Friday, June 28, 2013

The NEW Monitoring Times Blog Now Online!


The new Monitoring Times magazine blog is now online. This blog will feature a wide variety of radio related hobby post gathered from all over the globe. If you are looking to expand your world of radio check out the Monitoring Times blog, Monitoring Times magazine and our full color electronic version of the print magazine - MTExpress.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Voice of Hope plans to reactivate this summer


KVOH / Voice of Hope, Los Angeles is being reactivated this summer.  Currently the station is conducting a series of engineering test transmissions on 17775 kHz.  The next scheduled test will be this Saturday, June 29th, for two hours from 1900-2100 hrs UTC.  The power used will be 50kW, primarily targeted at Cuba, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, but the signal should also be heard over a wide area of the U.S.A. (east of the Rockies).  There's even a slim chance it might be heard in Western Europe before local sunset.


The test program will be bilingual, with announcements in both English and Spanish.  Reception reports will be very much appreciated to the mail and/or email addresses given in the broadcast.  All will be verified by means of a new printed QSL card.  Since the Voice of Hope is a non-for-profit ministry, return U.S. postage would also be appreciated where possible.  : )
(Ray Robinson)

Final broadcast days for WYFR

All times UTC

Final days of Family Radio on shortwave till June 30
1100-1200 6220 HUW 100 kW / 265 deg to SEAs Burmese
1100-1200 11520 BAJ 100 kW / 180 deg to SEAs Tagalog
1100-1300 6240 BAJ 100 kW / 310 deg to EaAs Chinese
1100-1300 9280 PAO 100 kW / 335 deg to EaAs Chinese
1300-1400 7485 TAI 100 kW / 250 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
2230-0300 6115 YFR 100 kW / 355 deg to NoAm English

Final days of Radio Taiwan International via Okeechobee till June 30
2200-2300 15440 YFR 100 kW / 285 deg to CeAm English
2300-2400 9690 YFR 100 kW / 222 deg to CARB Spanish
2300-2400 15440 YFR 100 kW / 285 deg to CeAm Chinese
0000-0030 15440 YFR 100 kW / 285 deg to CeAm Cantonese
0030-0100 15440 YFR 100 kW / 285 deg to CeAm Hakka
0100-0200 11565 YFR 100 kW / 140 deg to SoAm Spanish
0300-0400 6115 YFR 100 kW / 355 deg to NoAm English
(DX Mix 787)

Revised Philippines Summer Schedules

Broadcast daily unless otherwise indicated. Target areas and languages as indicated

All times UTC

FEBC Philippines

0000-0015   9795 IBA 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs Khmu
0000-0030   9405 BOC 100 kW / 345 deg to EaAs Chinese
0000-0100  12055 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to SEAs Lahu/Wa
0000-0100  12070 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Chinese
0000-0100  15600 BOC 100 kW / 293 deg to SEAs Chin-Asho/Khumi-Karen
0000-0130  15435 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to EaAs Shan/Tai-Lu/Maitei/Chin
0100-0130  15560 BOC 100 kW / 200 deg to SEAs Javanese
0630-0800  15450 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Chinese
0730-0900  15525 BOC 100 kW / 345 deg to EaAs Chinese
0800-0830  15320 BOC 100 kW / 200 deg to SEAs Madurese M-Wed
0800-0830  15320 BOC 100 kW / 185 deg to SEAs Sasak Thu-Sun
0800-0900  15450 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Hu/Mongolian
0830-0900  11820 BOC 100 kW / 200 deg to SEAs Banjar M/Wed/Fri
0830-0900  11820 BOC 100 kW / 185 deg to SEAs Gortalo Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun
0900-1000  15450 BOC 100 kW / 245 deg to SEAs Minangkabau
0900-1000  15580 BOC 100 kW / 185 deg to SEAs Makassarese/Buginese
0900-1400   9400 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Chinese
0900-1700   9430 BOC 100 kW / 345 deg to EaAs Chinese
1000-1030  15640 BOC 100 kW / 308 deg to SEAs Southern Bai
1030-1100  12095 BOC 100 kW / 293 deg to SEAs Tai-Lu
1000-1100  15580 BOC 100 kW / 215 deg to SEAs Sunda/Sasak
1100-1200   9795 BOC 100 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Lahu
1100-1200   9855 IBA 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
1100-1300  12095 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to SEAs Hmong/Lao/Njua/Mien
1115-1200  15330 BOC 100 kW / 278 deg to SEAs Karen/M/Jingpho
1200-1300   7410 BOC 100 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Khmer
1200-1330   9920 IBA 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs Rade/Jarai/Roglai/Sedang/Koho
1200-1400  12020 BOC 100 kW / 293 deg to SEAs Rawang/Akha/Naga/Chin-Daai
1300-1330  11825 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to CeAs Tibetan
1300-1400  12095 BOC 100 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Hmong/Khmu
1330-1400   9890 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to CeAs Chinese-Yunnan
1400-1430  11750 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to SEAs Lahu
1400-1430  15620 BOC 100 kW / 200 deg to SEAs Javanese
1400-1600   9345 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Chinese
1430-1500  12085 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Uyghur
1500-1600  11650 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Russian M-Sat
1500-1600  11650 BOC 100 kW / 323 deg to CeAs Russian/Ukrainan Sun
2230-2400   9405 BOC 100 kW / 345 deg to EaAs Chinese
2300-2330   9365 BOC 100 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Iu Mien
2300-2330   9795 BOC 100 kW / 275 deg to SEAs M
2300-2330  12095 BOC 100 kW / 293 deg to SEAs Hmg
2300-2400  12070 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs Chinese
2330-2400   9795 BOC 100 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Lao
2330-2400  12055 BOC 100 kW / 305 deg to SEAs Palaung/Pale/Tai-Lu
2330-2400  15600 BOC 100 kW / 293 deg to SEAs Burmese

Radio Pilipinas Philippines Broadcasting Service:
0200-0330  11880 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg to N&ME Tagalog/English
0200-0330  15285 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg to N&ME Tagalog/English
0200-0330  17820 PHT 250 kW / 315 deg to N&ME Tagalog/English
1730-1930   9915 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg to N&ME English/Tagalog
1730-1930  11720 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg to N&ME English/Tagalog
1730-1930  15190 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg to N&ME English/Tagalog


Radio Veritas Asia
0000-0027  11855 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Sinhala
0000-0027  15460 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Sinhala
0000-0027  11935 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Karen


0030-0057  11855 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Tamil
0030-0057  15265 PUG 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs Bengali
0030-0057  15280 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Hindi
0100-0127  15280 PUG 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs Urdu
0100-0127  15530 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Telugu
0100-0127  17860 PUG 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs Urdu
0130-0157  15255 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Zomi-Chin
0130-0227  15530 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
1000-1027  11850 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Khmer
1000-1157  11945 PUG 250 kW / 355 deg to EaAs Mandarin
1030-1127  11850 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
1130-1157  15450 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Burmese
1200-1227  11935 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Hmong
1200-1227  15225 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Karen
1230-1257  15225 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Kachin
1300-1327  11850 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
1330-1357   9520 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Sinhala
1330-1357  11870 PUG 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs Hindi
1400-1427   9520 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Tamil
1400-1427  11870 PUG 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs Bengali
1430-1457  11750 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SoAs Telugu
1430-1457  11870 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Zomi-Chin
1430-1457  15330 SMG 250 kW / 070 deg to SoAs Urdu
1500-1557  15320 SMG 250 kW / 130 deg to N&ME Filipino
2100-2257   6115 PUG 250 kW / 350 deg to EaAs Mandarin
2300-2327  15355 PUG 250 kW / 331 deg to CeAs Filipino
2330-2357   9645 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Kachin
2330-2357   9670 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
2330-2357   9720 PUG 250 kW / 280 deg to SEAs Burmese
(DX Re Mix 787)


Revised Bangladesh Betar Summer Schedule


Bangla Betar

Broadcast daily/target areas and languages as indicated

All times UTC

1230-1300 on 15105 DKA 250 kW / 140 deg to SEAs English
1315-1345 on  7250 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to SoAs Nepali
1400-1430 on 15505 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg to WeAs Urdu
1515-1545 on 15505 DKA 250 kW / 305 deg to SoAs Hindi
1600-1630 on  7250 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg to N/ME Arabic
1630-1730 on  7250 DKA 250 kW / 290 deg to N/ME Bangla
1745-1900 on  7250 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English
1915-2000 on  7250 DKA 250 kW / 320 deg to WeEu Bangla
(DX Re Mix 787)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

BBC Antarctica Midwinter Broadcast Schedule


Relaying via transmitters in Ascension Island, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Wofferton, United Kingdom.

BBC World Sce Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast as scheduled

All times UTC

2130-2200 on  5905 SNG 250 kW / 185 deg to Antarctica English Fri, June 21
2130-2200 on  5965 DHA 250 kW / 205 deg to Antarctica English Fri, June 21
2130-2200 on  7350 ASC 250 kW / 207 deg to Antarctica English Fri, June 21
2130-2200 on  9535 ASC 250 kW / 207 deg to Antarctica English Fri, June 21
2130-2200 on  9890 WOF 250 kW / 182 deg to Antarctica English Fri, June 21
(DX Re Mix 786)

Radio Thazin Summer Schedule Update


Myanmar

Radio Thazin

broadcast targeted to domestic listening audience

All times UTC

Chin
0000-0030 6165do
2330-0000 6165do

Gekho
0430-0500 9590do
0500-0530 9590do

Kachin
0030-0100 6165do
0100-0130 6165do
0930-1000 7345do
1000-1030 7345do

Kayin
1030-1100 7345do
1100-1130 7345do

Kyah
0630-0700 9590do
0700-0730 9590do

Mon
1230-1300 7345do
1300-1330 7345do

Oo-Pu
0230-0300 9590do
0300-0330 9590do

Palang
1130-1200 7345do
1200-1230 7345do

Po
0530-0600 9590do
0600-0630 9590do

Shan
0730-0800 9590do
0800-0830 9590do

Wa
0130-0200 9590do
0200-0230 9590do
(Babul Gupta/12 June 2013)
http://babulgupta-dxer.blogspot.in

Friday, June 14, 2013

WYFR to close all shortwave services


We regretfully inform you that the final day of operation for WYFR will be June 30, 2013.

This station descended from W1XAL (an experimental class license assigned in 1927).  In 1939 the call letters were changed to WRUL, and then changed to WNYW in 1966.

Initially, broadcasts came from Boston.  In 1936 the station moved to Scituate, Massachusetts.

On October 20, 1973 Family Stations, Inc. took ownership of the station using the call letters WYFR.  (FSI had been buying airtime from WNYW starting in January of 1972.)  At that time, the station sported four transmitters and nine reversible rhombic antennas.

Construction started in Florida in 1976.  On November 23, 1977 the first transmission from Okeechobee went on the air.

For several years WYFR operated simultaneously from Scituate and from Okeechobee.  The last broadcast from Scituate took place on November 16, 1979. 

The Okeechobee site eventually grew to 14 transmitters and 23 antennas.  And now we’ve gone full cycle.

Good listening to all, and 73,

Dan Elyea

Euro broadcast schedule

Due to the bad summer reception conditions, Transmissions from EMR will
stop after this Sunday the 16th of June until the 3rd Sunday the 15th
of September 2013.
From September the EMR schedule will be:
3rd Sunday:
7265 = 07.00 to 08.00 UTC
9480 = 08.00 to 09.00 UTC
2nd Sunday:
6190 = 07.00 to 08.00 UTC

HH Lokalradio - R.City and EMR this weekend

Hamburger Lokalradio via MVBR Saturday and Wednesday:06.00 to 08.00 UTC on 7265 kHz
08.00 to 11.00 UTC on 6190 kHz
11.00 to 15.00 UTC on 7265 kHz
All reports to:  redaktion@hamburger-lokalradio.de  Thank you!


Radio City:
Friday 14th:
18.00 to 19.00 UTC on 7290 kHz via IRRS, and on MW 1368 kHz from Padova, Italy
Saturday 15th:
08.00 to 09.00 UTC on 9510 kHz via IRRS, also 19.00 to 20.00 UTC on 1485 kHz  via R Merkurs
in Latvia with a weekly separate programme.
Every 4th Saturday:
12.00 to 13.00 UTC  via Hamburger Lokalradio on 7265 kHz
The email address remains citymorecars@yahoo.ca  Thank you!


European Music Radio is on this Sunday 16th:

07.00 to 08.00 UTC on 7265 kHz
08.00 to 09.00 UTC on 9480 kHz

All reports to:  studio@emr.org.uk    Thank you!

EMR's Internet broadcasts are at the following times UTC: 
0800, 1300, 1600, 1900 on Sunday & Monday:
Please visit www.emr.org.uk and click on the "EMR internet radio" button

which you will find throughout the website (see the menu on the left
(Tom Taylor)

VOA Radiogram set for June 15-16

Thank you for another great response to the VOA Radiogram for the weekend of 8 and 9 June. Your audio samples were especially helpful.

During the past weekend, we experimented with mixing music with MFSK text modes. Reducing the MFSK modes by 9 dB was not a problem if the signal level was good, but the MFSK text did break up for some listeners if reception conditions were marginal.

For many listeners, a new web page popped up after the VOA News story in Flmsg format was transmitted. As for the EasyPal image, there was more success in Europe than in North America.   

This weekend, 15 and 16 June, we will mix some actual noise taken from shortwave with MFSK text. After the noise begins, a VOA News story in MFSK16 will first be transmitted at full level, then reduced to -6 dB, then reduced to -12 dB. I will probably lose many of you when the level is reduced to -12 dB, but please stay tuned: the audio level will soon be restored.   

Please note that noise that is mixed with MFSK text as part of the VOA Radiogram production is not an ideal simulation of co-channel interference. This is because real co-channel interference involves two (or more) transmitters at different locations and with different propagational characteristics.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, 15 and 16 June 2013:

 2:10      MFSK16: Program preview
 1:58      MFSK16: Introduction to noise experiment
10:09     MFSK16: At -0 -6 -12 dB versus noise
    :59      MFSK16: Image of VOA logo
    :47      MFSK16: Introduction to MFSK32
    :51      MFSK32: Image of VOA logo
 3:19      MFSK32: VOA News re Curiosity Rover on Mars                                
               MFSK32: VOA Radiogram logo
  2:40      EasyPal Image of the week         
  1:10      MFSK16: Closing announcements
   :20      Surprise mode of the week

As usual, your audio samples of bad reception that nevertheless results in a successful decode of at least MFSK16 would be appreciated. This email address -- radiogram@voanews.com -- seems tolerant of attachments up to 20 MB or so.

Also, if you are able to use portable shortwave radios to receive VOA Radiogram, this would be helpful. This will help us determine if typical listeners will be able to decode the digital text modes.  

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule
(all days and times UTC)

Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
Sun 1300-1330 6095 kHz
Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz

All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.

VOA Radiogram
radiogram@voanews.com

Twitter: @voaradiogram

Thursday, June 13, 2013

KBS World Radio 60th Anniversary Online Event


“KBS World Radio and I”
 
In celebration of KBS World Radio’s 60th Anniversary, we have prepared a special online event for our listeners worldwide. Simply send us a picture centered on the theme of “KBS World Radio and I”, and we will select 60 lucky winners who will receive a prize. Additionally, the selected photos will be used on the QSL card for the forth quarter of 2013, allowing you to leave your mark within the history of KBS World Radio.
   
“SHARE YOUR MEMORIES!”
Send us a “creative” photo depicting you and an object related to your memories with KBS World Radio. The object can be anything, ranging from a shortwave radio, prizes from past contests, letters, or QSL cards; it can even be people such as your family or friends.
 
Please send us the highest possible quality/ resolution of your picture (minimum requirement: 640x480 pixels, over 72 dpi)  The selected pictures may be featured on our 60thanniversary special website, and/or used on the cover of the QSL card for the 4thquarter of 2013 without additional consent.
 
* What is a QSL card?
A QSL card is an official verification card provided by a broadcaster to shortwave listeners who listen to and send in a reception report on programs aired by the broadcaster concerned.
 
SUBMISSION PERIOD
June 3rd - July 5th, 2013
 
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SELECTIONS
To be posted on the 60thAnniversary special website on August 1st, 2013.
 
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following to kbsworld60@gmail.com:
An attachment file of your photo
Your name in English
Your e-mail address
Your mailing address
A brief explanation of your photo
 
* In case e-mail is not available, please send your content to the following address via mail:
 
60thAnniversary Event Team
KBS World Radio
#18, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea
Zip Code: 150-790
 
Please note:
- All submissions must be the entrant’s own original work; photographs hindered by copyright issues will not be considered.
- Submitted personal information will be used for the purpose of this event only and will be discarded when the event is over.
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/event/60y_2013/event.htm

Best regards,
KBS World Radio English Service News)

IBB stations summer update

International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) is under the supervision of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), the IBB  provides the administrative and engineering support for U.S. government funded non-military international broadcasting services. 



Transmitters via: Botswana, Germany, Kuwait, Sao Tome', and Thailand





Stations and languages as indicated

All times UTC

Radio Ashna
0130-0230 NF15090 UDO 250 kW 300 deg to WeAS Dari, ex9335

Radio Farda
0830-1100  7435 KWT 250 kW 058 deg to WeAS Persian, additional

Radio Liberty
0300-0500 NF11965 LAM 100 kW 055 deg to EaEUR Russian, ex6120
1200-1400 NF15285 LAM 100 kW 077 deg to EaEUR Russian, ex12025

Voice of America
0330-0400  7325 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda, ex0330-0430
0330-0400  7340 BOT 100 kW 010 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda, ex0330-0430
0330-0400 11905 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda, ex0330-0430
0400-0430  7325 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda Sat/Sun,exDaily
0400-0430  7340 BOT 100 kW 010 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda Sat/Sun,exDaily
0330-0430 11905 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda Sat/Sun,exDaily
1500-1530 15100 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Tue/Sat, exDaily
1500-1530 NF 15120 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Sun, ex15100
1500-1530 NF 15140 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Mon, ex15100
1500-1530 NF 15255 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Wed, ex15100
1500-1530 NF 15285 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Thu, ex15100
1500-1530 NF 15290 KWT 250 kW 046 deg to CeAS Uzbek Fri, ex15100
1630-1700 NF 11835 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to CeAF Swahili, ex11760
1830-1900 NF 11865 SAO 100 kW 100 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda new from June 3
1830-1900 NF 13660 BOT 100 kW 010 deg to SoAF Kinyarwanda new from June 3
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 4)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1119)

Media Broadcast A13 Summer Schedule



Media Broadcast GMbH, is part of the TDF Group (France) and is a major transmitter network operator in Germany. It owns the transmitting centers in Nauen and Wertachtal For relay stations, send reception reports to: qsl-shortwave@mediabroadcast.com Website: www.media-broadcast.com 

Transmitters via Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, and Madagascar

Summer A-13 schedule of Media Broadcast:
Stations, broadcast days and languages as indicated
All transmissions from Wertachtal (WER) were terminated.

All times UTC
Mighty KBC Radio
0000-0200  9925 NAU 125 kW 300 deg to NoAM  English Sun till Aug.30
0000-0200  7375 NAU 125 kW 300 deg to NoAM  English Sun from Sep.01
0800-1500  6095 NAU 100 kW 240 deg to WeEUR English Sat/Sun

Radio Farda
0030-0400  7280 NAU 250 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian
1600-1700 15470 NAU 250 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian

Gospel For Asia
0030-0130  9520 NAU 250 kW 100 deg to SoAS   Vary Asian langs
1230-1500 15350 NAU 250 kW 089 deg to SoAS   Vary Asian langs
1330-1530 15390 NAU 250 kW 085 deg to SoEaAS Vary Asian langs
1530-1630 15215 NAU 250 kW 099 deg to SoAS   Vary Asian langs
2330-0030  9520 NAU 250 kW 085 deg to SoEaAS Vary Asian langs

Bible Voice Broadcasting
0100-0115  9490 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to SoAS English Sun
0300-0315  7310 NAU 250 kW 124 deg to NE/ME Arabic Dardasha 7
0330-0345  9440 NAU 125 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Dardasha 7
0400-0430  9410 NAU 100 kW 110 deg to WeAS Luri Sat-Mon
0430-0450  9460 NAU 125 kW 120 deg to NE/ME Arabic Dardasha 7
0500-0530  9735 NAU 250 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Thu
0500-0515  9735 NAU 250 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Fri
0600-0615 11655 NAU 125 kW 180 deg to NoAF Arabic Mon-Sat Dardasha 7
0600-0630 11655 NAU 125 kW 180 deg to NoAF Arabic Sun Dardasha 7
0700-0730  5945 NAU 100 kW 122 deg to WeEUR English Sun
0700-0745  5945 NAU 100 kW 122 deg to WeEUR English Sat
0830-1000 17535 NAU 125 kW 140 deg to NoEaAF Arabic Fri
1100-1115 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS Cantonese Tue-Thu
1100-1130 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS English  Sun
1100-1130 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS English  Sat
1115-1130 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS Chinese  Mon
1115-1130 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS English  Sun
1130-1200 21480 MDC 125 kW 045 deg to EaAS Japanese Sun

1300-1400 11860 TRM*250 kW 045 deg to KRE  Korean Mon-Sat VOWilderness
1300-1430 11860 TRM*250 kW 045 deg to KRE  Korean Sun VOWilderness
[* sic, since Apr 2nd via Dushanbe-TJK instead WRN brokered.]

1400-1430 17495 ISS 250 kW 083 deg to SoAS English 1st Sun
1430-1500 17495 NAU 250 kW 095 deg to SoAS English Sat/Sun
1515-1530 17600 NAU 100 kW 095 deg to SoAS Urdu Sat
1530-1600 17600 NAU 100 kW 095 deg to SoAS Punjabi Fri
1530-1600 17600 NAU 100 kW 095 deg to SoAS English Sat
1530-1730 15750 SOF 100 kW 126 deg to WeAS Persian
1600-1615 15320 ISS 250 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Dardasha 7
1600-1630 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Oromo Sun/Mon/Thu/Fri
1600-1700 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Oromo Sat
1630-1645 15215 MOS 125 kW 095 deg to SoAS Tamil Fri
1630-1645 15215 MOS 125 kW 115 deg to SoAS Tamil Sun

cng 15215 1630-1645 41S       #3    95 218 2405-261013 MOS 125 BVB Thur

1630-1730 15160 NAU 100 kW 150 deg to CeAF Nuer/Dinka
1630-1800 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Amharic Sun
1700-1715 13580 MOS 300 kW 125 deg to N&ME Arabic Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri
1700-1715 13720 NAU 125 kW 120 deg to NE/ME Arabic Dardasha 7
1700-1715 13810 ISS 100 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Sat/Sun
1700-1715 15215 MOS 100 kW 115 deg to N&ME English Fri
1700-1730 15215 MOS 100 kW 115 deg to N&ME English Thu
1700-1730 13580 MOS 300 kW 125 deg to N&ME Arabic Wed
1700-1730 13810 ISS 100 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Thu+
1700-1730 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Tigrinya Mon/Wed/Fri
1700-1745 13810 ISS 100 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Tue+
1700-1800 13810 ISS 100 kW 120 deg to N&ME Arabic Mon/Wed/Fri

add 15560 1700-1800 39,40     TD   360 157 1705-170513 MDC 250 BVB Thur

1700-1800 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Amharic Tue/Thu/Sat
1700-1900 15215 MOS 100 kW 115 deg to N&ME English Sat/Sun
1715-1745 13720 NAU 125 kW 120 deg to NE/ME English Fri
1730-1800 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Amharic Mon/Wed/Fri
1800-1815  6130 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR Ukrainian Thu
1800-1815  6130 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR Russian Fri
1800-1815  9430 MOS 300 kW non-dir to WeAS English Sat
1800-1815 11855 NAU 100 kW 105 deg to WeAS English Sat
1800-1830  6130 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR Russian Tue
1800-1830  9430 MOS 300 kW non-dir to WeAS English Sun
1800-1830 11855 NAU 100 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Fri
1800-1830 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Somali Sat/Sun
1800-1830 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Tigrinya Tue/Thu
1800-1900  6130 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR English Sun
1800-1900 11855 NAU 100 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Thu

add 15560 1800-1900 39,40     TD   360 157 1705-170513 MDC 125 BVB Thur

1815-1900 11855 NAU 100 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Sun
1830-1845  6130 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR English Sat
1830-1900 11855 NAU 100 kW 105 deg to WeAS Persian Tue
1830-1900 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Amharic Fri/Sat
1830-1915  9635 SOF 100 kW 126 deg to WeAS English Sun
1830-1900 17515 NAU 100 kW 148 deg to EaAF Tigrinya Sun
2000-2015  5930 NAU 250 kW 120 deg to NE/ME Arabic Dardasha 7
2030-2045  9515 NAU 250 kW 180 deg to NoAF Arabic Dardasha 7

Radio Japan NHK World
0200-0400 11680 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to WeAS Japanese
1700-1900 15445 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to WeAS Japanese

Adventist World Radio
0300-0330  9530 ISS 250 kW 125 deg to EaAF Tigrigna
0300-0400 11610 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to EaAF Oromo/Amharic
0400-0430  6020 NAU 100 kW 130 deg to EaEUR Bulgarian
0400-0600 15225 NAU 250 kW 130 deg to NE/ME Arabic
0700-0800 15225 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF Arabic
0800-0830 15140 NAU 100 kW 205 deg to NoAF French
0800-0900 15225 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF Kabyle/Tachelhit
0830-0900 15225 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF
0900-1000  9790 NAU 100 kW 180 deg to SoEUR Italian Sun

1130-1200 15605 TRM*125 kW 045 deg to SoAS Shoshoni
1200-1230 11800 TRM*125 kW 045 deg to SoAS Mon
1230-1300 12085 TRM*125 kW 025 deg to SoAS Meitei Sun/Wed/Fri
1230-1300 12085 TRM*125 kW 025 deg to SoAS Bangla Mon/Tue/Thu/Sat
[* AWR brokered, not MBR anymore.]

1300-1330 17810 NAU 250 kW 070 deg to EaAS Chinese Mon-Fri
1300-1330 17810 NAU 250 kW 070 deg to EaAS Uighur Sat/Sun
1330-1500 17810 NAU 250 kW 070 deg to EaAS Chinese
1500-1530 15735 NAU 250 kW 080 deg to SoAS Nepali
1500-1600 15265 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to SoAS Punjabi/Hindi
1530-1600 15335 NAU 250 kW 075 deg to SoAS English Sat-Wed
1530-1600 15335 NAU 250 kW 075 deg to SoAS Tibetan Thu/Fri
1600-1630  9830 NAU 100 kW 133 deg to EaEUR Bulgarian
1630-1700 17575 ISS 250 kW 125 deg to EaAF Somali
1730-1800 15155 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to EaAF Oromo
1730-1800 15170 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF Kabyle
1900-1930 11945 ISS 250 kW 200 deg to NoAF Wolof
1900-1930 11955 MOS 300 kW 190 deg to WeAF Hausa
1900-1930 15205 ISS 100 kW 185 deg to WeAF Fulfulde
1900-2000  9610 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF Arabic/Tachelhit
1900-2000 15260 NAU 100 kW 215 deg to NoAF Arabic
1900-2100 11610 NAU 250 kW 130 deg to NE/ME Arabic
1930-2000 15205 NAU 250 kW 180 deg to WeAF Ibo
2000-2030  9610 NAU 100 kW 210 deg to NoAF French
2000-2030 11830 ISS 250 kW 165 deg to WeCeAF French
2030-2100 11755 ISS 250 kW 165 deg to WeCeAF Yoruba

Radio Mashaal
0400-0600 15560 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to WeAS Pashto
0600-0900 15360 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to WeAS Pashto

Trans World Radio
0700-0750  6105 NAU 100 kW 285 deg to NoEUR English
0830-0900  7215 NAU 100 kW 135 deg to WeEUR Hungarian
1400-1430  7215 NAU 100 kW 065 deg to EaEUR Belarussian Mon
1400-1430  7215 NAU 100 kW 065 deg to EaEUR Russian Tue-Fri

Transportradio:
0800-1000  6095 NAU 100 kW 230 deg to WeEUR Dutch/Music Mon-Fri

XVRB The Misic Museum
0900-1000  6045 NAU 100 kW 275 deg to CeEUR English/Music 3rd Sun

Iceman Radio
0900-1000  6045 NAU 100 kW 275 deg to CeEUR Dutch/En/Ge/Fr 4th Sun

Radio Joystick
1000-1100  7330 ISS 100 kW 060 deg to CeEUR German 1st Sun

Evangelische Missions Gemeiden
1030-1100  6055 NAU 100 kW 122 deg to CeEUR German Sat/Sun
1100-1130 13710 NAU 250 kW 045 deg to FE   Russian Sat
1500-1530 11695 ISS 250 kW 060 deg to EaEUR Russian Sat

Missionswerke Arche Stimme des Trostes
1100-1115  5945 NAU 100 kW 122 deg to CeEUR German Sun+

Brother Stair/The Overcomer Ministries
1400-1600  9655 NAU 100 kW 275 deg to WeEUR English Mon-Thu
1400-1600  9655 MOS 100 kW 285 deg to WeEUR English Fri-Sun
1400-1600 13810 ISS 100 kW 120 deg to N&ME English

Pan American Broadcasting
1400-1415 15205 ISS 100 kW 090 deg to SoAS English Sun
1415-1430 15205 ISS 100 kW 090 deg to SoAS English
1430-1445 15205 ISS 250 kW 090 deg to SoAS English Sun
1930-2000  9515 NAU 250 kW 155 deg to NoAF English Sun

Radio Liberty
1400-1500 15180 ISS 250 kW 090 deg to CeAS Turkmen
1500-1600 13615 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to CeAS Avari/Chechen/Chercassian
1500-1600 15630 ISS 250 kW 090 deg to CeAS Tajik
1600-1700  5995 NAU 250 kW 060 deg to EaEUR Russian
1700-1800  5930 NAU 250 kW 090 deg to EaEUR Belarussian

Voice of America
0300-0330  9815 ISS 250 kW 160 deg to SDN  Arabic Afia Darfur
1630-1700 11655 ISS 250 kW 150 deg to SDN  English So.Sudan Mon-Fri
1630-1700 11905 NAU 250 kW 150 deg to SDN  English So.Sudan Mon-Fri
1630-1700 13870 ISS 250 kW 150 deg to SDN  English So.Sudan Mon-Fri
1800-1830  9645 NAU 250 kW 160 deg to SDN  Arabic Afia Darfur
1800-1900 11925 ISS 250 kW 130 deg to EaAF Amharic
1800-1900 12005 ISS 250 kW 130 deg to EaAF Amharic
1800-1900 13870 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to EaAF Amharic
1900-1930  9600 ISS 250 kW 150 deg to SDN  Arabic Afia Darfur
1900-1930 11925 ISS 250 kW 130 deg to EaAF Tigrigna Mon-Fri
1900-1930 13870 NAU 250 kW 140 deg to EaAF Tigrigna Mon-Fri
2030-2100  9815 NAU 250 kW 190 deg to WeCeAF Hausa Mon-Fri

HCJB Global Voice
1530-1600 13800 NAU 100 kW 095 deg to CeAS Russian Sat
1600-1630 13800 NAU 100 kW 095 deg to CeAS Chechen Sat
HCJB Global Voice (VZM)
2300-2330  9835 NAU 100 kW 240 deg to BRA  German
2300-0045 11920 NAU 100 kW 240 deg to BRA  Portuguese

Radio Xoriyo:
1600-1630 17630 ISS 500 kW 130 deg to EaAF Somali Tue/Sat

Deewa Radio
1700-1800  9780 ISS 250 kW 090 deg to WeAS Pashto

Voice of Oromo Liberation
1700-1800 13830 ISS 100 kW 125 deg to EaAF Oromo/Amharic Sun/Wed

Radio EYSC - Eritrean Youth Solidarity for Change
1730-1800 15310 ISS 100 kW 125 deg to EaAF Tigrigna Tue/Fri

Christian Science Sentinel
1800-1900  9585 NAU 100 kW 090 deg to EaEUR Russian Sat

Lutheran World Federation,Voice of Gospel(Sawtu Linjilia)
1830-1900 15315 ISS 500 kW 180 deg to WeCeAF Fulfulde
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 4)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1119)

Deutsche Welle Summer Schedule Updates



Transmitters via: Ascension Island, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa and United 
Arab Emirates

Target areas/languages as indicated

All times UTC

Updated summer A-13 of Deutsche Welle:
0300-0400  5905 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili
0300-0400  5925 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to CeAF Swahili
0300-0400  7425 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili
0300-0400 12070 ASC 250 kW 085 deg to CeAF Swahili

0400-0500  5905 KIG 250 kW non-dir to EaAF English
0400-0500  9470 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English
0400-0500 12045 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeEaAF English

0500-0530  5905 KIG 250 kW non-dir to EaAF English
0500-0530  9470 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English
0500-0530 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English

0530-0600  5905 ASC 250 kW 100 deg to SoAF Portuguese
0530-0600  9800 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to SoAF English
0530-0600 11800 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to SoAF Portuguese
0530-0600 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English
0530-0600 12070 KIG 250 kW 210 deg to SoAF Portuguese

0600-0630 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English
0600-0630 15440 KIG 250 kW 280 deg to WeAF English
0600-0630 17800 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English

0630-0700 12045 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa
0630-0700 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa
0630-0700 15440 KIG 250 kW 280 deg to WeAF English
0630-0700 17800 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF English
0630-0700 21780 DHA 250 kW 260 deg to WeAF Hausa

0800-0830 15640 DHA 250 kW 045 deg to WeAS Pashto
0800-0830 17860 DHA 250 kW 050 deg to WeAS Pashto

0830-0900 15640 DHA 250 kW 045 deg to WeAS Dari
0830-0900 17860 DHA 250 kW 050 deg to WeAS Dari

1000-1100  9800 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili
1000-1100 12070 KIG 250 kW 265 deg to CeAF Swahili
1000-1100 15275 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili
1000-1100 15700 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to CeAF Swahili

1200-1300 12070 KIG 250 kW non-dir to WeAF French
1200-1300 15275 KIG 250 kW 265 deg to WeAF French
1200-1300 15700 KIG 250 kW non-dir to WeAF French
1200-1300 17800 WOF 250 kW 180 deg to WeAF French
1200-1300 17820 WOF 250 kW 152 deg to WeAF French
1200-1300 21780 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF French

1300-1400 15275 KIG 250 kW 310 deg to WeAF Hausa
1300-1400 17800 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa
1300-1400 21780 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa

1330-1400 15215 DHA 250 kW 045 deg to WeAS Dari
1330-1400 15595 SNG 250 kW 315 deg to WeAS Dari
1330-1400 17860 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to WeAS Dari

1400-1430 15215 DHA 250 kW 045 deg to WeAS Pashto
1400-1430 15595 SNG 250 kW 315 deg to WeAS Pashto
1400-1430 17860 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to WeAS Pashto

1430-1500 15215 DHA 250 kW 060 deg to SoAS Urdu
1430-1500 15275 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to SoAS Urdu
1430-1500 15595 SNG 250 kW 315 deg to SoAS Urdu
1430-1500 17860 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to SoAS Urdu

1500-1600  9810 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili
1500-1600 12025 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to CeAF Swahili
1500-1600 12070 KIG 250 kW 265 deg to CeAF Swahili
1500-1600 15275 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF Swahili

1600-1700 11800 KIG 250 kW non-dir to EaAF Amharic
1600-1700 12070 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to EaAF Amharic
1600-1700 15275 KIG 250 kW non-dir to EaAF Amharic
1600-1700 21650 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Amharic

1700-1800  9810 KIG 250 kW non-dir to WeAF French
1700-1800 12070 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF French
1700-1800 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF French
1700-1800 15700 WOF 250 kW 170 deg to WeAF French

1800-1900 12045 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa
1800-1900 15275 KIG 250 kW 310 deg to WeAF Hausa
1800-1900 21780 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeAF Hausa

1900-1930 11800 KIG 250 kW 210 deg to SoAF English
1900-1930 11865 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF English
1900-1930 15275 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF English

1930-2000  7425 MEY 250 kW 315 deg to SoAF Portuguese
1930-2000 11800 KIG 250 kW 210 deg to SoAF Portuguese
1930-2000 11865 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF English
1930-2000 12025 KIG 250 kW 180 deg to SoAF Portuguese
1930-2000 15275 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF English

2000-2100 11800 KIG 250 kW non-dir to WeCeAF English
2000-2100 11865 KIG 250 kW 210 deg to SoAF English
2000-2100 12070 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to CeAF English
2000-2100 15275 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to CeAF English

2100-2200 11800 KIG 250 kW non-dir to CeAF English
2100-2200 11865 KIG 250 kW 280 deg to WeCeAF English
2100-2200 12070 KIG 250 kW 295 deg to WeCeAF English
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 4)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1119)

Monday, June 10, 2013

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2013 Jun 10 0405 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 03 - 09 June 2013

Solar activity was very low to high during the period. The week began at low levels. Region 1762 (S30, L=129, class/area Eko/540 on 05 June) produced a C9/Sf flare at 03/0725 UTC. Activity was very low on 04 June. Moderate levels were observed on 05 June when Region 1762 produced an M1/1f at 05/0857 UTC with an associated Type IV radio sweep and a weak CME. The majority of the ejecta was directed southwest. 06 June saw a return to very low activity. High activity
was observed on 07 June when Region 1762 produced an M5 flare at 07/2249 UTC along with a 160 sfu Tenflare. An associated CME was observed but was determined to be directed west and well south of the ecliptic. Solar activity returned to low levels for the remainder of the period. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. The GOES-13 spacecraft began experiencing data outages on 15 May and was shut down while the cause was investigated. Forecasters used GOES-15 data in the interim. The issue was resolved on 05 June and GOES-13 resumed its place as the primary particle monitor at that time. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high levels for the entire period with only short periods dipping below threshold. The peak flux for the week reached 31,800 pfu on 04 June and levels remained high at the time of this report. 

Geomagnetic field activity was at mostly quiet levels from 03 - 06 June. Activity increased to unsettled to active levels on 06 June due to effects from a combination of multiple weak transients from 03 June and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) ahead of a coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Minor to major storm periods were observed on 07 June due to continued effects from the CIR/CH HSS. Activity returned to quiet to unsettled levels on 08 and
09 June as CH HSS stream effects began to subside. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 10 June - 06 July 2013

Solar activity is expected to be very low to low for the majority of the period. A chance for M-class activity exists beginning on 21 June with the return of old Region 1762. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels through 11 June. A decrease to normal to moderate levels is expected from 12 - 19 June. A return to moderate to high levels is expected from 20 June through the end of the period due to effects from a sequence of recurrent CH HSS. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be quiet to unsettled on 10 June as CH HSS effects subside. Mostly quiet conditions are expected from 11 - 20 June. Unsettled to active conditions are expected on 21 - 24 June with a chance for isolated minor storm periods on 21-22 June due to the anticipated return of a recurrent CH HSS. Mostly quiet conditions are expected on 25-27 June. A second
recurrent CH HSS is expected to return on 28 June - 01 July bringing unsettled to active conditions with the possibility of minor storm levels on 28 and 29 June. Mostly quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the period with a chance for some unsettled periods on 05 - 06 July due to weak CH HSS effects. 



Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2013 Jun 10 0405 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table - Issued 2013-06-10
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2013 Jun 10      95           8          3
2013 Jun 11      95           5          2
2013 Jun 12     100           5          2
2013 Jun 13     100           5          2
2013 Jun 14     105           5          2
2013 Jun 15     105           5          2
2013 Jun 16     105           5          2
2013 Jun 17     105           5          2
2013 Jun 18     105           5          2
2013 Jun 19     105           5          2
2013 Jun 20     110           5          2
2013 Jun 21     115          25          5
2013 Jun 22     115          18          4
2013 Jun 23     115          10          3
2013 Jun 24     115           8          3
2013 Jun 25     110           5          2
2013 Jun 26     105           5          2
2013 Jun 27     105           5          2
2013 Jun 28     105          30          5
2013 Jun 29     110          20          4
2013 Jun 30     110          10          3
2013 Jul 01     110           8          3
2013 Jul 02     110           5          2
2013 Jul 03     110           5          2
2013 Jul 04     110           5          2
2013 Jul 05     105          10          3
2013 Jul 06     100          10          3
(NOAA)

RFA Offers New Saipan QSL Card

Radio Free Asia Announces Next Second QSL in Series - IBB Saipan QSL Card

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of the second QSL card in the series highlighting the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) transmitter sites used for RFA programming. RFA programs are broadcasts from the following IBB sites: Biblis, Iranawilla, Kuwait, Lampertheim, Saipan and Tinian. The 7.4 acre Saipan site has three curtain antennas with main beam bore sights of 195, 270 and 340 degrees. These antennas can be electronically slewed horizontally. IBB Saipan is equipped with 3 high-power shortwave transmitters that carry RFA’s programming to China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Tibet. This is RFA’s 50th QSL overall and will be used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports from May 1-August 31, 2013.


RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation broadcasting news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at www.rfa.org.

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at http://techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience.

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:
Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036
United States of America.

Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

Monday, June 03, 2013

Focus on Africa - Sierra Leone

Radio Broadcasting in the Land of the Mountain Lion -  4: Relay Services

From the very earliest days, the various radio broadcasting services in Sierra Leone were very dependent upon the relay of available programming from other sources as a supplement to that which was produced locally in their own studios.  For a lengthy period of nearly three-forth's century, the BBC London was heard over local distribution in Freetown.
            Beginning at the time when the cable radio service was implemented in 1934, most of the programming that was provided by wire to the connected homes in Freetown was an off air relay from the BBC in London, their Empire Service and their services to Africa on shortwave.  The cable system was in operation for some thirty years and the BBC programming was piped into the rediffusion system with the insertion of very little local productions, and that quite frequently just for special events.
            For a total of sixty six years, the BBC programming was heard in Sierra Leone consecutively via:-
                        Cable radio
                        Experimental shortwave from Freetown
                        SLBS itself from the shortwave station at Hill Station
                        SLBS shortwave from Goderich & Waterloo
                        SLBS on mediumwave from Goderich

            In recent years, right up to the present time, the BBC is still heard on radio in Sierra Leone, though now via dedicated FM relay stations in Freetown and the regional city Kenema.
            According to the information in several editions of the World Radio TV Handbook, the next relay service heard in Sierra Leone was provided, strangely enough, by Radio Moscow.  An off air relay of their news bulletin in English was heard on shortwave and mediumwave at 1700 UTC daily for a period of some fifteen years, beginning around 1968.  This programming was carried by all of the active transmitters in Sierra Leone at the time; mediumwave from Goderich and shortwave from Goderich & Waterloo.
            Shortly after the commencement of the relays of English news from the Radio Moscow World Service, a similar relay of news from the Voice of America was introduced into the programming from the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service.  Initially, this was one bulletin of VOA news each day, though beginning around 1975, the duration of the daily relays from the VOA was increased.
            The WRTVHB shows the scheduling of VOA news at 1530 & 1600 UTC on all active transmitters in Goderich & Waterloo, shortwave & mediumwave.  However, it is quite possible that this relay from the Voice of America was actually continuous for at least an hour back during that era. 
            The SLBS relay of VOA programming ended simultaneously with the end of relay programming from the BBC & Radio Moscow, though these days VOA is heard on FM in Freetown 102.4 MHz.  There are no known FM relays in Freetown from Radio Moscow.
            The experimental programming from Deutsche Welle in Germany was on the air irregularly from the 250 kW shortwave transmitter at Waterloo in 1974 & 1975.  Station announcements in this DW programming were given in English, French & German, and the broadcasts identified the transmitter location as Waterloo.  These test broadcasts also included news and music.
            No information is given as to how the Deutsche Welle programming from Germany was received for rebroadcast in Sierra Leone.  It would be possible for this programming to be on pre-recorded discs or tape, or on live relay from regular DW programming, or via telephone lines from Germany, or even by local production at the SLBS studios in Freetown.
            However, two key items in the programming that was broadcast from Waterloo on behalf of Deutsche Welle would seem to indicate that the programming was prepared in the DW studios in Cologne in Germany and apparently fed to Freetown via a live relay from a communication transmitter.  The inclusion of the Waterloo identification would indicate specific programming, not a relay of regular programming; and the inclusion of news bulletins would indicate a live relay.  It is known that on a few occasions over the years, Deutsche Welle programming was carried via unannounced communication transmitters. 
            Only one QSL is known for the DW test broadcasts from Waterloo and that was received by Wendel Craighead of Prairie Village, Kansas in the United States for his reception report dated January 28, 1975.  This broadcast was heard on 5980 kHz and the programming consisted of news and music, with station announcements in English, French, and German, and specific identification of the Waterloo location.
            We could also mention that the United Nations also produced radio programming for broadcast into Sierra Leone, as did the Hirondelle Foundation in Switzerland which was also in some ways associated with the United Nations.
            On May 18, 2000, a total consignment of radio equipment was imported into Sierra Leone, and just four days later, the FM transmitter was inaugurated on 103 MHz.  This new station was identified as Radio UNAMSIL, Radio United Nations Mission to Sierra Leone. 
            Soon afterwards a 1 kW Harris shortwave transmitter was inaugurated on 6140 kHz, though the signal was usually noted slightly off channel around 6138 kHz.  The studios for this new station were installed in the Mammy Yoko Hotel at Aberdeen Beach Freetown; and the station was on the air twenty four hours daily.   
            Nine years late, that is in 2009, the station left the air; some of the programming was absorbed into the official SLBS government station and some of the equipment was donated to a local public service radio station.  A few international radio monitors were fortunate enough to receive a form letter QSL in response to reception reports on their shortwave channel.
            However, a couple of years before the termination of Radio UNAMSIL, the organization Hirondelle of Switzerland, established a radio broadcasting service for Sierra Leone.  This organization established a radio broadcasting studio in the Fourah Bay College of the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown. 
            This new broadcasting station was inaugurated in February 2007 under the slogan, Cotton Tree News.  In the center of Freetown there is a large and very old Cotton Tree, several hundred years old, and it is a national symbol for Sierra Leone, commemorating freedom for their people.  
            Initially, the broadcast of the programming from Cotton Tree News was heard in Freetown on FM, and throughout Sierra Leone via a relay on international shortwave.  The FM service was on the air twenty four hours daily with two channels in use, 103 MHz & 107.3 MHz.  The broadcast on shortwave was via the BBC relay station on Ascension Island for just half an hour daily on the channel 9525 kHz, though another channel 13760 kHz was in interim usage for just a short period of time.
            Two years after the inauguration of Cotton Tree on shortwave, a replacement relay was taken into usage, Rampisham in England on 11875 kHz.  The shortwave relays were discontinued in 2011, though the FM programming is still on the air on the single channel 107.3 MHz.
            We could also mention two other radio stations that were part of the broadcasting scene in Sierra Leone.  In 1991, a mobile transmitter under the legal government callsign for Liberia, ELBC, was on the air as the Voice of Peace, Harmony & Reconciliation.  The well known Danish international radio monitor Anker Petersen states that it was operated by the West African Peace Keeping Force.
            This mobile transmitter was actually located not in Liberia, but just across the border in Sierra Leone.  No channel is given though, as to whether it was operating on mediumwave or shortwave. 

            Then in May 2009, the American radio magazine, Monitoring Times, listed a new Gospel station at 10 kW for use on shortwave, though it apparently never got beyond the licensing stage.
(AWR Wavescan/NWS 222 via Adrian Peterson)




QSL Report Central


Armenian Republic
9440 Deutsche Welle Pashtu BCB via Yerevan Transmitter. Full data Deutsche Welle building card, with site notation. Also sent in a large white envelope with a DW lapel pin, Compliments Card from the Customer
Service, and a bright blue Toto DW hand bag. Quite a reply from one the best stations that replies to their listener’s request for verification replies! veri signer was Adallend Lucas. Total time of 44 days for a postal report.

France
15180 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Tajik BCB to Asia via Issoudon, France. EIBI indicates location as Turkmen via Lampertheim 100 kw’s 77 degrees azimuth which I indicated in my report). Received an e-mail verification letter with the site as Issoudon on a bearing of 75 degrees with 250 kW in the Tajik Language. Reply in 28 days . Veri signer as Walter Brodowsky Head of Shortwave, Senior Expert sales.

Papua New Guinea
4960 Catholic Radio network/Radio Saint Gabriel, Vanimo. When I first heard this station back in 2006, attempts to find a QSL route, resulted in a dead issue, one via Australia (failed) and the other from the
Archdiocese of Papua New Guinea, in Post Moresby c/o of Media and Editorial Section (no response after two letters to this route). The third attempt was some friends who had relatives (on an archaeology
search) there in Vanimo, but they left before I could get them my report. After seeing Bruce Churchill QSL response, I proceeded to send my report ( to director.pg@radiomaria.org) and within two days received back a confirmation statement stating my report as correct and gave some insight about the station and aims. Veri signer as, Father Paul Kote. Total response time of eight years, ten months, but 48 hours after posting my e-mail report. This makes my twenty-fifth PNG station verified on shortwave. Many Thanks to Bruce for opening up this route for others to receive their verifications.

USA
5109.80 WBCQ Offshore Radio Special BCB of RNY International/Radio Caroline. Full data QSL sheet with site (Monticello, Maine), for a SASE Envelope (used). Signed by Allan Weiner, received in thrty days.

6030 Radio Marti via Greenville “B” . Full data card with no site notation and illegible signature, for a report to Miami address. Returned my US dollar and sent a schedule for their broadcast. Received in 68 days.

9605 KBS World Radio via Cypress Creek. Received a large brown envelope from the station's Spanish service. Special K-fest calendar, report forms, decals and compliment card, No QSL card, so I have sent a friendly e-mail follow-up reminder that it may have been over looked. Reply received in thirty days.

Rather slow for QSL's but better something then nothing these days........not like the years ago when QSL's came in much quicker......
(Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)