 kHz DRM 1900-2000 UT: Spa 15670 kHz 2000-2030 UT: - 2030-2100 UT: Eng 11850 kHz 2100-2200 UT: Spa 15670 kHz 2200-2300 UT: Eng 7325 kHz 2300-2400 UT: Spa 11700 kHz In compensation, some of these transmissions are now aired via Saftica (100 kW) since 01-Aug-2018: 0530-0600 UT: Eng* 7330 kHz DRM 0600-0630 UT: Deu* 7330 kHz DRM 0630-0700 UT: Ara* 9740 kHz 1000-1100 UT: Fra*15130 kHz 1100-1200 UT: Eng*15130 kHz (Alexander Busneag, Germany, August 3, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 0800-0900 UT: Ron 11990 kHz/Sun, also temporarily via Saftica! (-- Alexander Busneag, Germany, August 5, ibid.) Observations: After 0900 RRI Romanian on 13790 (remaining TIG transmitter, forget to check the missing frequency) as well as 11650 and 15200 (GAL). 9510 came on with IRRS programming at 0930 as scheduled. After 1000: RRI French on 13790 (TIG) as well as 11650 and 15200 (GAL). 9510 continues with IRRS programming. No signal on 15130 where SAF is supposed to provide cover for the failed TIG transmitter (Kai Ludwig, Aug 5, WOR iog via DXLD) 1000-1100 UT: RRO Fra SAF* 15130 kHz/Mon-Sat! 1100-1200 UT: RRO Eng SAF* 15130 kHz/Mon-Sat! * temporarily replacing TIG_TX1, but not on Sun!, because of: 0930-1200 UT: IRRS Eng SAF 9510 kHz/Sun (Busneag, 1018 UT Aug 5, ibid.) Am 05.08.2018 um 12:14 schrieb Kai Ludwig: > Observations: After 0900 RRI Romanian on 13790 (remaining TIG > transmitter, forget to check the missing frequency) 0800-0900 UT: RRO Ron*11990 kHz/Sun * also via Saftica, temporarily replacing Tsiganehti TX1! > 9510 came on with IRRS programming at 0930 as scheduled. [...] > After 1000: At 1000 UT: Short interruption of IRRS 9510 kHz/SAF, then resuming with a few seconds of RRO French program before continuing with IRRS (then, another interruption of over 1 minute follows, then IRRS again). http://ab27.bplaced.net/irrs/on5kq.ddns.net_2018-08-05T10_00_00Z_9510.00_am.mp3 New schedule of tx Saftica, due to Tsiganehti tx#1 is temporarily off air http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/new-schedule-of-tx-saftica-due-to.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: 0000-0530 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg transmitter Saftica is free of programs 0530-0556 7330 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg WeEu English DRM 0600-0626 7330 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg WeEu German DRM 0630-0656 9740 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg NoAf Arabic 0700-0756 17750 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg WeAs Rom. Sun Curierul romanesc 0800-0856 11990 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg N/ME Rom. Sun Curierul romanesc 0800-0900 9510 SAF 100 kW / 300 deg WeEu German Sat IRRS Radio City 0930-1156 9510 SAF 100 kW / 300 deg WeEu Eng. Sun IRRS EGR/UNRadio* 1000-1056 15130 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg NoAf French Mon-Sat 1100-1156 15130 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg WeEu English Mon-Sat 1200-1256 7375 SAF 100 kW / 300 deg WeEu Romanian 1300-1356 15130 GAL 300 kW / 285 deg WeEu Romanian 1400-1426 9520 SAF 100 kW / 270 deg SoEu Italian 1430-1456 5910 SAF 100 kW / 240 deg SEEu Macedo-Romanian 1500-1526 5910 SAF 100 kW / 030 deg EaEu Ukrainian 1530-1556 5910 SAF 100 kW / 270 deg SEEu Serbian 1600-1626 5910 SAF 100 kW / 270 deg SoEu Italian 1630-1656 5910 SAF 100 kW / 240 deg SEEu Macedo-Romanian 1700-1726 5910 SAF 100 kW / 030 deg EaEu Ukrainian 1730-1756 5910 SAF 100 kW / 270 deg SEEu Serbian 1800-1826 5910 SAF 050 kW / 270 deg SoEu Italian DRM 1830-1856 5910 SAF 100 kW / 240 deg SEEu Macedo-Romanian 1900-1926 5910 SAF 100 kW / 030 deg EaEu Ukrainian 1930-1956 5910 SAF 100 kW / 270 deg SEEu Serbian 2000-2400 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg transmitter Saftica is free of programs * video on August 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU_lzrUJlXI&feature=youtu.be (Ivo Ivanov, Aug 5, WOR iog via DXLD) Thank you for the current Saftica schedule! I have only two little corrections: (1): 0700-0756 on 17750 SAF 100 kW / ??? deg to WeAs Romanian Sun Curierul romanesc -> OFF-AIR/NOT VIA SAF, SAF IS FREE OF PROGRAMS! And not to be confounded with: 0700-0757 on 17750 XIA 500 kW / 200 deg to SEAs Chaozhou (2): 1300-1356 on 15130 GAL 300 kW / 285 deg to WeEu Romanian -> this is correct (GAL), but SAF IS FREE OF PROGRAMS! Now, the interesting question is: Does the following IRRS transmission come again from Bulgaria (Kostinbrod)? 1800-1900 UT on 7290 kHz to WeEu IRRS English Fri/Sat/Sun (Busneag, Aug 5, ibid.) Rather not via Secretbrod, no free transmitter at that time (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, ibid.) Re: ``At 1000 UT: Short interruption of IRRS 9510 kHz/SAF, then resuming with a few seconds of RRO French program before continuing with IRRS (then, another interruption of over 1 minute follows, then IRRS again). http://ab27.bplaced.net/irrs/on5kq.ddns.net_2018-08-05T10_00_00Z_9510.00_am.mp3 (Busneag)`` Cute! Perhaps it's worth it to explain what can be heard here: 0:31: Carrier comes on with RRI program feed. 0:46: Program input switches to IRRS. (By the way, from where do I know this production music? Was it "ERF DX-Mix"?) 1:04: Carrier cuts off. (Would be no surprise if it shortly came up on 15130 kHz in the meantime...) 2:19: Carrier finally returns with correct IRRS program audio. Apparently the cover transmission on 15130 kHz was programmed and the operator had a bit of trouble to override it, changing frequency and program input manually (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.) Re: ``Now, the interesting question is: Does the following IRRS transmission come again from Bulgaria (Kostinbrod)? 1800-1900 UT on 7290 kHz to WeEu IRRS English Fri/Sat/Sun`` At least it is on air now. At the same time the single transmitter that remains operational at Tsiganeshti is on 9775 kHz (RRI German), the single transmitter at Saftica is on 5910 kHz (DRM racket) and the two transmitters at Galbeni are on 9500 and 11975 kHz (RRI Romanian). So it really seems that 7290 kHz must come from elsewhere (Kai Ludwig, 1810 UT, ibid.) 7290 is NOT via Secretbrod, 100 percent (Ivo Ivanov, 1846 UT, ibid.) ** RUSSIA. Novosibirskaya oblast. Aviation radio stations. Novosibirsk-Meteo. Broadcasting time: from the 10th to the 14th and from the 40th to the 44th minute of every hour inclusive. Frequencies (kHz): 2869 USB - at night, 6693 AM - around the clock, 8888 USB - round the clock, 11318 USB - in the daytime USB - broadcast in the mode of the upper sideband, AM - broadcast in standard mode. The station "Novosibirsk-Meteo" transmits information in Russian about the actual weather at the airports of Siberia and Central Asia. http://www.novosibdx.info/nskairstations.html (via Rus-DX August 5 via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Probably time-shared with other Russian or regional VOLMET stations during specific other hourparts; so, keep tuned (gh, DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Broadcasting in Russia in 2017. Status, trends and development prospects http://fapmc.ru/rospechat/activities/reports/2018/teleradio/main/custom/0/00/file.pdf Reports for all years http://fapmc.ru/rospechat/activities/reports/2018/teleradio/main/custom/0/00/file.pdf https://vk.com/vcfm2014 - Excerpt from the publication: "Broadcasting in the Russian Federation is carried out mainly in the FM band. According to Roskomnadzor, almost 80% (79.6%) of the current licenses for broadcasting constitute licenses for broadcasting in the FM band, which is 2803 radio stations. 704 radio stations or 20% of the total broadcast in the VHF band. More than half of the current licenses are issued for frequencies in cities with a population of less than 100 thousand people. For residents of small towns, radio is the only source available" (Rus-DX August 5 via DXLD) ** RWANDA [and non]. R. Itahuka via MBR Talata Volonondry, August 4 1800-1900 on 15420 MDC 250 kW / 320 deg to SoAf Kirundi [sic] Sat Transmissions are jammed with white noise digital jamming http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-radio-itahuka-via-mbr.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4=5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAUDI ARABIA. Re Calls to Prayer: I hear it five times a day and everything closes during this time. Saudi is the only country that does this. 73, (Ed 7Z1ES Sylvester, Saudi Arabia, WOR iog via DXLD) see ALGERIA [non] 15119.874, Aug 7 at 1314, JBA carrier, from what? Nothing scheduled on 15120 at this hour per NDXC/Aoki, unless Saudi Arabia in Bengali stayed on late after 0900-1157. Aha, EiBi, now updated to Aug 3, shows not only that but Riad [sic] further in Urdu at 1200-1600 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SCOTLAND. See LANGUAGE LESSONS ** SIKKIM. 4835, AIR Gangtok. See AUSTRALIA. ** SINGAPORE. 11795, August 2 at 1403, S7-S5 in S Asian language. HFCC shows it`s BBC in Hindi this semihour only (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOMALIA. What was thought to be Warsan Radio was heard on 7750 kHz (best on USB) on Sunday 29 July at 1440 UT with a relay of BBC Somali // scheduled 12095, 15420 and 17745 kHz. Continued with presumed own programmes after 1500. Previous reports have mentioned BBC Somali also being heard on 7750 kHz at 1800-1830 (Tony Rogers using WebSDR in Qatar, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** SOMALILAND. 7120 Hargeisa --- Seemingly back on, now at 1730z. Strong signal in the middle of the 40m ham band. Some talks in local language, good modulation. No ID heard. From 1730z local style music. -- Diese Nachricht wurde von meinem Android Mobiltelefon mit GMX Mail gesendet (Harald Kuhl, Germany, 1731 UT August 2, bdxc-news iog via DXLD) ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. 9330, WBCQ Monticello ME (presumed); 2006, 7/27; Bro. HyStairical with repeat program waxing about false prophets & his own prophethoodity. SIO=454- (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Brother HySTAIRical via Channel 292 from August 6 to August 12 - 66 hours per week: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/brother-hystairical-and-radio-waves.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA. 15629.871, August 3 at 0139, very poor fluttery signal with talk. Aoki/NDXC shows 15630 is AWR via Trincomalee at 0100-0200 in Chinese languages. Any signal on 19m after sunset here has a good chance of being the OSOB, and lacking a WTWW, indeed this one is, despite its poverty. 15629.84, August 5 at 0114, JBA carrier, presumed AWR hour in Chineses. Two nights ago on the other radio, I had it on 15629.871 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN SOUTH [non]. Re: [WOR] Time for new clandestine? to a Sudan On Sat, Jun 30, 2018 at 09:05 PM, Glenn Hauser wrote: ``New clandestine via BaBcoCk Woofferton & Al-Dhabayya from July 1 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/06/new-clandestine-via-babcock-woofferton.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, June 12-13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: 0400-0500 on 9665 WOF 250 kW / 137 deg to CeAf Multi from July 1 0500-0600 on 17775 DHA 250 kW / 245 deg to CeAf Multi from July 1 1500-1700 on 13810 DHA 250 kW / 240 deg to CeAf Multi from July 1`` I automatically recorded these frequencies/slots every day this month using the U. Twente SDR receiver. Nothing showed up on any of the frequencies at those times. Let's see if anything happens in August. (-- Richard Langley, July 31, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN SOUTH [non]. Clandestine Eye Radio again on shortwave via MGB Malagasy Global Business S.A. transmitters in Talata and Issoudun from August 1: Other UNID clandestine via Woofferton and Al-Dhabayya is still inactive http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/eye-radio-again-on-shortwave-via-talata.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Noted at sign-on today at 1500 UT on 15410 kHz using the U. Twente SDR receiver with only a fair signal (expected due to closeness of ISS transmitter; but also U. Twente website is reporting receiver antenna problems). (-- Richard Langley, NB, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Very good signal at 1500 in Juba Arabic and in English at 1511 (Ivo Ivanov, ibid.) FRANCE, Good signal of Eye Radio via MGB TDF Issoudun on August 1 1500-1600 15410 ISS 250 kW / 139 deg to EaAf Arabic/English* Mon-Fri *including other languages Dinka; Nuer; Shilluk; Bari; Zande; Lutoho http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/good-signal-of-eye-radio-via-mgb-tdf.html MADAGASCAR, Reception of Eye Radio via MGB Talata Volonondry, August 2 0400-0500 11620 MDC 250 kW / 335 deg EaAf Arabic/English* Mon-Fri fair *including other languages Dinka; Nuer; Shilluk; Bari; Zande; Lutoho http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-eye-radio-via-mgb-talata.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1-2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Eye Radio --- Short wave broadcasting for South Sudan was restarted for the first time in 8 months from August 1 as already reported. This station had previously performed short wave broadcasting as Sudan Radio Service. Eye Radio is continuing to broadcast under the support of the USAID International Development Agency USAID as a project of the Educational Development Center (EDC) which is a US-based NGO. The South Sudanese government continues to block mobile phones and WiFi specific sites, and there are places that FM can not cover, and it seems that he [sic] has resumed short-wave broadcasting. Starting around 15 minutes [to?] about 25 minutes English news etc. are out. There are many local languages other than Arabic. 0400-0500 11620 MDC 250 kW Sudanese Arabic Mon-Fri 1500-1600 15410 ISS 250 kW Sudanese Arabic Mon-Fri Source (Google translated): http://hiroshi.mediacat-blog.jp/e129989.html --- (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, August 2, cumbredx yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) I suspect that WOF/DHA registration was a contingency plan for this one which has now eventuated via different facilities, but note the similarity in time scheduling. However, I am hearing nothing on 15410 at 1516 August 2 {nor at 1532 via UTwente SDR}. I think I may have had an unID carrier on it about an hour earlier. That would be CRI Chinese via Kashgar (Glenn Hauser, WOR iog via DXLD) Fair to good signal using the U. Twente SDR receiver both today (2 August) and yesterday between about 1500 and 1600 UT. Today, sign-on was a couple of minutes late and English started at 1513 with two pips and "Live from Juba" (perhaps recorded live but not transmitted on SW live) announcement and ID followed by Eye Radio News, running until 1523. Subsequently, there was an interview program about South Sudan's peace agreement with a lot of English. Transmitter off at about 1559. SW programming likely excerpted from local FM and streaming services. (-- Richard Langley, ibid.) 11620, August 3 at 0449, Eye Radio via MADAGASCAR, S7-S9 in African- accented English, which along with continuous rumbling in background makes it hard to copy --- perhaps wind blowing in mike at an OB; ceases briefly at 0455 when someone in studio replies. Mentions Juba. Also suspect they may be mixing in Juba Arabic or African languages. 0459 music and bird calls, undermodulated sign-off announcement, 0500 brief open carrier and off. Also earlier mentioned ``5-6 pm`` which is the time of their other broadcast 15-16 UT on 15410, which I could not detect August 2 via UTwente or own, nor own receivers August 3. That one is via Issoudun. These were reactivated August 1. Some new unnamed target broadcast for South Sudan was expected from July 1 per HFCC registrations via UAE and Woofferton, different frequencies but similar times, yet never showed up in the following week, nor anytime in July per Richard Langley. That may or may not have been a plan for Eye Radio (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADOI 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Better signal today (3 August) using the U. Twente SDR receiver but it's EXACTLY the same program as yesterday! Trouble getting fresh programming to Issoudun? (-- Richard Langley, 1554 UT [therefore referring to the 15410 broadcast], WOR iog via DXLD) Hello Rich - I may be late to the party but has this station been identified yet? Thx (Rich Ray, IL, ibid.) It's Eye Radio from Juba, South Sudan. Not really a clandestine. Had been on SW before and just reactivated. There was speculation when three frequencies were registered with HFCC for a start on 1 July. Still not clear who they were for although Glenn speculates as a backup for Eye Radio in case it couldn't get back on its previous relay transmitters (-- Richard Langley, ibid.) On Fri, Aug 3, 2018 at 08:00 PM, Glenn Hauser wrote concerning Eye Radio: ``Also earlier mentioned ``5-6 pm`` which is the time of their other broadcast 15-16 UT on 15410, which I could not detect August 2 via UTwente or own, nor own receivers August 3`` Puzzling report as I heard (and recorded) them using the U. Twente SDR receiver on both 2 and 3 August. However, they were AWOL today, Saturday, 4 August. But, no surprise. HFCC registration is only for weekdays (Richard Langley, ibid.) Also puzzling; possibly I did not listen long enough to UTwente, and it was still sending the previously tuned frequency (gh, DXLD) 15410, August 6 at 1551, Eye Radio via FRANCE, YL in African accented English about mp3s, ID at 1554; fair via UTwente SDR; is M-F only at 15-16 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Very good signal of Eye Radio via MGB TDF Issoudun, August 6 1500-1600 on 15410 ISS 250 kW / 139 deg EaAf Arabic and other* Mon-Fri * including other languages: English/Dinka/Nuer/Shilluk/Bari/Zande/Lutoho http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/very-good-signal-of-eye-radio-via-mgb.html MADAGASCAR, Reception of Eye Radio via MGB Talata Volonondry, August 6 0400-0500 11620 MDC 250 kW / 335 deg EaAf Arabic* Mon-Fri, very good * including other languages: English/Dinka/Nuer/Shilluk/Bari/Zande/Lutoho http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-eye-radio-in-english-via.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5-6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. 9410-USB+carrier, Fu Hsing BS, 1231, July 31. For the second consecutive day heard here. July 30 noted 1245* cut off, which was earlier than their normal 1300*; reception both days was much better than usual. Taiwan's other frequency (9774) remains silent. 9410-USB+carrier, Fu Hsing BS, at 0940, on Aug 6 and at 1239, on Aug 5. Mostly fair reception and on the air more days than they normally are. Also much better reception recently than in the past. Taiwan's other frequency (9774) remains silent (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ** TAIWAN. 9725-AM, StarStar Broadcasting Station (XingXing BS), V13, on Aug 1, at 1203. Numbers in Chinese. My audio at http:goo.gl/BoNXfG (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, WOR iog via DXLD) ** TAIWAN. 9590, August 2 at 1408, poor S5-S8 in Russian; could be CRI? No, not // 9675. Nothing in HFCC. But in Aoki/NDXC as Radio Taiwan International (MPT) in Russian for this hour only from Tamsui district. Of course, the ChiCom have managed to ban Taiwan from HFCC, even tho the ChiCom don`t bother to register their entire schedule including countless jammers against fellow HFCC participants, using CNR programming or Firedragon (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGESET) ** TAIWAN. RTI-HKO Info 2018-10 Direktsendungen. Liebe Mitglieder des RTI Hoererklubs Ottenau, heute gab es nun die ersten Angaben zu den Taiwan Direktsendungen: Aktion "Direkt aus Taiwan" 2018 Testsendungen am 09. August (Donnerstag) ANALOG Frequenz 11990 kHz (325deg): 1700-1705 UT Frequenz 9700 kHz (315deg): 1800-1805 UT DRM mode tests Frequenz 11990 kHz: 1715-1720 UT Frequenz 9700 kHz: 1815-1820 UT Offizielle Sendetermine: 17-18 UT auf 11990 kHz; sowie 18-19 UT auf 9700 kHz: 24. August (Freitag) / analog 25. August (Samstag) / analog 26. August (Sonntag) / DRM mode 31. August (Freitag) / analog 01. September (Samstag) / analog 02. September (Sonntag) / analog 07. September (Freitag) / analog 08. September (Samstag) / analog 09. September (Sonntag) / DRM mode 27. September (Donnerst)/ analog (90 Jahre RTI) 28. September (Freitag) / analog (90 Jahre RTI) 29. September (Samstag) / analog (Bernd Seiser-D, via Mike Bethge-D via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 4 via DXLD) Radio Taiwan International German-language special txns in #DRM mode from Tamsui, Taiwan: TEST - 9th of August (Thursday) DRM Frequency 11990 kHz: 1715-1720 UT Frequency 9700 kHz: 1815-1820 UT Special Transmissions: August 26th (Sunday) / DRM September 09 (Sunday) / DRM Frequency 11990 kHz: 1700-1800 UT Frequency 9700 kHz: 1800-1900 UT ---- (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, Aug 7, dx_sasia yg via DXLD) ** TURKEY. TRT Voice of Turkey again on very odd frequency on August 1 [all Emirler 500 kW] 0500-0655 13765.7 / 210 deg to CEAf Hau/Swa, instead of 13765 July 31 0830-0955 11795.0 / 105 deg to WeAs Farsi, instead of 11795.7 July 31 1000-1055 9655.0 / 072 deg to CeAs Georg., instead of 9655.7 July 28 1000-1025 9855.0 / 032 deg to CeAs Tatar, instead of 9855.7 July 29 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/voice-of-turkey-agian-on-very-odd.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) TRT Voice of Turkey on very odd frequencies 11795.7/9855.7 August 3: 0830-0955 11795.7 / 105 deg to WeAs Farsi, instead of 11795.0 August 2 1000-1025 9855.7 / 032 deg to CeAs Tatar, instead of 9855.0 August 2 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/voice-of-turkey-on-very-odd-frequencies.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Very odd frequency 11675.7 & 11965.7 of TRT Voice of Turkey August 6 0600-1155 11675.7 / 150 deg WeAs Turkish, instead of nominal 11675.0 1300-1355 11965.7 / 020 deg EaEu Russian, instead of nominal 11965.0 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/very-odd-frequency-116757-119657-khz-of.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5-6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U A E [and non]. 9840.1 approx., August 6 at 0146 JBA talk, unknown language. Wonder if it`s always off-frequency Vietnam? NO, that`s on ``9840`` only at 10-24 UT per NDXC/Aoki. At this hour 0100-0300, it is VOA Deewa Radio in Pashto via Dhabbiya, an habitually off-frequency site. Indeed, presumed VOV JBA carrier measured on 9839.787, as usual on the minus side, August 6 at 1313. Aoki has room for three decimal places, but hit-and-miss, mostly missed except for Sounds of Hopes; and another VOV as 9635.789 at 2145-1600. Hmmm, notice the almost-match in offness, one plus, one minus. I claim no greater accuracy than plus/minus 2 Hz (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBC MONITORING history: see CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES below BBCWS: see SINGAPORE ** U S A. JOE PALKOVIC obit --- I recently learned of Joe's passing. Some older DXers may recall Joe from his NASWA and DX South Florida membership days. Joe participated in the famed CANAVDX (Canaveral National Seashore) DXpeditions on one occasion. Joe and his wife lived in Altamonte Springs while I was living in nearby Casselberry, and we frequently visited each other, sharing radio experiences and Anna's excellent Czech cooking and baking. https://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Joseph-Palkovic/#!/Obituary (Terry Krueger, Clearwater FL, Aug 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. JON COHEN --- We regret to pass along sad news this month. To any of you who have been to any of the Winter SWL Festivals over the last few decades, you will, no doubt, have crossed paths, and perhaps sat down for many an interesting chat with Jon Cohen, WB2KKS, one of the fixtures at the event since the early days. Sadly we were informed by CIDX Ham Radio Report editor Skip Arey of Jon’s passing. Here is the message, together with comments from a few others: Skip Arey: "My old friend and colleague Jon Cohen WB2KKS passed away peacefully last night after battling COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and cancer." At Jon's request there will be no formal service. If you want to send his wife Jan a card I am sure she'd appreciate that.115 Grandview Ave., Hopewell, NJ 08525 Richard Cuff: Jon was a fixture at the Fest, one of those who supported it from its earliest years. I know I always looked forward to seeing Jon; he always had something good to say, and was a proud member of the Scanner Scum. Bob Brown: Jon was a regular on the 7240 (ANARC?) SWL Net on Sunday mornings. He came to the first Fest, as did many others who participated / listened to the Net, when the Fest was born. It was always good to chat with him.... he was a gentleman and loved radio. 73 Jon, RIP (Board of Directors Report, August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) obit ** U S A. 2097.3-CW, August 5 at 0613, despite heavy storm noise level of S9+10/20, I decide to check whether the A beacon from Quartzsite AZ can be heard --- and it can! Enough to copy .- once every dekasecond. 1519 km = 944 miles, almost to CA border. BTW is missing from this: http://www.lwca.org/sitepage/part15/index.htm (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 13508-CW, August 1 at 1913, slow CW in a long message, but finally I can copy ``DE AAM`` and eventually ending with AR merged. Also sent 4 dots and 2 dashes in a row a few times --- what symbol is that??? Like HM or SW without a space between the letters. CW is so rare on the bands these days that it really stands out in a bandscan. It`s a good strong signal. I keep listening until 1922 but nothing further. I later search the UDXF iog archive for the call and frequency and find one latest thread of Feb 9, 2018: ``I occasionally scan the bands and look for odd signals as I guess most people here do. It has been a habit of mine since my "tour of duty" in The USN from 1979 - 1985. I was involved with elint/sigint. Nothing more to say. I have been looking at the boards and other resources for information on a message I intercepted 02/07/2018 at 11am Pacific/1900z. Frequency 13.508 MHz, CW, signal strength 579. The message was "Calling all stations de AAM Beach Surf Castle Bravo Sierra Sierra BT." The signal repeated three times when I came across it and no joy since I first heard it. I have been parked on it since then. I find no reference to the frequency nor the call sign although it looks like a tactical call sign. I wonder if it is an Army or Airforce mars net? Any help identifying the sender or theories about the sender are appreciated. Jim Kenny K7LD`` Replies: ``Jim, AAM is the US Army MARS station at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Its tactical voice call is DESERT EAGLE. 13509.5 USB has been used by Army MARS stations, including AAM. What sort of receiver are you using & how does it set up for receiving CW transmissions? Jack L. Metcalfe - Stanford, KY`` ``Hi Jack and thanks very much for the reply. I am using a Perseus sdr with an ALA-1530LNP antenna. The actual frequency was 13.508.1 MHz. When I saw the signal I was in cw, 500 Hz bw. I usually scan the bands of interest (to me) and at 11 AM PST, 11 and 13 MHz are starting to come alive. The signal was fairly strong so I thought it may be in CONUS. I can see data TX occasionally up a couple kc or so; maybe MT63 or M110A. I will look to see what freq next time I see it. I will leave the Mhold on to capture it. I am also curious as to why AAM started the message "calling all stations" instead of "VVV". Is that normal on MARS CW nets? The message references are very odd! JK`` Some other AAM logs previously reported in UDXF on 14579, 17445. I had heard AAM3 during an interoperability test on 13483.5-USB, Nov 5, 2017 at 1600, as in DXLD 17-45, but that may not be at same location (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 13564-CW, August 3 at 1338, GNK ID over and over is JBA, just above imagination-level. I check the 13550-13570 HIFER beacon band almost every day, especially during this hour, and none heard since last log of GNK, Madison, Wisconsin, a bimonth ago on June 4 at 1357 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. I think there was a comment in the latest DXLD about hearing air traffic control traffic on HF, which led me to tune in to a couple of HF frequencies where I heard pilots giving position reports and getting SELCALs. There wasn't a lot of traffic and I heard nothing interesting beyond the position reports, but it was good to hear that there is still some HF use by international aircraft (Mike Cooper, GA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. VOA NEWS IS SECOND-HAND Voice of America seems to have largely abdicated responsibility for original reporting in its hourly newscasts, though there is now a new nondescript news sounder. (Whoopee!) The lead story on the 1600 newscast today was verbatim news copy from Reuters, followed by audio from a Reuters television correspondent. After this report, there were three different Associated Press audio reports on different topics. The amount of time devoted to these Reuters and AP audio reports far outweighed the minimal amount of news copy read by the news anchor. It's hard to see how heavy reliance on audio reports from third-party news services (which have multiple worldwide news outlets as their clients) satisfies the requirement in VOA's charter that "VOA will serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news." By regurgitating news reports airing on many other TV and radio outlets, VOA is no longer a "source of news." The last vestiges of original VOA reporting can be found in the half-hour news programs to Africa and Asia and in "International Edition," but even these programs contain their share of useless fluff. How can VOA justify itself as distinguishable from commercial outlets if it is going to use the same material they air? (Mike Cooper, Aug 6, GA, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Current host of “Music Time in Africa”, Heather Maxwell, gave this tribute to Leo in the edition of the programme available online here (5 minutes in): https://www.voanews.com/a/4420949.html Keep on sending me your tropical band logs! Until next month, 73s and Good DX, (Alan Pennington, Aug BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: 5850, WRMI with GH's World of Radio with the usual [sic] radio news including mention that NY Radio will not be returning to SW according to reports. I was wondering as I'd heard they'd be back in July, but I have not heard them yet! Ian McFarland ID at ToH, into Brother Spare pontificating about the next coming of Jesus (as usual), 4+54+4+4 0145-0205 30/Jul [UT Mon] (Ken Zichi, Williamston MI, Port Hope MI2, SPR-4 + ANC-4 & SDRplay + SDRuno + randomwire, MARE Tipsheet 3 August via DXLD) WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: 5950, UNITED STATES, WRMI at 1030 with WoR, Hauser confirmed opening on the channel. Reception a bit sketchy this morning with local QRN. Fair August 1 [Wed] (Rick Barton, Logs from Central Arizona, Grundig Satellit 205(T5000) & 750; RS SW- 2000629, HQ-180A, & ATS-909X with various outdoor wires. 73 and Good Listening....! - rb, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: confirmed Wednesday August 1 at 2100 on WBCQ 7490, JBA to VP but recognizable; NOT simultaneously on WRMI 9955, with a much better signal, but now automation has been reprogrammed to start at confirmed 2100.5 after another WRMI ID. Next: Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Sat 0631 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1431 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2130 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe, or 2330?] Sun 0310v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB to WSW Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Mon 0130.5 WRMI 5850 to NW, 7780 to NE Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 0400 WRMI webcast only, non-direxional Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 2030 WRMI 7780 to NE, 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] Tue 2130 WRMI 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria reports: ``GERMANY, Reception of World of Radio via HLR on 6190 CUSB, August 4 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-world-of-radio-via-hlr-on.html 0631-0700 6190 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu English Sat, weak to fair`` Noel Green, England, replies: ``It was also audible here from tune in around 0635. Best reception was using my 525 coupled to a loop antenna. My Icom R75 coupled to a random wire antenna only received a weak signal and a lot of local noise. There was plenty of local noise via the loop but I had a better signal - peaking to S7 at times, but also with deep fades. I found it very difficult to follow the items you read out, mainly because the signal wasn't at any time free of noise - a great shame, but this is what we SWL's have to put up with these days. We can hear signals but find it very difficult to copy them. In days past, I would have had little difficulty in copying this. I've heard and copied more distant signals of only 1 kW or so in the past, but it seems those days are over. Anyway, it was good to hear the programme on air via "Hambosh" as Lord Haw Haw called it at the start of his "news" programme. He called the country "Jarmunny", so it fits. 73 from Noel`` Next broadcast on HLR 6190-CUSB, Saturday August 4 at 1431 via UTwente SDR: weak but clear as I hear it. Reported direct by Alan Gale, UK: ``Hi Glenn, No problem with reception of the 1430 UT World of Radio 1941 broadcast on 6190 kHz via HLR today, the signal was good throughout the whole programme for a change. Alan`` Also confirmed UT Sunday August 5 at 0332 on WA0RCR, 1860-AM, MO, fair, about 13 minutes in, so started circa 0319. Next: Sun 0310v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB to WSW Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Mon 0130.5 WRMI 5850 to NW, 7780 to NE Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 0400 WRMI webcast only, non-direxional Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 2030 WRMI 7780 to NE, 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] Tue 2130 WRMI 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6190, Hamburger LokalRadio, Göhren, *0600-0700, 04-08, English, ID “Hamburger LokalRadio”, program “Media Network Club [Plus]”, at 0630 Glenn Hauser’s program “Wolrd of Radio”. 25322. (Méndez) 9485, Hamburger Lokal Radio, Goehren, 1000-1110, 05-08, English, ID “This is Hamburger LokalRadio”, program “Media Network Club”, at 1030 Glenn Hauser’s program “World of Radio”, at 1100 Spanish, “Radio Tropical”, program “Discofonía”. 25322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) GERMANY, Reception of World of Radio via HLR on 9485 CUSB, August 5 1030-1100 9485 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg to CeEu English Sun, fair to good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-world-of-radio-via-hlr-on_5.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4=5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: confirmed UT Monday August 6 from 0130.5 on WRMI 7780, S9/S7 and 5850, S9+45/25. Also confirmed on Area 51 webcast UT Mon Aug 6 starting late at 0309, after ``The B-Movie Bob Show at 6:30-7 pm Eastern``, presumably from an ancient archive, overfilling during an off-week for JL. Also confirmed via WBCQ 5130- at 0329 check, poor in noise level. Also confirmed from 0330 August 6 on WRMI 9955, good S9/S9+10; and also immediate playback at 0400 on WRMI webcast only. Next: Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 2030 WRMI 7780 to NE, 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] Tue 2130 WRMI 5950 to WNW [or #1942?] WORLD OF RADIO 1941 monitoring: confirmed UT Tuesday August 7 at 0030 on WRMI 7730, VG. While producing 1942, remaining two airings via WRMI not checked as normally JBA carriers or less, anyway: Tuesday 2030 on 5950, 7780; 2130 on 5950. WORLD OF RADIO 1942 contents: Anguilla, Australia, Bougainville, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan and non, Moçambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan non, Taiwan, USA, Zimbabwe non; and the propagation outlook WORLD OF RADIO 1942 monitoring: confirmed first SW airing Tuesday Aug 7 at 2330 on WBCQ 9330v; this is the one reliable 9330 airing if everything clix, and I had availablized it more than an hour earlier. Also confirmed first WRMI airing, Wednesday August 8 at 1030 on 5950, S9+10/20 on inside longwire during a storm. Next: Wed 2100 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Wed 2100.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Thu 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Fri 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Sat 0631 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1431 HLR 6190-CUSB to WSW Sat 1930v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2130 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe, or 2330?] Sun 0310v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1030 HLR 9485-CUSB to WSW Sun 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Mon 0130.5 WRMI 5850 to NW, 7780 to NE Mon 0300v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0330 WRMI 9955 to SSE Mon 0400 WRMI webcast only, non-direxional Mon 2330 WBCQ 9330v to WSW [maybe] Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 2030 WRMI 7780 to NE, 5950 to WNW [or #1943?] Tue 2130 WRMI 5950 to WNW [or #1943?] Full schedule for WOR on all outlets, not just SW; podcast linx: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ WBCQ: ** U S A. 7490, August 4 from 0003, heard the first few minutes of AWWW on WBCQ webcast before I went out and about, also heard a few minutes circa 0030 on caradio on 9330 and 7490. Over to John Carver`s fuller report: ``Trying 7490 this evening and so far so good. Show started on time this evening. Opened with a slightly calmer Allan and a quieter Angela. Broadcasting on 5130, 7490 and 9330 this evening. Opening talk about progress on the super station and the new antenna. Said it took a week to assemble the crane that will erect the new antenna. Allan said he'd been tweeting pictures of this during the week. Antenna will be three hundred and some feet tall when it's finished. Discussion morphed into a gentle talk about FM, the death of AM and Allan's prediction of a long life for SW. Then into the noise floor, how it's increased and how it affects AM, FM, SW and TV. Said he forgot to talk about this last week and was taken to task by several listeners after the show ended last week. Says a lot of the noise is created by power lines, the digital gizmos we place in our homes, automobiles and stations using digital equipment more and more. Says that the FCC and the government refuses to do anything about it and won't enforce the noise laws already on the books. First phone call at 0030 continues the noise and interference talk. Allan told the caller that a big, directional antenna placed in a quiet area of one's yard would help as it would increase the signal to noise ratio. Next phone call at 0041 was from Ross at the Cape. Continuing the talk of digital noise and interference Ross said his biggest problems were cable boxes and LED lights. Allan also suggested using loop antennas made for the shortwave bands. Said it was fairly easy to null noise with them. He stressed shielding and proper grounding. Quick reading of a few emails at 0101. After a quick prayer program was off the air at 0107. John, Mid-North Indiana`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WBCQ history: see CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES ** U S A [and non]. From the Isle of Music, August 12-18, 2018: Part 2 of 2 parts. Our special guest this week and next is Yasek Manzano, one of the young lions in both Jazz and Electronic Music in Cuba today. Four options to listen to the transmission: 1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100 kW, Sunday 1500-1600 UT on SpaceLine, 9400, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK) 2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0000-0100 UT on WBCQ, 7490 from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9 PM EDT in the US). This has been audible in parts of NW, Central and Southern Europe with an excellent skip to Italy recently. 3 & 4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UT and Saturday 1200-1300 on Channel 292, 6070 from Rohrbach, Germany. Also recommended: 1. Jetzt Geht's Los! (Here We Go!), an excellent program of early German Jazz produced by Radio Ohne Nahmen, comes on right before FTIOM on Tuesdays from 1800 to 1900 UT on Channel 292. Uncle Bill's Melting Pot, Sun, August 12 & Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Episode 75 features Ska from several different countries in Eastern Europe. The broadcasts take place: 1. Sundays 2200-2230 UT (6:00-6:30 PM Eastern US) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe 2. Tuesdays 2000-2030 UT on Channel 292, 6070 from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. If current propagation conditions hold, the broadcast should reach from Iceland to Western Russia, Scandinavia down to North Africa and the Middle East, AND a long bounce to parts of New Zealand. Also recommended: Marion's Attic, a unique program produced and hosted by Marion Webster featuring early 20th Century records, Edison cylinders etc played on the original equipment, comes on immediately before UBMP on Sundays 2100-2200 UT on WBCQ 7490 (William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer, Tilford Productions, LLC, August 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI WRMI: ** U S A. YouTube Video of the Month Shortwave Station Tour – WRMI, Radio Miami International https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKlic5e47ek In this video we are taken on a tour through the WRMI shortwave station out at Okeechobee. Florida. The site houses transmitters with a combined power of 1.4 megawatts. If you want to see some huge antennas, tubes and transformers, check out this video. (Sheldon Harvey, August CIDX Messenger via DXLD 9395, WRMI 0215-0235 Wavescan program in progress at unscheduled time (normally R. Tirana relay broadcast here). Former AWR director was explaining future plans. Jeff White came on at 0225 & wrapped up the show with contact & QSL info. Ends with Caribbean music till Spanish ID at 0229. Arabic chanting followed then Spanish music at 0234. Really weird schedule tonight. Very good on 7/28 (Don Hosmer, West Branch MI, ICOM IC-7200, CommRadio Cr-1a &/or XHData D-808 radios with G5RV dipoles & W6LVP loop, MARE Tipsheet 3 August via DXLD) 5850, WRMI, FL, Okeechobee, re-run of last week's Broad Spectrum Radio featuring info about the "Green Corn Rebellion". Then SW Radiogram #58 with MFSK 32 & MFSK 64 as well as 8PSK125F text & photos. The PSK 'experiment' was meant to see if USB/LSB helped decode since the phase distortion of selective fading can wreck havoc with PSK...'unfortunately' reception of this week's show was so GOOD that even AM worked perfectly! The show had stories about a new programme "Slow Scan Radio" produced by John Piek, PA0ETE & broadcast from Germany & SSTV from the ISS, as well as stories about water found on Mars, both from the VoA & DW, then an item about cooling devices & global warming. One of the stories mentioned planting rooftop gardens to help cool buildings in an 'eco-friendly' way: The caption of this photo was: While you're building your rooftop garden, you might also want to consider planting some chili. That's because spicy food can keep you cool. It forces you to sweat, lowering your body temperature. Then images, this week a Canadian postage stamp showing a moon halo in Whistler BC & an Italian fire fighting plane bouncing around Europe to help fight wild fires. Then the business growth show at BoH. 5554+4+ THIS close to all 5s. 0658-0830, FLDigi for the digital bits (Ken Zichi, Williamston MI, Port Hope MI2, SPR-4 + ANC-4 & SDRplay + SDRuno + randomwire, MARE Tipsheet 3 August via DXLD) Date missing; must be UT Mon July 30 (gh) 9395, August 2 at 0150, WRMI with World Music filling the second semihour abandoned by RAE English at 0100. BTW, Don`t you believe the sked on RAE`s own website: http://www.radionacional.com.ar/rae-ingles/ which still shows a full hour in English, and not // 5950; Japanese and Chinese on the ex-frequency 9455; Portuguese at wrong time 12-13 instead of 11-12, and on 9955 only (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ARGENTINA [non] 9395, August 3 at 0133, WRMI is S9+10/20, filling with Oldies instead of World Music, the semihour vacated by RAE condensing English to 30 minutes only. I had suggested to Jeff that this slot could be programmed more productively than defaulting to WMX, e.g. inserting WORLD OF RADIO to a much-needed UT Friday or Saturday time. But it`s definitely Oldies now, with BB announcements, Beatles tune later, and // much weaker 5950; as usual 9395 on to Wavescan at 0200, which is now stripped seven days a week at 0200, while 5950 switches to Fámily Radio. Perhaps Jeff could be persuaded to add WOR sometime on Thu, Fri or Sat, if listeners request it rather than yours truly (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ARGENTINA [non] 9955, August 4 at 1416, WRMI still on in Saturday-only prolongation until 1630* per skedgrid, but content? That is not stated, maybe flexible. Today I am first hearing Eslovakia en Espanish after a song in presumed Slovak. At 1549 check, very poor signal in Blalock the Blaster, so is it a Full Gospel hour or semihour like the 2300 broadcast? But wait, 9955 is still on at next check 1635 with praise music in Spanish; 1659 WRMI IS and ID once, a bit more music until 1700*. 11580, August 4 at 2100, no signal from WRMI, nor after 2130 nor after 2200. It was on for a few Saturdays only, including Kim`s `SW Radiogram` secretly the past two weeks at 2130. The real reason was VORW at 22-23, who apparently wanted and paid for that frequency-hour, but John announced this week that due to lack of funding, all the weekend repeats of his original Thursday show would be canceled. BUT, Saturday August 4 at 2203, there he is on WRMI 9395 >> // 7780! The WRMI skedgrid is self-contradictory: by frequency/transmitter atop, still shows VORW at 22-23 on Saturdays; for System G below, same pair are shown with Oldies. It`s beyond me why WRMI won`t run 11580 every summer day, propagating so much better than 5 or 7 MHz frequencies into absorption. In fact, 13 or 15 MHz would be even better [WORLD OF RADIO 1942] You have to keep looking thru the WRMI sked grid http://www.tinyurl.com/WRMIfqs to see if there have been any changes. And the very last entry for System L in yellow, does show an update as of August 1: 9455 at 20-21, 21-22, 21-22 [sic] and 22-23 EDT on 9455 is now ``currently off air``. Seems like it was still on as I tuned around between 00 and 04 UT August 2, but anyhow, this must mean that its raison d`être, `Hal Turner` at 01-03 UT Thursdays, has expired with July. Maybe he continue at same time on WBCQ 7490v as before (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9455 still on UT Aug 9! 7780, August 5 at 1306, this WRMI is on morning as scheduled now on Sundays only, gospel huxter; still a JBA carrier at 1412. 9395, at 1306 check Sunday August 5 with Brother Scare, no longer a secret `Wavescan` time. 9955, August 6 at 0145, WRMI amid `Wavescan` about Shepparton, and with Cuban pulse jamming: tnx a lot, Arnie! 0130 Monday is one of dozens of WS times on WRMI (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) From my recording last Sunday evening, 5-6 August UTC: 2015, Viva Miami (acknowledging listeners' reports; repeat) 2030, Reserve Military Retirement 2100, Voice of the Report of the Week, VORW Radio International (lamenting lack of financial contributions and announcing cutting back of broadcast times and frequencies next week) 2200, Your Weekend Show (Bob Biermann discussing the charlatans of the Christian faith and the "prosperity gospel") 2300, Full Gospel (Half-) Hour (preceded by a "back to the music" announcement; unfortunately, music only lasted a few seconds) 2330, Shortwave Radiogram (#59) [correcting last week it was #58] 0000, Radio Slovakia International in Slovak 0030, Radio Slovakia International in English 0100, Wavescan (#493) 0130, World of Radio (#1941) (-- Richard Langley, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW OTHERSW: ** U S A. 7505v, WRNO, on Aug 1, heard again at 1133 (YL preaching in English, with OM running translation into Chinese), after being silent on July 31, checking 1043, 1114, 1135 & 1233 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón E1, antenna: 100' long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7505, August 2 at 0120, WRNO hasn`t shown up at nominal *0100, but is on with gospel huxter in English at 0149 check. 7505, August 3 at 0150, no WRNO (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9475, WTWW Lebanon TN (presumed); 2009-2020+, 7/27; Perpetually Provocative Pastor Pete Peters Purveying Pontifical Puffery & Ponderous Presumptions; re false prophets & Christian con men. S20 peaks (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, - --- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) T1TK1 (gh, DXLD) 9475, August 4 at 1636, WTWW-1 is off, nor is it to be heard on any other possible frequency, 15810-, 12105, 9930, 5830 or 5085. At 2154, 9475 is still off, nor on 5830. Finally August 5 at 0039 check, all three transmitters are back on the air, all with VG signals: 5085 // 15809.9 with ham stuff, and 5830 with SFAW. By 0059, 15809.9 has faded way down, as at 0100 it and 5085 are playing rock music. Keeps on and at 0107 canned ID, more music, not `Theatre Organ in the Ozarx` whose nominal time has been 01 UT Sundays. 0110 non-Ted DJ Jeff? Hartman? ``here on WTWW, Saturday night, what`s left of it``, and Statler Bros. 0113 mentions requests from Jamaica and California are coming up, as 15809.9 has faded back up but only to S5. 0120 DJ name on ``The Big One``, sounds like Jack Lawrence, and says he is on FB. 0123 next break he says Ted has given him new hours to start earlier at 8 pm until midnight or as late as he likes (CDT = 01-05+ UT Sundays). So what has become of TOITO? Is Bob Heil gone for good? And what about `Southern Talk in the Midnight` which has been starting at 05 UT Sundays? Then Ted ad for employment at the Little Ali-inn, Rachel NV across from Area 51. 0128 DJ says he is on 5085, but apparently does not know about 15810, which yes, is still running, low. Says his name again, and this time I am pretty sure it`s Jeff Lawrence (but no idea how either really be spelt); at 0131 he thinx it`s ``coming up on 25 minutes past the hour``, huh?? Seems same voice we have been hearing doing the super-hyped canned IDs. Aha, the website has axually been updated to answer some questions: http://wtww.us/pages/schedule.php ``LIVE THEATER ORGAN FROM THE OZARKS WITH BOB HEIL SATURDAY 6:30 PM CENTRAL ON 5085 [2330 UT Saturday] AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE SATURDAY 7 PM CENTRAL ON 5085 [00 UT Sunday] THE RAIN REPORT WITH HAP HOLLY SATURDAY AT APROX 7:30 PM CENTRAL ON 5085 [0030 UT Sunday} THE BOSS RADIO DREAM TEAM THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL TIME - WITH TED RANDALL - MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 8 PM - 12 AM CENTRAL ON 5085 [01-05 UT Tue - Thu [including Wed??] THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL TIME - WITH STEVE TAYLOR - THURSDAY 8 PM - 12 AM CENTRAL ON 5085 [01-05 UT Fri] THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL TIME - WITH GRANT HUDSON - FRIDAY 8 PM - 12 AM CENTRAL ON 5085 [01-05 UT Sat] THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL TIME - WITH JEFF LAURENCE - SATURDAY 8 PM - 12 AM CENTRAL ON 5085 [01-05 UT Sun] THE GREATEST HITS OF ALL TIME - WITH BIG JIM EDWARDS - SUNDAY 8 PM - 12 AM CENTRAL ON 5085 [01-05 UT Mon]`` But no mention of `Southern Talk in the Midnight`. WTWW still listed: http://www.tennhills-productions.com/ (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5085, UT Sunday August 5 at 0614, despite omission from WTWW homepage and schedule, `Southern Talk in the Midnight` is still going, S9+20 but unsolid signal and combating storm noise level. If 15809.9 be // this time, is totally unpropagating. Presumably still starting at 0500 after rock music show. 15809.9 is however audible at 1413 August 5 with SFAW much weaker than // 9475. By 1920 recheck when should propagate better, is off; while 9475 is problematic, modulation cutting on & off & skipping (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9265V, August 4 at 1637, WINB with gospel huxter in English, carrier still very wobbly, and also at 2202 recheck. Despite publicity that Unique Radio, Australia, would broadcast via WINB today at 11-13 UT, not checked here, but per Richard Langley, and Tim Gaynor himself via Bruce Churchill, it was a no-show. Next Saturday? Langley says: ``Nothing apparently wrong with the transmitter. They signed on just before 1330 UT with ID and anthem and the "Apostolic Witness Radio Broadcast" -- the usual Saturday start of broadcasting. I guess someone forgot to modify the playout software or come in early to air the program manually`` WINB said Unique Radio would also be tested every Friday in August at 1100-1200 on 15670 DRM; I have seen no reports of anyone hearing that on August 3 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Perhaps the DRM transmitter is still off the air. On 30 July, WINB tweeted: "Bad news, our DRM tx went down this morning and we had to order a part. Sadly, we will have to reschedule the IBC test for Aug 1st and maybe some others. Will let you know when we are back up." Haven't seen the follow-up tweet yet (Richard Langley, NB, Aug 5, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 12160, Saturday August 4 at 1646, WWCR with `Martha Garvin`s Musical Memories` as she belts hymns with own piano accompaniment. I find her simplicity and sincerity not off-putting like so many gospel- huxters, but wish she would broaden her songbook a bit into secular. AND, at 1700 into `The Talking Machine Show` with ancient recordings mostly musical. Glad it`s back, still on the sked, since it was pre- empted by some gospel huxter last week. Unless it were purely a mistake, here`s probably what happened. The g.h. needed a make-good, since for some reason his paid-for broadcast did not come off. So instead of a refund, WWCR blew away one of their expendable produxions to give him a free semihour (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 5050, UT Monday August 6 at 0156, WWRB is S9+30 with screaming gospel huxtress; is only on UT Sun & Mon, or also UT Tue? Should always check for second harmonic 10100 as once logged, but not heard since July 15 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 15555/USB, WJHR Milton FL (presumed); 2057-2105+, 8/2; Religihuxter huxtering about Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel & being saved; to be saved “blood must be shed”. When he’s on a roll, he sounds like the drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. Said he sent off for (Patently Pointless & Provocatively Predatory) Peter Popoff’s packet of Miracle Spring Water and discovered after opening it that you have to send 35$ to have it “activated”. These dufuses rank right up there in usefulness with the Pakistani computer tech dudes that are always calling...and calling...and calling. SIO=354- (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW MW: ** U S A. 990, August 1 at 2037 UT on caradio about 18 miles N of Enid on US 81/60/64, bandscan is not much different than inside Enid, but I do hear an ID in passing from KRSL Russell KS, also as on 98.1 FM which is a mere translator. 990 is 250 W ND day, at about the edge of its Ogalalla groundwave, 267 km = 163 miles. KTOK 1000 splatter is a little less of a problem here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1020, KCKN, Roswell NM – Radio Visión Cristiana Subsidiary's request states that KCKN went silent on June 11, 2018, for technical reasons. The transmitter caught fire and was severely damaged (FCC 18.6.2018 and 28.6.2018 via Bernt-Ivan Holmberg, ARC, mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) ** U S A. Kommentar: Skulle kolla WTIC's hemsida men får upp följande: "The owner of this website (wtic.radio.com) has banned the country or region your IP address is in (SE) from accessing this website." Har fått detta meddelande även på en del andra NA-stationer när jag sökt info. Är det någon som vet varför vi utesluts? (Thomas Nilsson, Sweden, 6.8.2018, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) 1080, Hartford CT ** U S A. 1360, FLORIDA, WHNR, Winter Haven. 1435 August 1, 2018. Goofy format for one that's supposed to be Country, with redneck live jock, Supertramp "Give A Little Bit" into Guy Mitchell "Singing the Blues" then a Hank Williams Sr. song followed by the Bee Gees "Nights On Broadway." Frequent spastic audio breaks lasting a couple seconds each time. Logged on the ICF-7600GT at Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, and again once home at 1824 with Thin Lizzy "The Boys Are Back In Town" into a Country oldie, with the audio drops continuing, top of hour ID as WHNR, Cypress Gardens (Terry L. Krueger, Clearwater, FL, NRD-353, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. WWNT-1380 / WWBG-1470 reported silent --- These two // SS- formatted stations in North Carolina have notified the FCC that they have gone silent as of August 1, for financial reasons. They are pests here, especially WWBG, so I'll have to check and see what's up while they are off the air (David Yocis - Mount Vernon, VA, Aug 4, nrc-am gg via DXLD) ** U S A. 1510 kHz WMEX Boston --- Hi. They are back on air! Heard at 03U this morning with ID "50,000 watts, 15-10 WMEX Boston" G (John Williams, Hemel, Hempstead, UK, Aug 4, Elad S2 and Flag, MWCircle iog via DXLD) Grim :-( Best wishes (Barry :-) Davies, Carlisle UK, ibid.) Maybe not as bad as you might expect, Barry. Before they ceased broadcasting from Boston on 30th June 2017, the nighttime authorisation was directional with the primary lobe to the east. After losing this transmitter site, WMEX is now forced to diplex with WBIX 1260 in Quincy MA. When resuming broadcasting to maintain its licence in June, WMEX applied for 1 kW daytime only non-directional. It then applied for a second STA permitting a night-time power of just 100 W, non-directional, compared to their previously-authorised 50 kW when at Boston. The STA was granted on 19th July and allows a daytime power of 2kW. It expires on 3rd December 2018. In the longer term WMEX has an application for full service, remaining 100 W at night and just 10 kW daytime. I suppose they are still in fact licensed for 50 kW from Boston, so their on-air claim is factual, even though the facility is no longer available. So although they are on the air, they might not be as dominant as they were. In any case, at this QTH when they were off, all I seemed to hear was WLAC, or occasionally KCKK or KGA. 73 (/Andrew Brade, UK, Aug 4, MWCircle yg via DXLD) And WMEX should no longer be considered a pest into Europe (gh, DXLD) Hello John, Checked this morning's files but no trace of WMEX. Best wishes (Barry :-) Davies, Carlisle UK. Lat. 55.0119N Lon. -2.9668W, Aug 4, MWCircle iog via DXLD) ** U S A. 1580, FLORIDA, WNTF, Bithlo. 0849 July 23, 2018. D3 daytimer breaking the rules. Big signal with "I Like It" by DeBarge, male "WNTF, the station that makes you feel good" atop the song, no ID top of hour, into white man "Dr. James Dobson Family Talk" Christian talk until 0925 conclusion, local ad, promo for Al Sharpton show. Local sunrise today there was 6:41. 1590, FLORIDA, WRXB, St. Pete Beach. July 20, 2018. I was within 1.5 miles of the transmitter site, and no trace of even a carrier, as per previous non-reception observations from the house. DXN 85-18 AM Switch states "Silent July 6; financial problems." 1590.41, UNIDENTIFIED, 1040 GMT July 21, 2018 and subsequent days checks, pretty strong het. Also heard by D. Crawford in Titusville -- opposite Florida coast me -- along with another slightly higher. Who? 1650, FLORIDA, 1650 (TIS), WQQJ297, Florida Dept. of Transportation, I-275 Tampa. Still running wrong, expired calls within the generic compu-man loop as WQVF594, defunct calls once assigned to the 1630 kHz FDoT, I-75 near Exit 279, Wesley Chapel transmitter. 1670, GEORGIA, WMGE, Dry Branch. 1430 August 1, 2018. Fox Sports babble, fair late morning from Philippe Park, Safety Harbor on the ICF-7600GR. Only a short distance from my house but yet this one isn't much if at all audible late mornings onward. 1690, MARYLAND, WPTX, Lexington Park. 0943 August 1, 2018. Simon & Garfunkel "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and ID. All alone now that WMLB [Georgia] is no more. **************************************** Florida Low Power Radio Stations: https://sites.google.com/site/floridadxn/florida-low-power-radio-stations (Terry L. Krueger, Clearwater, FL, NRD-353, IC-R75, longwires, active loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1610, TIS, Glacier Nat. Park, MT, 0959 02-Jul-18, Glacier National Park TIS with man giving warning about animals, dual KOE731 and KOE732 ID at end of loop. Given the log below I’m guessing this is actually KOE732. 1610.02, KOE731, Glacier Nat Park, MT, 1058 13-Jul-18. ID: "You're listening to KOE731, 1610 AM", info on Glacier Park (Nigel Pimblett, Dunmore, AB Perseus SDR, Wellbrook array, August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) ** U S A. RADIO HOST ART BELL DIED OF ACCIDENTAL DRUG OVERDOSE By Blake Apgar / Las Vegas Review-Journal August 1, 2018 - 10:37 am Updated August 1, 2018 - 4:05 pm https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-nevada/radio-host-art-bell-died-of-accidental-drug-overdose/ Longtime Pahrump radio personality Art Bell died of an accidental overdose from a cocktail of prescription drugs, the Clark County coroner’s office said Wednesday. Bell died April 13 in a bedroom of his Pahrump home at age 72. The coroner’s office determined he had four prescription medications in his system: the opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone, diazepam (often marketed as Valium) and the muscle relaxant carisoprodol. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension also contributed to his death, the coroner’s office said. The drugs that killed Bell were lawfully prescribed to him, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office said in a video posted to Facebook. Bell was known as the late-night host, engineer and producer of the show “Coast to Coast AM.” He specialized in talking about all things weird, including UFOs, alien abductions and crop circles, on his nationally syndicated show to as many as 15 million people nightly. After retiring from hosting full time in 2003, he started his own satellite radio show from his home. His work captured the imaginations of long-haul truckers and insomniacs alike during his late-night shows. He was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and into the National Radio Hall of Fame two years later. Bell stepped away from radio for good in 2015, about five months after launching “Midnight in the Desert.” (via Mark Sills, TX, DXLD) obit ** ZANZIBAR. TANZANIA: 11735, Radio Tanzania-Zanzibar (presumed); 2047-2100:04*, 7/31; M in Afro-language with call-in program to 2050:51 peppy instrumental which morphed into a vocal lasting till 2059:17; brief announcements in unknown language with brief Arabish music & off abruptly. SIO=2+42+ with rat-a-tat burst QRM. Typically goes off at 2100 +/- a few minutes (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6015, Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation, Dole, 0453-0507, 04-08, Swahili comments. 15321. (Méndez) 11735, Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation, Dole, 1800-1809, 03-08, English, female, ID “it’s nine O’clock African time, this is Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation, the news”, news. 44444 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation - ZBC in English on August 5 1800-1810 11735 DOL 050 kW / non-dir to CeAf English, very good signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/zanzibar-broadcasting-corporation-zbc.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. VOA Studio 7 has a special transmission between 1200-1500 on 15295sao & 17820sao for a couple of days. https://www.voazimbabwe.com/ (Mauno Ritola on WRTH -World Radio Tv Handbook Facebook, 1 Aug via Alan Pennington, bdxc-news iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) If there is anything about this special, let alone regular Studio 7 schedule, it is well hidden on the voazimbabwe website. Who cares about SW? The WRTH update in May had this: BBG – VOA STUDIO 7 (Gov) kHz: 909, 4930, 6040, 7270, 9885, 15460 Summer [sic] Schedule 2018 English/Ndebele/Shona Days Area kHz 0400-0500 mtwtf.. ZWE 909bot, 4930bot, 7270sao, 9885kwt 1700-1800 daily ZWE 909bot, 4930bot, 6040bot, 15460sao 1800-1900 mtwtf.. ZWE 909bot, 4930bot, 6040sao, 15460sao And there was nothing further in the July 12 update. In North America beyond the Greenville skip zone, one may listen to the VOA Africa service, daily 1700-1830 full sesquihour in English on 17530. The only English remaining from VOA GB (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) 12-15 UT via IBB Sao Tome, also MW 909 kHz 2018-08-05 14:01:23 capture: AM 17820 (SAO) aVO ZIMB 2018-08-05 14:01:45 capture: AM 15295 (SAO) aVO ZIMB 2018-08-05 14:02:07 capture: AM 909 (BOT) aVO ZIMB (IBB monitoring via Büschel, DXLD) It's VOA Simbabwe, special transmissions for a few days 1200-1500 UTC on 15295 und 17820 kHz. For those who understand German, here is an article written by Kai Ludwig: https://www.radioeins.de/programm/sendungen/medienmagazin/radio_news/beitraege/2017/simbabwe.html (Alex Busneag, Germany, WOR iog via DXLD) Viz.: NACH DER WAHL --- ERNEUTE SONDERSENDUNGEN DER VOA FÜR SIMBABWE Die Voice of America strahlt momentan (angesetzt für die kommenden Tage) erneut zusätzliche Sendungen für Simbabwe aus: Zwischen 14.00 und 17.00 Uhr MESZ über die Kurzwellensender in São Tomé auf 15295 und 17820 kHz. VOA – Mugabe resigns Bildschirmfoto vom 21.11.2017 | © VOA [caption] Diese drei Stunden pro Tag sind immer noch bescheiden, vergleicht man sie mit dem, was die VOA auf ihrer Sendestation in Botswana zum Rücktritt von Robert Mugabe einführte und bis Anfang Februar praktizierte: Der Mittelwellensender (909 kHz, 600 kW) und die Kurzwelle 4930 kHz blieben gleich rund um die Uhr eingeschaltet. Zum größten Teil war das jedoch nur eine Sendebereitschaft. Meist lief dabei lediglich der Musikkanal VOA 1, ein Restbetrieb des einstigen, von 1985 bis 1994 auch aus Ismaning auf Mittelwelle gesendeten „VOA Europe“. Bemerkenswert war dabei das Timing einer anderen Entscheidung: Die Deutsche Welle hatte in Afrika ihre englischen Kurzwellensendungen nur Tage zuvor, am 28. Oktober 2017, abgeschaltet. Planmäßig läuft das Simbabwe-Programm der VOA derzeit von 6.00 bis 7.00 und von 19.00 bis 21.00 Uhr MESZ. Eingesetzt werden neben 909 und 4930 kHz morgens die Frequenzen 7270 kHz (aus São Tomé) und 9885 kHz (aus Kuwait), abends 6040 und 15460 kHz (6040 kHz in der ersten Stunde aus Botswana, sonst wieder die Sendestation São Tomé). Dabei wird nicht nur die englische Sprache verwendet: Teile des Programms präsentieren sich in den in Simbabwe verbreiteten Bantusprachen, Schona und Ndebele. Autor: Kai Ludwig; Stand vom 02.08.2018 (via DXLD) According to VOA Studio 7's Facebook page, Zimbabwe Special Election Coverage yesterday was 3pm to 5pm Zimbabwe time i.e. 1300-1500 UT (not 1200-1500): Zimbabwe Special Election Coverage: We will be bringing you the latest news on the outcome of general elections in Zimbabwe between 3:00pm and 5:00pm (Zimbabwe) on Saturday. We will be broadcasting live on our three different Facebook pages (VOA Shona, VOA Ndebele & VOA Studio 7). We will also be live on our shortwave frequencies (909 Shortwave. 15295 and 17820 KHz). #voazimvotes (VOA Studio 7 Facebook page 4 August via Alan Pennington, Aug 5, bdxc- news iog via DXLD) During the weekend the first hour is VOA English, both 15295 and 17820 kHz on since 1200 (Mauno Ritola, bdxc-news iog via DXLD) 17820, 05 Ago, 1255, UNID Carrier with fading with very weak signal with rare peaks of whispers. Transmission is not in any list. Research shows that this frequency is used by Philippine Radio. Very weak signal trace with no audio the Twente SDr. reasonable signal on SDR San Gavino Monreale, Sardinia. In 1347 a YL is interviewing an OM in English. At 1400 follows the programming that is not in English and there was no ID. 17820kHz-05Ago2018-1347UT-UNID(R Pilipinas) http://www.ipernity.com/doc/107414/47097172 (Jorge Freitas, Brasil, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) Good signal here at 1422 UT in English & other unknown lang, but I have no idea what it is (Ivo Ivanov, ibid.) African English about Harare/Zimbabwe. VOA special to Zim should be the one. 73, (Jari Savolainen, Finland, 1619 UT Aug 5, WOR iog via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) SAO TOME, Additional broadcast of VOA to Zimbabwe on August 5: 1200-1500 on 17820 SAO 100 kW / 138 deg to SoAf English, good signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/additional-broadcast-of-voa-to-zimbabwe.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) VOA Studio 7 special transmission to Zimbabwe via Pinheira, August 6: 1200-1500 15295 SAO 100 kW / 126 deg English/Shona/Ndebele, very good 1200-1500 17820 SAO 100 kW / 138 deg English/Shona/Ndebele, fair/good http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/voa-studio-7-special-transmission-to.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5-6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED [Re 18-31:]. Frequency secret and unknown but filed under UNID ---- It seems that wb has concluded the TWR Silk Road Transmitter is in Kyrgyzstan, the one on 1467 kHz, leading to this extensive mostly historical discussion in BC-DX. Instead of trying to unravel it into forward chronological order as preferred in DXLD, I am just copying it as appeared in BC-DX (gh) KYRGYZ REPUBLIC / Republique Kirghize / Republica Kirguisa. TWR's new Silk Road Transmitter. [TWR KGZ 1467 kHz; former 873 kHz 150 kW AFN Frankfurt Germany, wb.] Lieber Wolfgang, lieber Kai, lieber Harald, vielen Dank, Wolfgang, zunaechst fuer die Fragen und die historischen Informationen, die ich spaeter in meine Dateien einarbeiten werde. Als eine erste Antwort zitiere ich aus meiner Anschubdatei an Kai fuer die aktuellen Kolumnen des naechsten Radio-Kurier: Neuer TWR-Mittelwellensender fuer Zentralasien. Trans World Radio hat aus den Standorten seiner Mittelwellensendungen fuer Zentralasien immer ein grosses Geheimnis gemacht. Eingesetzt werden Gavar (Armenien) 864 kHz (500 kW) und Bishkek (Kirgisien) 1467 kHz (75 kW). Nach Angaben der Fellowship of European Broadcasters hat die protestantische Radiomission einen neuen Mittelwellensender fuer Zentralasien in Betrieb. Er wird poetisch "Silk Road Transmitter" (Seidenstrassen-Sender) genannt. Nach Angaben der Projektbitte bei musste man im Januar 2017 die Sendeplaene umstellen und kuerzen, da ein 150-kW-Sender (wo? vgl. unten) Ende 2016 ausser Betrieb ging. "Nun aber habe Gott TWR dahin gefuehrt, dass man den Seidenstrassen- Sender mit 200 kW aufstellen koenne." Man brauche dafuer USD 593.000. Ob sich nicht auch die potentiellen Spender und Spenderinnen von Gott entsprechend gefuehrt saehen? Die PR-Informationen im Umfeld der Spendenkampagne erscheinen manchmal etwas uninformiert. Im Juli gab es aber doch ein paar bemerkenswerte Informationen: So soll schon der am 30. Maerz 2003 fuer Zentralasien in Betrieb genommene PANI-Sender (also Bishkek 1467 kHz, 75 kW) aus Deutschland gekommen sein. Das ist so nicht richtig. Zum angegebenen Datum mietete TWR Sendezeit bei einer seit 2005 nicht mehr bestehenden Station. TWR sendete weiter abends auf der Frequenz und nahm im Maerz 2014 statt des alten Senders den Sender des PANI-Projekts (Akronym "Pakistan, Afganistan, Nord-Indien" vgl. in Betrieb. Deutsche staatliche Rundfunkgesellschaften haetten TWR weitere Mittelwellensender angeboten. TWR habe drei MW Sender zu einem guten Preis erworben. Einer sei seit zwei Jahren bei TWR Manzini Swasiland in Betrieb. Die beiden anderen 100-kW-Sender ersetzten jetzt den ausgefallenen Sender in Bishkek KGZ und werden ueber einen Combiner zu 200 kW verbunden. In dem hier zitierten "Interview" wird dann freilich behauptet, dass der Seidenstrassen-Sender vom PANI-Sender die Sendungen in zentralasiatischen Sprachen uebernehmen und der PANI- Sender deshalb fuer die Erweiterung der Afghanistan-Sendungen frei werde. Beide koennten dann jeweils zu den Haupthoerzeiten senden und damit den "spiritual impact" erhoehen (Prof. Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-D, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 1, BC-DX via DXLD) und nun das, was ich hoechstens "gelehrte Spekulation" nennen wuerde: Welcher Standort? Mein erster Gedanke war: TWR ist im Dezember 2016 der Sender fuer 1467 kHz kaputt gegangen. Das waere fuer TWR aergerlich, aber nicht ganz so verwunderlich, wenn es sich bei dem neu installierten Sender 2014 um einen Alt-Sender (AFN Frankfurt Weisskirchen Germany 873 kHz?) gehandelt haette. Allerdings gab es auch in juengerer Zeit Empfangsmeldungen fuer Bishkek KGZ 1467 kHz. Natuerlich haette es da sich um eine Reservesender (den Vorgaenger?) handeln koennen... Bevor ich hier noch eine Spekulationsrunde drehe, warte ich die Empfangsmeldungen derer mit den ganz grossen Ausruestungen ab. Eine tatsaechlich gemeldete zweite Frequenz wuerde meinen Ausgangsgedanken ja widerlegen. Einen anderen Standort als Bishkek (S. Whitt: Afghanistan) halte ich fuer voellig abwegig. Geheimnistuerei? Ich denke, da vermischen sich mehrere Themen. Zum einen duerfte es fuer evangelikale Missionare in der islamischen Welt tatsaechlich geraten sein, nicht zu viel oeffentliche Aufmerksamkeit zu erregen. Andererseits koennen sie ja nicht anders: Sie empfinden ja einen Missionsauftrag fuer ihre Zielgruppe, die nicht unbemerkt bleiben kann, Und sie brauchen eine Finanzierung, weshalb ihre PR- Arbeit unter den Spendern im Westen nicht unbemerkt bleiben darf. Und da kommt das zweite Thema ins Spiel: PANI und Silk Road Transmitter sind ja nur aufmerksamkeitstraechtige Projektnamen. Ich glaube, dass die PR-Leute bei vielen Radioarbeiten die Details, die uns interessieren, entweder nicht kennen oder nicht verstehen/korrekt einordnen koennen. Das war schon bei der Recherche fuer meine Dissertation zu erleben, ist also ein altes Problem. Andererseits bekommen auch die grossen Auslandsdienste ihre PR oder Internetseiten nicht hin, und fuehren sich manche "Enthuellungen" ueber den internationalen Rundfunk in anderen Medien fuer den Kundigen selber vor. Veraenderte Ausgangslagen. Zum Berichterstattungsproblem tragen aber auch die DX-Experten bei. Die Einordnung von Meldungen zu "HCJB" unter Ecuador oder zu "FEBA" unter Seychellen zeigt, dass hier noch in Kategorien vor 2000 gedacht wird. Diese beiden Missionssender gibt es nicht mehr. Wenn "ich" eine eigene Station zu finanzieren habe, kann ich gar nicht anders, als "meine" Sendungen zu bewerben und zu erzaehlen, wie viele neue segensreiche Sendungen in neuen Sprachen auf meinem Sender sind oder wenigstens noch ausgestrahlt werden sollen. Diese "Leuchttuerme des Glaubens" als Teil einer Markenidentitaet sind aber weggebrochen. Die internationalen Radiomissionen agieren schon seit Jahrzehnten anders. Es geht um "content delivery" auf verschiedenen Plattformen, wobei der klassische Hoerfunk, geschweige denn die Kurzwelle nur noch eine untergeordnete Rolle spielen. Ueber Mediatheken lassen sich die Programme dauerhaft zur Verfuegung stellen und man kann hoffen, dass sie heruntergeladen und geteilt werden. Spaetestens im Projekt "die Welt bis zum Jahr 2000" haben die klassischen grossen Werke die Wende zu Sprachen-orientierter Kooperation geschafft. Bei den DXern haben wir dann die Verwirrung, z. B. die arabischen Sendungen von "R. Ibrahim" unter FEBA, IBRA oder HCJB einzuordnen. Sadaye Zindagi Ein weiteres Beispiel, dessen Geschichte und Details wir Aussenstehenden nur verstehen wuerden, wenn wir die jeweiligen Sprachen koennten, ist Sadaye Zindagi. Das gab es laut als Einzelprogramm in Dari seit 1992, aber Dari-Sendungen unter dem Namen gab es schon 1976 von FEBA-Pakistan ueber FEBA-Seychelles. Die Widersprueche loesen sich auf, wenn man weiss, dass es aufgrund von Produktionsproblemen teils jahrelang nur Wiederholungen, teils auch neue Anlaeufe gegeben hat. Es duerfte ja nicht so leicht gewesen sein, Dari-sprachige Christen zu finden, die auch noch Radio machen koennen. In Sprach-, nicht Senderkategorien gedacht, ist es sinnvoller, ein funktionierendes Team aufzubauen und am Leben zu erhalten als an verschiedenen Orten "mein" kaum lebensfaehiges Team. Und siehe da: Auf der angegebenen Website werden TWR, FEBA und IBRA als Partner genannt. In deren Spenden-PR werden die immer von "unseren" Partnern sprechen, aber diese Anbieter sind keine "Toechter" mehr. Vielmehr bestehen die, aehnlich wie die NGO-Sendungen, durch Formen der Grundfinanzierung und Projekte (ein neues Kinderprogramm, ein Frauenprogramm, eine AIDS-Serie etc.). Wenn mehr Geld da ist, wird man auch mal zusaetzliche Sendezeit kaufen (z. B. bei Bible Voice), aber im wesentlichen schauen, dass man ueber die Runden kommt. (Prof. Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-D, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 1) Re: Silk Road Transmitter + additional info from archive: re AFN Weisskirchen Germany / TWR Bishkek Kyrghyz Rep MW unit 22 years in service at Weisskirchen Germany and Bishkek Kyrghystan On latter KGZ site low power tests in Dec 2013, and TWR Bishkek real service from March 2014. 4.5 years lasting service at Bishkek KGZ til January 2017 defunct only??? 22 Jahre Betrieb fuer einen nicht immer gut gewarteten AFN Sender in Weisskirchen Germany ist doch ein guter Wert. Wobei 4.5 Jahre Einsatz in Bishkek KGZ wirklich ein duerftiger Wert ist. Hatte Bishkek nicht auch einst 30 kW TESLA CSSR Sender in Gebrauch ? Wie die Mongolei auch... vy73 wolfgang df5sx, wwdxc (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 31) and a lot of archive data more: Re: TWR's new Silk Road Transmitter project, Fragen / Questions. Ich habe Luecken, die ganze jetzige Diskussion ueber Replacement von gebrauchten 100 kW MW Sendern aus dem BRD-Germany Bestand fuer TWR MW Sender im Ausland zu verstehen. TWR hat schon immer ARD Sender im gebrauchten Zustand zum Beispiel erstmals in 1976 im Ausland installiert, aus der Saarwelle Heusweiler 400 kW 1421 kHz nach Sri Lanka gebracht. Und der 1467 kHz Sender in Bishkek wurde fuer ganz Zentral Asien immer angemietet vertraglich genutzt, zuerst {Tesla made?} 30 kW, spaeter dann mit einer vom TWR/ERF bezahlt-errichteten eigenen {150 kW ex-AFN ?} Anlage im Dezember 2013 und neuer TWR/ERF bezahlt 4-Mast direct- antenna. Ist der von TWR damals bezahlte Silk Sender 1467 kHz 150kW in Bishkek aus dem Dezember 2013 nunmehr defekt, - und muss ersetzt werden ? Wohl nein. Aus Deinem (Hansjoergs) jetzigen Text wird ja PANI nicht durch SILK tx ersetzt. Sowie TWR Richtung AFG anfaenglich ueber einen der 3 x 15 kW Sender auf 4050, dann spaeter 5130v kHz. TWR nahe Sadaye Zindagi Radio via Shortwave Relay Service, Krasnaya Rechka, HJB - ? Wird jetzt ein weiterer MW Sender dort in Bishkek errichtet ? Oder was ? Eher doch ein moderner 200 kW MW Sender fuer die TWR Gavar Armenien Station? Die alten UdSSR Leningrad Sender in Gavar sind doch bestimmt schrott-reif? TWR westlich missionarisch religioes als Christenprogramm in den einheimischen lokalen zentralasiatischen Sprachen wird bestimmt nur in Bishkek KYRGYZ REPUBLIC und Gavar ARMENIA geduldet, aber nicht als lokaler Standort in den TJK, UZB, KAZ, TKM Staaten. (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 1) > GH Why is this treated as a big secret? Da hat GH wohl fehlendes Detailwissen, ueber die Missionararbeit von TWR uebers Radio in Zentralasien ? GH probably has no detailed knowledge about the missionary work of TWR via religious radio to muslims in Central Asia? Anyway, there are right-wing tensions and pressure there for 20 years that the TWR Public relations work. We also tried 15-20 years ago the publication of the real detailed MW / SW Schedule via TWR Gavar and Bishkek towards NE ME Central Asia from the detailed colored TWR leaflet at that time, sure real complicated or forbidden to publish data. Jedenfalls gibt es dort seit 20 Jahren rechte Spannungen was die TWR Oeffentlichkeitsarbeit angeht. Auch versuchte man uns vor 15-20 Jahren schon die Veroeffentlichung der MW / SW Schedule ueber TWR Gavar Richtung NE ME Zentralasien aus dem detaillierten farbigen Prospekt damals zu erschweren oder zu verbieten. In 2000-2006 years rather: MW 864 kHz steep angle, 6-Element Double Cone Skirt Antenna System designed by Kintronic Laboratories Inc., USA, financed by TWR USA organization. 1350 kHz, in 2005 year also 1377 kHz, former R Moscow-USSR installation SV4+4 sidefire antenna slewed towards Near East 232deg & TUR 262deg, SW 5855 (later moved to 6145 kHz) and 6240 kHz. Maerz 2000, TWR Gavar: 1625-1640 daily ENGLISH 5895 100 kW zones 30/31 78 degr 1640-1655 Fri-Sun TURKMEN 5895 100 kW zones 30/31 78 degr 1640-1655 Mon-Thu KIRGIS 5895 100 kW zones 30/31 78 degr 1655-1710 daily UZBEK 5895 100 kW zones 30/31 78 degr 1710-1740 Sun TAJIKI 5895 100 kW zones 30/31 78 degr 5895 - 1625-1740 - 100 - 078 TWR 6240 - 0030-0100 - 100 - 078 TWR May 2000 A-00 season: German DXers have got always 'negative' QSL cards from TWR Vienna-AUT office, consist notation of "Central Asia" relay only. Central Asia is the vailed description [of hyper carefully TWR Vienna bureau] for Yerevan-ARM relay site at Gavar, to protect the CIS authorities against political conflicts with neighbouring countries in that region. But another Dxer got a 'positive' QSL, RR sent direct to the technical dept. office at Monte Carlo-MCO. QSL card noted 'Yerevan' relay site. siehe auch das QSL Fenster Bishkek in 2003, weiter unten: under address Timur Karimov Saison A-01 ARMENIA TWR txion schedule A-01 season Mar 25-Oct 27, 2001 TX Yerevan Kamo-Gavar 0030-0045 1234567 Kazak 6240 100 78 degr zones 30/31 0045-0100 1234567 Korean 6240 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1610-1625 1234567 Korean 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1610-1625 1234567 Korean 7395 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1625-1640 1234567 English 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1640-1655 567 Turkmen 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1640-1655 1234 Kirgis 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1655-1710 1234567 Uzbek 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 1710-1740 7 Tajiki 5855 100 78 degr zones 30/31 0030-0045 67 Russian 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 0030-0045 12345 Kazak 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 0300-0330 1234567 Armenian 864 1000 000 degr zone 29 1625-1640 1234567 English 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 1640-1655 7 Turkmen 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 1640-1655 56 Turkish 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 1640-1655 1234 Kirgis 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 1655-1710 1234567 Uzbek 864 1000 000 degr zone 30 1710-1740 7 Tajiki 864 1000 000 degr zones 30,31 1710-1740 123456 Farsi 864 1000 000 degr zones 39,40 1740-1810 1234567 Farsi 864 1000 000 degr zones 39,40 1810-1825 1234567 Kurdish/ 864 1000 000 degr zone 39 /Sorani 1830-1845 67 Kurdish/ 1350 1000 262 degr zone 39 /Kirmanji 1830-1900 12345 Turkish 1350 1000 262 degr zone 39 1845-1900 67 Turkish 1350 1000 262 degr zone 39 1901-1931 5 Russian 1350 1000 232 degr zone 39 1901-1931 1234 67 Hebrew 1350 1000 232 degr zone 39 1931-2001 1234 7 Hebrew 1350 1000 232 degr zone 39 Day 1 Mon .. 7 Sun (TWR Europe, March 5, 2001) Im Herbst 2005 wurden dann die TWR Aussendungen aus Gavar ARM im B05 Prospekt geloescht / verschleiert. Re: TWR outlets of suspicious nature ... probably due of poor relations with Muslim target governments and societies. siehe Okt/Nov 2005 comments in TopNews und dxld: auch der Komment aus Nov / Dec 2008 ueber dieses Veiled Verhalten. Re "Is 1377 kHz, R. Free Africa, Mwanza, (...) Gavar, Armenia with 600 kW is relaying TWR on 1377 kHz. (Jari Savolainen-FIN, dxld Nov 20, 2005) I was thinking there was something like that, but the WRTH 2004 freq list shows no such tx, nor anything on 1377 under ARMENIA, so I guess it be new. To find the TWR schedule, you have to look under, where else, AUSTRIA (Glenn Hauser-FIN [sic], dxld, Oct 2005) 1377 kHz, The TWR relay referred to in my message below is in fact via Gavar, Armenia, 600 kW, and prgr starts at 1925 UT, thence the old TWR IS I heard. Even better reception today, 22 Nov, again via the same Ewe antenna & no need for the Quantum Phaser albeit some QRM de F. No trace of TZA today (Carlos Goncalves-POR, wwdxc BC-DX Nov 22, 2005) For security reason of their CeAS local mission people, all Gavar data entries which still covered in 2000y-2003y, have been deleted in 2004y-2005y operational schedules by TWR office Vienna Austria. Only hidden in printed schedule leaflet, by frequ, target, time, lang, but no tx site given (wb df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 1) aus dem Archive Februar 2003: KYRGYZSTAN, R EXTOL, works on the freq 1467 kHz 1200-1800 UT. 75 kW tx is used for broadcasting, with non directed aerial, located in Bishkek. There are popular songs of Western and Russian singers on the air and also the daily releases of TWR prepared in the Alma-Ata studio. I Releases of TWR programs appear in blocks every half-hour in 1530-1600 UT and 1630-1700 UT. The address of the stn Technical management of the station is interested in reception reports and asks to send them to the address Timur Karimov. The reports about the reception of the programs, broadcasting on freqs 4940 kHz 1300-1600 UT and 4050 kHz 1600-1900 UT are also possible to send to the same address. It is desirable to mention in the letter that you would like to receive QSL -card as confirmation. (Alexander Polyakov-UZB, via Klepov RUS-DX, March 9, 2003) Comments regarding 4050 R Bishkek: I was just reading thru SWB 1504 on the web and noted some interesting about 4050 stn. There were 2 logs of 4050 R Bishkek. Well, this 4050 transmitter has been on for several months, but I haven't so far heard any Kyrgyz R IDs, and haven't seen any positive loggings of that kind of ID. The station is on the air v1600-1900 UT (also reported around 0300) and normally has non-stop pops (Central-Asian and English) with occasional "Hit Shortwave" or "Hit mx on SW" ID's. At 1800 on weekdays there is about 25 minute long Farsi lang Christian program (origin or name of the program unknown so far). The "Hit Shortwave" has also been reported on 4940, but rarely. In the same SWB bulletin there was also reported an e-mail QSL from Kyrgyz R on 4050 kHz. I wonder if that reflects the fact that these transmissions really originate from Kyrgyz R or is the v/s just unaware of the SW freqs used by Kyrgyz Radio? The 4050 channel was used by Kyrgyz R in the past and the propagation formula seems to back up the idea that the transmitter is situated in that part of Central Asia. Hopefully we get some more information about this "stn" in the near future from some source (Jari Savolainen- FIN, SW Bulletin March 9 via dxld, 2003) A stn which does not announce its name on the air operates on 4940 kHz (1300-1600 Ut) and on 4050 kHz (1600-1900 UT). Broadcasts consist of Western and Central Asian pop music, with only short annouoncements such as "This is shortwave", or "This is music on SW" Transmitters' location is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Technical direction is very interested in reception reports. Write to Timur Karimov at It's recommended to explicitly ask for a QSL card in your report. (Alexander Polyakov, Tashkent-UZB, DX_signal March 13, 2003) Many DXers desire to have an idea who uses 4050 and 4940 kHz. Various observation related to that mysterious stn have already been published, with slightly different ID variants: "Hit SW", or "Hit mx on shortwave". If one compares this news with Alexander's report on R EXTOL, some questions arise: Is that the same station? Or maybe they are two different radio companies, but have a common QSL manager? I wrote emails both to Timur Karimov and to R EXTOL, asking to clarify this. But no reply yet (Ed. DXsignal, March 2003) KYRGYZSTAN [c.f. BC-DX #617] Mr. Siemens (TWR - German Office) provided some info regarding the collaboration between TWR and R EXTOL (1467 kHz in Bishkek). Initially, TWR supplied R EXTOL with several broadcast recordings, in order to make estimations of signal quality and reception conditions. Contrary to usual practice of broadcasting to Central Asia, those bcs were not prepared in Almaty studios. Then, starting from the summer season, R EXTOL must start broadcasting of TWR Russian/Kyrgyz/Kazakh/etc. services on a test basis, meanwhile developing the regular sschedule. Planned time for Test broadcasts is 2130-2300 local (must be ... UTC in summer. - Ed.) (open_dx - Vasily Gulyaev, Astrakhan-RUS, DXsignal March 23, 2003) aus dem Archiv Nov / Dec 2008: Re: TWR outlets of suspicious nature ... probably due of poor relations with Muslim target governments and societies. Vashek, that's not lack of information, but protection of their intruder activities in the MUSLIM word in West Africa or the Middle East countries. That's common policy of few western Lutheran or Adventist sect broadcaster, in order to protect their aggressive transmissions as well as missionaries and mission organizations as intruder in the MUSLIM world target. Sorry, I don't know the exact target and the language of the 30 mins transmission on 11985 kHz, but West Africa target could mean TWR are aimed at a MUSLIM target in this region of the world too? Similar happened during the last decade, when IBRA Radio, Cyprus branch in Arabic [mostly 5925 kHz via Armavir] veiled their activity widely. Similar happened on AWR French outlets to North Africa [LBY, ALG, TUN etc.], Sahara and Sahel region. History. Similar happend for example in A06 season, when all TWR outlets towards TKM, KGZ, KAZ, UZB, AZE and Tatarstan were of veiled nature on TWR Europe's schedule, like this NOT PRINT OUT, no official announcing. ARMENIA, 1377 kHz. As from Febr 11, TWR via Gavar Yerevan extended daily 1825-1925 UT sce in various NE/ME langs. Now on Sat only also addit 1925-2025 UT in Tatar, Farsi, Farsi/En, Farsi, Kurdish-Sorani. Other TWR sces on 864, 5855 kHz 1710-1810, -1840 Suns. 1910-1940 UT. 864 kHz 1810-1925. 1350 kHz 1930-2100, -2030 Thur. 0400-0430 UT. All checked and noted (Rumen Pankov-BUL, wwdxc BC-DX Feb 14, 2006) yes, TWR coming from Gavar, Yerevan, Armenia. 1377 VoRUS 1458-1800 UT, TWR 1825-1925 in 1825 Mon Tabasaran, Tue Lezgi, Wed Lak, Thur Dargwa, Fri Kumyk, Sat Tatar, Sun Chechen. 1840-1910 Farsi. 1910-1925 Kurdish- Sorani. Saturday only: 1925 Tatar, 1940 Farsi, 1950-2000 Farsi/En, 2000-2010 Farsi, 2010-2025 Kurdish-Sorani (acc of time table by Rumen Pankov-BUL, Feb 14, 2006) or see B-05 TWR schedule: Broadcasts via Gavar, Armenia NOT PRINT OUT on this B-05 TWR file. 5855 1710-1840 30,31 ERV 100 78 ENG/KAZ ARM TWR \\ 864 kHz MW 5855 1910-1940 30,31 ERV 100 100 PES ARM TWR Also 864 and 1350 kHz used on various ME/NE languages on other times of the day. (wb) Oct 11, 2005 Similar behaviour noticed in the past too: Radio Reveil Paroles de Vie heard at 1830 s/on on 15 in French. Program is broadcast via Julich and is apparently put on by some Swiss religious organization and is directed to Africa. Program airs on Thursdays. In B-08: 9760 1830-1845 52,53 160deg Tue/Thur 100kW RRP Radio Reveil Paroles de Vie, Les Chapons 4, CH-2022 Bevaix, Switzerland (Dec 1, 2008) aus dem Archive December 2013: KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 1467 TWR Bishkek relay site 1630 UT Dec 17, 2013. Moin, gerade hoerte ich das TWR Intervalsignal als ein akustisches Durchschimmern durch (Radio) Maria hindurch. Laut Mauno Ritola und Guenter Lorenz in "Yahoo-MWOffsets" handelt es sich wohl um TWR PANI aus eventuell Bishkek. Da koennte noch was gehen (Olaf C. Haenssler-D, A-DX Dec 17, 2013) 1467v TWR PANI heard first yesterday (Dec 16th) and also today (Dec 17th) on 1466.995 kHz (Mauno Ritola-FIN, A-DX Dec 17, 2013) Re: TWR Bishkek 1467 kHz, a lot of logs here in Austria and Germany now. GE shows the sidefire antenna, picture taken in June 2013. And now the transmitter has been taken into service now. (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 18, 2013) Und hier einige Findings im web. Zuerst wurde die neue SIDEFIRE Antenne mit den vier Masten bei Google Earth im September 2013 (Foto vom Juni 2013) entdeckt, dann wurde noch geraetselt, wann dann der aus dem Westen gelieferte neue *500 kW Sender installiert ist. {* rather 150 kW. wb.} Zielsetzung war der Jahreswechsel 2012/2013, jetzt hat es doch noch einige Monate bis zur Indienststellung gedauert. Dann gab es diese Meldung vom 26.Sept. 2013. With the new transmitter, TWR will also expand the time it can spend broadcasting the Good News in the region's six key languages: Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Urdu, Farsi, and Dari. und der gleiche Text noch mal hier und andere Meldungen sprachen von einem "refurbished" transmitter ... was wohl auf einem Missverstaendnis beruht ? Oder trifft beides zu, ein vorherig im Ausland schon mal benutzter *500 kW Sender wurder repariert und fuer Bishkek hergerichtet und nach KYRGYZSTAN verbracht ? {* rather 150 kW. wb} TWR has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to vastly increase our ministry to this region by refurbishing a transmitter and building a new antenna system that will broadcast the gospel via AM radio. The coverage of this transmitter will be tremendous, an area as large as two-thirds of the United States (see coverage map). Imagine reaching most of America with just one transmitter! History: 1467 TWR Pani - new KGZ Kyrgyzstan, ? probably 1467 kHz channel ? KGZ "TWR PANI" 500{rather 150}kW MW, n e w 210degrees mainlobe SIDEFIRE antenna erected, 4mast array Bishkek Krasnaya Rechka at 42 52 42.48 N 74 59 4532 E - see new Google Earth image of 24 June 2013 TWR Pani program most probably via new 1467 kHz directional antenna installation at KGZ Kirghizistan Bishkek new sidefire antenna, 4 mast into direction of 210 degrees mainlobe, towards AFG / PAK-Beluchistan. Propagation path Bishkek - Karakol - Kazarman - Dedemel - Dshalabad - Osh - Faizabad - Kabul 1040 km, Quetta Beluchistan 1577km, Gwadar Persian Gulf 2200 km (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 24, 2013) KYRGYZ REP [tentat] Trans World Radio New MW transmitter in Asia. "As TWR tests the potential for digital ministry, it continues to break ground in the radio medium that the organisation was built upon. In May the unidentified Asian country that will be host to the PANI transmitter was granted a broadcast licence for the powerful AM project, which has the potential of reaching almost a quarter of a billion people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and north India. Donations to the major project have been exceedingly generous, but about 25% of the cost still has to be raised. 'The target to complete the construction is the end of the year [2012], but this is very much dependent on the weather conditions, on the suppliers and the subcontractors' said Werner Kroemer, TWR vice- president of global operations. 'Don't forget: We are installing the transmitting facilities in a part of the world where even simple things can turn out to be very difficult to do or to get'". (Listening World, TWR UK newsletter, Winter 2013 issue, via Dave Kenny-UK, January BrDXC-UK "Communication" magazine, Jan 2013) im Maerz 2013 gab es diesen Text: Several years ago, God opened a door in this region of the world for TWR to increase its signal strength from shortwave to AM radio. More than 200 million people live under the reach of the new *500,000-watt AM PANI transmitter. {* rather older 150 kW former AFN Frankfurt Germany unit ? wb.} While TWR has shortwave programming in some of the languages of the region - Panjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Urdu, Farsi and Dari - the new AM transmitter will allow more time each week for programs in these languages. PANI antenna mast image, nicht hier in A-DX, aber mit der URL selbst im Browser aufzeigen: Right now the four antennas have been installed and the transmitter is ready to be shipped. The next step is to complete the construction of the transmitter building. Lord willing, we'll be on the air by July 2013 to the "heart of the un_evangelized world," as the seventh edition of Operation World describes the area. We're at 95 percent of our total funding goal of $1,494,000, with a remaining need of about $66,000. (discussion in A-DX ng, via wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 18, 2012) (ALL via BC-DX 4 August 2018 via DXLD) Re ``In January 2017, we were forced to reduce some of our program airings into Central Asia due to a 150,000-watt AM transmitter being taken out of service.`` That was Bishkek / Krasnaya Rechka 1287 kHz. Still shown in WRTH 2017, gone from WRTH 2018. Also still shown at http://vcfm.ru/vc/Asia/bishkek.htm which also does not yet reflect the upgrade of 1467 kHz: A new four tower antenna (already visible in Google Maps, not yet visible in Bing Maps, so it is clear which one it is) and a new transmitter, described as 500 kW. There had been mentions of this being used equipment from Germany. If so ex-Wachenbrunn (1323 kHz) or ex-Burg (1575 kHz) would be possible. Now they say that they got also three used 100 kW transmitters from Germany of which one has already been installed at Swaziland and, obviously, the other two ones are now to be installed at Krasnaya Rechka: What would be possible here are the transmitters from the main mediumwave sites of Südwestrundfunk (Mühlacker, Wolfsheim, Rohrdorf), closed in early 2012. Three shiny new TRAM 100 units. So in fact the German licence fee payers sponsor TWR here, considering their own statement that they got these transmitters for a bargain price (Kai Ludwig, August 5, 2018, WOR iog via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 6900-LSB, August 6 at 0143, peskie talx in Spanish, mixing with music in background or CCI from another one (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 6925-6935-6945, August 4 at 2211, early check for pirates instead finds DRMish noise across 20 kHz, but not a sharp cutoff. Still there at 0057, 0132. Unthink it`s anything local, and certainly unusual. Anyone else hearing it? No AM/SSB pirates fighting in this range. Could some pirate be experimenting with broadband DRM? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Your 6925 - 6935 - 6945 Unidentified from last night was also heard here and in several other places according to people on the HF Underground pirate chat. It sounded more like a utility than DRM here. No one I am aware of tried to decode it as DRM. It was there all evening, so you`re right that it wasn't local (Mark Taylor, WI, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I heard this here and there were numerous mentions of it on the Pirate chat. No attempts to decode it as DRM. It sounded more like a broadband utility than DRM here (Mark Taylor, Madison WI, NASWA Flashsheet August 5 via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. EGYPTIAN MUSIC STATION Greetings Glenn, I am qsr711 (also known as Quim S.), and I have read your latest DX Listening Digest, corresponding to July 31st, 2018, and it brought my attention the unidentified Egyptian station that some DXers reported. I have some information from these broadcasts that might be of great use. I recovered this information by myself while monitoring a number station from Egypt, and I also found it strange when I first saw these broadcasts, so I decided to keep an eye on them as well. After some years of monitoring, I came into the following conclusions: -The unidentified Arabic music station has been around since at least 2014. -The station uses the frequencies of 9400, 9550 and 9600 kHz. -Transmissions take place every day in the morning, usually between 0900 and 1300 UT. Sometimes more than one is sent. However, I haven't seen more than one frequency active at once. -Transmissions last 15 minutes (excluding test tones). -The aired content is only Arabic music, the same track played in a loop throughout the broadcast. Some music tracks I identified are from artists like Oum Kulthum, Omar Khairat, and other Egyptian singers. Songs are often reused. -Unlike Radio Cairo, these transmissions have very good modulation, and they use low power (I use kiwiSDR remote receivers in Greece to listen to it, and the signal is between S5 and S9). I have seen some Radio Cairo transmitters randomly turning on in the 31m band in the morning as well (carrier only, and using a random Radio Cairo assigned frequency), and these are way stronger than this station. I hope this helps in resolving the source of this station. I would provide more information using the kiwiSDR TDoA extension to track the origin of the signal, and even some recordings I have, but I am away from the computer until late August and I can't make these on the mobile phone I'm using. Best wishes, (qsr711 (aka Quim S.), August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Perhaps a separate site in Cairo area of the army/military, known to utility DXers? But again, we have no hard evidence it is even in Egypt (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) Transmissions take place NOT every day in the morning, usually between 0730 and 1230 UT (Ivo Ivanov, WOR iog via DXLD) Mystery Egyptian Music Station on 9600 kHz, August 1 0925-0930 on 9600 unknown tx / unknown to ????, fair signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/mystery-egyptian-music-station-on-9600.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Mystery Egyptian Music Station on 9600 kHz, August 4 1100-1111 on 9600 unknown tx / unknown to ????, fair signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-mystery-egyptian-music.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Mystery Egyptian Music Station on 9600 kHz, August 6 1215-1230 on 9600 unknown tx / unknown to ????, good signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.com/2018/08/reception-of-mystery-egyptian-music_6.html (Ivo Ivanov, SWLDXBulgaria News, August 5-6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mr Hauser, Great that your WOR is still being aired on SW. A former member of NASWA, and contributor to PopComm/defunct ``Gerry Dexter``, what a great publication! I would like to subscribe to the DXLD printed. Enclosed is a check for latest issue. As I don`t have a computer (except on occasion), the WOR and programs like Wavescan are *really appreciated!* The days of the DXPL and Media Network are long gone; however, you have filled the gap. 73 (John Miller, Ochlocknee GA) Must have got the wrong impression when I mention DXLD on WOR --- sorry, not available in print unless you do it yourself e.g. from a library computer. No new contributions this week, by money order or check in US funds on a US bank to Glenn Hauser, P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702; or not necessarily in US funds via PayPal to woradio at yahoo.com (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ Säsongsstatistik av MV-Ekos logg Då och då har frågan kommit upp varför det inte längre görs någon sässongsstatistik. Tillbaka i tiden har jag för mig en sådan gjordes av Distance-gänget. När jag för en tid sedan fick ta del av en statistik som bl a Fredrik Dourén varit inblandad i för säsong 56, dvs för 2015-2016, fick jag en idé att efter varje nummer av Ekot kopiera över loggen från respektive nummer till en växande Excel-fil. Loggen är sorterad efter den uppställning som Ekot har, dvs i ordningen: område, frekvens, land, stat, station, Eko-nr. Ytterligare några kolumner har lagts till som används för att kunna skapa ett fullständigt datumformat. Eko-loggen saknar ju årtal. Dessutom finns det även en kolumn för att separera svenska och icke svenska bidragsgivare. Alla kolumner är indexerade för att man snabbt skall kunna välja ut vad man vill kolla på. Jag har försökt följa den ursprungliga uppställningen som Fredrik Dourén använde. Materialet är stort, nånstans mellan 6000-7000 rader och det är lätt att det blir fel nånstans. Hittar ni sådana fel är jag tacksam om ni rättar och ger mig besked så korrigerar jag de uppladdade filerna. Planen är att fortsätta på samma sätt med säsong 59. Görs arbetet efter varje nummer så blir det inte så betungande. Här finns länkarna för nerladdning: Säsong 56 http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ARC/Master_season_56.xlsx Säsong 57 http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ARC/Master_season_57.xlsx Säsong 58 http://www.thomasn.sverige.net/ARC/Master_season_58.xlsx (Thomas Nilsson 6.8.2018) Hoppas denna statistik kommer till stor användning för våra medlemmar. Jag vet vilket stort arbete Thomas har lagt ner på detta –tl/ (Tore Larsson, ARC mv-eko 6 August via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ CIDX ANNUAL VERNON IKEDA MEMORIAL SUMMER BARBEQUE Saturday, August 18th 2018 - 1 pm Eastern (1700 UT) LOCATION: 79 Kipps Street, Greenfield Park, QC Google Map: http://goo.gl/maps/1UvxP We are pleased to announce the 2018 CIDX Annual Vernon Ikeda Memorial Summer Barbecue. Sausages & hamburgers will be served. Please bring your own beverages. Any food contributions (snacks, desserts, etc.) will also be appreciated. Please confirm your attendance by telephone, 450-462-1459, or by e-mail to Sheldon Harvey at ve2shw@yahoo.com All CIDX members and radio friends are welcome to attend. Once again this year, CIDXer and YouTuber Gilles Letourneau will have a special live YouTube broadcast from the Barbecue. Check out the live YouTube broadcast from the barbecue at 4 PM eastern; 2000 UT at https://www.youtube.com/OfficialSWLchannel/ We’re also going to have Skype open for the day. Look for “Sheldon Harvey” on Skype, make him a contact and call in to the barbecue during the day to participate in the fun (August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) IRCA CONVENTION SCHEDULE [St. Charles MO] Here's the latest: Thursday, September 6 2018, CDT Guests arrive by air, train, bus, and cars [river boat?] 6:00P Registration in meeting room. HOSTS: Ken Hawkins and Mike Lantz Questions and Info: (636) 577-4295 Dinner on your own at near-by restaurants (see enclosed map) Friday, September 7 2018 6:00-9:00A Breakfast in hotel lobby: free for hotel guests 8:00-9:00A Registration in front lobby, Ken (work pending) and Mike Meeting room opens – convention begins 9:00A Assemble in hotel lobby of hotel for car pools of tour of KHJY Joy radio 10:00A Tour of KHJY Joy FM studios – Mike Thomas is your guide 11:00A Lunch at restaurant at your choice either in Des Peres or St. Charles 1:00P Assemble in hotel lobby for car pools of tour of KWRE/KFAV radio 2:00P Tour of KWRE/KFAV studios – Steve Rotz is your guide 4:30P Gathering in meeting room for technical talks and questions and answers 6:00P Pizza party in meeting room courtesy of Imo's-THE SQUARE BEYOND COMPARE! (Paid for by IRCA) 8:00P “Tech Talks” (meeting room) Speakers TBD 12:00M Good night (meeting room closes) Saturday, September 8 2018 6:00-9:00A Breakfast in hotel lobby: free for hotel guests 8:00A Meeting room opens 8:30A “Tech Talks” (meeting room) Speakers TBD 10:30A Discussion plus buy, sell, and trade Radio Music Surveys, stickers, and other swag 12:00P Lunch on your own 1:00P A. Drive by radio transmitters TBD B. Other activities on hotel site TBD 3:00P IRCA annual business meeting (meeting room) – Bruce Portzer 5:00P Gather outside the front lobby for a group photo 5:15P Group photo(s) 6:00P Gathering banquet at Culpeppers (on your own funds) Speaker of the banquet: Mike Lantz, motivational speaker from Miami FL 8:30P Auction in the meeting room – auctioneers TBD 12:00M Good night (meeting room closes) Sunday, September 9 2018 6:00-9:00A Breakfast in the hotel lobby: free for hotel guests 9:15A The gathering quiz. Door prizes. Winner prize. 12:00P 2018 gathering ends (meeting room closes). Have a safe trip home. See you next year! 1:00P On your own, suggestions: Gathering at Ken Hawkins' house for radio SCHTUFF Old town St. Charles on Main Street STL Arch Ameristar Casino Technical Talk highlights Topics include 2017 solar eclipse highlights from western America, KD9SV vs. Cat-5 Beverages for hearing trans-oceanic DX "over the shoulder," tips and triumphs from MW phasing methodology, hands on with the “Frequent-Flyer FSL,” another look at Cat-5 as a legitimate antenna and some fascinating personal-experience stories from Bruce Portzer and the Florissant Valley Dial Twister. Group discussions include a look at trans-polar DX possibilities during the upcoming solar minimum. Be there! Learn from and contribute to the dialogue! The “Tech-Talk” Staff Eric Bueneman Phil Bytheway Mark Durenberger Nick Hall-Patch Neil Kazaross Bruce Portzer (Phil Bytheway, IRCA's "DX Monitor" Editor-in-Chief, Seattle WA, Drake R-7 / KIWA Loop, Aug 6, nrc-am gg via DXLD) READING MEETING REPORT, JULY Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) was again the venue for our meeting on a very warm Saturday afternoon, 21st July. Seventeen radio enthusiasts made for a well-attended meeting and we were pleased to have Mike [Barraclough] back at the helm after his absence at February’s meeting. In the first half of the meeting Mike told of the early days of the BBC Monitoring Service when based at Wood Norton near Evesham, before it moved to Caversham Park in 1943. A fledgling monitoring service began at Broadcasting House (BH) in London when the BBC’s first foreign language service, Arabic, was started in January 1938. Members of this new service began listening to Arabic broadcasts from Italy and Germany. When the BBC Spanish and Portuguese services were launched in March 1938, this also prompted monitoring in those languages and broadcasts were fed from the Tatsfield receiving station in Surrey to their office in BH. David Bowman [a regular attendee at Reading meetings when he was at Caversham] recalls being involved in this early monitoring when he joined the Latin American Service in 1938, initially simply transcribing the relays from Tatsfield, then recording, using some early Ediphone recorders with wax cylinders. These transcripts were circulated to government departments. Monitoring gradually developed at BH with David Bowman being appointed as a full-time Monitoring Clerk in March 1939 – his recollections and those of others involved in the early days of the service can be read in “Assigned to Listen – The Evesham Experience 1939-43” by Olive Renier and Vladimir Rubinstein published in 1986. Recollections include those of Richard Marriott (Director) and Oliver Whitely (Chief Monitoring Supervisor), instructed to set up and recruit staff for a unit to listen to foreign broadcasts as war approached in 1939: “..as a nucleus of the actual monitoring staff was the imperturbable David Bowman, the BBC’s only monitor..”. Early in 1939, a separate monitoring service had started under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, and this would be combined with the BBC’s service in the event of war. A national emergency was declared on August 26th 1939 and the decision was taken to move the monitoring service from London to Wood Norton, a mansion on a wooded estate near Evesham in Worcestershire. Fifty staff were immediately moved there by bus and billeted in households around Evesham. As many monitors were foreign refugees from Hitler, not divulging the work they were doing at Wood Norton, this raised suspicions of the locals at first. Many anecdotes of their life in Evesham are recounted in “Assigned to Listen”. On the highest hill above the Wood Norton mansion, aerials were erected and two wooden huts on the hillside, staffed mainly by engineers, housed radio receivers. Foreign language monitors were initially based in Smith’s cottage on the estate, while two huts were constructed where they were to record and transcribe broadcasts (a long article on Wood Norton 1939-1941 by Les “LG” Smith http://www.orbem.co.uk/misc/lg2.htm includes a section on the Monitoring Service). As well as reminiscences about Monitoring at Wood Norton in “Assigned to Listen” (copies can be found through bookfinder.com), others are told on the BBC WW2 Peoples War site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/ Karl Lehmann is the last monitor still alive today who had worked at Wood Norton (starting there in December 1942). He came to Reading from Germany in 1936 and worked at Caversham until 1981. He recalled monitoring German speeches, with relays of monitors listening to 3- minutes each to speed up transcription. His “Memories of BBC Monitoring” are included on the Imperial War Museum’s website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/research-projects/bbc-monitoring-collection/blogs German stations were monitored 24 hours a day, with a monitor sometimes monitoring two stations at once! In W.J West’s “Truth Betrayed”, the author tells of how the evidence of BBC monitors was used to try and convict somebody charged with spreading rumours. If the rumour spreader attributed the story to having been heard in one of Lord Haw Haw’s broadcasts, but the monitors had no evidence of such a story being broadcast, then they could be convicted of making up the rumour. However, the Ministry of Information’s Anti-Lie Bureau had assumed BBC Monitors kept records of every single broadcast from Germany, an impossible task, and so convictions were quashed. left: “The Monitor at Work” (Picture Post: “The BBC at War” March 15th, 1941) [caption in original] French monitor, John Jarvis, blind from birth, had such intensely keen hearing, he was put on the Specialist Listening Section, spotting when new stations came on air or other stations disappeared. When asked how he could perform this task without seeing the receiver dial or frequencies, he likened tuning along the range of the dial to walking along a street, knowing who lives there and who lives next door to whom. When “somebody is missing or a new chap has moved in, I know the address” (i.e. frequency). It was Jarvis who heard a faint signal from the station at Bodø during the Norwegian campaign of 1940 that established the vital information the port was still in Norwegian hands. below: John Jarvis, Specialist Listening Section Mike also had some wartime newspaper reports about the Monitoring service, written by journalists from abroad who had visited Wood Norton in 1941 (but not divulging its location) e.g. “Inside the Listening Post of the BBC” (Montreal Gazette) which said over 400 people monitored 40 countries in 30 languages. The BBC themselves used items monitored at Wood Norton in their regular 5-minute “Listening Post” programme on their North American Service to highlight inconsistencies and distortions of facts in enemy broadcasts. A Canadian Winnipeg newspaper headlined it more dramatically in their report “BBC Snoopers thwart Nazi lies”. Whilst the Sydney Morning Herald (13th September 1941) ran a report headlined: “Dissecting Broadcasts in Thirty Languages: Adjusting Dr Goebbels’s Misinformation”: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/1105158 The Monitoring Service moved to Caversham Park (near Reading) in April 1943, a move both its Director, Richard Marriott and Chief Monitoring Supervisor, Oliver Whitely, considered unwise, citing technically inferior reception conditions there as one reason not to move (Chris Greenway disputed this at the meeting, given Wood Norton’s proximity to Droitwich). However, Director-General Ogilvie was adamant the move would take place, and both Marriott and Whitley resigned and enlisted in the forces. Hansard (2 May 1945) records a speech by Lord Ailwyn on German Nationals in Great Britain, saying that more than 50 German nationals were employed in the reception units of the BBC Monitoring service alone, and asking whether there were not British subjects available for this work? He also mentions a BBC engineer writing to him, saying how “astonished and dismayed” he was on being moved to Monitoring in 1943 to find German nationals in charge of this most important service. He complained that reports sent to the government of German propaganda broadcasts were intercepted, selected, translated and edited by German nationals. https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1945/may/02/german-nationals-in-great-britain#column_104 Chris Greenway bought along some photos of BBC Monitoring at Caversham, taken in the 1950s, and he also updated us on BBCM’s move to Broadcasting House in London at the end of May. After a break for refreshments downstairs in the RISC café, the topic of the second half of the meeting was unlicenced broadcasting in the USA, focusing this time on Allan Weiner’s offshore station Radio New York International. His book “Access to the Airwaves: My Fight for Free Radio” published in 1997 (based on an interview with Weiner) tells the story of this venture. Al Weiner (now operator of shortwave station WBCQ), was a radio engineer who had operated a licenced station in Presque Isle, but had had his licence revoked in April 1985 for operating on unassigned frequencies. He was attracted by the idea of starting an offshore radio station, similar to Radio Caroline which had restarted aboard the ‘Ross Revenge’ in 1983 in the North Sea. But his initial attempts to raise venture capital for his US project failed. He visited Europe to work for Radio Caroline in November 1985, reconstructing a shortwave transmitter for the station (eventually to be used for World Mission Radio on 6215 kHz in 1988). Whilst aboard the Ross, he met fellow American John Hungerford who had started as a DJ there in August 1985, under the on-air name John Ford, after failing to get a job with Laser 558. Back in the USA in 1986, Weiner, Hungerford and others began the search for ship to fit out for broadcasting from off the New York coast. Al Weiner acquired the Panamanian registered fishing vessel Lichfield 1, a ship previously seized by US customs when drugs had been found aboard and sold to an associate of Weiner for just $100. In spring 1986 Weiner and Hungerford started fitting out the ship as a radio station with a 110’ tower. The ship was registered in Honduras and renamed “Sarah” (after Weiner’s wife). The “Sarah” sailed from Boston on July 19th 1987 and began test broadcasts five miles off New York’s Long Island on July 23rd, with just two people aboard, announcing frequencies 103.1 FM, 1620 MW, 6240 SW and (strangely!) 190 kHz LW. It gave an address in La Guardia Place, New York. Abbreviating the station name to “RNI” meant they could use old “Radio Northsea International” RNI jingles. But on 27th July, the ship was boarded by the US authorities and Weiner, another crew member and a reporter from the “Village Voice” who happened to be aboard were arrested and handcuffed. The “Sarah” was towed back to Boston. But just before their court case in August, the charges against them were dropped. The Honduran registration of the “Sarah” was nullified as it wasn’t operating as a fishing vessel. Instead, Weiner sold the ship to a UK company arranged by Michael Bates, son of 1960s pirate operator Roy Bates, who registered the ship in the Principality of Sealand (the Roughs tower off Essex). RNI again started tests off Long Island on 14th October 1988 (without Al Weiner aboard) but stopped when a temporary restraining order was issued on 17th October. The restraining order was eventually made permanent and the ship did not broadcast from the high seas again. We heard a number of recordings from the Al Weiner’s historical archives of Radio New York at: http://radionewyorkinternational.com/archives/index.php?path=historic/ : RNYI’s first broadcast, Radio Sarah 1620 AM signing off, and a 1988 conversation between the Sarah and US coastguard. The full archive has poor quality, heavily edited off air recording of the 1988 broadcast, 1987 TV coverage, Al Weiner interviewed on WABC as well as several other files. We also heard a studio quality edition of Media Network's interview with Al Weiner made by Jonathan Marks at the ‘Communicate 88’ convention held in Blackpool in September 1988: http://jonathanmarks.libsyn.com/mn-29-09-1988-blackpool-offshore-radio- Thanks to everyone who came along to the meeting, and to Mike for researching and presenting the talks. Dates of future 2018 meetings are: October 6th and December 9th (Alan Pennington, August BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) LANGUAGE LESSONS ++++++++++++++++ GAELIC --- CAN 27 MEGAPOUNDS A YEAR BRING A LANGUAGE BACK FROM NEAR DEATH? By Lennox Morrison 1 August 2018 http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20180731-can-27m-a-year-bring-a-language-back-from-near-death The feeling of walking barefoot across a beach in summer and the sun- warmed sand chafing my toes takes me the length of this sentence to describe. My great-great-grandfather, Angus Morrison, would have used one word: driùchcainn. That’s because, born and bred on the fringes of Western Europe, on Lewis, in the archipelago of the Outer Hebrides, his mother tongue was Scottish Gaelic. It’s the ancient Celtic language heard by TV audiences tuning into the Highlands time-travelling saga Outlander. Scottish Gaelic is considered at risk of dying out. On Unesco’s list of imperilled languages, it is classed as ‘definitely endangered’ In real life, working together crofting, fishing, weaving or cutting peat for fires, my ancestors spoke in Gaelic. It was spoken at home, sung at parties, used at church. But education in Angus’s day was strictly in English. As late as the 1970s, children were sometimes punished for speaking Gaelic at school. Raised alongside Atlantic surf and storms, he became a sailor. Then, in the mid-nineteenth century, moved to Glasgow, and settled there working as a ship’s rigger. Among the principles he instilled in the family was the importance of education. But he did not pass on his cradle tongue. Dr Marsaili MacLeod says there's a fear that we risk losing some of our cultural diversity "through globalisation and English as a global language” (Credit: Getty Images) On the brink of extinction My family story illustrates what linguistics experts call intergenerational breakdown. In 2018, along with about half of the world’s estimated 6,000 languages, Scottish Gaelic is considered at risk of dying out. On Unesco’s list of imperilled languages, it is classed as ‘definitely endangered’. Research suggests that one of the biggest factors to blame for killing off minority languages is a thriving economy. As economies develop, one language often comes to dominate a nation’s political and educational spheres, meaning people are forced to adopt the dominant language or risk being left out in the cold. One of the biggest factors to blame for killing off minority languages is a thriving economy Today, only my father has a little Gaelic. My own knowledge is limited to words adopted into English, such as ‘ceilidh’ – meaning a social gathering, usually with Scottish or Irish folk music. That puts me in the same boat as most Scots. The 2011 census showed only 1.7% of people in Scotland had some Scottish Gaelic skills. In a population of five million-plus, this amounts to 87,100. Of these, only 32,400 were able to understand, speak, read and write it. Which is why the Scottish government is investing millions in trying to save it – through broadcasting, cultural and education projects. This ranges from Gaelic groups for pre-schoolers to ensuring the police and ambulance services have Gaelic language policies in place. The budget for this tax year is £27.4m ($36m). But is it even possible to resuscitate a dying language – and does it really matter anyway? In Scotland, news of £2.5m of further public funding for a new Gaelic dictionary has stirred debate. Over the past four decades, successive governments of different political stripes have all supported the language. But critics say the policy is artificial and nostalgic and the cash should go to teaching modern world languages such as Spanish. “If Gaelic is dying does it deserve a financial kiss of life?” wrote columnist Brian Beacom in The Herald. The 2011 census showed only 1.7% of people in Scotland had some Scottish Gaelic skills, In a population of five million-plus this amounts to around 87,100 (Credit: Getty Images) The controversy is mirrored across the globe in countries such as New Zealand, where funding for Te Reo Maori (one of the country’s three official languages) is hotly disputed. In Germany, 60,000 Sorbs are fighting to retain government funding for the two separate languages they want to keep alive. “It’s very easy to use an economic argument that monolingualism would be much more cost effective and that would reduce conflict and create economic efficiencies,” says Dr Marsaili MacLeod, lecturer in Gaelic at the University of Aberdeen, UK, and a champion of language rights. “But we would lose something if we all became one international nation with one language. People today really value cultural diversity and there’s a fear that we’re losing that through globalisation and English as a global language.” The value of an ancient tongue Spoken in Scotland for more than 1,500 years, in Medieval times it was the primary language for swathes of Scotland. But over the centuries usage shrank back to the Hebrides and the Highlands. In 1746, at the Battle of Culloden, British government troops defeated Jacobite forces. Afterwards, state suppression of clan culture and traditions included banning Gaelic. Generally, English was seen as the language of study, commerce and material success It was further weakened over the following century by the Highland clearances, when landowners evicted crofters from land rented for generations so that sheep farming could be introduced for higher profits. The resulting mass migration means that today there are Gaelic-speaking communities in Nova Scotia in Canada as well as in New Zealand, Australia and the US. “Historically, Gaelic and pretty much any minority language tended to be excluded from formal usage, marginalised from economic life,” says Wilson McLeod, professor of Gaelic at the University of Edinburgh, UK. “The traditional formulation was that Gaelic had no commercial value.” Then in the 1970s a pioneering business model emerged on the Isle of Skye. Landowner Sir Iain Noble turned disused farm buildings into the Gaelic college and cultural centre Sabhal Mor Ostaig and set up an hotel and a whisky distillery. He insisted that Gaelic was to be the normal working language of the estate. This was a new idea. “Nobody in the 1950s and 1960s in Scotland was working in an office in the medium of Gaelic,” says McLeod. With 18 letters in its alphabet, no direct equivalent for ‘no’ or ‘yes’ and five syllables needed to say ‘please’, it is very different from English Thinking began to change. Politicians became interested in the idea of Gaelic as a motor in economic development, particularly in peripheral areas. “From the early 19th Century onwards, the economy of the Highlands and islands had been in perpetual crisis with out-migration, serious population decline, serious underdevelopment, and poverty,” says McLeod. The 1980s brought key language policies with increased public funding for Gaelic arts, culture and education and especially for television. In 2005 the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh passed a law to promote and protect Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, with the aim of it “commanding equal respect to the English language.” Since then, Gaelic education has been growing. Even parents arriving in Scotland from countries such as Germany and Turkey are sending their offspring to Gaelic-medium nurseries and schools. Today, latest research by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in 2014 puts the present yearly economic value of Gaelic at about £5.6m and estimates its potential as high as £148.5m. In sales and marketing, for instance, it can enhance perceptions of uniqueness, authenticity and provenance, thus increasing appeal to target customers. In 2005 a law was passed to protect Gaelic as an official language of Scotland, with the aim of it “commanding equal respect to the English language” (Credit: Getty Images) Saying things you can’t say in English But for lovers of Gaelic, the language is beyond price. With 18 letters in its alphabet, no direct equivalent for ‘no’ or ‘yes’ and five syllables needed to say ‘please’, it is very different from English. It gives access to a unique treasure trove of history, literature, song and storytelling — and vocabulary to express ideas not readily put into English. “It’s all to do with identity,” says Marsaili MacLeod. “It’s the language of my forebears, my grandfather’s and grandmother’s generation, the language of place and of people. It gives me a sense of who I am and where I come from.” It provides an understanding of environment that’s been built up over generations — from the workings of landscape and weather to the healing properties of plants, she says. “Any indigenous language has a lot to tell about that place.” Rooted in close-knit rural communities, these original languages also tend to place people. “When you meet someone in Gaelic the first thing you ask is ‘Where are you from? Who out of are you? Who do you belong to?’”, says MacLeod. In the Maori language of New Zealand, she says, people introduce themselves with ‘What boat did I arrive on? Which is my lake? Who are my people?’. To learn more about great-great-grandfather Angus, I need to head to the windswept and wildly beautiful tip of the island of Lewis, the most north-westerly point in Europe. It’s here that descendants of migrant families find their way from north and South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to a trim white-painted former schoolhouse – home to a museum and café run by the Ness Historical Society. Annie Macsween, chair of the society, helps visitors navigate family archives from the 1800s, and earlier. A retired teacher of Gaelic, and a native speaker, Macsween’s fascination for the past was sparked by a summer job in a retirement home as a teenager. “I would sit and talk to the old folks at night and hear about their lives and history,” she recalls. “In school we learned all about kings and queens and the geography of other places but not of our own Highlands and islands and the history of it.” The subject of her university thesis – the poetry and history of her home village – was at the time considered not very academic. Today, it’s what Unesco call “intangible cultural heritage”. With husband John, a fisherman now retired, she brought up their four sons as Gaelic speakers. “We made our kitchen an English-free zone, encouraging them to speak Gaelic naturally.” Living in the Gaelic heartland, where the highest concentration of speakers is found, how does she feel about new learners with no link to the language? “I spent my life teaching Gaelic to people from every place under the sun but the day we lose the natural communities where Gaelic is spoken I think Gaelic is going to become like Latin,” she says. “It’ll be a dead language.” She sees it as a priority for public funding to support the language in the areas where it is still spoken – and where there are a wealth of dialects with their own idioms and sayings. “The language is part of me and I would feel I would be losing part of my own being if I wasn’t able to use it,” she says. Her family has farmed locally through the generations for nearly two centuries. Today, eldest son Donald runs a nearby croft but rather than fishing or weaving, his other job is presenting Farpaisean Chon- Chaorach – a series about sheepdog trials on BBC Alba. Two of his brothers are also in jobs where Gaelic is essential. Latest research into the Gaelic language labour market identifies the key sectors as public administration, creative industries, education and tourism. Women are taking up more of these jobs than men. This is probably because many new posts are in education, early learning and childcare – sectors employing a higher proportion of females. The study by Skills Development Scotland projected that 98,000 new jobs would be created across the country between 2015 and 2027. On UNESCO’s list of imperilled languages Scottish Gaelic is classed as ‘definitely endangered’ (Credit: Getty Images) Celtic guanxi? While Gaelic was written out of business for centuries, recent research into Irish Gaelic – closely related to Scottish Gaelic – reveals that this exclusion brings its own surprising advantages. This is because Irish and Chinese culture differ to Anglo-American culture in that business is developed on the basis of personal relationships, rather than power and money, says Cathal Brugha, professor emeritus in the School of Business at Ireland’s University College Dublin. “Your typical American trying to do business in China will start by handing out their business card or Visa card and say ‘I want to buy this’ and the Chinese person will say ‘I don’t even know you, I will not do business with someone I don’t know. We’re going to develop a relationship and then we’re going to do things together’,” he says. The Chinese word for this concept is guanxi – which exists in Irish as caidreamh, he says. Translated into English? “You would need almost a paragraph: personal relationships that involve a certain amount of getting to know each other and reciprocity and reliance on one another and favour-making and leaning on the other person when you have a need and remembering that they owe you something so that you’re going to ask them to do something maybe in years to come,” says Brugha. It's a concept understood the world over but certainly the Irish Gaelic word is a neat distillation. So, this summer, when I wander along a beach on the island of Islay in the Southern Hebrides, and feel the white sand between my toes, I will think of my forebears and their wealth of words yet unknown to me. To comment on this story or anything else you have seen on BBC Capital, please head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter (via Gerald T Pollard, NC, DXLD) DX-PEDITIONS ++++++++++++ OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 5) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-1 Once again the largest collection of ferrite this side of the Ukraine crossed over the Columbia River bridge at the bizarre hour of 2:30 AM this morning, kicking off the major Rockwork DXpedition on the ocean cliff near Manzanita, Oregon. Unfortunately nobody seemed to have informed the "sleeping squatters," who had jammed up Rockwork 4 with three large RV's. An attempt to set up in between two of them didn't quite go according to plan, as the owner of the closest RV attempted to back up his turf claim with some loud, colorful language. As such, Craig Barnes and I relocated to Rockwork 5, which featured only one sleeping squatter (with a bicycle), who turned out to be quite tame. Rockwork 5 is also a little too narrow for foul-mouthed RV owners, and provided one of the most exciting DU-DXing sessions we had ever experienced. The main attraction was phenomenal signals from both 558-Fiji and 1017-Tonga, which both hit S9+ levels for extended periods. This was the best performance these two Pacific island stations have ever had at the Rockwork cliffs, and made it a special morning to remember. Craig and I had a blast tracking these and the usual Kiwi blasters, including the Maori parallels on 603 and 765, 531-PI and others. The session had some decent Oz reception as well, but most of the recordings have yet to be reviewed. A special watch was kept for the Western Australians on 531 and 558, and some interesting signals did show up (which need further attention). The obscure Kiwis on 576, 585 and 936 were missing in action, however. So the really exceptional signals were from both 558 and 1017, seemingly the first time that has ever happened at the cliffs. Craig and I plan to head back to Rockwork 5 tomorrow morning, which seems to have all the space that FSL users need for setup (and none of the wacky turf claims). 558 Radio Fiji One Suva, Fiji Awesome signal with island music and medley song ID on the half hour at 1230 (including "Radio Fiji One, Na Domoiviti" at 1:36) https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/4d86k1snsvks1alioju565k2l4zhq0j0 765 Radio Kahungunu The usual S9 signal from this 2.5 kW overachiever with distinctive Maori music at 1218 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/ejwv81klsuy5j2phywh9cssyan2rafmt 1017 A3Z Nuku'alofa, Tonga Monster signal with island music at the start of the session at 1221 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/ime1qsdd32h6wh0pumkrsozhwy6xestn Monster signal with island music near the close of the session at 1314 (in other words, all session long) https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/xgw85zga7d337r8905bnyu1qdgmvepn8 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing with Craig Barnes at the Rockwork 5 ocean cliff near Manzanita, Oregon), 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB and XHDATA D-808 portables + Very airport-unfriendly 15" and 17" FSL antennas (guaranteed to cause a security alert) Session photo (with Craig at the prime position) posted at https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/49owffx8wi0zre3jmbaeggfxfwxkzgsx IRCA via DXLD) ROCKWORKS 5 TP DX FOR 8-1-18 This represented a great start for my first TP DXing session at the renowned Rockworks location just north of Manzanita, OR. Many thanks to Gary for the loan of one his custom PVC FSL elevated platforms. I also used superb DeBock Supercharged Tecsun PL-380 and 5 inch "Frequent Flyer" FSL. This morning`s loggings: 558, Fiji BC at 1412z with very nice signal! 567, RNZ at 1406z decent signal 576, 2RN at 1410z and at 1417z fair signal 702, 2BL at 1359z with fair signal 774, 3LO at 1229z and 1424z weak 1017, A3Z at 1345z and 1400z the clear star of the morning, booming signal numerous times. This is the best mainland DU TP DX session I have enjoyed so far. I'm looking forward to what the following week has in store! 73, (Craig Barnes, DXing from the Rockworks site in OR, ibid.) OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 4) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-2 The Kiwi regulars were pounding in with serious force after 1300 this morning, along with a relatively obscure 1 kW NZ station which managed to join the parade -- 936-Chinese Voice. Craig and I were both astonished to receive the low powered ethnic station at an S9 level for several minutes, during which it seemed like Australian signals had fallen off of the cliff. Fiji and Tonga also made decent return appearances, finishing off a session which at first seemed slow to get in gear. Craig and I were able to set up at the preferred Rockwork 4 site in between two "sleeping squatters," who fortunately stayed asleep this time. As we set up our FSL's and PVC bases in the predawn darkness some light rain started to fall, but it didn't affect our operations. Prior to 1300 it was tough to find any really strong DU's except for 1017-A3Z, but the floodgates to New Zealand kicked in after that. 531, 567, 603, 657, 675, 702, 765 and (gulp) 936 seemed to get a sudden turbo boost, kicking their Australian competition completely off of the cliff. "Frequent Flyer" Craig has been catching on very quickly with FSL-based live DXing and propagation assessment, though, and when I tried to alert him to 936's sudden romp around 1309 he calmly answered, "Yes, Gary, I'm recording it right now." A search for the ultra-rare 585 Maori station proved fruitless this time, though, so 936-Chinese Voice definitely deserves the prize as the Morning Star of this session. It joined both 558-Fiji and 1017- Tonga as managing its best ever (S9+) signals during this just-started DXpedition. 531 PI Auckland, NZ Samoan talk at S9 level at 1238- in a running fight with the presumed More FM all session long https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/x3yesd182li5xac9bdotyocu4bqen4tr 531 More FM (presumed) The correct modern rock format at an S9 level around 1255 (during dominance over PI in an all-Kiwi show) but no ID's forthcoming https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/vwmjvqrkbko28j8fpg3b9iaym7z71t3w 657 Star Wellington/ Tauranga, NZ Monster level with New Zealand economic news at 1302 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/nb0c0e6yurqellmb9okwdnzhdg00lglb 936 Chinese Voice Auckland, NZ How can this signal be 1 kW at 6,866 miles? I must still be halfway asleep after the overnight drive in from Puyallup! But Craig Barnes heard it, too, so we can't both be dreaming. Far and away its strongest performance ever at the Cliff https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/9atqt5g542p3j818snnm95mtoaofth92 1017 A3Z Nuku'alofa, Tonga Beautiful island music at S9 level at 1318; a little less overwhelming than yesterday, but still very potent https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/k4tnfovufud0ek4zjkaexcpwayug5v97 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing with Craig Barnes at the Rockwork 4 ocean cliff near Manzanita, OR, USA), 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB + XHDATA D-808 portables (American innovation and Chinese imitation) + 15" and 17" Airport-closing FSL antennas, ibid.) Rockwork 4 DXpedition -- Session Photo for 8-2 Thanks to Craig for taking the ocean cliff DXing session photo this morning at the Rockwork 4 turnoff on Highway 101. Although the subject matter could possibly use some improvement, the shot does accurately depict the drizzly weather, and the "sleeping squatter" at my favorite FSL antenna setup spot https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/o9c7o5f3k7ql0xal5au6jxbc7zgpw3bs (Gary DeBock (in Nehalem, OR), ibid.) OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 6) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-3 (PRELIMINARY) The Kiwis were definitely on the warpath again this morning as multiple obscure stations had their best session in quite a while (and 738-Magic had its best session ever). The 594-Star duo hit S9, as did 963-Star. Alexandra was especially well represented with a couple of 2 kW stations (531-More FM and 639-RNZ) pounding in at times. Even the "dwarf Star" (576) managed to silence the 50 kW Oz big gun 2RN. Unfortunately the "sleeping squatters" had once again jammed up Rockwork 4, as well as Rockwork 5. Craig followed me to the relatively large Rockwork 6 turnoff (the one with the highest elevation), and we did our setup at the southern end, as far as possible from several RV's. The transoceanic propagation at Rockwork 6 certainly didn't disappoint, and we had another thrilling session tracking down multiple low powered NZ stations. The notoriously tough 531-More FM cooperated nicely with 3 ID's in 3 minutes at 1247 -- a male-voiced ID at 14 seconds, a female-voiced ID at 15 seconds, and another female- voiced ID at 3:26 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/p2et4xa8e602y0ocbzuongxziw7xafrc Up until now 531-More FM had only been heard at Rockwork 4 on the west coast, but now it has finally been heard in a new place -- Rockwork 6 :-) More details to follow... 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing at Rockwork 6 with Craig Barnes) Session photos from this morning posted at https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/exthrjjmdfmtphpsl8wvs8sogy3bdqu1 and https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/xigucktp07306guw0fh3e4ep49f4qepb 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB and XHDATA D-808 portables + 15" and 17" DXpedition FSL antennas, ibid.) Nice audio and pictures. Gary, I`m amazed that the pvc stands don`t succumb to wind blasts! Do the squatters add any QRN? Would you consider pre-empting them with staying at the site parked in the evening? Might deter a few from parking! 73, (Walt Salmaniw, ibid.) Hi Walt, Actually the PVC bases are quite stable when there is a 16 kg (35 pound) FSL antenna on top of them! If there is really nasty wind we have some heavy-duty plastic tie wraps to secure the PVC bases to local rocks, or trees. Well, our FSL's actually take up very little space, so it's no problem for us to quickly relocate to another cliff turnoff on Highway 101 (there are 9 of them) if necessary. The RV's haven't caused any RFI that I'm aware of, although the owners do occasionally emit some audio pollution. Rockwork 4 has the tradition of the 88-Kiwi DXpedition in 2014, but it certainly isn't unique in its awesome DU-enhanced propagation, judging by this week's results. Rockwork 5 and 6 have both provided all the DXing excitement we could have hoped for! 73, (Gary (in Nehalem, OR), ibid.) OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 6) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-3 (CONCLUSION) It was true Kiwi Magic for a second straight session after 1300 this morning as New Zealand pounded in with some of its best propagation ever. Numerous obscure Kiwi stations came out of the noise to join the parade, which resulted in the best-ever signals for 594-Star and 738- Magic, and the best recent signal from 756-RNZ. Its parallel on 567 also managed its best signal since the classic tower demolition a few years back. 1017-Tonga rounded out the session with more beautiful island music at an S9 level (which seems to have become a trend recently). Craig and I drove up to the Cliff in the predawn darkness around 1140 (0440 local time) only to find both the Rockwork 4 and 5 turnoffs completely jammed up with RV's, trucks and cars. As such we headed for Rockwork 6, which not only has the highest elevation but also plenty of space. There were several RV's parked there, but we had no trouble setting up our FSL's on the south end. Like yesterday the session seemed a little slow to get untracked until around 1250, when the rare 531-More FM got into an S9 snarl with PI, finally pushing the Samoan signal down into the noise for a nice recording (featuring three ID's). The Kiwi floodgates swung wide open around 1300, with the obscure 639-RNZ and 738-Magic showing up with some strength. 594 and 963-Star were also much stronger than usual, and even 576-Star in Hamilton drowned out the Oz big gun 2RN. Craig's 5" Frequent Flyer FSL was doing a great job overall but seemed unable to tune in 531, which was delivering a lot of Kiwi snarl drama this morning. After replacement with the latest-model 3.5" ferrite rod FSL (photo below) he got in on all the 531 action-- presumably including More FM's potent rock music. Overall it was another great session, and convincing proof that enhanced DU-DX propagation isn't limited to Rockwork 4. 531 More FM Alexandra, NZ Notoriously rare 2 kW Kiwi station dominant over PI at 1247 with short, choppy ID's at 14 seconds (male), 15 seconds (female) and 3:27 (female). On the west coast this modern rock station has only been heard at the Rockwork Cliff complex https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/p2et4xa8e602y0ocbzuongxziw7xafrc 567 RNZ National Wellington, NZ Potent S9 signal (its best since the old classic tower demolition) with Hindi-accented English conversation at 1320 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/kbx6rp6asp7v89hb08yhknjfp5cklhre 594 Star Timaru/ Wanganui, NZ Best ever signal from these Christian format synchros with vocal music // 657 at 1326 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/j80d4a3hbktpk5284v2tr26sq284faf2 603 R. Waatea Auckland, NZ Beautiful Maori music // 765 at 1317 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/lf63vi0b6gmoj73rwi772yorgjew4cg3 738 Magic Christchurch, NZ Best signal ever (through San Francisco splatter) with "That Will Be the Day" // a weaker 702 at 1256 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/rwvk30s2izjadez7vrcxbuqdyubxvvf0 756 RNZ National Auckland, NZ Amazing signal only 70 miles (and 6 KHz) away from the 50 kW Portland pest KXTG-- solid rock attenuation at its finest https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/vnlf4hoe57crowj83sm5n2kdnnegw7e8 963 Star Christchurch, NZ Best recent signal with vocal music stronger than 657 parallel https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/bxu7xpnt8zze7oc9x3eg15f9790kf7hi 1017 A3Z Nuku'alofa, Tonga More beautiful island music at 1250 from this new Rockwork cliff "Big Gun" https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/1l1xkyix03o7onoxsmr1wa2tsivqxr8s 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing with Craig Barnes at the Rockwork 6 ocean cliff near Manzanita, OR, USA), 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB + XHDATA D-808 portables + 15" and 17" TSA-unfriendly FSL antennas, This morning's session photos at Rockwork 6 are posted at https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/exthrjjmdfmtphpsl8wvs8sogy3bdqu1 (me) and (Craig): https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/xigucktp07306guw0fh3e4ep49f4qepb ibid.) OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 6) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-4 The exceptional Kiwi conditions of the past two days gave way to more routine propagation this morning as several Australian big guns made their first decent appearance of the DXpedition. Kiwi signals generally took a dive, although on frequencies like 702 there were still snarls as big guns from the separate areas fought it out. This morning we were joined by Tom R., who had just enough space in between the "squatters" at Rockwork 4 to set up his broadband loop. Craig and I decided on the less crowded Rockwork 6, where the only distraction was a nearby squatter who asked us about 5 times if we had any cigarettes. With the exception of the new big gun 1017-Tonga the session's DU propagation seemed fairly sedate until 1300, when the Australian big guns on 594, 702 and 774 began building up strength. A few Kiwis (on 503, 657 and 702) also started getting a modest boost at that time, but nothing like the previous couple of days. 702-2BL was one of the stronger Oz signals at 1305 but Auckland put up a good fight until around 1315, when it ran out of Magic. Around this time 558-Fiji came out of nowhere with a church service that reached S7 level, only to collapse around 1320 back into the KPQ splatter. 1017- A3Z was again the star of the session, with Tom very impressed by its awesome new signals (as Craig and I have already been, for the entire week). 558 Radio Fiji One Suva, Fiji Church service at brief good level with female island speech and choral music around 1323 (before sudden collapse a few minutes later) https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/r03du5hvkdhx4dfrxfy6yn8gk30zhd2x 1017 A3Z Nuku'alofa, Tonga Female choral music, "Amazing God" during worship service at 1225 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/n7r7vven8f5g9y4rewlgwmyeyj72dynh 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing with Craig Barnes and Tom Rothlisberger at the Rockwork ocean cliff near Manzanita, OR, USA), 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB and XHDATA D-808 portables + 15" and 17" FSL antennas, ibid.) OREGON CLIFF (ROCKWORK 6) ULTRALIGHT DU'S FOR 8-5 -- YIKES! Nick certainly brought the luck with him from Victoria as Tom, Craig and I had one of the most thrilling sessions ever at the Rockwork ocean cliff. The legendary weak station 585-Radio Ngati Porou (// 603) was heard for the first time in 4 years, and Tom mentioned that he had never heard 531-More FM so loud. 585-7RN in Tasmania had a booming signal, while Craig had so much choice DU-DX on his new "Baby FSL" that he seemed awestruck. As we drove up in total darkness at 1140 the "sleeping squatters" were once again out in force, so we needed to split up into two groups-- Craig and I at Rockwork 6, and Tom and Nick at Rockwork 4. When the first FSL was set up on 531 kHz in total darkness at 1155 UTC there was already an S9+ signal from 531-PI, which astonished all of us. This was exactly the same situation as in July of 2014, during the NZ- record (88 Kiwis) DXpedition with Chuck. This morning's session was every bit as good as during the Kiwi Record trip-- if not better. Every NZ station I tried for showed up, and the other three DXers seemed swamped with choice DX all over the band. Even Craig was making out like a DU-DXing bandit with his 3.5 inch Baby FSL, tracking down 531-More FM, 558-Fiji, 585-7RN, 936-Chinese Voice, etc. The session was definitely a thriller, and will surely be remembered for the ages! A photo of four DXers together after the awesome session is posted at https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/1vvrv5cyfl7di16ba5sv3u7mkx1fkeqf Full details to follow (Gary DeBock (in Nehalem, OR), ibid.) Thanks for posting that photo -- it's fun to be able to see who's hearing stuff! Of course the trip accounts are always interesting to read, especially about the "squatter encounters".?????? :) (Steve Ratzlaff, ibid.) What time (local time) do you depart from home, start DXing, end a typical session? Just curious (Russ Johnson, ibid.) Local sunrise here now is about 6 AM local, 1300 UT, and peak conditions seem to occur about then, Russ. We try to be set up at least an hour earlier than that, and shut down today was about 1330 as the DX faded away. We're mostly just a few minutes drive away from the site, so that part isn't too difficult. best wishes, (Nick Hall-Patch, ibid.) Thanks Nick. Your adventures are super interesting! (Russ, ibid.) Thanks Steve, We would have enjoyed having you with us. When all four DXers gathered together for that photo at Rockwork 6 two very friendly "sleeping squatters" took the picture for us :-) (Gary, ibid.) Are there any SDR files from this DXpedition? I know that most of the action is live DX with tuned loops but I did see a mention of a broadband loop being used (perhaps hooked to SDR?). I'd like to get a couple of the best files, if they exist, to give me a feel for the best of what the West Coast has to offer in summer DU / Polynesia DX. Top-of-hours preferred and Perseus or Elad formats preferred. If these can be accessed via a cloud server, that would be the best for all, even if the files take an hour or more to download. Otherwise, I'd pay for USB thumbdrive stick round trip mailing costs as I've done with beach DX material from some DXers on this side of the US (Mark Connelly, WA1ION, South Yarmouth, MA, ibid.) Mark - All of my files are Perseus. Ditto for Tom Rothlisberger. Nick will have some SDR files from his 2 visits also. The FSL guy (Gary) makes most of the noise but there is a huge amount of Perseus files in the can (Chuck Hutton, ibid.) I second that as well, I would be interested in hearing some as the SDR file of TP Radio action. If these can be accessed via a cloud server, that would be the best for all, even if the files take an hour or more to download. Thanks (James Niven, Austin, Texas, ibid.) ROCKWORK OCEAN CLIFF DXPEDITION -- RARE KIWI MW-DX BONANZA! As reported previously the transoceanic propagation was awesome yesterday at the Rockwork 6 Highway turnoff, resulting in multiple rare Kiwi receptions, and also S9 signals from stations like 7RN in Tasmania. The obscure NZ stations 531-More FM, 558-Radio Sport and 576-Star are usually a challenge to track down, but 585-Radio Ngati Porou borders on the monumental (it hadn't been heard at the Rockwork cliff for 4 years). All of them showed up during yesterday's phenomenal session, though. Once again the "sleeping squatters" made our antenna setup interesting, and Craig and I were together at Rockwork 6 while Tom and Nick set up at Rockwork 4. Nick also set up some monitoring gear at our Rockwork 6 turnoff in the hope of comparing DU-DX signals at the two locations (which Craig and I guarded with our lives against the sleeping squatters). When the first FSL antenna was set up to monitor 531 kHz in the total darkness at 1155 UT it immediately tracked down an overwhelming S9+ signal from 531-PI in Auckland, which proved to be a harbinger of things to come https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/819m794mvc4gdym5b06smy19aqhooofi Before 1200 the rare Kiwis got into gear, along with S9 signals from 585-7RN, 702-2BL and 774-3LO. 531-More FM drowned out co-channel PI at 1247, while 558-Fiji showed up with potent strength at 1325. 1017- Tonga was again in and out at S9, of course. By the way, Craig is becoming a very skillful live DXer and FSL operator-- and certainly demonstrated that ability this morning. Overall it was a very thrilling session! 531 More FM Alexandra, NZ (2 kW) Potent modern rock music all alone at 1247, with typical short, choppy ID's (male and female, Yankee-accented) at 27 and 28 seconds https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/9z4bvsz7zd037grhwl5iwdrppm94m6rl 558 Radio Sport Invercargill, NZ One of the tougher Kiwis came through with Yankee-accented Fox Sports News relay // 792 at 1307, showing up for the first time in three years https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/dnkj6fqkviu8g57hw5mzcm00xae62ibr 576 Star Hamilton, NZ (2.5 kW) The "dwarf Star" manages music under 2RN at 1253 https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/xekx5gb4chsdr1njlc4kkd4mlxw630h3 which is parallel to 657-Star at the time https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/ipl15obsn5w55qtdgdjzyit65h6918lb 585 7RN Hobart, Tasmania Powerful signal with female speech at 1249 (with the 576-2RN parallel confirmed at 31 seconds) https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/wpqm0pjh1f1cj8nlzzo93jclvrd46clg 585 Radio Ngati Porou Ruatoria, NZ (2 kW) One of the rarest possible catches from NZ. During the 7RN recording some choral music is audible under Tasmania, and after about a minute I decided to check for a Maori net parallel on 603-Waatea (at 2:08 into the recording). Much to my surprise 603 had the same choral music, nailing down reception of this station with legendary weakness (for the first time in 4 years) https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/wpqm0pjh1f1cj8nlzzo93jclvrd46clg 73 and Good DX, (Gary DeBock (DXing with Craig Barnes at the Rockwork 6 ocean cliff turnoff on Highway 101 near Manzanita, OR, USA), 7.5" loopstick CC Skywave SSB & XHDATA D-808 portables + 15", 15" and 17" airport-closing FSL antennas; Four DXer session photo is posted at https://dreamcrafts.box.com/s/1vvrv5cyfl7di16ba5sv3u7mkx1fkeqf ibid.) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See BHUTAN; CHINA; INDIA; NIGERIA; ++++++++++++++++++++++++ ROMANIA; TAIWAN; USA WINB; UNID 6935 DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See MEXICO; OKLAHOMA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ LISTENING TO THE WORLD WITH ONLINE RECEIVERS One of the great radio-related sides to the Internet is the fact that many people have put shortwave receivers online, many of them SDRs Software defined radios but also regular receivers, all accessible to the fans of radio around the world. Why listen to shortwave via the Internet ? Many reasons, maybe you don’t own a shortwave radio and still want to tune around the bands. You can also tune in to signals that are in a specific target area but the choice of time and frequency makes it impossible to tune in at your home location. Your noise level is too high, and you want to hear a signal that you think might be audible in your general vicinity. With online receivers you can compare reception of the same signal at different areas and maybe even help pin-point the location of an unknown transmission? Are there many online receivers available? There are hundreds of online radios you can tune and the number is growing almost daily. The radios are often made available by fellow radio fans or amateur radio operators, or possibly a radio club, or radio group that just wants to have you listen in from their location. Where can I find these radios? Are they free to use? For the most part all access to listen is free and open to anyone that has an internet access. Here’s a selection of some of the best locations of online receivers on the web. 1) http://www.sdr.hu This is the best resource for anyone that is looking to tune into the shortwave bands with a increasing number of receivers from almost anywhere around the world. They use Kiwi SDR receivers that means they allow up to 4 simultaneous connections at the same time, each tuning different frequencies in all modes AM USB LSB FM, some are wideband some limited to longware mediumwave and shortwave 2) http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ This one is set up at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, it is run by the ETDG Amateur radio club in collaboration with the Faculty for electrical engineering, Mathematics and Computer science Faculty. It can be tuned by hundreds of users at the same time, it is very sensitive and has very low noise, it is always amazing to tune around with this receiver 3) https://www.globaltuners.com/ This one is different. Most of the receivers are actual radios that are controlled by computers and online. They operate on the principle of 1 listener at a time and if someone is already tuning it you need to ask permission in order to tune the radio. It requires a free registration to use the online receivers. 4) http://www.websdr.org/ This is another great list of receivers, but most of them do not cover shortwave, many cover only amateur radio bands, some only local VHF UHF frequencies. Have fun tuning around the online radios! (Gilles Letourneau, http://www.youtube.com/officialswlchannel/ Technical Topics, August CIDX Messenger via DXLD) MYSTERY SIGNALS OF THE SHORT WAVE Dedicated to the more unusual, strange, bizarre and apparently meaningless signals on the short wave bands http://www.mysterysignals.signalshed.com/ (via Thomas Sundstrom, Vincentown, New Jersey, Aug Radio HF Internet Newsletter via DXLD) FAST RADIO BURSTS (FRBS) CATALOG An August 3rd article in Newsweek “Mystery Low-Frequency Space Signal Spotted for First Time” drew my attention to this webpage on FRBs. http://www.frbcat.org/ (via Dan Srebnick, Aberdeen Township, New Jersey, Aug Radio HF Internet Newsletter via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ 2018 SEASON AND SEATTLE [VHF] DX POST MORTEM First, my observation about Seattle as a place for FM DXing. I think Seattle may very well be the worst area for DXing in the 48 contiguous states. Skip from various locales usually dies before it gets here, often not making it past the Cascades. And of course, we have no trop, just enhancement during heat waves or extended periods of high pressure, but nothing like the east coast gets. Few frequencies are available, thanks to HD and the FCC's propensity to overcrowd the dial. That situation isn't unique to Seattle, of course, but it's worse here than St. Louis or Minneapolis, which I've visited in recent years. So how does this season rate compared to the other 11 seasons I've experienced here? It's the worst, and it's not even close. Considering that I was unavailable for 90 percent of the 2007 season, and it was still better than 2018, that'll give you an idea of just how bad this season was. Only one decent opening occurred this entire season, and a schedule conflict prevented me from enjoying it. The conflict wasn't Mother Nature's fault, of course, but having your whole season hinge on 90 minutes is dismal. I know I don't live in the east, which often produces decent openings several days a week during the E season. And it seemed like most DXers had their best season in a decade. Still, although I've got to believe things would have been better here in a better sunspot cycle, in 2011 I averaged an opening about once every eight days during the active part of the season. In 2018, things started looking encouraging from June 19-22, but little did I know that that would be the season's peak. Like most of the country, we were in a lull in late June and early July, when skip is usually active-and it just never picked up. I hoped, maybe naïvely, that this summer would be different - in a better way. I DXed from Bakersfield CA in the '70s and most of the '80s, and had frequent Seattle FM openings. Brief, but often up to 108. Rarely did I experience a year without something major from Seattle. But being here in Seattle, I've only had one or two decent California openings from 2007 to 2018. Only one like March 7, 1983, when California was open to Oregon and much of Washington State. I hoped to see more of this from the Northwest side of things, but it was not to be. Meanwhile, this year, there was plenty of DX from Idaho, near where I'm moving to, to the Midwest, effective paths from eastern Washington to Minneapolis and Arizona were plentiful, but we didn't get it here. This is probably my last skip season in Seattle. In a month or so, I'll be moving to southeast Washington, near the Idaho border. That move south and east should improve things considerably for me. No, it's not Texas or Florida, but it'll increase my DX targets, and I've calculated that I'll be able to DX on 66 or 67 frequencies. When I visited there in March, I heard only one HD transmitter, although two are listed. (The 90.5 just may have interfered with a nearby 90.3. I didn't find a trace of its HD sidebands.) I hope I'll be able to get some of that skip that doesn't make it this far north and west. Incidentally, if you're considering moving to Seattle, bear this in mind. Besides the June 22 opening, which I couldn't fully experience, this year I had no other skip above 96 MHz. The MUF only exceeded 100 MHz only one day in 2017, and I don't think it happened at all in 2016. We've had some Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota skip in the past 12 seasons, but nowhere near as much as I'd have expected. (KUWR in Jackson WY appears to be my most frequent catch.) We'll see what the new location brings. But I can't imagine it bringing less than I've experienced in Seattle. It takes a lot of patience to DX here, and every year I've seriously thought about giving up. If this weren't my last year here, my Sonys would have already been on eBay. I still hold out hope for better things, but for DX, it won't be here. It seldom was – (Rick Lucas, August 3, WTFDA gg via DXLD) THE SUNSPOT CYCLE IS MORE INTRICATE THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT By Katie Peek The sun's dark spots cycle every 11 years — as well as every 88, 200, and 2,400 years . . . https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-sunspot-cycle-is-more-intricate-than-previously-thought/ Interesting article here: (via Mike Terry, WOR iog via DXLD) :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts :Issued: 2018 Aug 06 0236 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 30 July - 05 August 2018 Solar activity was very low throughout the period. Region 2717 (S08, L=027, class/area=Axx/10 on 02 Aug) was briefly the sole active region with sunspots, but was largely unproductive. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed this period. No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 30 Jul, moderate levels on 31 Jul, and 01, 03-04 Aug. Normal levels were observed throughout the rest of the period. Geomagnetic field activity was quiet to unsettled on 31 Jul, and 01-03 Aug, with quiet conditions observed throughout the remainder of the period, under a nominal solar wind environment. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 06 AUGUST-01 SEPTEMBER 2018 Solar activity is expected to be very low throughout the outlook period. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 21-26 Aug. Moderate levels are expected on 06-11, 18-20, 27-31 Aug and 01 Sep. Normal levels are expected throughout the remainder of the outlook period. Geomagnetic field activity is likely to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 20 Aug due to the influence of a negative polarity, coronal hole high-speed stream. Active conditions are expected on 07-08, 17, and 20-21 Aug due to multiple, recurrent coronal hole high-speed streams. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected throughout the remainder of the outlook period. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2018 Aug 06 0236 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 2018-08-06 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2018 Aug 06 69 8 3 2018 Aug 07 69 12 4 2018 Aug 08 69 12 4 2018 Aug 09 69 8 3 2018 Aug 10 69 5 2 2018 Aug 11 69 5 2 2018 Aug 12 69 8 3 2018 Aug 13 69 8 3 2018 Aug 14 69 5 2 2018 Aug 15 69 5 2 2018 Aug 16 69 8 3 2018 Aug 17 69 12 4 2018 Aug 18 69 5 2 2018 Aug 19 69 5 2 2018 Aug 20 69 20 5 2018 Aug 21 69 12 4 2018 Aug 22 69 5 2 2018 Aug 23 70 5 2 2018 Aug 24 70 5 2 2018 Aug 25 70 5 2 2018 Aug 26 70 5 2 2018 Aug 27 70 5 2 2018 Aug 28 70 5 2 2018 Aug 29 70 5 2 2018 Aug 30 70 5 2 2018 Aug 31 70 5 2 2018 Sep 01 69 5 2 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1942, DXLD) ###