Think shortwave is dying ? Think again

An Opinion Piece from Global 24

Shortwave radio is not dying. In fact, we think the whole story line should just go away.

We wanted to thank Thomas Witherspoon of SWLing.com for his excellent article on this very topic and the team of Global 24 wanted to share our perspective on this question.

First,

The 5,000 of you that have written to Global 24 since November 1, 2014 attest to the fact that shortwave radio is not dying.

The 1,000 of you that have joined our Listeners Club and Insiders Club since November 1, 2014 attest to the fact that shortwave radio is not dying.

The 30,000 unique visitors that visited our website, Global24Radio.com, since November 1, 2014 attest to the fact that shortwave radio is not dying.

You can expect Global 24 to be outspoken whenever and where ever we hear the words that shortwave radio is dying.

Yes, many government broadcast operations have closed up shop. They are totally incorrect in their worldview and so-called “research”. The public diplomacy and foreign policies of governments around the world are in incoherent disarray. It’s not surprising that incoherent foreign policy equates to government shortwave broadcasting being cut back. The fact that the U.S. government thinks shortwave is a medium of the past - should be enough for us all to stand up and cast a doubtful stare.

Whether we are confronting Ebola, dwindling global natural resources,welcoming the Arab spring or dealing with the reality of more and more failed states - states based on borders and beliefs largely imposed by the West - we are living in a world that is more dangerous than ever.

Important World Events Need a Western Perspective on Shortwave

Yes, we live in a world where terrorists groups like ISIS send out thousands of tweets an hour recruiting people to their violent worldview. Yes, we live in a world where ISIS produces an “Annual Report” that looks as good as than anything the Voice of America (VoA) produces. Yes, we live in a world where the internet reach of terrorists far eclipses the audience of the VoA. Does shortwave have a place in this world? Of course it does. One kid in Syria - or anywhere in the Middle East - listening to a shortwave radio on his parents radio that gets a different perspective and doesn’t go radical makes it worth it to us. Shortwave is a place where moderate worldviews can be heard easily.

We should rejoice in the fact that ISIS and Al-Qaeda don't have the equipment, resources or acumen to broadcast on shortwave and take the battle to airwaves.

Anyone with TV access or web access has so many other choices for information gathering. Why yield the field in shortwave - the one place where an audience is guaranteed? The governments of many nations, especially the United States need to “go back to the basics” and go back to shortwave radio. VoA, Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio Marti and the Middle Eastern Broadcasters need to have their shortwave budgets exponentially increased immediately. It’s not just about hot button issues and unfree governments - it’s about inexpensive access to information for the world and simple “soft power”. Simply look at China Radio International or the Xinhua news agency and you will see a rapidly growing international presence - they are fighting the fights we have already walked away from.

The Developing World Still Need Shortwave

We live in a world where access to electricity is still limited to huge swaths of our brothers and sisters around the world. Does shortwave have a place of growing importance in this world? Of course, it does.

Shortwave radio requires no electrical mains, no internet access, no subscriptions - and of course, one radio can be shared and listened to by so many people. How can we live in a world where so many people don’t have clean water, electricity, basic medical care and access to information and think that social media, TV and the internet are the sole communication vehicles of the future? When kids in every country the world over have the water they need, the eyeglasses they need, the medical care they need, the electricity they need and the education they need, then maybe we can talk about engaging them on their smartphones and TVs exclusively and winning over their hearts and minds with 160 character “Tweets”.

Shortwave was, and is, a battle that can be won - not given up on.

The Rest of Us Still Need Shortwave

For the first time in many of our lives, we all should genuinely concerned about press freedom in the United States and in other “:First World” nations - yet alone press freedom in countries driving world events like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Across our country more and more people are seeking a simpler lifestyle unburdened by expensive TV, internet and satellite connections. A lifestyle characterized by a lack of dependence - in terms of either information, resources or infrastructure. We are prepping, homesteading and preparing to live off the grid together. We are buying our guns, packing our bug out bags and drawing up emergency plans for our families. Perhaps, our own government should use shortwave to tell us about their policies and our future as the message isn’t coming thru clearly in the main-stream media spin machine.

What We Plan to Do

Here at Global 24 - we are a modest operation but we will be bringing to the world a new view of shortwave radio. Together with our listeners, we can do what governments can not do: create a renaissance in shortwave listening in the form of commercial shortwave listening before manufacturers stop making radios and stores stop marketing and selling them. These are the real threats to shortwave radio.

We pledge to tell our small story to radio manufacturers all over the globe, to engage with brick & mortar and online retailers here and abroad to carry, market and sell shortwave radios.

We pledge to constantly improve our website to make it a vehicle to convey the necessity, wonderment and joy of shortwave listening.

We pledge to work tirelessly to fight this fight. We need your help. We need your engagement, your feedback and we need you to listen. Be patient with us as we grow, scale and improve every facet of our operation.

Thank You,
The Global 24 Team
(Chelmsford Calling)
http://www.chelmsfordcalling.com/

South Carolina slated for Monday morning DX Test

DX TEST: WSPO ‐1390 Charleston SC will conduct a DX Test on Monday, November 10, 2014, at 0000‐0100 Eastern Local Time (0500 UTC)
The test will run at full day power of 5 kW and will consist of distinctive audio clips, morse code, and sweep tones. Reception reports (including return postage) may be sent to Mr. Bruce Roberts (KI4YST), Director of Engineering, Apex Broadcasting, 2294 Clements Ferry Rd., Charleston SC 29492. Many thanks to J.D. Stephens for arranging the test and to Bruce Roberts at WSPO for making the test possible. (Via Brandon Jordan, IRCA/NRC DX Test Coordinator.)

Brandon can be reached at P.O. Box 338, Rossville TN 38066, (901) 592‐9847, and bdjorda@gmail.com. Brandon has set up a web site at http://dxtests.net/ for the latest test info. And follow him on Twitter @AMDXTests for the latest test info.
(Larry Van Horn/Teak Publishing via NRC DX News # 82)

National Radio Club's AM Radio Log now available

The 35th Edition of the National Radio Club’s AM Radio Log Is Available and Shipping!

The NRC’s AM Radio Log is the leading source for information on AM radio stations in the United States and Canada.

As always, this edition is in an 8"1/2”x 11”, 3 hole punched, U.S. loose leaf format. This publication fits nicely into a one inch, three ring binder.

Additional references include call letters of FM simulcasts with the AM Stations listing, listings of regional groups of stations in
the groups section (a separate section of the Log) a cross reference of those stations that are licensed to use IBOC (In Band


On Channel) digital audio, and a comprehensive list of FM translators that are now simulcasting with AM broadcasters.

Order by postal mail via check or money order in US funds to:

National Radio Club
P.O. Box 473251
Aurora, CO 80047-3251 or order using your Pay Pal account at www.nrcdxas.org.

Member USA – $22.95 (Media Rate)
Member USA – $26.95 (Priority Mail)
Non?Member USA ? $28.95 (Media Rate)
Non?Member USA – $32.95 (Priority Mail)
Canada (Member/Non?Member) – US$36.00
Outside US/Canada (Member/Non) – US$40.00
(NRC)

NRC Antenna Pattern Book - 7th Edition Now Available

The 7th Edition of the National Radio Club Antenna Pattern Book is now available. This all new edition prepared by NRC member Paul Swearingen is an all inclusive book of patterns for both Day and Night operation of stations in the USA, Canada and selected foreign stations.

The data for the book comes from the 34th Edition of the AM Radio Log and NRC member John Callerman’s comprehensive Mexican station listing. The book comes shrink wrapped in 8½ by 11 three hole punch format for placement in your own three ring binder. There are 240 pages and the book has maps covering 530 through 1700 kHz depicting the lower USA, Canada and Mexico. Hawaii and Alaska are shown on separate maps at the of the book.

Price/ordering info:
To the United States, $22.95 for members, $28.95
for non members (add $4.00 for Priority Mail delivery to U.S. addresses only). To Canada $35.00; airmail outside of U.S. and Canada
$39.00. For those outside the U.S., use PayPal or a postal money order in U.S. funds only. Order from NRC, P.O. Box 473251, Aurora CO 80047?3251
or the NRC website at: www.nrcdxas.org. Colorado residents, please add 3.5% sales tax.
(NRC)

Global 24 to add Radio Cairo to lineup

Hollywood, FL) November 7, 2014 – Global 24 is pleased to announce that Radio Cairo will be joining our lineup of international relays.

According to Phil Workman, general manager of Global 24, “Radio Cairo brings a very different feel to Global 24.  We want an international perspective and Radio Cairo will give our lineup a very different sound.  We think shortwave listeners will enjoy hearing Radio Cairo with a little more ease on a regular basis.”

More information will follow in the coming days.

- See more at: http://about.global24radio.com/#sthash.goFS9ysP.dpu
(Global24)

Sunday relay broadcast info

Relay Info 

Sunday November 9 2014

All times UTC

6190 kHz 
Radio Gloria - 07.00 to 09.00 
MVBR    - 09.00 to 10.00 
EMR       - 10.00 to 11.00 

EMR Internet Repeat + Archive Recordings on Sunday 9th of November 

20:00-21:00 European Music Radio (October 2014)

21:00-22:00 European Music Radio (February 1979)

via FM Kompakt im Radio at: http://laut.fm/jukebox

If you live outside the listening area please try the Twente/Netherlands Web Receiver at http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/

(Tom Taylor)

Have You Considered Chelmsford Calling World Service ?

...from the birthplace of radio...Chelmsford Calling

Based in Chelmsford, Essex in the United Kingdom, Chelmsford Calling Network, is a new wireless source for worldwide radio listeners and amateur radio operators enthusiast.  

The Chelmsford Calling World Service  is a light entertainment program produced by Jim Salmon - 'Sunny Jim' and colleagues from the Chlemsford Calling Network.

Chelmsford Calling is an organisation set up with the aim of promoting radio technology past, present and future. Programming will broadcast monthly via various short wave relay stations around the world and is also available to listen to online.

Programs are composed of 10-15 minute segments consisting of; Media Magazine, The Wireless Years, The Elettra Report, Sunny Jim's Trance Report and Listening Post.

You may listen to the latest program via the Mixcloud service at the 'play' button

Their first program will be relayed by WRMI – Radio Miami International on the 2nd Friday of the month, November 14 at 2300 UTC on 9955 kHz.

The station commented, "We are pleased to be associated with WRMI especially at this exciting period when the importance, enjoyment and potential of short wave broadcasting is recognized and revived."

Listener feedback and suggestions are welcome at info@chelmsfordcalling.co.uk  info@chelmsfordcalling.com or chelmcalling@gmail.com You may also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

To learn more about Chelmsford Calling and join the rapidly growing world audience of radio  enthusiast, visit at http://www.chelmsfordcalling.com/ 

VOA Radiogram weekend schedule

Hello friends,

Last weekend, the frequency of the Saturday 0930-1000 UTC broadcast of VOA Radiogram was changed to 5910 kHz. I never received a memo about this frequency change, so I was not able to inform you. I apologize for the inconvenience, especially to North American listeners who were awake very early in the morning, only to hear no signal on the advertised 5745 kHz frequency.

Here is the revised and up-to-date VOA Radiogram transmission schedule (all days and times UTC):

Sat 0930-1000 5910 kHz (new frequency)
Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz
All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.

With the time change in North America, the 0930 UTC broadcast is now at 4:30 am Eastern Standard Time, and even earlier in the more westerly time zones. If you prefer not to be awake at such an hour, the Audacity timer record feature (in the Transport menu) is handy.

8PSK tests


Most of you reported some errors from last weekend's test of the 8PSK-125 mode (about 315 words per minute). There were, however, several 100% decodes of the 8PSK-125 mode in Europe and North America. (Here's a recording from Greece of one such 100% decode. Try decoding it yourself.) According to VOA Radiogram listeners, it helps to have the Fldigi squelch off or at a low level for this mode, so that characters are decoded even during fades. A low audio level into Fldigi is also useful.

With realistic expectations about the chances for successful decodes, we will experiment with 8PSK modes again this weekend. Towards the end of the show, a VOA news items will be transmitted in 8PSK-125, then the same story will be transmitted again in the even faster 8PSK-250 mode (640 words per minute). You will need Fldigi 3.22.01 to decode these modes.

VOA Radiogram, program 84, 8-9 November 2014

Here is the lineup (all MFSK32 except where indicated):

 1:40  Program preview
 2:51  Agriculture with salty water*
 8:36  New street lighting lower carbon emissions*
14:43  Glowing orbs mark former Berlin Wall*
21:19  Experiments with 8PSK-125 and 8PSK-250
26:29  Closing announcements
27:07  MFSK64 image: Veterans Day in the USA
28:46  Surprise mode of the week.

* with image.

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

The Mighty KBC will transmit a minute of MFSK64 Saturday at about 1230 UTC on 6095 kHz, and Sunday at about 0130 UTC (Saturday 8:30 pm EST) on 7375 kHz. Both frequencies are via Germany. Please send reception reports to Eric at themightykbc@gmail.com.

Thanks to everyone who sent receptions reports to VOA Radiogram last weekend. I'll begin work on the QSL and respond by the end of this weekend.

I hope you can tune in and write in.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net

European Music Radio schedule update

Dear Listeners,

From November 2014 to March 2015 EMR will be on 6190 KHz every second Sunday with a repeat program from last months transmission. The time slot for EMR on 6190 will be 10.00 to 11:00 UTC.

If you live outside the listening area please try the Twente/Netherlands Web Receiver at http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/

Good Listening!

73s
Tom Taylor

Radio Waves International special November broadcast

Dear listeners
We will celebrate during all this month of November 2014 our 31st birthday. Operation this year will be with our low power transmitters around 20 watts on several bands 48 , 41 & 26 meter band, with a special QSL on each band ,if you reach all bands an another QSL will be setup for you as GOLD QSL.

Next weekend we wil operate on 41 & 26 meter band from Saturday to November 11.

We invite you to keep listenning.
Please - no IRC or U.s. currency for a reply.
Email correspondence are welcome at rwaves@fre.fr

Have a nice month of listening

Without listeners like you a radio couldn't exist after 31 years

73's the terrible twins
Philippe & Peter Hills

Radio Waves International
since 1983 on shortwaves
30 years on the airwaves
with 20 year of country music

Radio Waves International
Boite Postal 130
92504 RUEIL Cedex
France

http://www.wrwi.fr

Throwback Thursday: Central African Republic

Radio Centrafrique QSL (Gayle Van Horn Collection)

Radio Centrafrique-Radiodiffusion-Television Centrafricaine, was at one time a state-operated radio service of Central African Republic. In recent years, the station was heard on 7220 kHz during the daytime hours only. A new 1 kW shortwave transmitter was installed in May 2010, to operate on 5035 kHz. Unfortunately, as of December 2013, there have been no reports of either frequency being observed.

My initial logging of Radio Centrafrique was on 5035 kHz, August 8, 1983. The station verified with a full data map card on June 15, 1983. The station's broadcast began with a piano melody interval signal, followed by the national anthem and French sign-on as, "ici Bangui, Station Nationale  de la Radiodiffusion-Television Centrafricaine."

Great listening from a once regular station on shortwave.

QSL Report: November 2014

Thank you to those that contributed their QSL information, and the kind newsletters and e-mail groups, who graciously permit Shortwave Central blog to share their QSLs with radio hobbyists.

Please share your QSLing with the world. Contributions are always welcome at: w4gvh @ frontier .com

Amateur Radio

Bahrain-A9ZHK, 20 MHz. Full data color skyline photo of Janabiyah, West Bahrain, signed by Fabien Mineo, Operator. Received in one month for $3.00US and a nested Euro envelope. (Larry Van Horn N5FPW/NC)

Dominican Republic-HI3/IK4QJF, IOTA NA-096, RTTY. Full data color card of beach scene and operator, signed by Fabio Azzali-Operator. Received via ARRL bureau (Van Horn).

Guatemala-TF0G, 28 MHz. Full data color card of operator's portable DXpedition at Yaxha (Enchanted Lagoon) unsigned. Received via ARRL bureau (Van Horn).

Brazil
Radio 9 de Julho, 9820 kHz. Full data station letter, signed by Pe. José Renato Ferreira, Director. Received in five weeks. QSL address: Rua Manoel de Azrão 85, CEP 02730-03, São Paulo-Sp Brazil (Norbert Reiner, Germany/playdx)

Radio Aparecida, 11855 kHz. Station QSL signed by Cassiano Macedo. Received in four weeks for program details to: clube@radioaparecida.co.br and luis.oliveira@radioaparecida.com 
(Artur Fernandez Llorella, Catalonia, Spain)

Radio Brasil Central, 11815 kHz. Full data station QSL. Received in eight months for e-report to: rbcamfm@gmail.com (Llorella).

Clandestine
Sound of Hope Int'l via Taiwan, 7200 kHz. Full data station card. Received in four weeks. QSL address: 6-4, Lane 84, Guo Tai Street, North District, Taichung 404, Taiwan, Rep. of China (Reiner).

Colombia
La Voz de tu Conciencia, 6010 kHz. Station QSl signed by Rafael Rodriguez. Received in four weeks for report and one IRC. Station address: Apartado 67751, Oficina red-4-72 Unicentro, Bogota DC Colombia (Llorella)

Congo Republic
Radio Congo Brazzaville, 6115 khz. Verification letter signed by Jean de Dieu Oko, Directeur des Programmes. Received in two years. QSL address: Boite Postal 2241, Brazzaville, Republique du Congo (Llorella).

FM
Radio Ogijares (Granada) 101.8 MHz. Prepared QSL verified and signed by Pedro Fernández, Director. Received in 13 days. QSL address:  c/Veracruz 1, 18151 Ogijares (Granada) (Alvaro López Osuna, Granada, Spain/playdx)

Germany
Gemeinde Gottes Herford, 3995 kHz via HCJB. QSL and personal letter, signed by Nikolai Ernst. Received in three weeks for e-report to info@gemeinde-gottes-herford.de (Llorella)
Nord AM, 3985 kHz via Kall, Germany. Verification in four days for e-report to: nordam@shortwaveservice.com (Llorella).
European mUsic Radio via MVBR, 9485 kHz. E-QSL. Received in five days for e-report to: emrsw@sky.com (Llorella).
Radio Slovakia International, 3985 kHz via Kall, Germany. Verification in seven weeks. Received for an e-repor to rsi_german@slovakiaradio.sk (Llorella).

Voice of Indonesia QSL (Gayle Van Horn QSL Collection)

Indonesia
Voice of Indonesia, 9526 kHz. Full data QSL card, signed by Sri Unun. Received in five months for program details to: voi.deutsche@gmail.com (Llorella)

Medium Wave
Hungary-Dankó Rádió 1350 kHz AM. Full data station letter, signed by Miklós Kenderessy, Director Technicial Department MTVA. Received in six weeks. QSL address: Kunigunda utjá, 1037 Budapest, Hungary (Reiner)

Italy-Europa Radio Jazz via Radio I AM, 1350 kHz AM. Full data E-QSL of color station logo card, from Marco Barsotti-QSL Manager. Received in 12 days for report to info@thesoundofjazz.com (Roberto Pavanello, Italy/playdx)

KBS World QSL card (Gayle Van Horn QSL Collection)

South Korea-KBS World Radio, 738 kHz AM. Cards received for Russian service depicting traditional dances Kangansulle. Program details to: russian@kbs.co.kr (Dimitry Kutuzov, Ryazan, Russia "deneb-radio-dx")

Spain-Radio Almeria-Onda Cero, 1341 kHz AM. Full data letter and QSL card, signed by Francisco Espinar Aranda-Director. Received in 29 days. The director also sent me a few days later, a package of stickers, history of the station and a nice hat ! Email: fespinar@ondacero.es (Osuna)

Spain-Cope Villareal/Castellon, 1053 kHz AM. E-QSL. Received in five days. Email: tecnico.castellon@cadenacope.net (Osuna).

Philippines
Veritas Radio 15225 kHz. Station calendar, stickers and key chain. Received for report details to: karen@veritas-asia.org (and) chrisidariola@gmail.com (Vladimir Rozhkov, Kansk, Krasnoyarskiy Kray, Russia/"deneb-radio-dx")

Russia
Radio Adygeya (GTRK Adygeta) 7325 kHz via Krasnodar. Partial data E-verification letter. Received in 11 weeks for e-report to: gtrkadygeya@yandex.ru (Llorella).

Thailand
Radio Thailand, 9390 kHz. QSL in three weeks for e-report to: manager_thailand@tha.ibb.gov (Llorella).
VOA-Radio Farda via Udorn, Thani. QSL in two months for e-report to: manager_thailand@tha.ibb.gov (Llorella).

United Arab Emirates
TWR Africa relay via Dhabbaya, 6120 kHz. E-QSL in two days for e-report to: istavrop@twr.org (Llorella).

United Kingdom
17495 RTÉ Raidió Teilifís Éireann Radio via Woofferton U.K. relay. Full data two-page PDF E-QSL, excluding site location. PDF featured space photo of Ireland and local scenes. Received in ten days for e-report to hearus@rte.ie for special transmission of All-Ireland Football Final. (Rich D'Angelo, PA/DXplorer/WWDXC-Top Nx 1180)

Utlity
Brazil-PT2SSB/B HF Beacon 28210 kHz. Station QSL card in an impressivre envelope with 18 Brazilian stamps. Received in five weeks. QSL address: Quadra 16, Conjunto H, Casa 15, Sobradinho, Brasilia-DF 73050-168 Brazil (Reiner)

Canada-YY0SNO/B HF Beacon, 28282 kHz. Full data letter, received in four weeks. QSL address: Larry Horlick, P.O. Box 1082, Iqaluit, NU, X0A Oh) Canada (Reiner).

China-BPM Time Signal Station, 10.000 MHz. Full data station QSL. Received in nine days for report to: ch117@nts.ac.cn (Osuna).

Ireland-Church of Most Holy Trinity, Templegleglantine, 27,741 kHz. Personal letter, and prepared QSL card stamped and signed by Fr. Tom Hurley. Received in ten days. QSL address: Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, Ireland (Patrick Robic, Austria/UDXF).

Ireland-Church of the Divine Word, Marley Grange, 27,701 kHz. No data letter, parish newsletter and prepared QSL card signed by  Fr. Jim Mulherin. Received in 13 days. QSL address: 25/27 Hermitage Downs, Marley Grange, Dublin 16, Ireland (Robic).

New Zealand-Auckland Volmet, 8828 kHz USB. Verification letter, signed by Tim Halpin. Received in 14 days for e-report to tim.halpin@airways.co.nz (Llorella).

Portugal-CT4RK HF Beacon, 7038.1 kHz. E-QSL from Carlos Mourato, for transmission from Sines, Portugal with five watts. Received in one day. Email address: radiofarol@mail.com (Reiner).

Switzerland-HB9AFZ/B HF Beacon, 7038 kHz. Full data QSL card. Received in one week. QSL address: Francesco Delprete, Via Filanda 6b, 6500 Bellinzona (Reiner).

United Kingdom-St. Lawrence Church Fintona, 27,751 kHz. No data letter. Prepared QSL card stamped and signed by Canon Patrick Marron. QSL address: 17 Tattymoyle Road, Fintona, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT78 2NR United Kingdom. (Robic)

United States-WA4OTD/B, 28278.8 kHz. Full data QSL card. Received in six weeks. QSL address: Leroy S. Wignot, 14040 Brookstone Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 USA (Reiner).

United States-WAROX HF Beacon, 28286 kHz. Full data QSL card. Received in four weeks. QSL address: Edward Vogeney, 10570 114th Terrace North, Largo, FL 33773 USA (Reiner).

Utility/Ship Traffic

Ship addresses may be obtained by a MMSI search at www.google.com

Wind Surf  (cruisemates.com)

C6IO6-Wind Surf (Sailing Yacht) MMSI 3092424000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC (digital selective calling). Full data QSL and prepared letter. Received in 46 days from follow-up report.Ship position Valetta, Malta. (Andy Ibold, Alpen, Germany/UDXF)

C6TU5-Ramford Challenger (Research Challenger) 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL, prepared letter and ship info. Received in 103 days. Ship position Bergen, Norway. (Ibold)

DNCQ-Monte Pascoal (Container ship) MMSI 211611000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter. Received in 72 days. Ship position off the coast of Brazil (Ibold).

LAMT-Normand Ranger (Anchor Handling Supply Tug) MMSI 25787000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter, polo shirt and pen. Received in 37 days (Ibold).

LXDV-Charlemagne (Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge) MMSI 253112000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter. Received in 99 days (Ibold).

OUZN2-Shelp Express (Supply vessel) MMSI 219433000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter. Received in 28 days (Ibold).

PBTC-Cornelis Lely (Motor Hopper) MMSI 245496000, 8414,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter, personal letter and ship info. Received in 51 days (Ibold).

2ALV2-Stena Drillmax (Drillship) MMSI 235060864, 8414, 5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL and prepared letter. Received in 93 days. First Drillship verified (Ibold).

ZCDT2-Ventura (Cruise ship) MMSI 310562000, 2187,5 kHz. DSC with full data QSL, prepared letter, personal letter and ship info. Received ib 73 days.

United States
WRNO-New Orleans, Louisiana, 7505 kHz. Full data QSL card. Received in nine days. Email: wrno@mailup.net (Osuna).

*****************************************************************
AM, Euro, Euro Pirates, SW Address, Email and Veri Signer updates

Euro Pirate

Radio Flying Dutchman QSL (Artur Fernandez Llorella)

Condor R condorradio@hotmail.com
Cool AM R coolamradio@hotmail.com
Flying Dutchman (Netherlands) fd@hetnet.nl
Free R Victoria freeradiovictoria@hotmail.com
Iceman R icemanshortwave@gmail.com
Laser Hot Hits (U.K.) studio@laserhothits.co.uk
Lightning R lightningradio@gmx.com
Mustang R (Netherlands) mustangradio@live.nl
NMD R (Netherlands) nmdradio@hotmail.com
Pink Panther R pinkpantheram@hotmail.com
R Alice radioalice@hotmail.com
R Baltic Sea balticseapirate@gmail.com
R Batavia radiobatavia@hotmail.com
R Black Arrow radioblackarrow@hotmail.com
R Black Power radioblackpower@hotmail.com
R Borderhunter borderhunterradio@hotmail.com
R Brandaris Intl brandaris.radio@hotmail.com
R Bravo Sierra bravosierra@hotmail.com
R Caroline Intl carolineradio@hotmail.com
R Dutchwing radiodutchwing@live.nl
R FSM (Belgium) fsm@goatse.be
R Face de Blatte  radiorfb@gmail.com
R Galaxy Intl (Nehterlands) radiogalaxy@quicknet.nl
R Gloria Schweiz QSL@radiogloria.eu (Peter Galliker)
R Hit Mix (Germany) hitmixx58@gmx.de
R Maria (Netherlands) d.sloos@radiomaria.nl
R Merlin Intl radiomerlin@blueyonder.co.uk
R Odynn  shortwaveman@gmail.com
R Rainbow radiorainbow@hotmail.com
R Spaceshuttle (Netherlands) Postbus 2702, NL-6049 ZG Herten, Netherlands spaceshuttle@yahoo.com
R Tidalwave radiotidalwave@hotmail.com
R Zeewolf radiozeewolf@hotmail.com
R Zodiac  radiozodiac@hotmail.com
Shoreline R shorelineradio@hotmail.com

SW
Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar rrc@dhaka.net (Abu Tabib Md. Hasan, Senior Engineer)
Brazil, R Roraima Boa Vista jornalismo@radiororaima.com.br
Clandestine, Dimtse R Eritrea radioerema@gmail.com radioerema@yahoo.com
Clandestine, R Damal, P.O. Box 104638-00101, Nairobi, Kenya yourvoice@radiodamal.com (Faith Kwamboka, Station Manager)
Clandestine, R Free Sarawak, Socinstrasse 37, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland (Bruno Manser Fonds)
Clandestine, R Mada Int'l, radiomada.int@gmail.com (Christian Lehmann, Vice President GTT Int'l)
Colombia, Apartado Aereo 67751, Calle 44 No. 23-67, Bogota, D.C. Colombia (Rafael Rodriguez R)
France, Echo of Europe  contact@echoofeurope.eu
Germnany, Hamburger Lokalradio c/o Kulturzentrum Lola, 21031 Hamburg, Germany
Germany, Mighty KBC  themightykbc@gmail.com
Kuwait, R Kuwait  (Mr Layali Mulla Hussain, Head of Frequencies Propagation Section)
Laos, Lao National Radio, P.O. Box 310, Vietiane, Laos (Inpanh Satchaphansy, Head of External Relations & Direcotr of Internet Services
Malaysia, Asyik FM mariama62@gmail.com (Mariama Uda Nagu, Head of Asyik FM)
Malaysia, Traxx FM (Miss Najinah Sani)
Myanmar, Myanma RTV (Zeyar, Director of Broadcasting)
New Zealand, R New Zealand Int'l RNZI, P.O. Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand (Adrian Sainsbury, QSL Manager)
Nigeria, VO Nigeria Broadcasting House, P.M.B. 4003, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria english-von@yahoo.com
Pakistan, R Pakistan cfmpbc@comsats.net.pk (Iftikhar Malik, Controller FM)
Romania, R Romania Intl victoria_sepciu@yahoo.es (Victoria Sepciu, Spanish Svc)
Sri Lanka, AWR relay (Wavescan) dxbangla@gmail.com (Salahuddin Dolar, QSL Manager)
Sri Lanka, Deutsche Welle relay via Trincomalee Deutsche Welle Customer Service, D-53110 Bonn, Germany
Sweden, IBRA/R Sadaye Zindagi info@sadayezindagi.org
United Satates, AWR (Wavescan) Box 29235, Indianpolis, IN 46229 USA
United States, WRMI 10400 NW 204th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972 info@wrmi.net (Jeff White)
United States, R Free Afghanistan Audio Visual Office, 1201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
United States, R Mashaal Audio Visual Office, 1201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Uzbekistan, TWR India via Tashkent relay, fabraham@twrindia.org (Franklin Abraham, QSL Manager)

VOA Radiogram Weekend Schedule

Hello friends,

Last week's surprise mode was 8PSK-125. The 8PSK modes were added to Fldigi as of version 3.22.00.

Most of you were unable to decode the 8PSK-125 transmission. I think this is because I used Fldigi 3.22.00 to produce the 8PSK-125 segment, and most of you installed Fldigi 3.22.01. There was a change to the 8PSK encoding scheme with version 3.22.01.

This weekend, I will try another transmission in 8PSK-125, this time produced using Fldigi 3.22.01. If you do not already have Fldigi 3.22.01 installed, please download it from http://www.w1hkj.com/download.html.

You will notice that 8PSK-125 is fast: 316 words per minute, versus 120 wpm for our usual MFSK32 mode. Despite its speed, it does have some  forward error correction (FEC), so it might be able to withstand some of the degradations of shortwave propagation.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 83, 1-2 November 2014:

 1:47  Program preview (now)
 2:57  Introduction to 8PSK-125 test
 3:54  8PSK-125: Radio/TV Martí PSAs
 4:40  Failure of Antares rocket launch*
11:41  Solar power from Tunisia will supply Europe*
17:56  Recycling e-waste in Ghana without burning*
25:04  Closing announcements with MFSK64 logo
28:25  Surprise mode of the week

*with image

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule
(all days and times UTC):
Sat 0930-1000 5745 kHz
Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz*
All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.

*North American listeners: With the time change, note that the Sunday 1930 UTC transmission is now one hour earlier for most of you, e.g. 2:30 pm Eastern *Standard* Time.

The Mighty KBC will transmit a minute of MFSK64 Saturday at about 1230 UTC on 6095 kHz, and Sunday at about 0130 UTC (Saturday 9:30 pm EDT) on 7375 kHz. Both frequencies are via Germany. Reports to themightykbc@gmail.com .

The new UTC time shift is because of last weekend’s time change in Europe. The frequency is 6095 kHz.

The Mighty KBC’s North American transmission stays at the same UTC time all year: UTC Sunday 0000-0200 UTC. This weekend, the MFSK64 transmission will be at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday Eastern Daylight Time, then next weekend 8:30 p.m. Saturday Eastern Standard Time. The frequency is 7375 kHz.

On VOA Radiogram this weekend, the press release transmitted in 8PSK-125 will have accented letters and typesetter quotation marks, so you will need the UTF-8 character set: Configure > Colors & Fonts > Rx/Tx Character Set. As stated in my previous email, you will need Fldigi 3.22.01 for correct decoding of the 8PSK-125. It will be centered on 1500 Hz, the same as the MFSK32.

In the Windows operating system, MFSK images decoded by Fldigi are stored as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ somewhere in your hard disk. The folder names may be different in other operating systems. You may send those png images with your reception reports.

I hope you can tune in and write in this weekend: radiogram@voanews.com .  

Thank you for your reports from last weekend. I am now constructing the eQSL and will reply soon.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliot
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net

100th Anniversary Panama Canal: The Radio Story-Part 1

Quite recently, we discovered an important anniversary from a couple of months earlier that had escaped our attention.  The official opening of the Panama Canal in Central America to shipping traffic occurred on August 15, 1914, and here we are a little over one hundred years later, and we have not yet presented a feature on this important anniversary.

            Let us catch up on this highly significant world event; and so here in Wavescan today we present this slightly delayed feature on the story of the Panama Canal, together with part 1 of the radio history in the American administered Panama Canal Zone.   

            We go back to the beginning, and we discover that the first suggestion for digging a canal across Central America to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans came from the Spanish in the year 1529.  Of course, back then technical capability was quite limited and there was no practical way in which this concept could be implemented. 

            In the year 1821, the Central American colony of Panama broke away from Spain, declared its independence from European control, and joined South American Colombia, which conjoined ultimately emerged as the Republic of New Granada.  However, 82 years later, on November 3, 1903, Panama split off from Colombia and thus became an independent nation in its own right. 

            It was in 1826 that the United States began preliminary negotiations with New Granada for the construction of a canal, though the French actually began construction work on the canal in the territory of Panama a little over half a century later.  Just two weeks after Panamanian independence (November 3, 1903), the United States and Panama signed a treaty which established the Panama Canal Zone (November 18).

            The Panama Canal Zone was administered as an American territory, and it encompassed 553 square miles in a swathe of jungle territory ten miles wide, plus all of the lakes and waterways that feed into the canal.  During its ¾ century tenure, the Zone issued its own postage stamps, some of which were overprinted Panamanian and American stamps, though the valid currency generally speaking was the American dollar.

            Nearly 50,000 men from all around the world were employed in canal construction, large numbers of whom died from poor hygiene, deadly jungle snakes, and a multitude of diseases, including malaria from the mosquito infected jungles.  In 1906 alone, 80% of the work force were hospitalized at some time or another for malaria.

             Work on the Panama Canal was completed in ten years, and the official opening took place one hundred years ago, on August 15, 1914 when the cargo ship SS “Ancon” traversed the entire system.  However, the first ship to traverse the canal was a pleasure boat the “Lasata” which made an unofficial voyage during the day before.

            The highest fee ever paid for the use of the canal was more than $⅓^rd million by the cruise ship “Norwegian Pearl” in 2010; and the lowest fee ever was paid by American Richard Halliburton who swam the full distance of the canal in 1928.  This epic swim took 50 hours of swimming spread out over 10 days and it cost him just 36 cents.  These days, more than 30 ships traverse the eight hour journey through the canal each day. 

            The Panama Canal Zone was taken over by the government of Panama on October 1, 1979 and once again the two sides of Panama were joined together into a single country.  The Panama Canal Zone, which for example had a population of 45,000 in 1970, was no longer an American territory.

            The first wireless station in the Panama Canal Zone was installed by Dr. Lee de Forest for the United States navy near the Atlantic entrance to the canal at Colon in 1906 and it was on the air originally under the callsign SL.  The 35 kW longwave spark wireless transmitter operated on 1250 metres, 240 kHz. 

            A couple of years later, a 100 kW spark transmitter was installed and the callsign was regularized to an American navy callsign NAX.  This station was in regular usage up into the 1930s.

            The United States navy operated two other wireless stations in the Panama Canal Zone: stations NNL at Coco Solo and NBA at Balboa.  The Coco Solo Station was located at a submarine base and it was on the air in the 1920s.

            Additionally, the U. S. army also operated half a dozen wireless stations in the Canal Zone, and these were located at army camps and they were on the air under army callsigns, such as:-

                        WUCG Fort de Lesseps         WUCH Fort Sherman                         WUCI Fort Randolph             

            The two best known wireless/radio stations in the Panama Canal Zone were the navy communication station NBA at Balboa, and the army broadcasting station at Quarry Heights.  That is the story next time, when we present part 2 of the story about radio broadcasting in the Panama Canal Zone.

(AWR/Wavescan-NWS 296)

November 2014-Amateur Radio Special Events Calendar

This is just a sampling of special events during November, available to log and QSL for amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners. QSLing requirements are listed with postings. Don't forget, scanned QSL images as well as contributions are always welcome for my monthly column, QSL Report. Either may be sent to w4gvh  at  frontier.  com

November 1-4
Belarus-EW3, (WFF Op). Eugene, EW3LK, will activate Prostyr (EWFF-024) for the World Wide Flora & Fauna Award (WWF). Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW and SSB.

(via qsl.net)

November 1 - 9
South Cook Islands, Just a reminder that Bill, N7OU, will once again be operating as E51NOU from Rarotonga (OC-013), South Cook Islands, between October 13th and November 9th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, CW only, in his spare time as work allows. QSL via N7OU.

November 1- 10
Tromelin Island-FT4TA. Just a reminder that members of the F6KOP Team and Lyon DX Gang will be activating FT4TA from Tromelin Island. They plan to have 4 stations on the air for ten days, on 160-10 meters using SSB, CW and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are http://www.tromelin2014.com/plan-de-bande/ CW - 1826.5, 3523, 7023, 10115, 14023, 18079, 21023, 24894 and 28023 kHz SSB  - 3790, 7082, 14185, 18130, 21285, 24955 and 28485 kHz  RTTY - 10142, 18099, 21080, 24912 and 28080 kHz 6m  - 50105/CW and 50105/SSB

November 1-30
Lampedusa Island, AF-109.  Miran, S50O, will operate as IG9/S50O from Lampedusa Island, from Punto Alaimo (WW LOC JM65HM) until end of November. Miran will participate in both SSB and CW CQWW Contests as IO9Y team member in Multi/Multi entry from ZONE 33. All QSLs for IG9/S50O via his home callsign by the Bureau, direct with SASE + 2 USDs or Clublog's OQRS. Cards will be ready to print soon into 2015, LoTW later.

(Italian  QSL via Larry Van Horn)

November 1 - December 31
Italy-IY, (Special Prefix). Look for special event station IY1EY to be active, from Loano www.ariloano.it to commemorate the experiments conducted by Gugliemo Marconi from his yacht
'Elettra' in the Ligurian Sea between 1919 and 1936. Expect activity on CW and SSB, and on all bands including 30/17/12m. Receive a special QSL card via IK1QBT direct.

November 3 - December 12
Madagscar, Eric, F6ICX, will once again be active as 5R8IC from Saint Marie Island (AF-090). Activity will be holiday style on all HF bands operating maily CW, but some SSB, RTTY, and PSK63, using a FT450 with 100 watts into various GPs or Inverted-Ls and a Hexbeam for 20-10 meters. There will be no online log during his activity. QSL via his home callsign (QRZ.com).
Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.

November 5-12
Brunei-V8, Lady operators Kyoko/JR3MVF, Evelyne/F5RPB, Ruth/IT9ESZ and Waltraud /DJ6US will be active as V84YL from Darussalam. Activity will be on all HF bands using CW and SSB.
QSL via DJ6US, by the Bureau or direct.

November 7-10
Micronesia-V6, Operators Shinji/JF2SDR and Nobuaki/JA0JHQ will be active as V63PJ and V63XP, respectively, from the SouthPark Hotel on Phonpei Island (OC-010). Activity will be on 40-6 meters.
QSL via the operator's home callsign. More details are forthcoming.

November 17 - December 2
Ascension Island-ZD8, Marko, N5ZO, will be active as ZD8O from Ascension Island between November 17th and December 2nd. Activity will be mainly in contests. His activity in the CQWW DX CW Contest will be Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via OH0XX.

November 19 - 27
Juan Fernandez Island-CE0Z, Felipe, CE5WQO, will be active as CE0Z/CE5WQO from Juan Fernandez Island (SA-005) between November 19-27th. He informs OPDX that this will be a vacation, so operations will be holiday style on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Equipment will be an Icom IC-746Pro + Icom PS 125 with a Yaesu FL-2100z amp (600w) into a
W8AMZ G5RV antenna and 2 element yagi for 10m. Please note ...Felipe would like to know which bands and modes the HAM community needs for CE0Z. Also, if any one wants to sponsor a better antenna, to please contact him so he can receive any package at his address in Miami, FL. QSL via KA3LKM (w/2 IRCs or green stamps).

November 22
Kuwait-9K, Ned, AA7A, Voodoo Contest Group team leader for 2014, sent out the following press release [edited] "The Voodoo Contest Group is on the move again in 2014 for the CQWW DX CW Contest. The team has been invited to operate at the emerging Multi-Multi contest station being assembled by 9K2HN, Hamad Alnusif in the Abdali area in northern Kuwait. They will operate using the callsign 9K2HN in the Multi-Multi category in the contest. In addition to 9K2HN, operators will include Ned/AA7A, Don/G3XTT, Fred/G4BWP, Ray/G4FON, John/G4IRN, Mike/KC7V, Dave/N4QS, Bus/N7CW, and Bob/W6RGG, with the potential for other local 9K operators. The visiting Voodudes will arrive on November 22, and will operate before the contest with particular emphasis on the lower bands. QSLs for 9K2HN are via instructions on QRZ.com. Further information about the Voodoo Contest Group can be found at: http://voodoocontestgroup.com

November 25 - December 24
Vietnam-3W, Tony, KM0O, will be active as 3W3O from Danang. His main activity will be the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. Tony likes 80 and 160 meters, so he will probably be emphasizing those bands before and after the contest. QSL via LoTW, by the Bureau or KM0O (see QRZ.com). He will upload his logs to LoTW as promptly as possible. QSLs will not go out until summer of 2015.

November 26 - December 17
Jamaica-6Y, Armin, DK9PY will be active as 6Y6N from Saint Elizabeth. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands using his FT-857 into an inverted L. Look for him to be in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry using Josh, 6Y5WJ, station. QSL via his home callsign, direct or
by the Bureau.

IOTA News

November 1- 30
AF-019. (Correction - Not AF-109) Miran, S50O, will operate as IG9/S50O from Lampedusa Island, QTH Punto Alaimo (WW LOC JM65HM) until the end of November. Miran will participate in both SSB and CW CQWW Contests as IO9Y team member in Multi/Multi entry from ZONE 33. All QSLs for IG9/S50O via his home callsign by the Bureau, direct with SASE + 2 USDs or Clublog's OQRS. Cards will be ready to print soon into 2015, LoTW later.

November 18 - December 2
Cucracao-PJ2, Operators Martin/K2PLF, Jeff/K8ND, Gene/KB7Q, Bill/K9HZ, Lee/KY7M, Rich/N0YY, Fred/NA2U, Jim/W8WTS, Geoff/W0CG (PJ2DX), Kyle/WA4PGM, Joerg/DF9LJ and possibly others will be active from the Caribbean Contesting Consortium's (CCC) Signal Point contest station on Curacao Island (SA-099, WLOTA 0942) between November 18th and December 2nd. The team's main focus will be on the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Multi/? entry using the callsign PJ2T. Outside the contest, operators will be signing PJ2/homecall or their own personal PJ2 callsign. QSL PJ2T via W3HNK. QSL PJ2DX direct to W0CG. QSL all others via their home callsigns.

November 23 - December 1
AS-099.  Members of the Balkan Contest Group will be active as TC0A from Bozcaada Island in Asiatic Turkey. Activity will also include the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LoTW or direct to LZ1NK: NIKOLAY ENCHEV, P.O. Box 176, 4300 Karlovo, Bulgaria. Operators mentioned are Nick/LZ1NK, Christo/LZ3FN, Plamen/LZ1DCW, Llian/LZ1CNN, Nick/LZ3ND, Nasko/LZ3YY, Yasar/ TA3D, Mustafa/TA2TX, Miroslav/LZ1MBU and Krasi/LZ2UW. For more detail, past operations and updates, see: http://tc3a.alle.bg

Caribbean Tour
Alex, PY2SEX/PY1KS/DL1NX, informs OPDX that he has chosen warm spots in the Caribbean for his next ham vacation (not like JW/PY2SEX in Jan Mayen). His tentative schedule is as follows:
November 25 - December 2 Bonaire Island (SA-006); callsign PJ4S; operation will include an entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest.

December 2-9
Curacao Island (SA-099); callsign PJ2/DL1NX. Activity from both islands will be holiday style on 80-6 meters using mainly CW, SSB and maybe RTTY. He will only be using an Elecraft KX3 and a Buddipole. QSL both operations via DL1NX, by the Bureau, direct or LoTW. For more details and updates, watch the following URLs: http://pj4s.py2sex.com  http://pj2.py2sex.com http://twitter.com/py2sex

Isle of Man QSL

November 29-30
Isle of Man-GD6, Chris, GM3WOJ (ZL1CT), will once again be active as GD6IA from the contest station www.gd6ia.com/ on the I.O.M. during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via GD6IA, direct only to: GD6IA, PO Box 1, PEEL City, Isle of Man IM5 1XG, British Islands. No QSL Bureau - No eQSL - No LoTW.

Cyprus-P3, Operators Bob/5B4AGN, Dennia/F5VHY, Roger/G3SXW and Jack/G8DX will be active as P3F from the Cyprus QTH of 5B4AGN for the CQWW DX CW  Contest (November 29-30th) in the Multi-Two category. The visiting operators will probably operate before and after the contest as 5B/homecall. QSL via their home callsigns. QSL P3F via M0URX or LoTW.

Curacao-PJ2, Frank, PA4N, will be active as PJ2V from Curacao Island (SA-099) during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/ Single-Band (15m) entry. Outside of the contest, Frank states, "I might be active as PJ2/PA4N, holiday-style operation." He will upload his log to LoTW within one week after the contest. QSL via his home callsign.

November 29-30
Georgia-4L, Operator Vaho, 4L8A, will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contests (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m) entry. QSL
via K1BV or LoTW.

November 29-30
East Malaysia-OC-133. Saty, JE1JKL, will once again be active as 9M6NA from Labuan Island, East Malaysia, during the CQWW DX CW Contest
as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via LoTW, or to JE1JKL, by the Bureao or direct. To see his station, visit:          http://jsfc.org/je1jkl/9m6na.html


*****************************************
Islands, Castles and Portable Operations

November 1-4
Jersey. Rich, M5RIC and Jack, G8DX plan to operate as GJ8DX on the isle of Jersey (EU-013, WLOTA 0818. They hope to be QRV on all bands CW/SSB/RTTY with a focus on the WARC bands. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog OQRS or G8DX direct. Cards sent to the bureau will not be answered - please use OQRS. [NG3K]

November 1-4
Pohnpei Islands. Naoki, JS3LSQ, will be active as V63WJ from Pohnpei islands (OC-010), F.S.M.. Activity will be on 20/17/15/12/10 metre SSB. QSL via JS3LSQ, direct (w/SAE and 1 IRC or 2 GSs) or by the Bureau. [OPDX Bulletin]

November 1-8
Zimbabwe-Chris PA2CHR (Z21CHR), Lins PA3CMC (Z21CMC), John ZS6JON (Z21EME) and Paul ZS6NK (Z21NK) have made plans for a EME DXpedition from Zimbabwe as Z21EME. Activity will be on 2m, 6m, 70cm and 23cm EME from WW Locator KG58gh. Station setup: 6m 11 el m2. 2m 2 x 10el X-pole DK7ZB. 70cm 1 x 38el. m2. 23cm 67 el. Further information, QSL routes and updates at: www.pa3cmc.nl/ [DXAT]

November 7-10
Look for Nobuaki JA0JHQ and Shinji JF2SDR to be active as V63XP and V63PJ, respectively, from the South Park Hotel, Kolonia, island of Phonpei (OC-010, WW Loc. QJ96cx), FSM, between 7-10th November, 2014. Plans are to be QRV on 40-6 metre SSB, CW and Digital modes. QSL via their home calls, direct or Bureau. Further information and updates at:
www.qrz.com/db/jf2sdr [DX-World]

November 1-10
Tromelin Island. FT4TA is the callsign issued to the DXpedition to Tromelin Island (AF-031, DIFO FR-006, WLOTA 0383). While planning continues, donations are still gratefully accepted as "the budget is not balanced yet and all kinds of help will be necessary to make this expedition possible". Further information and updates at: www.tromelin2014.com/ [425 DX News]

November 1- 11
Maldives Island. George, GM0IIO, plans to be active from Kuredu Island, Republic of the Maldives (AS-013) as 8Q7OO QRV on the HF bands. QSL direct only to home call QTHR (George Berrich, 6 Victoria Place, Stirling FK8 2QX, Scotland). No eQSL, LoTW or Bureau. [DX-World]

November 1-11
Namibia. Sebastian, OE3SZA, will be active as V5/OE3SZA from Namibia. Activity will be SSB only running QRP with an Yaesu FT-817. QSL via OE3SZA, direct or by the OEVSV Bureau. [OPDX Bulletin

November 1-16
Malta. Klaus, DD1AY, will be active from the island of Malta (EU-032, WLOTA 1113) as 9H3GK (Part IV). Just Married XYL Jacky and OM Klaus DD1AY. QRV holiday style on the HF bands, propagation permitting. QSL via home call. [DxCoffee]

November 1-20
Nepal. Toshi, JA8BMK, will again be active from Kathmandu, Nepal, as 9N7BM. Holiday style activity using verticals+amp, with focus on 160 and 80 metres. QSL via JA8BMK. [DX-World]

November 7-10
Look for Nobuaki JA0JHQ and Shinji JF2SDR to be active as V63XP and V63PJ, respectively, from the South Park Hotel, K

November 7-10
Kolonia, island of Phonpei Look for Nobuaki JA0JHQ and Shinji JF2SDR to be active as V63XP and V63PJ, respectively, from the South Park Hotel, Kolonia, island of Phonpei (OC-010, WW Loc. QJ96cx), FSM. Plans are to be QRV on 40-6 metre SSB, CW and Digital modes. QSL via their home calls, direct or Bureau. Further information and updates at: www.qrz.com/db/jf2sdr [DX-World] (OC-010, WW Loc. QJ96cx), FSM, between 7-Plans are to be QRV on 40-6 metre SSB, CW and Digital modes. QSL via their home calls, direct or Bureau. Further information and updates at:
www.qrz.com/db/jf2sdr [DX-World]

November 7-16
 Koror Island. Hidenari, JA0FKK, will once again be active as T88XC from the VIP Guest Hotel, Koror, Koror Island, Republic of Palau (OC-009). QRV on all bands using SSB, CW and the Digital modes. QSL via home call, Bureau or direct. [Palau Radio Club]

November 18 - December 2
Geoff W0CG (PJ2DX), Gene KB7Q (PJ2/KB7Q), Joerg DF9LJ (PJ2/DF9LJ) and possibly others will be active from the Signal Point contest station, island of Curacao (SA-099, WLOTA 0942) between 18th November and 2nd December, 2014. Main focus will be on the CQWW DX CW Contest (29-30 November) as a Multi/? entry using the callsign PJ2T. Outside the contest look for activity on the HF bands using with PJ2T or their personal PJ2 callsigns. QSL PJ2T via W3HNK. QSL PJ2DX direct to W0CG. QSL others via their home calls. [CCC]

November 22 - December 6
Grenada-Rob, DL7VOA, will be active from the island of Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA 0718) as J34O. Activity to include a Single-Op/All-Band entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest (29-30 November). Outside of the contest, Rob will be QRV on the HF bands holiday style. QSL J340 via DL7VOA, direct or Bureau [DX-World]

November 26 - 1 December
Republic of Palau. Look for Hiroo, JA1WSX, to be active as T88WX from the VIP Guest Hotel, Koror, Koror Island, Republic of Palau (OC-009)  Activity will include an entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest (29-30 November). QSL direct only to JA1WSX (QRZ.com). [Palau Radio Club]

November 29-30
Curacao-Frank, PA4N (FOC #2034, FISTS #3750), will be active as PJ2V from the island of Curacao (SA-099, WLOTA 0942) for the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/Single-Band (15m)/Low-Power entry. Outside the contest look for Frank be active holiday style as PJ2/PA4N. QSL via home call, Bureau preferred. Logs will be upload to LoTW when he returns home. [DXAT]

November 29-30
Vakhtang, 4L8A, plans a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m) entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest (29-30 November) from Tbilisi, Georgia (CQ zone 21). QSL via K1BV and LoTW. [NG3K]

November 29-30
Operators Jussi-Pekka OH6RX, Esa OH7WV and Harry WX8C will activate the Mariana Intrepid Contest Club AH0K, located on Tinian Island (USi NI-003S, WLOTA 3108, WW Loc. QK25ve), Northern Mariana Islands (OC-086) for the CQWW DX CW Contest (29-30 November) as a Multi-2 entry, CQ zone 27. Direct QSL to AH0K via OH6GDX. They will QSL via Bureau and will upload all logs to LoTW as well. Possibly on air day or two before the contest. [NG3K]
(OPDX 1180/1183/1184/ICPO)

Global 24 Radio set to air October 31

Press Release

Hollywood, FL) Oct. 21, 2014 – Global 24 Radio LLC announced today that its inaugural broadcast will go live at 7:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, with a line-up of new and well-known programs and around-the-clock English language programming.  The broadcast can be heard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 9395 kHz on WRMI broadcasting from Okeechobee, Florida.

“We’re very excited about launching Global 24 and the important contributions it will make to shortwave radio listening – as both a medium worth preserving and a vital part of the modern media mix for so many listeners around the world,” said Phil Workman, general manager of Global 24.   “Our broadcast will appeal to dedicated shortwave listeners (SWL) all over the world looking for breaking news, opinion and music.”


Global 24 aims to revitalize the shortwave medium by bringing general interest news and entertainment into sharper focus for listeners looking for high quality programming on a daily basis.  Regular listeners will be informed, entertained and engaged in an ever more complex world.

According to Jeff White, general manager of WRMI,  “Global 24 represents another step in the long overdue commercialization of shortwave radio.  We are excited to be working with them on their ambitious program to engage and entertain a global audience.”

Additional press releases in coming days will announce our broadcast schedule, our Listeners’ Club, contests, sponsors, our web store, staff and much more.  Follow us on Twitter at @Global24Radio or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/global24radio.  Visit our website:  http://www.global24radio.com  to join our email newsletter for the most current updates.

We love to hear from our listeners.  Reception Reports can be sent to:
qsls@global24radio.com
-or-
Global 24 Radio
2719 Hollywood Blvd  B-16

Hollywood FL 33020 USA

Be sure to include:
1) SINPO Report
2) Mailing Address for QSL Card (if desired)

See more at: http://about.global24radio.com/for-immediate-release-shortwaves-newest-broadcaster-global-24-takes-to-the-air-at-700-pm-eastern-on-october-31-on-9395-khz/#sthash.qIoKxvPL.dpuf
(Jeff Demers/Global 24)

Hams await Navassa Island project in January

"Navassa Island is currently ranked #2 on the DX Magazine's "Most Wanted List".

KP1, Navassa Island (Press Release)

From the The KP1-5 Project, dated October 22nd

"The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has notified the KP1-5 Project that they will be the team to activate Navassa Island (KP1) in January 2015.  The DXpedition will be a maximum of fourteen days. The exact dates in January will be determined by USFWS mission requirements and weather
windows.
 
 Our experienced team of fifteen is complete and is ready for the challenge. The weeks ahead will be extremely busy as the team has less than 90 days before the DXpedition comes on the air.  January is the month of minimum bird nesting activity and this is the primary reason USFWS is asking that the operation be completed during that month. However, the weather is unpredictable in January and becauseNavassa is surrounded by cliffs, this may preclude a safe landing by boat. For safety reasons and in order to maximize our time on the Iiland and on the air, a helicopter operation is planned. Navassa is over 100 miles (160 km) from the nearest helicopter staging point and as many as
ten round trips will be required at the beginning and end of the operation.

Obviously, this means that there will be a significant cost for activating this #1 ranked DXCC entity.
In the next few weeks, we be working with USFWS and as details firm up, we will issue periodic press releases. Check our webpage www.kp1-5.com for more details of the operation and how you may financially support this DXpedition.

The KP1-5 Project team has committed to fund 50% of the total costs. We are hopeful the DX community at large will fund the remainder  for The KP1-5 Project,
   Bob Allphin, K4UEE, President
   Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, Vice-President
   Mike Thomas, NA5U, Secretary"

  Added Notes:
 * OPDX was informed that the callsign they will use on the island will be "K1N".

 * Press Release: "INDEXA Supports Navassa Island DXpedition

Hello fellow DXers and INDEXA Members:
     INDEXA is pleased to announce that we are generously supporting the just announced major DXpedition to Navassa Island, KP1. The official team announcement says this will occur in January, 2015. The DXpedition call will be announced later. Navassa Island is currently ranked #2 on
   the DX Magazine's "Most Wanted List".
     The Navassa Island DXpedition Team leader is Bob Allphin, K4UEE, and he has assembled an extraordinary team of DXpeditioners with the know-how to plan, implement and activate the rarest of the rare DX entities.
The team includes AA7JV, HA7RY, K0IR, K4UEE, K5AC, K9CT, N2TU, N4GRN, NA5U,
   NM1Y, VE7CT, W0GJ, W6IZT, and WB9Z.
     INDEXA is the first DXpedition support group to announce financial support for this DXpedition. This support is possible because of your membership in INDEXA and the many prior donations. Interestingly, over half of the DXpedition team is made up of INDEXA officers, directors and members. INDEXA has provided support that is over and above what is customary; so if you would like to help replenish our reserves you might  consider an additional contribution via the web page
   www.indexa.org.
     This DXpedition should provide many of you with an all-time new DXCC entity as well as new band/mode countries for various ARRL, CQ and IOTA awards.
     Regards,
      Gary Dixon, K4MQG   - INDEXA President
      John Scott, K8YC    - VP-Newsletter Editor
      Dick Williams, W3OA - Secretary-Treasurer"
(OPDX 1186)