Monday, June 05, 2023

Revised schedule for Radio Vanuatu


 
Radio Vanuatu
Schedule listed for June 2023
All times UTC
0000-0100  7260
0100-0200  7260
0200-0300  7260
0300-0400  7260
0400-0500  7260
0500-0600  7260
0600-0700  7260
0700-0800  3945
0800-0900  3945
0900-1000  3945
1000-1100  3945
1100-1200  3945 (may close at 1100)
1200-1300  3945
1900-2000  3945
2000-2100  7260
2100-2200  7260
2200-2300  7260
2300-0000  7260
(BDXC/June 2023)

Additional observations which differ from the above schedule as:
1830-1958  3945
1959-0758  7260
0759-1100  3945
(BDXC)

Radio Six International anniversary broadcasts on 6 June

 

On 6th June 1963, four schoolchildren gathered in the attic of a house on the Ardrossan seafront in Ayrshire to launch their very own radio station. Cobbled together with tins, clockwork gramophones, and lots of wire, the opening day’s programmes were line fed to a radio receiver two floors down. But it was a start and, against the odds, the station survived in a variety of forms and today can be heard 24/7 on the internet. With listeners in 208 countries, and both daily direct FM and regular shortwave rebroadcasts as well as a network of 30 affiliate AM, FM and Digital stations around the world, radio six international is a force to be reckoned with.

Programming is largely unsigned and indie performers worldwide, while at weekends a team of some 30 seasoned professionals provide specialist music programming. The station is now based in a purpose-built headquarters on the Inner Hebridean island of Lismore, a tiny island sandwiched between Oban on the mainland and the much bigger island of Mull to the west.

To celebrate the station’s 60th anniversary on 6 June 2023, a day of original programmes from all the current station presenters will be broadcast, with the entire 24 hours carried on 9670 kHz in the 31-metre band from Röhrbach in Germany, as well as from FM transmitters in New Zealand on 88.2 and 107.6 MHz between 00:00 and 23:59 GMT.

And as well as the streaming at http://www.radiosix.com (Alexa, “play radio six international”) the two hour live special programme “Sixty Swinging Years” hosted by Tony Currie will air on 1323 kHz from the Nexus-IBA transmitter in Milan, Italy between 19:00 and 21:00 GMT.

A special QSL card will be issued for the occasion and reception reports are encouraged. They can be sent during the broadcast (with probable mentions on air) to: letters@radiosix.com
For further details contact: Tony Currie (Director of Programmes)
tony@radiosix.com Tel: +44 1631 760 100
Radio Six International, The Studio, Port Ramsay, Isle of Lismore, Argyll, PA34 5UN, Scotland
(BDXC Communications)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

: Issued: 2023 Jun 05 0151 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 29 May - 04 June 2023

Solar activity was high. There were a total of seven M-class flares during the period. The largest event was an M4.2/Sf flare (R1-Minor) from Region 3323 (S07, L=100, class/area = Ehi/320 on 04 June).
Regions 3310 (S20, L=284, class/area = Cho/480 on 24 May), 3315 (S16, L=233, class/area = Ekc/630 on 29 May), 3319 (S19, L=199, class/area = Dhi/300 on 31 May), and 3324 (N15, L=159, class/area = Bxo/20 on 02 June) also produced M-class flaring below the M5 level. The remaining numbered active regions on the visible disk were either quiet or only produced C-class events. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached moderate levels each day of the highlight period. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to active levels. Active levels were reached on 01 and 04 June, with unsettled conditions observed on 31 May as a result of recurrent CH HSS
influence. Quiet levels were reported for the remainder of the period. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 05 June - 01 July 2023

Solar activity is likely to be at low to moderate levels (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) throughout the outlook period, due to several complex regions currently on the visible disk and the anticipated return of several regions that have produced moderate-level activity currently on the far side of the Sun. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 05-10 and 19-24 June in response to elevated wind speeds from multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. The remainder of the outlook period is anticipated to be at moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels. G1 conditions are likely on 18 June; active levels are likely on 12,19-20, and 28 June; unsettled conditions are likely on 05-06, 11, 13, 21, 27 June, and 01 July due to recurrent CH HSS influence. Quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
: Issued: 2023 Jun 05 0151 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 2023-06-05
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 Jun 05     160          12          3
2023 Jun 06     160           8          3
2023 Jun 07     160           5          2
2023 Jun 08     155           5          2
2023 Jun 09     150           5          2
2023 Jun 10     145           5          2
2023 Jun 11     140          10          3
2023 Jun 12     135          12          4
2023 Jun 13     140           8          3
2023 Jun 14     143           5          2
2023 Jun 15     145           5          2
2023 Jun 16     150           5          2
2023 Jun 17     155           5          2
2023 Jun 18     155          22          5
2023 Jun 19     155          15          4
2023 Jun 20     155          12          4
2023 Jun 21     160          10          3
2023 Jun 22     165           5          2
2023 Jun 23     170           5          2
2023 Jun 24     170           5          2
2023 Jun 25     170           5          2
2023 Jun 26     168           5          2
2023 Jun 27     165          10          3
2023 Jun 28     162          12          4
2023 Jun 29     160           5          2
2023 Jun 30     160           5          2
2023 Jul 01     160           8          3
(NOAA)

Thursday, June 01, 2023

Shortwave Radiogram schedules

 

Hello friends:

This weekend on Shortwave Radiogram, we will experiment with three flavors of MFSK: MFSK16 (60 wpm), MFSK32 (120 wpm) and MFSK64. We use MFSK32 and MFSK64 most weeks. MFSK16 is slow, but it is often successful in poor reception conditions.

Bad reception can actually be useful this weekend, because it allows us to test the limits of MFSK16. One caution about MFSK16 is that the audio frequency must be tuned precisely. Generally, the RSID will set your Fldigi or TIVAR/Andflmsg to the correct audio frequency. If that does not work, adjust the audio frequency until a successful decode is achieved.

In addition to comparing the text decoding performance of the three MFSK modes, we will also send the same image three times, once each in MFSK64, MFSK32 and MFSK16. You will notice that the image takes about the same amount of time to transmit in all the modes. The resolution of the images will differ, however:
MFSK64 will be the most crisp, but also susceptible to interference lines.
MFSK16 will be fuzzier but less degraded by interference.

Here is the image in "studio" quality ...

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 307, 1-6 June 2023, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:40 MFSK32: Program preview
 3:08 MFSK16: Batteries, EVs and the environment
 7:39 MFSK32: Batteries article continues
10:18 MFSK64: Batteries article continues
12:59 MFSK64: Image of Crimson Rosella (parrot)
14:40 MFSK32: Same image of Crimson Rosella
16:44 MFSK16: Same image of Crimson Rosella
19:16 MFSK64: This week's images
28:35 MFSK32: Closing announcements

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 297)  is provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net http://www.rhci-online.net/radiogram/SW_Radiogram_2023-05-26.htm
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Friday 0530-0600 7780 kHz WRMI Florida
Friday 1300-1330 15770 kHz WRMI Florida
Friday 1400-1430 15735 kHz DRM WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday 0230-0300 9265 kHz WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday 2300-2330 7570 kHz WRMI Florida
Monday 0800-0830 5850 kHz WRMI Florida
Tuesday 1430-1500 9955 kHz WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC has expanded its transmission schedule. Times are UTC, frequencies are kHz, all from WRMI Florida:
Sunday 0000-0100: Dave Mason 9455
Sunday 0100-0200: Eric van Willegen 9455
Sunday 0200-0300: Eric van Willegen 5850
Sunday 2100-2200: Dave Mason 5950
Sunday 2200-2300: Eric van Willegen 5950
Wednesday 1600-1700: Eric van Willegen 15770
Friday 1100-1200: Eric van Willegen 15770
Saturday 0200-0300: Dave Mason 5850
Saturday 0800-0900: Eric van Willegen 7780
A minute of MFSK64 is at about 30 minutes past the hour on at least some of the Eric van Willigen programs.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/. 

“This is a Music Show” Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK-64 text and image near the end of the broadcast.  It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0200-0300 UTC on 5850 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com  www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/    @ThisIsAMusicSho  https://thisisamusicshow.com

Pop Shop Radio from British Columbia, Canada, includes "a whole variety of pop music, such as records from the 1960s and 1970s that were played on Top-40 radio stations not only in North America but also on offshore radio and stations like Radio Luxembourg." The programs now include some MFSK text and an image. Website: popshopradio.ca. Twitter: @popshopradio1  Email: radiopopshop@gmail.com.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom 







Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Announcement for experimental license

 

According to Experimental News #8, the FCC has granted a license and construction permit to Amberwell LLC to transmit data in 15 frequency segments between 7490 and 14520 kHz with the experimental license WN2XKQ. 

Among the special conditions, WN2XKQ is not to cause interference with any existing service. Power will be 24kW and this experimental license will expire on March 1, 2025. 
Bill Smith, Douglas, MA

Guam's KSDA announces tower maintenance due to typhoon damage

 

During this A23 season (summer 2023) some towers on KSDA are on maintenance (two antennas are down), through the typhoon, and the other two antennas were damaged.

We could broadcast only with one antenna. We hope next weekend we can be on the air and run our regular schedule as it was before.

The latest monitored KSDA schedule is in

- Jose Jacob, India Official Monitor, AWR
(Mike Terry/BDXC)
(edited by Teak Publishing for clarity)

Update on TalkSport closures

 


Thanks to David Morris for confirming that the Bournemouth transmitter of TalkSport has now closed. I understand that the 4 transmitters which TalkSport has permission to close (all on 1053 kHz) should be switched off on or around today i.e. Dumfries (10 kW); Hull (1kW); Fern Barrow

(Bournemouth 1kW); Greenside Scalp (Dundee 1kW)

This still leaves 5 TalkSport transmitters on 1053 kHz including high power at Droitwich.
(Dave Kenny/BDXC)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Last transmission of Radio Angela

 

WBCQ's  Radio Angela, which began broadcasting a little over a year ago, was a bold experiment in quality programming.  It carried world music (including the last Greek music on shortwave after Greece itself stopped broadcasting on the sw bands), great literature read aloud, new music releases by independent artists, some of the best vintage music on any radio band, science, and comedy. It avoided the political and religious programming about which so many shortwave listeners love to complain but which are also the bread and butter that keeps most private shortwave stations alive. The production standards were frequently nearly public radio quality even when not sourced from public radio. We also brought several new voices from around the world onto the shortwave bands who had never been there before. 
It was known from day one that its long-term success would depend upon attracting an adequate amount of both listener contributions and program buyers outside of regular core hours.
 
Critically and artistically, Radio Angela was a great success, and many thanks to all who gave us public and/or private support of any kind.  Financially,  however, this has not proven to be viable.  The airtime buyers didn't come, and neither did enough donors.  Consequently, Radio Angela's last transmission as Radio Angela will be May 31 (June 1 0200-0412 UTC). 

Some individual programs are likely to continue in some form on the WBCQ grid, my own individual flagship programs (From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill's Melting Pot) will be going on hiatus for a least a month, possibly longer,  on both 5130 and 7490, and my other shows will be discontinued altogether.   This is a purely financial matter, and if we could find a nice wealthy philanthropist who loves shortwave, perhaps this wouldn't need to happen. 

This is hardly the first quality venture on radio or tv to end this way - Radio Angela had more weekly broadcasts than the original Outer Limits television series to name but one example and  the roads of radio generally are littered with the corpses of worthy broadcasting concepts and stillborn projects.  My thanks to Angela and Allan Weiner for going out on a limb and backing the project,  to all the content providers for their hard work and excellence, to the technical staff, some of whom are no longer with us, and to those of you who cared that we were on the air. 

Those who lament the religious and political programming that keep private shortwave stations alive are welcome to consider us a case study in what is likely to happen without those dollars.   I obviously lack the right answer, but I have learned a great deal about the right questions. 

73,  
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC
809 S. 20th ST
Lafayette, IN 47905-1551
email: bill@tilfordproductions.com
phone: 773.267.6548
website: www.tilfordproductions.com

LRA36 upcoming broadcast

 
LRA36 Antarctica is set to broadcast on Wednesday (May 31) and Saturday (June 2) at 1800 UTC on 15476 kHz.

BBC Radio 4 begins information campaign to transition listeners from Long Wave


Published: 11:30 am, 29 May 2023
Updated: 11:24 am, 28 May 2023
BBC Radio 4 begins an information campaign to transition listeners from Long Wave 

The BBC has begun an information campaign to help transition listeners of Radio 4 Long Wave (LW) to alternative BBC platforms. 

This follows the announcement in May 2022 that the BBC is to stop scheduling separate content for Radio 4 LW in anticipation of the closure of the LW platform, owned and operated by a third party, which is coming to the end of its life as a technology. 

Radio 4 LW is starting to run targeted on-air trails from today, giving listeners plenty of advance notice of the coming changes.   

All programmes on Radio 4 LW -  Shipping Forecast, Daily Service, Yesterday in Parliament and Test Match Special – will continue to be available on other BBC platforms. 

Digital listening has grown significantly over the past decade as the range of alternatives has become easier to switch to, and listeners are increasingly accessing content elsewhere on the BBC. The audiences for Radio 4 LW are small, but we know there are some who still tune in on LW for their favourite programmes. 

The BBC is working with key organisations so that specific audiences will be notified how they can switch to other BBC platforms to hear programmes between now and the end of Radio 4 LW separate scheduling in March 2024. 

The Shipping Forecast will cease to be broadcast four times a day, and will instead be available via the Radio 4 FM simulcast twice a day (weekdays) and three times a day (weekends) as well as on DAB and BBC Sounds. 

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2023 May 29 0142 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 22 - 28 May 2023

Solar activity was at low to moderate level. Region 3311 (N18, L=274, class/area=Eai/470 on 24 May) produced the strongest event of the period, an M3 (R1 - Minor) flare at 23/1213 UTC. Three other, smaller, M-class events were also produced by the region on 22 May and 24 May. Regions 3315 (S17, L=235, class/area=Ekc/800 on 28 May) and 3312 (S23, L=262, class/area=Cri/070 on 22 May) also produced M-class activity. The remaining 8 numbered active regions on the visible disk were either quiet or only produced C-class events during the reporting period. 

Other activity included Type II radio sweeps on 22, 23 and 27 May; however, none of the events were associated with ejecta that was suspected to be Earth-directed. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during the entire week due higher levels of geomagnetic activity followed by sustained elevated solar wind speeds. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels. G1 levels were observed on 22 May as transient influence transitioned in influence from a negative polarity CH HSS. As the HSS continued, active conditions on 23 May
further decreased to unsettled levels over 24-25 May. As solar wind speeds returned to nominal levels on 26-27 May, the geomagnetic field responded with quiet conditions. A minor increase to unsettled conditions was observed on 28 May following prolonged periods of southward Bz. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 29 May - 24 June 2023

Solar activity is likely to be at low to moderate levels (R1-R2 Minor-Moderate) throughout the outlook period due to several complex regions on the visible disk and the anticipated return of several regions that have produced moderate-level activity returning from the far side of the Sun. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to range from moderate to high levels. High levels are likely on 03-05 May, 04-10 Jun, and 19-24 Jun in response to elevated wind speeds from multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. The remainder
of the outlook, period is likely to be at moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions. G1 conditions are likely on 02 Jun and 18 Jun; active conditions are likely on 29 May, 03-04 Jun, and 19-20 Jun; unsettled conditions are likely on 30 May, 05-06 Jun, and 21 Jun. All elevated levels of geomagnetic field activity are a response to multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. Quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2023 May 29 0142 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 2023-05-29
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 May 29     150          12          4
2023 May 30     145          10          3
2023 May 31     140           5          2
2023 Jun 01     135           5          2
2023 Jun 02     130          15          5
2023 Jun 03     130          12          4
2023 Jun 04     130          15          4
2023 Jun 05     130          10          3
2023 Jun 06     130           8          3
2023 Jun 07     130           5          2
2023 Jun 08     130           5          2
2023 Jun 09     130           5          2
2023 Jun 10     130           5          2
2023 Jun 11     130           5          2
2023 Jun 12     135           5          2
2023 Jun 13     140           5          2
2023 Jun 14     143           5          2
2023 Jun 15     145           5          2
2023 Jun 16     150           5          2
2023 Jun 17     155           5          2
2023 Jun 18     155          22          5
2023 Jun 19     155          15          4
2023 Jun 20     155          12          4
2023 Jun 21     150          10          3
2023 Jun 22     150           5          2
2023 Jun 23     150           5          2
2023 Jun 24     150           5          2
(NOAA)

Sunday, May 28, 2023

"All five antennas at KTWR Guam receive damage due to typhoon Mawar"

 

From TWR
"Typhoon Mawar has left Guam. Thankfully, TWR staff and their families stayed safe. However, damage to the facilities of KTWR, our shortwave station on the island, was worse than originally believed. All five antennas sustained damage. Your continued prayers are appreciated."
(photo via KTWR)

Additional information will be posted as it is received at Teak Publishing

Friday, May 26, 2023

Shortwave Radiogram program schedules

 

Hello friends

Daz Man in Australia has produced YouTube videos about the Shortwave Radiogram experiment with EasyDRF, May 11-16. See Part 1 and Part 2. Thanks to Daz for producing the EasyDRF programs, and the videos about them.

As we approach the summer solstice, reception can be difficult on some of our frequencies that prefer paths of darkness. Examples would include Saturday 2300 UTC on 7570 kHz and Tuesday 1430 UTC on kHz. Try them anyway. They are a good test for our robust MFSK32 text. Or visit SDRs such as kiwisdr.com/public/  to receive via more favorable locations, including the southeast USA for some of the WRMI frequencies.

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 305)  is provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 306, 25-30 May 2023, in MFSK modes as noted:
 
 1:40  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:45  MFSK32: High-speed orbital data using lasers
 6:56  MFSK64: Tonga volcano disrupted satellite communications
11:02  MFSK64: This week's images
28:39  MFSK32: Closing announcements

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net


Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter

Friday 0530-0600 7780 kHz WRMI Florida
Friday 1300-1330 15770 kHz WRMI Florida
Friday 1400-1430 15735 kHz DRM WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday  0230-0300 9265 kHz WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday  2300-2330 7570 kHz WRMI Florida
Monday 0800-0830 5850 kHz WRMI Florida
Tuesday 1430-1500 9955 kHz WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC has expanded its transmission schedule. Times are UTC, frequencies are kHz, all from WRMI Florida:
Sunday 0000-0100: Dave Mason 9455
Sunday 0100-0200: Eric van Willegen 9455
Sunday 0200-0300: Eric van Willegen 5850
Sunday 2100-2200: Dave Mason 5950
Sunday 2200-2300: Eric van Willegen 5950
Wednesday 1600-1700: Eric van Willegen 15770
Friday 1100-1200: Eric van Willegen 15770
Saturday 0200-0300: Dave Mason 5850
Saturday 0800-0900: Eric van Willegen 7780
A minute of MFSK64 is at about 30 minutes past the hour on at least some of the Eric van Willigen programs.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/. 

“This is a Music Show” Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK-64 text and image near the end of the broadcast.  It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0200-0300 UTC on 5850 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com  www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/    @ThisIsAMusicSho  https://thisisamusicshow.com

Pop Shop Radio from British Columbia, Canada, includes "a whole variety of pop music, such as records from the 1960s and 1970s that were played on Top-40 radio stations not only in North America but also on offshore radio and stations like Radio Luxembourg." The programs now include some MFSK text and an image. Website: popshopradio.ca. Twitter: @popshopradio1  Email: radiopopshop@gmail.com.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom 

Monday, May 22, 2023

WRMI - Summer Schedule Update

 

Updated grid for summer, 12 May edition including color grid programming information available at:

All times UTC
English/Spanish/Various

0000-0100 5010ca 5050ca 5800ca 5850na 5950na 7570na 7730na 9955sa
                        15770eu
0100-0200 5050ca 5800ca 5950na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 15770eu
0200-0300       5010ca    5050ca    5800sa    5950na    7570na     7730na     7780ca    9455na    
                        9955sa    15770eu
0300-0400       5010ca    5050ca    5800sa    5850na     5950na     7570na    7730na    9395na    
                        9455na    9955sa    15770eu
0400-0500 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa
                        15770eu
0500-0600 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 9395na 9455na 9955sa 15770eu
0600-0700 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa
                        15770eu
0700-0800 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa
                        15770eu
0800-0900 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa 15770eu
0900-1000 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa
                        15770eu
1000-1100 5010ca 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 15770eu
1100-1200 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7780ca 9395na 9455na
1200-1300 5010ca 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 15770eu
1300-1400 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7780ca 9355na 9455na
1400-1500 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 15770eu
1500-1600 5010ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 7780ca 9395na 9455na 9955sa
                        17790sa
1600-1700 7730na 9395na 9455na 17790sa
1700-1800 7730na 9395na 9455na 15770eu 17790sa
1800-1900 7730na 9395na 9455na 15770eu 17790sa
1900-2000 7730na 9395na 9455na 15770eu 17790sa
2000-2100 9395na 9455na 17790eu
2100-2200 5950na 7730na 9455na
2200-2300 5050ca 5800ca 5850na 5950na 7730na 9455na 15770eu
2300-0000 5050ca 5800ca 5850na 7570na 7730na 9455na 15770eu
(WRMI/Teak Publishing/22 May 2023)

Target Areas:
ca Central America
eu Europe
na North America
sa South America




"Ifrikya FM" from Algeria active on shortwave

Ifrikya FM - Algeria

 

Ifrikya FM
Algeria
On 03 May 2023, Ifrikya FM was launched and is being broadcast on Radio Algérienne’s shortwave transmitters in Béchar and Ouragla. Programs broadcast in Arabic, Bambara, Hausa, and Targui.

The Arabic schedule for Summer A-23 via HFCC registrations and monitored as:
All times UTC / broadcast daily
Béchar transmitter
Arabic
0000-0100 13590
0100-0200 13590
0200-0300 13590
0300-0400 9470
0400-0500 9470
0500-0600 9470
0600-0700 15110
0700-0800 15110
0800-0900 15110
0900-1000 17600
1000-1100 17600
1100-1200 21550
1200-1300 21550
1300-1400 21550
1400-1500 21550
1500-1600 21550
1600-1700 21550
1700-1800 21550
1800-1900 17600
1900-2000 17600
2000-2100 17600
2100-2200 13590
2200-2300 13590
2300-0000 13590

Ouargla transmitter
All times UTC / broadcast daily
Arabic
0000-0100 13790
0100-0200 13790
0200-0300 13790
0300-0400 13790
0400-0500 13790
0500-0600 13790
0600-0700 13790
0700-0800 13790
0800-0900 13790
1800-1900 15160
1900-2000 15160
2000-2100 15160
2100-2200 13790
2200-2300 13790
2300-0000 13790
(It is presumed that the Ouargla transmitter is off the air between 0900-1800 UTC)

Ifrikya FM has its own programs from 1800-2300 UTC when Holy Quran 
Radio is aired within its schedule. This has been confirmed by monitoring their live streams and is available of YouTube
(portions of information via BDXC Africa on Shortwave and edited for clarity by Teak Publishing)

 11 May 2023 posting:

ALGIERS - "Ifrikya FM", a new radio station that will broadcast its programs to all African countries, was launched on Wednesday, further strengthening the Algerian media landscape.

his new radio station was launched on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day at a ceremony attended by members of the government and directors of media establishments.

Speaking on this occasion, the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Bouslimani highlighted the importance of the diversity of the media landscape in Algeria, through "the launch of new thematic television channels which have recently strengthened the media landscape, and the launch today of a new radio station dedicated to African issues".

Concerning "Ifrikya FM", Mr. Bouslimani indicated that this radio station "will share all the questions with the Africans, in particular in the political, sporting and cultural fields".


Logging observations of  Ifrikya FM - 2300-0400 UTC on 13790 and 13590 kHz. Additional logs will be forthcoming. 

Grand Slam DX Challenge !!

Press Release:
DX Central
3433 Highway 190, #133
Mandeville, LA 70471
dxcentralonline.com

For Release: Friday, May 5th at 8pm CDT 

DX Central Announces Inaugural Grand Slam DX Challenge

Chances are, if you ask a DXer how they began their love of DX, many will tell you it all began by searching through the static for the unmistakable sounds of baseball.
Radio and baseball have been intrinsically tied together since the early days of both. In fact, radio broadcasts of baseball games, long before the days of television, are what helped to turn it into “America’s National Pastime.”

It is with that history in mind that we are pleased to announce the inaugural Grand Slam DX Challenge.

Originating from an idea between DX Central’s Loyd Van Horn (W4LVH) and Sean Kutzko (KX9X), the Grand Slam DX Challenge (GSDXC) once again honors the link between radio and baseball by challenging hobbyists to log as many radio stations, from as many Major League Baseball teams, as possible during the MLB regular season.

“I knew I wanted to have some sort of challenge,” says Van Horn. “I just wasn’t sure exactly what or how that would work. Then Sean came to me with the idea of doing something around the baseball season and I thought ‘that’s genius!’”


The notion of tying America’s game with DXing came naturally to Kutzko.

“My love for baseball goes back probably on par with the same time that I got interested in AM DXing as a really, really small kid,” says Kutzko. “[The challenge] is a multi-month event focused around the two greatest things that I spend my time with which is radio and baseball.”
To help turn this idea into reality, Kutzko brought his experience building the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program in 2016 for the amateur radio community. In addition, Kutzko and Van Horn teamed up with Mike Leary (K7MSO), an experienced web developer and radio hobbyist, who volunteered his time and skills to the project.

The premise is simple: a participant should try to receive as many stations - and from as many different Major League Baseball teams - as possible. The broadcasts must be from the team-sanctioned radio network broadcast (national broadcasts from networks such as ESPN, Westwood One, etc. do not count).

There are nine entry categories that a participant can choose from and include AM only, FM only or both AM and FM submissions.

Submissions for the challenge will be through the challenge Web site: grandslamdxchallenge.com. The full rules and scoring system for the challenge are also available on the same site.

It is important to note that this inaugural edition of the challenge is a true beta version. Feedback from the community will be critical for resolving any defects or making any improvements for future iterations of the challenge.

“I just hope that this is something people will really be able to enjoy, perhaps even remind them of why they fell in love with radio in the first place,” says Van Horn. “With the Sporadic Es season coming for FM and the unique propagation opportunities that often occur during summer on AM, there should be plenty here to keep DXers glued to their radios throughout the summer!”

----------------------------------------------------
Additional Attachments: Logo and an additional image for use

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2023 May 22 0229 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 15 - 21 May 2023

Solar activity varied from low to high levels. Region 3310 (S20, L=284, class/area=Cko/320 on 19 May) produced the strongest flare of the period, an M9.6 (R2-Moderate) flare at 16/1643 UTC before it fully rotated on to the visible disk from the SE limb. Of the 23 M-class flares (R1-R2 Minor-Moderate) recorded during the period, Region 3311 (N18, L=271, class/area=Ekc/420) was responsible for 21 of them, the largest of which was an M8.9 (R2) flare at 20/1235 UTC. Although the region was the most magnetically complex of the 18 numbered active regions observed on the visible disk during the reporting period, it was in a decaying trend by 21 May. 

Other activity included Type II radio sweeps at 16/1731 UTC and 17/1522 UTC, two Tenflares on 20 May, and a filament eruption alongside a CME-producing C4.3/Sf flare at 17/1530 UTC from Region 3309 (S18, L=052, class/area=Cro/020). The subsequent CME signatures in the coronagraph were analyzed and modeled with anticipated effects at Earth suggested late on 21 May. 

No proton events were observed in geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was mostly at the background to moderate levels over the reporting period. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels. Quiet to unsettled levels were observed on 15-16 May and decreased to only quiet levels until of late on 19 May. Active levels were observed during the last synoptic period of 19 May and increased to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels early on 20 May. Total magnetic field strength increased to a peak of 21 nT and Bz reached as far south as -17 nT during what appeared to be a CIR, with possible embedded transient, ahead of a negative polarity CH HSS. Bz was persistently southward during the first half 20 May but rotated northward just before midday. With the northward rotation, geomagnetic activity decreased to unsettled to active conditions. On 21 May, another enhancement in the solar wind from an expected CME that left the Sun on 17 May was observed which again resulted in G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels through the end of the reporting period. With the second enhancement, solar wind speeds increased to between 500-600 km/s and total magnetic field strength briefly reached 13 nT, while the Bz component was observed as far south as -10 nt. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 22 May - 17 June 2023

Solar activity is expected to be at moderate to high, with a chance for very high, though 30 May, until Region 3311 rotates around the western limb or decays sufficiently to lower its flare potential. Low to moderate solar activity is expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be high levels from 22 May - 02 Jun in response to recently elevated geomagnetic activity followed by enhanced solar wind from coronal hole influence over the next 6 days. Flux levels
are likely to return to moderate levels from 03-17 Jun. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels. G1 conditions are likely on 22 May due to persistent transient influence and 23-24 May in response to negative polarity coronal hole influence. Active conditions are anticipated on 02 Jun and 16 Jun with unsettled conditions likely on 25-26 May, 03-05 Jun, and 17 Jun due to multiple recurrent coronal holes. The remainder of the outlook period is likely to be at mostly quiet levels. 


Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2023 May 22 0229 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 2023-05-22
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 May 22     160          22          5
2023 May 23     155          18          5
2023 May 24     150          22          5
2023 May 25     155          15          3
2023 May 26     155          10          3
2023 May 27     160           5          2
2023 May 28     160           5          2
2023 May 29     160           5          2
2023 May 30     155           5          2
2023 May 31     155           5          2
2023 Jun 01     150           5          2
2023 Jun 02     155          16          4
2023 Jun 03     155           8          3
2023 Jun 04     155          10          3
2023 Jun 05     160           8          3
2023 Jun 06     165           5          2
2023 Jun 07     160           5          2
2023 Jun 08     155           5          2
2023 Jun 09     150           5          2
2023 Jun 10     145           5          2
2023 Jun 11     145           5          2
2023 Jun 12     150           5          2
2023 Jun 13     155           5          2
2023 Jun 14     155           5          2
2023 Jun 15     160           5          2
2023 Jun 16     165          12          4
2023 Jun 17     165          10          3
(NOAA)