DX LISTENING DIGEST 9-052, July 13, 2009 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits For restrixions and searchable 2009 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn NEXT SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1468, July 8-15, 2009 Tue 1100 WRMI 9955 Tue 1530 WRMI 9955 Tue 1900 WBCQ 7415 Wed 0500 WRMI 9955 [or new 1469 starting here?] Wed 1530 WRMI 9955 Wed 1900 WBCQ 7415 SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1469, July 15-22, 2009 Wed 0500 WRMI 9955 Wed 1530 WRMI 9955 Wed 1900 WBCQ 7415 Thu 0530 WRMI 9955 Thu 1900 WBCQ 7415 Fri 0000 WBCQ 5110-CUSB Area 51 Fri 0100 WRMI 9955 Fri 1130 WRMI 9955 Fri 1900 WBCQ 7415 Fri 2030 WWCR1 15825 [or 2029] Sat 0800 WRMI 9955 Sat 0800 IPAR/IRRS/NEXUS/IBA 9510 [except first and second Sats] Sat 1630 WWCR3 12160 Sun 0230 WWCR3 5070 Sun 0630 WWCR1 3215 Sun 0800 WRMI 9955 Sun 1515 WRMI 9955 [suspended, until mid-August?] Mon 0500 WRMI 9955 Mon 2200 WBCQ 7415 Tue 1100 WRMI 9955 Tue 1530 WRMI 9955 Tue 1900 WBCQ 7415 Wed 0500 WRMI 9955 [or new 1470 starting here?] Wed 1530 WRMI 9955 Wed 1900 WBCQ 7415 Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS VIA WRN NOW AVAILABLE: http://podcast.worldofradio.org or http://www.wrn.org/listeners/stations/podcast.php OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org ** AFGHANISTAN. Hey Glenn, Sorry I have been so tardy at replying. Kandahar has me extremely busy, and I have little to no spare time, even for dx'ing. I am going on three weeks' annual leave on the 23rd, and will probably be heading back down to Kandahar on August 18th. Hopefully I will be able to start DXing again then. I am back in Kabul for a couple of days to unstress, but I have to go back down to Kandahar in the morning. The rockets and suicide bombs are intensifying down there and with the elections nationwide around the 20th of August, things are gonna really get hairy. On a side note, remember the pictures I sent of the Radio Solh antenna and towers in Kandahar? Well, they have been completely dismantled and taken away. Radio Solh there was been replaced by a propaganda FM station (don't have the info at hand, will email it when I get back down to Kandahar). (Al Muick, Afghanistan, July 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALBANIA. 9345, R. Tirana, 0030-0035, July 9. Still using a taped broadcast from ~ February, 2009, the same tape that was mentioned in 9-051. English. Frequencies for October 2008 - March 2009, news discussing preparations for February 20th celebrations marking an anniversary related to the collapse of communism; good, better than last week (Todd Demone, ON, Icom R75, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALBANIA. 7465, 1916 10/07, R Tirana, French, desde Shijak, com 100 kW, programa musical apresentado por YL, sinal degradando, 25422 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** ANGOLA. 4949.7, RNA-Canal "A", Mulenvos, 2234- 07 Jul, no readable audio, seemingly an empty carrier, ditto on 08 Jul at 1845 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. 1640, R Hosanna, Isidro Casanova, Argentina; Religious talk and occasional music. ID “Estás escuchando Radio Hosanna AM 1640. ¡Dios salva hoy! Llámanos al 4467 2468 o envía tu mensaje de texto al 11 40 38 97 36 Radio Hosanna.”. Promo for the programme “De Corazón a Corazón. Also on 12/6 seemingly signing off at 0330 with the same announcement; UK First W 0202 7/6 AB 1690, AM Revivir, Isidro Casanova, Argentina; soft music, “por llamas AM Revivir … teléfono 4640 1021” and other mentions of AM Revivir - phone-in discussion followed; UK First F 0204 30/5 AB (Andrew Brade, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, East Riding of Yorkshire. AOR AR 7030 plus and Perseus SDR, Wellbrook phased array 290 , 305m beverage at 220 . Recording on Sony MZ-NH1 minidisc + Total Recorder, July-August MW News via DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. 15345, Radio Nacional, General Pacheco, 2120-2145, 05.07, locutor, fútbol, "Vélez Sarfield campeón, Vélez está dando la vuelta olímpica, se le escapó a Huracán el título", "Estamos aquí en Radio Nacional". 34333 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. 15345, 1931 08/07, RAE, em Italian, desde General Pacheco, com 100 kW, ID por YL e OM fala sobre esportes. Como já comentado por um colega, a única representante nas ondas curtas na América do Sul, com serviço em outros idiomas fora o idioma nacional, 45444 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** ARMENIA. 7270, Russian International Radio, 0005-0007, July 9. News with same female announcer as V. of Russia on 7225 and 7260. ID at 0005 "Golos Rossi... Rossky ... Radio" (assuming that latter part of ID was "Russian International Radio"). Male announcer at 0006 different than VOR broadcasts; fair (Todd Demone, Ontario, Icom R75, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7270, VOR via Yerevan-Gavar, 0111, 7/12/09. Russian service. OMs presenting presumed news. Strong het on frequency from likely AIR. Fair signal (Jerry Strawman, Des Moines, IA, Drake R8, Wellbrook ALA- 100, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ASIA [non]. Rich D'Angelo sent me the info from RFA on the new QSL honoring Nikola Tesla. For those who have not registered with Yahoo Groups and therefore cannot access the Files section of the NASWA yg, I have placed a copy at http://www.zerobeat.org/NASWA/RFA_QSL_release_0907.pdf (DanFerguson, SC, July 8, NASWA yg via DXLD) Google logo also honored Tesla July 10 (gh) ** AZORES [and non]. Açores, 909 kHz, R. Club de Angra and 1566 Estação Emissora do Club Asas do Atlântico (plus R. Altitude, Guarda, here on mainland) will most probably lose their MW permits, i.e. if the decision hasn't been taken into force, on grounds of non-use of their frequencies (Carlos Gonçalves via Mediumwave.info) Rádio Lajes - A Voz da Força Aérea Portuguesa, will hopefully be back on MW soon, though neither on its previous, inactive, outlet on 648 kHz (was 650 kHz at least in the mid~late 70s) nor on the one shown in their website, i.e. 1530 kHz, which was the frequency they originally planned to move to. It's going to be on 1584 kHz, where the station seemed to have operated in the past too. Power will again be 1 kW via the old, idle transmitter. Part of their future plans include DRM operation on MW via a new transmitter and VHF-FM power increase from the current 0.150 kW PEP to 0.5 kW PEP. Besides that, split operation will be an option, i.e. VHF- FM, internet and MW all carrying different channels albeit including some relays of R. Renascença, and with sport being carried via MW. R. Lajes' audience is not confined to the Lajes airbase personel, nor to Lajes or even Praia da Vitória, the nearest town, but to the whole island of Terceira at least: http://www.radiolajes.com/lajes (Carlos Gonçalves via Mediumwave.info via July/August MW News via DXLD) ** BANGLADESH. 4750 kHz is currently off the air and 7250 is used for morning home service programs. Bangladesh has changed to UT +7h time zone on 20th June. The time change will be permanent if the change does not have any major negative impact (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) ** BELARUS. 29560 harmonic / 7390 kHz. BC / A3E auf 29560 kHz um 1910 UT, Harmonische von 7390 kHz. Deutsches Programm. Was koennte das sein ??? (Wolf DK2OM, German & IARU Bandwatch, July 4, via BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) Guten Abend, Radio Belarus, Minsk. Das ist der Sender, der auch fuer die 7210/7390 Nebenaussendung auf 7030 kHz ursaechlich ist. 7390 kHz 1100-2300 UT 27,28 MNS 150kW 250degr BLR BTC SDT (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 4) i.e. 4 x 7390 = 29560 (gh) ** BIAFRA [non]. V. of Biafra International, Fridays 1900-2000 via WHRI had been on 17520 reliably since April, so did not even reconfirm it last week, but July 10 it was missing! Axually, I see the last time I bothered to log it on 17520 was June 5, but I think I had still noticed it there a week or three later. Now soon found at 1930 on 15665 instead, a previously used/scheduled channel, in Ibo at the moment with English words mixed in such as ``self-determination``, apparently a non-native concept to the Biafrans. 1933 back into full English exhortations. Has their website http://www.biafraland.com/vobi.htm been updated to reflect this? Of course not! Still shows long-abandoned 15280 and an hour later than reality. Yet that page linx to last four broadcasts playing immediately by clipstream, including July 10. Monitored the opening for any possible frequency announcement: none at the start, none after ``Finlandia``, none after ``All Hail Biafra`` before ``let us pray`` either, which went immediately into a song instead. Nor after that before the news against the awful Nigerians. And still no frequency mentioned in the ID after that (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. 3309.98, Radio Mosoj Chaski, Cochabamba 0930 to 1030 noted every day in Florida. 4409.79 (?), Radio Eco, Reyes carrier noted 0950 to 1002 on 8 July, no logs of Radio Eco at this time but is regular after 0100 in Florida. Before 0000 banda media harmonic dominates. rlcw 4409.79, Radio Eco, Reyes 0052 strong signal with OM, 3 July. 4451.2, Radio Santa Ana, Santa Ana de Yacuma, 2320 to 2335 or beyond on some day, a regular since 30 June, per Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec assistance. 4699.32, Radio San Miguel, Riberalta, 1000 most days, off 0900 to 1030 for five days, 2300 to 0030 seems always there! [Wilkner + LOB] 4716.62, Radio Yura, Yura, noted 1000 to 1100 fade with weak signal 7,8,9 July; 2330 July 4. 4732, RTTY 2330 with no signal of the occasional Bolivian. 4781.73, R. Tacana, Tumupasa. 2330 to 0000 with weak signal, some audio; also same time 6 July 4796.45, Radio Lípez, Uyuni with OM español, 1015 9 July 4834.93, R. Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza. Noted recently by LOB 4865, tentative Radio Logos, Santa Cruz 2340 to 2350 deep fades, YL en español, thanks Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec 29 June; similar log 2 July 5580.2, Radio San José, San José de Chiquitos, 2330 to 0000 noted since June 30, very regular Bolivian [Wilkner et al] 5952.53, Radio Pío XII, Siglo XX, *1100 July 9th, seem regular sign on time 6075, Radio Kawsachun Coca, Lauca, 1000-1100 seemed off 9 July; noted 1055 3 July, 1020 to 1040 better signal on 5 July (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also PERU ** BOLIVIA. 4699.4, Radio San Miguel, Riberalta, 2223-2239, 03-07, locutor, español, comentario, música latinoamericana. Señal muy débil, audible en LSB. 15321. 5952.5, Radio Pio XII, Siglo XX, 2209-2222, 03-07, locutora, español, comentarios: "Los mineros de nuestros municipios", "Pio XII", canciones bolivianas. Mejor en LSB. 13221 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. Tropenband logs van 2330 tot 0145 UT bandscanning 3310, Mosoj Chaski 4409.805, Radio Eco Reyes 4451.195, Radio Santa Ana 4699.300, Radio San Miguel 4716.691, Radio Yura 5580.286, Radio San José Perseus SDR en super Kaz antennes. 73, (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, July 11, HCDX via DXLD) See also PERU ** BRAZIL. 720, ZYK276 R. Guaiba, Porto Alegre (30 02'S 51 12'W) JUL 9 0832 - Fading in briefly with news/talk about "madrugada" in Portuguese. 760, ZYH588 R. Uirapuru, Fortaleza (3 45'S 38 31'W) JUL 9 0110 - Fading under unID Latin Americans; sports commentary in Portuguese. 860, ZYJ459 Radio CBN, Rio de Janeiro JUL 9 0102 - Over an unID Latin American; network ID in futebol coverage, "...a Radio CBN." 899.52, ZYJ454 R. Tamóio, Rio de Janeiro JUL 8 0801-0832 - Briefly audible talk in Portuguese, strong het against CHML, YVMD, and remainder of 900 kHz jumble. JUL 9 0101 - Loud, 899.52 kHz, easily separated from 900 kHz; sports commentary in Portuguese. [see below] 1000, ZYK522 R. Record, São Paulo (23 33'S 46 38'W) JUL 8 0740 - Fair with WMVP nulled out; woman speaker in Portuguese. 1220, ZYJ458 R. Globo, Rio de Janeiro (22 55'S 43 13'W) JUL 8 2357 - Briefly atop the frequency; "Gooooal!" and raygun sound effect during play-by-play in Portuguese (Bruce Conti, Camden ME; SDR IQ, MWDX-5, parallel terminated Delta antennas, 15-m base by 15-m tall separated by 15-m, aimed southeast, mwdx yg via DXLD) 899.515, BRAZIL, ZYJ454, R. Tamóio, Rio de Janeiro, JUN 5 0029 - Possible Spanish talk (but that may have been from a 900 adjacent), off-channel carrier. JUN 25 2348 - Fragments of talk that was either Portuguese or Spanish; poor, 899.53 kHz. JUN 26 0059 - Fast reverberated talk (Mark Connelly, WA1ION, Rockport MA; Microtelecom Perseus, Drake R8A, cardioid-pattern Micro-SuperLoop on car roof, square, 2 m per side, with 9:1 xfmr on east bottom corner to speaker wire to 2:1 xfmr to W7IUV transfer amp, and 9:1 xfmr on west corner to speaker wire to 500-? null-adjust potentiometer, NRC IDXD via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 2380, 09/7 2341, Rádio Educadora Limeira-sp, tx musical, 33333 (Aparecido Francisco py5aap Morato, gg46qu, Cornelio Procopio- Pr- Br, dxclubepr yg via DXLD) 2379.86, Brasil, Radio Educadora de Limeira 0910 to 0930 weak with some Portuguese 8 July. 3255, Brasil Radio Educadora 6 de Agosto, Xapuri 1000 to 1020 OM in Portuguese, weak 8 July (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also UNID 3255 ** BRAZIL. BRASIL, 4755, Radio Imaculada Conceiçao, Campo Grande, 0520-0530, 01-07, locutor, portugués, comentario religioso, canciones. 15321. 4805, Radiodifusora do Amazonas, Manaus, 2250-2303, 07-07, canciones brasileñas, identificación a las 2301: "Radiodifusora do Amazonas, Manaos, 4805 kHz, ondas tropicais...", locutor, comentarios. 24322. 4925.2, Radio Educaçao Rural, Tefé, 2215-2232, 01-07, programa "A Voz do Brasil". 14322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 4885, ZYF692, R Maria, Taguatinga, Brasília, DF, via 1 kW transmitter in Anápolis, GO (16 15'25 S - 49 01'08 W), 0939-1310, Jun 28 and Jul 02, religious Catholic program, music, audience participation prayer to "Our Lady" (Nossa Senhora), 32332. They are still in adjustment of the transmitter and link, said the Director: Padre (Priest) Reinaldo of Fundação Nossa Senhora Aparecida. Schedule: 24 hours (live from 0900 to 0300 UT, recorded programs between 0300 and 0900) // 94.5 FM in Ceilândia, Brasília. It is the former Vóz do Coração Imaculado. Postal address: Qna 05 Lote 20, Brasilia – DF, Brazil CEP 72110-050. E-mail : radiomaria @ radiomaria.org.br Website: http://www.radiomaria.org.br (Azevedo, Cássio, Bedene, Cunha in Radioescutas, translated by Nigro for DXplorer via DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 4905, R. Anhangüera, Araguaína TO, 2245-2302, 07 Jul, A Voz do Brasil national news magazine; 34332 and deteriorating, QRM de China. 4915, R. CBN Anhangüera, Goiânia GO, 2147-2213, 08 Jul, religious propaganda program during which other stations were mentioned, including "CBN", so this name is still being used, abrupt feed of A Voz do Brasil at 2202; 44433. 4915, R. Difª, Macapá AP, 2301-2315, 08 Jul, ID + frequency and program announcements, advice for safe road driving followed by a program about health at 2303; 34332, QRM de BRASIL, i.e. R. CBN or R. Daqui as the new name goes, but this station was airing no perceivable audio, just the carrier. A few days earlier, R. Difusora at Macapá was heard with a superb signal at 2300 when the full ID was given. [later: As to that Brazilian station on 4915, R. CBN Anhangüera, now R. Daqui, I think the "CBN" ID I heard during the religious program might have been some mistake, or then it was pre-recorded and no "Rádio Daqui" ID was mentioned. I also tried to hear this new ID, but wasn't lucky, and mind you that this is not a tough channel; both R. Difª (Macapá) and R. CBN/R. Daqui (*) are easily logged: one may be dominant today, the other on the next day, or then reasonable reception of either is possible, propagation permitting, if I switch the Beverages. Even when no ID is heard, a stronger signal via the Ce Am Beverage "tells" me it's R. Difª, and conversely the strongest signal via the So Am Bev. indicates it should be CBN. *) Rádio Daqui. I wonder what non-Portuguese speakers imagine what this may mean or think about such a strange name for a station] 9565, SRDA-Super R. Deus é Amor, Curitiba PR, 2105-2117, 08 Jul, pathetic preacher announcing some religious gathering before a live audience; surely the one & only David Miranda; 44443, adjacent QRM. 9630, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2107-2124, 08 Jul, songs, ad & info in "Trucão", a program for [big] truck drivers; 44433, adjacent QRM. 9645.3, R. Bandeirantes, São Paulo SP, 2111-2124, 08 Jul, weather report, advertisements & TCs all in the newscast; 33442, adjacent QRM. 11855, R. Aparecida, Aparecida SP, 2116-2128, 08 Jul, program "Trucão" (check \\ 9630); 24432, co-channel QRM de WYFR in Castilian. 11925.2, R. Bandeirantes, São Paulo SP, 1442-1509, 08 Jul, football news, advertisements, comments; 34433, adjacent QRM, and deteriorating (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. !!!!!!!QSL from OBSERVATORIO NACIONAL Rio de Janeiro 10 MHz!!!!!!!!!! Hi all, 10000 kHz, Observatorio Nacional DSHO Rio de Janeiro letter + calendar 2009 + folder full details 63 gg v/s Ricardo Josè de Carvalho (Head Time service Division, Rua General Josè Cristino, 77, CEP 20921, 400 Rua General Bruce, 586, CEP 20921- 030- São Cristòvao, Rio de Janeiro -RJ- BRASIL- http://www.horalegalbrasil.mct.on.br 73 good dx (Mauro Giroletti, -Swl 1510-, -IK2GFT-, -JRC525Nrd - Lowe HF150-, July 7, bclnews.it yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. QSL: PPE-Observatorio Nacional 10000 kHz. Die neue brasiliansiche Zeitzeichenstation PPE vom Observatorio Nacional in Rio de Janeiro bestaetigte einen Empfangsbericht innerhalb von 14 Tagen mit einem Brief, Infomaterial und Kalender. Gesendet wird mit 1 kW auf 10000 kHz, Stations- und Zeitansagen in Portugiesisch kommen alle 10 Sekunden. QTH: MCT Observatório Nacional Divisão Serviço da Hora Rua General José Cristino 77 CEP 20921-400, São Cristovão Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil. v/s Ricardo José de Carvalho, Head Time Service Division Observatorio Nacional Brasil (Patrick Robic, Austria, A-DX July 7 via BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) First time we have seen a callsign, PPE not used on air (gh) Que ótimo! Conforme divulgado, a Rádio Observatório Nacional 10000 kHz do Rio de Janeiro, aumentou sua potência de 300 watts para 1 kW (Edison Bocorny, Jr., Brasil, July 7, radioescutas yg via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 11815, Radio Brasil Central, Goiânia, 0944-1008, 11-07, locutor, portugués, comentarios, canciones brasileñas. A las 1001 noticias: "Bom día, em Goiânia são 7 horas 1 minuto, O Mundo em Sua Casa", "Agora por Radio Brasil Central, 1270 AM, O Mundo em Sua Casa, o melhor das notícias". 45444. 11925, Radio Bandeirantes, São Paulo, 1008-1014, 11-07, locutor, locutora, noticias y comentarios, noticias de São Paulo, portugués, identificación: "Bandeirantes". 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Escuchas realizadas en Friol, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW 7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Interesting government actions today - The CRTC in Canada issued a Notice of Hearing over proposed changes to their policies on non-commercial radio. (campus/community/instructional/etc...) http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-418.htm The Notice makes brief mention of the possible expansion of the FM band to 76 MHz, already briefly mentioned by the FCC in the U.S. with regard to the "localism" proceeding here (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) ** CANADA [and non]. CFRX, 6070, July 9 at 1245 with QRM from a roar, no doubt the N. Korean transmitter, VOK in Japanese which probably went off a few minutes later leaving what little summer daytime signal remained of CFRX in the clear (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 540 / 693. Google Earth imagery. Some high resolution place. Xianyang-Fengxi (Shaanxi Tr. Station #3) 540/693 kHz: 34 18 14 N 108 42 20 E Some recent historical information posted on the Shaanxi PBS website confirms that this was also the old Shaanxi PBS SW site (on an odd frequency like 6176 kHz, as far as I recall). The following is an excerpt from an article by Zhu Jinying at "In 1956, the Central Broadcasting Bureau invested nearly one million yuan to construct a high-power mediumwave transmitting station for Shaanxi Province at Xianyang. This was Transmitting Station Number Three, which formally began transmitting the programmes of Shaanxi PBS on 880 kHz from 21 May 1957. This brought a significant improvement in reception for the Central Shaanxi area. At night there was a clear increase in the service area, and the station rapidly encouraged the development of crystal receivers [sic]. In September 1958 the frequency was changed to 900 kHz. "On 1 April 1974, Station 3 brought into service a 15 Watt [?kilowatt] shortwave transmitter manufactured by the Harbin Broadcasting Equipment Plant. This improved reception in the remote northern and southern parts of Shaanxi, and gave a better signal source for these areas allowing it to be used as a relay feed. In 1979 a 10 kW shortwave transmitting truck was purchased to provide a reserve transmitter for the shortwave service. "By the 1980s, there was a need for the old equipment at Station Three to be renewed and rebuilt, so the Provincial Broadcasting Department decided to use a 200 kW warfare reserve transmitter to replace the original 150 kW unit, while the Central People's Broadcasting Station invested in a 50 kW transmitter to replace its original 30 kW unit. In late 1984 a new transmitter hall was built, and in June 1985, once construction works were complete, the comrades at Station Three began dismantling and moving the warfare reserve transmitter for installation in the new transmitter hall [...] where it was powered up and brought into service on 8 November 1986 after the installation and adjustment were completed. "To meet the public demand for quality radio and to improve the reception of the 1st Programme, Shaanxi PBS decided to equip itself with the latest generation of high-powered transmitting equipment. On 15 October 2003 the 200 kW and 50 kW valve transmitters were dismantled. A 100 kW solid-state digital AM mediumwave transmitter manufactured by the Shaanxi Haina Communications Co Ltd was purchased and installed in the newly renovated southern transmitter hall (constructed in 1984). The Shaanxi PBS 1st Programme was transmitted through the 151 metre southern tower, using the first ever Chinese- manufactured 100 kW digital AM transmitter to be brought into service. "In November two 50 kW transmitters which had been operating in \\ were separated. One 50 kW unit is used as the main transmitter for CPBS-1 [i.e. CNR-1] on 540 kHz using the 151.5 metre southwestern tower(s), while the other 50 kW unit serves as a reserve transmitter for Shaanxi PBS-1 (693 kHz) using the 151.5 metre high northern tower. A 25 kW PDM transmitter originally manufactured in Shanghai is used as a reserve transmitter for CPBS-1 (540 kHz) using the 76 metre southern tower." (Alan Davies, Indonesia, July 4, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 11 via DXLD) ** CHINA [and non]. 9000, Firedrake at 1443 6 July with fair signal at 2015 with R75 and S2 (Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, 6.7 using DE1102 coupled to 16 m H antenna due to lightnings. Everyday in the city for about 1-2 hours moderate thunderstorms make cold our days, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, two different times, correct? (gh) Firedrake check July 8 at 1311: audible on 14430 for the second day instead of 14420, but not audible on any other of the usual frequencies 8-19 MHz. Conditions quite poor today plus local T-storms in the morning. July 9: at 1250 JBA on 8400, not on 9000 but at 1322 JBA on 9000. At 1327 JBA on 13970 but good on 14430, better than // 15730, JBA 17500, not on 18320. 15730 is the transmitter that has been jumping around in the 15.7s, presumably tracking Sound of Hope. July 9 edition of Aoki explains: 15750*Xi Wang Zhi Sheng SOH 1230-1300 1234567 Chinese 100 131 Dushanbe-Yangiyul TJK 06848E3829N SOH a09 May 25- 15720-157 15750*Xi Wang Zhi Sheng SOH 1400-1430 1234567 Chinese 100 131 Dushanbe-Yangiyul TJK 06848E3829N SOH a09 May 25- 15750-157 Isn`t Tajikistan relay new for SOH? But my log was during the 13-14 UT break in Aoki listings. Timing and frequency probably change every day. Firedrake check July 10: at 1322 nothing on 8400 but audible on 9000; at 1341, 13970 JBA, but 14430 good; at 1349 nothing found in the 15.7 MHz area; at 1352 fair on 17500, nothing around 18320 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake at 1310, on July 11. One group in parallel: 8400, 13970, 14430, 15150 and 17500. Another group in parallel: 9000 and 13500. As Glenn has amply demonstrated, FD varies a lot day to day (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake survey July 11: at 1326, poor on 8400 and not // fair 9000. At 1343, poor on 13970, very poor on 14430. At 1350, poor on 15600. At 1354, fair on 17500 // 13970. Nothing on 18320. At 1406, very poor on 15150. 1407 still on 15600 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Firedrake July 12: at 1255 VG on 13970, nothing on 14420/14430 or any higher frequency up to 19 MHz. At 1259 fair on 8400, nothing on 9000, but at 1309 nothing on 8400 either. Firedrake July 13: at 1234 poor on 8400; 1308 F-G on 13970, VP on not // 14430. 1311 audible on 15600 not // 13970 and at 1312 on 17500 not // 13970 either (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. Nei Menggu PBS Mongolian program is heard now on 6040 kHz (ex 7210) and Chinese on 7420 kHz (ex 7165). Xinjiang PBS Chinese program is heard now on 7260 kHz (ex 7155) and Uyghur is heard now on 7205 kHz (ex 7195). The new Kyrgyz winter frequency is 7295 kHz (ex 7120). Xizang PBS Chinese program is heard now on 7450 kHz (ex 7170) and Tibetan on 7255 kHz (ex 7125). CNR8 has replaced 7120 kHz by 7250 kHz 0200-0300, 7410 kHz 1000-1100, 7225 kHz 1400-1500 and 7445 kHz 1500-1700. CNR1 Shijiazhuang operates now on 7365 kHz (ex 7110). CNR1 has stopped operation on 7125 and 7140 kHz. CNR2 has stopped operation on 7130 and 7150 kHz (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) ** CHINA. 6185, CHBC (presumed), 1258-1300*, July 10. In Chinese; pips and off. Am fairly sure they did not switch over to 4830, at least I did not heard them there through 1316, but only heard Mongolian Radio (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 7105, Nei Menggu PBS (presumed), Hohhot, 2214-, 07 Jul, Mandarin, talks; mixed with (in order to jam) Sound of Hope via Taiwan; 23431, amateur QRM too (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, SOH is scheduled from 2200 to 2300, but Nei Menggu PBS is also scheduled for many more hours than just this time period. They just happen to be on when SOH is also on, no doubt causing interference for SOH. Firedrake (non-stop Chinese music) and CNR-1 echo programming are the primary means of deliberately jamming SOH, not Nei Menggu PBS (Ron Howard, CA, ibid.) ** CHINA. 6937, PBS Yunnan (presumed), 1215-1303, July 11. In vernacular; pop Asian songs, indigenous instrumental music and Chinese opera; mostly fair; not // 6035 (too weak to check for the possibility of any English IDs and none were noted here). 7130, CNR-1, *1355, July 11. Suddenly on with strong signal; // 5030; in anticipation of jamming Taiwan’s *1400 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non]. Re 9-051, HAWAII: China Radio International now on mediumwave [880] in Hawaii The irony, of this story, is not lost on me - and I doubt anyone else for that matter. CRI is a slick operation that keeps aspects of modern broadcasting - alive and well on MW, FM and SW --- which is what RCI, the BBC, Radio Nederland, DW and many, many others would sound like if their bean counters (and decision makers) hadn't sold out to the pro-digital/all internet only ninnies (Colin Newell, Victoria, British Columbia, IRCA via DXLD) Also there are getting [to be] more and more countries around the World that now [are] broadcasting [on] U.S. satellites in English. Aljazerra (Qatar), Press TV (Iran), Saudi TV, UAE 2, Russia Today, CCTV9 (China), DWTV, France, Bergium, UK, and others. It seems like the old SW broadcasts are now moving to satellite and it is TV where you can watch the programming. 73, (Patrick Martin, OR, ibid.) ** COLOMBIA. 5910, Marfil Estéreo, Lomalinda, 0539-0550, 01-07, canciones latinoamericanas, identificación, locutor: "Estás escuchando Ondas de Paz". 35433. También 0616-0720, 04-07, identificación: "Marfil Estéreo, es la una con diecisiete minutos, sintonice con las Ondas de Paz, Marfil Estéreo", canciones, llaneras. 24322 También 0615-0640, 07-07, "La hora en Marfil Estéreo, la 1 y 17 minutos, desde Puerto Lleras transmite HKI79, Marfil Estéreo, canciones latinoamericanas, "Sintoniza con las Ondas de Paz, Marfil Estéreo". 6009.9, La Voz de Tu Conciencia, Lomalinda, 0605-0628, 03-09, comentario religioso por su locutor habitual. Fuerte interferencia de Radio Habana Cuba con programa en inglés en la misma frecuencia. 21321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA [and non]. EMISORA DE LAS FARC SE ESCUCHA EN ECUADOR Los insurgentes transmiten mensajes anti Uribe con vallenatos, salsa y rock, entre otros. Esto se suma a la "escuela de teatro" que, según Lucía Morett, tenían los subversivos en ese país. Los insurgentes transmiten su mensaje en varios géneros musicales. Fuente: http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/paz/articulo149878-emisora-de-farc-se-escucha-ecuador Gracias a: elespectador2009 09 de julio de 2009 with a 2-minute clip from CARACOL via YouTube: http://yimber-gaviria.blogspot.com/2009/07/emisora-de-las-farc-se-escucha-en.html Más... RADIO DE LAS FARC SE SINTONIZA EN COMUNIDADES FRONTERIZAS DE ECUADOR La emisora Voz de la Resistencia, de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), volvió a sintonizarse, después de un año, en las comunidades de Ecuador fronterizas con Colombia, informaron hoy los medios locales. La emisora, que se sintoniza en frecuencia modulada (FM), difunde su programación a través de una señal "nítida" que fue recogida por la cadena Ecuavisa, en un reportaje especial. Se escuchan mensajes políticos como que "el Gobierno (colombiano de Álvaro) Uribe marcha al compás de las directrices de Washington" o como que "toda lacúpula del Estado, empezando por el propio Uribe, cabecilla principal de los 'paracos' (paramilitares), está invadida por el monstruo de la narcoparapolítica". También se transmiten consignas que incitan a los oyentes a unirse a las filas del "Ejército del Pueblo" y apremian: "Usted no se puede quedar afuera, compañero, de este torrente insurreccional que se está levantando por toda Colombia". La "cadena radial bolivariana, Voz de la Resistencia, transmitiendo desde la cordillera de los Andes, estación radial de las FARC", también difunde sus lemas a través de la música. Los pobladores de la frontera pueden escuchar la consigna: "Alerta que camina la espada de Bolívar por América Latina", en versión rock. Además, la emisora difunde vallenatos, salsas y corridos con letras subversivas. Tal y como los locutores comunican, el mensaje de la radio guerrillera se dirige a amas de casa, agricultores, jóvenes y niños de las comunidades fronterizas, así como a taxistas y transportistas y a las diferentes columnas y secciones de los rebeldes. "Saludamos a todos esos campesinos, a toda esa gente humilde, a toda esa gente pobre. De igual manera saludamos a todos los niños de Colombia, el futuro de Colombia. Saludamos también a todos los maestros y a todos los guerrilleros del frente 48, y de los frentes 49, 15, 13 y 14". La propaganda también se dirige a las comunidades ecuatorianas: "saludamos a todos los taxistas, especialmente a todos los taxistas de la hermana República bolivariana de Ecuador, que nos llevan ahí, sobre ruedas, diariamente", recogió Ecuavisa. El pasado noviembre el Ejército de Ecuador encontró una supuesta base guerrillera abandonada en la que se hallaron indicios de que desde ese lugar operaba la frecuencia de la emisora guerrillera. Asimismo, en 2007, desde el Gobierno de Colombia se denunció que las FARC operan estaciones de radio clandestinas en las frontera con Venezuela, Brasil, Ecuador y Perú, para hacer propaganda rebelde y reclutar combatientes, y que en algunos casos los guerrilleros cruzan las fronteras. Fuente: ADN.es http://www.adn.es/politica/20090710/NWS-0095-FARC-Ecuador-Radio-fronterizas-comunidades.html (via Gaviría, DXLD) WTFK? Eventually answered below (gh) 1 comentarios: Henrik Klemetz dijo... Leer lo siguiente antes de que desaparezca: http://www.hoy.com.ec/noticias-ecuador/glifosato-en-ondas-radioelectricas-271337-271337.html (Henrik Klemetz, 9 de julio de 2009 22:53, ibid.) Viz.: "GLIFOSATO EN ONDAS RADIOELÉCTRICAS" Publicado el 04/Julio/2007 | 00:00 [glifosato = glyphosate == herbicide/pesticide damaging to humans -gh] En cuatro provincias ecuatorianas ubicadas en la frontera norte se filtran programas de radios clandestinas de los grupos insurgentes y militares colombianos, que invitan especialmente a jóvenes a unirse a la guerrilla o a reinsertarse a la sociedad, respectivamente. No solo radios insurgentes son sintonizadas con facilidad en Sucumbíos, Orellana, Carchi y Esmeraldas, sino del Ejército colombiano, como Emisora Colombia Stereo, que en los 94.7 Mhz transmite desde el Caquetá, y cubre con sus ondas los departamentos del Putumayo y Mocoa. Por su parte, con música y mensajes rebeldes, locutores guerrilleros recuerdan que ``la construcción de una Gran Colombia demanda la contribución de todo el pueblo, para que, a través de la lucha armada, expresen su inconformidad y desacuerdo con las políticas estatales``. ``Es mejor defender la vida de pie y con dignidad que morir humillados y de rodillas``, señalan los mensajes de las radios de la guerrilla de las FARC, cuyo locutor, ``desde algún lugar de las montañas``, invita a la juventud a unirse. Como esos programas, llegan al sur de Colombia y a zonas ecuatorianas, HOY indagó qué están haciendo las autoridades para interceptar esas ondas. El Ministerio de Defensa, a través de su departamento de Comunicación, y en una declaración no oficial señaló que le corresponde a la Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones, al Consejo Nacional de Radiodifusión y Televisión (Conartel) y al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores del Ecuador ``levantar su voz de protesta ante la Cancillería de Colombia. Se aclaró que a las Fuerzas Armadas les corresponde actuar por cuestiones de seguridad nacional, cuando se trata de una maniobra bélica o infiltración de fuerzas militares regulares. Al ser consultados si las Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador tienen algún modo de contrarrestar la influencia de radios clandestinas, se aseguró que los militares ecuatorianos no tienen ni siquiera frecuencias de radio, lo cual fue desmentido por autoridades de Conartel, pues dijeron que sí se les ha acreditado varias frecuencias. ``Por tratarse de intromisiones electromagnéticas que afectan a la población del Ecuador, es la Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones la que debería actuar, lo que las FFAA podrían apoyar es al desarrollo socioeconómico de las poblaciones de la frontera, pero no ponernos a contrarrestar programas radiales ilegales``, se insistió. Diario HOY buscó la reacción de autoridades de Telecomunicaciones, pero personal del Departamento de Comunicación Social de esa dependencia durante toda una semana no lograron canalizar una entrevista. (EROI-NST) PRONUNCIAMIENTOS SOBRE LAS ONDAS SUBVERSIVAS --- Preocupación Luis Moreira, morador de Sucumbíos, dijo que buscando una buena música en la radio, se sorprendió al oír mensajes destinados a la juventud para que se sumen a la lucha rebelde. Añadió que eso puede ser inquietante para los jóvenes ecuatorianos que escuchan la radio y puedan sentirse motivados para formar parte de los grupos rebeldes colombianos. Carlos Franco, otro habitante de la zona, reconoció que mensajes con esas inclinaciones insurgentes "no deben ser escuchados por nuestra población; las autoridades deben hacer algo para que esas señales no lleguen acá". (EROI-NST) Cambio de frecuencia Polo Moreira, gerente de Radio Tucán Emisora, que opera en Joya de los Sachas (provincia de Orellana), dijo: ``Gracias a Dios, la Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones cambió la frecuencia a mi radio. Antes operaba en los 104.9 Mhz y frecuentemente eran invadidas sus ondas por parte de los grupos rebeldes; desde febrero de este año emite su señal en los 105.1 Mhz". Por su parte, Miguel Rojas, periodista de Caracol Colombia, considera que estas radios intentan hacer presencia y contrarrestar psicológicamente la guerra, vendiendo una imagen distinta que va acompañada de música variada y señales reivindicatorias. (RC-EROI) "Llamados subversivos sí influyen en la población" En medio de proclamas subversivas o mensajes cívicos, emisoras rebeldes y militares colombianas intentan atraer la atención de los oyentes de la frontera colombo-ecuatoriana. El jefe del Batallón Galo Molina de Tulcán, Luis Velarde, confirmó que a Tobar Donoso, una de las parroquias fronterizas más alejadas del Carchi, llegan las ondas de Radio Resistencia, un medio de las fuerzas rebeldes. Considera que esas arengas sí influyen en la población, razón por la cual justifica el funcionamiento de radio militar Noti Mil, que hasta hace dos meses operaba en Tulcán y Maldonado en el dial 100.9. Comenta que la programación de Resistencia constituye un peligro para la soberanía, debido a que sus transmisiones, incluso, buscan reclutar jóvenes para engrosar sus filas. Noti Mil difundía música latinoamericana, noticias y mensajes cívicos. Cuenta con equipos y personal preparado, no obstante, una denuncia efectuada por AER Carchi obligó a suspender sus operaciones. Vicente Almeida, presidente de la Asociación Ecuatoriana de Radiodifusión (AER) del Carchi, en cambio, justifica el pedido de legalización de la frecuencia de la emisora militar y explica que el dial está saturado con más de 60 emisoras de Colombia y Ecuador. (RC) Decomisan equipos Los radiodifusores de Ipiales (Colombia) reconocen que existen radios rebeldes, pero desconocen dónde funcionan. Los últimos operativos militares y policiales desactivaron e incautaron equipos en las poblaciones fronterizas de Cumbal, Ricaurte y La Victoria, frente a El Carmelo (Ecuador), donde las FARC tienen cierto predominio. Los equipos radiales inmovilizados eran artesanales y rústicos, recuerda la Policía de Nariño. "Realizaban trasmisiones esporádicas de entre ocho y 10 horas, y los equipos estaban en constante movimiento (diversos lugares), para evitar la persecución de las fuerzas del orden", contó un policía que pidió no revelar su nombre. (RC) Cancillería no sabe Durante una semana, HOY buscó una versión oficial de Cancillería respecto al tema; sin embargo, Pablo Salgado, de Comunicación Social, dijo que le comentó del asunto a la canciller, María Fernanda Espinosa, pero que ella ha preferido no manifestarse porque oficialmente no ha sido informada por parte de FFAA, del Conartel ni de la "Súper" de Telecomunicaciones. Agregó que una vez que Cancillería recibe el informe o pedido, a partir de ello evalúa si hace un reclamo, una nota verbal, una protesta o lo que corresponda, pero que como de esto no ha llegado nada, no han tomado cartas en el asunto. (NST) Conartel: "Problema no es nuevo" Se coordina emitir programas educativos Jorge Yunda, presidente del Conartel, está consciente de que la infiltración de radios rebeldes en el país no es nueva, y que ``cualquier acción a tomar involucra a todas las autoridades, ya que son radios clandestinas``. Sin embargo, resalta que corresponde a autoridades colombianas adoptar medidas para bloquear a esas radios por cuanto están en su territorio. Como alternativa para contrarrestar esa información ``basura``, Yunda dice: ``Hay que balancear la información, con TV y radioeducación en todo el país, especialmente en zonas fronterizas``. ``Estamos coordinando a través de Plan Ecuador, para que, sobre la base de la ley, hacer uso del espacio de una hora diaria que nos corresponde para emitir programas educativos y culturales. Hemos dado frecuencias a FFAA con fines estratégicos y de civismo``, resaltó. ``La infiltración de frecuencias colombianas insurgentes es como el glifosato en ondas radioeléctricas. Eso también es invadir nuestra soberanía, pero de parte de grupos ilegales``, puntualizó. (NST) INSURGENCIA ESTÁ EN BUSCA DE ADEPTOS LOS PROGRAMAS SE SINTONIZAN EN VARIOS HORARIOS HOY grabó programas de radios insurgentes que llegan a Sucumbíos, una de las cuales, en el dial 95.9, se llama Cadena radial bolivariana, la voz de la resistencia, voz insurgente del pueblo. ``Nos sentimos con la responsabilidad histórica de crear una nueva Colombia bolivariana, justa y soberana``, destaca el locutor, quien llama ``amigo`` a quien lo sintoniza. ``Transmitimos desde algún lugar de las montañas del sur de Colombia. Es cadena radical bolivariana de las FARC``, dice el animador, y saluda a los ``camaradas que día a día luchan arduamente en pos de conseguir la nueva Colombia, y no como el Ejército que defiende intereses de los ricos y explotadores``. Casi todo el tiempo repite el saludo ``para toda la juventud del sur de Colombia``, a quienes esta y otras emisoras insurgentes ven como potenciales miembros a reclutar. Además se invita a la lucha ``al hermano del campo, obreros, deportistas, estudiantes, vendedores ambulantes, profesores, doctores, escritores, entre otros``. (EROI/NST) »» Escuchar la primera parte de la transmisión de la estación radial. »» Escuchar la segunda parte de la transmisión de la estación radial. GMT: 04/Julio/2007 - 05:00 Fuente: Diario HOY Ciudad Quito (via DXLD) RADIO DE LAS FARC SE OYE EN FRONTERA Sábado 11 de julio del 2009 QUITO En la provincia de Sucumbíos, en el sector de la Barranca Bermeja, cerca del río Putumayo, a escasos metros de la frontera con Colombia, las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de ese país (FARC) tendrían instalada una antena de radio, lo cual explica la nitidez con la que habitantes de poblados ecuatorianos escuchan los mensajes y consignas de ese grupo. La voz oficial de la resistencia es el nombre de la radioemisora de las FARC, que opera y transmite su programación sin problemas tanto en lado colombiano como ecuatoriano, confirmó ayer a este Diario un miembro de inteligencia militar. Según una noticia difundida por Ecuavisa, “esto es parte de lo que la insurgencia colombiana llama ‘guerra hertziana’, porque a través de las ondas de radio imparte su doctrina revolucionaria a amas de casa, agricultores, jóvenes y niños”. Este Diario se contactó vía telefónica con una habitante de Puerto Nuevo-Sucumbíos y confirmó que la radio de las FARC “se escucha clarito” en ese sector fronterizo, ubicado junto al río San Miguel. Puerto Nuevo es un pequeño poblado de 1.600 habitantes ubicado junto al río San Miguel, en donde, según datos de inteligencia, Olidem Rómel Solarte Cerón, alias Óliver, jefe financiero del Frente 48 y uno de los principales mandos del Bloque Sur de las FARC, mantiene campamentos móviles, fijos y pertrechos de guerra que constituyen la base operativa de una red de tráfico de drogas y de armas, con alcance internacional, pues tiene conexiones en Colombia, México e incluso en Europa y Medio Oriente. Según el reporte de Ecuavisa, en dicha radioemisora los guerrilleros “hablan contra el gobierno del presidente de Colombia, Álvaro Uribe, y convocan a todos a la insurrección”. La fuente militar reveló que otras emisoras de la guerrilla también operan en otro lado de la frontera colombo-ecuatoriana, esto es en la provincia del Carchi. Explicó que para contrarrestar el impacto del mensaje de la insurgencia en la población ecuatoriana, desde hace varios años, el Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas implementó programas radiales de tipo educativo, cultural y de seguridad. Fuente: El Universo http://www.eluniverso.com/2009/07/11/1/1355/B86DFD7D093849A6B267ECE4965F72A0.html (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) LA FARC LLEVA LA GUERRA A LA RADIO En las provincias fronterizas ecuatorianas se escucha la Cadena Radial Bolivariana. Desde hace mas de un año no se las escuchaba en FM, sin embargo, desde hoy las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) apuntan nuevamente su causa a la "GuerraHertziana". Durante la transmision critican la gestion del presidente colombiano Alvaro Uribe por su coincidencia con los Estados Unidos y lo califican como "cabecilla principal de la narcoparapolitica". Su programacion incluye un adoctrinamiento revolucionario a traves de canciones con insurgentes pero con ritmos de rock, salsa, cumbia, vallenato y reportan los avances y bajas de la guerrilla durante los enfrentamientos armados. Ademas envian saludos y animos a los diferentes frentes guerrilleros y a los campesinos, trabajadores, mujeres, jovenes y niños ecuatorianos a quienes invitan a unirse a la insurreccion y "la lucha por una nueva Colombia". Esta señal llega con claridad a casi todas localidades de la frontera norte ecuatoriana aunque se desconoce donde se encuentra la estacion. Se sospecha que las FARC utilicen una antena repetidora ubicada en Sucumbios, cerca de la linea de frontera. Sin embargo, el Consejo Nacional de Radio y Television, organismo de control de las ondas de radiodifusion, no se ha pronunciado al respecto. (Fuente: Vistazo.com, Ecuador, 9 Julio 2009) *Por internet la Cadena Radial Bolivariana, está en: http://bolivarsomostodos.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=0&Itemid=56 (GIB) NOTA: En la página se puede escuchar a la Cadena Radial Bolivariana, CRB; inicia con Señal de Intervalo (?), luego con saludos a los diferentes frentes Revolucionarios, y queda en silencio. Tal vez porque son las 4.20 de la mañana 0920 horas UT (Yimber) Escuchar: http://www.bolivarsomostodos.org/vds3/popup.htm (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, July 12, DXLD) ** COLOMBIA [non]. FM 88.7 received in ROMANIA? See PROPAGATION ** CUBA. 610, CMAN R. Rebelde, Bahía Honda (22 53'N 83 09'W) JUL 9 0900 - Good, over WIOD; ID parallel 600 kHz. 610, unID JUL 9 0210 - Loud jammer noise, sounded like the Cuban bubble jammers heard on shortwave (Bruce Conti, Camden ME; SDR IQ, MWDX-5, parallel terminated Delta antennas, 15-m base by 15-m tall separated by 15-m, aimed southeast, mwdx yg via DXLD) ** CUBA. 6000, R. Havana Cuba, 0103-0107, July 9. News in Spanish, although an English broadcast is normally played at this time. Same Spanish broadcast on //6140 kHz although schedule suggests English. Mentions of Honduras, Zelaya and Micheletti; good. 13790, R. Havana Cuba, 0108-0111, July 9. News in Spanish. Same broadcast as on 6000 and 6140. ID at 0111. RHC shares this frequency with Voice of Korea to NAm, yet VOK cannot be heard at all; fair (Todd Demone, Ontario, Icom R75, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) No, VOK is on 13760 (gh, DXLD) ** CUBA [and non]. RHC check July 8 at 1650 found 11760 still on at midday; too much local noise to confirm the others. Next check at 2032: any English starting this hour? No, both 11760 and 17660 in Spanish, an echo apart. 13760 also echoing vs 11760, audible on much weaker 11800; and just barely on 12000, which seems to have been abandoned in the mornings, and if it stays on past 2100 will collide with HCJB Spanish. At 2103, yes, HCJB over another signal with a SAH. The RNV relay was operating normally on 17705 at 2038 check. Meanwhile, at 2043 also found RHC on 11770 // 11760. At 2104 the program on 11760 announced as ``Revista Iberoamericana de Radio Habana Cuba``, and still // 13760 and 17660, while 11770 and 13790 now on the air with open carrier only. At 2105 those two joined Spanish // the others. The confusing transmission schedule at http://www.radiohc.cu/espanol/c_frecuencia/frecuencias.htm still has not been updated to show any of these changes, altho it`s been a sesquiweek since the Honduran coup. From this you`d never know that RHC is staying on the air after 0700, and 1500-2000+. Presumably the takeover by RHC Spanish of RHC English and other language transmissions is ad-hoc and may revert to original sked at any time. But don`t count on it: once RHC has an obsession, they milk it to death; just ask the Cinco Héroes. UT July 9 observations: at 0618, nice classical guitar music, but did not last long, on 11760 // 6140, 6120 echo apart, 6000, with English on 6010, 6060. This seems to be a reliable pattern at the moment instead of all frequencies in English after 0500. Big discrepancy at 1317: on 9570, the CRI relay in English overridden by RHC Spanish // all the other frequencies. Same buzzy spurs as always against R. Australia on 9560, 9580. Hard to decide whether this was an audio feed/mixture problem, or two transmitters by mistake on same frequency 9570. At 1325 I noticed a `slow SAH`, irregular deep fades, maybe averaging about once every 4 seconds, or 0.25 Hz, which points to two transmitters. Mix still going at 1334 check, but at 1336 both dumped off the air simultaneously, so that points to two audios/one transmitter. Maybe they noticed the problem? No, just a normal failure at RHC, as both came back two minutes later. Meanwhile I checked all the other usual frequencies at 1335 to find if any of them were missing: no, confirmed on: 15360, 15120, 13880, 13780, 13760, 13680, 11800, 11760, 6000, 5965. Final check at 1354: still the mixture on 9570, Commies vs Commies for sure! RHC UT July 10: at 0551 Spanish on 6140, 6120 and very poor signal on 6000; in fact it was marred by splatter from much stronger RHC English during music on 6010, // 6060. Cuban Commies vs Cuban Commies! RHC is still running an extra(?) transmitter in the mornings on 11800, and it is still very distorted, at 1339 July 10 during sports segment. See also RUSSIA. However, at 1342 the big signal on 13780 was missing, tho 13680 and 13760 were nominal. Is RHC still on the air at mid-day contrary to schedule? Yes, July 10 at 1847 check best 11760, audible on 13760, and a weak signal probably RHC as before, on 11800. RHC July 11: at 1343, 13780 and consequently leapfrog on 13880 back on the air unlike yesterday. 11800 also on with usual heavy distortion. 1432 listening to 11760 with Cancionero Iberoamericano, starting with a Guatemalan group with a Quechua name (? That`s what she said; maybe meant Quiché or Kekchí?). Recheck at 1502 to verify which frequencies remain in use for additional midday broadcast about Honduras: no 12000; 11800 off, for the moment? But 11760, 13760, 5965 and 6000 still audible. RHC 11760 back in English, fortunately, UT Sunday July 12 at 0535 allowing DXers Unlimited to be heard; but as often happens, co-channel QRM from NHK`s Russian service; also // 6010, 6060, while 6000, 6120 and 6140 in Spanish, and a het on 6120. What could that be? Only other station listed at that hour is TWR Swaziland in English; are they ever so off-frequency? RHC 11800 with its habitual distortion was audible before 1300, but not afterwards at 1317 check; at 1320, 13760 was missing leaving VOK English in the clear, while 13680 and 13780 were inbooming, 15120 and 15360 audible but not inbooming. I haven`t checked for the RHC Esperanto service in several weeks, scheduled Sundays only at 1500-1530 on 11760, but others have found it missing. And it`s still missing July 12 at 1503, when extended Spanish broadcast was best on 11760 along with 13760, 6000 and a weak signal on 5965, probably same. Nothing on 13750 so Aló, Presidente remains suspended too (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ITEM THREE: Listeners questions continue to come in via e-mail, postcards, letters and fax messages, and I have quite a backlog of them here waiting to be answered. a recent one from Chile, really surprised me, as normally the show is not heard so far South of Havana. But the use of 11760 kiloHertz with our omnidirectional 6 dB gain antenna explains why English speaking listeners from Chile are picking up Dxers Unlimited (Arnie Coro, CO2KK, RHC DXers Unlimited blog July 11 via Yimber Gaviría, DXLD) Presumably referring to the 0535 broadcast (gh, DXLD) ** CUBA. Hi Glenn, Was tuning into 96.9 this afternoon about 4:20 CT [2120 UT] and was shocked to hear the time pips and "RR" of Radio Reloj, Cuba, along with the male announcer in Spanish. The signal only lasted about 25-30 seconds. Can't find a listing for this anywhere. Also had very clear French-sounding announcer on 87.9 for a few seconds at about 4:30. Thank you! (Eric Loy, Champaign IL, July 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) No hits for either in Emisoras de FM (gh, DXLD) ** CUBA [non]. I don`t see Radio Cuba Libre on the July 11 WRMI program grid, so they are gone for a while, or for good? I did hear them not long ago when you must have been on NW antenna before 1400. 73, (Glenn to Jeff White, July 11, via DXLD) And time filled by more and more R. Prague (gh) Radio Cuba Libre just ran out of money this week, so it's off air till further notice. If the CIA were really financing us like Arnie says (he includes you too), we wouldn't have those problems! I would love to be financed by the CIA. Despite the lack of CIA money, our engineers were finally able to get the antenna switcher to operate as part of the automation system this week, so we no longer have to do this manually. So now everything should always be on time, and program automation is coordinated with antenna switches. Well, give us a week or two to work out any bugs, but so far I think it's been spot on (Jeff White, WRMI, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Jeff, If you get any CIA money, pass some this way. I bet money that Coro now will say something like “they are just trying to fool us to believe they have no money. And then come back with more powerful transmitters thinking we left our guard down”. I can just hear him saying that. LOL!! I though maybe it would be funny if I got a friend of mine here in Taipei from Latin America to record something in Spanish like “a message for Arnie Coro 56656 56656 56656 13142 13142 13142. Your handler will visit you on 887882 887882. End of message”. And have it edited into the program as if HS was intercepted. Personally I think it’s funny. LOL (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) ** CYPRUS TURKISH. AUDIOCLIP: BAYRAK RADIO, 1098 kHz. Bayrak Radio the Turkish radio of Cyprus listened in Kos Island. The audioclip is available here: http://blog.libero.it/radioascolto/7370794.html 73's (Francesco Cecconi, noticiasdx yg via DXLD) So same as 6150v (gh) ** DIEGO GARCIA. 4319 (USB), AFRTS, 1255-1304, July 8. Nice grayline reception: my local sunrise 1254, their sunset approaching at 1307. About the 4th of July; ToH ID: “This is the American Forces Network”; Jon Belmont with AP Radio News about traffic congestion in L.A. etc.; almost fair (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DJIBOUTI. 4780, RD.TV de Djibouti, Arta, 1843-1904, 08 Jul, vernacular, talks, announcements & jingle prior to a news bulletin at 1900; 45433 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4780, Rdif. 0320 noted with good signal, 10 July. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 1580, HIAJ, R Amanecer Internacional, Santo Domingo; Spanish announcements/ID “Esta (es) Radio Amanecer Internacional …”, with another two IDs in the announcement; ex 1570 kHz since Q3 2008, heard in CKDO fade; personal first, W 0502 6/5 mah (Martin Hall, Clashmore, Sutherland. Perseus SDR, RPA-1 preamp, beverages, all terminated: 513m at 233 ; 506m at 279 ; 168m at 175 (BOG). TotalRecorder, July-August MW News via DXLD) 1700, HI.., R. Eternidad, Santo Domingo is now heard in UK. ID: “Radio Eternidad, impacto el presente con un mensaje eterno” (Andrew Brade, July-August MW News via DXLD) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Es DR > SC --- 7/13 Es, 1042 [EDT = 1442 UT], HIJB, channel 2, Santo Domingo - TeleAntillas fading in/out this morning (Fred Nordquist, Moncks Corner, SC, 33.21756N 79.95798W, KJ4BUG Grid FM03AF, WTFDA via DXLD) More SS 2, this time in colour --- 7:30 pm... [2330 UT July 13]. Less smeary more typical-looking Es on 2 with SS. Managed one pix with a logo. Still figuring it out. Antenna pointed 150 degrees. [later:] Help - is this HIJB? Please check the logo in the upper right just above the lady's head. It looked like a "t" and "a" joined together. Bubble may have been blue with white script. Does that look like the Tele Antilles logo? Many tks. http://dxinfocentre.com/pix/temp/2-unid.JPG (William R Hepburn, Grimsby ON 43 10 59.4 -79 33 34.5, WTFDA via DXLD) Yes it is! 100% Tele Antillas HIJB 25 kW, Santo Domingo DR (Jeff Rostron, Springfield MA, ibid.) Thanks, Jeff! Dominican Republic is a new country for me (Bill Hepburn, ibid.) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Finally got around to process 6 pages of notes from the Es event on July 7. Wow - it ran from 1445 through 2000, with multiple clouds and Caribbean stations, heard here in Delaware. 88.1, HIGP, Barahona, 1481 mi, 1350-1445 [EDT?], Spanish, ``Primera`` mentions, ballads/SS pops. Ad strings with ``Bank Nova Scotia`` (that's how they pronounced it), a night club with a group from Puerto Rico performing and an air conditioner (repair?) store, steady for an hour over WYPR, very strong at times, but MUF not above 89 at this time. Other presumed Caribbeans in Spanish on 88.9, 89.3, 89.7 and 90.3. The real fun began after 1700. While my sons were at the Little League field, I sat with my PL-300WT at a picnic table and spent 90 minutes picking off the DX. Florida was in first, the Kansas began to be noted around 1810. . . (John Cereghin, Smyrna DE, http://www.pilgrimway.org/dx WTFDA via DXLD) 88.9, HIJC (HIJ32) Santiago, July/07/09 1540-1657 EDT [1940-2057 UT], SS, GD-VG. In and out for well over an hour!!! Spanish ballads and pop music. Jingles and ads in Spanish. IDs as "Disco 89" "Solo Disco", Mentions of Santiago, Puerto Plata. Promo for "Las Vegas Presenta Las Grande [sic]". I matched this up to the Live WEBFEED and it was them, but the WebFeed was a little behind the Live Feed. Mixing at times with WQCS Ft. Pierce, FL & WWIO Brunswick, GA. There was a Pipeline to this station for an hour!! Nice DOUBLE HOP E's!!! This is my second most distant FM Station ever, only behind Friends FM from BELIZE many years ago!! NEW STN. NEW COUNTRY #8 Only 3000 WATTS!!! 1730 Miles (Robert S. Ross VA3SW, London, Ontario CANADA, WTFDA via DXLD) A typically enthusiastic log by him (gh) ** EAST TURKISTAN. 9705, Xinjiang, 0417 with traditional Uighur instrument, YL with titling and back to song, S3 32333, QRM with Ethiopia (Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, on 3.7 with R75, 2x16 inverted V, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Per Aoki, it`s the Kyrgyz service of PBS Xinjiang, Urümqi at 0330- 0530, 1030-1230 (gh, DXLD) ** ECUADOR. Tropenband logs van 2330 tot 0145 UT bandscanning: 3279.911, La Voz del Napo, Tena, Equador. Perseus SDR en super Kaz antennes. 73, (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, July 11, HCDX via DXLD) ** ECUADOR. FARC broadcasts heard in ECUADOR: see COLOMBIA [and non] ** EGYPT. 12170, 1645-1710 4 July, R Cairo with V of Africa program in English. Good signal (Zacharias Liangas, Litohoron Greece, on 4.7 using PL200, alone or with the connection on metallic window mesh, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9 JUL 2009, R. Cairo was noted on 6860 kHz around 1700. The program was in English instead of scheduled Turkish, in parallel to listed 12170 kHz. The audio was so terribly distorted that it was in fact difficult to determine if an OM or a YL were speaking. Cairo at 1754 10 July, in English on 6860 // 12170, distorted audio. Dear Glenn, these [also KOREA NORTH, MALI] are my first contributions and I hope they are of use to you. I'm an SWL since the mid-60s, and Amateur Radio Operator (DL2KDW). My station consists of a JRC JST-135 transceiver with ECSS & BWC options, another transceiver Yaesu FT-817, and receivers (among others, hi...) Collins R390A-URR, Kenwood R-600 with modified Murata IF filter, and Barlow-Wadley XCR-30. All except the BWl connected via a so-called magnetic balun to 20 metres of wire used for transmitting and receiving. That's all for today. Best 73s & good DX from (Robert Foerster, Hainbuchenweg 18, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany, July 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11510, 1942 08/07, EGITO, R Cairo, English, desde Abu Zaabal, com 100 kW, YL traduz um OM que fala em árabe no estúdio, boa modulação, assim gostaríamos do sinal na transmissão em português que ontem estava com um sinal ótimo e se ouvia muito bem a reprodução de músicas, mas quando os locutores falavam não se entendia absolutamente nada, principalmente um determinado locutor de dicção nada aceitável para o rádio. Às 1946 UT sinal horário e ID, OM apresenta o que parece ser notícias, 45444 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA ECUATORIAL. 5005, Radio Nacional, Bata, 2110- 2125, 01-07, locutor, locutora, noticias de Guinea Ecuatorial, español. 25322. 6250, Radio Nacional, Malabo, 0556-0620, 01-07, locutor, español, comentarios, canciones africanas. A partir de las 0601 noticias de Guinea Ecuatorial y del mundo. 24322. 15190, Radio Africa, 0610-0705, 08-07, locutor, comentario religioso, inglés, identificación: "Radio Africa", canciones religiosos. 45444 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5005, RNGE/"R. Bata", Bata, 1738-1759, 08 Jul, vernacular, African pops; 35332; bad modulation later at 2200 when aired a history program in Castilian. 6250, RNGE/"R. Malabo", Malabo, 1734-1810, 08 Jul, vernacular, African pops, talks; 45333, better at 1830. This was not parallel to Bata 5005 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5005, Radio Nacional, Bata, 2130-2140, 11-07, canciones africanas. 35433. 6250, Radio Nacional, Malabo, 0530-0550, 12-07, programa religioso dominical, canciones religiosas, locutor: comentario: "Jesús nos ama". 24433. 15190, Radio Africa, 0552-0610, 12-07, programa religioso, inglés, canciones locutor, comentario: "Hour for living". 34433. (Méndez) (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Escuchas realizadas en Friol, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW 7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15190, 1922 08/07, GUINEA EQUATORIAL, R Africa, English, desde Bata, com 50 kW, hino na voz de homem com coro de mulheres, OM fala às 1924 UT citando Jesus e anúncia endereço e ID. O que essas transmissões da Africa têm em comum é o leve ruído em suas transmissões, 34433 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA [non]. It`s July 13, Tony Alámo`s trial date, and there he is rambling along on WINB, 9265, at 1233, as if nothing special were ongoing. Also at 1310 on WWCR 15825 only fair with squeal. Here`s the latest news: http://www.tonyalamonews.com/1404/71309-nwa-alamo-to-begin-trial-on-charges-of-transporting-minors-for-sex.php http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31878152/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts// (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also U S A ** ETHIOPIA. 7109.98, R. Ethiopia, 0314, 7/12/09. Low-pitched OM with comment and pop music bumpers . S5-6 signal (Jerry Strawman, Des Moines, IA, Drake R8, Wellbrook ALA-100, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7165, R Ethiopia, Geja Dera, Addis Ababa, 1600-1610, Jul 04, opening chimes, ID in English ”This is the external service of Radio Ethiopia” with frequency schedule announcement, brief news summary and a popular song in English. The reception condition was at first very well as 45444, but very sorry to say, that the transmission was attacked by heavy noise suddenly at 1602 and the reception deteriorated as 45232 (Nobuya Kato, Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, visiting Katsurashima, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** FINLAND. FINLANDIA, 11690, Skandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat, 0611-0635, 04-07, música pop, locutor, finlandés. 25322. También 11720, 2120-2240, 03-07, música pop en inglés, locutor, inglés, comentarios, identificación: "This is SWR, Skandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat, Finland", dirección postal y e-mail, canción: "San Francisco", Rihanna "My Umbrella". 34333 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FRANCE. RFI STRIKE SUSPENDED FOR SUMMER Article published on the 2009-07-10 Latest update 2009-07-10 13:06 TU http://www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/115/article_4291.asp Singer Bernard Lavilliers performs at an evening in support of the strike on 9 July (Photo: Claude Nahmias) The strike at Radio France Internationale (RFI) was suspended on Friday at a mass meeting of journalists, technical and other staff. Unions leading the action say they will relaunch industrial action in September in their efforts to fight a management plan to axe 206 jobs. if a settlement is not reached before then. At nine weeks the strike has been the longest in the history of broadcasting in France since the 1968 general strike. Not all unions supported the strike but those that did proposed to a mass meeting on Friday to suspend the action until September. Representatives of the striking unions, along with management, are to meet officials from the Ministry of Culture on Friday afternoon. They hailed this as "a kind of negotiation" of the sort they say they have been demanding for weeks. The action has been selective. Key workers have taken action to disrupt broadcasts, with their earnings made up from collections by supporters of the strike who were still working. Strike leaders stressed that they have not accepted management's plan to axe over 200 jobs and describe the suspension as a "summer truce". They say that they do not want to "penalise" free-lance journalists and workers on short-term contracts, who become more numerous in summer. A management communiqué welcomed the move, calling the strike a "danger for the radio station". An evening of support for the strikers took place at the town hall of Paris's 11th arrondissement on Thursday (RFI website via DXLD) HUELGA DE RADIO FRANCIA INTERNACIONAL SUSPENDIDA DURANTE EL VERANO Friday, July 10, 2009 10:53 PM Fuente: AFP Viernes, 10 de Julio de 2009, 8:35hs La huelga de Radio Francia Internacional (RFI), iniciada el 12 mayo en protesta contra un plan de 206 supresiones de puestos de trabajo, fue suspendida este viernes hasta el mes de septiembre, para no "perjudicar" a los trabajadores en condiciones precarias, anunciaron los sindicatos. Durante una asamblea general, un centenar de empleados de la radio presentes votaron por la "suspensión del movimiento hasta el mes de septiembre". El reintegro al trabajo debería producirse progresivamente de aquí al 14 de junio, precisó a las AFP la delegada sindical Nina Desesquelles. "Esta tregua estival fue decidida para no perjudicar a los que trabajan en 'free-lance' y aquellos con contrato a plazo fijo, para los que nuestro combate es ajeno", agregó. De su lado, la dirección de la radio pública "tomó acta" de esta decisión y señaló que los 60 días de paro representan un riesgo mayor y tendrán un precio en términos de imagen y de audiencia. La intersindical y la dirección serán recibidas este mismo día en el ministerio de la Cultura, en una reunión "que se aparenta a una mediación" que los sindicatos reclaman desde hace semanas. El movimiento perturba las transmisiones de RFI desde el 12 de mayo en una huelga "ilimitada" contra un plan de supresión de 206 empleos sobre un total de más o menos mil, y el cierre de seis redacciones en lenguas extranjeras. juc/da/feff/eg (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, DXLD) Somehow the official version is that the strike has been suspended as of July 14. A notice on the German pages says that regular broadcasts will be back on air "until further notice" from July 15. The meeting last evening in the Ministry of Culture led to nothing. A union representative is quoted as being "furious" over this: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hfthlI21Em7Gu21xgoCTMYR_MZ7w (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) AFP said Friday that RFI workers have voted to suspend their strike until September, so as not to penalize part-timers who work over the summer. Programming should be back to normal by Tuesday, AFP said (Mike Cooper, GA, Jul 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15300, 1929 08/07, RFI, French, desde Issoudun, com 500 kW, ID constantes e falas de YL e OM. Já findou a greve? Programação normal, 45444 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) RFI in South Slavic languages on July 13, Monday at 0600z (0800 cest) still with strike, but FINALLY at 1400z (1600 cest) with REGULAR broadcast! (Dragan Lekic, Serbia, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. 9655, R Sawtu Linjiila, via Wertachtal, partial data very informative e-mail verie in 4 weeks after f/up, v/s Charles Mbayanga (Senior Technician). QTH: mbayangacharles @ yahoo.fr (Vashek Korinek, Florida Hills, RSA via Dxplorer via DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** GRENADA. 540, GBN Klassic AM, St. George's (12 04'N 61 45'W) JUL 9 0200 - Fair; gospel music, ad for Grenada Cooperative Bank education investment plan, then cut into BBC news in progress. 0230 fair; BBC promos and news. 0830 excellent; BBC World Service promos and BBC news (Bruce Conti, Camden ME; SDR IQ, MWDX-5, parallel terminated Delta antennas, 15-m base by 15-m tall separated by 15-m, aimed southeast, mwdx yg via DXLD) ** GUADELOUPE. 640, R. Guadeloupe, Pointe-à-Pitre (16 15'N 61 32'W) JUL 9 0155 - Good with CBN nulled out; compas music like heard on 91.3 Bel Mizik in Boston, 0200 news in French (Bruce Conti, Camden ME; SDR IQ, MWDX-5, parallel terminated Delta antennas, 15-m base by 15-m tall separated by 15-m, aimed southeast, mwdx yg via DXLD) ** GUINEA. 7125, Radio Guinea, Conakry, 0610-0626, 02-07, locutor, francés, comentarios, canciones africanas. 23322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7125, Radio Conakry (Conakry) (presumed), 2212-2303, 7/9/2009, French. Very weak signal, just above noise level, noted at 2212 with West African pop music. Talk by man in French from 2215 through 2231, occasionally joined by a second person. Recheck at 2255 found slightly stronger signal with talk between a rather excited man and a second, calmer man. Talk continued to 2301 when West African music resumed. First log of this station this year (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, RX- 340, R8B, E1, ICF-SW7600G, Random Wire (90'), Eavesdropper Dipole, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUINEA-Conakry. 7125, R. Guinée, Sonfonya, 2216-2302, 07 Jul, French, newscast until 2232, folk songs prgr and and interview about their local instrument called "balafon", also typical in other neighbouring countries; 45333. Their audio this time was far different from what's been of late: one could actually listen to every word, just like in the following daytime catch: 7125 ditto, 1255-1455, 08 Jul, French, news bulletin, African pops after 1300, same menu prior to 1500; 35433; again, much stronger audio than usual (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HONDURAS. MEDIA'S COVERAGE OF CRISIS CRITICIZED AS ONE-SIDED http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070902820.html In Honduras, One-Sided News of Crisis Critics Cite Slanted Local Coverage, Limits on Pro-Zelaya Outlets By Juan Forero, Washington Post Foreign Service, Friday, July 10, 2009 TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 9 -- It was the biggest story in Honduras in years -- soldiers burst into the president's bedroom, dragged him off in his pajamas and bundled him onto a plane out of the country. Hours later, his foes announced the formation of a new government. Several countries condemned the events of June 28 as a military coup. But in Honduras, some of the most popular and influential television stations and radio networks blacked out coverage or adhered to the de facto government's line that Manuel Zelaya's overthrow was not a coup but a legal "constitutional substitution," press freedom advocates and Honduran journalists said. Meanwhile, soldiers raided the offices of radio and TV stations loyal to Zelaya, shutting down their signals. Alejandro Villatoro, 52, the owner of Radio Globo, said soldiers broke down doors and dismantled video surveillance cameras. "They grabbed me and put me face down and put six rifles on me, with a foot on my back holding me down," he said. "It was like I was a common criminal." Such allegations underscore the one-sided nature of the news that has been served up to Hondurans during the crisis. According to results of a Gallup poll published here Thursday, 41 percent of Hondurans think the ouster was justified, with 28 opposed to it. The de facto government headed by Roberto Micheletti cited such support as he began talks Thursday in Costa Rica with that country's president, Oscar Arias, who has agreed to mediate. Zelaya met separately with Arias, who said representatives of the two men will continue to meet in the days ahead. In Honduras, though, the country's new leaders, the security forces and the clergy argue that Zelaya's removal had legal justification that the rest of the world does not understand. Local media largely "slanted coverage" to favor that position, said Carlos Lauria of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. "The de facto government clearly used the security forces to restrict the news," Lauria said. "Hondurans did not know what was going on. They clearly acted to create an information vacuum to keep people unaware of what was actually happening." Micheletti's spokesman, René Cepeda, and other officials in the de facto government did not return phone calls seeking comment. But Ramón Custodio López, Honduras's human rights ombudsman, who investigates violations of press freedom, said he has received no official complaints from journalists. "This is the first I have heard about an occupation or military raid of a station," he said. "I try to do the best job I can, but there are things that escape my knowledge." Custodio added that he thought Honduran media coverage of the overthrow and its aftermath has been "very good." Elan Reyes Pineda, who is president of the Honduras College of Journalists and is close to many in Micheletti's government, said that during Zelaya's tumultuous tenure, he had antagonized many of the magnates who control the country's biggest companies, including its news media. Zelaya frequently commandeered the airwaves to deliver rambling speeches, but he also railed against media owners for serving what he said were the interests of "power groups" in Honduras, Reyes Pineda said. "He was in permanent confrontation with the biggest media in Honduras," Reyes Pineda added, "So this was payback." Among Zelaya's most steadfast opponents, according to journalists here, is the influential entrepreneur Rafael Ferrari, who owns three leading Honduran TV stations and has investments in banking, energy and real estate. Ferrari was not available to comment, but an associate, Nahum Valladades y Valladares, said the media outlets controlled by Ferrari are impartial. "We have a policy of openness to provide not just the official information, but information from those who are against the government that installed itself constitutionally," said Valladades y Valladares, who is general manager of 18 radio stations and secretary of a media association headed by Ferrari. "We cannot invent the news." Most, if not all, of the news media here are unabashedly partisan, Honduran journalists say, with newspapers and broadcast outlets allied with political parties and local power brokers. Eduardo Maldonado, a popular commentator on radio and television, does not hide his allegiance to Zelaya. He said he openly backed Zelaya's efforts to hold a nonbinding referendum asking Hondurans to approve a constitutional amendment on presidential term limits, which sparked the crisis. The morning of the coup, Maldonado said, he was due to appear on his TV show on Channel 66. Instead, soldiers arrived at the station and prevented him from broadcasting. "It was a well-prepared coup," he said. "They only allowed the media that were loyal to them to operate." (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) I`ve now heard several more references to Zelaya as ``Mel``, so apparently he does go by that nickname, altho I have never heard of any other Manuel doing that (gh, DXLD) A two-week-long curfew in Honduras was lifted on Sunday. The interim government says that calm has been restored. During the past two weeks, the country has been the scene of large public demonstrations protesting against the military's removal of President Manuel Zelaya last month. Talks between Mr. Zelaya's representatives and the interim government ended abruptly on Friday without any results. The two sides agreed to meet again but failed to set a date. The United States and the United Nations have condemned the military coup and demanded that Mr. Zelaya be re-instated. Source: Radio Canada International (via Noble West, TN, July 13, DXLD) ** HONDURAS. Elmer, There have been various press reports especially about Radio América and Radio Progreso, how they have been attacked, closed down, come back, etc. So what is their current status? (Glenn to Elmer Escoto, via DXLD) They are both on the air. Radio Progreso on 1130 kHz and 103.3 FM. Radio América on many FM and MW frequencies. Radio América remains neutral while Radio Progreso has clearly sided with the marxist-leninist-chavist ideology and is re-transmitting news from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, throwing in a bunch of lies. Radio Progreso (and all Cuban and Venezuelan stations) are saying that the army is killing people and wounding people by the hundreds, that hospitals are full, and the military is recruiting youths by force. Everything is a lie, a propaganda effort from the enemies of freedom. Those sources also say the government has shut down many newspapers, radio and TV stations. That is also a lie. All stations are operating normally (Elmer Escoto, Honduras, 2125 UT July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HONDURAS. 3250, Radio Luz y Vida, 0349-0354* Jul 7, man announcer with religious talk in Spanish followed by music until signal gone. Presumed sign off lost in growing noise levels. Poor (Rich D'Angelo, Wyomissing PA, NASWA Flashsheet July 12 via DXLD) 3340, La Voz de Misiones Internacionales, Comayagüela, 0513-0527, 06- 07, canciones religiosas, español. 15321. También 0512-0523, 08-07, canciones religiosas, locutor, comentarios, español. 15321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. 4810, AIR, Bhopal, 1737-1742*, Jul 04, news in Hindi, the women’s singles final of the Wimbledon tennis, ID at 1740, and closing announcement, 35443. With slight static noise (Kato) 4970, AIR Shillong, heard at 1538-1555, Jul 04, news in English including the issue of North Korean ballistic missile test, women’s singles final of the Wimbledon tennis, and finally main points again. Hindi programmes with short announcement and Indian songs, 45444 (Nobuya Kato, Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, visiting Katsurashima, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) 9425, AIR Bengaluru - National Channel, 1435, July 8 (Wed.). Full National Channel ID; into the program in English called “Vividha”. Jose Jacob of India had kindly confirmed the correct spelling of this Mon., Wed. and Fri. show, with means approximately “variety”. Talk about self esteem in children; fair. Audio file posted to dxldyg “Files > Station Sounds” (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. PRIVATE FM STATIONS AGAIN DENIED RIGHT TO BROADCAST NEWS http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/pvt-fm-stations-again-denied-right-broadcast-news The government has no plans to give any fresh concessions including broadcast of news to the private FM stations operating in the country, though it has not taken a final position on the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Phase III of FM radio expansion. Both Trai and the Ficci Radio Forum have been recommending permitting private FM stations the right to broadcast news, though the former added some conditions to its recommendation. A total of 248 private FM radio stations and 171 FM transmitters of All India Radio stations are operational in the country, according to official figures. Maharashtra has the largest number of private FM stations – 31 – followed by Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 21 each and Rajasthan with 19. Kerala has 17 stations, while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have 16 each. West Bengal has 15 channels, Karnataka has 14, Andhra Pradesh has 13, and Punjab has 12 stations. Delhi has eight private FM stations, followed by Jharkhand with seven, Haryana with six, and Chhatisgarh and Orissa, with five each. All the other union territories besides Delhi have a total of five stations. Assam has four, Goa has three, and Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, and Sikkim have two each, while Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura have one each. Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Uttarakhand do not have any private FM station at present. While Maharashtra has 17 AIR FM transmitters, Karnataka has 14, and Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have 13 each. Rajasthan has 12 followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. Tamil Nadu has nine, followed by Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal with eight, and Kerala and Orissa with seven each. Assam, Gujarat, and Jharkhand have five AIR transmitters, and all union territories besides Delhi have a total of five transmitters. Bihar, Chhatisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have four each, while Haryana, Punjab and Tripura have three AIR transmitters. Delhi, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland have two each while Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand have one transmitter each. Sikkim is the only state which does not have an AIR FM transmitter (via Jaisakthivel, Chennai, India, dxldyg via DXLD) So much for Freedom of the Press in the World`s Largest Democracy (gh) ** INDIA [non]. 12085, RUSSIA, TWR India, via Novosibirsk, 0032-0045*, July 6, listed Bhojpuri. Male with lengthy talk; music at 0042 with TWR India contact info & phone number; brief music, into W with presumed s/off announcement at 0044; music fill until off at 0045 sharp; poor-fair (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale NH, NRD-545, RX- 350D, MLB1, 200' Beverages, 60m dipole, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. Re 9-051: Hi Glenn, Happened to come across these interesting displays for VOI. July 3: http://userdisk.webry.biglobe.ne.jp/016/006/65/N000/000/000/124661766672116423916_09526-090703-1000.gif Compare it to June 30, the first day that we heard the strong het. The primary frequency for both days was different: http://userdisk.webry.biglobe.ne.jp/016/006/65/N000/000/000/124637578902216226414_09525-090630-1500.gif Found at http://n-1.at.webry.info/ Best regards, (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, July 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Clicking on the linx directly I am forbidden, but I can get to them via the main page. The July 3 display at 1000 shows center frequency 9525.890 and spikes at plus and minus 600 and 1200 Hz [and more, off scale?]. The June 30 display at 1500 shows center frequency 9524.901 and spikes at 9523.9 and 9525.9. Two minutes later, 9524 and 9525 are gone but a smaller spike remains at 9526 (rounded). Note that 9525.9 (all approx.) becomes the center or only frequency the following days (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I have no familiarity with spectrum displays. Are they showing just one primary frequency (one transmitter?) that was producing the plus and minus images (hets)? So the idea of two transmitters being on at the same time would seem to be wrong? What do you think? (Ron Howard, ibid.) Re DXLD 9-051: “VOI, 9525.9, July 7 . . . This series is called ``Exotic Indonesia``, so I wonder if they will eventually wander on to some other region? I believe he said the time was 6 o`clock, so perhaps this was live on the previous English broadcast at 1000 UT . . . (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1468, DX LISTENING DIGEST)” Per http://en.voi-online.com/static/program.html “04/11/2008 - 31/12/2008 [sic] EXOTIC INDONESIA Location: JAKARTA-BANJARMASIN NETWORK This network program called "EXOTIC INDONESIA" is broadcast on Tuesdays, live from Jakarta and Banjarmasin, from 20.00 to 21.00 West Indonesia Time.” (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ?? Do they mean 2009y or are these all reruns? April 11, 2009 was about when I first noticed it. 20-21 WIB = 13-14 UT, when we have really been hearing it (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) VOI still on 9526- instead of 9525-, July 9 at 1316 with English talk, only poor signal but luckily nothing on 9525 to het it during the English hour unlike before and after. VOI, July 10 at 1327 on 9526-, ID with the usual three frequencies, only one of which applies at any given time, but they never say which; Indonesian Wonders feature about how to get from Jakarta to the north coast of Java to enjoy eating fried eels; 1332 into next show, Miscellany. Fair signal with no QRM, but summer QRN (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9525.9, Voice of Indonesia, Cimanggis, 1043-1111, 09 Jul, English to Asia+pacific, touristic info. about the country; 25432, and hardly audible at 1100 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9525, Voz de Indonesia, Yakarta, 1820-1835, 11-07, locutor, español, comentarios, identificación: "La Voz de Indonesia, nuestra frecuencia 9525 kHz onda corta", canciones de Indonesia. 23322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Escuchas realizadas en Friol, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW 7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Was it really on 9525 and not 9526v as heard consistently recently in the 12-15 UT period? (gh) ** IRAN [and non]. R Farda (Tomorrow), mentioned in DX-Window no. 379, was interviewed at their Headquarters in Prague on Jun 24. On that day alone, they had received 1,600 telephone calls from Iranians in Iran who reported about the situation! Before the presidential election, they “only” received about 100 phone calls per day. When other western media are blocked, shortwave still comes through to most areas despite severe Iranian jamming (Karin Larsen, R Denmark P1, Jun 25 via DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** IRELAND [non]. 6225, 1945 10/07, SOUTH AFRICA, RTE Radio, English, desde Meyerton, com 100 kW, uma transmiss com azimute 0 (norte geográfico). Algumas vezes o sinal dessa emissora chega bastante forte, ultimamente vinha com o sinal muito fraco, hoje apereceu completamente audível, apesar de sinal fraco ainda), OM e YL conversam, parece uma entrevista no estúdio, muito pouca mx nessa emissora, 25332 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. 6973, 1938 10/07, Galei Zahal, em Hebrew, desde Tel Aviv- Yavne, com 5 kW, parece uma entrevista de uma cantora por OM e YL com algumas risadas e pop mx, hoje com um bom sinal e leve QRM de radioamador, 34433 (Jorge Freitas-B) 15785, 1938 08/07, GALEI ZAHAL, em Hebrew, desde Tel Aviv-Yavne, com 5 kW, OM conversa com YL entre ocasionais risos, // 6973 kHz que sofre moderada QRM de radioamadores, sinal fraco (até pelo horário, costuma chegar mais forte próximo das 1500 UTC) sem QRM, leve ruído, 73 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** JAMAICA. THE ROOTS OF RADIO, LONG BEFORE ROOTS RADIO KEEBLE McFARLANE Saturday, July 11, 2009 The pioneering US broadcaster, Edward R Murrow, once described a radio as a "box full of lights and wires". It was accurate, since the radio in those days looked exactly like that - stuffed with glowing vacuum tubes connected by wires to capacitors, resistors, switches, transformers and the all-important loudspeaker. Today's radio typically consists of an electronic chip smaller than a stick of chewing gum and usually conveys its message to the listener by tiny earphones which nestle inside the ear. Often as not, it's combined with some other device, such as an MP3, iPod, even a small pocket flashlight. A recent exchange by two old colleagues, John Maxwell and Merrick Needham, over the advent of Jamaican voices on the airwaves prompted me to reflect on the development of my favourite medium in my native country. For most Jamaicans, radio began with the onset of the Second World War when the pioneering station, ZQI, went on the air. Its beginning then was no coincidence - the law obliged people who owned private transmitting equipment to hand it over to the authorities for the duration of the war. ZQI was based on the ham radio gear and a house in the suburbs of Kingston donated by a Jamaican who had spent many years in the US and who figured the equipment would be more useful broadcasting information rather than sitting in storage gathering dust. The station was a simple affair, broadcasting for just a couple of hours a day, beginning with the all-important war news transcribed from the BBC overseas service and government announcements. The announcing duties were handled by an English expat, Denis Gick, and Archie Lindo, a civil servant seconded from the health department. . . [much more] http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20090710T000000-0500_155130_OBS_THE_ROOTS_OF_RADIO__LONG_BEFORE_ROOTS_RADIO.asp (via Dick Pache, DXLD) ** JAPAN. 9595, R. Nikkei-1, 0830-0900, July 11 (Sat.). Half hour Saturday program "Let's Read the Nikkei Weekly"; in English and Japanese presented by Noriko Tada, Gregory Clark and Jeffrey Swiggum; segment "Gregory Clark's Choices" (talking about the policy towards China, the possibility of the Democratic Party of Japan [DPJ] coming to power, etc.); ads for Eiken language testing; “This program has been presented by the Society for Testing English Proficiency, Inc.”. Website http://www.radionikkei.jp/LR/ // 6055 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN. I listened to the audio of the R. Japón Buzón show interviewing Alfonso Montealegre (see NETHERLANDS). It was recently reported that this mailbag also included a DX news segment, so at 16 minutes into the 19:45 file I heard that too: it was NOT DX news, just reading some reception reports TO Radio Japan. By calling this DX news, R. Japan demonstrates that it doesn`t even know what DX news is (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KALININGRAD. 7310, RUSSIAN REPUBLIC - KALININGRAD. Voice of Russia (Bolshakovo) (presumed), 2120-2200, 7/9/2009, Portuguese. Talk by man, occasionally joined by woman, just above noise level. Possible short musical bridges heard along with talk after 2150. Very weak signal, declining to only carrier after 2153. Carrier disappeared at 2200. Parallel with similar signal noted on 7439.9, assumed to be relay via Tajikistan [q.v.]. This is a very tentative log, but if Kaliningrad, would be my first log of this site since 2002 (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, RX-340, R8B, E1, ICF-SW7600G, Random Wire (90'), Eavesdropper Dipole, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KENYA. Hi Glenn, My daily web search for shortwave yielded this passage from Business Daily Africa, 9 July 2009, about Kenya's KBC... "As an immediate measure to save the national broadcaster, the government plans to stop radio broadcasts on the costly Medium Wave (MW) and Short Wave (SW) ..." But it's premium content requiring payment.... http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Company%20Industry/-/539550/621840/-/u92r0vz/-/ 73 (Kim Elliott, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Good to hear from you. I'll check this out further for the latest news, but the gist is that KBC is still on MW but dropped SW a good three years ago. The future of MW is far from assured. The background is that KBC took out a large loan in the late 1980s to finance a major revamp of its MW networks (which was completed around 1994). The network is still largely operational, and as you can see from WRTH, it is one of the more extensive MW networks in Africa in terms of numbers of transmitters and powers used. But it's largely redundant as most listening is now on FM (and the KBC neglected to upgrade its FM network, which is much the same as it was 20 years ago). And running all those 50 and 100 kW MW transmitters runs up a big power bill. The KBC has not been able to service the debt, and its revenues have been hit by competition from the many private stations for advertising and the drying up of government funding. Like most other public bodies in Kenya, it's badly run. For some months now, the Kenyan press has been publishing stories predicting the KBC's collapse under its debt burden. I doubt the government would allow this to happen, but a switch-off of some of the MW transmitters is very possible. A total switch-off would leave the remote 50 per cent of the country (largely in the north and east) which contains 5 per cent of the population largely without access to KBC radio. See http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1144019007&catid=4&a=1 (published on Friday). You may recall the following from me in DXLD 9-004: [...] ``A recently-leaked report by the official audit office says the KBC is technically insolvent and cannot afford to repay huge loans it has taken out or to pay statutory deductions such as VAT (sales tax), PAYE (payroll tax) and pensions. The expansion of private FM stations continues. Nairobi alone now has more than 40 FM stations. The KBC has surrendered some of its FM frequencies in Nairobi to make way for private stations.`` Regards, (Chris Greenway, UK, July 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: NATIONAL BROADCASTER COULD CLOSE DOWN, SAYS NDEMO Published on 10/07/2009 By Peter Opiyo Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is on the verge of collapse unless the Government pumps in Sh1 billion to modernise it. Weighing under a debt of Sh18 billion, the State broadcaster is said to have accrued most of the liability through obsolete equipment acquired on Sh10 billion loan from Japan. Information and Communications PS Bitange Ndemo told Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Communications that KBC acquired the equipment at the time technology was shifting from medium wave to frequency modulation (FM), thus subjecting it to losses. "We have requested some money from the Treasury and unless the Government sets in, KBC is on the verge of collapse," Ndemo told the committee. The Government has paid about Sh9 billion of the loan, but the equipment is not viable and contributed 80 per cent of the debt. Modern equipment With the old equipment that uses medium wave, the broadcaster foots a monthly power bill of Sh30 million. The PS told the committee this could be reduced to Sh5 million if the broadcaster is modernised. Committee Chairman James Rege and Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo queried whether it was viable to service the debts, but Information Minister Samuel Poghisio said: "KBC is still strategic and it should be subsidised and developed. It broadcasts in 19 vernacular languages reaching communities that private media houses avoid". The minister said KBC would play a critical role in the migration from analogue to digital TV transmission, which is expected to start in September. Kibwezi MP Philip Kaloki, a member of the committee, faulted the ministry for not exercising responsibility by allowing Japan to ‘dump the equipment’. The committee also heard that Sh2.4 billion assets belonging to Multi- Media University were irregularly transferred to the Communications Commissions of Kenya when the University was taken over by the Ministry of Education. Ndemo said this could raise auditing queries as he called for a repeal of the Universities Act to exempt Multi-Media University from falling under the Ministry of Education (The Standard as above via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. Pyongyang KRE 4 masts visible ??? 39 03 44.13 N 125 53 40.40 E (wb, SW TXsite July 9 via BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) Re: Wolfy's North Korea Find. Nice find! From historical images it appears that two of the masts (north) might possibly be two HF log periodic antennas. As for the other two masts we could only speculate if MW/SW ?? As for usage ... will we ever know???? (Ian Baxter-D, SW TXsite July 9, ibid.) Ian Baxter is in Germany now? Are here problems with different coordinate systems in play? Hitting the referenced ones into Google Maps just leads to open pasture land, and I see no transmission facilities in the vicinity of this location either. [later] Aha: This looks indeed like a now closed mediumwave facility. Note also the apparent cooling water ponds. The large one to the right appears to be empty now, the small one to the left (if it is a basin at all) has even been levelled. The main structure seems to be the transmitter hall, half underground and with high windows. When reviewing the matter of mediumwave sites in Pyongyang area it appears to be understood that 819 kHz / 500 kW and 657 kHz / 1500 kW are not co-located. For the latter the site has been specified as Kangnam. Such a settlement appears on maps south of Pyongyang, but looking at satellite images did not reveal a mediumwave site there so far. Furthermore there is also 1368 kHz with 2 kW, so this must be a transmitter within or in the outskirts of Pyongyang, probably but not necessarily co-located with high power facilities. Perhaps whatever kind of consolidation made the facility seen here redundant? (Kai Ludwig, Germany, SW TXsite July 10, ibid.) This KRE image is only visible in Google Earth, not Google Maps, stamped of March 7, 2004 Dec 26, 2003 - best Nov 6, 2000 is now vegetated pasture land! image of Aug 6, 2005 (Wolfgang Büschel, SW TXsite July 10, ibid.) ** KOREA NORTH. 2850, North Korean carrier noted 1030 on 3 July. not heard well in last two months as an indicator of band conditions to Asia (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. VOK, 11735 transmitter very dirty July 12 with anthem until 1250*, and jamming-like grind extending 11725 to 11745, first noticed on 11725 bothering YFR via Pet/Kam, RUSSIA in Chinese, as I had closed down the night before tuned to RNZI. In fact, the grind could be some kind of mix with a real jamming transmitter at same site. Next check at 1315, VOK Chinese back on 11735 along with the hash, incidentally also bothering VOA Korean on 11740 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. A DPRK Media First? --- Hi DXers, I hope you don't mind if I post one of my occasional posts about Satellite TV. Normally, there are no advertisements on television in North Korea but in an apparent first a beer commercial has been shown on state television. Associated Press have reported that long term DPRK monitors have never seen a commercial on North Korean TV before. The advertisement shows a grinning Korean man with sweat on his face holding a glass of beer, with a caption that read, "Taedong River Beer is the pride of Pyongyang." I have uploaded the commercial to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYqquzCNL84 Recorded off Thaicom 5 on my 3 meter dish in Sydney last Sunday. Cheers, (Mark Fahey, NSW, July 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Mark, I'm planning another trip to Pyongyang this January for 1 week. Anything you want me to look out for when I go? (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) Are you going to be working on the trip? Any insight behind the scenes would be amazing. I remember you mentioning that in the pipeline at Happy Station was an interview with an ex Radio Pyongyang announcer, I can`t wait to hear that. I am also planing a visit soon and I am at the moment looking at all the various options of ways in and out by train and Air Koryo etc. So if I end up at Dandong I will try and find a DPRK radio! I looked on the net this morning for a photograph of but nothing came up in Google images, does anyone know the brand name or a better search string other than "DPRK Radio"? I have this little nerdy obsession --- On a yearly cycle I make a two- hour prime-time digital archive of each station (TV & Radio) I receive here on my dishes. I also collect station 2-hour-long daily test pattern / opening and closing broadcasts if the stations are not 24 hour operations. With thousands of digital TV stations available to me this little task does take a full year to complete! However I have become amazingly obsessed with recording and archiving broadcasts from the DPRK. My logic is record now for others to look at later. I have well over a hundred hours of television broadcasts just from 2009 archived here in the original broadcast quality (MPEG2 transmission streams). Somewhere in all of that there is a program that shows behind the scenes at the studio, I will have to find it any get it up into cyberspace for others to enjoy. Cheers, (Mark Fahey, ibid.) I'm going with a group of broadcasters from China for 1 week. The best thing if you go is the train to Pyongyang and then return by plane. This time I'm flying in as I've taken the train twice before. The Air Koryo planes are really fun. 30 year old sometimes more IL-62. One of my favorite planes. I am trying to get someone I know who lives in Pyongyang to organize a visit to VOK, but I'm still waiting. It may not be possible because of security reasons. But still keeping my fingers crossed. BTW just for your information you can buy this beer in Dandong, China. Dandong in Liaoning province borders the DPRK. It costs 8 rmb a bottle. This company was set up as a joint venture with a company from Europe. If you ever go to Dandong you can buy many North Korean products beer, cigs, cloths, North Korean made TVs/Radios/mobile phones, truck tires, rice wine, the list goes on and on. When you see the advert it's like watching some old style communist propaganda (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.) Why would anyone want to buy DPRK products? (David Coursey, CA, ibid.) I bought a radio the last time I was in Dandong because it was an interesting design, it's built like a tank. As for the other products, the design is very interesting. Reminds me of products made in the old GDR. BTW the radios are all preset to DPRK stations. But this is easy to by pass if you know some basic electronics (Keith Perron, ibid.) However, these ghettoblasters are Chinese-made, or? http://www.flickr.com/photos/41622708@N00/2457052246/ Or to put it the other way: Are the common North Korean radios nowadays still mediumwave only or usually FM-capable as well? And could it be figured out to which frequencies the mentioned one was set? Finally: You said that you were already in Pyongyang. How about FM broadcasting there? Widely known is only the 105.2 transmitter for Pyongyang FM Pangsong, but if I recall correct brought Arnulf Piontek some years ago also FM airchecks from Pyongyang Pangsong and had to fall back upon mediumwave only for Joson Jung-ang Pangsong (also known abroad as "KCBS"). And what about the relay of foreign language broadcasts on 1368 kHz, listed with 2 kW? Would be nice to have this confirmed by monitoring as well. Generally it appears that all the published informations about North Korean broadcasting must be treated with caution. As an example one reads almost everywhere about TV transmitters in NTSC-M standard at sites close to the border to South Korea. But if one checks actual reports about watching North Korean TV "over there" they mention that a multistandard set is necessary, because the signals from the North are always in PAL-D (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.) The radios seen in the picture is from a company that is long gone called Panda Radio based in Zhouzhan. Yes, been to the DPRK twice already. Well, all radios in the DPRK are pre-set to government channels on MW and FM. But I won't be bringing a radio with me as if I do I would need to check it with customs and get it upon my departure. You can find SW/FM/MW radios on the black market; many are smuggled in from China. The radio of choice on the black market is SONY, but you can find Tecsun as well. Yes the DPRK uses PAL, there are some broadcasts on NTSC, but there are mainly in the south of the country with the hope that it can be pick up in the ROK, but rarely does it get through. The transmitter used for NTSC are not maintained as much as they were maybe 5 years ago or more (Keith Perron, ibid.) Great recording, Mark. Thanks a lot! Actually, just a few days ago I heard NPR talking about the first ever commercial on DPRK TV. Now it's wonderful to see it. And it's a long one. I don't know about you guys but it worked for me! Now I want to try that beer! ;) (Sergei S., Russia, ibid.) Keith asks: ``Anything you want me to look out for when I go [to Pyongyang]?`` Please look out for yourself first and foremost! :) We don't want you to end up like those two female journalists from US. I doubt that North Korean guards will let you produce Happy Station programs from there. Cheers, (Sergei Sosedkin, ibid.) [for local broadcast frequencies] See http://2883752.blog.163.com/blog/static/3015747920076122437150/ Is certainly outdated but looks fairly complete. How much has changed? (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, USA, ibid.) Totally amazing! I can't read a word of Korean, but I could have sworn that in one frame of the commercial, the designation "ISO 9001" appeared in Western characters. Do the North Koreans use ISO 9001 quality compliance standards? (Larry Cunningham, ibid.) The only way I can answer that is by saying. I spent 8 years in China, I saw many many many products being sold with ISO 9001 on it. But guess what? To them it's only a name it means nothing and they don't care. They think by putting something like that on it makes it less likely to been seen as a fake good, but the end result is it is a fake good (Keith Perron, Taiwan, July 12, ibid.) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. / CLANDESTINE: R. Free Chosun, 11560, heard signing on 1200 9 July with hymn and ID "Jayu Joseong Bangsong" followed by what seemed to be political commentaries. Signal not too strong but readable. Has an interesting website in English at: http://www.rfchosun.org (Robert Foerster, Hainbuchenweg 18, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany, July 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) via Tajikistan, 250 kW, 70 degrees per Aoki (gh) 7490, 1959 08/07, UZBEKISTAN, Radio Free Chosun, em Korean, desde Tashkent, com 200 kW, bips de sinal ID, às 2000 UT ID por YL com fundo musical tipo hino, 2003 fala entre curta música orquestrada e logo após notícias, leve QRM da R. Algerienne Holy Qur`an em árabe e 500 kW em 7495 kHz, sinal melhorando, 44433 (Jorge Freitas-B) 7530, 2013 08/07, ARMENIA, Radio Free North Korea, em Korean, desde Yerevan-Gavar, com 300 kW, parece uma entrevista no estúdio entre dois OMs, 35433 (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** KURDISTAN [non]. 11530, 1947 08/07, UKRAINE, Denge Mezopotamya, em Kurdish, desde Mykolaiv, com 300 kW, OM talk e música árabe às 1949 UT, baixa modulação para a intensidade do sinal que chega bom, com leve ruído e sem QRM (Jorge Freitas, Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil, dxclube pr yg via DXLD) ** KUWAIT. Antenna Boost for BBG --- The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has awarded Thomson for the supply of a rotatable shortwave antenna system for their Kuwait station. The new system will enhance the coverage and flexibility and provide for reduction in maintenance and operating costs. Scope of supply includes design, delivery and installation of the rotatable shortwave antenna type HP-RCA 2/2 (High Performance Rotatable Curtain Array), including high band and low band antenna, rigid dipole, balun, foundation design and service works. The design of the new rotatable shortwave antenna is based on the Thomson rotatable curtain array 4/4. The 2/2 system is optimized for near distant coverage up to 4000 km in analog AM or digital DRM modes and features highest flexibility (rotatable system), high antenna gain, cost-efficient operation and low life cycle costs due to easy maintainability. BBG is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for all non-military, international broadcasting sponsored by the U.S. government. BBG has a good customer relationship with Thomson, based on a long history of past performance in strategic broadcast projects (Radio News, SUMMER 2009 - Published by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia - Issue 33, via Rachel Baughn, Monitoring Times, DXLD) ** LAOS. 4412.62v, Lao National Radio via Sam Neua, 1218-1231*, July 8. Unusual programming; perhaps problem with the feed from Vientiane? For the first time heard them post-1200 not in parallel with 6130. Heard non-stop nice SE Asia music and songs; brief sign-off announcement followed by choral National Anthem (Pheng Xat Lao) till off. 6130 had the usual news program till BoH. 4412.59v, Lao National Radio via Sam Neua, 1213, July 10. Back to normal programming today; // 6130 (fair); the news in Laotian (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LAOS. 7145, LNR, 1302-1356*, July 12. In French; musical fanfare between items; briefly started a recorded speech in Laotian, cut off for commentary/translation in French; BoH a minute of silence before start of English; gives their schedule and just the FM frequency; could only understand a few words here and there, as the constant ham QRM and summer QRN reduced the quality of reception; at start and end of English segment mentioned the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao. 7145, LNR, 1255-1359*, July 13. In listed Cambodian; SE Asian music; into French; 1333 starts English (sounded like: “This is the Lao National Radio, broadcasting from Vientiane, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Our English language is broadcast twice daily at 1300 hours and 2030 hours local time, which is 7 hours ahead of GMT. It is transmitted on a frequency of 97.25 MHz, on FM”); news (celebrations in Vientiane to mark the 100th birthday of former President Souphanouvong [July 13, 1909], etc.); 1351 end of local news and another full ID; best reception so far and am very pleased to finally hear their full ID. Audio file posted to dxldyg “Files > Station Sounds” (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LAOS [non]. BELGIUM (non), Additional transmission of TDP station Suab Xaa Moo Zoo in Hmong: 2230-2300 on 11760 TAI 100 kW / 250 deg to SEAs (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, July 10 via DXLD) ** LAOS [non]. 11785, WHRI, Saturday July 11 after Hmong Lao Radio hour, additional semihour, Hmong World Christian Radio, but it plays exactly the same music and doesn`t sound that religious; at 1425 with long list of businesses in St. Paul, Hminnesota area, presumably sponsors, or just Hmong-owned ones. Noticed a lite SAH of about 2 Hz despite very strong signal from SC. 1429:30 cut to WHR in English plugging its webcasts, including from `KWHR`, a neat trick since that station no longer exists on SW, abolished almost a year ago. 1430 into Call to Worship, from Zion Chapel of Holland (Michigan?); still on with more religion past 1500 unlike weekdays (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MADAGASCAR. 3215, R Feon’ny Filazantsara, partial data personal e- mail verification in 9 weeks after follow up, v/s Rev. Jean de Dieu Rakotoniaina (The Station Director). Gives the following addresses: a) 20 I 40 Andranomadio, 110 Antsirabe, Madagascar b) B. P. 95, Antsirabe, Madagascar c) jdrlcc@yahoo.fr (Vashek Korinek, Florida Hills, RSA via DXplorer via DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) via RNW Talata site (gh) ** MALAYSIA. RTM Sarawak, Sibu on 6050 kHz is inactive and Kuching 7130 kHz has been closed instead of moving to a higher frequency (7200 or 7235 kHz). (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) 6049.64, Asyik FM (presumed) 1202-1213 Jul 8. YL with talk, cadence sounded like news; vocal music followed at 1211. Fair/poor (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** MALAYSIA/SARAWAK. 7270, Wai FM via RTM (presumed), 1415-1434, July 10. In vernacular; DJ playing EZL pop songs; reciting from the Qur’an; mixing with PBS Nei Menggu (// 9750); covered at 1434 with CNR-1 echo jamming (// 5030) (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) SARAWAK - 7270.02, Wai FM 1230-1258 Jul 12. Slow droning chant by what sounded like 2 or 3 children, uninterrupted until 1259 when YL spoke in [unknown] languange, mentioning Wai FM; news followed at 1300, I think. Fair/poor, mixing with Nei Menggu (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) 7295, Traxx FM via RTM, 1346-1415, July 10. In English with countdown of this week’s most popular songs on Traxx Chart Toppers (played #10, the Sugar Ray’s singing “Boardwalk”); ToH 10:00 news from Kuala Lumpur, followed by sports news. 11884.49v, 1211-1222*, July 13. Thanks to a tip from Dan Sheedy, I noted this not in the usual Chinese, but seemed to be in Bahasa Indonesia. Audio quality has improved; suddenly off in mid-song. Needs more monitoring to find if there is any Chinese still in use any time after 1000 sign-on (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALI. 5995, RTV du Mali (Bamako) 7/10/09 0645-0700 At tune-in there was bright, vibrant tribal music. Vocals with lots of drums, flutes and whistles. These very lively selections were interrupted briefly by an Om in vernacular at 0655 followed by more indigenous music. Radio Mali ID was heard at 0700 by an Om in French (Bruce Barker, Broomall, PA. Equipment: NRD 535D and an Alpha Delta DX Sloper antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) On several occasions, Radio Mali produced excellent signals lately around local midday on 9635, i.e. approximately 1000, sometimes going up to 45544 with the usual blend of fine Kora music. Always worth checking. Mali was 45544 on 9635 on 07 JUL 2009 at 1126 (Robert Foerster, Hainbuchenweg 18, 52249 Eschweiler, Germany, July 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MAURITANIA. 7245, R. Mauritanie, Nouakchott, 1420-1506, 08 Jul, French, news bulletin till 1433, then Arabic, lute tunes, talks & chanting; 35433 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 4800, XERTA, 0542-0604, 01-07, canciones religiosas en español. 15321. También 0519-0540, 06-07, locutor, español, comentario religioso: "El amor de Dios", canciones religiosas. 6104.7, XEQM, RASA, Mérida, 0553-0559, 06-07, canciones en español. Señal muy débil, audible en LSB. A las 0559 eclipsada por BBC con programa en francés [Ascension] en la misma frecuencia. También 0515-0559, 07-07, canciones en español, cada dos o tres canciones intervención de locutor: "Llámenos para conocernos", llamadas telefónicas de oyentes, "Envía la palabra...", números de teléfono, "A través de la FM", canción "Y quién es él" de José Luis Perales, locutor, "OK, OK, número de teléfono...". A las 0559 eclipsada por BBC con programa en francés en la misma frecuencia. Señal muy débil, audible en LSB. 14321. También 0514-0559, 08-07, canciones en español, locutor, llamadas telefónicas oyentes: "Hola, buenas noches, llamen al ...53...., "Candela", "Hola, son ustedes tan buenos, tan gentiles", "Ahorita". A las 0559 eclipsada por BBC con programa en francés en la misma frecuencia. 14321 variando a 44322. 6185, Radio Educación, México DF, 0600-0625, 03-07, música clásica, locutor, identificación: "Los programas de Radio Educación especialmente dedicados a fortalezer la cultura". 25322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 4800, XERTA 0930 carrier only on 8 July, 1230 fading out with music, 2 July. 6104.77, Mérida, 0935 strong signal, om/yl with music 8 July (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 6104.743, XEQM Candela FM, Mérida, ID "Uno radio". Perseus SDR en super Kaz antennes. 73, (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, July 11, HCDX via DXLD) ** MEXICO. 4800, XERTA, Radio Transcontinental de América, México DF, 0506-0540, 12-07, locutor, español, comentario religioso y canciones. 25322. 6010, Radio Mil, México DF, 0453-0710, 12-07, canciones latinoamericanas, locutor, identificación: "Radio Mil". A partir de las 0500 no se escucha por interferencia de Radio Nederland en 6015 y a partir de las 0600 interferencia de Radio Habana Cuba en 6010. Se vuelve a escuchar a las 0702, de nuevo con canciones latinoamericanas e identificación: "Radio Mil". Señal muy débil, apenas audible. 12321. 6104.7, XEQM, RASA, Mérida, 0535-0559, 09-07, canciones mexicanas y otras canciones latinoamericanas, locutor, español, atendiendo llamadas de los oyentes: "llamen al número ...". A las 0559 eclipsado por la BBC en la misma frecuencia. 15321. También 0530-0547, 12-07, canciones latinoamericanas, comentarios, español, llamadas telefónicas a los oyentes: "Muy buenos días a todos, O. K., continuamos". 14321. 6185, Radio Educación, México, DF, 0605-0640, 12-07, música clásica, locutora informando sobre programas de la emisora. 34433 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante (08 y 09-07 y Friol (11 y 12-07), Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW 7600G Antena de cable, 10 metros, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. There was sporadic E DX from here for many hours July 8 into UT July 9, channels 2-3-4 loaded with signals in Spanish, mostly too much QRM to make much out, and at times poking up to channels 5, 6, and into FM. The best we could do in most TV cases was identify the network by bug and/or TV Guide program listings, rather than individual stations call letters. All times UT. Originally compiled in chrono order, then re-sorted into frequency order. Channel 2: 1413 UT, studio show with `hoy` lower-case bug in lower right (LR) --- that`s the Mexican version of ``Today`` on the XEW-2 network, not to be confused with a Panamanian callsign starting with HO! It could be XEW-2 itself from DF or one of several relays. Unfortunately an unexpected thunderstorm was about to hit and that closed down all external-antenna TV DX activity almost until local noon. Channel 4: at 2205 UT, could make out Spongebob on 4 and 3, as well as 5, so XHGC-net but too much QRM most of the time on 3 and 4. Channel 4: at 2306, GUADALAJARA, JAL. Supered below talking head, so likely XHG. Channel 4, at 2334, a large 4 bug in the upper left with small letters under it; and at the bottom of the screen at the left large NX plus more letters to the right. TV Guide shows NXclusivo as the show on the XEQ Galavisión network at this time. Per W9WI the only two for this on 4 are XHBO in Oaxaca and XHGK in Tapachula. Channel 4, at 2326, 5 net logo UR on novela? with hischool kids. At 2333 saw SPELLING BEE ROUND 7 behind characters in a sitcom, maybe same one, soundtrack language unknown. Channel 5: at 2158, same-offset CCI to KOCO-5 nightlight, occasionally overriding video but not audio, with Spongebob Squarepants (forget the surname in Spanish; is he syndicated OTA anywhere in USA or only on NIK cable?), and kept running past 2200. This checks with schedule for XHGC-5 network, and on 5 it could be XHGC México DF itself, which is also zero-offset; but so are about five other full-power repeaters around the country. BTW, all of Mexico is within single-hop E-skip range from here. Same CCI seen again July 9 at 0155. Channel 6: 87.75, channel 6 audio as monitored on FM radio: at 1731, world news in Spanish, about Italy; CCI. At 1743 SS YL with word game show. On caradio at 1829, Azteca-13 promos. At 1944, Spanish game/quiz show about Michael Jackson. MUF just to here, nothing making it thru above 88 MHz at this time. Later had several ch 6 events with video and/or audio. At 2217 Rumbo a la Final, promo for some silly ballgame, I suppose; 2225 novela with Azteca 13 bug in upper right. This consists of two vertical lines, and to their right 3 shorter dots. Maybe that`s Aztec for 5+5+3. Unfortunately there are about eight full-power Azteca-13s around Mexico on channel 6. 2232 audio, ads in pesos, including for hair conditioner. Into UT July 9: 0025 on 6, talk show around table, A-13 bug in UR, and below it ``en vivo``. To clinch it, crawler across lower part of screen mentioning AZTECA 13. At 0155 on 6, fútbol, which matches TVG listings for XEQ Galavisión net, live, US vs Honduras --- but W9WI.com does not have any XEQ relay on 6, hi power or lo! Could it be extra-Mexican? Mixing with Novela showing A-13 bug. At 0225 on 6 audio 87.75, A-13 promo, CCI. FM: 1700 UT, heavy Es on channels 2-5 and more. 1720, unfortunately, the storm has bumped up tropo, which makes finding a clear FM frequency for Es even more difficult. Wichita and Tulsa are inbooming along with OKC stations and all around these areas. Mostly I look for standout Spanish tho we have some local Spanish such as 92.1 in Enid, 92.7 in Wichita (a ``Hydraulic`` street address is a dead giveaway), and some OKC-area toward the top end. I head to the porch with my DX-398 portable, as I manoeuvre the whip to minimize local QRM. DX seems to improve with it horizontal, minimizing the vertically-polarized component of locals. 93.9: at 1722, first Spanish found is on 93.9, song, fading. At 1726 I am getting at least two SS here, one talk, one music. Ad with a weight in onzas, so maybe US origin. 1727 singing ID as ``Estéreo Milenio, 93.9 Digital, sólo éxitos``. No match for that slogan in 2009 Emisoras de FM (hereafter EFM). Or in Google search. At 1736, again two stations mixing with talk and music; YL talk discussing relationships. At 1739 I was hearing some of the same audio on 93.3, along with CCI, via the local Enid translator K227AT which relays KIMY 93.9 Watonga, and anything else overriding it on 93.9! Back to 93.9 itself: 1754, once again at least two SS stations mixing, song and talk. 1755, ad for Puerto Vallarta, but probably promoting it elsewhere as destination, no station listed there; timecheck for 5 before the hour, ``93 punto 9`` by YL, Monterrey mentioned, and ad for a technical institute. Once again, no NL station on 93.9 so another dead end. 1757 ad string, one for some event taking place July 11 on the campus universitario, and Universidad Michoacana mentioned on the other station. Now we have an abundance of riches as two stations are listed in Michoacán, one in the capital Morelia, XHMO which does at least use ``digital`` in its slogan. So tentatively that. 97.7 is another frequency that passes for ``clear`` around here. (Enid`s part-15 ``WECS`` has been inactive since last report in April or May but too far from the home shack to matter anyway.) At 1823 heard Spanish talk. 1743, PSA for suprema corte, CCI from YL DJ, 12:44 timecheck, mentioned Chihuahua, and a bit later ``97-7, La Número Uno en éxitos``. CCI at 1745 had ad for ropa. 1745 ``#1`` slogan again, Cine-Mex and Wal-Mart ads. I really can`t be certain which ads came from which station. Guess what: there are no Chihuahua stations in EFM on 97.7; but just hearing a state mentioned could also be part of a street address, or even a business name anywhere else. The slogan above does not match anything on 97.7 in EFM either. How about Cine-Mex? I was afraid it`s a national chain everywhere, but http://cinemex.com/cartelera/complejo.php shows it only in DF and six other cities. The only match in EFM is DF, which is XERC. Another tentative log? At 1752 on 97.7, ad for Servi-Llantas which carries Goodyear, Café-W, pesos, local street addresses unrecognized, one mentioning Obregón, which is a national name applying to streets, etc. everywhere. But next ad mentions `potosina` and San Luís Potosí, so this one is definite, XHSNP. And the RDS was displaying TEMP 24C even after it had faded out. Then at 1758 on 97.7, ads for Banco de México, and for Cinemas Henry. Per http://www.cinemashenry.com.mx/ we have a match for Tampico, XHRW. At 1801 on 97.7 ad for some event, school? running 20 July to 7 August in Tampico, ``Arcoiris Mágico``, promo for something at 3-5 pm on ``Los 40 Principales, 97 punto 7``. VG signal for a while. Los 40 Principales is indeed the slogan of XHRW Tampico, per EFM. Means Top 40 and there`s probably one in every market. MUF dropped down around 1805 so I quit for a while. 95.3, briefly at 1830 some SS music. Both Tampico and SLP, heard earlier, have stations on this frequency. Plus several others. Now I`m on the caradio. 105.9, at 1750, briefly SS conversation with YL. AFAIK, the OK stations in Hobart and Seminole are not SS. So maybe this was MexDX at MUF spike? No, KSSA near Garden City, Kansas fits (Glenn Hauser, Enid OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. Tu Canal channel 3 Double Hop --- I'm watching a Spanish station on ch 3 at around 240 degrees at 5:50 pm [EDT = 2150 UT July 9]. Audio is pretty good at times. At around 6:04 I see the words "Tu Canal" and it seems to be an animated logo that turned. It also seemed like news with a YL presenter. A little while later I saw a small fat white number 3 which seemed to be in a box way down on the lower right corner of the picture (this was in B&W so no color noted). Is this the same station or another one yet? From what I see on the net there are only two Tu Canal stations. One is ch6 serving San Diego and the other is XHBC in Mexicali, BCN. If this is the case then I saw (and heard) XHBC in Mexicali at 2421 miles. I do have some audio recorded before the logo came on the screen. I had a mic up against the TV's speaker. What an amazing summer! -- (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT USA, July 9, WTFDA via DXLD) XHBC-3 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6qoli1jIa0 I swear I hear Mexicali mentioned at least twice in this clip. If it's not, I'll pull the video. This was taken just before 7pm local time. Tell me what you hear. There's also a woman in this clip at the beginning, and some words. Tu Canal was seen while the camera was upstairs downloading all the video because the memory was full. Isn't that just how it works. (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT USA, July 9, WTFDA via DXLD) Congratulations to Mike and Jeff. XHBC-3 is a long-haul catch! XHBC-3 (which has been received here most days since my local KTBS-3 went off two weeks ago) has two versions of their big animated ID. The main one I see shows "Tu Canal" under the three at the end of the ID. In this ID the three and "Tu Canal" spin in opposite directions until they match up. The other begins with "TU CANAL" in capital letters and ends with XHBC under the three. In this second version, the slogan goes away, and the three and XHBC spin until they match. [later: After reviewing some tape of local quality reception of XHBC, I see that the "3" and "Tu Canal" are in opposite directions, but they are spinning in the same direction. At the end they are in the same direction.] Most low-band independent stations in Mexico now display their logo upper right. The only two exceptions I can think of that have been received here lately are XELN-4 ("4" upper left) and XHBC-3 ("3" with "Tu Canal" below it lower right). (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, WTFDA via DXLD) ** MEXICO. Re: [Tvfmdx] Almost impossible to find program listings for Mexican TV stations! --- Try this, altho you will have to pretend your `provider` is local cable and the channel numbers will not match: http://www.tvguide.com/listings/setup/localizeInt.aspx?Country=Mexico 73, (Glenn Hauser, WTFDA via DXLD) ** MEXICO. My sole funxioning B&W TV set conked out, so I got another one at a thrift store for $5. The first three thrifts I visited didn`t have any B&W and one said they never stocked any because no one would buy them. Maybe there`s a decent (analog) color TV set, but the ones I have for viewing are DX-unfriendly squelching weak and fading signals. This is a Zenith BT124W, made in Dec 1983 in Taiwan, almost 12 inches diagonally. Has digital channel keypad, no remote, and no fine tuning. Finally with my $5 set I can hear audio even if the video is barely there. And it still sounds like at least some of the Mexicans are running much more audio power than 1/10 of the video as was typical in the USA. There have been some more sporadic E openings, but not much luck pinning down any specific station IDs. Soon after installation, July 10 at 2215 UT, briefly got some Spanish on channel 4, but not much the next two days. July 13 fading in at 1624 UT on channel 3, Smurfs --- fits XHGC-5 network so probably XHBQ Zacatecas again, and BTW per TV Guide, Spanish for Smurfs is Pitufos, who get 150 minutes of network airtime. By 1648 MUF was up to ch 4 with a variety show; at 1720 a game show (maybe same), mentioned Iztapalapa, and also Barranquilla, but I am not guessing I got Colombia. Iztapalapa is a colonia in México DF. At 1728 on ch 4 I could make out the Azteca 13 bug in the UR as a W&M were in discussion. Too many full-power relays to guess which one. 1744 on ch 3, animation, including a walking (hopping?) shark. Anim points to XHGC-5 network again. 1759 on ch 4, news mentioning Televisa, and Torreón, so tentatively XELN-TV there, listed as on the XHGC-5 network, but a local break? 1825 on ch 3, another fade-in with animation, net-5 bug in the UR (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MONGOLIA. 4895, Mongolian R 1, Murun, 1444-1459*, Jul 04, non-stop Mongolian instrumental music, ID at 1455 and closing ann. Transmission signed off after playing of the national anthem of Mongolia, 45444. The broadcast on 4830 is listed as the same ”Mongolian Radio 1”, but the program I heard, was different from that on 4895 except for the closing announcement (Nobuya Kato, Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, visiting Katsurashima, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) 4830, Mongolian Radio, 1243-1316, July 10. Due to CHBC moving off this frequency from 1200 to 1300, I can now hear Mongolia, as in the past they were always covered by a stronger CHBC; clearly // 4895; both weak. No sign of CHBC signing on here after their sign-off at 1300 on 6185 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MOROCCO. 9575, Radio Mediterranée Internationale, better known as Medi-1. 7/10/09 0725-0748 OM talking in Arabic at tune-in. But the station ID at 0730 was in French. This was followed by an OM with news in French, including many correspondent reports and several actualities. At 0742 a YL took over also in French. At 0745 there was a block of ads and Medi-1 ID's and station promos. Signal was poor (Bruce Barker, PA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) MOROCCO (Spanish), 9575, Radio Medi Un, 0312-0422 Jul 9, program of continuous Middle Eastern vocals before a “live” audience. ID at 0400 by a woman announcer followed by a man with news in Arabic. Fair but beginning to deteriorate after the news (Rich D'Angelo, Wyomissing PA, NASWA Flashsheet July 12 via DXLD) ** MOROCCO. RMI Invests in Future --- Radio Morocco International [sic] has contracted Thomson for upgrade of its long wave station at Nador. Scope of works includes renewal of three pylons and installation of two new 800 kW LW transmitters type S7HP. The transmitters replace equipment which has been in operation for 30 years. The new equipment will increase the service reliability while bringing considerable savings in operation expenses thanks to enhanced overall system efficiency (Radio News, SUMMER 2009 - Published by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia - Issue 33, via Rachel Baughn, Monitoring Times, DXLD) ?? Nador means 171 kHz, Radio Mediterranée Internationale, not ``Radio Morocco International``. Do they even know whom they are doing business with? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The other LW: ** MOROCCO. MRC Azilal Demnate LW 207 kHz on Google Earth 31 53 54.35 N 06 33 16.80 W I have been on holiday tour in Algarve coast southern Portugal in Oct 2007, the LW 207 kHz signal was much, much less powerful than in previous decades. Distance Armacao de Peira-Algarve-POR to Azilal-MRC approx. 605 kilometers (wb df5sx, via mwdx July 5 via DXLD) Azilal 207 kHz: Dear Wolfgang, This transmitter may put some very strong signals (even up here in Lisboa) with good modulation one day and offer weaker and below average modulation quality the next day, it does vary a bit. Right now, 207 is sub-standard via my elevated K9AY, with Germany audible; otherwise I'd need to invert the loop to minimise MRC and get D. Other [MW] RTM outlets, like 1044, 612, 540, are a lot more normal. On MW, the worst case is 711, with weak audio, so when I null co-channel E+F so as to "clean" MRC 711, the audio of the other countries can often be perceived underneath. As far as I could observe just a few days ago, the following were audible: 207 Azilal, Tahadart 540, Oujda 595 (nom. 594), Sébaa-aioun 612, Lâayoune 711, Agadir 936, Sébaa-Aioun 1044 became silent during that period (maintenance? breakdown?), 1079.9 (nom. 1080) Casablanca. Rabat 819 is mute for months now. By the way, Wolfgang, the Algarve place you mentioned is called Armação de Pêra; and you wouldn't like to be there right now: too many street works, dust, tricky to park. Other nearby places would be a lot more advisable (Carlos Gonçalves, July 11 to Wolfgang Büschel, cc to DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MOROCCO. 595, RTM-"A", Oujda, 2249-, 07 Jul, Arabic, Arabic songs; off the channel again; 54444, adjacent QRM only as PORTUGAL 594 was temporarily off (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR. 5915, Myanma Radio, randomly from 1247 to 1435, July 8. In vernacular; holding up well against the usually much stronger CRI; today about equal strength. 9730.81v was clearly off-the-air today! (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5985.00, Myanma R, 2244-2305, July 09, open carrier already there at tune-in, 2300 one-minute intro on indigenous instruments, 2301 Bamar? female opening announcement easily dominated co/channel WYFR. 5915.00 did not get going until 2330 intro tune, then had a different opening procedure and seemed to play more westernized pop than 5985 did. Obviously these two freqs are not //, cf DXLD 9-051 (Martien Groot, Schoorl, Netherlands, TenTec RX-340, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR [and non]. 9730.81v, Myanma Radio, 1204 + 1237, July 10. Continues to be off-the-air here. Was their recent broadcasts, in parallel with 5915, just testing? 5915 continues to be heard (not // 5985 nor 5770) (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NETHERLANDS. Re 9-051: It's great news that RNW is adding new programs to its English-language RNW2 satellite feed. Unfortunately, Andy Sennitt's blog post gives no schedule for when programs will air and the English schedule on RNW's Web site was only valid through March. Why announce a change in programming without telling people the schedule? (Mike Cooper, GA, Jul 8, DXLD) Indeed. Not the only station which is a producer of programming, yet does not give us the very basic info of what it is and when and where to hear it! (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. Re 9-051: Audio routing check at 1430: Issoudun on 7235 is about 1.5 seconds ahead of Wertachtal on 5955. Also sounds sharper, with a bit more bass and considerably more presence boost. Would have been fun to compare it with Radio 1 itself. For identifying Radio 1: Watch out for the phrase "op Een" on jingles. It's a bit in passing, thus could be overlooked after "Radio Tour de France" (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. Alfonso Montealegre en el Buzón de Radio Japón Alfonso Montealegre y Masato Akaike, colega de Radio Japón [caption] Es un espacio de encuentro entre los oyentes y Radio Japón. Presentamos sus mensajes y opiniones, y también comentamos temas interesantes de la vida cotidiana de Japón. Esta semana les ofrecemos una entrevista al productor colombiano Alfonso Montealegre, que lleva más de 30 años trabajando para el servicio internacional de Radio Netherland, en Holanda. Montealegre ha estado viajando por varios países asiáticos, entre ellos Japón, donde ha visitado nuestra emisora. Escuchar: http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/spanish/radio/asx/sunday.asx Fuente: http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/spanish/top/index.html (via Yimber Gaviria, DXLD) It was not exactly an interview, but apparently he was answering a series of questions posed to him which were edited in later. He said that the one thing he wanted to do before mandatory retirement from Radio Netherlands was to visit his four favorite SW stations in Asia: RTI, KBS, NHK and CRI (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also JAPAN ** NETHERLANDS [non]. Hi Everyone, Just to let you all know the 1500 to 1555 UT transmission of Happy Station will pay tribute to legionary South African radio station Springbok Radio. Web stream: http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.wrmi.net [sic] (Keith Perron, July 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Pity the streaming is via Facebook -- as one who won't sign up with them, I guess I miss out . . . ef waiting for Facebook to disappear* * caption on a recent New Yorker cartoon (Eric Flodén, BC, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Happy Station July 9th, 2009 0100 & 1500 UT Thursday, July 9, 2009 0100 UT, July 9th, 2009: http://www.radio4all.net/files/kperron@gmail.com/3101-1-happy_station_070909_0100utc.mp3 1500 UT, July 9th, 2009 Tribute To Springbok Radio: http://www.radio4all.net/files/kperron@gmail.com/3101-1-happy_station_070909_1500utc.mp3 (Keith Perron, Taiwan, July 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEW ZEALAND. RNZI DRM feeds to: SOLOMON ISLANDS; VANUATU: q.v. ** NICARAGUA. Calls for Channel 2 Nicaragua --- A while back someone logged Channel 2 Managua. The correct calls these days are "YNFA302". Weird, yes. Channels 4 and 6 are now YNFA304 and YNFA306 (William R Hepburn, Grimsby ON CAN http://dxinfocentre.com/hepburn/ WTFDA via DXLD) ** NIGERIA. Don`t often hear VON 15120 at 0626, but there it was July 9 with news in English about Africa, poor-fair, fades (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) VOICE OF NIGERIA REDUCED BROADCASTS TO EUROPE --- Hi, the past week I observed the following Voice of Nigeria broadcasts on 15120 only: 0600-0700 + 1700-1900 English, 0700-0800 French. These times are also announced at the end of the broadcasts, but no other English or French transmissions. Hausa is heard on 9690 at 0800, Arabic at 1630 not observed, nor later evening broadcasts. Possibly on strike? 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, July 10, http://www.africalist.de.ms Münster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: NIGERIAN STATE RADIO AND TV STATIONS JOIN NATIONAL STRIKE State owned radio and television stations in Nigeria were today set to join the ongoing one week-old strike by workers belonging to the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE). The unions are protesting non-payment of 33 month monetisation arrears owed them by the Federal Government. A reliable source close to RATTAWU who spoke to the Daily Independent on condition of anonymity on Sunday said “the state radio and television stations are set to join the strike today (Monday) since the government refused to listen to the voice of reason. We are all humans and since our leaders are treating us as slaves, we have to take our destiny in our hands.” According to the source, Senate Committee on Communication is expected to have a meeting with RATTAWU’s leaders today to discuss the way forward. “Our members are prepared to continue with this strike until the government pays us our agreed entitlements. The meeting with the Senate committee could add value to changing the decision of the government. We are waiting and watching the outcome of the meeting before we take a position,” the source added. Another source close to a state television station said: “We are set to join the strike on Monday. We are in full support of the strike and it is our belief that when all hands are involved in the strike, the government will act”. (Source: Daily Independent) (July 13th, 2009 - 10:34 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) Or maybe temporary curtailment as they are installing new equipment (Glenn to Thorsten, ibid.) Viz.: VON LEADS AFRICA INTO DIGITAL ERA IN SHORT WAVE --- STRATEGIC TURNKEY PROJECT UNDER COMPLETION IN ABUJA Voice of Nigeria is a foremost international broadcaster and a leading force for the advancement of education and democracy in Africa. Aware of the importance of radio as a cost-effective and dependable mass communication medium – especially for people at the grass roots level – VON has been active in promoting the future of the medium and was the first African broadcaster to become a full member of the DRM Consortium. VON recognized early the great potential of digital radio to revolutionize communication within the continent. Since DRM uses the same frequencies and bandwidths as analogue radio, there are no regulatory issues involved such as spectrum use and licensing. Following the relocation of the capital of the Federal Government of Nigeria from Lagos to Abuja, VON (Voice of Nigeria) was mandated to commence the construction of an ultra-modern radio transmission station in Abuja. The new station was to be the first of its kind and the biggest in Sub-Sahara Africa, equipped with the most modern DRM compliant equipment. At a total project cost of roughly 40 million US dollars, the turnkey project is the largest single investment in radio shortwave transmission by any country on the African continent. The contract for the project was awarded in 2006 to a consortium led by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia based on its track record of satisfactory performance and execution of a similar project at the Ikorodu station near Lagos. Scope of supply included three 250 kW shortwave transmitters, including integrated digital DRM front-end, two curtain antennas, a rotatable high performance curtain antenna, auxiliaries and civil works like buildings, canalization, water and mains supply, diesel power plant, access road, etc. The high overall efficiency of Thomson broadcast systems will provide for considerable energy savings as well greatly enhanced coverage flexibility. Professor Dora Akunyili, Minister of Information and Communications, recently visited the site in May to make an inspection of the progress. “I am very, very impressed with what I have seen on ground this morning“, said the Minister following the site visit. “Voice of Nigeria has put up a state of the art transmission station – with most recent, most cutting-edge technology in subsaharan Africa. That the first rotary antenna in this continent is being in Nigeria is something for us to celebrate. Voice of Nigeria transmits to all parts of the world. Now we can to tell our story to the world in a very clear signal.” Thanks to the outstanding cooperation between VON and the local company „Thomcast NGT Ltd.” and its Engineering Team, the project will reach a timely completion in 2009. [captions:] Interview with the Minister following the site inspection Assembly of the Thomson rotatable shortwave antenna system RCA 4/4 Aerial view of the station View of station from access road (Radio News, SUMMER 2009 - Published by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia - Issue 33, via Rachel Baughn, Monitoring Times, DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. As I was hunting for FM DX from Mexico, noted the following non-DX. July 8 at 1730 UT on 96.5, heard ``The new Mix 96`` slogan, from Tulsa. What`s new about it? However RDS at 1734 displayed MIX 96.5 amid scrolling song titles. So is it 96 or 96.5?? [KRAV-FM] At 1724 found steady signal on 99.7 stereo, gospel rock. Is Mustang, SW of OKC, finally on the air, KZLS moved from Alva/Enid? Never heard any ID or other talk as I tuned by several more times. Later at 2230, however, no significant signal on 99.7, so maybe an early/irregular test, or fooled by something else tropping in at midday (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also 93.3 under MEXICO ** OKLAHOMA. Think small department. Noticed that KGWA 960 Enid claims to have served since 1953(?) ``five of the greatest counties in Oklahoma``. But which? Coverage map at http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=KGWA&service=AM&status=L&hours=U does not show counties, but even within the red primary contour it would be hard to limit them to only five: let`s see, Garfield, Alfalfa, Major, Kingfisher, Oklahoma; but Canadian, Logan, Payne, Noble and Woods ought to be in there too. The county immediately north of Enid/Garfield, Grant, is apparently in a null as KGWA protects Shenandoah, same pattern day and night (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 27185, local yokel no doubt in Enid with non-skip strong signal playing lo-fi country music, blocking the CB calling channel, July 11 at 1400. Another time there was ear-splitting wideband tone jamming the frequency. People sure know how to have fun on CB! Then at 1403 came upon an SSB contact on 27435. Unlike most CBers, not in love with their own voices with reverb, etc., but normal tones, QSO between Tom and someone discussing breakfast in standard English. Could have passed for real hams, except no IDs heard until 1404* Suspect local as skip was not in e.g. on WWCR 15825, CB channels were not multi-deep hetbuckets (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA [and non]. Weird, KOCO nightlamp, with Mike Deserio and their own local bit, KOCO in UL, Nothing on 2, 3, 4. FM up to about 94 (Jim Renfrew, Holley NY, 2122 UT July 9, WTFDA via DXLD) KOCO-5 OKC cut off the air abruptly during Nightlight at 0458 UT Monday July 13 (just before local midnight July 12). The end? They also went off around the same time 24 hours earlier, and I figured that was the end, but they were back on Sunday morning. I had taped the entire spiel including the local insert, for posterity. Now it will be interesting if anyone notices any NLs lagging behind still on July 13. 73, (Glenn Hauser, Enid, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) KRMA 6 Denver is still on the air with their NL service, and it is July 13th. I thought ALL of the NL services were suppose to cease sometime on the 12th. (Jim Thomas, wdx0fbu, Milliken, Colorado, (40 miles north of Denver), 1057 UT July 13, ibid.) Believe it or not, KRMA-6 was in here briefly last night, making it the last full power analog I saw. I'm not sure if it was Es or MS. I found the signal with their unique NL show, and then it left. My second to last was WPBT-2 (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, ibid.) Someone must have *barked* at them [KRMA]. They went off sometime this morning (Jim Thomas, Colorado, 1720 UT July 13, ibid.) KOCO-5 OKC is finally history after a month of nightlight, turned off unceremoniously at 0458 UT July 13, so now all lowband VHF channels are wide open for DX; nothing yet made it to channel 5 unimpeded. KOCO is now channel 7 DTV only but pretends to be ``Channel 5``. Meanwhile, KFOR-27 OKC, channel ``4`` has finally installed HD studio equipment for the local news and weather, making a big promotional deal of it, tho OETA beat them to it by months. KFOR had their crews working 24 hours after the July 10 Friday 10 pm news to pull out all the SD stuff and put in the HD stuff (Glenn Hauser, Enid OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAKISTAN. Peshawar 7220 kHz, Quetta 5034v/7155 kHz and Balti & Sheena service from Islamabad on 6065 kHz are reported inactive (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) ** PAKISTAN. Radio Pakistan Gujrati service 0400-0430 UT, 9345 kHz Hi Glenn, 11-07-2009. Radio Pakistan Gujrati broadcast was monitored in Lahore today at 9345 kHz from 0400 to 0430 UT. The signal was clear; perhaps the transmitter was API-9. The programme is produced in the studios of Radio Pakistan Karachi and is transmitted from Islamabad shortwave transmitter. Its primary audience is Gujrati speaking population of Karachi and the outskirts for which this service is also broadcast on medium wave. The service is available for listeners in India on shortwave. The broadcast time for India is inappropriate, i.e. 9.30 am there. I have hardly ever heard any mail from Indian Gujrat. Since now the transmitter is a better one, this service might find some listeners in India. The overall programme content is also poor. Apart from Gujrati service, I have monitored Chinese, Bangla, Hindi, Pushto, Irani, Dari and Urdu broadcasts during A09 season. All the listed frequencies were found active. The transmissions via 250 kW units are being heard in Lahore quite regularly. The transmitter API-9 is unpredictable, which is quite odd for a new transmitter, although when it operates satisfactorily its signal is clear. The other two 100 kW transmitters, API-3 and API-4 are showing signs of improvement. I think it was Mauno Ritola who pointed out that some repairs for these 100 kW units have been carried out. Voice of Jammu Kashmir Freedom Movement can be heard at 3995 with low buzz in its evening transmission. Quetta and Peshawar are not being heard in my region while Radio Pakistan Quetta programme schedule for July indicated programmes on shortwave. Rawalpindi 10 kW is sending good signals for Azad Kashmir Radio Trarkhel. On the whole, Radio Pakistan shortwave transmission has improved during A-09; furthermore, Radio Pakistan World Service Broadcasts in Urdu and Radio Pakistan Islamabad broadcasts are available regularly on Radio Pakistan website http://www.radio.gov.pk and the earlier technical errors seem to have been sorted out (Aslam Javaid, Lahore, Pakistan, July 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3260, R. Madang (presumed) 1136-1222 Jul 6. Talk to ToH - sounded like Pidgin but could have been accented English; pop songs followed after ToH, some possibly by Michael Jackson. Poor and deteriorating; nearly gone by 1230 (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** PERU. 4930, R San Miguel, Cusco, 2048, Jun 23, typical Andean music, Spanish comments about "El niño", 22222 (Adalberto Marques de Azevedo, Barbacena, MG, Brazil, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) Rare catch! (DSWCI Ed. Anker Petersen, ibid.) ** PERU. 3329.53, Ondas del Huallaga, Huánuco, 1015 with CHU notched 9 July; Better on 8 July with music and OM en español. Best in LSB. 0050 to 0100 with good audio, 3 July. 4746.89, Radio Huanta 2000, Huanta, Ayacucho, 2335 on 30 June, 4790, Radio Visión, Chiclayo, irregular schedule off 1000 on 9 July and other days; 0930 30 June. 4824.49, La Voz de la Selva, Iquitos, Sign on 0914, YL into echo chamber effect on 26 June. 4826.45, Radio Sicuani, Sicuani 2340 on July 5; 1000 each day in July with weak but steady signal, no fades. [KM-Cedar Key- Wilkner] 4857.39, Radio La Hora, Cusco, 2330 to 0000 most local evenings, [Bolland, Wilkner] 4949.9, (?) Radio Madre de Dios, Pto. Maldonado, 1059 carrier on, very weak 3 July. 4955, Radio Cultural Amauta, Huanta noted 1015 on June 30 5039.21, Radio Libertad, Junín, 1020 most local mornings 5460.1, Radio Bolívar, Cd. Bolívar, 2330 to 0000 on 29 June 6173.9, Radio Tawantinsuyo, Cusco, 0050 to 0100 weak signal but untroubled by cochannel slop, OM español, OA music 3 July (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also BOLIVIA ** PERU. 3329.53, Ondas del Huallaga, Huánuco 1010 to 1030, deep fades and CHU splatter, 10 July 4826.44, Radio Sicuani, Sicuani 1020 to 1115, signal improved with time, YL but no ID, music 5039.21, Radio Libertad, Junín, *1023 No ID at sign on, music and some transmitter drift first few minutes, 10 July 4949.94, UNID signs on at 1100 daily, weak some audio but indistinct. Possibly, Peru Radio Madre de Dios, Pt Maldonado if still operating. 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Florida, US, July 12, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4746.9, Radio Huanta 2000, Huanta, 2304-2310, 07-07, locutor, español, comentarios. Muy débil. 15321. 4790.1, Radio Visión, Chiclayo, 0532-0548, 01-07, locutor, español, comentario religioso, canciones, programa "La Voz de la Salvación". 25322. 4955, Radio Cultural Amauta, Huanta, 2233-2246, 07-07, locutor, comentarios, quechua. 25322. 4974.8, Radio del Pacífico, Lima, 0545-0610, 03-07, locutor, español, comentario religioso. Señal muy débil, audible en LSB. 14321. 6019.4, Radio Victoria, Lima, 0614-0638, 06-07, locutor, programa religioso: "Campaña de la prosperidad, Iglesia Pentecostal Dios es Amor". 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, Grundig Satellit 500 y Sony ICF SW7600G, Antena de cable, 10 metros, Escuchas realizadas en Reinante, Mar Cantábrico, provincia de Lugo, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4699.4 R. San Miguel, Riberalta, 2227-2238, 08 Jul, Castilian, Indian songs, advertisements; 25331. 4746.8, R. Huanta 2000, Huanta, 2237-2246, 07 Jul, Quechua, talks; 25331; better on 08 Jul at 2230. 4775, R. Tarma, Tarma, 2219-2230, 08 Jul, Castilian religious propaganda program with preacher; 25331 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. Tropenband logs van 2330 tot 0145 UT bandscanning 3329.553, Ondas de Huallaga 4746.940, Radio Huanta 2000 4824.460, La Voz de la Selva 4826.508, Radio Sicuani 4835.450, Radio Marañón, Jaen 4857.462, Radio La Hora, Cusco 4974.782, Radio del Pacífico Perseus SDR en super Kaz antennes. 73, (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, July 11, HCDX via DXLD) See also BOLIVIA ** PERU. Radio Quillabamba, Quillabamba op 5024.914 kHz, 2316 UT in Spanish, maar wel overdonderd door Rebelde op 5025 khz (Maurits Van Driessche, Belgium, July 11, HCDX via DXLD) ** POLAND. Here the situation is such that the licence fee for Polskie Radio and TVP will be replaced by direct state funding as of 2010. However, the original plan was to determine a minimum budget of about 900 million Zloty. This has been eliminated in the legislation process, instead the parliament will now decide on the budget every year. Thus Polskie Radio and TVP are in fear over their future and independence. Deutsche Presse-Agentur report: http://www2.informationweek.de/wirtschaftsnews/artikel/8411/ Now the foreign service of Polskie Radio fears that they could be amongst the first things to be axed if PR runs out of money. Thus they sounded the alarm. At the same time Polskie Radio in German did not go out 1530-1600 on 5945 for at least two weeks; instead AWR Hindi had been put on air. This could happen because Issoudun transmits it at the same time on 15160. And nobody, besides a single listener, noticed. Not really promising (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: ** POLAND [non]. FRANCE/POLAND. 5945/15160 --- In past three weeks Polskie Radio Warsaw German service on 5945 kHz via Issoudun missed, according Paul Gager and other members of A-DX ng. But instead heard AWR Hindi service there, which is also scheduled at 1530-1559 UT via Issoudun on 15160 kHz. 5945 1530-1559 28NW ISS 100 55 2903-241009 PRW signal S=9+30dB 15160 1530-1559 41N ISS 250 80 2903-241009 AWR (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 7 via DXLD) AWR Hindi in Issoudun ueber 5945 und 15160 kHz um 1530-1600 UT. Zwischen der Tour de France Verfolgung habe ich heute mal um 1530 UT in die M&B/TDF Services hinein gehoert: Wie Paul Gager schon vor 2 Wochen berichtete, ist Polskie Radio Warschau um 1530-1600 UT auf 5945 kHz nicht hoerbar, dafuer aber das Programm AWR India in der Hindisprache. Dies in \\ zu der regulaeren 15160 kHz. Beide kommen aus Issoudun Frankreich. M&B gehoert ja seit der Trennung von T-systems den Franzosen TDF. Werde mal die M&B Leute in Koeln informieren, dass sie seit dem 1.6.? in Issoudun ein falsches Satellitenprogramm abgreifen (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews July 7, ibid.) 5945 PRW German service back on air July 10. 5945 kHz S=9+20 dB in Stuttgart. So, PRW in deutscher Sprache heute 10. Juli wieder auf Sendung via Issoudun France. Die Mail hat doch etwas bewirkt (Wolfgang Büschel, July 10, ibid.) ** POLAND. POLAND RADIO GETS THE BIRDS --- Polish Radio 2 went silent for 24 hours at 0600 CET on 8 July in protest at cuts that have been imposed on the national public broadcaster by the government. Warszawianka, a Polish revolutionary song, together with bird song and an announcement about the strike replaced the regular cultural, classical music and arts programming that PR2 - known as Dwojka, carries. Polish Radio is funded by licence fees levied on the public, but the takings have dropped - presumably as part of the global recession - while a new media law aims to abolish this form of funding. The station's website says: “The worsening financial situation of Polish Radio 2 has forced us to take this unusual form of protest. It is a call to our listeners, our friends, the creative class, our fellow journalists and those who decide about the fate of public media in Poland. “We – the Team of Polish Radio 2 – do not agree for the degradation of the most important elements of the mission of the public radio in Poland,” the statement on the web site continues. “We have conducted our cultural and educational activities with due involvement and conviction. We have always kept the highest standards. We treated the worsening financial situation of our programme as only a temporary problem." PR2's budget is around 1.4m Euro, compared to £49million (57m Euro) for BBC Radio 3, the UK's equivalent of PR2 (AIB Industry Briefing July 13 via DXLD) ** PORTUGAL. Emissora Nacional de Radiodifusão, later RDP and currently the radio branch of RTP-Rádio e Televisão de Portugal. During a visit to the Faro MW site at Meia Légua (this is between Faro and Olhão) in mid last week, I learned this place was initially intended for not only a 200+ m high MW monopole serving a 100 or 200 kW tx but also for a 2nd HF site dedicated exclusively for the Portuguese Africa. In fact, the site is huge, many hectares around, with only a small portion actually used now, viz. for the current 70+ m monopole with capacity hat consisting of just 3 wires sloping from the top. The old open wire feeder is still to be seen, but the monopole is fed via co-axial cable from the tx hut housing 3 txs, viz. an old 10 kW Marconi out of use, a 10 kW Nautel (Canadian) and a 1 kW stand by unit whose brand I forgot. The house is big enough to accommodate a 100 kW unit, if needed. The area surrounding the tower is regularly flooded because of the ground plane (120 radials, typical). The big concrete anchors for the planned 200 m tower are visible amidst the ones securing the existing monopole. The 200 m tower never materialised because in the meantime the Faro airport was built, and if you can check on GoogleEarth, you'll understand why. No more details about the planned second HF site, but I estimate it was never built because of the airport. But in Faro itself, just close to the RDP house, at Campo Senhora da Saúde, along the Calouste Gulbenkian Avenue, the original MW monopole from the late 40s/early 50s is still up. The place is now surrounded by many buildings... and I bet many will ask themselves what the rusty tower is doing there... 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, July 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PORTUGAL, R. Sim, a channel of the R. Renascença group has been experiencing some problems at their Muge site, where the MW operation is served by 3 Harris transmitters, viz. 1 x 100 kW (typically at 60- 80 kW only) (currently under repair) and 2 x 10 kW, i.e. the ones that are being used now, but even these are radiating noise on several spurs to either side of the fundamental frequency, 594, and the modulation level is simply lower & worse than one might expect, quite worse than on any of the their southern transmitters, 927, 891, 963 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ROMANIA. THE 2009 “GEORGE ENESCU” FESTIVAL 01/07/2009 We invite you to send us the answers to the contest’s questions by mail, fax or e-mail. Depending on the complexity and accuracy of your answers you will win many prizes and other special prizes consisting of objects related to the life and work of George Enescu, to the Romanian symphonic music and to the Romanian culture in general. . . http://www.rri.ro/art.shtml?lang=1&sec=16&art=23111 . . .We will be waiting for your answers by September 27th 2009, the post date. The winners will be announced in the second half of October 2009. Good luck! Source: Radio Romania International (via Yimber Gaviria, DXLD) prizes unspecified, but not tours? (gh) ** RUSSIA. Log: Yevangelskie Chteniya, 4831 kHz, 2008 UT Hallo! Auf 4831 kHz ist Yevangelskie Chteniya // 1089 kHz mit relig. Px in Russisch zu hören. Ohne jetzt in einer Frequenzliste nachzuschauen, gehe ich mal davon aus, daß auch die Frequenz 5920 kHz (5920 - 1089 = 4831) aus Krasnodar/Armavir in Betrieb ist - das Problem ist ja nicht neu. 73, (Patrick Robic, Austria, July 8, A-DX via Wolfgang Büschel, harmonics yg via DXLD) Hallo A-DX-er, Ich habe übrigens beobachtet dass wenn 4831kHz zu hören ist, auch auf 7009 (= 5920 + 1089) ein dünnes Signal zu hören ist. Ist aber so schwach dass ich nicht erkennen konnte ob es zu 1089/5920 passt. 73's (Aart Rouw, 77815 Bühl, Germany, AR7030 + ALA1530, ibid.) Re Armavir / Tbilisskaya intermodulation 2000-2200 UT. 200 kW SW = 4x50 kW. 1089 kHz 197 meter mast. 45 27 49.20 N 40 05 43.44 E http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=45+27+49.20+N++40+05+43.44+E&sll=51.316881,10.415039&sspn=20.381361,56.733398&ie=UTF8&ll=45.463667,40.0954&spn=0.005568,0.013851&t=h&z=17 Armavir Intermodulation. 4831 (= 5920 - 1089); 7009 (= 5920 + 1089). Fundamentals scheduled VOR in Spanish 2000 UT, Portuguese 2100-2200 UT; 1089 kHz 0300-2300 UT. RUS - Radio Rossii/VO Russia/Russian International Radio/Yevangelskiye Chteniya, Tbilisskaya (1200) - 0300-0700 & 1600-2300: 0300-0400 Russian (Sodruzhestvo) , 0400-0500 RIR Russian, 0500-0700 Russian (Sodruzhestvo), 1600-1700 Russian (Sodruzhestvo) , 1700-2100 RIR Russian, 2100-2200 Yevangelskiye Chteniya in Russian, 2200-2300 Russian (Sodruhetvo). (EMWG - Boel list via Büschel, ibid.) ** RUSSIA. 7225, V, of Russia, 2356-0004, July 8-9. Music, ToH ID in Russian, "Golos Rossi" (Voice of Russia), then news with female announcer. Eibi schedule states that VOR on 7225 kHz does not start until 0100, maybe VOR recently expanded their schedule; fair (Todd Demone, Ontario, Icom R75, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) St Petersburg per Aoki; see also ARMENIA: 7270 ** RUSSIA. 12000, VOR via Khabarovsk, July 8 at 1256 distorted during music, Chinese announcement, carrier motorboating obviously with BFO on; finally went off at 1401:25*. VOR, Khabarovsk, 12000, July 10 at 1338 in Chinese, motorboating, QRMing itself. No RHC, which should wisely keep away from this mess, but when will they eliminate 12000 from their morning frequency announcements? 12000, VOR Khabarovsk, July 11 at 1337 from song to Chinese announcement amid motorboating steadily worsening from day to day. Is anyone paying attention at the transmitter or Moscow HQ? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA [non]. Xradio Tambov 11770 kHz (via Juelich) bestaetigte meinen Empfangsbericht innerhalb von 51 Tagen mit einer det. QSL- Karte. Fuer's Rueckporto hatte ich einen US-Dollar beigelegt. Adresse: ul. Polynkovskaya 156, 392028 Tambov, Russland. v/s Sergei Protivzla Stepanov, Director. Bei XRadio handelt es sich um eine russische Internet-Radiostation mit russischem Rockmusik-Format, die aber auch ueber die Sendeanlagen von CVC in Juelich zu hoeren ist und zwar laut deren Webseite http://www.xradio.su nach folgendem Sendeplan: 1200-1600 UT 11770 kHz 1600-1800 UT 13640 kHz 1800-2000 UT 11945 kHz (Patrick Robic, Austria, A-DX July 10 via BC-DX via DXLD) Surely Xradio Tambov has a not-so-hidden agenda of gospel-huxtering; else it would not be broadcast by CVC (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** SAUDI ARABIA. Saut ul-Buzz, 15435 already on the air at 1457 July 11, eventually some Arabic talk audible beneath it. BSKSA management must be totally oblivious and/or shameless to allow this to go on for so long; not to mention totally incompetent on the engineering side (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOLOMON ISLANDS. On the June 29 edition of RNZI Mailbox, which should be available on demand via http://www.rnzi.com/pages/audio.php until July 26, Adrian Sainsbury talks about his recent visits to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to work on the SW transmitters. (Were there no May 31 or June 14 editions? The previous audio file is dated May 17.) He says that as DXers know, SIBC 5020 has been off the air for some time awaiting spare parts, which are hard to find, and then it takes a long time to get them to the SI; maybe back in a few months. 9545 is on the air, or rather 9542 due to a problem with the oscillator in the transmitter, which they are also working on, but don`t expect it to be on frequency any time soon [actually quite close to 9541.5 – gh]. Both SI and Vanuatu are picking up DRM from RNZI for relay. Honiara is on the edge of the coverage area, so requires a large inverted-V antenna for some additional receiving gain. The civil war in SI ended six years ago but a lot of people are still traumatized by it; however, it`s safe for tourists to visit. The country doesn`t get much tourism, which is not yet commercialised. There are lots of Australians there keeping the peace (notes by Glenn Hauser, July 10 for DX LISTENING DIGEST) There are no shortwave broadcasts at present. The transmitter on 9541 kHz has been turned off to save electricity. It was not covering the Solomons, but was being heard elsewhere which was not its purpose. The 5020 kHz transmitter is awaiting spare parts and will came back - sometime! (Gordon Brown, NZ, NWDXC July 7 via BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) Had had no trace of 9541.5 for at least a week here. Could it be that DX reports from overseas were counter-productive?? (gh, OK, DXLD) ** SOMALIA. R. Galkayo is inactive on shortwave (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) ** SOMALILAND. SOMALIA. 7145, R Hargeisa (presumed), Hargeisa, 1700- 1735, Jul 04, talk program, presumably news in vernacular (Somali?) including a report on the telephone. Then talk by a male announcer, an interview with a man by a female announcer, 45444-35443 (1715). Very clear reception only with slight static noise (Nobuya Kato, Fujisawa- city, Kanagawa, visiting Katsurashima, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** SOUTH AFRICA. SABC R. Sonder Grense is now on 7285 kHz (ex 7185). (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) ** SOUTH AFRICA. 11690, good signal July 10 at 0544 with VTC fill- music loop, no announcements in next few minutes, instead of scheduled R. Okapi for CONGO DR via Meyerton. Loss of audio feed happens fairly often with this 0400-0600 transmission; why? What a waste (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 24h later it was back to Okapi (gh) ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. USA [ & non ] Tuning around randomly on 13 July at 1930 - heard non-stop instrumental hymns on The Overcomer Minsitry on 6175 via Wertachtal. I don't make a habit of searching out Brother Stair, but I've never noticed this before on a TOM broadcast - it's always Brother Stair. This continued until 1959 when transmitter abruptly off. Checked online streams of TOM via WWRB (Global III and IV) at 2000 and find similar vocal and instrumental music running on both streams there. Maybe this is not unusual, but it's not what I've noticed before (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also USA: WWRB; we hear music sometimes ** SPAIN. Euskadi Irratia transmitter in Bilbao has moved from 1071 to 1386 kHz and San Sebastián transmitter on 1161 kHz to 1476 kHz (WRTH Domestic update July 6 via DXLD) Mercoledì 8 luglio 2009, 2105 - 1476 kHz, EUZKADI IRRATIA, Basco, nxs OM/YL. Segnale buono, In // 1386. San Sebastian? Su 1161 mi sembra assente. Questi due nuovi txs baschi non è che per caso sono abilitati al DRM?????? (Luca Botto Fiora, G.C. 09E13 - 44N21, Rapallo (Genova), Italia, playdx yg via DXLD) ** SPAIN. REE making it thru on 13m again, July 9 at 1333 on 21610, 21570, weaker 21540, poor with fades, maybe sporadic E-assisted on final hop (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA. 7490, R. Farda, 0127-0129, July 8. Music, ID at 0128, more music. //7375; good (Todd Demone, Ontario, Icom R75, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN. 7200, R. Omdurman, 0305, 7/12/09. OM in monotone, presenting presumed news. Splatter from nearby hams. F-G S6 signal (Jerry Strawman, Des Moines, IA, Drake R8, Wellbrook ALA-100, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN [and non]. RTI Japanese service, 9735, again accompanied by buzzy spurs around 9730 and 9740 July 9 at 1314. The higher one was of slightly higher pitch than the lower one indicating the fundamental was a smidgin on the low side. These spurs appear only occasionally. I should think the 9730v one would be a problem for those monitoring Myanmar on 9731v, not a chance of it here, but have seen no mention of it in that connexion. However, RTI is on 9735 only at 11-12 and 13-14 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, No, I cannot say I have noticed any spurs while monitoring Myanmar. The only negative thing noted was CRI, in English, on 9730.0, till they go off at 1357. They are listed as also being on from 1400 to 1457, but thankfully I am totally unable to hear that broadcast and Myanmar is in the clear. Will keep these spurs in mind if I should hear anything like that. Thanks for your observations! (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, ibid.) 9735.0, RTI, 1319-1331, July 10. In Japanese. Looking for the spurs as observed by Glenn, but other than 9735.0, I could only hear CRI (English) on 9730.0 and BBC (English) on 9740.0. Today Myanmar was again off-the-air from the recently heard 9730.81v (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. RTI Japanese service, 9735, again producing spurs around 9730 and 9740, July 13 at 1303, but no audio detectable either from the spurs or from CRI 9730, BBC 9740 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAJIKISTAN. 7439.9, Voice of Russia (Dushambe) (presumed), 2120- 2152, 7/9/2009, Portuguese. Talk by man, occasionally joined by woman, just above noise level. Possible short musical bridges heard along with talk after 2150. Very weak signal, declining to only carrier after 2152, then lost under Romania IS. Weak parallel noted on 7310, assumed to be relay via Kaliningrad [q.v.]. Log is tentative (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, RX-340, R8B, E1, ICF-SW7600G, Random Wire (90'), Eavesdropper Dipole, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET. CHINA, 4905, Xizang PBS, Lhasa, 2142-2143, Jul 01, Tibetan talk, 44333, // 4920: 44343 (Bernard Mille, Bailleul, France, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) Also heard 1630-1700, Jul 04, daily English program ”Holy Tibet” with the announcement of ”Special edition of Holy Tibet Program”. Introduction of a Tibetan female singer and her songs, interpretation of an interview with her, etc. The announcement of ”50th anniversary of China Tibet Broadcasting Station (or Company)” was confirmed at 1648 and 1653. ID at the end of the program ”This is China Tibet Broadcasting Company, Holy Tibet”, 45444 // 4920 also audible well with weak QRM (Nobuya Kato, Fujisawa-city, Kanagawa, visiting Katsurashima, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) ** TUNISIA. RTT, 7275 with Arabic music at 0555 July 10, but open carrier on 7335. The latter plugged in the audio for abrupt join in progress at 0558 to become //. 0600 timesignal and presumed news. Both frequencies are registered for 0400-0800, and Aoki believes that too, but their true spans never really match. The WRTH A09 update is closer, so while we are at it, full schedule from that: RADIO–TÉLÉVISION TUNISIENNE (RTT) (Gov) kHz: 7225, 7275, 7335, 7345, 9725, 12005 Summer Schedule 2009, Arabic Days Area kHz 0200-0500 daily NAf, ME 9725sfa, 12005sfa 0400-0625 daily Eu 7275sfa 0600-0810 daily NAf 7335sfa 1600-2000 daily NAf, ME 9725sfa, 12005sfa 1700-2110 daily NAf 7225sfa 1900-2400 daily NAf 7345sfa And from the July 6 WRTH domestic update: TUNISIA Summer time is not in use in 2009 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I can verify that 7275 and 7335 both sign off as listed above by the WRTH - or thereabouts. 7275 used to sign off later, but in the distant past now (Noel R. Green (NW England), ibid.) ** TUNISIA. Google Earth/Google Maps imagery. Some high resolution place. Six curtains north of the TX house at Sfax, Tunisia. On the left side the MW 1566 kHz 600/1200 kW antenna, and a direction reflector towards Beromuenster/Sarnen Switzerland. ** TURKEY. 11980 fair at 0537 July 12 with nice ME music, vocal with string accompaniment. This must be VOT`s Turkish service aimed usward at 310 degrees altho not often audible (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UGANDA. 4976, R. Uganda, Kampala, 1742-1755, 08 Jul, English, discussion program; 24331, and not much better at 1845. 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4976, Radio Uganda, Kampala 0320 melodic percussion music to 0330 during band scan. 10 July 73s (Bob Wilkner, Pómpano Beach, Flórida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBC Radio 4's "This Sceptred Isle" being aired on BBC Radio 7 BBC Radio 7 is a service of BBC Radio devoted to spoken-word programming, primarily programming that has aired previously on other BBC Radio services -- primarily Radio 4. "This Sceptred Isle" http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lkmyl is an audio history of the UK that has aired since 1995 on Radio 4, and the series has been rerun on Radio 7 since 2008. The program airs weekdays, with each 15-minute program devoted to a single year in the history of Great Britain. The 20th Century series of programs has just begun this past week. The series airs twice daily on Radio 7 -- at 1400 BST, repeated 0400 the next morning; that converts to 1300 and 0300 UTC. Programs are available for one week in the iPlayer archive (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA International broadcasting / shortwave blog: http://www.intlradio.blogspot.com July 8, swprograms via DXLD) ** U K. "Americana": The USA through British eyes --- In my regular trawl of the BBC Radio 4 website the other day, I came across a recently-launched program, "Americana" http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/americana/about/index.shtml you may enjoy. The program is a weekly magazine of stories about the USA; quoting the program website, "Americana hopes to answer these questions by telling you what America is talking, arguing, fretting, laughing and, yes, dreaming about. We hope to surprise, entertain and inform. And by letting America itself do most of the talking we promise never to be dull." The program airs Sunday evenings 7:15 PM BST, or 1815 UT; the program is available via podcast and on-demand via the BBC iPlayer. So far, all episodes since the program's May 31st launch have remained available for on-demand streaming -- (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, July 8, swprograms via DXLD) Useful to know: half an hour long ** U K [non]. July 8 at 2051, slow SAH between two stations on 11855: one in Luso Portuguese, no doubt BBC to Africa via Ascension, 250 kW at 114 degrees during this semihour only M-F; and WYFR which is on 11855 2000-0200 in Spanish, 100 kW at 222 degrees, so theoretically no collision. In the clear at 2100 with YFR IS. BTW, WYFR in English during the previous hour 19-20 on 11855, is via Ascension too, 250 kW at 65 degrees. And Portuguese on 11855 not to be confused with Brazilian from low-power R. Aparecida at 0800-0300 per Aoki (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [non]. BBC SHIFTS HINDI SERVICES BASE TO INDIA; AMIT BARUAH APPOINTED HEAD --- July 10, 09 Noor Fathima Warsia http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/news/fullstory.asp?section_id=8&news_id=35246&tag=30860&pict=0 BBC World Service has finally completed the restructuring process that it had begun over a year back to shift the base of its Hindi Services to India. As is known, BBC Hindi Service has significant presence in the radio and online mediums. BBC has roped in Hindustan Times’ Foreign Editor, Amit Baruah, to head the Hindi Services. In a conversation with exchange4media, Nazes Afroz, Executive Editor, South Asia, BBC World Service, explained, “BBC Hindi has been operating from London for almost 60 years now, and so far this post was based in London. We have been working on gradually shifting the base of the Hindi Services to India. We had taken some big steps in that direction in the last year, and we have finally put this in place.” Baruah will join the organisation on August 1, 2009, and would be reporting to Afroz. This position was held by Achala Sharma previously. Sharma resigned from the post following BBC’s decision to shift base to India. It is understood that BBC World Services had initiated the process of shifting the bases of its 23 languages to the relevant markets in 2005. The Hindi Services saw a significant part of the move last year, wherein various officials based in the London offices of BBC World Services, including the likes of Salma Zaidi, Editor, Hindi Online, BBC World Service, moved to India. Elaborating further on this, Afroz said, “The intention is to be closer to the market, the action and the audience. From an India standpoint, the economic and political importance that India exudes at present is well known, and important from the BBC point of view as well. In the last two years, some very crucial steps, including placing the Business Development person in India or setting up the marketing team such that India is the hub for South Asia, have been taken. You can now expect more from BBC World Service Hindi in India.” ---- (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, July 9, dx_india yg via DXLD) HT FOREIGN EDITOR AMIT BARUAH TO HEAD BBC HINDI By Sruthijith KK - contentSutra Hindustan Times Foreign editor Amit Baruah is leaving to head BBC’s Hindi service. Baruah has been foreign editor since 2007, prior to which, he spent 19 years at The Hindu, variously as foreign correspondent at Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South East Asia, and also as diplomatic correspondent in New Delhi. Baruah confirmed the development. Full report at : http://contentsutra.com/article/419-industry-moves-ht-foreign-editor-amit-baruah-to-head-bbc-hindi-culture-/ (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, July 8, dx_india yg via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. Updated summer A-09 of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Arabic 0200-0700 on 1593 R.Free IRQ 1500-1530 on 1593 1830-2000 on 1593 2100-2300 on 1593 Azeri 1500-1600 on 7480 15565 Avari 0300-0320 on 7290 9435 1500-1520 on 6120 11810 Belarussian 0300-0500 on 612 6105 6120 1500-1700 on 612 7445 9725 1700-1900 on 612 6050 6105 1900-2100 on 612 5820 9405 Chechen 0320-0340 on 7290 9435 1520-1540 on 6120 11810 Chercassi 0340-0400 on 7290 9435 1540-1600 on 6120 11810 Dari 0330-0430 on 1296 15680 17670 17685 R.Free AFG 0530-0630 on 1296 15680 17670 17685 0730-0830 on 1296 15680 17670 17685 0930-1030 on 1296 15090 15680 17685 1130-1230 on 1296 15090 15680 17685 1330-1430 on 1296 11550 15090 Georgian 0500-0600 on 9725 11875 17770 1130-1145 on 12070 15130 15460 Mon-Fri 1400-1500 on 13615 15460 1800-1900 on 7520 9370 2000-2045 on 7480 9840 Mon-Fri 2000-2100 on 7480 9840 Sat/Sun Kazakh 0100-0200 on 7215 9750 1300-1400 on 9465 12005 Kyrgyz 1200-1230 on 15140 17730 1500-1530 on 7465 11780 Moldovan 0400-0430 on 5955 Mon-Fri 1500-1530 on 9495 Sat/Sun 1600-1630 on 7430 Mon-Fri 1800-1830 on 3995 Mon-Fri Pashto 0230-0330 on 1296 12140 17670 17685 R.Free AFG 0430-0530 on 1296 15680 17670 17685 0630-0730 on 1296 15680 17670 17685 0830-0930 on 1296 15090 15680 17685 1030-1130 on 1296 15090 15680 17685 1230-1330 on 1296 11550 15090 15680 Persian 0030-0100 on 1575 5860 7280 7245 7295 7375 Radio Farda 0100-0130 on 1575 5860 7280 7245 7295 7375 7490 0130-0230 on 1575 5860 5885 6045 7280 7295 7375 15475 0200-0230 on 1575 5860 5885 6045 7280 7295 7375 7490 15475 0230-0300 on 1575 5860 5885 7280 7370 11700 13810 15475 0300-0330 on 1575 5860 5885 7280 7370 9480 9805 11700 13810 15475 0330-0400 on 1575 5860 5885 7280 9480 9805 11700 13810 15690 15475 0400-0500 on 1575 5860 5885 9635 11705 13810 15690 15475 0500-0530 on 1575 5860 5885 13810 15255 15690 15475 0530-0600 on 1575 5885 7220 13810 15255 15690 15475 21715 0600-0630 on 1575 5885 7220 13810 15690 15475 17545 17630 17845 21715 0630-0800 on 1575 5885 7220 15690 15475 17545 17590 17630 17845 21715 0800-0830 on 1575 5885 7220 15690 15475 17545 17590 17630 17845 17880 21715 0830-0930 on 1575 5885 7220 13825 15610 17545 17590 15690 17630 17845 17880 21715 0930-1000 on 1575 5885 15610 15690 17545 17590 17630 17845 17880 21715 1000-1030 on 1575 5885 7435 15610 15690 17545 17590 17630 17880 21715 1030-1130 on 1575 5885 7435 15610 15690 17630 17695 17880 21715 1130-1200 on 1575 5885 7435 15690 17630 17695 17880 21715 1200-1330 on 1575 7435 15690 17755 1330-1400 on 1575 7435 15330 15690 17755 1400-1500 on 1575 5870 11520 15330 17670 17755 1500-1530 on 1575 11520 15410 17755 1530-1600 on 1575 11520 11560 15410 17755 1600-1630 on 1575 7340 7580 11520 11560 1630-1700 on 1575 7340 7580 11520 15475 1700-1730 on 1575 7580 9760 11520 15475 1730-1800 on 1575 7580 9760 9855 1800-1900 on 1575 5830 7580 9855 1900-2130 on 1575 5830 7580 9505 2130-0030 on 1575 Russian 0300-0400 on 5925 7205 11700 15470 0400-0500 on 5925 7205 9520 9760 0500-0700 on 9520 9760 12005 17560 0800-1000 on 11700 15130 17730 1200-1300 on 9585 11700 15130 15565 1300-1400 on 11725 15130 15565 1400-1500 on 9530 11725 11880 13645 15565 1500-1600 on 9520 9530 11885 11725 1600-1700 on 7270 9445 9530 1700-1800 on 5980 5995 9520 11805 1800-1900 on 5820 9520 11755 11805 1900-2000 on 7220 9465 9475 9840 2000-2100 on 7285 9465 Tajik 0100-0200 on 9760 13760 0200-0400 on 9760 15525 1400-1500 on 9790 11895 1500-1600 on 9790 11975 1600-1700 on 7540 9790 Tatar 0300-0400 on 7390 9635 0500-0600 on 9635 1500-1530 on 9715 12075 1600-1630 on 9695 11600 1900-2000 on 9805 Turkmen 0200-0300 on 864 9555 15460 0300-0400 on 9555 15460 1400-1500 on 12075 13830 1500-1530 on 7260 7420 1530-1600 on 864 7260 7420 1600-1700 on 7350 11975 1700-1800 on 9485 9670 Uzbek 0200-0300 on 9855 12025 15145 0300-0400 on 9855 15145 17770 1400-1500 on 7560 9510 12005 1600-1700 on 6060 7555 9390 9520 (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, July 10 via DXLD) ** U S A. Surprised to find VG signal on 15675 with jazz, Saturday July 11 at 1351, soon confirmed as VOA // 9760 PHILIPPINES, and running about 4 words behind 9760 during announcement which soon followed, as having been Christian McBride; then Ed Palermo Big Band playing music of Frank Zappa (try Googling that), on Jazz America from VOA Music Mix. 1400 directly into VOA news with Gloria Gibson about Ghana, but vanished at 1402; how rude. 15675 must be Greenville testing, currently really scheduled weekends only at 17-18 in English. And confirmed at 1703 check in news (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 12160, 1645-1700 4 July, IRRS at 1650 with ID and then religious program, fair signal (Zacharias Liangas, Litohoron Greece, on 4.7 using PL200, alone or with the connection on metallic window mesh, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ahem, this is WWCR with WORLD OF RADIO on Saturdays. Did I mention IRRS then, misleading you? Did you not recognize my voice at least? (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** U S A. 18770, WWRB 2 x // 9385 audible July 9 at 1331, fading up to S9+5, and down to S3 or less, non-BS talker at the moment, but soon turned over to the Voice of the Last Days Prophet of God. Ralph sure knows how to make up apocalyptic titles for himself! Was expecting this, as usual tipoffs, nearby WWCR 13845 and 15825 were inbooming a few minutes earlier; however, sporadic E MUF had still not built up to 56 MHz by 1530 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. I am currently hearing a station broadcasting on 17775, but the audio is distorted, can't make an ID. Signal is strong, announcer in Spanish and music. 1900 GMT, 12:00 PM local time in Phoenix, AZ. Listening with a horizontal loop antenna in the attic, to a Ten Tec Paragon. 73 (N3GDE, Brian Robinson, July 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Brian, It`s KVOH in Simi Valley CA (near Los Angeles). Quite short skip for you which must mean sporadic E is finally starting up today. It correlates with some 50+ MHz openings around AZ to Texas, etc. http://www.vhfdx.net/spots/map.php?Lan=E&Frec=50&Map=NA Look for even more distorted spurs of KVOH around 17630 and 17920. I`ll have a try myself here in OK. 73, (Glenn to Brian, via DXLD) Shortly later: 17775 indeed distorted, but spurs not audible (gh, OK) ** U S A. WRMI, 9955 with DX Partyline starting Saturday July 11 at 1500, with heavy DentroCuban jamming still running. This is an unscheduled time for DXPL, per http://www.wrmi.net/program.php?id=94 effective March 14 and probably due for a revamp. I should have checked after 1530 for WORLD OF RADIO which also shows there. Asked Jeff White and he sent his latest schedule grid as of July 11. From that we extract the DX programs in all languages: UT SAT 0100 Encontro DX [only airing; archival] [Encontro DX is Cassiano Macedo's DX program from R. Aparecida (Portuguese, of course). Every once in a while he sends us a bunch of programs. They're obviously not up to date, but there's a lot of evergreen material in them. Jeff] 0130 Wavescan 0500 La Rosa de Tokio 0700 Frecuencia al Día 0730 Wavescan 0800 WORLD OF RADIO 1000 DX Partyline 1145 Aventura Diexista 1500 DX Partyline 2045 Aventura Diexista 2300 Aventura Diexista UT SUN 0400 DX Partyline 0415 Aventura Diexista 0500 QSO with Ted Randall 0700 La Rosa de Tokio 0800 WORLD OF RADIO 0830 Wavescan 1030 DX Partyline 1045 Aventura Diexista 2115 Aventura Diexista 2130 Wavescan UT MON 0500 WORLD OF RADIO 0530 Studio DX 1130 Frecuencia al Día 1500 DX Partyline 1515 Aventura Diexista 1530 Wavescan UT TUE 0015 Wavescan 0100 La Rosa de Tokio 0500 Wavescan 1100 WORLD OF RADIO 1130 Wavescan 1500 DX Partyline 1530 WORLD OF RADIO UT WED 0100 Studio DX 0500 WORLD OF RADIO 0530 Frecuencia al Día 1100 Frecuencia al Día 1130 Wavescan 1530 WORLD OF RADIO UT THU 0015 DX Partyline 0100 Happy Station 0530 WORLD OF RADIO 1100 Frecuencia al Día 1500 Happy Station UT FRI 0015 Aventura Diexista 0100 WORLD OF RADIO 0130 Frecuencia al Día 0500 Frecuencia al Día 1100 Frecuencia al Día 1130 WORLD OF RADIO 1515 DX Partyline 1530 Wavescan The entire WRMI program spreadsheet as of July 11 has been added to the Files sexion of the DXLD yg, under program skeds. Check it out for other shows you may find of interest. Our DX PROGRAMS list has been updated with the English ones: http://www.worldofradio.com/dxpgms.html Our MONITORING REMINDERS CALENDAR has been updated with the Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and English ones, except some in the 0600-1200 UT period http://www.worldofradio.com/calendar.html (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Are you on the air at all weekday afternoons any more with WRN? Whenever I check I don`t hear any signal (Glenn to Jeff White, WRMI, July 11 via DXLD) Not at the moment, but we will be the week of the HFCC Conference (Jeff White, WRMI, ibid.) See also CUBA [non] Radio Cuba Libre ** U S A. WYFR, 9680, July 11 at 0547 as I tuned across mentioned matter-of-factly that 2011 would be the last year the world exists, someone else quoting Harold Camping with backup from the non-Mayan Christian Bible. Does it really say 2012* is the end? So much for that. Hey, might as well give FR most of your money now for more and more droning relays, since you won`t be needing it much longer. Until then, will keep SW relay brokers in the pink while further driving away listenership (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Camping already predicted the end of the world in October 1994, IIRC. Looks like I did (ok I was off a month)... http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/582-harold-campings-new-revelation-leave-the-church Oh well, I'm still working on my y2k MRE's... I'd love to find a copy of his book 1994, more as a curiosity than anything else. It's probably quite inexpensive, reflecting the value of the contents (Fred Waterer, Ont., ibid.) That article was dated 2002; Camping has long advocated Christians to leave the organized church. I believe it was way before 2002 that he advocated that action. In that way he was no different from the Mormons, who also believed that the churches of their time had grown corrupt, etc., etc. The article illustrates well the approach that Camping (and many others) take -- selectively quote items from the Bible that are consistent with your thinking, and use them out of context, in order to logically buttress your position (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, ibid.) ** U S A [non]. I first noticed this last night. Vatican Radio in Russian on 7335 at 0245z, 100 kW at 54 degrees, colliding with Family Radio from Ascension, 250 kW at 245 (maybe to the Rio Plata basin) with Harold Camping in English. Vatican Radio was way on top. Checking distances Ascension is about 10% more distant, about 6000 miles versus SMG at about 5600 miles (Jerry Lenamon, Waco Texas, Eton E-1, sloper, July 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re 7335 Vatican Radio here each summer a few years now. WYFR started this channel this July 2009. 7335 0000-0300 UTC to zones 13,14,15 at 250 kW 245 degrees. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) As already discussed in DXLD; and Romania forced to move off 7335 to 7535 resultantly. The YFR tests via Bonaire on 15315, 15580 had the option to run until August 1, but ended July 7 = UT July 8 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hello DXers, Picking up a gospel station on 9935 around 2200 UT as I'm writing this e mail; checked EIBI and AOKI but not listed there. Any ideas which station is this one? All the best (Tarek Zeidan, Denmark, 2217 UT July 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Here S=9+10 dB at 2220 UT, and fading, like Americas or Pacific origin. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, ibid.) Hi Tarek, At 2227 I'm hearing a Bible reading from WYFR, moderately strong. 73/Liz (Cameron, Metro Detroit, ibid.) Thank you Liz. But is that a new frequency for WYFR!? any ideas where from? All the best and 73s (Tarek Zeidan, Denmark, ibid.) ID around 2238, Family radio confirmed. Thanks to Liz, all the best, time to have some sleep. Greetings from Denmark (Tarek Zeidan, ibid.) Checking out a tip from Tarek Zeidan, Denmark of a religious station on new 9935, July 12 around 2200, I found 9935 still going at 2340 check with Family Radio ID in passing, web promo. It must be brand new, not in any listings, nor I think this time, in any update from WYFR via DXLD. I thought it might be a mis-punch for 9835, the recently new Ascension relay of YFR in English from 2200 (which BTW overrides my previous recommendation for Turkey to shift there from 9830 to escape RTTY, as they were in no hurry to make themselves audible). So at 2340 I find YFR still going on 9835, Campingdroning easily recognizable despite much weaker signal than 9935, and the audio processing is much punchier on 9935. Checking whether 9935 is still on after 0000 when the new YFR GUF relay is supposed to start on 9760: at 0020 July 13, 9935 is still going with non-Camping but suitably pessimistic Bible reading, and // synchronized same-sounding 9790 (not 9760 as had been scheduled), so both YFR via Guiana French? Other YFR service with Camping via Ascension still audible weaker on 9835 // 7335. Nothing on 15580 or 15315, which had been Bonaire tests of YFR both on the air in the 00-01 hour, which have expired. RNW online frequency schedule update July 12 no longer shows them or any YFR via BON. Another check around 0115 UT July 13 found 9935 gone, and 9790 now occupied as usual by CRI via Canada. Aoki now shows 9790 but not 9935: 9790 FAMILY RADIO 0000-0100 1234567 English 250 215 Montsinery GUF 9790 FAMILY RADIO 0200-0300 1234567 English 250 215 Montsinery GUF 05300W 0500N WYFR a09 Jun 26- 5 53 Next day July 13 I was standing by on 9790 and 9935 two minutes before 2200: 9790 was still running RRI IS, nothing on 9935. But a few seconds before 2200, 9935 carrier came on and into YFR English relay with no opening. A few minutes later something on 9790 but not //. And again 9835 with other YFR service via Ascension not // either. By 2342, 9935 YFR had built up to a good signal, and 9790 occupied during this hour by TDP DRM via Sackville. At 0007 check July 14, 9790 on again with YFR // 9935, but 9935 noticeably stronger (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. AN OPEN LETTER TO JOHN LIGHTNING FROM WBCQ Dear JL: Have neither you nor Steve ever ever learned in life that when you continually insult anyone, they’ll eventually react – and not in a nice way? Your insipid and demeaning comments about WBCQ, its management, employees, and its programmers — every time you were on the air, at our expense — just got to be too much. Countless times we tried calling you, left messages, and not once in at least a year could you be bothered to return a single call. That’s what happened to your “forewarning.” We don’t pretend to be anything more than we are—a shortwave station in a nowhere town in a nowhere state with little profit from a few loyal programmers and a couple of employees who do the best they can under the circumstances. We don’t pretend to be sophisticated, don’t pretend to have all the latest equipment, don’t pretend to be anything at all. We basically just do what we do for the love of radio. We work hard — very hard. We have to, in order to make shows like yours possible. It’s no reward to hear you and Steve on your regular WBCQ-bashes of totally gratuitous venom. It’s not funny; it’s not even vaguely amusing. There was a time when all that stuff was funny. That was when it was, as you so often say, “shtick.” But that was in the past. Recently you’ve both taken it much further. You’ve taken it to a point where it’s obvious — not only to us but to many of our listeners—that it’s not “shtick” but just plain nastiness. We get e-mails and phone calls from people who hear that and say, “Why do you put up with that?” We got to the point where we had to say, “That’s a damned good question.” You don’t offend us, but you do offend our employees and listeners. I sure as hell don’t like paying for that out of my own pocket. Now if either you, Steve, or any of your listeners still dobn’t understand, all you have to do is listen to any of your recent programs. Quod erat demonstrandum. Bottom line: You kicked us once too much, and we finally kicked back. (Oh yeah — and that’s the beauty of having ‘owner’ next to your name.) (from http://www.wbcq.com/?p=75 July 9 via DXLD) ?? I had not keeping up with this controversy, but there was still a link to John Lightning`s blog from WBCQ, and there we find these two recent posts (gh, DXLD) THIS JUST IN --- WE`RE FIRED --- July 5th, 2009 I was just informed that 11L/RNI programming has been cancelled on WBCQ. This was literally told to Big Steve Cole when he called in to hook up to the station for audio. I have no inkling as to why. Big Steve tried to contact Allan Weiner who I am told was angry over something said in a recent program that I can only assume was so toxic a statement that he has decided to pull the plug. As I have not been on the air for weeks, and have always ribbed my ‘ol pally more than a little without any problems, I know I’ve done nothing to annoy the man most responsible for our longevity, and cannot fathom what may have lead to his decision. Know that I received no advanced word that we were gone, but it seems we are. I have not spoken to Allan in quite some time, and choose not to bother him now. Whatever the reason, I cannot say; however I can only thank him for having extended himself and his facilities to us as long as he has. I am certainly not pleased, but hardly can be angry as I assume the rationale for this move will be made know to me at some point. I’d advise you to contact the station directly if you choose, perhaps you can glean some info I am not privy to. As of 10:47 Sunday evening, all I know is we are persona non grata at Planet Radio. In a period of weeks during which I have been on an emotional rollercoaster as the people who were to sell me my dream house did the proverbial last minute pull out, my search for a new home goes on while my buyers dicker around, yes, this news is oh so timely. But my ulcer has had enough of a workout of late, I will waste no time fretting over this loss. I have given my best radio to WBCQ and I think we have provided them with some of their best programming. I can leave knowing that. Nonetheless It was a good run. As to our internet future, we shall decide to what extent we have one in the days and weeks to come. Wow, Neil Rogers got axed last week, now yours truly. Radio really does offer less every day (although at least he got a ‘buy out’ to just go away… I should be so lucky some day!) Check back for updates as I have them and thanks for your support for over 10 wild years (from http://www.johnlightning.com/?p=146 via DXLD) STILL GONE AND INTENDING TO REMAIN SO July 7th, 2009 And here is today’s RNI update --- NOTHING. Yes, I am still wholly without a logical, rational explanation as to why our program was excised from WBCQ. Indeed, I am beginning to suspect the one offered to Big Steve is just laboratory grade, government spec, pure BS. I do not know if some errant comment, a lack of JL programming, financial considerations, or other nebulous and perhaps never to be revealed reasons were behind our sudden demise on shortwave. And with each passing day, I care less what lead to our being deep sixed. I have tried to contact WBCQ management by E Mail and have yet to receive a response. This is troubling, but so be it. Understand my friends, that I have NO DESIRE to return to WBCQ, it is a done deal. I gave my best radio to them in exchange for lots of gratis air time. We are even. Regardless, I thank, not condemn, WBCQ management for allowing me to broadcast at their expense for 10 years. I owe my broadcasting career as it were, to promise keeper Allan Weiner, so my disappointment in the ignoble manner in which we were dismissed is tempered by his loyalty to yours truly for all that time. We shall be ‘on the air’ so to speak, here at JohnLightning.Com this Sunday with a show that will briefly only, discuss our pink slipping. Unless I receive some clarification there will be little more to add. Station management is infamous for sugarcoating or otherwise being less than frank about certain decisions. Too bad, I would not be angry or recoil at the truth behind our exit, but I doubt I will ever get the truth from an old friend who has so far, come up truth challenged. Nonetheless, my thanks for our long run is heartfelt and sincere. It is just a shame the plug was pulled in a manner that I am certain neither 11L/RNI staffers or myself were deserving of. That said, spread the word about there being something worth listening to on Sunday nights to a friend or 20, and perhaps we shall remain Live on Sundays, although a streaming and downloadable pod cast may be the final result of post Move RNI. Once again, thanks and this time to all the fine programmers, friends one and all, who have been there for me during the post fire period of our broadcasting. Know that you are one and all, welcomed to continue to be a part of any future 11L/RNI may have, if you so desire. I hope to hear from just about all of you (meaning probably two of you) this Sunday. Be civil to all and be well. (from http://www.johnlightning.com/?p=150 also via Dan Srebnick, DXLD) Hi Dan, Yes, I just found the same three posts. What do you make of this? 73, (Glenn to Dan, via DXLD) I think that we just have to take each of the party`s words at face value, but clearly there is a disconnect in their perceptions of the situation that led up to this event. One would think that a quick conversation could have prevented this (Dan Srebnick, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Neil Rogers got axed, as above, last week? Seems quite amicable if you believe his website: ``early retirement``, no plans to go on air elsewhere than WQAM: http://www.neilrogers.com/ I enjoyed listening to Rogers during my two sesquiyears in South Florida, 1984-1986 when he was on WINZ-940. I could have kept, or resumed listening on line, but --- too much. O, here`s the background: an F-word got on the air in May because Neil was upset that his producer had been fired, the dump button did not work and someone failed to catch it, so Neil got suspended. http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/tv/2009/05/neil-rogers-suspended-over-fword-that-got-on-air.html Follows-up: http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/tv/2009/06/neil-rogers-show-is-over-at-wqam.html I didn`t find anything from the promised `Tuesday`, i.e. June 23, but this from 28th: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/sfl-neil-rogers-jicha-l062809sbjun28,0,5752411.story (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. ALAMO TO BEGIN TRIAL ON CHARGES OF TRANSPORTING MINORS FOR SEX --- NWA News July 13, 2009 BY ANDY DAVIS http://www.tonyalamonews.com/1404/71309-nwa-alamo-to-begin-trial-on-charges-of-transporting-minors-for-sex.php On the eve of Tony Alamo’s trial on child sexual abuse charges, the flowers on his church’s lush, terraced front lawn bloomed in bright yellows and oranges, deep purples and soft pinks and lavenders. For a while, the flowers had looked a bit dried out - like everyone else’s in Fouke. But for the past week or so, ministry members have been laboring to spruce them up. “It is just beautiful,” said Mary Coker, a Fouke resident and anti- Alamo activist. “They have been working in the heat of the day for about a week. They know the media’s coming.” With its pastor behind bars, many of its members in hiding, and 36 ministry children in foster care, the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries is down but not out. In a trial that begins today, Alamo’s third since he founded the ministry four decades ago, the evangelist hopes to avoid a conviction that could send him to prison for life. His lead defense attorney, Don Ervin of Houston, promises a vigorous defense. “The whole idea here, and what every trial is about, is seeking the truth,” Ervin said. “I believe the truth is that this just did not happen.” Prosecutors accuse Alamo, 74, of sexually abusing children and having multiple wives while supervising a ministry with businesses and property in Arkansas, Oklahoma, California and New Jersey. Former members from across the country are flying in to testify about their experiences. Alamo is charged with 10 counts of violating the federal Mann Act, which makes it a crime to transport a minor across state lines for “sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.” Violations of the law are punishable by 10 years to life in prison. According to the indictment, the charges involve interstate trips with five girls from March 1994 through October 2005. Prosecutors said in a court filing last week that Alamo took some of the girls as brides. One trip, in the spring of 1994, was to West Virginia and back while Alamo was preparing for his trial that year on tax evasion charges. Another was to a trial in Memphis in which Alamo was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released in 1998, after serving four years. In preparation for his trial in Texarkana, which is expected to last two weeks, court officials have summoned a pool of 240 potential jurors, double the number for a typical criminal trial. Today, U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes will question members of the jury pool to determine whether they are qualified to serve. For instance, some potential jurors may have physical conditions or scheduling conflicts that would prevent them from serving, said Chris Johnson, U.S. District Clerk for the Western District of Arkansas. Tuesday, it will be the prosecutors’ and defense attorneys’ turn to question the potential jurors as the pool is narrowed to the 12 who will decide Alamo’s fate. Attorney Chris Plumlee said he expects the prosecution and defense to give opening statements by Wednesday. To provide security and take Alamo to the courthouse from the jail and back, the U.S. marshal’s service has brought in extra deputy marshals from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the eastern half of Arkansas, said Johnny Larkin, judicial security inspector for the U.S. Marshals Service for the Western District of Arkansas. “We’re doing what we normally do on a high-profile trial like this,” Larkin said. He added, “As of right now, we haven’t received any threats.” Alamo has denied having multiple wives, but prosecutors said in a court filing that they expect to call witnesses who will contradict that claim. They also expect “significant evidence” on Alamo’s view that the Bible does not prohibit polygamy. Witnesses will also testify about Alamo’s sexual relationships with other women and girls besides the ones named in the indictment, prosecutors said. Ervin has asked Barnes to keep the jury from hearing that testimony, saying it would unfairly prejudice the jury against Alamo. In a phone interview last week, Ervin said he didn’t know whether Alamo will take the stand. “There’s just no way to know that at this point,” Ervin said. “There are many considerations as far as that’s concerned, and that’s just one of those things that you just have to determine when the time comes.” In addition to the former members who will testify, more than a dozen former members are coming from as far away as Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to watch the trial and show their support for the alleged victims. Among them is Claudia Kochistringov of San Antonio, who remembers baby-sitting some of the girls Alamo is accused of abusing. “I can’t wait to see justice served,” said Kochistringov, 62, who belonged to the ministry for 21 years. “It’s been an awfully long time that he’s been doing a lot of dirty work, looking like such an innocent little lamb when he’s actually such a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Coker, founder of a group known as Partnered Against Cult Activity, plans to be at the trial, too. Since 2006, her group has been spreading the word about Alamo’s teachings and allegations that children in the ministry had been abused. “We feel like this is an evil man,” Coker said. “He would like for people to believe that it’s about his religious beliefs, his practice of religion, and it’s our hope that jurors will see it for what it really is.” Alamo’s message, carried on religious pamphlets left on car windshields throughout the country, is a mix of fire-and-brimstone Christianity and rage against what he sees as a Catholic conspiracy responsible for everything from World War II to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Alamo has also said the Bible teaches that girls are old enough to be married when they begin menstruating, although he says he does not allow underage marriages in his church. On the ministry’s Web site, http://www.alamoministries.com followers express defiance about the charges against its pastor, whom they consider a prophet. “You have to decide who you’re going to believe - this government which has already been proven to be socialistic and communistic, or Pastor Alamo who is teaching you the truth,” a message on the Web site says. “Either you believe Pastor Alamo or the homosexual Pope.” Alamo founded the church with his then-wife Susan in Hollywood, Calif., in the late 1960s. The ministry later expanded to Arkansas and Nashville, Tenn., attracting hundreds of followers who worked in ministry-owned businesses, including one that designed and marketed a line of elaborately decorated denim jackets worn by the likes of Dolly Parton and James Brown. Susan Alamo died in 1982. In the years that followed, the church suffered a number of setbacks, including the loss of its tax-exempt status in 1985 and the seizure of church property to settle tax debts and a civil judgment in the early 1990s. A fugitive for two years before being arrested in Tampa, Fla., in 1991, Alamo was acquitted of threatening U.S. District Judge Morris “Buzz” Arnold in September of that year. But three years later, he was convicted of a felony count of filing a false federal income tax return, along with three misdemeanor counts of failing to file a return, and was sentenced to six years in prison. While in prison, former members say, Alamo continued directing the operations of the ministry, and he had begun rebuilding it even before his release in 1998. Then, last September, the compound in Fouke was raided by more than 100 FBI agents, Arkansas State Police officers and child welfare case workers investigating allegations that ministry children had been physically and sexually abused. Six girls were taken into protective custody that evening. The state Department of Human Services has since taken 30 more, saying they were endangered by practices that include allowing underage marriages and punishing violations of church rules with beatings. With the children gone, Coker said, she saw little activity at the compound for a while. Then she saw a few members working in the flower beds. On Saturday evening, when she went to get groceries at the Wal- Mart in Texarkana, the parking lot was blanketed with Alamo pamphlets for the first time in about two months. Ervin said that Alamo, who has been jailed without bail for more than nine months, remains in charge of the ministry, which he said is “doing fine.” “I think it would be stronger if he were out of jail and with them, but they’re carrying on just fine,” Ervin said. “He’s still their leader, and they have great confidence in him.” At the Fouke compound Sunday, a church member wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat pruned the ornamental bushes in front of Alamo’s sprawling brick house, while another member, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts and a Starbucks baseball cap, walked up and down the street. “Nobody wants to talk to you,” the man in the baseball cap said. Inside the church cafeteria, in the former Big Stop grocery store, the few church members who had gathered didn’t want to talk, either. They did say the church was not having its usual afternoon service but would be having the evening service. A reporter would not be allowed to attend, church members said. Fouke Mayor Terry Purvis said that, if Alamo is convicted, he would like to see him get the maximum punishment allowed. Until then, he’s reserving judgment on what should happen to the church, even though many other residents have already made up their minds. “Do they still follow the same doctrine that he preaches, that it’s OK to do this kind of stuff? That’s the big question on everybody’s minds,” Purvis said. If the answer is yes, he said, “we’d just as soon not have it here.” (the latest of many press stories re aggregated at http://www.tonyalamonews.com via DXLD) FBI: ALAMO'S FOLLOWERS SELL SUSPECT GOODS --- JAILED EVANGELIST CONTROLS MINISTRY'S ORGANIZATIONS, BUT NONE ARE IN HIS NAME http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31878152/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts// Tony Alamo Christian Ministries / AP file Tony Alamo, shown with his wife, Susan, faces accusations he took five preteen girls across state lines for sex. updated 4:04 p.m. ET July 12, 2009 DYER, Ark. - Evangelist Tony Alamo once said God never wanted his ministry to be poor, but money raised by his followers only seems to go his way. As Alamo, 74, faces accusations he took five preteen girls across state lines for sex, he presides over a multimillion-dollar empire held in his followers' names. Trucking companies, residential property and a number of questionable ventures fund the work of his 100 to 200 acolytes. "A substantial amount of income is generated that's utilized for the organization, all of which is controlled by Mr. Alamo," FBI agent Randall Harris testified at an October bond hearing. "However ... none of that property ever shows legally as being in his name." Government agencies show Alamo built his fortune on the backs of his followers, setting them up in commercial operations rather than rely on donations like traditional ministries. By the 1980s, the Labor Department said Alamo had to pay his followers at least minimum wage; the IRS later laid claim to millions of dollars in taxes. At the end of a four-year prison term for tax evasion in 1998 — after the government seized assets and courts rejected his charity status — Alamo paid $250,000 to cover a fine and penalties. "How in the world could Mr. Alamo come up with a quarter of a million dollars ... when the entire time he hasn't been able to work, he hasn't held a job other than what he may have been employed in inside a federal penitentiary?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyra Jenner asked during Alamo's bond hearing last October. 'God wants his children to go first-class' At its height, Alamo's ministry owned gas stations, a hog farm, grocery store, restaurant and concert venue in Alma, a town near Dyer. Alamo's Nashville, Tenn., clothing store catered to celebrities who bought elaborately decorated jean jackets. His line also carried sharkskin boots, leopard-skin jackets and sequined gowns popular with musicians at the Grand Ole Opry, which Alamo occasionally haunted in the 1980s. His wife Susan once arrived for an interview wearing a floor-length red-and-white dress and lynx jacket. "God wants his children to go first-class," she once said. But life at the Alamo compound could be paradise or hell, depending on who you ask. Alamo and his wife enjoyed a heart-shaped pool near a mansion in Dyer, but federal agents said they found followers' sleeping bags in a meeting room. Marshals said some workers earned $5 a day, with shifts lasting as long as 20 hours. In the latest case, prosecutors allege girls under age 18 were taken across state lines from the current compound in Foulke and raped or sexually abused between 1994 and 2005. A trial starts this week. If convicted, Alamo faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of 10 counts. Whether all the business ventures linked to Alamo are legal isn't known. Peter N. Georgiades, a Pittsburgh lawyer who sued Alamo on behalf of ex-followers in the 1990s, said ministry workers accepted donations of food near its expiration dates, wiped off the dates and resold items to grocers. "It's plain, flat-out fraud," the lawyer said. Mary Coker, who helped ex-followers contact federal agents before a recent raid, said the ministry has been selling outdated government- donated food since it moved to Fouke in the 1990s. Flea market raid In March 2007, FBI agents arrested Leslie Ray "Buster" White at the flea market he ran in Texarkana, Texas, and seized $100,000 after charging him with selling counterfeit goods including CDs, shoes and handbags. White, who has identified himself as an associate pastor at Alamo's church, pleaded guilty to trafficking and was initially sentenced to 180 days of house arrest. On June 30, he was ordered into jail for eight weekends after health inspectors and the FBI said they found copycat designer labels and outdated food, over-the-counter drugs and cosmetics at the flea market. Investigators say invoices listed Action Distributors and SJ Distribution as sellers of the goods. Court documents and testimony during Alamo's criminal detention hearing in October said both companies are owned by Tony Alamo Christian Ministries members. White denounced his association with Alamo and the ministry in December, but his lawyer won't say whether he is cooperating with the government. No estimate of net worth Also in 2007, FBI agents questioned Thomas Scarcello, who helped incorporate an Alamo-linked charity at Fort Smith, after he was found in a warehouse filled with Tempur-Pedic mattresses intended for Hurricane Katrina victims. A lawsuit says $7 million worth of donated mattresses were offered for sale from trucks and elsewhere until a federal magistrate stopped their sale. In a deposition, Scarcello denied Alamo had any connection with the businesses, then claimed his Fifth Amendment protection against self- incrimination when asked about his business finances or where he kept his records. Ernest Peia, a wholesaler, testified in a deposition that he bought clothes, food and candies from Scarcello. Among businesses operated by the Tony and Susan Alamo Foundation, Arkansas records show, are the Alamo Candy Co. and Wholesale Candy. Two Fort Smith trucking companies are registered in followers' names: Action Distributors and Advantage Food Group. Federal transportation records show those companies logged more than 1.1 million miles in 2006 and 2007. The FBI said those companies likely have as many as 30 tractor-trailers. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks Alamo's church as a hate group, said it had no estimate on its net worth. Even the FBI acknowledged in court that it has trouble untangling a web of related businesses, though there's no question about who is in charge. "It's my understanding from the interviews we've conducted that hardly a penny is spent without ultimately (Alamo's) authorization," Harris said at Alamo's hearing last fall (MSNBC via DXLD) ** U S A. NEW REBROADCASTER TO TAKE WRN NORTH AMERICAN NETWORK WARL 1320AM is the latest station to join the ever-expanding portfolio of stations that take and rebroadcast content from the WRN radio networks. Broadcasting across Providence, Rhode Island and online; WARL is a small broadcaster with a big objective: to make a worldwide impact. The addition of WRN North American to WARL's schedule will complement its existing broadcast schedule whilst providing news, current affairs and perspectives from all over the globe. Peter Arpin, President of WARL, says “We focus on positive energy with a unique set of programs. Beyond that, we deliver news and information, and try to source that information from unique places, hence our collaboration with WRN. We are one of the few positive voices right now within the cacophony of gloom and doom. We believe there are great stories out there, and we want to find and air them.” For further information on rebroadcasting the WRN Networks, email: rebroadcasting@wrn.org (re:wired >News from WRN> July 2009, via DXLD) NRC AM Log shows WARL as licensed to Attleboro MA, 5 kW day and night, U4 antenna patterns, 24 hour talk format, address in Providence. Definitely commercial, slogan ``Positive Energy Moving Forward``. Website is http://1320warlradio.com/ a.k.a. Universal 7 Radio. Program schedule more than a year old: http://1320warlradio.com/Programming-Schedule.php does not show any WRN, of course, and does not cover the full 24 hours each day. Most likely WRN will fill some overnight time; including WORLD OF RADIO?? Live stream worx: mms://stream1.systeminplace.net/warl But around 1815 UT July 13 went from a talkshow into some extremely distorted soul music. Commercial at 1818 continued extremely overmodulated/distorted. Show hosts page should give an idea where they are coming from: http://1320warlradio.com/Radio-Hosts.php NRC Pattern book shows most of its signal goes S/SSE into the Atlantic on two slightly different patterns day and night. A crowded channel; there are three other 1320s in New England: CT, NH and VT! Attleboro MA is just across the state line NE of Providence (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Does KCBS Nightlight have anything unique? Getting ch 2 NL here, too. Peaking at around 240 degrees. Fluttering with a slight squealing sound mixing with Canadian? on occasion -- keeping fingers crossed! But it seems to be dropping out. Will keep watching (Jim Pizzi, near Rochester NY, WTFDA via DXLD) KCBS will be difficult to ID with its nightlight programming. There's no logo and they never ID between NL video. The only thing they do is between every 2nd or 3rd NL video they'll plug either a group of car dealers or a car company in general. If you get lucky, they'll plug the "So Cal ------ dealers". I've seen the ads for Subaro, Toyota, Ford and Lincoln/Mercury, and those seem to be the most common, but there might be more. Hopefully you'll have the chance to catch them in the next few days. Good luck! (Bryce Foster, Murfreesboro, TN EM65, (formerly Whittier, CA), July 9, ibid.) I have a 2z [zero offset] which doesn`t seem to be peaking from FL or NC (Jeff Kadet, IL, 0253 UT July 10, ibid.) See also OKLAHOMA; DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV ** U S A. AZ LPTV via Es? Twice this week I had a very weak and sporadic Fox station on channel 4 when northwestern Mexico was strong (XHBC-3 and XHAQ-5). It was too weak to read the channel number in the small logo, but they did run promos for Fox programs. Yesterday I saw Judge Joe Brown and Judge Judy, which matches KSAZ-10 Phoenix. KSAZ is relayed on K04AI Prescott. Doug has the LPTV listed at 0.064 kW. If that signal had just been good enough to read the logo, or if a big logo had been used on a promo --- Maybe it will come back strong enough to read the logo. Also, had a DTV on channel 4 while northwestern Mexico was strong. Signal was reaching a little over one-third of the way over on the meter at times yesterday and Wednesday. Must be Tucson. Again, maybe it will decode someday [later:] After looking through my tape of the weak signal from Friday I did find a short spurt of signal where the "10" in the FOX10 logo can be read! As it goes with DXer luck, the end of a Progressive Insurance commercial was the strongest, most clear thing received from the LPTV (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, July 11, WTFDA via DXLD) More LPTVs via Es --- K03FB Snowflake AZ was received with PBS programming. I managed to see "azpbs.org" between programs on an ID or promo. The mostly weak signal was in and out for over an hour, with some short strong peaks. Most of the strong signals were of Clfford. A KSL-5 relayer was mixed with K03FB at times, with KSL-5 news. Unfortunately there are two of these. Later, a station was popping in with continuous tornado warningon channel 2. I think this was the KOTA relayer (Danny Oglethorpe, Shreveport, LA, 2200 UT July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) ** U S A. SOAPBOX BLOG 3: THE ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE Posted By: Katie Finnigan, 4/9/2009 There's a lot that's missing from the radio dial in Cincinnati. Few stations play bands like Jake Speed and the Freddies, The Seedy Seeds, Eclipse, The Faux Frenchmen, the artists from Lyrical Insurrection and all the other talented musicians and spoken word artists from our city. It's also tough to hear the news from the latest city council meeting, or in depth discussions about issues that affect your neighborhood. Cincinnati has a growing Hispanic community, but they can't turn on the dial and hear news in their own language. WVQC-LP, Radio Free Queen City, which signs on the air August 1, 2009 at 95.7 FM, is your radio alternative. We'll air the quality, local, independent programming that you can't hear on Cincinnati's mainstream radio. . . http://www.soapboxmedia.com/blogs/posts/60katiefinnigan3.aspx (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) Columbus can STILL claim to be the largest city, population wise, to have an operating/licensed LPFM station (Artie Bigley, Columbus OH, ibid.) ** U S A. WEB SITE ASKS PEOPLE TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR A NEW PUBLIC RADIO STATION IN FLINT by Beata M. Mostafavi Friday July 10, 2009, 10:52 AM FLINT, Michigan -- At a time when many media outlets are struggling to stay in business, former Kettering University professor Al Davis is still determined to launch a new public radio station in Flint. Davis is pushing forward with one group's dream to bring the city a volunteer-run community station featuring a mix of local music and talk shows on channel 89.3 FM-- but he's got a long road of fundraising ahead. The electrical engineer has started Web site http://flintradio.org and is trying to raise at least $30,000 for license legal expenses while also looking for equipment, music and eventually 100 volunteers. . . http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/07/web_site_asks_people_to_help_r.html (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U S A. NEW FCC CHIEF SWORN IN See http://broadcastengineering.com/news/genachowski-takes-over-fcc-0702/ It will be interesting to see how this change in leaderships affects the USA media landscape. Unsurprisingly, his goals don't list anything specific for preserving the shortwave spectrum, but at least with someone in charge now, perhaps we radio enthusiasts have someone to contact (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, swprograms via DXLD) ** VANUATU. On the June 29 edition of RNZI Mailbox, which should be available on demand via http://www.rnzi.com/pages/audio.php until July 26, Adrian Sainsbury talks about his recent visits to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to work on the SW transmitters. (Was there no May 31 edition? The previous audio file is dated May 17.) Two new 10 kW SW transmitters are being installed now; big inauguration should be mid-July but testing begins this week [and there have already been lots of reports of 3945 -gh]. Frequencies are 3945, 5050 and 7260. Plans to use 3945 at night and 5050 in the daytime; 7260 for daytime in the summer, likely not until November. [RNZI have been registering 5050 for some seasons now on behalf of Vanuatu, but it has never been used or reported yet --gh] RV also have a new transmitter building which is well air-conditioned. The new transmitters should last a long time if they are properly cared for, avoiding corrosion, etc. Studio equipment has also been upgraded with a fair amount of Oz and NZ aid; their own technicians have been trained to look after it. Two Americans are there installing the American-made transmitters, and Steve White of RNZI accompanied Adrian also to SOLOMON ISLANDS [q.v.], and has stayed there a while longer as Adrian returned to NZ. Steve will commission the new equipment when it is finished. DRM reception of RNZI is good, and used for relaying news broadcasts. SW is for the outer islands but should be heard further afield too (notes by Glenn Hauser, July 10 for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VANUATU. 3945, R. Vanuatu (tentative), 1155-1215 Jul 11. Vocal music to 1204, then YL talk in English 1212, followed by more music. Fair carrier but undermod voice and ham QRM (as is the case most mornings); deteriorated after 1215 (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) [non]. Beware of R. Nikkei, Japan, also on 3945: program 2 with 10 kW non-direxional at 2300-0605 UT, extended to 0900 on weekends. Also AIR Gorakhpur at 0130-0300 and 1330-1735 in Urdu and Nepali. And VIRI Zahedan in Pashto at 1430-1527 (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) The first new 10 kW transmitter on 3945 kHz is working well and closes automatically every day at 1100 UT. It is currently covering Vanuatu well all day (Gordon Brown, NZ, NWDXC July 7 via BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) But Wilkins was hearing something as late as 1215, above (gh) ** VENEZUELA. 550, YVKE Caracas (10 32'N 66 55'W) JUL 9 0820 - Good, over an unID Latin American; "Radio Mundial punto com" and "Por Mundial YVKE 550" in promo string. 600, YVQB R. Sucre, Cumaná JUL 9 0226 - Heard through a stew of WYEL, WICC, ZYK278, CMKV, and an unID sub-audible het; UTC-4.5 time check and salsa music. 0230 folk merengue, "...en Radio Sucre" and a romantic vocal through WICC. 670, YVLL R. Rumbos, Caracas (10 29'N 66 59'W) JUL 9 0130 - Good; news in brief with signature doorbells between items, then an extended promo/ID string, "Radio Rumbos... la emisora de Venezuela." 0231 fair; promo, "...la música de Radio Rumbos, 670 AM." 720, YVQE Oriente 720, Porlamar (10 56'N 64 12'W) JUL 9 0255 - Fair; long promo/ID string, "Venezuela Oriente 720 AM," jingle with voice- over, "Desde Porlamar... la nueva Oriente 720 AM musical," and "En Venezuela, Oriente..." time check. 750, YVKS RCR Caracas (10 29'N 67 00'W) JUL 9 0115 - Excellent; RCR Deportes with Espacio Deportivo program, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" organ instrumental bumper. 900, YVMD Ritmo 900, Maracaibo (10 39'N 71 44'W) JUL 8 0830 - Fair through unIDs and 899.52 Brazil het; "...hora Venezuela" time check and signature fanfare. 950, YVKG Popular, Caracas JUL 9 0032 - Breaking through EWTN domestic; UTC-4.5 time check with chimes, "Venezuela Popular..." 1110, YVQT, R. Carúpano, Carúpano (10 40'N 63 18'W) JUL 8 0230 - Good with WBT nulled out; "¡En Venezuela, Carúpano!" with time check, then ID, "Transmite Venezuela Carúpano, 1110 kilohertz... " (Bruce Conti, Camden ME; SDR IQ, MWDX-5, parallel terminated Delta antennas, 15-m base by 15-m tall separated by 15-m, aimed southeast, mwdx yg via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. VENEZUELAN RADIO STATIONS "IN LIMBO" OVER THREAT TO REVOKE THEIR LICENSES --- JOURNALISM IN THE AMERICAS A News Blog for several linx see original: http://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/?q=en/node/4531 Venezuela's radio broadcasters association was seeking details after the chief of the national telecom regulator said the licenses of 240 radio stations (154 FM, and 86 AM) would be revoked for failing to update their registrations with the government, El Tiempo reports. None of the 426 stations belonging to the association had received notice of the action, and the government has not specified which stations would lose their license, creating confusion among radio broadcasters, Cadena Global says. The association's president lamented that the regulating agency, Conatel, is not promoting communication, but rather seeking to close stations. The regulator also said it would take disciplinary action against radio and TV stations that broadcast two ads for opposition organizations that, based on "false assumptions," talk about an alleged threat to private property by the Hugo Chávez administration, EFE reports. Among those affected is Globovisión, the opposition TV station that now faces a fifth administrative proceeding in six months, El Nacional explains. Other Related Headlines: » Conatel's Action is "Illegal and Totally Flawed" (Correo del Caroní) » Radio Association Proposes Dialogue to Resolve Station Situation (El Carabobeño) Posted by Ingrid Bachmann/DG at 07/06/2009 - 11:31 (via Dick Pache, July 7, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. PLANEAN "DEPURAR" EL ESPECTRO DE RADIOS viernes, 10 de julio de 2009 - 02:04 GMT Para la Cámara de la Industria de la Radiodifusión, se trata de "un atentado a la libertad de expresión". El gobierno de Venezuela prepara una “depuración” del espectro radioeléctrico del país, en una medida cuestionada por los propietarios de medios privados de comunicación. Este jueves, el titular de la Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL), Diosdado Cabello, anunció una serie de medidas que persiguen el objetivo de “democratizar el uso del espacio radioeléctrico”, además de “acabar con el latifundio mediático”. Al respecto, el funcionario explicó que se está proponiendo que no se permita una red de más de tres radios ni más de media hora por día de transmisión conjunta. El funcionario expuso los fundamentos del proyecto ante los miembros de la Asamblea Nacional. En ese ámbito aseguró que “en Venezuela, 27 familias tienen más de un 32% del espectro radioeléctrico (…) y todavía los descarados de la Cámara de Radio dicen que eso no es latifundio, que fuese latifundio si fueran cinco familias”. La propuesta en estudio fue calificada como “un atentado directo a la libertad de expresión” por la Cámara Venezolana de la Industria de la Radiodifusión. La entidad advirtió, además, que la traducción práctica de las nuevas disposiciones implica el cierre de al manos 240 emisoras de AM y FM, según publica el diario venezolano El Universal. Proceso de registro La regulación también llegará a la televisión por cable, donde opera la señal de RCTV. A la hora de fundamentar la necesidad de este proceso de “depuración”, Cabello apeló a los números y explicó que del total de concesiones de emisoras de Amplitud Modula (AM) el 53% se registró ante la Conatel, contra un 47% que no lo hizo. En el caso de las estaciones de Frecuencia Modulada (FM), el 65% se presentó en la Conatel, mientras que el 35% restante no pasó por el organismo. La Cámara Venezolana de la Industria de la Radiodifusión también señaló que las empresas afiliadas han cumplido con los trámites exigidos y han actuado de acuerdo a lo que establece la Ley Orgánica de Telecomunicaciones. Cabello también se refirió al manejo de los canales de televisión, en especial aquellas señales que operan por cable. En ese sentido anticipó que este viernes se publicará una nueva providencia que pone bajo jurisdicción de la Ley de Responsabilidad Social de Radio y Televisión (Resorte) a los canales por suscripción, aunque muchos de éstos de autodenominen internacionales para evitar los efectos de la de esa normativa. El funcionario también advirtió a los operadores de los sistemas de cable que serán intervenidos, si se repiten las interferencias a las transmisiones de la estatal Venezolana de Televisión y de la red interestatal Telesur. Fuente: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/america_latina/2009/07/090709_2235_venezuela_radios_rb.shtml (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio http://yimber-gaviria.blogspot.com July 9, DXLD) ``Depuración`` means purification, cleansing, but also in the political sense, purging. I think the latter applies here! If you go to the same URL July 12, you find a rather different updated story headlined CHÁVEZ CONTRA "LATIFUNDIOS MEDIÁTICOS". And now? (gh, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA [and non]. VENEZUELA STEPS UP CONTROL OF TV AND RADIO Venezuela is taking dozens of radio stations off the air and putting stricter rules on cable and satellite television, a minister said yesterday, as part of President Hugo Chávez’s battle with private media firms. Disodado Cabello, the public works minister who also oversees Venezuela’s broadcasting watchdog, said 154 FM radio stations will be taken off the air and shifted into public hands in what he called “democratizing the airwaves.” He recently said 86 AM radio stations will also be hit as the government steps up efforts to turn Venezuela into a socialist society. “The use of the radio-electric spectrum is one of the few areas where the revolution has not been felt,” Mr Cabello said in a presentation to legislators about the need for reform in the sector. President Chávez and his supporters describe their drive to broadcast a pro- government message as a “media war” with private news companies. Venezuela’s media is highly polarized with biased coverage the norm on both government and private networks. The president has vastly expanded the number of publicly owned television and radio stations since he took office in 1999. Some are directly owned or financed by the government, while others are operated by cooperatives and community groups. In 2007 President Chávez did not renew the concession for a widely watched critical private TV station RCTV. Mr Cabello also announced plans to apply Venezuelan broadcasting regulations to cable and satellite television stations that produced more than a third of their content in the oil-exporting nation. The new rules for subscription television seemed to be aimed specifically at RCTV, which now broadcasts only on cable. RCTV was Venezuela’s most popular television station, watched by millions because of its soap operas. The station was highly critical of President Chávez and played an active role in a failed coup against him in 2002 (Source: Reuters July 10th, 2009, 1454 UT by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD) 8 comments so far 1 ruud July 10th, 2009 - 17:36 UTC Venezuela is proceeding towards a society without a free press. One of these days RNW might have a new beautiful task, providing the Venezuelans with unpartial news, simply from Bonaire, which is just a few miles away from Venezuela. Hiring 800 kHz /500 kW from TWR like in the old days? Bonaire will be a part of the (mainland) Netherlands in the near future, nice to have such a fine tolerant neighbour. To my best knowledge the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has refineries on both Aruba and Curaçao, still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, making the political situation quite sensitive. Actually Dutch navy troops (NATO) must be on the alert from bases on Aruba and Curaçao. Strange enough, hardly anything in the Dutch press about the Venezuelan situation, result of ignorance about Latin America? My point is that Venezuela is not just a remote place with some questionable government for the Netherlands as it is suggested quite often in the press. 2 SRG July 10th, 2009 - 20:30 UTC Ruud, I guess NATO should finish its job in Afghanistan first, before moving on to Venezuela. BTW, PDVSA co-runs refineries in Germany, too. Back to Venezuelan stations - if they are really given to local communities to run, then it’s not too bad, I guess. But personally I’m against such a treatment of private entities. Venezuelan government should just set up new stations and give them to local communities. I mean it’s a large country. They shouldn’t have any frequency issues outside of the major metropolitan areas. 3 Andy Sennitt July 10th, 2009 - 20:37 UTC Ruud, there is only one thing wrong with your plan: the 500 kW transmitter (which I stood inside when I visited Bonaire about 25 years ago) isn’t there any more. It was replaced many years ago by a 100 kW solid state transmitter. But you are correct about the political situation. Actually RNW covers events in Venezuela quite extensively in our Latin American service, but I agree that one doesn’t read much about in the newspapers here. 5 ruud July 11th, 2009 - 12:24 UTC Thanks Andy for the correction, when I visited the station in 1965 as a 12 year old boy it was 500 kW. And only one mast, now there are several masts, so I guess they can transmit directionally, which will give a gain to the 100 kW input. 6 SRG July 13th, 2009 - 0:11 UTC Back in the end of 1980s and beginning of 1990s TWR was approached again and again by the “Cuban opposition” from Miami. You know, those CIA-funded people. Earlier they discovered that the TWR Bonaire AM 800 was putting a beautiful signal into Cuba and now they desperately wanted to broadcasts their political propaganda. To TWR’s credit, the station flatly rejected those advances even though the guys were tempting the station with the stacks of cash. 7 ruud July 13th, 2009 - 13:38 UTC I can fully understand TWR-s position in refusing propaganda. RNW programmes are impartial which makes the difference. My feeling is that the Dutch Government should spend more money on providing unbiased news and information to some parts of the world (via RNW) and drop funding certain so called development projects. 8 SRG July 13th, 2009 - 15:15 UTC Ruud, I wish EU could set up a radio channel for every major world language with one editorial center and studios in various nations that are already broadcasting in those languages. Right now many external broadcasts from EU member states are overlapping and competing with one another for dwindling audiences. Besides, political expediency and romantic ideas seem to often override pragmatic needs. The Netherlands is reaching out to faraway nations of Cuba, Venezuela and Iran. That’s good. But why compete with DW and RFI (when they are not on strike)? And what about reaching such strategically important neighbors as Russia and Ukraine? (Media Network blog comments via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA [non]. UNKNOWNISTAN: 11800, Radio Nacional de Venezuela via Cuba (presumed); 2332-2359*, 8-July; M&W in SS w/wide variety of tune types and a few mentions of Venezuela; No ID & no mentions of Hugo. SIO=353-, muddy audio & sig up/down--not QSB (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 125 ft. bow-tie; 85 ft. RW & 180 ft. center-fed RW, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Should have checked if it was // usual 13680 and 15250 during this hour via Cuba. I did on July 9 at 2313, and it was not; instead // 9640, the RHC Mesa Redonda frequency. 11800 RHC transmitter also has distorted audio in the mornings when it is also an unannounced frequency, apparently replacing 12000. Cuba mentions Venezuela a lot, so don`t make an ID by that (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZANZIBAR. 11735, R. Tanzania, 1815 6 July, man with talks in vernacular, short shouting, talks by another man about Dimokratia. Good signal but with low modulation (Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, 6.7 using DE1102 coupled to 16 m H antenna due to lightnings. Everyday in the city for about 1-2 hours moderate thunderstorms make cold our days, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. CLANDESTINE, 4880, SW R. Africa, Meyerton, AFS, 1846-1859*, 08 Jul, English to Zimbabwe, "Newsreel" about Zimbabwe, s/off announcements & abrupt transmitter shut down; 35433 (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Still without any relays above tropical bands via VTC? (gh, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Hi Glenn, I recently ran across a mystery station on 1530. I thought you might be interested in this one. 1530, UNID, 0623, 7/8/09, Very messy frequency at that time. Noted at least four IDs as "AM 1530, The Gypsy"...sure sounded like that to me. No call letters announced. Because of the heavy congestion on this channel, it was really difficult to discern which stations were doing what. I believe this one was either playing C&W music or perhaps it is a religious station. I'd be surprised if it's a religious station using "The Gypsy" as a station slogan. Heard this one on a Eton E-100 Slider and a Select-a-Tenna. Richard Allen in OK has also heard this station on 7/9/09. Anyone else hearing this station? Thanks, Glenn and 73! (Kirk Allen, Ponca City, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Kirk, My first guesses were KDSN in Iowa and KCMN in Colorado, but those don`t seem to work out unless a very recent format/name change. Is that 0623 UT or CDT? If in the middle of the night, maybe a daytimer cheating. I see some new ones are pending, e.g. Billings MT. 73, (Glenn to Kirk, via DXLD) UTC. I think more than likely it must be a format change to an existing station or as you said, it could be a cheater. I'd bet there are plenty of those types to go around! Richard Allen heard them a few evenings after I logged it, and he thought they were either playing C&W or possibly Southern Gospel music -K- (Kirk Allen, OK, ibid.) Finally looked for it after 0600 UT July 13. Too much KOKC-1520 slop, and nothing dominant on 1530, but occasionally recognized Brother Scare, which would be WCKY (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. A steady open carrier on 1580, July 13 at 1223 UT atop a mix of weaker stations. Must be my semi-local KOKB Blackwell, which is supposed to be 1000 watts daytime, 49 watts at night (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 3255, UNID, 1055 OM en español 3 July (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R7, July 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See BRAZIL. No SS known on 3255, unlikely an harmonic (gh) UNIDENTIFIED. Not much makes it on 41m vs noisy bands in summer mornings here, but July 12 at 1311 could hear weak singing in unknown language on 7225; by chance there was no QRhaM at the moment! If I were list-logging by PWBR `2009` I would have to conclude it was PBS Sichuan, Chengdu, China, 50 kW. However, checking current schedules, such as Aoki, which does show PBS Sichuan 2, Xichang 520 site with 10 kW in Chinese at 1300-1330, I would conclude it was instead VOA Korean via Tinian at 12-14, 250 kW, 329 degrees. And I could have //ed it to 11740 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Sichuan PBS-2 was certainly on 7225 today (July 12), but with QRM. Frankly, I didn’t pay much attention to the QRM, as I was only interested in doing my usual check for the // 6060, which it was. 6060 was doing especially well. You are probably right about VOA. Will give a listen and try to confirm it (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 9300.0, 2-way Spanish SSB at 1334 July 11. One of them has enough background noise (engine?) to keep the vox on during pauses, mentioned temp 38 degrees, and I think I heard a ``puta madre`` go by, typical discussion of genealogy by poachers or narcotraficantes (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Haven`t heard the spurs from WWRB 9385 lately around 9458 or 9322, so July 9 at 1316 as I bandscanned downward, looked for 9458. Well, there was a very weak unstable carrier on 9459.4, so is that it? No! 9385 itself not on yet, as Dave changes 3185 to 9385 whenever he gets around to it sometime between 1300 and 1330. See also USA WWRB. What could 9460v be? No stations at all scheduled at this hour, but Aoki says V of Turkey will resume it on August 2 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Unidentifiziert. 9535 kHz Bubble Jammer 1800-1900 UT unter CRI Russian aus Issoudun und einer weiteren UNID station. Ist das ein Armee-Jammer aus Georgien?, der 24 Stunden gegen Abkhaz Radio mitlaeuft? Frueher vor 2 Jahren war hier mal Greenville in Spanisch, und Kubanischer Bubble Jammer zugange (Wolfgang Büschel, July 5, BC-DX July 11 via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 11776, weak unstable carrier hetting PMS Anguilla 11775, July 11 at 1340, not noticed before. Could not find a match in the area; has that `North Korean sound`, but could also be parasitic from WHRI 11785 on the air weekends only. Hoped to catch it vanish when WHRI signed off, but that kept going past 1430 and 1500 with gospel huxters in English, as 11776 had weakened to inaudibility. 11776, still hearing unstable het against Anguilla 11775, July 12 at 1316. Suspect it has something to do with ChiCom jamming of AIR Tibetan service via GOA at 1215-1330 on 11775. Or it could be a remnant of DentroCuban jamming against Martí which uses 11775 only at a totally different daypart, 0000-0300, per Aoki listings. 25m was hot for E Asian reception today, unlike 31 and 22 m. 11776, the weak het against Anguilla continues Monday July 13 at 1306 check, so nothing to do with WHRI which is not using 11785 weekdays at this time (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 15450, July 11 at 1346 poor signal with talk in unID language, Asian? Could Turkey be on late by mistake past 1320? No, only thing that fits is BBC Bengali via ``Armavir``, RUSSIA, per WRTH A-09 update, scheduled 1330-1500 Saturdays only, which would explain why I haven`t noticed it before. This language service recently shifted some times and frequencies earlier due to timezone change in Bangladesh to UT+7, but this transmission was not mentioned, so maybe stayed same (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Spanish help. Hi Glenn: I heard a new station on 87.7 today. It was in Spanish. If I were to upload an an audio clip, could I have you listen to it? http://dxclipjoint.com/08775-unid-20090711-1601-poss-toh.mp3 Here it is. I believe this is a new station in the DC licensed as a LPTV but running radio programming audio on analog Channel 6's frequency of 87.75. I think it may be legal, barely. I found this URL - please take a look. http://www.rwonline.com/article/82656 (Bill Harms, MD, July 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Bill, Very interesting. I ran it maybe a couple dozen times, because I can`t decide for sure what the `call letters` are that they are singing. C L C N seems closest, but it`s hard to separate Spanish letters when they are run together or sung. Sometimes it sounds more like 100 SM or 100 SN. Knowing that the calls are really WDCN or the name Pul-se, I can`t make what I hear fit either of those. ``Pensando contigo [thinking of you] tu compañía todo el día [your company all day] Cien S N llenos de vida [full of life] 87 punto 7 musicá que llena tu vida [music that fills your life] C-L-C-N pensando en ti todos los días [thinking of you every day] C-L-C-N 24 horas de sintonía [24 hours of tuning] C-L-C-N la frecuencia que anima tu vida-a-a-a [the frequency which animates your life] [music only] Cien S M llenos de vida [full of life] 87 punto 7`` Anyhow, a neat jingle. I wonder if you have run this in Real DX. Henrik Klemetz or native speakers may have a different interpretation. Nothing mentioned about location, but if you are getting it locally, very likely the DC LPTV/FM. Let me know of any further info. 73, (Glenn to Bill, via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Glenn. Muito obrigado por publicar em seu boletim meus comentários e logs. Aprendi através de seu boletim que um log não deve ser uma lista fria de escuta, mas deve conter informações que o enriqueçam e tragam informações pertinentes a outros dexistas. Para tanto voltei a escrevê-los em português onde tenho mais liberdade para poder me expressar melhor. Seu boletim é indiscutivelmente diferenciado pelos comentários, trazendo informação pertinente ao mundo das ondas curtas. Um abraço (Jorge Freitas, SWL1023B, Skype jorge.freitas.fsa Escutas (listening): http://www.ipernity.com/doc/75006/home?t=74925&c=6&s=uploaded Blog: http://www.ipernity.com/blog/75006 Feira de Santana Bahia - Brasil) LANGUAGE LESSONS ++++++++++++++++ CANTANDO, ESPALHAREI Re 9-050, PORTUGAL, program of that name on R. Portugal --- Carlos Gonçalves points out that the title comes from Camões` epic poem, considered the epitome of Portuguese literature, Os Lusíadas, Canto I, verse 2: ``Cantando espalharei por toda parte, Se a tanto me ajudar o engenho e arte.`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO CALL LETTERS USED TO HAVE AN AIR ABOUT THEM Early radio stations would advertise quaint or wacky slogans to help listeners remember their call letter IDs. An unwieldy one from Orange County's first station: "KFAW: Kept From Awful Winters.' By Steve Harvey July 12, 2009 When KGFJ went on the air in 1927, the radio station explained that its call letters stood for "Keeping Good Folks Joyful." Especially good insomniac folks, since it was L.A.'s first 24-hour station. KGFJ stayed on the air at AM (1230) until 1996. Less fortunate were the founders of Orange County's first radio station, whose unwieldy slogan was "KFAW: Kept From Awful Winters." The 10-watt operation folded in 1925 after just three years, having received a chilly reception from the estimated 1,500 radio owners in Orange County. Today, in the age of digital radios, media conglomerates and brand names, call letters are de-emphasized. Some stations reveal their IDs only at the top of the hour as required by law, often "nearly buried among a cluster of commercials," historian Jim Hilliker wrote for laradio.com. For instance, you have to listen carefully to find out that "93.1 JACK-FM" is KCBS or that "MY FM 104.3" is KBIG. A colorful era has passed. In the industry's formative years, when the government serially assigned call letters, stations would advertise sometimes quaint or wacky slogans to help listeners remember the IDs. KHJ settled on "Kindness, Happiness, Joy," and broadcast the singing of three canaries with those names. "I read that they also considered 'Knowledge, Happiness, Judgment,' " Hilliker said. Despite the lack of "judgment," the station survives at AM (930). Other early stations, which have since vanished from the ether, strained to be creative. KGEF tried out "Keep God Ever First" and then "Kind Gentle Empathetic Friend." Plainly, the government policy of beginning call letters in the West with a "K" was a problem for local sloganeers. KOG experimented with "Kinema on Grand" -- it was in a theater in downtown L.A. -- while Avalon-based KFWO's "Katalina for Wonderful Outings" shut down after three years. Radio evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Echo Park, saw the importance of call letters for her station. Hilliker, searching in the National Archives, found a 1924 telegram in which McPherson asked the Department of Commerce if it might "favor us" by switching the station ID from KFNC to "the more appropriate" KFSG, the initials of Foursquare Gospel. Sister Aimee's wish was granted; the church broadcast until 2003. Radio stations often neglect their own histories. "It could be that everyone is so caught up in the need to make advertising dollars they don't have the time to look to the past," Hilliker said. A former radio broadcaster, journalist and disc jockey who grew up in Anaheim, Hilliker, 54, has a particular interest in Southern California radio of the early 1900s. "Maybe I was born in the wrong era," he said. He has written several long pieces for laradio.com based on government documents, newspaper microfilm, industry magazines and interviews with old radio hands. All for no pay. "A labor of love," he said. Currently between radio jobs, Hilliker hopes to put his findings into a book titled "L.A. Radio Scrapbook." One treasure he's searching for is another telegram written by McPherson. Responding to charges that her station was secretly shifting frequencies, she supposedly told Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover: "Please order your minions of Satan to leave me alone." Though the telegram is mentioned in some books about McPherson, Hilliker notes that no copy has ever surfaced. His research has found no other instance in which she used the phrase "minions of Satan." Hilliker has also cast doubt on some Internet legends about call letters -- that KFI once promoted itself as the home of "Farm Information" and that KNX was so named because it was in the annex of a downtown building. In truth, KNX's letters were issued by the government. In the late 1920s, station owners were allowed to pick their own call letters. Many used the IDs to honor themselves or their businesses. In 1931, E.L. Cord, owner of a Fuller Motors dealership and producer of Auburn and Cord automobiles, chose KFAC, his business initials, for his station. Cord's studio was in the penthouse of the dealership on Wilshire Boulevard. It's now KWKW-AM (1330). KMPC-AM (710) was so named because it was briefly owned by MacMillan Petroleum Co. The station later discarded those letters; they are now used by Radio Korea at AM (1540). Though many call letters may seem unappreciated, such is not the case with KHJ. In 1986, it was re-christened KRTH, went through a couple of owners and wound up as a Spanish-language station, KKHJ. Management, however, complained that the "KK" was close to "caca" (Spanish slang for excrement). So the FCC allowed it to recycle the old KHJ name, bringing the owners happiness, if not joy. Source: Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-then12-2009jul12,0,3071994.story Imagen taken from: Dave's Place http://www.geocities.com/djkrcl/fj090175.html (Via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, also via Alokesh Gupta, dxldyg via DXLD) One of my favorite call-letter tie-in came back in the late '40s when, in Corvallis, Oregon, I head an equipment test from KDDD-800 in Dumas, Texas, prior to their beginning radio programming. They continually identified as "America's Ding Dong Daddy Station," linking to the old Phil Harris novelty tune, "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas, you oughtta see me do my stuff." In the '60s, when I lived in the Panhandle, they were still calling themselves America's Ding Dong Daddy station, and they still operate with 250 watts on 800 kHz. Pretty good catch from Oregon on a little 5-tube AC-DC Wards table model radio. Call letters for WCAS, where I worked with Pete Taylor 1967-70, were based upon four of the five Boston suburbs we covered with intensified local news -- "Watertown, Cambridge, Arlington, Somervillle -- Sorry 'Bout That, Belmont." We called ourselves "Wickus Island Radio." Young DJs in the '40s at KRUL in Corvallis (now KLOO) would make fun of the call letters ... one guy called it KRU Listening ... another called in KRU all in South Corvallis. KPDN-1340, which died after my favorite boss, Warren Hasse, retired and sold it, started out under ownership of the Pampa Daily News. One of the DJs thought we should have a slogan, and he came up with Keeping Pampa Doing Nicely ... It didn't spread to others on staff. WMIX-940 actually was on the air first on FM in 1946 ... the original owner, John R. Mitchell, was able to get FM on 94.1 and AM on 940 ... Not sure if, in his mind, the M stood for Mitchell or for Mt. Vernon ... but the IX tied to the dial position, 9. (If I'd been a DJ instead of news director, I might have called myself William, the Ninth.) By the way, Jim Hilliker is a familiar name; I believe he was an early IRCA member??? (Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon, ABDX via DXLD) If I ever get in a position of authority at the FCC - the first thing to go would be the vanity call letter changes! The FCC is under- staffed and has enough to do without all the unnecessary paperwork and expense generated by all this nonsense. It would also end a lot of listener confusion when call letters are changed over and over again through the years (Bruce Carter, ibid.) The FCC hasn't given a rat's hindquarters about broadcast callsigns for many years now. Ever since the introduction of the current CDBS database, the primary internal identifier for stations is the "facility ID number," which does not change. So to the FCC, the station you may lovingly think of as "WBAP" is simply "Facility ID # 71200," and will always be 71200 no matter who buys the station or what they're calling it on the air. There's very little paperwork or expense associated with callsign changes, in any case - it's handled nearly automatically by the FCC's on-line Callsign Reservation System, and whatever expense is involved in having a Media Bureau staffer check to be certain the requested callsign is on the right side of the K/W line is more than paid for by the $65 fee that goes along with each callsign change filing. As for confusion, if a station owner thinks it's a good idea for "WXYZ" to become "WQRS" one week and then "WFGH" the next, I think it's up to them - not the bureaucrats - to decide whether or not that makes good business sense. s (Scott Fybush, NY, ibid.) Since call letters seem no longer to have much meaning for most broadcasters, "hiding" them among "quick-clutter" (if I may coin a term) IDs at or near the top of the air, I don't know why they bother. I recall the justification 40-plus years ago when WKTQ-1310 Pittsburgh started the 13-Q-type BS after consultants told them listeners had such short attention spans, they could remember "13-Q" when survey time rolled around but couldn't remember "WKTQ." My thought on that rationale was that if the listener couldn't remember the call letters, how could the sponsors be certain the listener would remember their message? (Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon, ibid.) And as I wrote to another list on a related thread, the stations themselves often don't give a rat's patootie. Here in Boston, for example, our heritage station is WBZ, which has kept its original call letters since 1921. But like many stations, it is very conflicted over remembering its history. The upper levels of CBS have this belief that "history" means you are OLD and your station won't attract young people if you focus on the past. That is why many heritage stations, when they are bought by new owners, immediately give up those historical call letters -- allegedly, one's history is meaningless because it won't get you any ratings in the next Arbitron. Further, sales people believe historical events or even alluding to your station's longevity cannot be salable. So when WBZ-TV's 50th anniversary came and went, not much was done to celebrate it. WBZ radio did a wonderful event for their 75th (Scott and I worked on it), but other anniversaries, not so much. For example, when veteran sportscaster Gil Santos was just made a member of the new WBZ Radio Hall of Fame, it was done in the most low-key way possible. I guess the idea of spending money on an actual event to honor the guy's nearly four decades with the station seemed counterproductive or expensive. I of course disagree with these sorts of attitudes -- true, you don't wanna be a museum to the past or make no modern improvements, but you also should not forget the great people your audience may have grown up listening to. There were generations who listened to local personalities like Larry Glick, and Jess Cain, and Gary LaPierre, all of whom had multi-decade careers. It's nice to find a way to let the listeners say thank-you when they retire (Donna Halper, ibid.) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ FMEDIA! CHANGES COMING We are currently in the process of transitioning to more of an online presence, so be sure to check our website at http://www.fmedianews.com occasionally for coming announcements. FMedia! as a print publication will be discontinued after December 2009; however, we are working on plans for making the FM data and updates available online instead. Further details will be announced soon. Many readers have expressed eagerness for the next edition of FM Atlas, and we anticipate that it wil be completed in fall 2009. When it becomes available, we will announce it on our website as well (Kristine Stuart, May/June paper FMedia! received 2 July, via DXLD) Hi, everyone. We have a new Fmedia blog at http://fmedianews.com/blog/ I've posted a few articles there already, with more to come in the next week. Some are from previous issues of the newsletter, and some are new. I don't have space for everything in the newsletter, so this will help to leave enough room for the data and also publish more of the news tidbits that we receive. Sincerely, (Kristine Stuart, FMedia! editor, July 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) SKED FILE UPDATED DTK updated their schedule 7/6. I merged with the latest from other sources and posted a new combined skeds spreadsheet in the file section of the group. For those who don't like going to Yahoo's site, it's also at http://www.zerobeat.org/skeds/ [zipped] (Dan Ferguson, Member: North American Shortwave Association Web: http://www.naswa.net NASWA yg via DXLD) MUSEA +++++ Wireless Waves Aug 1, 2009 to Aug 2, 2009 [Start time: 10:30, end time: 17:00] Vintage and military wireless of WW2 and beyond. BLETCHLEY PARK ABUZZ WITH WIRELESS WAVES A Celebration Of Radio Communications Second World War Heritage Site, Bletchley Park will be celebrating the essential contribution of radio to the war effort and it's subsequent significance at the family `Wireless Waves' event on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. The Park will be abuzz with radio communications as various radio societies and other groups demonstrate a range of equipment from World War Two onwards, including the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society, Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society, Bletchley Park Radio Society and a World War Two replica German field radio station. Experts will be giving lectures throughout the day and the Enigma Cinema will be showing documentary films on how communications changed the world. Also look out for the wartime plotting table, re-enactors picnicking around the site and the Model Boat Club on the lake. Today the airways are filled with wireless internet and mobile phone signals but there was a time when radio signals ruled the airways and were the only way to get a message from A to B quickly. During the war, radio was the only means of communication available, from getting vital information to front line troops, to secret messages sent by our spies back home but the problem with radio signals was that they could be intercepted. This is why the Germans sent encoded messages on the famous Enigma and Lorenz machines, which they thought to be unbreakable. However both these machines where famously broken by the codebreakers at Bletchley Park. Gates open at 10.30am and the event ends at 5.00pm. Normal admission prices apply. Bletchley Park website: http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/news/docview.rhtm/579472 (Bletchley Park news release via Mike Barraclough, WDXC yg via DXLD) Re 9-051: ANSWER ON SARNOFF MUSEUM BELLYS UP Correction: Glenn, I believe I mentioned the items could be auctioned off with the proceeds going to any surviving relatives of Major Armstrong. Lord knows the Sarnoff's made enough money off the work of others, and what they did to screw Major Armstrong and his FM system was inexcusable. Regards, (Brock Whaley, Oahu, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1939 US FILM ABOUT RADIO HAMS 10 minute American 1939 educational movie very much of its time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBGIdf0VjQ4 (via Mike Barraclough, dxldyg via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ ALGUNAS NOTICIAS DESDE EL ENCUENTRO INTER-NACIONAL DE RADIOESCUCHAS Saludos, ultimando los detalles del Encuentro inter-Nacional de Diexismo, desde México, Cuernavaca 2009. [31 julio - 2 agosto] Emisoras de Onda Corta que ya confirmaron su participación de manera personal: Radio Verdad, Chiquimula, Guatemala, fue la primera en mostrar su interés en el evento. Radio Educación Onda Corta. Programa "Sintonía Libre" Radio Transcontinental de América (XERTA) y el día de hoy, Radio Internacional de China!!! con sus representantes en México Esperamos que otras mexicanas se integren. Radio Canadá Internacional envió dos paquetes con souvenirs que serán premios para el evento Diexista. Muchas gracias por apoyar y promover este apasionante mundo del Diexismo y la Radioescucha. Favor de compartir la información del sitio oficial: http://www.gratisweb.com/dxmexico/cuernavaca2009.htm (No olviden cerrar la ventana de publicidad) Y no olviden, si desean contactarme de manera telefónica, favor de hacerlo, después de las 9:20 PM (hora del centro de México), -52 777 319 38 08 internacional 01 777 319 38 08 nacional Celular 045 777 110 94 56 (llamadas nacionales, a cualquier hora, o MSG); Celular a nivel local, 044 777 110 94 56 Su amigo, Magdiel Cruz Rodríguez En el chat vía MSN Messenger en horarios nocturnos, correo: magdielcrrdz@ hotmail.com En el chat vía Yahoo! Messenger, por el correo: mcruz_dx@yahoo. com.mx PD.- No olviden enviar un correo de agradecimiento a éstas emisoras arriba mencionadas, que una vez más nos demuestran los lazos de amistad que surgen de la onda corta. Gracias, y nos vemos en Cuernavaca, Morelos! http://entre-ondas.blogspot.com (playdx via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ LEGISLATION WOULD CREATE INVENTORIES TO HELP MANAGE RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM --- Bills would require the NTIA and the FCC to create RF spectrum inventories and a Web portal By William Jackson Jul 10, 2009 Bills in both houses of Congress would require detailed inventories of federally managed radio frequency (RF) spectrum and create Web portals to make that information available to the public. H.R. 3125 was introduced July 8 by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and immediately referred to that committee. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3125ih.txt.pdf A similar bill, S. 649, http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s649is.txt.pdf was introduced in the Senate in March and was voted out of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee July 8. Both measures are titled the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act and, with minor differences, would require that the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create inventories of radio spectrum under their management in 180 days after the measures became law. The inventories would list the authorized services for, and the users of, each band of frequency in the geographical areas in which they are licensed to operate, and include maps showing the usage of spectrum in each area. The NTIA and the FCC also would submit annual reports to Congress updating the status of the inventory, identifying the least used blocks of spectrum and recommending whether spectrum should be reallocated. The bills differ slightly in the spectrum to be covered. The House bill covers bands from 225 MHz to 10 GHz, while the Senate version covers bands from 300 MHz to 3.5 GHz. Both bills would exempt sensitive information from published inventories for national security and proprietary business reasons. The management and allocation of the nation’s RF spectrum is undergoing its largest overhaul in 60 years. Once used primarily for commercial radio and TV broadcasting as well as private and government voice communications, the bands are becoming increasingly valuable and sought after as a medium for voice, video and data transmissions of all kinds, with an ever-growing array of applications. Wireless networking is becoming one of the fastest growing segments of the Internet with the rapid adoption of mobile computing and the use of wireless links for backhaul and trunking of traffic. Last month, the nation transitioned to digital commercial television broadcasting to free up bands of spectrum that commercial TV stations had used for broadcasting since the 1940s. New digital technology is more efficient, allowing more data to be transmitted in narrower bands, and the transition will free up large blocks of RF spectrum. Making this spectrum available is seen as crucial for the development of new commercial wireless services, including delivery of broadband Internet access to currently unserved and underserved areas, as well as for the creation of an interoperable, national public safety network that would allow first responders from different regions to communicate more easily during emergencies. source: http://gcn.com/articles/2009/07/10/radio-frequency-spectrum-inventories-legislation.aspx (Government Computer News via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio http://yimber-gaviria.blogspot.com DXLD) CAT-KENWOOD=ETON Some of you who have subscribed to Listening In, the monthly publication of the Ontario DX Association, might recall that my cat, Wimpy, once made the cover of the magazine. It had fallen asleep on a copy of the magazine that happened to be turned to World English Survey (the centerfold). So I put some ear buds on the cat and snapped a picture of "Wimpy, the DXing cat". Now Wimpy has always been a careful and considerate cat when maneuvering in and around my receivers. Not so its brother, Lucky. Lucky belonged to my wife's parents and since her father's death and placing her mother in a nursing home; we have had to take Lucky in. Within a week of being taken in, Lucky proceeded to push one of those imitation cathedral radios off of a shelf and onto my Kenwood R-2000 – effectively silencing it until I could figure out what part had been jarred loose. Then it managed to push my Drake SPR-4 onto the floor when I wasn't home. The Drake, having been built in an era of robust construction methods, fared much better and seemed to work better – the cat might have jarred something back in synch. To add insult to injury, however, Lucky tried to jump from the floor to the top of my shack – about five feet – while I was listening to the Kenwood and sipping on a tall can of beer. Lucky managed to knock the can over in such a way that it poured much of its contents right onto the internal circuitry. Bye bye, Kenwood. Fortuitously as it turned out, a few days later I was in Durham Radio and came across a used Eton E-1 in great condition and at a great price. I snatched it right away. I had learned my lesson as before adding it to my shack I made it impossible for Lucky to knock anything onto my receivers or to push any of them off onto the floor (Mark Coady, Ont., NASWA yg via DXLD) MUZAK: FROM THE ELEVATOR TO THE FUTURE By Greg Collard Listen Now [4 min 20 sec] All Things Considered, May 19, 2009 - Muzak made its mark on American culture by producing generic-sounding songs for office buildings, retail stores and the dentist. Muzak made elevator music, but it's been 25 years since the company stopped producing those instrumental covers and switched to providing clients mix tapes of popular recordings. Today, Muzak is still trying to shake its elevator-music reputation while trying to emerge from bankruptcy. . . http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104133884 (via Kevin Redding, TN, July 9, ABDX via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV ++++++++++++++++++++ NEWS FROM THE DIGITAL WONDERLAND (C) For a critical look at digital broadcasting I recommend Harry Shearer's Le Show. There's a regular copyrighted feature there titled News from the Digital Wonderland. Le Show's audio files are here: http://harryshearer.com/news/le_show/ The most recent broadcast hosted from the UK on July 5 runs this feature starting at 14:31. An interesting report about the coverage issues and FCC's temporary permission to TV stations in major US cities to _boost_ their power as a result of switching to digital + some thoughts on proposed switching to digital radio in the UK. An hour-long Le Show runs weekly on WBCQ 7415 (Sun. 2300 UT), NA satellite radio and many US public stations. Complete schedule is here: http://media.harryshearer.com/syndicates.html (Sergei Sosedkin, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) NASHVILLE STATION REQUESTS "NESTED" REPLACEMENT TRANSLATOR WTVF-5 Nashville has applied for a "DTV Replacement Translator" on channel 50 on the same tower as their channel 5 main transmitter. This is a similar situation to what WLS-DT Chicago applied for recently. However, WTVF has requested *100 kW* of digital power for their translator. That's something like 7 times the normal power limit for digital translators. Their application acknowledges that fact and requests a waiver to the power limit. I thought we were getting a lot of complaints, but apparently they have received *thousands*, most of them within the city of Nashville. Reportedly FCC engineers have come to town to investigate the situation. Guess I'd better pay a lot of attention to channel 50 over the next few weeks! (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, [of WSMV] July 8, WTFDA via DXLD) There's an interesting survey in the first attachment on this application: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1320219&Service=LD&Form_id=346&Facility_id=36504 I'll leave most of the reading to you, but a few highlights... Station T (low-band VHF analog and digital): Lost 49%. received by 95% of viewers pre-transition, 46% post-transition. Station S (low-band VHF analog; high-band VHF digital): Lost 7%. received by 91% of viewers pre-transition, 84% post-transition. Station K (low-band VHF analog; UHF digital): Lost 9%. received by 89% of viewers pre-transition, 80% post-transition. Station Z (UHF analog and digital): Lost 2% received by 80% of viewers pre-transition, 78% post-transition. (transitioned on-time in February so was already all-digital by the time of the survey) Station N (high-band VHF analog and digital; PBS affiliate): Lost 15%. received by 79% of viewers pre-transition, 64% post-transition This certainly would back up the suggestion that low-band VHF is not the right place to be! Somewhat to my surprise and somewhat to my relief, it seems to disprove the idea that high-band VHF is a major problem. The survey does however have a REALLY small sample size so maybe shouldn't be taken entirely seriously (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) I just got my wife a new digital TV for her birthday to use in the bedroom with rabbit ears. CN Tower stations all nice & strong. Here is our survey for the U.S. Buffalo market stations (small sample = 1) ... Station K (low-band VHF analog; UHF digital): Lost 67%. received 67% of stations pre-transition, 0% post-transition. Station ? (high-band VHF analog and UHF digital): Lost 100%. received 100% of stations pre-transition, 0% post-transition Station Z (UHF analog and digital): Lost 67% received 67% of stations pre-transition, 0% post-transition. Note the across-the-board 0% post-transition. We're a US-free rabbit ear household now as a result of the transition (William Hepburn, Grimsby, ON, ibid.) Two things that are helping a number of WSMV (DT-10) viewers with indoor antennas --- - *shorten* the "ears". 15" is a quarter-wave at channel 10; I'd try something between 13-1/2 and 14" for WHYY. Problem is, you may need to comprimise with the need for something quite a bit longer for WPVI (or in our case WTVF). - Tilt the "ears" down horizontal. Rabbit ears are usually shipped with the "ears" pointing straight up, and depicted in photos with them at a 45 degree angle. They really should be horizontal to properly match the polarization of what's being transmitted (Doug Smith, TN, ibid.) DTV Transition -- Followup Questions Before the US DTV transition, there were some related topics discussed here (& elsewhere). Since the transition, I haven't seen any info about these: 1) There was actual legislation about a delay in the transition specifically for Spanish-language stations within a certain distance of the Mexican border, in order to preserve their audience from competition from Mexican stations. What happened with that? Did the issue go away when the delay from February to June happened? Or are these still analog? (Doesn't sound like it from the TV DX discussions I've seen here.) 2) The state of Florida was reported to have petitioned for a delay or other modification of the transition to preserve analog broadcasts specifically for public-service hurricane warnings that could be receivable on battery-powered analog TVs and TV-audio radios owned by many people in their emergency kits. What happened with this issue? Was it only Florida that brought up this topic or did other Gulf states also get involved with this issue? 3) Just what was the reason for the odd dates chosen for the transition (Feb. 17th and June 12th)? I could understand the day of the week being selected to be ordinary weekdays to give regular shopping days for late converters to buy equipment, but why the selected dates? 73, (Will Martin, MO, July 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) DTV.2 BY SPORADIC E? I realize that getting DTV Es DX is tough enough on the main channel, and I am still waiting for my first catch. Rather concentrating on what analog DX is left, and there is plenty from abroad. But it occurs to me that the reports I have seen don`t mention capturing any subchannels. Or maybe I overlooked them. Surely some of the lowband DTV stations are also running extra channels. As we well know by groundwave/tropo, if you can get the main channel, the subchannels are also there at same signal level. Has anyone managed to DX them specifically by Es? 73, (Glenn Hauser, July 9, WTFDA via DXLD) Hi Glenn, When I have received DTV via Es all the subchannels have been received and on occasion a subchannel will decode first such as WMC-DT 5.3 with the "this tv" network. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n63rIWbZuGg This video that I captured last summer demonstrates both the primary and subchannels being received via Es (Jeff Rostron, Springfield MA, ibid.) I.e., WMAZ-4 Macon GA (gh, DXLD) Glenn, So far, even if all I get is a PSIP ID, I get the PSIP ID's for all of the sub-channels at the same time (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) DTV CCI! Well, the closest thing to it! I ended up buying an Icom R8500 and put all the DTV carrier frequencies in one bank. On Channel 10 - 192.31 MHz (in CW mode), I have a constant and steady variation in signal strength on the meter (S-1 to S-5) similar to what you see on the AM band when there are 2 AM stations [subaudible heterodyne --- gh]. Antenna is pointed SW. Suspect WHEC Rochester & WOIO Shaker Heights OH fighting it out. Too weak for decoding. This may be one of my new methods for determining CCI during the digital TV DX era. On some channels such as 30, I can hear 2 stations with different tones since they are slightly off frequency. Sounds kinda eerie in CW mode (William R Hepburn, Grimsby ON CAN 43 10 59.4 - 79 33 34.5, http://dxinfocentre.com/hepburn/ WTFDA via DXLD) Scanners and DTV's I think I can get used to this DTV DXing, but it definitely might require new methods & tools. When I received WTVS Detroit on 43 last night over local WNED 43, I checked my Icom and could hear 2 DTV pilot tones simultaneously. I could peak the antenna by listening to one of the tones. Watching the needle on the signal meter replaces watching the analog pix get less snowy. Maybe not as fun - different yes - just something new to get used to, but I think I can get used to this. Just like a lot of us used Icoms, or other scanners/radios to determine offsets, the same receivers can be used now to help DX DTV. We may just need more tools in our arsenal to get more DTV stations, just like the 10 kHz audio in the all-analog period. Many of my analog catches, such as 14 Rome, GA, were audio only thanks to the Icom. Now, if only those weak DTV pilots could contain some information that could definitely ID them. I know the Australians would probably already be measuring exact frequencies, as the frequencies do seem to be all over the place (the Canadians, BTW, mostly seem to be lower in frequency than the Americans for some odd reason - plus 3 stations don't seem to even have a pilot!). I did hear a weak tone on 5 last night, WLMB Toledo no doubt, but no way to count it in my log with a local analog 5 still blocking the channel and not allowing the DTV to decode. Anyway, end of my DTV musings... Bill H. -- (William R Hepburn Grimsby ON CANADA, WTFDA via DXLD) Is there any way to tweak the threshold lower for decoding? (gh) 6m TAs NA->Port/Morocco @ 1800ET [???] I have on 87.9 from Rabat Morocco as that is where some of the paths end. Very very weak audio at times. But it could be anything I am hearing so we will see what happens: 87.9 SNRT Rabat Morocco 40 kW (Jeff Rostron, Springfield MA, Sangean HDT-1, Winegard HD 6065P @ 35Ft, July 12, WTFDA via DXLD) The weak audio you're hearing on 87.9 may actually be WRGB [channel 6, Schenectady] . Somehow they managed to convince the FCC to allow them to put vertically polarized audio on 87.9 right next to their DTV signal. http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/radio-1264652-time-tune.html (Jeff Lehmann - N1ZZN, Hanson, MA, ibid.) Viz.: CBS 6 is back on the radio -- this time on 87.9 FM! July 8, 2009 - 7:51 PM We're back on the radio! It's in the experimental stages, and we're still having coverage issues until we can boost our signal even more, but our radio simulcast has returned -- this time, on 87.9 FM. If you're one of our listeners who tune in during your drive, be advised: those with vertical antennas on their cars will get us better than those with the horizontal ones (the kinds in the windshield). So tune your radio in to 87.9 FM -- make sure to reset your radio presets or alarm clock dial -- and please continue to be patient as we keep working on our digital signal! (via DXLD) If they can do it, resume an analog FM audio signal, so could any other TV station within its 6-MHz bandwidth, altho receivers for anything but channel 6 audio would not be so plentiful. I advocated this some time ago for emergency, robustness and convenience (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) FRONTLINE: DIGITAL DUMPING GROUND http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/ghana804/ As the United States moved to move to an all-digital television signal, millions of analog television sets became obsolete. Many of these televisions, along with other forms of electronic waste, have ended up in places like Ghana. They are poised to create a tremendous environmental hazard, and this recent program from Frontline takes a sobering and critical look into this phenomenon. Visitors to this site can watch this recent profile in its entirety, and then they will want to look at the other features on this site. The site also includes an interactive map documenting the global trade in electronic waste, along with a FAQ on recycling, and an interview with Jim Puckett, who is a leading campaigner against the electronic waste trade. [KMG] 73, (via Dave in Indy Hascall, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IBOC/"HD Radio" News via Radio-Info I went to Radio-Info.com this morning to read the boards and found this interesting headline --- a portable IBOC receiver is on the market and being sold by Best Buy under its house Insignia brand. http://www.radio-info.com/sections/2-breaking-news/news_items/6231-the-first-ever-portable-hd-radio-receiver-to-be-sold-by-best-buy A check of Best Buy's website confirmed the radio is being sold, its apparently in some stores but there is no photo on site at this time. Specs are slim, so there's a question of whether the $50 "walkman" type radio will decode analog RDS. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9375071&st=%22HD+Radio%22&type=product&id=1218094581941 (Fritze H Prentice Jr, KC5KBV, Star City, AR, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DAB ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "EURO CHAOS BAD NEWS FOR DIGITAL RADIO" What Satellite and Digital Radio July 3, 2009 Digital Britain's radio upgrade plans have been dealt a blow after German and Swiss private broadcasters rejected a quick move to digital radio. Industry bodies representing commercial broadcasters say they see no case for investing digital radio in the next decade. The announcement deals a blow to plans for a British 'digital upgrade' of radio, which relies on affordable DAB receivers being made possible by a pan-European market. The statement by Germany's VPRT said: "For VPRT's private radio companies, the significant initial and operating costs are too great. "Member companies have concluded that DAB+ has no economically viable future. Even with significant promotion of the system by public funds for at least the next five to ten years and under regulatory pressure, there is only a slim chance of partially recovering the costs within the market." The VPRT's counterpart in Switzerland issued a similar statement soon after. German media regulators had proposed that DAB+ be introduced in 2009, with near-universal coverage by 2012. DAB+ is an advanced version of the standard used in the UK, which allows both greater quality and higher efficiency, so it's cheaper for broadcasters to gain a slice of digital radio spectrum. But the 'Digital Upgrade' proposed by the Digital Britain report and backed by the government is based on electronics manufacturers producing cheap DAB radios and the car industry fitting them as standard. This in turn needs several European countries to take up DAB (or a version of it), so that manufacturers will invest in research for advanced multi-format DAB chipsets. In addition to DAB+ in Germany, French media regulators have mandated the introduction of DAB variant T-DMB in all new cars by 2012, although they haven't yet consulted car manufacturers on how this will happen. More details on this long and complex SNAFU at The Register http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/02/euro_dab_snub/ http://blog.wotsat.com/page/whatsat?entry=euro_chaos_bad_news_for (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See also AZORES; KUWAIT; NIGERIA; ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SOLOMON ISLANDS; SPAIN; USA non WYFR; VANUATU First DRM+ demo in Band I in Paris The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology for radio broadcast at frequencies up to 174 MHz will be publicly demonstrated in Paris on Thursday, July 16th. The DRM+ signal will be broadcast in band I on 64.5 MHz from Tour Pleyel, in the North of Paris. The stereo and 5.1 Surround sound audio will be accompanied by DRM Dynamic Labels, Journaline text information, and SlideShow graphics images, presented with live indoor reception to the audience. In addition participants will have the opportunity to experience the 5.1 Surround sound DRM+ broadcast in a moving car. The aim of this demonstration is to prove that the DRM system is the perfect solution for radio stations not able to join multiplexes, even in places where the FM band is full. This test is being organized by the Syndicat National des Radios Libres (SNRL) and will be performed with the help of University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserslautern and Fraunhofer IIS, Erlangen. Here is the agenda of the trial and presentations (in English) for July 16th. (ENGLISH) 16:45 – 17:00 Opportunities of the DRM family in the world – BBC and Chairman of the DRM Consortium, Ruxandra Obreja (ENGLISH) 17:00 – 17:15 Is the multi-standardisation possible? – Chair of the Association of Digital Radio, Jamil Shalak 17:15 Closing session – SNRL, Pierre Boucard And: optional tour of the transmission center, 5.1 Surround sound DRM+ broadcast in a mobile car environment and questions. Location Syndicat National des Radios Libres (SNRL) Headquarter Tour Paris-Pleyel 153, Boulevard Anatole France 93200 Saint-Denis France (Underground station “Carrefour Pleyel “on the underground line 13) Source: DRM.org http://www.drm.org/news/detail/news/first-drm-demo-in-band-i-in-paris/ (via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio, http://yimber-gaviria.blogspot.com DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE NOISE PROBLEM OF PLC (POWER LINE COMMUNICATION) EQUIPMENT IN JAPAN As reported in our May bulletin, we have filed three complain documents against the 17 certified types of PLC equipment claiming cancellation of these certification because of high noise level on SW bands emitted from these equipment. The assessment committee was held three times in the past months, but the raised issue of critical defect in the Japanese PLC engineering standard had never been discussed. The Chairman of the Government committee stated that we, short wave listeners were not qualified legally to complain the Government decision because we were not licensed stations. The committee advised the Minister to reject our complain and the legal paper stating the rejection by the Minister has been received. Due to the defect of the Japanese standard, the most of the certified PLC equipment radiates 20 dB or higher noise than the noise level assumed in the introduction of PLC equipment in Japan. This is serious problem for all short wave listeners and we will continue to fight against the Government decision. A group of 100 licenced ham operators are still fighting with the government using the same issue as ours. A series of their complaining were accepted legally and the Government committee is in process of discussion. They hired powerful lawyers and we are watching the progress. We are hoping re-examination of the defective PLC engineering standard would be initiated (Toshimichi Ohtake/JSWC, June 30, Kamakura, Japan, DSWCI DX Window July 8 via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ ANOTHER POSSIBLE TA FM EVENT? This guy is claiming "double F2" skip on 88.7. I know, I know, that's a whole load of BS and wishful thinking. It's solar minimum, and as far as I'm aware there has never been F2 that high. But could it perhaps actually be multi-hop Es? I can't make out anything identifying the stations in the audio, and the his claimed EE reception might not be English at all. I know the rest is all Spanish, not Portuguese. This was apparently on July 1st. Claimed DX is Colombia from Romania. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuVbgDZ5F68 Spain is single Es distance from Bucharest. I don't know what Spain's FM stations sound like. I'm extremely skeptical, obviously. But since I didn't see it mentioned, I thought I'd pass it along, especially in light of the recent, confirmed transatlantic FM reception (Claudio Leite, AB3IU | Washington, DC (FM18mv), WTFDA via DXLD) The guy's name is Daniel and he's from Romania. He's been posting garbage like this on the Skywaves list and is not taken seriously by anyone there. He has no supporting data to back him up; he has no specific dates, times, channels, frequencies, etc. My own personal take is that he's extremely jealous of Paul Logan and is somehow trying to outdo Paul's catches. That's how I see it, anyway. He may just be another Giovanni Bellabarba wannabe. (If you are not familiar with that name, do a Google search). (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT, ibid.) He posts a lot of "notable entries" on DX articles on Wikipedia. That's how I saw this one. That's actually been a bit of a problem lately. I figure Wikipedia is Wikipedia, but it should be accurate nonetheless, and not a place for silly vanity entries easily published on a personal website. Most are in no way notable (seriously, two-hop FM Es on the same level as Paul Logan's TA, or Brazil via TEP and Es in the NL?) As expected, my efforts at cleaning them up are met with resistance. I was actually considering posting on that subject alone, since I figure that serves as an entry point for many would-be DXers and it'd be nice to keep them accurate. Sorry to have polluted this list with this guy's stuff. – (Claudio Leite, AB3IU | Washington, DC (FM18mv), ibid.) Hi Claudio, I think you can assume the guy is kind of crazy, but being a DX'er that is not to be wondered at. Still, the video is interesting, and I'm glad you sent it onto the group. It would take some pretty elaborate fakery to stump the group here. First thing to check on would be the conditions on July 1st.? Were the six meters people working a path like this? Second would be to analyze the receptions on the video. Are they really stations that would be on a TA path? Spanish varies a fair bit from country to country, someone familiar with the dialects could tell if the Spanish heard is the correct kind for the area claimed. Third would be to try to contact the DX'er for more information on where and when this reception happened. Romanians are interesting people, he may just have actually had something real in (Curtis Sadowski, IL, ibid.) http://www.vhfdx.net/spots/show.php?Lan=E&Banda=50&Modo=2E&Horas=&DDia=30&DMes=6&DAnyo=2009&HDia=1&HMes=7&HAnyo=2009&Indicativo=&Texto=&Kms=&Map=EU&MaxQSOs=1000&Dest=W2L&SortOrder=D&AscDes=A&B1=Submit+query 6 Meter paths from 6/30 to 7/1 (via Jeff Rostron, MA, ibid.) Hi Jeff, Very interesting! There is a path roughly between Romania and Puerto Rico and also the Virgin Islands on that day. That could account for a mixture of English and Spanish on anything that may have strayed over the ocean. Is there a way of working out a correlation between that path being open and the time of the alleged FM TA? (Curtis Sadowski, IL, ibid.) I do hear ``La Mega`` mentioned at 5:55 into the 7 + minute YT clip. Thread discussing this supposed log of 88.7 Bucaramanga, Colombia, and others: http://forum.softpedia.com/index.php?showtopic=404174&st=162 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I listened to this and there is a DX signal with an ID of "La Mega" in it. I recognize it as it's one of my targets for Colombia that I'm looking for. Google does not bring up any other La Mega stations on 88.7. There are "La Mega" stations in Spain on other frequencies. The distance seems rather remarkable from Romania and I'm skeptical of this. But I would not be surprised if this path opens on FM from western Europe, especially from Portugal or Spain, with the intensity of 6 meter openings that occur from there. Recently there was a spectacular Es opening from all of Europe to as far as Peru on 6 meters. 73, (Randy KW4RZ Zerr, FL, WTFDA via DXLD) I really gotta chime in on this one... Yeah, someone with a history like that probably isn't the most reliable and there are a lot more people like that out there (and he has a lot of vagueness and assumptions about his catches, which is sooo not cool in DXing); but I've watched the YouTube video a few times (or more listened to it) and if it is indeed from Romania and not filmed somewhere else from some other DXer. I'd be reluctant to call it off *too* quickly. First, yeah, the Spanish stations could very well be from Spain. But that's not explaining what sounds a lot like an American or Canadian accented English in there (yes, that IS English... I hear the words "I was..." and the speed she is speaking and the intonation of the language matches English). And I can't for the life of me find a La Mega on 88.7 in Europe. The Colombian station is the only one I can find and I bet if someone who speaks Spanish listens, they could get a positive ID - because it is a clear "La Mega" ID in the clip, with some other stuff I don't understand. Doesn't mean there isn't a La Mega in Europe that isn't online; but mixed with the English station, and the others, I think it's enough to at least give SOME credit. It's nothing like the catches from N. Ireland that have a lot of clear evidence to back them up. But the time of reception is very clearly stated (see the clock in the video), the radio lights up when a station comes in well, so it's not someone taping their DX setup and stealing someone else's audio for the video, and at least the 6m map shows paths from Romania to the Caribbean. I dunno. I'm not saying in any way it's legit. You can easily pull off a hoax online. But I wouldn't be so fast to push it under the rug and say it never happened. If you wanna prove him wrong, find another La Mega on 88.7 outside Columbia and have someone listen to the Spanish dialect and what the lady says before/after the "La Mega" ID and say it ISN'T from that region. It would be a shame if someone who had such a bad history and faked everything so often that no one ever believes his catches... actually hit the DX jackpot one day --- and no one believed him (Chris Kadlec, South Korea, ibid.) And I guess I'm wondering why, with a guy with that kind of track record, we're trying so hard to find a way to legitimize this one report of his. Sure the path 'could have' been viable - the fakers often do enough homework to make their claims seem more plausible (Russ Edmunds, WB2BJH, Blue Bell, PA, ibid.) HI Russ, Well, things were slow and it was interesting to look into. The man may be deluded, a cheat and a bounder, but that doesn't preclude him from actually having something amazing in via Es. That region he's in seems to be a focal point of openings from all directions (Curtis Sadowski, IL, ibid.) Hi folks, spurious claims make a nonsense of the time and effort we all put into our hobby. No offence to Daniel but he needs to start being more cautious with his "loggings". On one of his youtube videos there is audio from a station in Londrina Brazil giving the number of a sushi bar. This is being received on an EVEN frequency (that Brazil doesn`t use) during an Arab opening. If someone can explain this (even frequency) reception to me I will give them all my tuners. As for the claim of Colombia, here is what he actually heard. The Italian DXer Dario Monferini worked it out. I didn`t investigate it myself since I didn`t really trust the source. It`s a pity because Daniel does log some REALLY nice DX from the Middle East and he seems to be technically capable, modifying his own radios etc, but really when you are going to claim outrageous stuff you need to be positive. He will learn (Paul Logan, Northern Ireland, ibid.) Van: "Fabrizio Carnevalini" Aan: "Fm" Verzonden: Donderdag 9 juli 2009 17:09:58 GMT Onderwerp: R: [fmdx_ITALY] F2 multihop la mega colombia in sporadic Hi Daniel, You heard La Mega Radio from Valencia: this Spanish station repeat the programs of the Colombian station Mega Radio. Tnx to Dario Monferini for the research. Fabrizio Carnevalini Il programma PRODOTTO in Colombia ma lo RITRASMETTE in SPAGNA ..... 88.8 LA MEGA RADIO (97.9, 98.7, 107.1 y 107.4 ) ZONA CHESTE-CHIVA C/ Jos Andreu Alabarta 3, entlo, 1, 46014-Valencia Si tratta della emittente di Valencia che si chiama LA MEGA e che trasmette tra 88.7 e 88.8 MHz da Valencia.... http://www.lalistadelafm.com/cvalenciana.htm http://www.lamegaradio.fm/ ----- Regards to all (Paul Logan, Lisnaskea, N. Ireland, Listening Homepage: http://geocities.com/yogi540/ Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/radiofotos/ Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/yogi540 ibid.) Hi Paul, In that situation you always look for the most logical reason. A Brazilian FM station during an Arab opening, OK, obviously it came from that region. Why? Because somewhere there were Brazilians. I figure there is a Brazilian crew working at some oil rig, or a refinery, or even a port. They got bored with the local radio and obtained a low power FM transmitter and antenna. Some guy in China sells these for about a hundred bucks for a five Watt unit. They then lift a Brazilian station's webstream and broadcast it on the transmitter. Everyone is happy now, they get to feel a bit more at home. These odd things do happen. In Australia they have an FMpirate in one of the cities running programs from the American G.C.N. radio network. Perhaps you've heard those guys on shortwave, it's a bunch of conspiracy nutters. Anyway, the programs were noted to be running two days behind. I found a part of their website where everything they broadcast is placed as podcasts. Obviously, someone is downloading the podcasts once in a while and transmitting them. Over in the Seattle, Washington area they have a pirate on 1710 MW broadcasting in Russian. That one puzzled the IRCA guys for quite a while, until they submitted audio to a Russian speaking Finn. Turns out it was transmitting fairy tales. Eventually, they tracked it down to some Russian-speaking church in that area. To round out my rambles on odd things that turn up, I listen to VHF low band during times when F2 is in. Sometimes I get traffic from around the north edge of South America. One time when that was in, I had a spate of receptions in Italian that sounded like river boat traffic. No idea who it is, but somewhere in South America there are Italians manning river boats. You get the idea, program source and language aren't always what you would ordinarily assume to have from a specific place. P.S. Keep the tuners, you'd make better use of them than I would (Curtis Sadowski, ibid.) Hi Curtis, yeah your post hits the nail on the head. Weird stuff from weird places. An ad for the "Asia Sushi bar" with complete number in Londrina and address. I`m thinking, damn that must be one popular eaterie! They advertise in the middle east! Also see my post about my reception of Persian from Rome :-( Up there with my amazing Dutch tropo signal from years back, rolling Dutch language news and then cut someone turns a mic on and says "Can you hear me Pat" in a broad Irish accent. DAMNED PIRATE! PS: kind of you to leave me with my tuners. Regards (Paul Logan, Lisnaskea, N. Ireland, ibid.) Folks -- surely when I posted this I had no idea of the guy's reputation beyond his trademark vanity entries on Wikipedia and his 3000(!) Youtube videos. Indeed, my original e-mail was skeptical to the point of ridicule, before I went back and edited it just in case he actually deserved some credit. Seemed like a probability approaching zero. Sorry if I've raised anyone's ire (Claudio Leite, ibid.) More on alleged Colombia to Romania --- Hi all, I've been giving this some more thought. The Italian DX'ers seem to think this is Mega Radio from the Valencia area. Daniel`s recording is on 88.7. The translation of what was posted suggests that it is maybe drifting. The translation is "passing between 88.7 and 88.8" Or does this mean bleed over. I have emailed Fabrizio to see if there is any further information. I would hate to see a real piece of DX discounted, especially if it were confirmed to be such an amazing one. However this does raise some questions. Since about 2003 I have seen many many openings from here to the Caribbean and northern South America on six metres. Not once have I ever seriously thought that I have received something across that path on FM. This isn`t for a lack of trying either! And I`m talking of events with Puerto Rico carriers on A5 and audio and video from A2. You would just think that locations like mine on the western fringe of Europe (or more likely Portugal) would be more suited to such an event than eastern Europe. This said however - there are openings which go right over my head into central Europe. However there were no reports from FM or TV DXers to my knowledge of anything miraculous on July 1st. You can make up your own minds on it. For me supporting information isn`t there. I would not suggest that Daniel is having a little joke. But I do know of one occurrence when a recording of a Canadian station was posted just after a 6 metre TA event. And, after a little research it became clear that this signal could not have come from Canada BUT that at the time of reception the programme being aired was also on Radio Canada across Europe via the hotbird Satellite! Again I`m not suggesting that the person who made that claim faked it on purpose but things didn`t add up. Weird things come from weird places sometimes on FM! I`m reminded of my reception of Persian on 97.5 one afternoon. I was freaking out recording every moment and then a break and...WHAT! Italian ads. It was Radio Meridiano in Rome! As for Daniel, he also posted a recording of CBC earlier this season which didn`t add up in terms of timings when some scrutiny was applied. Sometimes the best ones get away and sometimes people are wrong in what they claim. That`s why exceptional receptions are in effect peer reviewed and validated or discounted. And sometimes sadly people fake receptions. Again, not levelling that at Daniel. Any of you got any amusing anecdotes about fakers or outrageous claims? The Italian guy mentioned on this thread is unknown to me - I must look him up! [Bellabarba, not Barbarella! --- gh]. Regards and good DX (Paul Logan, Lisnaskea, Ireland, ibid.) Well, there was the incident of a few years when a casual DXer in the Chicago area reported hearing India on 1566 kHz. That would be a real accomplishment, because to my knowledge this one has only made it to Newfoundland and Massachusetts, and maybe the west coast. To top it off, the report was during the daytime, not late afternoon, but daytime! I think the report was offered on Glenn Hauser's program. It led to no small amount of responses on the list. "Fraud", "Fake" and such were among the comments. I think what was resolved was that they guy didn't know a whole lot about MW DX, sincerely thought that's what he had, and was upset that he had innocently caused a fire storm. Maybe Glenn can give a reference for that thread. BUT Chuck Hutton and Saul Chernos did hear India 1566 on an ultralight from Newfoundland! I was content to hear it at the same time on my Drake. It think it was real, not a group hallucination! In junior high my DX friend in my homeroom kept reporting exotic DX, including KABC 790 from Los Angeles (this was Connecticut), and he even managed to produce a tape for me. I still didn't believe it (Jim Renfrew, NY, ibid.) I once received HJCI Bogota, Colombia on 254.1 MHz (Super Radio). Turned out to be a US Military satellite whose input frequency (~ 300 MHz) matched the STL frequency in Bogota. Came in weak for at least a month. That was a head scratcher. Even I didn't believe myself (Bill Hepburn, Ont., ibid.) Hi Bill, The Australians had the exact same thing with radio stations in the Philippines. Their STLs matched the uplink frequencies on an American military satellite (Curtis Sadowski, ibid.) Re: [Tvfmdx] Colombia 254.1 MHz / Mr Bellabarba Hi Bill, HJCI: I remember hearing that too a few years back! On a different subject, I've been reading about Mr Bellabarba!!!!! Look at this http://www.schoechi.de/bellabas.html#discussion April 10, 2003 - from Finland "A good example is KCNM Saipan 1080 kHz. I heard them two years ago. When they replied, they told me that it is the second report they have received from Europe and the first one was from Bologna" OH DEAR! what a naughty fellow (Paul Logan, Lisnaskea, N. Ireland, ibid.) Re: Barbarella, or whatever his name is. Interesting reading. Confirms why I don't bother QSLing anymore - now that the internet is here, the average Joe isn't fazed by long distance reception. At work in the latest 1990's, we were already listening to an FM station in Perth, Australia on a nightly basis. Mystery all gone. Why try on FM when you came hear them clearly on the internet? Plus, QSL letters don't turn my crank, I like QSL cards. My TV "QSL's" are my DX photos, posted on my website. Same with FAX stations. I do technically still collect QSL's from SWBC and SW Utility Stations (though haven't sent a report for years), because many of these stations actually solicit reception reports. In my job as Weatheradio Canada network expansion guru, I have issued a few QSL cards for our LPAM & FM's, but not many. Mainly from people vacationing here (not from Barbarella I don't think) and a few from DXers (hello Rob Ross). Nothing earth-shattering DXwise yet. But I will issue QSL's as long as there are sufficient details (Weatheradio is harder to fake, since only 1 or 2 are streamed on the web). Once more of our stations are streamed, I'm not sure what I'll do. It'll be to easy to fake. And trusting my own knowledge of that's day's propagation conditions might not be a valid or fair way to determine authenticity either. I may have to make a decision some day to just stop QSL'ing if verification becomes impossible. If I were an AM or FM station that was streamed on the web, how would anyone ever know whether to confirm or deny reception? (Bill Hepburn, ibid.) I think some newer DXers honestly believe they've had receptions more experienced types would consider impossible. Consider, that for 25 years you *knew* that FM radio was only line-of-sight; reception of stations more than 100 km away was impossible. Then, you encounter an Es opening, and hear a bunch of stations 1,500 km distant. Obviously your understanding of the limit to what's reasonable FM reception has been shattered. What *is* the limit? It's more than 100 km. It's more than 1,500 km. Maybe it's not unreasonable to think there is no limit? (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.) Hi Doug, In terms of space, there might not be one. Generally though, I wouldn't expect anyone to be able to detect high powered signals from more than about 20 light years out, even assuming a technology we don't have yet. I recall reading a SETI estimate of how far out Earth could be heard, and for the gear we now have, a half light year seemed to be the best guess (Curtis Sadowski, ibid.) This has pretty much always been true on every band as long as there's been radio. Everyone was a newbie once upon a time. Most of us learn and grow in our knowledge, but a few never do, while a few others seem to want to keep trying to fool everybody. But it seems that this guy's 'rap sheet' is long enough to put him into one of those latter two categories and the messing with Wiki strongly pushes him toward the last one. I can understand wanting to make sure we didn't miss something, but my take was that we'd reached that point after the 3rd or 4th post after the original (Russ Edmunds, WB2BJH, Blue Bell, PA, ibid.) TRANS-OCEANIC FM DX, A reminder Traditionally, there will be at least ONE more Es x 2 opening to Europe left in the season. The first clue is when NS/NB appear at any location in eastern USA and the second clue will be Jeff (Peter etc.) reports of Europeans on six meters. I eagerly anticipate the first European FM band reception by a North American - as well as the first California area logging from Hawaii. They are there - just need some intelligent DXing to locate! (Bob Cooper, NZ, July 10, WTFDA via DXLD) Double hop Es is common at TV2 frequencies. Conditions will be similar to 6 meters where Es up to 4000 miles is quite common. Now that the first hop stations are cleared out of the way everything beyond that will show up regularly (Randy KW4RZ Zerr, Fort Walton Beach, FL (northwest panhandle), ibid.) NEW: SOUTH AMERICAN TV LIST With all the new TV DX being received as far south as South America, I've published this list of Channels 2-6 in the northern part of the continent to help out fellow DX'ers....any corrections and additions welcome! http://dxinfocentre.com/tv-sam.htm (William R Hepburn, Grimsby ON CAN, WTFDA via DXLD) ###