Saturday, February 24, 2024

NASA-Funded Science Projects Tuning In to ‘Eclipse Radio’

 This topic was touched on briefly during Loyd Van Horn's DX Central LIVE! program from February 24th. . If your not watching his live show, you are missing out! The next program will be Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1845 CST. (0045 UTC) at https://www.dxcentrallive.com/

As the eclipse nears on April 8, we'll be covering more on this topic as related to radio.




FEB 20, 2024
Miles Hatfield
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of the United States. For millions of people along the path of totality, where the Moon will completely cover the Sun, it may feel like an eerie daytime darkness has descended as temperatures drop and wind patterns change. But these changes are mild compared to what happens some 100 to 400 miles above our heads in an electrically conductive layer of our atmosphere known as the ionosphere, where the “false night” of an eclipse is amplified a hundredfold. Three NASA-funded experiments will investigate the eclipse’s effects on the ionosphere through the power of radio, a technology well suited to studying this enigmatic layer of our atmosphere. 





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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Encore classical music from Radio Tumbril


 
Regular Broadcast times of Encore By WRMI and Channel 292 are:
02:00 - 03:00 UTC Friday 5850 kHz WRMI to US
20:00 - 21:00 UTC Friday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe
11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz WRMI to US and Canada
18:00 - 19:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe (Broadcast on 9670 for time being)
03:00 - 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, the east coast of the US, and Iceland. (Sometimes RTTY on the lower sideband. Suggest notch out or use USB.)
 
Some Things to see on The Encore Website:
The Encore website is www.tumbril.co.uk where you will find:
Important information about funding of Encore - Radio Tumbril.
Up-to-date transmission times and frequencies.
The playlists for the most recent programs.
An email link.
Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL cards are welcome.
 
ENCORE IS A ONE-MAN OPERATION -  PLEASE MAKE A PAYPAL DONATION OR 'BUY ME A COFFEE' AND HELP PAY THE  BROADCASTERS AND KEEP ENCORE ON THE AIR - Go to - www.tumbril.co.uk
 
WRMI and Channel 292 are very generous with their air-time but Encore still costs around 100 Dollars/Euros a month to broadcast.
If you can - please send a small contribution to help Encore keep going.
 
THE DONATION BUTTON AND 'BUY ME A COFFEE' BUTTON are on the homepage of the website - www.tumbril.co.uk - which folks can use if they would like to support Encore.
 
(Please don't be put off by the POWR security wall when using the PAYPAL button - it is a harmless requirement of WIX the website hosting service.)
 
THIS FORTNIGHT'S PROGRAMME - (First broadcast this FRIDAY 23rd Feb) by WRMI at 0200 UTC on 5850, (and 2000 UTC on 15770) and then Channel 292 on SATURDAY (24th Feb) at 11:00 UTC on 9670 kHz):

Starts with part of the Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra by Mozart, some Tango-inspired music from Argentina, and an example of music for high Baroque trumpet by J S Endler.
After that an arrangement for piano quartet of The Sea and the Seagulls from Rachmaninoff, and some film score by Caroline Shaw.
The last piece is the first movement of Borodin's Quartet No. 2.
 
A very good site for online SDR receivers all over the world is: http://kiwisdr.com/public/  Click the 'Map' button in the top left of the screen.
 
Thank you for spreading the word about Encore - Classical Music on Shortwave on Radio Tumbril - and thank you for your support.
  
Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - www.tumbril.co.uk 
GMØTLY
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BBC chief pledges to keep ‘all local radio services’ amid £500m cost-cutting

 



The broadcaster has been reassessing its priorities over the last year as it seeks to make huge savings.
Naomi Clarke

BBC director-general Tim Davie has confirmed that he plans to keep “all the local radio services” as the corporation continues to implement cost-saving measures.

The broadcaster has been reassessing its priorities over the last year as it seeks to make £500 million of savings after coming under financial strain due to the licence fee being frozen and inflation rising.

The proposed plans for local radio stations to share more content and transmit fewer programmes unique to their areas resulted in BBC local journalists taking strike action last year.

Additional story at: 
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Radio New Zealand to sell off Auckland land to pay for AM radio network

 

Jonathan Killick
Radio New Zealand (RNZ) is looking for a buyer for a block of land it owns in West Auckland to plug a financial hole and keep broadcast on the AM spectrum alive, at least for now.

The 7.4ha block in Henderson, metres away from the Lincoln Rd off-ramp, is home to a long-standing red and white transmission tower.

When RNZ’s predecessor bought the land in 1934 it was a rural pasture, but it has long since been enveloped by urban sprawl. It has grown to a rateable value of $6 million.

But, while the value of the land has continued to increase, the cost of the ageing AM transmission network has become a burden on the broadcaster.

Chief technology and operations officer Mark Bullen said RNZ was looking at having to spend up to $13 million across the whole network to keep it going.

Additional story at: 
Photo/Stuff.com/New Zealand)
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LRA Antarctica testing February 21

 


LRA36 Test Transmission

LRA 36 Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel, will be conducting a test transmission on Wednesday, February 21st between 21:00 and 22:00 UTC on 15476 kHz (USB).

The purpose of this transmission is to adjust the new output stage that was installed on the Collins HF80 transmitter.

We welcome your reception reports, as well as audio and video recordings of the listening experience on the social networks of LRA 36 Radio Nacional, Arcangel San Gabriel by email to: qslrae@gmail.com  
.
(Horacio Nigro CX3BZ, Uruguay/[Adrian Korol, Argentina)
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Monday, February 19, 2024

Radio Öömrang (Radio Amrum) scheduled for annual broadcast on February 21

 


The annual winter broadcast of Radio Öömrang (Radio Amrum), will be broadcast on February 21, 2024.

This special broadcast airs on February 21, a North Frisian holiday (Bikebrånen), and is relayed by Media Broadcast. It was founded by the amateur radio operator, Arjan Kolzow on the island of Amrum in North Germany.

The first broadcast was in 2006. Most of the programming is in the North Frisian language (Öömrang dialect) as well as Standard German and English. Programming is aimed at the descendants of North Frisian immigrants in North America. 

English station identifications are noted as, “this is Radio Öömrang, the freedom voice of  Öömrang.”

The 2024 broadcast is scheduled for 1600-1700 UTC on 15215 kHz (500 kW) relayed via Issoudun, France by Media Broadcast transmitter facilities. 

Radio Öömrang does not verify reception reports, however, you may direct your program details to: qsl@sortwave@media-broadcast.com or postal address: Media Broadcast GmbH, Order Management & Backoffice, Erna-Scheffler, Strasse 1, 51103 Cologne, Germany. Additional contact info@media-broadcast.com 

For an audio sample from the 2016 broadcast, go to the Shortwave Central YouTube channel at:https://youtu.be/Sd2Tlf2i1Sk 

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Radio Monique International launced on 1322 kHz

 


Radio Monique International has recently launched the 1332 kHz mediumwave frequency. Progress has been made with the installation of a new antenna last Saturday, February 17th. Further enhancements, including raising the antenna height and adjustments, are planned in the upcoming months. Visit our website to watch new videos soon showing developments at Radio Monique International.

Nico from Gouda HOL  (2024-02-18)
Ydun MW)

Radio Monique, the former offshore radio station alongside Radio Caroline, has successfully obtained a new license for 1332 kHz, marking a significant milestone in their broadcasting journey. Transitioning from their historical roots, Radio Monique now operates under a low-power AM license in the Netherlands.

Located in Velsen, the current broadcasting site provides a strategic base for their operations. On the 17th of February, a pivotal change occurred as the antenna frequency shifted from 918 kHz to 1332 kHz, enhancing the reach and clarity of their transmissions.

A notable addition to their setup is the installation of an old container at the factory, serving as the housing for the transmitter and antenna tuner. The current dipole antenna configuration will undergo further enhancements in the summer of 2024, promising improved broadcast quality.
Listeners can once again tune in to Radio Monique on 1332 kHz, with a power output of 100 Watt PEP. Despite the ongoing work ahead, gradual progress is expected over the coming months to achieve a robust medium-wave sound.

To provide a glimpse into the broadcasting site and antenna mast, several videos have been produced, offering an insight into Radio Monique’s operational setup.
Stay tuned for more updates as Radio Monique continues its journey towards delivering a high-quality broadcasting experience on the airwaves.

Kari Kallio to nordx iog (2024-02-20)
(Ydun MW)
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Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2024 Feb 19 0216 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 12 - 18 February 2024

Solar activity reached high levels on 12 and 16 Feb, and moderate levels on 14-15 Feb. The largest event of the period was an X2.5/1n flare at 16/0653 UTC from Region 3576 (S16, L=060,  class/area=Fkc/660 on 14 Feb). Region 3576 was the largest and most active sunspot region of the period, and in addition to the X-flare, produced eight M-class flares throughout the week. Region 3582 (N06, L=035, class/area=Dai/240 on 13 Feb) produced an isolated M1 flare at 14/0310 UTC. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed during this period. 

The greater than 10 MeV proton flux reached S2 (Moderate) levels on 12-13 Feb, and S1 levels on 14 Feb, following a C6.9 flare at 12/0554 UTC from Region 3576. A peak flux of 118 pfu was observed at 13/0615 UTC. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux was elevated above background levels over 15-18 Feb, but remained below event thresholds. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels throughout the week. 

Geomagnetic field activity was quiet on 12 Feb. Active levels were observed on 13 Feb, and unsettled levels were observed on 14 Feb, due to the arrival of multiple CMEs from 10-11 Feb. Quiet conditions were observed over 15-17 Feb, and quiet to unsettled conditions were observed on 18 Feb. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 19 February - 16 March 2024

Solar activity is expected to be low with a varying chance for M-class flare activity throughout the period. Old Region 3575 (S37, L=177), which produced M-class flares last rotation and multiple CMEs during its transit of the far side, is expected to return to
the visible disk on 20 Feb. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit, barring significant flare activity. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels throughout the outlook period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be mostly quiet throughout the outlook period. Unsettled conditions are likely on 19-20 Feb due to the anticipated arrival of a CME from 16 Feb, and again on 26-27 Feb due to negative polarity, CH HSS influences. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2024 Feb 19 0216 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services


#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2024-02-19
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2024 Feb 19     160           8          3
2024 Feb 20     160          10          3
2024 Feb 21     165           5          2
2024 Feb 22     170           5          2
2024 Feb 23     170           5          2
2024 Feb 24     172           5          2
2024 Feb 25     172           5          2
2024 Feb 26     165           8          3
2024 Feb 27     165           7          3
2024 Feb 28     165           5          2
2024 Feb 29     155           5          2
2024 Mar 01     160           5          2
2024 Mar 02     165           5          2
2024 Mar 03     170           5          2
2024 Mar 04     170           5          2
2024 Mar 05     170           5          2
2024 Mar 06     170           5          2
2024 Mar 07     170           5          2
2024 Mar 08     170           5          2
2024 Mar 09     170           5          2
2024 Mar 10     165           5          2
2024 Mar 11     165           5          2
2024 Mar 12     165           5          2
2024 Mar 13     165           5          2
2024 Mar 14     165           5          2
2024 Mar 15     165           5          2
2024 Mar 16     165           5          2
(NOAA)
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Sunday, February 18, 2024

BBC Radio 4 longwave postpones closedown

 

Translated from French:

The end of BBCR4 LW 198 postponed a year till the end of March 2025 for energy conversions

As I predicted: the end of long waves in Great Britain is delayed by 1 year. (And this time, I can affirm that, unlike RTL and Europe 1, I had nothing to do with it!).
As explained previously: the transmitter broadcasts a teleswitch signal from the Energy Networks Association. This signal causes the prices of old electricity meters to vary. The contract between Elexon and the Energy Networks Association (ENA) aimed at passing on operational costs, amounting to almost 6 million euros, expired on March 31, 2024. The electricians had to replace all the old meters before this date. That’s far from being the case! Earlier this week, “This is Money” reported that the technology still powers 900,000 old meters.
As a result, the emissions will continue for 1 additional year, ending at the end of March 2025.
As always, we promise, the date will not be postponed again.
As always, the BBC can no longer guarantee operational and maintenance service beyond this date.

Michel Fremy, Radio Magazine FB group (2024-02-15)
(Ydun's MW)
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Could Radio Pakistan return to the airways?

 
Radio Pakistan QSL from the Gayle Van Horn QSL Collection


Efforts underway for revival, financial stability of Radio Pakistan: PBC DG


KARACHI  -  Pakistan Broadcasting Corpora­tion (PBC) Director General (DG) Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, Tuesday, said that efforts were underway for the revival of past glory of Radio Pakistan and for resolving finan­cial issues of the corporation.

He was speaking during the visit of New Broadcasting House PBC Karachi on the occasion of World Radio Day being observed on February 13. Station Director PBC Karachi Mehboob Sultan, Deputy Controller News Malahat Soulat, DC Engineering Imranu­lah Khan, DC Admin Arbab Ali Rahujo, other officers, and staff members were also present at the occasion. The DG said that to make the corporation financially viable a new business plan has been envisaged and it will be pre­sented in the next meeting of the Board of Directors of PBC for approval.

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All Classical Radio Gains a Historic Headquarters

 


Music will soar from the station's new skyscraper home

BY ELLE KEHRES 
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 12, 2024

With the help of a generous benefactor, classical music — and classical music lovers — will soon have a new home in Portland, Ore.

All Classical Radio, KQAC(FM), has received the largest grant in the station’s 40-year history. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Wash., has gifted $750,000 in support of the network’s relocation campaign. Now, All Classical Radio is in the process of building a new headquarters at the historic KOIN Tower in downtown Portland, which will include five new production stu



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In a Challenging Era, AM Stations Still Have Options

 

Let’s consider some of them

BY CRIS ALEXANDER
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 13, 2024

I have in recent years had discussions with several individuals about AM siting issues. Stations frequently lose their land leases or have to sell their land for economic reasons. Landlords and station owners find that the dirt under the AM tower or towers is worth far more for another purpose than as an AM site.

Many times, this news comes with little warning, and stations don’t have a lot of time to find another site. The other side of this double-edged sword is that it isn’t easy to build a tower anymore, even out in the middle of nowhere.

Full story at: 




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Radio Bulgaria: A Beacon of Cultural Diplomacy and International Communication

 


From Short Waves to Global Reach
Radio Bulgaria's journey began under the moniker Radio Elza, marking the country's strategic move into the realm of international broadcasting. The initiative was propelled by the recognition of radio's potential to cross borders, connecting Bulgaria with distant lands and cultures. Over the decades, the service expanded its linguistic repertoire to include Bulgarian, French, English, German, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Greek, Serbian, Albanian, and Romanian. This multilingual approach has not only showcased Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage but has also facilitated a dialogue with the world, fostering understanding and friendship between nations.

The dedication to providing genuine and pure news has been the cornerstone of Radio Bulgaria's operation. The journalists, although not widely known in their own country, display an unwavering commitment to their international listeners. Their efforts ensure that the essence of Bulgarian society, politics, and culture is conveyed accurately and thoughtfully to a diverse audience.

Additional story at: 


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100 years of radio in Africa: from propaganda to people’s power

 
Colonial Africa
Radio is thriving across Africa. Exact figures are difficult to come by because audience research differs across countries. But studies estimate radio listenership to be between 60% and 80% of the continent’s 1.4 billion population.

In contrast to many Western countries, where there has been a shift towards streaming and podcasts, traditional radio continues to be widely embraced in Africa. Because of poor literacy levels and uneven access to the internet and technological infrastructure, old-fashioned radio remains a reliable and inclusive medium.

This year’s celebration of the 100-plus years of radio offers us an opportunity, as African media scholars, to reflect on the historical significance, cultural relevance, political power and social impact of the medium on the continent. We home in on examples from the regions we’ve studied to demonstrate this rich history.

Learn more about the early years, propaganda, and more at:

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Channel 292 remains off the air

 


Tony Pavick of Pop Shop Radio reports, "A few days back I received an email from Rainer at Channel 292 that their 3955 frequency will be off the air for another two weeks at least. My guess is that we will see it back on the air the first full week of March."

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RNZ Pacific transmitter back on-the air


RNZ Pacific's transmitter 2 is back on air, after fault repairs have been completed.

Shortwave broadcasts were temporarily interrupted, but our satellite internet and streaming services were unaffected.

The repair work on transmitter 2 was carried out by RNZ's Transmission Engineer Specialist Steve White.

Last year, RNZ Pacific's short-wave transmitter 1 was decommissioned, and work on installing a new Ampegon transmitter started in January. This has temporarily reduced our capacity to manage faults, without a short break in service.

We apologize to our short-wave listeners around the world, for any inconvenience this may have caused.


Previous article
RNZ Pacific's transmitter 1 replacement project begins at: 
(Photo/RNZ)
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Friday, February 16, 2024

FCC Plans Pirate Fine Against “Super Dany”

 

It says he has been running “La Bakana” in Hazleton, Pa.

BY PAUL MCLANE 
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 14, 2024

The Federal Communications Commission plans to fine a man $40,000 for alleged pirate radio broadcasts in the eastern Pennsylvania city of Hazleton.

It has issued a notice of apparent liability against Brigido Danerys Gonzalez for radio signals on 90.1 MHz. It said it first became aware of the station, known as “La Bakana,” thanks to a consumer complaint, and that Gonzalez, aka “Super Dany,” has been directly involved in the operation of the station since at least May 2022.

The commission first traced the signals to the address of a grocery store. “Agents spoke with the owner of a supermarket located at the first transmission site who stated that he paid an individual who went by the name ‘Super Dany’ approximately $50 per month to advertise on La Bakana,” according to the FCC summary.

Full story at: http://tinyurl.com/3vm9e434

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Shortwave Radiogram, Program 342

 

Hello friends

This reminder: The Shortwave Radiogram transmission Fridays at 1300-1330 UTC has moved to Wednesdays 1330-1400 UTC. This is on 15770 kHz from WRMI Florida. The updated schedule is provided below.

We were supposed to have one last broadcast last Friday at 1300 UTC, but due to a mixup the religious program that replaced us was broadcast instead.

The Wednesday 1330 UTC transmission is now the last of the Shortwave Radiogram week. Please tune in because this is the only Shortwave Radiogram on 15770 kHz and WRMI's curtain antenna, which is heard throughout much of the world.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 341) are provided by Scott in Ontario, for the Saturday 2300 UTC broadcast and for the new Wednesday 1330 UTC broadcast. The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is provided by Roger in Germany.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 342, 16-21 February 2024, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:46  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:54  MFSK32: NASA mission will explore ultraviolet in space*
 6:44  MFSK64: NASA tests hybrid laser and radio antenna*
11:45  MFSK64: This week's images*
27:42 MFSK32: Closing announcements

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

(visit during the weekend to see listeners’ results)
  
Other Shortwave broadcast programs that include digital text and images include The Mighty KBC, Pop Shop Radio and Radio North Europe International (RNEI). Links to these fine broadcasts, with schedules, are posted here.
 
Thanks for your reception reports!

Kim
Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom
  
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Uncle Bill's Melting Pot set for Sunday broadcast

 

From Uncle Bill's Melting Pot:
Our next broadcast will be on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz on the shortwave bands Sunday, February 18 from 6-7pm EST (2300-0000 UTC).

The program will also stream on wbcq.com (it is livestream ONLY, not available on demand).
The first half will feature our special guest Falu, a GRAMMY® winner with multiple nominations whose biography is as fascinating and impressive as her music, often referred to as "Indie Hindi". She will share some of her music and talk about projects past and present.

The second half will feature a tribute to the late Peter Schickele (aka P.D.Q. Bach), perhaps the most brilliant classical music parodist who ever lived and a serious composer in his own right, who passed away last month.
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Thursday, February 15, 2024

FCC Denies Reinstatement of New Mexico Station

 

Albuquerque Board of Ed’s effort fails to revive KRSN Los Alamos

BY NICK LANGAN 
PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 15, 2024

An effort by a New Mexico school board to revive a local radio station appears to have failed.

The FCC’s Media Bureau last September had denied a request by the Albuquerque Board of Education to reinstate the licenses of KRSN 1490 AM in Los Alamos, N.M., and its FM translator. The school board then asked for a review, arguing among other things that the Media Bureau had not given the case the appropriate “hard look.”

But now the commission has upheld the outcome. Simply put, it found that the school board did not have the standing to file for KRSN’s reinstatement.


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