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Wednesday, October 04, 2006

DX ALERT AND UPDATE - UPCOMING RADIO EVENT

Here is an update from my earlier post of the CKDO special event from ODXA mailing list.
Gayle VH

There will be a special five-hour "DX Program" from CKDO Oshawa Ontario onits new frequency of 1580, from 2100 EDT Thursday 5 October to 0200 EDTFriday 6 October. This program is timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the station, to the exact date. This is NOT a DX test or any kind of test. It is a program celebratingCKDO's anniversary. However, thanks to Les Rayburn and Doug Smith, who very kindly and generously provided material used on tests, I am told the *plan* is to insert test-like material into the program from time to time. When, precisely? I haven't asked, and I won't ask.

The plan also calls for atoll-free number. Again, all I have been told is the number will have special significance, and that's all I am going to reveal. It's up to you,fellow DXers, to tune in and hear what happens as it unfolds. I don't wantto take the mystery out of this event, and even though I won't be able to DXit (unless I slip out to my car or carry a portable in with me), I also want some element of surprise.

I don't yet know how late I will stay at the station. Friday is a work day.I do know they will have content from the past, and I expect there will be former announcers and other staffers present.I also have word that the station plans a special morning show, live from alocation of historical importance to Oshawa, from 0530 to 0900 EDT onThursday morning. There won't be any 'test content' but it will present anearly opportunity to log something unique from the station (which may help the west-coasters among you).

As indicated above, the plan is to announce a special toll-free number over the air, and phone calls from distant listeners will be encouraged. It is anticipated that some former DJs from over the years will be participating.The 1580 frequency uses the same directional pattern day and night favouringeast and west, at 10,000 watts.This DX program is organized by Wayne Plunkett (long-time DXer) and DouglasKirk (owner of Durham Radio Inc.). All written reception reports will be answered.

Send reports to Attn: Special DX Program, CKDO, 1200 Airport Blvd., Ste 207, Oshawa Ontario L1J8P5. If for any reason you do not receive a timely reply - give it at least a month - please feel free to contact me before sending a follow-up. Let's hope for good conditions so this program can be heard coast-to-coast in North America, and maybe beyond!Some background information: CKDO first signed on October 5, 1946 with 100 watts on 1240. The calls became CKLB on Dec. 19, 1949, when ownership changed to Lakeland Broadcasting (CKLB). Calls later became CKAR, and a few years ago reverted to the original CKDO. The station moved to 1350 on Dec. 31, 1955.Thus with its recent official move on Aug. 14 to 1580, the station concluded more than 50 years service on 1350. For those who do not realize, 1580 wasone of the clear channels allocated to Canada in the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement of 1941, and CBJ Chicoutimi QC operated on thatfrequency fromMarch 22, 1942 until it moved to 93.7 in 1999.
Happy listening
Saul Chernos/ODXA