Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Blog Logs-April 2026

 


                              Proving once again … that shortwave is not DEAD!

Welcome to the April 2026 issue of Blog Logs. Thank you for your emails, logging contributions, and following my latest daily tweets on X at: Shortwave Central (Gayle Van Horn W4GVH@QSLRptMT

Have you subscribed to the Shortwave Central YouTube channel? You will find a vast selection 
of videos and audio airchecks, and the Playlist is growing! Join your fellow radio enthusiasts at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShortwaveCentral 

The Shortwave Central blog brings you the latest from the ever-changing realm of radio. Additional radio information is covered in my Bits & Bytes monthly column in The Spectrum Monitor e-zine at: https://www.thespectrummonitor.com/

Languages as indicated
// denotes station heard on a parallel frequency
*Sign-on Sign-Off*/ frequencies in kHz
Monitoring  January 1-27, 2026   

UTC, frequencies kHz 

Shortwave
Algeria
15140, Ifrikya FM 0811-0849. African music to ID “Ifrikya FM, la voix Africaine.” French comments // 17600. SINPO 35433 (Manuel Méndez, Spain/BDXC).Website: https://ifrikyafm.com/ 

Ascension Island
21630, BBC World Service. Hausa service to West Africa 1410-1415. Comments about Africa, with focus on Burkina Faso and Nigeria. (Rudolf Grimm, Brazil). www.bbc.com 

Bolivia
3310, Radio Mosoj Chaski, Cotapachi 0122-0127. Quechua program comments and programming. SINPO 15421 (Méndez) Website: https://mosojchaski.org/en/ 

Brazil (Portuguese)
5939.4 Voz Missionaria, Camboriú 0549-0646. Religious programming of songs and text. SINPO 23422 (Méndez)

6010, Rádio Inconfidência, Belo Horizonte, 2102-2118. Live soccer commentary // 15189.8 SINPO 15422  (Méndez).Website: https://youtu.be/noYa-XnXBFg

6150, Rádio Saturno, Belo Horizonte, 0558. Brazilian songs to announcer’s comments. Station ID  “Rádio Saturno.” SINPO 15422 ((Méndez).

6180, Rádio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia, 2038-2104. Brazilian songs to comments; // 11780. Also heard 0733-0747, SINPO 25422 ((Méndez).
9818.9 Rádio 9 de Julho 212202137. Religious programming with excessive interference from China’s CNR on 9820. SINPO 32432 ((Méndez)
15189,77, 

China
11810, CNR-8 Minorities Radio, Beijing. Mongolian text to Mongolian-speaking Chinese listeners in China. (Grimm).

Clandestine
Uzbekistan
9610 Free North Korea via Tashkent relay. Korean service 2010-2018 with commentaries. (Grimm).

Colombia
6010, La Voz de tu Conciencia, Puerto Lleras. Spanish religious format from 0600 tune-in. Signal fair, and heard frequently via SW Central Kiwi SDR via Louisiana. (Van Horn).

Denmark
25800, World Music Radio, Marslet 1118-1139. Pop music tunes to Latin American music variety. “World Music Radio” identification, heard on // 15700. SINPO 25422 (Méndez).

Ecuador
6050, HCJB/Voice of Andes, Pico Pichincha. Spanish religious programming 0425-0500, including vocal hymns. Frequent reception using southern-oriented Shortwave Central Kwi from Louisiana. (Sam Wight, MS).YT video from 28 May, 2025 https://youtu.be/Oh4BjQEQn60



France
11995, Radio France International via Issoudun, France at 2008-2015. French service to West Africa, with two announcers’ texts and music (Grimm).Hausa service 1630 on 21580 (Sam Wright, MS).

Germany
15460, AWR relay via Nauen. Oromo service with multilingual ID’s to a musical interlude. Station contact/website info. Religious tunes and Oromo religious text format. YT video https://youtu.be/QShZyT00pwI (Van Horn, LA).

15310, Bible Voice relay via Nauen. Kunama text to East Africa (Eritrea); 1705-1715. Discussion by male announcer, instrumental African style music (Grimm). Website: https://www.bvbroadcasting.org/ 

Guam
15360 AWR via Agat. Pashto service to South Asia, airing Christian sermons and religious. Also heard on 17755 in Lisu with Southeast Asia at 1341-1352. (Grimm). Website: www.awr.org 

9610 AWR via Agat. Mandarin service 1220-1240. Religious program format with fair signal quality. (Ben Clement, OR)

India
11900, AIR Akashvani (External Service via Bangalore). English service to Europe at 2001 to 2020. Newscast and comments covering India. (Grimm). 15410 in Nepali with poor signal 0310-0315 (Clement).

Luxembourg
6140, Radio Onda, Junglinster. 1830-1855. French comments from DJ format with US and Euro pop vocals in English and French. SINPO 43333. 6140, Radio Augusta via Radio Onda from 1900 with a similar program format and English ID as “Radio Augusta. “  Also noted Radio Gloria on 6140 via Radio Onda relay with 0700 sign-on.(Frank Hilton, SC)

Madagascar
6065, AWR relay via Talata-Volonodry in Malagasy. Sign on with a brief station item into a religious text. Gospel hymn to announcer’s station information and additional vocal chorus.YT video: https://youtu.be/EsCLjqIUFHg (Van Horn, LA). 

13790, BBC World Service relay via Talata-Volonodry. French service to Central Africa at 1802 to 1807. News bulletin and announcer’s comments. (Grimm).

17700, Trans World Radio relay via Talata-Volonodry. English programming to South Asia at 1438-1446. Seasonal programming to 1446 interval signal and TWR Hindi service (Grimm).Website: www.twr.org 

México
6185, Radio Educación, Ciudad De México. Spanish programming 1130-1200, including classical music selections interspersed with announcer’s comments. Additional checks 0300-0830 with a similar format. (Van Horn, LA/Airspy SDR).

Mongolia
12085, Voice of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. Sign-on 0900 with station’s interval signal  and opening for English service, “welcome to the Voice of Mongolia in English.” Regional style music to national newscast and announcer’s comments. (Méndez).

Netherlands
6130, Radio Europe, Alphen. English programming observed 0515-0530, including rock music to Euro pops. Several ID breaks between music. NLD Twente SDR (Pearson).

Oman
12095, BBC World Service relay via Al’Seela. Oromo service to East Africa at 1723-1801. News bulletin to brief on orchestral music. (Grimm).

Peru
4775, Radio Tarma at 1045-1055. Regional Peruvian music to male announcer’s Spanish announcements. Signal fair-poor from tune-in. (Wright).



Philippines
9400, FEBC Radio Liangyou 1 via Iba at 1345. Presumed as Mandarin service with religious format. (Pearson). Website: www.febc.org 
9925, Radyo Pilipinas in Filipino to the Middle East – 2023-2029. Announcer duo’s talk, music tunes, and announcements (Grimm).
9310, Voice of America relay in Korean at 1550. Good signal for commentary format. (Pearson).
11600, FEBC Manila, Iba. Noted 1415-1430. Fair-poor signal for Mandarin service with religious format.. Bocaue location at 1640 with Burmese programming. (Clement).

USA
7370, KNLS Anchor Point, AK*0800-0813. Chinese programming. SINPO 15421 (Méndez).

15555 USB, WJHR Milton, FL 2036-2045. Religious programming includes scriptures. Station is operated by Bro. Scott Mock with gospel programming heard globally. YouTube video: 
https://youtu.be/jpZLA3LaHHk (Van Horn, LA/AirSpy, LA SDR)

17525, WMLK Bethel, PA, 1830-1930. Archived biblical teachings from Elder Jacob O’Meyer.. SINPO 44444. (Wright). Website: https://wmlkradio.com/

9930, WTWW Lebanon, TN 1658-1710. Archived audio from Dr. Gene Scott. YT video: 
https://youtu.be/0jjl3Yve03g (Van Horn, LA/AirSpy LA). 

Vanuatu
7260, Radio Vanuatu *0558 sign-on in English with station ID. Bislama news and announcer’s PSA format. Regional music format to U.S. pop vocals. Bislama noted on 9960 at 0505. YT video of Radio Vanuatu Nov. 19, 2025 at: https://youtu.be/kP_0d3UgKSk 

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Monday, March 30, 2026

Jen's Eclectic Views & Real Deal audio available for March 29th

 



No worries if you missed it .... Jen's Eclectic Views & Real Deal audio is available for the March 29th program


For your listening and downloading: 

Here's this week's Cast Link




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Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2026 Mar 30 0230 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 - 29 March 2026


Solar activity reached moderate levels on 26 and 28 Mar with low levels observed on 23-25, 27, and 29 Mar. 

Region 4405 (N26, L=178, class/area=Ehi/330 on 28 Mar) was the most active of the period, producing nine C-class flares and a long-duration M1.3 flare at 28/0416 UTC that was accompanied by a Type II radio sweep (estimated velocity 868 km/s) and a CME first seen in LASCO C2 imagery at 28/0336 UTC. Region 4403 (N16, L=206, class/area=Hsx/120 on 28 Mar) was responsible for the most powerful event of the period, an M3.9/1n flare at 26/0623 UTC, which was associated with a Type II radio sweep (estimated velocity 607 km/s), a 1,600 sfu radio burst at 245 MHz, and a CME first visible in LASCO C2 imagery at 26/0648 UTC. Neither CME was determined to have an Earth-directed component. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels throughout the period 23-29 Mar with peak of 12,800 pfu observed at 27/1515 UTC. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) storm levels. G1 storm conditions were observed 23 Mar due to the negative polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (-CH HSS) influences. Active levels were observed on 24 Mar under the continuing -CH HSS. On 25 Mar, G1 storming levels were reached again; while residual -CH HSS effects were present, the activity was primarily driven by the arrival of a CME likely associated with a filament eruption on 22 Mar. Conditions waned to unsettled levels on 26 Mar and quiet levels on 27 Mar as HSS influences subsided. Activity remained quiet to unsettled on 28 Mar. On 29 Mar, the field returned to active levels preceding a solar sector boundary crossing (SSBC) and the onset of a positive polarity CH HSS (+CH HSS). 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 March - 25 April 2026

Solar activity is expected to be is expected to be at low levels, with a varying chance for M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) flares through 25 Apr. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit, barring any significant, non-recurrent solar activity. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 30-31 Mar, 04-09 Apr, 11-16 Apr, and 18-25 Apr. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected to prevail throughout the remainder of the period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 30 March due to the influence of a positive polarity CH HSS (+CH HSS). Periods of G1 storming are likely on 04 April in response to a negative polarity CH HSS (-CH HSS). Further G1 storm periods are anticipated on 09 and 11 Apr,
with likely G2 (Moderate) storm levels on 10 April, due to + CH HSS influences. The field is expected to reach G2 storm levels again on 18 Apr, followed by G1 storm periods on 19 Apr, due to -CH HSS influences. Unsettled to active conditions are likely during the onset and waning phases of these streams. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2026 Mar 30 0230 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPweb C contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2026-03-30
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2026 Mar 30     155          22          5
2026 Mar 31     152          12          4
2026 Apr 01     155           8          3
2026 Apr 02     155           5          2
2026 Apr 03     150          18          4
2026 Apr 04     145          22          5
2026 Apr 05     145          10          3
2026 Apr 06     135          15          4
2026 Apr 07     125           8          3
2026 Apr 08     118           7          2
2026 Apr 09     120          25          5
2026 Apr 10     110          40          6
2026 Apr 11     112          20          5
2026 Apr 12     115          12          4
2026 Apr 13     115           8          3
2026 Apr 14     110           7          2
2026 Apr 15     115           5          2
2026 Apr 16     115           4          2
2026 Apr 17     120           7          2
2026 Apr 18     122          48          6
2026 Apr 19     124          22          5
2026 Apr 20     130          12          4
2026 Apr 21     140          12          4
2026 Apr 22     150           8          3
2026 Apr 23     155           5          2
2026 Apr 24     160           8          3
2026 Apr 25     155          15          4
(NOAA)
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Saturday, March 28, 2026

Selected A-26 Summer Shortwave Schedules March 29 - 26 October 2026

 

Adventist World Radio

Alaska/Madagascar - World Christian Broadcasting

Bible Voice Broadcasting

Eswatini, TWR Africa (English)
(UTC/kHz)
1802-1832 (Sun) 9500 to East Africa
Mediumwave to Southern Africa
1800-1850 (Sat) 1170
1830-1932 (Sun) 1170 English/Zulu
1830-1921 (Mon-Fri) 1170
1951-2051 (Mon-Fri) 1170
(TWR)

Germany-Media Broadcast

India-Akashvani

New Zealand-RNZ Pacific

Radio Romania International - English

Spain, Radio Exterior España 

Vatican Radio (English)
(UTC/kHz/Target Areas)
0630-0645 (Sat News) 15595 (Europe/Mediterranean)
1130-1200 Fri Mass) 15595, 17790 (Asia)
1615-1630 (Daily News) 15596 (Europe/Mediterranean)
1630-1700 (Daily) 13830, 15565 (Africa)
2000-2030 (Daily) 9705, 11870 (Africa)
(VR)

Voice of Turkey
(VOT)
(R Pearson, FL)
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Jen's Eclectic & Real Deal, slated for March 29 program


Don't forget to tune in on March 29th  - 'be there or be square'   !!

18:00 - 22:00 UTC


For contact pleasure.


Jen In The Rad.


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Friday, March 27, 2026

CARN ready for Saturday program

 



Don't miss it ..... fans of Jen & GB's Calling All Radio Nutzz program !

Saturday, March 28

18:00 -2100 UTC on Unique

CARN Calling all Radio-Nutzz.

It's Time for the March edition of the CARN Show, this time with GB's 40 meter antenna experiments, recordings of recent Ham Radio DXpeditions, and Archive recordings of exotic tropical band stations from the 60s & 70s. 


For contact pleasure.


The Bands Are Alive !!

Jen & GB

33'' & 73'' 

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U.K. Propagation Update

 


RSGB
By RadCom Assistant Editor
March 27, 2026

After last weekend’s HF disruption, the latter half of the week was fairly settled.

Last weekend, the Kp index rose to 7, sparking visible aurora around the UK. The disruption continued, on and off, until Tuesday, 24 March, when the Kp index fell below 3 again.

The disruption was caused by a solar wind stream that had a Bz pointing south and reached speeds of more than 600km/second. The south-pointing Bz meant it was more easily coupled with the Earth’s magnetic field, hence the disruption.

Meanwhile, the solar flux index has picked up, rising from being in the 100s to hit 140 on Thursday, 26 March.

This, combined with a lower Kp index, has helped the ionosphere and we saw better maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path later in the week.

But the threat of more geomagnetic disturbances has not gone away. Two large coronal holes are now Earth-facing and threaten to push the Kp index up once again.

NOAA predicts that the Kp index could rise to 4 on Monday, 30 March, and 5 on Friday and Saturday, 3-4 April.

The solar flux index is predicted to fall into the 130s and 120s again during the coming week, although this is still enough to provide good ionospheric propagation.

This may be your last chance to work the CY0S Sable Island DXpedition off the coast of Nova Scotia, which ends around Tuesday. 31 March.

Other DX stations to work this week include S21WD in Bangladesh, OX3LX in Greenland, CE0Y/DJ4EL on Easter Island, YJ1JXZ in Vanuatu, XX9W in Macao, T31TTT on Kanton Island and V4/SP9FIH from St. Kitts.

To recap, March and April are good months for North-South HF propagation, although we may see MUFs fall slightly with 10m band openings becoming rarer, at least until the Sporadic-E season starts in May.

VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO:

The current period of rather more changeable weather will continue to be the main weather pattern during the rest of the month.

However, with a large area of high pressure to the west of the UK, there will be times when the weather feels more settled and possibly with a hint of tropo briefly just before midweek.

For the rest of the time, active weather fronts will bring occasional bands of rain or showers with the possibility of some rain scatter for GHz operators.

Spring is always a good time to keep an eye on aurora since the geomagnetic disturbances are more likely around the equinox.

The Kp index, which describes the state of the Earth’s magnetic field, increases at times of potential aurora. So remember that once the Kp index gets above 5, it’s worth monitoring the bands for signs of fluttery or raspy signals.

Meteor scatter is still under the influence of random activity. As we head into April, we are getting closer to the next important meteor shower, the Lyrids, toward the end of the month.

Sporadic-E is currently in a dormant state so we are not expecting that to feature much in reports for another month. However, if you feel the need to check, use the comprehensive 10m beacons distributed around Europe to see the state of the upper HF bands for early signs of Sporadic-E propagation.

Last week was a busy one for EME with the Dubus 5.7GHz activity and the
CY0 and T7 DXpeditions are being worked by many.

Moon declination starts the weekend high, dropping to negative on Tuesday, while path losses continue to increase towards apogee on Tuesday, 7 April. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.

(Mike Terry, UK/BDXC)

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Monday, March 23, 2026

Radio in Antarctica Part 2 – The Antarctic Landmass

 Thank you to the wavescan staff for sharing Part 2 of Radio in Antarctica

Jeff: Last week, Ray Robinson began a look at early wireless and radio transmissions from some of the islands in the Antarctic region.  Today, he moves on to the ice continent itself, which actually has a surprising amount of broadcasting activity.  Ray . . . 

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  When it comes to the Antarctic landmass itself – what everyone generally considers to be “Antarctica” – all telecommunications and radio services are provided by the countries that have established research stations there, and by commercial satellite and mobile phone operators who have been given licenses by those countries.  There are no undersea cables connecting the continent to the outside world, so all intercontinental communication is accomplished by terrestrial or satellite radio.

Probably the most well-known station in Antarctica is the one that can be heard on shortwave – Argentina’s LRA 36, Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel at the Argentinian ‘Esperanza Base’ (or Hope Base in English).

Argentinian Esperanza Base

LRA 36 was first established in 1979, and began broadcasting on October 20th of that year with a 2 kW transmitter on 15476 kHz.  Here’s one of their local ID’s:

 To hear the audio clip of LRA36 Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel - ID - LRA36 onda corta, go to: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/wavescan


Esperanza Base has a year-round population of 60, 4 of whom are responsible for operating the radio station.  In the 1990’s, an FM transmitter was added on 96.7 MHz with 500 watts for the local base area, and the station does produce its own news programming.

The original shortwave transmitter became unserviceable in 2023, and a campaign was launched to raise funds for a replacement unit.  This was successful, and a new 10 kW transmitter was deployed in 2024.  Radio Nacional stated at the time that this would significantly improve the station's coverage and signal quality, maintain its international reach, and promote the work of the Armed Forces and scientific personnel at Argentina's Antarctic base.

Radio LRA 36 is a sought-after shortwave station worldwide.  It’s the only publicly operated station broadcasting from Antarctica on shortwave – still on 15476 kHz, and it’s listed in the 2026 edition of the World Radio Television Handbook with one 3-hour transmission weekly, in Spanish from 1200-1500 UTC on Fridays, although that’s variable due to weather conditions.  The FM transmitter operates 24x7.  The station is known for its unique role in promoting Argentine culture, the work of the Armed Forces in the Antarctic, scientific research, and Argentina's historical claim to their Antarctic territory.  And currently, the station is being run by four women.

Moving on from the Argentinian base, Chile also has a base in Antarctica called Villa las Estrellas (or, Star Town), and operates a station there call Radio Soberania on 90.5 MHz FM with 100 watts.

Then there’s New Zealand, which operates Scott Base, with its radio station ‘Scott97FM’ on 97.0 MHz with 25 watts.  This is a volunteer-run station which provides news and entertainment for the Scott Base personnel, and also nicely covers the ice highway which links Scott Base with its neighbor, the American McMurdo Station.


McMurdo Station

The largest presence in Antarctica by far is that of the United States, which operates two year-round National Science Foundation bases – the McMurdo Station, which was first established in the Ross Archipelago south of New Zealand in December 1955, and the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, which as you might imagine is right at the center of the continent, at the geographic South Pole.  In the Antarctic winter, the population drops to as low as two hundred, but during the summer, there can be anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 people at the U.S. bases, including at several seasonal field camps.  The currency used at the American bases is the U.S. Dollar, but they operate on New Zealand Standard Time.

The original radio station at McMurdo was established in 1963, under the callsign KMSA.  It broadcast on 600 kHz AM with 50 watts.  By 1971, the callsign had changed to WASA, which stood for West Antarctic Support Activities, and in 1975, it was renamed again as AFAN – the American Forces Antarctic Network.  Originally, the station was located in a building shared by stores, a barbershop and a bar, and it aired tapes which were changed a few times a year.

From 1974 until 1991, the station also operated a 1 kW shortwave transmitter on 6012 kHz, primarily to provide service to other U.S. bases including the Amundsen-Scott one at the south pole.  But in spite of its modest power output, this station was received and reported by DXers in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.  And in 1975, a 50 watt FM transmitter was added on 100.1 MHz.

Since the early 2000’s, there have been three radio stations at McMurdo.  The original radio station is now known as ICE 104.5 FM, and is detached from AFAN as an independent station run by about 30 civilian volunteers.  A second station, McMurdo Sound on 93.9, relays AFN radio programming received via satellite.  With 30 watts on 93.9 and 50 watts on 104.5, these two stations also cover the nearby New Zealand Scott Base.  And a third lower-powered station is available on 88.7 although its status is unclear – some would call it a pirate radio station, but the FCC in Washington doesn’t actually have jurisdiction over the McMurdo airwaves, and 88.7 just happens to be one of the low power FM frequencies permitted by New Zealand's radio regulatory authorities as one where no license is needed to operate with less than half a watt of power, or up to 500 milliwatts, which is more than enough to cover the few blocks of downtown 'Mactown'.

On the air at ICE FM


These stations claim to be the most remote radio stations in the world.  Because Internet bandwidth is limited and is mostly reserved for scientific purposes, the radio stations are a very important local source of news and entertainment.  And these are no slouches in the broadcasting world – they have a library of over 12,000 vinyl LP’s, many of which came from AFVN Saigon after that station closed in March 1973, plus over 38,000 digital tracks.

So, while cruising around the McMurdo and Scott Base area, now there is a choice of four stations on your FM dial, which is more than can be found in many small communities of comparable size in either New Zealand or the United States.  And further, three of them are ‘live and local’!  But, you won’t find any of them webstreaming, due to the bandwidth restrictions I just mentioned.  There IS another ICE FM but be careful – it’s in Reykjavik, Iceland, so don’t get confused with that one.

Now, we don’t often mention television, but today I will for the sake of completeness.  McMurdo Station set up the first television station in Antarctica, AFAN-TV, which started broadcasting on November 9, 1973.  Its programming, under the control of the US armed forces, consisted largely of American programs and interviews with visitors and scientists on the base, as well as a daily news and weather service.  The station was profiled in a May 1975 TV Guide article.  At the time, the station broadcast only in the summer months, known by staff as "the season" (November to February), the only season when Antarctica was (at the time) open to aircraft.  It was initially a black and white operation, using a 100-watt transmitter, which enabled relays to Scott Base and Williams Field.  The average audience at the time was about 30 to 40 viewers, some programming drew in viewers by the hundreds, such as taped NFL broadcasts, Sesame Street (despite the lack of children on the base) and, one Sunday in the 1974-75 season, a 5½ hour Star Trek marathon.  In 1990, AFAN installed a cable TV system on the base, initially only with three channels – AFN Prime on channel 2, NewSports on channel 11, and Spectrum on channel 13.  Today, over 200 channels are relayed from satellite.

And that wraps up our review of broadcasting, in and from the ice world of Antarctica.

Back to you, Jeff.
(Ray Robinson/Jeff White/Wavescan)







 

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Jen's Eclectic & Real Deal, March 22 audio now available

 

Jen's Eclectic Views & Real Deal, from March 22, is now available for YOU - to listen to or download. 
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Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2026 Mar 23 0245 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 16 - 22 March 2026


Solar activity reached moderate levels on 16-18 Mar, with low levels observed on 19-22 Mar. Region 4392 (S16, L=018, class/area=Csi/200 on 17 Mar) produced most of the flare activity observed throughout
the week, including three M-flares (R1-Minor). AR4392 produced an M2.7 flare at 16/1215 UTC with accompanying Type-II (est. 1,227 km/s), Type-IV, and Tenflare (380 sfu) emissions. The subsequent
asymmetric halo CME, first observed in LASCO C2 imagery at 16/1236 UTC, arrived at Earth on 20 Mar. AR4392 produced another M2.7 flare at 18/0842 UTC with accompanying Type-II (est. 860 km/s) and
Tenflare (229 sfu) emissions. The associated CME, first visible in LASCO C2 imagery at 18/0936 UTC, arrived simultaneously with the 16 Mar CME on 20 Mar. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 16-20 and 22 Mar. Normal to moderate levels were observed on 21 Mar following a period of an elevated geomagnetic field
activity. 

Geomagnetic field activity reached G1-G3 (Minor-Strong) geomagnetic storm levels on 20-22 Mar, following the arrival of multiple CMEs  (that left the Sun on 16 and 18 Mar) on 20 Mar. The remainder of the
period was at quiet and quiet to unsettled levels under ambient solar wind conditions. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 March - 18 April 2026

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels with a varying chance for M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) flares through 18 Apr. 

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 reach high levels on 23-25, 27-28, 30-31 Mar and 04-09, 11-15 Apr. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected to prevail
throughout the remainder of the period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels on 23 Mar due to negative polarity CH HSS influences. Periods of G1 (Minor) storming are
likely on 03-04 Apr in response to negative polarity CH HSS influences. Periods of G1 (Minor) storming are likely on 09 and 11 Apr, with G2 (Moderate) storm periods likely on 10 Apr, due to
positive polarity CH HSS influences. G2 (Moderate) storm periods are likely again on 18 Apr following the onset of negative polarity CH HSS influences. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2026 Mar 23 0245 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
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2026-03-23
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2026 Mar 23     120          34          6
2026 Mar 24     120          14          3
2026 Mar 25     122          12          3
2026 Mar 26     125          12          3
2026 Mar 27     130           8          3
2026 Mar 28     130           5          2
2026 Mar 29     128           8          3
2026 Mar 30     125          15          4
2026 Mar 31     125          10          3
2026 Apr 01     130           5          2
2026 Apr 02     120           5          2
2026 Apr 03     120          18          5
2026 Apr 04     115          24          5
2026 Apr 05     110          10          3
2026 Apr 06     120          15          4
2026 Apr 07     120           8          3
2026 Apr 08     118           7          2
2026 Apr 09     120          25          5
2026 Apr 10     110          40          6
2026 Apr 11     112          20          5
2026 Apr 12     115          12          3
2026 Apr 13     115           8          3
2026 Apr 14     110           7          2
2026 Apr 15     115           5          2
2026 Apr 16     115           4          2
2026 Apr 17     120           7          2
2026 Apr 18     122          48          6
(NOAA)
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Sunday, March 22, 2026

Encore classical music from Radio Tumbril

 
Dear Listener

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
02:00 - 03:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east 


coast of 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 programmes.
An email link.
Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL cards are welcome.

PLEASE MAKE A PAYPAL DONATION AND HELP 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 130 Dollars/Euros a month to broadcast.
If you can - please send a small contribution to help Encore keep going.

THIS FORTNIGHT'S PROGRAMME - First broadcast on FRIDAY 20th March by WRMI at 0200 UTC on 5850, and 2000 UTC on 15770 and then Channel 292 on SATURDAY 21st March 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.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - www.tumbril.co.uk
GMØTLY
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U.K. Propagation Update


RSGB
RadCom Assistant Editor | March 20, 2026
Last weekend’s Commonwealth Contest got off to a bad start, thanks to a Kp index of 6 that really affected the ionosphere.
As a result, HF conditions were not good with the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path below 21MHz until 1700UTC. Luckily, things improved a little on Sunday but overall scores were down compared with previous events.
The Kp index increase was due to a coronal hole stream which reached 600 to 700km/second and a Bz that pointed south. The equinox period hasn’t helped due to the Russell-McPherron effect, a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s magnetic field aligns with the Sun’s magnetic field during equinoxes, creating ‘cracks’ in the magnetosphere.
Otherwise, the week has been unremarkable. The solar flux index has remained firmly in the 110s and there have been no X-class solar flares, only a few M and lesser C-class events.
Next week, HF propagation may be dominated again by the solar wind. Coronal hole number 33 will begin to face Earth and a high-speed stream was predicted to reach us this weekend, ending today, 22 March. A coronal mass ejection was also predicted to arrive around Thursday, 19 March.
NOAA predicts the Kp index will rise to 5 this weekend and not decline to 3 until 26 March. Meanwhile, the solar flux is predicted to remain in the 105 to 120 range until 27 March. It may then increase slightly to be in the 120s until the end of the month.
As a result, expect lower maximum usable frequencies and poorer HF conditions until around next Thursday and Friday, 26-27 March.
VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO:
The high pressure that developed during the second half of last week formed on the warmer side of the front and as a result produced slightly better tropo conditions than looked possible the previous week.
The weather is probably going to try to change to a colder air high in the coming week, so expect conditions to decline. However, that’s not the only reason for a decline.
As the main high centre displaces west of Britain, we will find a colder and unsettled west or northwesterly pattern affecting the UK next week. So less tropo, but more chance of some rain scatter for the upper GHz bands.
Meteor scatter remains in the random activity domain, although we are edging closer to the next major shower of the late April Lyrids.
It’s not to say that exciting things can’t happen, however. Just after a HamSCI workshop on the subject of meteor scatter last weekend, a multi-ton meteoroid was reported from Cleveland, Ohio, on the HamSCI Google groups at around 1300UTC on 17 March.
This produced a sonic boom and was visible in broad daylight.
All is quiet on the Sporadic-E front, although we are slowly moving towards a period when the first glimmers of activity show themselves, particularly on digital modes.
Lastly, a comment on the chances of aurora. These are usually enhanced due to solar-terrestrial alignment around the equinoxes and with two coronal mass ejections predicted to arrive at the tail end of last week, ending today, 22 March. As usual, check for an increasing Kp index above 5.
For EME, yesterday saw the 5.7GHz section of the Dubus CW and SSB EME contest and associated all-mode activity weekend.
With Moon declination positive and rising, and path losses still low, it hopefully produced some nice contacts.
On VHF, 144MHz sky noise is low in the coming week.
https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2026/03/20/propagation-news-15-march-2026-2/
(Mike Terry, UK/BDXC) 

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Thursday, March 19, 2026

Uncle Bill's Melting Pot, March 2026

 


Uncle Bill's Melting Pot March 2026 
We are going to feature music from Ghana, including a tribute to the memory of Ebo Taylor.  
Friday, March 20, 2026, :3955 kHz, 1700 CET (1600 UTC), repeat 2300 CET (2200 UTC) 
 
Our eQSL policy includes recognizing reports from remote SDRs as long as the entire program is reported and the location of both the remote SDR and the listener is included.  Shorter reports will get a short note of thanks instead. 
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer 
Tilford Productions, LLC

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