Weekly radio propagation report update

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
01 - 27 August 2007

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is
expected to reach high levels during 03 August and 12 - 15 August.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled
levels during 01 - 06 August. Activity is expected to increase to
unsettled to minor storm levels on 07 August due to a recurrent
coronal hole high-speed wind stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions
are expected during 08 - 09 August as coronal hole effects subside.
Another recurrent coronal hole wind stream is forecast to affect the
field during 10 - 11 August with unsettled to minor storm levels
expected. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettled
levels during 12 - 24 August. Activity is expected to increase to
unsettled to active levels during 25 - 26 August due to another
round of recurrent coronal hole effects. Activity is expected to
decrease to quiet to unsettled levels on the final day of the
forecast period.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2007 Jul 31 1953 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2007 Jul 31
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2007 Aug 01 70 10 3
2007 Aug 02 70 5 2
2007 Aug 03 70 5 2
2007 Aug 04 70 5 2
2007 Aug 05 70 5 2
2007 Aug 06 70 5 2
2007 Aug 07 70 20 5
2007 Aug 08 75 8 3
2007 Aug 09 75 5 2
2007 Aug 10 75 20 5
2007 Aug 11 75 15 4
2007 Aug 12 75 8 3
2007 Aug 13 70 5 2
2007 Aug 14 70 5 2
2007 Aug 15 70 5 2
2007 Aug 16 65 12 3
2007 Aug 17 65 12 3
2007 Aug 18 65 5 2
2007 Aug 19 65 5 2
2007 Aug 20 65 5 2
2007 Aug 21 68 5 2
2007 Aug 22 68 10 3
2007 Aug 23 70 8 3
2007 Aug 24 70 5 2
2007 Aug 25 70 15 4
2007 Aug 26 70 10 3
2007 Aug 27 70 8 3
(NOAA)

DX Camp Blog Logs

These are a few of my logs from the Rhein-Main Radio Club DX Camp in Langenselbold, near Hanau, Central Germany. Conditions seemed favourable, and the good performance of the RMRC dipole antenna helped a lot. The dipole was approx. 10 meter long each side, and the central point was hoisted up a flagpole. I used it on my JRC NRD-525 receiver.


ETHIOPIA

Radio Ethiopia was heard in Somali on 26 July, 12.22 UTC on both frequencies in parallel: 7165.0 and 9560.6 kHz, with SINPO 32432 and 33322. It was heard again on 28 July at 1358 UTC, now on 9560.3, listed as Afar language, which may well be so to the sound of it, then at 1400 heard their IS and then the Arabic program, SINPO 32422.

BRAZIL

Radio Cancao Nova was heard in the middle of the day on 9675 kHz at 12.37 UTC on 26 July with SINPO 34322. They brought a sermon in Portuguese.

NIGER

La Voix du Sahel, heard on 26 July at 1302 UTC on 9705 kHz with French news about the "president of the Republic of Niger, the safeguard of the constitution". SINPO 34433. Also heard on 29 July at 0605 UTC with SINPO 33443.

PALAU

Heard a chinese talking station which presumably is T8BZ Koror from Palau. Received on 9965 kHz on 26 July at 1348 UTC with SINPO 23422.

MOLDOVA

The breakaway station Radio DMR from Pridnestrovye was heard with their English broadcast on 26 July, 1600 UTC at SINPO 53443. Pridnestrovyan officials seemed to be annoyed by a declaration of the EU parliament that human rights were neglected in the arrest of two terrorists in that forgotten part of Europe.

MADAGASCAR

Radio Madagasikara, music, national anthem, 3 x IS and sign off. Heard on 26 July at 1854 UTC with SINPO 33322.

AUSTRALIA

I heard all 3 transmitters of the NTSS network on all 6 frequencies - all for the first time! 26 July, 1902 UTC, phone-in show about football coaching, on 2485 (SINPO 35333), 2325 (25322), and 2310 kHz (22322). ID as "ABC Darwin" after the 1930 news. A little later I heard them sign off at 2130, and re-appear on 60m: 4835 (SINPO 33333), 4910 (33333) and 5025 kHz (42333) with another news edition.

BELARUS

Kanal Kultura seems still to be on: music heard on 7265 kHz on 27 July at 1345. SINPO 34322. Unfortunately no ID, but what else could it be?

TANZANIA

Radio Tanzania Zanzibar still very strong, heard on 27 July at 1950 UTC on 11735 kHz with 54543. Speech, IDs, news.

SINGAPORE

A whole bundle of Mediacorp stations also made it around the globe on 27 July: The Malayan Radio Warna, heard at 2325 UTC on 7235 kHz with SINPO 53443, chatting about a festival and numerous references to Malaysia and Singapora (sic). The Tamil Oli 96.8 FM on 7275 kHz, heard at 2335 UTC with SINPO 43433 (ads and music). The English 938-LIVE with report and jingle/ID at 2342 UTC, SINPO 32432. And traces of the Mandarin channel (dunno which FM station actually was relayed) could be heard beneath RHC and Radio Prague on 6000 kHz at 2348 UTC, SINPO 22422.

COLOMBIA

La Voz de Guaviare, ID, jingle, national anthem and sign off, heard on 28 July at 0258 UTC, SINPO 33322.

MONGOLIA

. Voice of Mongolia, English news and festival report, 28 July 1000-1030 UTC, 12085 kHz, SINPO 34322.

LATVIA

Special LIVE broadcast of the Rhein-Main Radio Club with reports about the DX camp where I heard this broadcast, featuring interviews with participants, myself included, recorded a few hours earlier on the camp site (not a campsite!). 9290 kHz via Ulbroka, on 28 July, 1700-1900 UTC, booming in with 55555.

BOLIVIA

Radio Mosoj Chaski heard for the first time, 3310 kHz, 29 July, 0120 UTC, music and phone-in, SINPO 34232. Closedown at 0135 UTC.

BRAZIL

Radio Mundial, with woman in Portuguese, on 29 July at 0138 UTC, 3325 kHz, SINPO 22222.

BOLIVIA

Radio San Miguel on new 4691.39 kHz, on 29 July at 0154 UTC, music program, closedown without anthem at 0252 UTC. SINPO 34232.

GUATEMALA

Radio Buenas Nuevas, 4799.80 kHz, moving down to 4799.78, heard on 29 July at 0229 UTC. Music, sermon, phone-in show. Frequency announcement in Spanish at 0423 UTC, close-down 0425 UTC, later than listed. SINPO 32222. Lots of static.

SUDAN

The state radio from Omdurman was heard with equal level to Radio Bulgaria (in Russian) on the same frequency on 7200 kHz (29 July, 0300 UTC) with news in Arabic. SINPO 52432.

BRAZIL

Radio Difusora de Macapá, music, frequencies and clear ID in Portuguese, heard on 29 July at 0332 UTC on 4914.95 kHz. SINPO 32222.

UK.

US gospel station "Leading the Way" via Skelton, in combined English/Russian language broadcast, heard on 9845 kHz at 0340 UTC on 29 July. SINPO 35433.

ETHIOPIA

Radio Fana, drums and talk on 7210 kHz on 29 July at 0407 UTC. SINPO 34222.

ERITREA

Voice of Broad Masses noted back on 7100 kHz, nothing of 7090. HoA music and talk, 29 July, 0410 UTC, SINPO 22322.

IRAQ/KURDISTAN

Voice of Iraqi Kurdistan apparently still there, oriental music heard under heavy utility QRM on 6335 kHz (29 July, 0440 UTC) with SINPO 42432.

PERU

A single Peruvian log: Radio Victoria with brass music heard on 6019.53 kHz on 29 July at 0451 UTC, SINPO 32322. Not heard on 9720.

AUGUILLA

On the air this time, Gene Scott with his usual speeches was heard on 6090 kHz, but I tuned away very fast not only because of the program but also because it was buried between the two strong DRM signals on 6085 and 6095. 29 July, 0525 UTC, SINPO 41431.

ALBANIA

Trans World Radio, 29 July, 0531 UTC (a little late), with what seemed to be a multilingual loop, the Polish part seemed to say that they have problems with their antenna. SINPO 44444.

COLOMBIA

Marfil Estéreo heard well on 5910 kHz on 29 July at 0532 UTC. Music program with jingles after each second song. SINPO 34323.

GUINEA

Radio Conakry, earlier than listed in WRTH, heard with non-stop african music on 7125 kHz (29 July, 0630 UTC). Severe fading. SINPO 34322.
Altogether, 768 logs from 104 countries in 3 days. Good DX!!!
(Source: Eike Bierwirth, Germany/HCDX)

New Greek laws to regulate media

Despite local and international outcry, the Greek conservative government passed a new Act on 5 July which aims to regulate the country’s electronic media landscape. Only MPs from the ruling New Democracy party voted for the new law which restricts all small radio stations including minority language radio. All three opposition parties opposed it.
In particular, the new law forces all radio stations that wish to have a new licence – currently all the present ones have to be replaced - to broadcast using Greek as the primary language of the programme. This restriction applies almost solely to the several radio stations that broadcast in Turkish in the region of western Thraki, as well as to any potential Macedonian or Vlach minority radio that plans to broadcast in the future.
Read the full story at Eurolang.net
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Fifty years of RTL German programming

David de Jong writes: The German version of Radio Luxembourg became 50 years old on 15 July. What is today RTL Radio - die besten Hits aller Zeiten, began on 15 July 1957 as a German speaking request programme on Radio Luxembourg. The German broadcasts started originally only as one hour per day on mediumwave (208 metres/1440 kHz) and shortwave, to become four hours a day with the subtitle ‘Vier fröhlichen Wellen’.

From 1964 RTL Radio started broadcasting on FM in Luxembourg from 06 till midnight and in daytime also on mediumwave. Thanks to the FM and mediumwave broadcasts the station was able to gain popularity in a large part of western Germany (especially the Nordrhein westfahlen area) and was able to pioneer as a commercial radio station while there were only public radio stations in Germany.

From 1964 the station was called RTL Radio Luxemburg, to be changed in 1988 to RTL Horfunk and from 1990 RTL Radio. Originally RTL Radio was a general entertainment radio station, but at the beginning of the ’90’s it changed to an ‘oldies’ format with the subtitle ‘die grossten Oldies’. From December 2002 until September 2005 the station had an adult contemporary format with the slogan ‘die besten Hits mit Gefuhl’, but changed back to a golden oldies format in September 2005 with the slogan ‘die besten Hits aller Zeiten’.

At the beginning of the nineties the company which is now RTL Group SA started with local (hit orientated) FM radio stations in Germany. One of the oldest is 104.6 RTL - Berlins Hit Radio. Most RTL Radio Deutschland affiliates don’t carry the name RTL, only 89.0 RTL (Sachsen Anhalt), Hit Radio RTL Sachsen and the Berlin station.

RTL Radio die besten Hits aller Zeiten still broadcasts on the ‘famous’ 208 m/1440 kHz mediumwave frequency at 04-07 and 16-17 UTC in analogue mode, while 07-16 and 23-03 RTL Radio can be heared in digital DRM mode. RTL Radio die besten Hits aller Zeiten is also still broadcast nationally on cable in Germany and Luxembourg as well as on powerful 100 kW FM frequencies from Luxembourg and on Internet and satellite (analogue & digital). The broadcasts are still coming from the Luxembourg studios located at the RTL Group headquarter buildings in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

RAI and Italian government sign new convention

David de Jongreports: Rai International, the international division of Italian public broadcaster Rai, and the Italian government have signed a new convention about the future of Rai International. The document was signed at a ceremony last Thursday by Rai President Claudio Petruccioli, together with Piero Badaloni, Managing Director of Rai International, and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. Romano Prodi declared that the new convention is a great step forward in a globalised world. Under the new convention, Rai International can create an international news channel in addition to the main Rai International channel. Rai International will be broadcast for the first time in Europe, and will also be available to Italians in Italy through satellite, although they are not the target of Rai International. A few of Rai International’s own productions will also be shown on Rai Uno/Rai Due/Rai Tre in It givealy as ‘return information’. Launch dates for the European channel and the news channel have not yet been announced. It is also not known if the European channel will replace Rai Uno on cable systems where there is only space for one Rai channel. Piero Badaloni, who since joining Rai International has been building a plan to revamp the international services of the Italian broadcaster, also stated that he wants to make Rai International a point of reference for the new generation of Italians in South America. From the start of the new season (September/October) Rai International will focus more on the younger generation, after years of programming aimed at the older generation. The convention replaces old conventions which previously were separate agreements for the radio and television departments of Rai International. In total Rai International will have an annual budget of 35 million euros for its TV services. (Source: several Italian news reports)

(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

North Korean announcer may be abducted Japanese

An announcer from a North Korean government based radio broadcast, “The Voice of Chosun” is believed to be a Japanese person abducted from Tottori prefecture in 1988.
In a telephone conversation with the Daily NK on the 26th, Kazuhiro Araki, representative for Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to N Korea asserted, “On comparing the photos of abducted Japanese person Yakura Tomiyatsu in 1988 and a footage of announcer Shin Beom at a recording of “The Voice of Chosun” at Pyongyang’s Korea Hotel on March 15th, there is a high possibility that they are the same person.”
Read the full story in the Daily NK
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Minivan Radio to return to shortwave

Minivan Radio will resume shortwave broadcasts from 1 August. The Maldivian opposition station has only been available via the Internet since it stopped shortwave broadcasts four months ago in anticipation of winning an FM licence, but has so far been unable to procure one. It has been decided to resume shortwave broadcasts in the run-up to a referendum in late August on whether Maldivians want a parliamentary system or presidential system of government. Broadcasts will be daily at 1600-1700 UTC on 11965 kHz via a transmitter in Germany.
(Source: Minivan Radio/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Pirate logs from Free Radio Weekly

Two new pirates reported this week, Long Range Radio and Mind Botch Radio. Thanks to the pirate fans, enjoy a sampling from this weeks newsletter.
Gayle VH

all times UTC

Hey Joe Radio
7/26/7 00:29 sio434, very strong signal, came on all of a sudden in mid-song,"Hey Joe", of course, then faded away at 00:30 (Al Fansome)
6925 WHJR Hey Joe Radio) 26 July 07. 0024-0033. First time log of this station. IDs as "Hey Joe Radio, and WHJR-All Joe all the time." Several renditions of"Hey Joe" including one by Jimi Hendrix. Poor. (Wood, TN).

Long Range Radio
6925.5U 0254-0326 7/22/07 SIO=242+. Prgm started w/two males talking and laughing. Dial a Ho sketch, and an interview w/a comedian. Some rock, plus several parody ads. One ad for Generation X-lax, and another ad for RU-469 contraception method. No addr ancd. (Zeller-OH)

MAC
6850.8AM,7-22-07,0048-0058,fair/poor, Paul Starr show, woman singing "You Are My Sunshine" alone without music, Byrds: "Tambourine Man", off with natl anthem & laughter. (Hassig-IL)6950AM 7/26/7 1:14 sio434, great signal, Paul Starr singing along, seems to have gone at 1:20(Al Fansome)

Mind Botch Radio
6925.6 AM *0035-0054* 7/22/07 SIO=444/545. A new one for me, blasting in with a genuine powerhouse signal. Some rock at the beginning, but mainly a prgm of country mx tunes including the oldie Jambalaya and other more modern country mx. Ancd the 6925 freq and requested repts to the FRN. (Zeller-OH)

Radio Is My Friend/ My Friend is Radio

6925.6 0127-0152 7/22/07SIO=444/545. Return of this story about Graham Conner at the Cherokee Asylum in Iowa. He doesn’t like the meat loaf or the high volume TV at the asylum, and it is not his home. Some woman named Abigail sent him to the asylum in 1979, but he doesn’t like it. Some rock mx incl “Radio Killed the Radio Star,” but mostly Conner moaning about his dismal fate in the asylum. No addr ancd. The only ID on this one is several repeats of the slogan as listed here. Probably the same xmtr as Mind Botch R., as both of them blasted in here. (Zeller-OH)

Voice of Laryngitis
6925AM 7/22 0226+ A story about the FCC and Bob. The story compared pirate radio as an addiction like drugs. (333 Majewski CT)

Wolverine Radio
7/25/7 00:40 sio444, "Whole Lotta Love", other Led Zeppelin, ID at 00:45(Al Fansome)
(Source: Free Radio Weekly # 598 via Ed Kusalik)

Blog Logs

Welcome to Monday, and Blog Logs. This mornings focus is on logs from the folks at MARE, with the first log from CKZN Newfoundland. Thanks as always, and best of DX!
Gayle VH

all times UTC

CANADA: 6160 CKZN St. Johns NL (p); 2203, 24-July; End of CBC News, into As It Happens in EE. SIO=222. Still no sign of 6070 CFRX. (Frodge-MI)

ECUADOR: 4919 Radio Quito (p); 0418-0430+, 11-July; SS sports cmtry pgm. ID? promo @0428, but too much QRN. SIO=232, abominable swiper QRM, a bit better in LSB. (Frodge-MI)

GUATEMALA: 4780 Radio Cultural Coatan; 0042-0101+, 24-July; M in SS w/exhortive talk; has cadence of a sermon, but sounds more political. ID @0100 after brief London Bridge is Falling Down! SIO=332 w/het from 4781.5, LSB takes it out. (Frodge-MI)

USA: 6890 WWRB Manchester TN; 0215-0228+, 17-July; Science, Scripture & Salvation; Science & The Bible; Non-Bro. Stair pgm & right into Bro. Stair @0219 also knocking science. 6890 has been off more often than on in recent weeks. SIO=453+; not //3185 w/EE rlgn, SIO=554; neither one //5050, SIO=4+54 w/EE miracle drug pgm. (Frodge-MI)

Ulitlity stations
25910/FM WBAP Fort Worth TX studio relay; 2232-2241+, 24-July; Ad string including Dallas-Ft. Worth Lexus dealers, Cordell & Cordell domestic litigation; News-Talk 8-20 WBAP; Sean Hannity. Good peaks to zilch. (Frodge-MI) 25950/FM KOA Denver CO studio relay; 1831-1844+, 16-July; News Radio 8-50 KOA; Rush Limbaugh. Xlnt peaks but brief QSBs to zilch. (Frodge-MI)

VHF/UHF
154.440 Midland MI Fire Dispatch; 2053, 14-July (Frodge-MI)
155.730 Gratiot County MI, Police Dispatch; 6:30PM EDT, 22-July; Call to a domestic in North Star. (Frodge-MI)
155.790 Bay City MI, Police Dispatch; 2358, 14-July, Man in a van stole a load of bricks. (Frodge-MI)
158.790 Gladwin MI Medical Dispatch (p); 2057, 14-July; ID from call locations; several calls to Clement IC (Frodge-MI)
453.875 Bay City MI, Dial-a-Ride (p); 2030, 14-July; ID from pickup addresses. (Frodge-MI)

Analog TV
Scan 6:55-7:15 AM 20/July from the hotel in St Ignace --Zichi
2 CHBX ON Sault Ste Marie CTV w/Canada AM VFA 153-
4 WTOM MI Cheboygan NBC 7/4 555
5 CJIC ON Sault Ste Marie CBC (some sources say call is now CBLT-5, but this (old?) call is what the local media still lists)
Kids-CBC programming w/Arthur VFA 153
20 CICO ON Sault Ste Marie TVO w/Paddington Bear--Presumed
38 CHCH ON Sault Ste Marie presumed
45 WFUP MI Gaylord/Vanderbuilt w/Fox33 IDs & w/Fox 2 Detroit AM Show VFA 153-
64 W43CM MI Pickford "Fox33" IDs VFA 154-
(Source: Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts # 452)

Radio Netherlands program guide July 30 - August 3

MONDAY 30 JULY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N
America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and
South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400
(Western N America)

*** Flatlanders ***

This week's guest in Flatlanders is American-born Dutch art historian Gary
Schwartz. Schwartz adopted the Netherlands as his home country over 40 years
ago and has become one of this country's most respected publishers and
scholars on the subject of Dutch painting of the 17th century. His great
love and preoccupation is Rembrandt.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N
America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa),
0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Sun 1400 (South Asia), Wednesday 1500 (South Asia) 1900 (Central,
East and South Africa)

TUESDAY 31 JULY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N
America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and
South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400
(Western N America)

*** The State We're In, Midweek Report ***

This week on The State We're In - Midweek Edition, the show about human
rights and human wrongs...

200 years ago, a woman from South Africa was put on display in England,
solely because her body was considered bizarre - and beautiful... Today the
story of the Hottentot Venus can still tell us much about the role beauty
plays in how we treat each other.

All that and this week's human rights news on The State We're In - Midweek
Edition.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N
America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa),
0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Thu 1430, 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)
Sun 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)

WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N
America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and
South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400
(Western N America)

*** Arts and Culture ***

This week we bring you another of our Radio Books - a series of short
stories by Dutch and Flemish writers in English translation. This story is
called The Outsider's View by Désanne van Brederode.

Her previous work includes a book about 19th-century philosophy, as well as
appearing as a regular columnist on a political television programme. In
this story, a renowned Dutch poet seizes an opportunity to address an
international symposium for young leaders - with unsettling consequences.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N
America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa),
0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)

Repeated: Fri 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa), Sun
14:30 (South Asia)

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N
America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and
South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400
(Western N America)

*** The Research File ***

The Research File reports on science in the widest possible sense.

Laura Durnford and Thijs Westerbeek keep a close watch on the latest
research and the hottest scientific topics. Climate change, cancer research,
bio fuels, new medicines, recycling, nano technology, anything the audience
might find interesting can and will be covered in an interesting and
easy-to-follow fashion

So if you want to be 'in the know' then don't miss The Research File.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N
America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa),
0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa), Sat
1430 (South Asia)

FRIDAY 3 AUGUST
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.
Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N
America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and
South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400
(Western N America)
*** Network Europe ***
A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a
fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.
The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the
continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of
European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around
Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their
unique take on the events shaping the week.
Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N
America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa),
0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Tues 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa),
Sat 1400 (South Asia)
(Radio Netherlands)

Amateur Radio DX News

SB DX ARL ARLD031
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by NC1L, W4RIS, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News, The Daily DX, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.

CYPRUS, 5B. Members of the Nicosia ARC will be QRV as C4MG from Agios Georgios, IOTA AS-120, during the IOTA contest. Outside the contest, look for activity from 5B4NC/p. QSL both calls via 5B4KH.

ZAMBIA, 9J. Ryuji, JO7QQV is QRV as 9J2QQV and can be found on 20 meters using PSK from 1700 to 2000z during the weekends. QSL via operator's instructions.

TAIWAN, BV. Look for BO0K to be QRV from KinMen Island, IOTA AS-102, during the IOTA contest. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via BV2KI.

CHINA, BY. Dale, BA4TB/4, Jiang, BG4TBC/4, Dai, BG4TBJ/4, Yun, BG1LKK/4 and Mi,BG4TQX/4 are QRV from Chongming Island, IOTA AS-136, until July 30. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

CUBA, CO. Edor, CO7PH will be QRV from Cayo Paredon Grande, IOTA NA-086, from July 28 and 29. Activity will be mostly on 20 and 17 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via W3HNK.

ESTONIA, ES. A group of Estonian operators will be QRV as ES2U from Rammu Island, IOTA EU-149, for the IOTA contest. QSL via operators' instructions.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS, FW. Mike, KM9D and Jan, KF4TUG are QRV as FW0MO and FW0YL, respectively, from Wallis, IOTA OC-054. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest as FW0YL. Activity is on all bands using CW and SSB. Their length of stay is unknown. QSL both calls via OM2SA.

ENGLAND, G. In commemoration of the 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, a group of operators are QRV as GB100J until August 7. Activity is on all bands and modes. QSL via operators' instructions.

JERSEY, GJ. Operators M0PCB and 2E1IDT are QRV as MJ0PCB and 2J1IDT, respectively, until July 31. This includes limited activity in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

SCOTLAND, GM. A large group of operators will be QRV as GM2T from the Isle of Tiree, IOTA EU-008, in the IOTA contest. Prior to the contest, look for them to be active as MM0CPS/p. QSL via bureau.

HONDURAS, HR. Radio Club of Honduras members will be QRV as HQ3C from the Cochinos Cays, IOTA NA-160, during the IOTA contest. QSL via bureau.

THAILAND, HS. Cha, HS8KAY will be QRV from Phuket Island, IOTA AS-053, in the IOTA contest as a Single-Op/24-Hour entry.

ALASKA, KL7. Rich, N7TCO and Martin, W7ASF are QRV as W7ASF/KL7 from Prince of Wales Island, IOTA NA-041, until July 30. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via W7ASF.

NORWAY, LA. Juergen, DB5YB will be QRV as LA/DB5YB from Stord Island, IOTA EU-055, from July 28 to August 9 while on holiday. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL to home call.

NETHERLANDS, PA. A group of operators will be QRV as PA0HFT from Terschelling Island, IOTA EU-038, in the IOTA contest. QSL via bureau.

GREECE, SV. George, SV1QN and Giannis, SV1GYG are QRV as homecall/8 from Samos Island, IOTA EU-049, until August 4. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

EUROPEAN RUSSIA, UA. A group of operators will be QRV as RI1AA from Bolshoy Berezovyy Island, IOTA EU-133, in the IOTA contest. Outside the contest they are active as UE1CBB. QSL both calls via UA1AIR.

UKRAINE, UR. Alex, UR5FEL/p, Petro, UR5FCZ/p and Sam, UT9FJ/p are QRV from Berezan Island, IOTA EU-179, until July 30. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

MICRONESIA, V6. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the club station, look for JN3JBC, JI6DUE, JA3UWB, JF3PLF, JH3TXR and JA3ART to be QRV as V60KL, V60DU, V60TI, V60IL, V60TX and V63JJ, respectively, including club station V60YAQ, from Pohnpei Island, IOTA OC-010, from July 30 to August 6. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FM and PSK31. QSL to home calls. QSL V60YAQ via JI6DUE.

CANADA, VE. Fred, ON6QR plans to be QRV as VO/ON6QR from Newfoundland, IOTA NA-027, during the IOTA contest. Activity is mainly with CW and QRP power. QSL to home call.

VENEZUELA, YV. Members of the 4M5DX team are QRV as YW1DX from Cayo Sombrero, IOTA SA-089, until July 30. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via IT9DAA.

OPERATION APPROVED FOR DXCC CREDIT. The following operation is approved for DXCC credit: Burundi, 9U0X, 2007 operation.

CALLSIGN CORRECTION. As listed in ARLD030, the correct callsign for Jack, N6XQ operating from Peru is OA4/N6XQ.

(Source: ARLD 031 DX News via Dave Raycroft)

Armenian Public Radio Refuses To Re-Sign Contract

Armenian Public Radio Refuses To Re-Sign Contract For RFE/RL
Programs

http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2007/07/525F50
86-E06C-43EE-886D-FC32FD90CB65.ASP
Statement by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

(Washington, DC--July 24, 2007) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
(RFE/RL) and its oversight agency, the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), expressed dismay at Armenian Public Radio's rejection of a new contract to continue carrying programs of RFE/RL's Armenian Service.

RFE/RL Armenian programs have been aired on Armenian Public Radio -- Armenia's top radio network -- since 1998, where they have earned the trust of a significant number of listeners. Survey data shows that 15 percent of Armenian adults listen to RFE/RL programs each week.

Three days of discussions in Yerevan, Armenia last week between U.S. and Armenian broadcast officials ended without agreement on a new contract to replace one that had lapsed in February.

"Our delegation was asked to go to Yerevan to iron out some minor technical issues and conclude a contract to extend this successful partnership," said BBG Chairman James K. Glassman. "All these issues were resolved. Our delegation was told there are no deadlines, and no threat was made to take RFE/RL programs off Public Radio. Yet the contract remains unsigned, and our offers to make payment were refused. It seems clear that whatever is holding up an agreement has nothing to do with legal, contractual, or technical issues."

"We value our relationship with Armenian Public Radio," added Glassman, "and certainly want it to continue. We look forward to signing the contract, and making all payments stipulated in the contract, as soon as our partners in Armenia tell us they are ready."

The Armenian parliament on July 3 did not adopt amendments to the country's media regulations that would have banned RFE/RL and other foreign broadcasters from public airwaves. One week later, Armenian Public Radio indicated that it planned to stop RFE/RL broadcasts on August 9, citing contractual and payment issues. Last week's visit to Armenia by RFE/RL and BBG contracting officials was intended to resolve these issues.

"The potential end of our very fruitful relationship with Public Radio has no economic or other legitimate justification," said RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin. "Armenians go to the polls in eight months to choose their next President, and therefore it is particularly important that RFE/RL's broadcasts, which are widely respected for their accuracy, objectivity and timeliness, reach the largest possible audience. Our coverage of the May 12 parliamentary elections was singled out for raise by OSCE observers for its balance and thoroughness."

RFE/RL's Armenian Service has been on the air since 1953 and produces more than three and one half hours of Armenian-language programming daily in Prague and its Yerevan Bureau. Armenian Service programming is available via satellite, local affiliates and the Internet, at the service's website http://www.azatutyun.am and at
http://www.rferl.org ; English-language news about events in Armenia can be found on the RFE/RL website, at
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarchive/country/armenia.html
(Source: Zacharias Liangas, Greece via HCDX)

Radio Asia AM to adjust frequency

Radio Asia AM, the first Malayalam Radio Station in the Gulf and the Middle East region, is set to increase its reach by changing its frequency from 1557 kHz to 1269 kHz from 11th Aug 2007 onwards, said Brij Bhalla, General Manager. The new 1269 AM Radio Asia will further enhance its foot print across UAE and other GCC countries. Along with the change of frequency, a series of new programmes are also in the pipeline.

The station has shut down for 15 days while the broadcasting team tests the new 24 hour grid of programmes and latest software and equipment in the studios at Ras Al Khaimah. The FM service continues normally. Listeners can still stay connected through www.radioasiauae.com .
(Source: The Peninsula/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Propagation Report

SB PROP ARL ARLP031
ARLP031 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux are down this week. Average daily sunspot number declined nearly 28 points to 1.7, and the daily solar flux average was down nearly 7 points to 67.4. When the solar flux is less than 70, it often means no sunspots, and the sunspot number has been zero for a week. Predicted solar flux for the next week is 70, which suggests a sunspot or two, with the chance for sunspots increasing after August 2.

Currently the IMF (Interplanetary Magnetic Field) points south, making our planet vulnerable to geomagnetic upset. The effect from solar wind should be mild, with the planetary A index for July 27-31 predicted at 15, 5, 5, 8 and 15. Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet to unsettled conditions for July 27, quiet for July 28, quiet to unsettled July 29, unsettled July 30, quiet to unsettled July 31 and quiet again on August 1-2.

In response to our links to historical sunspot activity graphs at wm7d.net, Sid Sosin, W7SID of Bellevue, Washington commented, ''What data was available on sunspot activity in 1761 and the remainder of the 18th century, and the 19th century, for that matter?

Galileo was an early observer and recorder of sunspots, and you can see his wonderful daily sketches from the 18th century at http://hsci.cas.ou.edu/exhibits/exhibit.php?exbgrp=1&exbid=13&exbpg=2
. You can even watch animated versions of his drawings, showing the daily progression of sunspots across the sun's earth side face at the above-mentioned link, and at
http://galileo.rice.edu/sci/observations/sunspot_drawings.html .

Jim Henderson, KF7E of Queen Creek, Arizona asked what the lowest recorded solar flux is. We went over that a couple of months ago in ARLP022, and the lowest value I've seen is right around 65.

Robert Wood, W5AJ of Midland, Texas sent a link to a picture of the sun and asked about a dark patch near the northern pole. I don't know what it is, but I assume it might be a cooler area, because sunspots are dark and they are cooler relative to nearby areas. It sure is a nice picture though. See it at
http://umbra.nascom.nasa.gov/eit/images/latest_eit_304_full.gif .

Don Josephs, K5DEJ of Fredericksburg, Texas wrote to ask about the relationship between solar flux, sunspot numbers and the A index, and what they mean to propagation.

You can see from this table at
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/indices/DSD.txt that solar flux tends to rise and fall with sunspot number. The flux is 10.7 cm wavelength (about 2.8 GHz) energy measured at a Canadian observatory in British Columbia. One advantage of measuring solar flux is that the measurements are objective, while the sunspot number is somewhat subjective. But for our purposes, if we want to predict radio signals on a certain day over a certain path, an average of recent sunspot numbers is a better value to use than solar flux.

The A index is derived from eight daily readings from magnetometers. We generally want to see those numbers low, especially if we are trying to propagate radio signals over polar paths, because higher geomagnetic activity signals greater absorption. But watch over the next few years as solar activity increases. Greater solar activity not only may signal more sunspots, but it also means more solar flares and solar wind, which often affects earth's geomagnetic field. So increased sunspot activity is a kind of double-edged sword. We want more sunspots, but along with that can come greater chances of geomagnetic storms.

A good way to visualize the effects of sunspot activity over a particular path is to use a couple of free computer programs, W6Elprop and VOAprop. W6Elprop will give you likely signal levels over a path between two locations, while VOAprop is great for visualizing how signal coverage shifts through the day. This link will take you to past bulletins which discuss these programs, and recommend ways to use them: http://tinyurl.com/2d8w87 .

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net .

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html . An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop /
Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/

Sunspot numbers for July 19 through 25 were 12, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 1.7. 10.7 cm flux was 68.3, 67.3, 66.4, 66.2, 67.2, 68, and 68.6, with a mean of 67.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 3, 12, 12, 4, 3, 2 and 2 with a mean of 5.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 3, 9, 10, 3, 4, 2 and 2, with a mean of 4.7.
NNNN
/EX
(Source: ODXA-ZCZC AP31
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 31 ARLP031
From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA July 27, 2007)

RRI website review

Radio Romania International (RRI)
http://www.rri.ro/
Radio Romania International launched their new website in mid-April of this year, and it’s very nice. The RRI homepage is formatted in a similar way to many other broadcasters’ websites, with links across the top and left side, news and features in the centre and links to audio and major features on the right. Headings on the top include The English Service, Today in the News, What’s on This Week, Forum (actually a contact page), Reception Report, and QSL, which shows RRI’s printed QSL cards – these appear to change every month! On the left you’ll fi nd Contact Us (perhaps this can be combined with Forum, Reception Report, and QSL in the future), current Frequencies, histories of both RRI and Romania, Contest (nothing new at the moment, Things to Know, and Media Partners.

On the right side of the website are links to three different RRI audio streams, each available in Real Audio and MP3 format. The quality of these streams was excellent during my listening. Below this is a listing of twelve languages used by RRI, and here’s the twist – when choosing a different language, the news and features in the middle of the page are also different! Even the photos change. Given that my Russian (and most of the other choices) is non-existent, I cannot give too many details, but it appears that each of the RRI language versions has been tailored to a specifi c listening/viewing audience. Excellent work! Please, take the time to explore RRI, as their new website is very well put together. Next month we’ll close up the cottage, send the kids to school, and have a look at Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Sri Lanka. Don’t hesitate to send me some feedback as I begin planning for 2008.
(Source: ODXA-ListeningIn, Qlick!, Aug 07)

A closer look at Voice of Nigeria

Voice of Nigeria: http://www.voiceofnigeria.org/

The Voice of Nigeria website is a bit of a rude awakening. The homepage is fairly typical, with news stories taking up the centre of the page and several links at the top. Unfortunately, most of these links are broken, leading either to blank pages or to browser error messages.

The News page shows several 5-15 word headlines, six feature stories (two of which are identical, and, on my browser, twenty “missing icon” messages. The About VON page gives a brief history of the station, their current operating mandate, and links (on the right) to On Air audio in eight languages. None of these appear to work. Perhaps they’re in the midst of an update, and forgot to mention it on the main page. Sigh…

(Source: ODXA-Listening In, Click!, Aug 07)

Voice of Nigeria is using the following English schedule on shortwave. All times UTC.
Programming targeted to Africa.

0900- 1630 9690
1630-2100 15120
2100-2300 7255
(Source: Gayle Van Horn, Freq Manager, Monitoring Times SW Guide)

Best of the Best - Monday radio DX shows

Looking for some DX shows on shortwave radio? The following Best of the Best, are schedueled for Monday. Enjoy!
Gayle VH

MONDAY
all times UTC

0200 Radio Weather WHRI 7490
0230 DXing With Cumbre WHRA 5850
0330 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 7315
0730 Mailbox RNZI 6095 bi-weekly
1130 Mailbox RNZI 9870 bi-weekly
1230 Ask WWCR WWCR 15825
1330 Mailbox RNZI 6095 bi-weekly
1500 DX Partyline WRMI 7385
1630 Mailbox RNZI 6095 bi-weekly
(Source: ODXA Media Programs, Aug 07)

Blog Logs - Indonesia

INDONESIA

9524.95 Voice of Indonesia, 0755-0900, July 21, music & ID loop ("You are listening to the Voice of Indonesia"), one hour English segment with news, sports news, program "Getting to Know Indonesia", "Weekly Review", "News in Brief", gives frequencies of 9525, 11785 & 15150, fair-poor. July 22 noted *0743, mixing with CTN. (Ron Howard-CA-USA, DXplorer July 22)

9524.96 Voice of Indonesia via Cimanggis *1300-1309 July 21. S/on, then talk or news by M in Korean. Not too difficult with an S9+40 dB signal! (John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer July 22)

3325 RRI Palangkaraya (pres) 1205-1220 July 23. M&W chatting; vocal mx at 1219. Fair.

3976.06 RRI Pontianak 1151-1215 July 27. M&W talking to ToH; then SCI and Jak news; local pgm'g at 1223. Good signal.

3987.05 RRI Manokwari 1136-1230 July 24. Non-stop island mx PNG-style; 1200 M ancr, 1200:23 SCI; 1201-1219 Jak news; back to local programming at 1220 with a phone interview; tuned out at 1230. Pretty good signal.

9524.96 Voice of Indonesia via Cimanggis 0740-0805 July 25. Gamelan mx used as IS for about 20 minutes; occasional EG ID; into regular EG txmsn at 0800. Poor signal w/QSB and QRM'ed by Cotton Tree Radio, which was also not very good. Quite a difference in signal level for RRI at this time vs. 1300 UTC when signal strength reaches S9 +40 dB. (John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer July 27)
(Source: WWDXC Top News - BC DX #818)

BVBN summer schedule update

Summer A-07 of DTK T-Systems Media & Broadcast

Bible Voice Broadcasting Network (BVBN)
all times UTC
to West Europe
0700-0815 5945 WER 100 kW / 300 deg Fri/Sat English
0700-0915 5945 WER 100 kW / 300 deg Sun English
0815-0845 9655 WER 040 kW / 300 deg Sat English DRM
1200-1230 5945 WER 040 kW / non-dir Sun English DRM
1800-1830 9435 JUL 100 kW / 220 deg Sun Spanish
to East Europe
1800-1830 6015 JUL 100 kW / 085 deg Thu Ukrainian/English
1800-1830 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Tue/Fri Russian
1815-1830 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Mon English
1815-1830 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Wed Russian
1815-1845 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Thu Russian
1800-1845 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Sat English
1800-1930 6060 JUL 100 kW / 060 deg Sun En/Ru/En
to West Africa
1900-2000 9775 WER 125 kW / 195 deg Sat English
to Central Africa
1845-2000 9775 JUL 100 kW / 160 deg Sun English
1630-1730 15495 JUL 100 kW / 145 deg Daily Nier/Dinka
to North Africa
0430-0530 13810 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Mon-Thu Arabic
0430-0545 13810 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Fri Arabic
2000-2030 9665 NAU 250 kW / 145 deg Thu Arabic
0900-1015 17595 WER 125 kW / 135 deg Fri Arabic
to East Africa
0430-0530 13810 WER 125 kW / 135 deg Sat Amharic
0430-0500 13810 WER 125 kW / 135 deg Sun Amharic
1600-1700 13810 NAU 100 kW / 145 deg Wed Amharic
1630-1700 13810 NAU 100 kW / 145 deg Thu-Tue Amharic
1700-1800 13810 NAU 100 kW / 145 deg Daily Tigrinya/Amharic
1800-1900 13810 NAU 100 kW / 145 deg Fri/Sun Somali
1800-1830 13810 NAU 100 kW / 145 deg Sat Somali
1530-1600 15775 JUL 100 kW / 130 deg Wed Tigrinya
to Middle East
2300-0100 6140 WER 100 kW / 105 deg Thu-Fri English
1615-1730 9430 JUL 100 kW / 115 deg Mon/Wed Arabic
1615-1730 9430 WER 100 kW / 120 deg Fri Arabic
1700-1730 9430 WER 100 kW / 120 deg Tue/Thu Arabic
1700-1800 9430 WER 100 kW / 120 deg Sat English
1630-1800 9430 WER 100 kW / 120 deg Sun English
1800-1900 9430 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Sat/Sun English
1830-1900 9430 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Fri English
1800-1830 11875 JUL 100 kW / 100 deg Mon/Wed/Fri Persian
1800-1900 11875 JUL 100 kW / 100 deg Tue/Thu/Sun Persian
1800-1815 11875 JUL 100 kW / 100 deg Sat English
1700-1900 11945 WER 100 kW / 105 deg Daily Persian
1630-1700 11975 JUL 100 kW / 105 deg Fri/Sun Hebrew
1625-1715 13580 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Tue/Fri Arabic
1625-1730 13580 WER 250 kW / 120 deg Mon/Wed/Thu Arabic
1540-1615 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Mon-Fri English
1615-1645 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Tue Hebrew/Tagalog
1645-1715 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Tue English/Russian
1715-1800 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Tue Hebrew
1615-1645 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Thu Hebrew/English
1545-1730 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Sat English
1730-1830 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Sat Hebrew/English
1530-1730 13590 WER 100 kW / 150 deg Sun English
to Far East
2245-2330 7245 WER 250 kW / 075 deg Fri Vietnamese
2300-2330 7245 WER 250 kW / 075 deg Sat Vietnamese
to South Asia
0030-0045 9815 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Daily Bengali
0030-0100 9620 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Mon-Thu Hindi
0030-0100 9620 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Fri-Sun English
1500-1600 15530 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Mon/Thu/Fri Bengali
1530-1600 15530 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Tue Hindi
1515-1600 15530 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Wed Hindi
1500-1515 15530 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Sat Hindi
1500-1530 15530 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Sun Bengali
1400-1500 15680 WER 250 kW / 090 deg Sat/Sun English
1530-1600 15680 JUL 100 kW / 090 deg Mon English
1515-1600 15680 JUL 100 kW / 090 deg Wed Urdu/English
1515-1600 15680 JUL 100 kW / 090 deg Thu/Sat English
1515-1600 15680 JUL 100 kW / 090 deg Fri Punjabi
1530-1600 15680 JUL 100 kW / 090 deg Sun Urdu
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX July 27)
(Source: WWDXC Top News - BC DX #818)

WYFR summer schedule update

Summer A-07 of DTK T-Systems Media & Broadcast

WYFR (Family Radio)
all times UTC

to West Europe
1700-1800 3955 WER 100 kW / non-dir German
to East Europe
1700-1900 9505 WER 500 kW / 060 deg Russian
1800-1900 11730 JUL 100 kW / 100 deg Romanian
to South Asia
1300-1500 15350 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Bengali
1500-1600 13830 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Gujarati
1500-1600 13840 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Punjabi
1600-1800 11730 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Punjabi
1500-1800 12020 WER 500 kW / 075 deg Urdu
1300-1400 15640 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Marathi
1300-1400 15670 WER 500 kW / 090 deg English
1400-1600 15670 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Hindi
1400-1500 15715 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Kannada
1400-1500 15370 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Telugu
1500-1600 15370 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Tamil
1600-1800 11680 WER 500 kW / 090 deg Hindi
to Middle East
1600-1700 11870 WER 500 kW / 105 deg Persian
1600-1800 9925 JUL 100 kW / 115 deg Turkish
1600-1700 13620 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1700-1800 11875 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1800-1900 11855 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1900-2000 9495 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
2000-2100 9705 WER 125 kW / 120 deg Arabic
to East Africa
1600-1900 13630 WER 500 kW / 135 deg English
1800-1900 13830 WER 500 kW / 135 deg Amharic
1600-1700 15650 WER 500 kW / 135 deg English
1500-1600 15750 WER 500 kW / 150 deg English
1600-1700 15750 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Amharic
1700-1800 15750 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Swahili
1800-1900 15750 WER 500 kW / 150 deg English
to North Africa
1700-1800 13840 JUL 100 kW / 175 deg Arabic
1800-1900 11600 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Arabic
1900-2000 7180 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Arabic
2000-2100 9735 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Arabic
2100-2200 5915 WER 500 kW / 150 deg Arabic
to Central Africa
1600-1700 15705 WER 500 kW / 165 deg English
1800-1900 13730 WER 500 kW / 165 deg English
to South Africa
1900-2200 9610 WER 500 kW / 180 deg English
2200-2300 9620 WER 500 kW / 180 deg English
1900-2000 11610 WER 500 kW / 180 deg French
2000-2100 9595 WER 500 kW / 180 deg French
2100-2200 9720 WER 500 kW / 180 deg French
to West Africa
2000-2100 11895 WER 100 kW / 195 deg French
2200-2300 9720 WER 500 kW / 195 deg French
1900-2000 13780 WER 500 kW / 210 deg French
2000-2200 11610 WER 500 kW / 210 deg Arabic
2200-2300 7115 WER 500 kW / 210 deg Arabic
(Source: WWDXC Top News - BC DX #818)

VOA Delano site to close in October

Another international broadcasting shortwave site is to close at the end of the current shortwave broadcast season. The American Federation of Government Employees, Local 1812, says that the Broadcasting Board of Governors has announced the closure of the Delano, California transmitting station. The closure is scheduled for October 30, 2007 [Sic. Probably means Sunday 28 October]. Employees will remain on the payroll until January 5, 2008.

This news hardly comes as a surprise, as the closure has been rumoured for months. Kim Andrew Elliott notes that the site is currently used for Radio Martí, VOA Spanish & Creole, and Special English to Latin America.
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Founder of High Adventure Ministries dies

George K. Otis, Sr., founder of High Adventure Ministries and Voice of Hope, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 22, 2007, at the age of 90.

Otis was a Christian radio pioneer and evangelist He was an author of more than a dozen books, including his autobiography, High Adventure. The founder of the Voice of Hope Radio Network, Otis eventually surrounded the globe with shortwave radio stations.

His ministry in Israel started what would become Middle East Television. He was best known for his energetic enthusiasm and unflagging commitment to reaching the world with the Gospel. His life touched the lives of actors, athletes and politicians like Pat Boone and former president, Ronald Reagan. His lifelong commitment to Israel gave him opportunity to meet with prime ministers like Yitzak Rabin, Menecham Begin and Shimon Peres.

Otis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia, his sons George Otis, Jr., and Don Otis and three surviving daughters, Kay Smith, April McCallum and Heather Tayloe.
(Source: High Adventure Ministries/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Six International returns to shortwave

Effective 11 August, Scotland’s only independent international broadcaster, Radio Six International, returns to shortwave with a resumption of its Saturday morning broadcast on 9290 kHz beamed to Europe, the Far East and Pacific regions.

The programme – transmitted every Saturday between 0700 and 0800 UTC – will be relayed from the 100 kW facility at Ulbroka, Latvia as well as from the 2.7 kW mediumwave transmitter on 945 kHz in Riga, Latvia.

The station has recently expressed reservations about the effectiveness of shortwave transmissions, and is available 24 hours a day on the internet at www.radiosix.com as well as via satellite and FM in various parts of the world at certain times of day.

The shortwave and mediumwave transmissions will continue until the end of September, when the situation will be reviewed.
(Source: Tony Currie, radio six international/R netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Blog Logs

All times UTC // parallel frequency

Bolivia
9624,83 Radio Fides, La Paz, 2140-2150, Spanish, transmisión Uruguay 1 vs Bolivia 0 from San Cristóbal city (Venezuela) for the “Copa America”, ID as: “…...Radio Fides, La Paz”, local advs, SINPO 33433 //6155,03 with 13341 (A. Slaen, Argentina)

6134.81, Radio Santa Cruz, 0907-0930 Noted a male with ID and brief comments. This was followed with local type music. At about 0915 possibly news presented since male talks at length. Signal was fair with some fading while there was a het from the station on 6135 kHz, but easily notched out. (C.Bolland, FL)

Canada
6160 CKZN St. Johns NL (p); 2203, 24-July; End of CBC News, into As It Happens program. SIO=222. Still no sign of 6070 CFRX. (H.Frodge, MI)

Clandestines
9490 Radio Free North Korea (p) via Taiwan, 1040-1050, Korean, talks by male and female, SINPO 24332. Very clear signal. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

9930 Open Radio for North Korea (p) via KWHR, 1110-1116, English, long talk in with SINPO as 33333 with jamming. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

6300 Radio Arabe Nacional Sahauri Democratica; 2344-2400*, Arabic recitations with stringed instrument. Male announcer at 2359--heard Arabic, then short anthem and off. SIO=342+, QRN & one brief utility rumble, a bit cleaner in USB. (H. Frodge, MI)

Costa Rica
9725 University Network: 2231...2249+, Dr. Gene pontificating. Rev. Barbi took a brief break as hrd her at 2249. SIO=554; //6090 via Anguilla, SIO=4+54-; //13845 via WWCR, SIO=353+. (Frodge-MI) 13749.86 University Network; 2338-2342+ Rev. Barbi pontificating. SIO=3+54-, muted; //13845 via WWCR, SIO=4+54; //9725 via Costa Rica, IO=533+; //6090 via Anguilla, SIO=4+44. I guess the money is still rolling in. (H.Frodge, MI)

Egypt
9460 Radio Cairo; 2317-2327+, 25-July; Male in English with Arab world news; ID at 2326 & news continued. SIO=4+4+4 (Frodge-MI)

Germany
7295 Radio Farda; 0056-0102+, Pop-style music to ID at 0100, then news in local language. SIO=3+53- (H. Frodge-MI)

Guatemala
4780 Radio Cultural Coatan; 0042-0101+, 24-July; Male in Spanish with exhortive talk; has cadence of a sermon, but sounds more political. ID at 0100 after brief London Bridge is Falling Down! SIO=332 with het from 4781.5, LSB takes it out. (H. Frodge-MI)

Indonesia
Indonesia, 4790, RRI Fak Fak, 0955-1005 Since this freq is clear lately, noted Fak Fak with Koran type program of singing by a male up to the hour and through the hour. No break for ID or anything at 1000. Signal was fair during this time. (C. Bolland, FL)

Mexico
9599.3, presumed R.UNAM, 1025-1045, Spanish. Classical/opera music with brief YL at 1030. Poor/choppy signal. Noted again on June 15, 0940-1017 with same format and signal quality. (S. Barbour-NH)

Niger
9705 La Voix du Sahel; 2248-2257*, 25-July; 2M discussion in French to 2251, then brief drum chant, then AR chant. LVdS ID at 2257 & off. SIO=222, QRM Sub-Cont'l music, AIR(p). (H. Frodge, MI)

Peru
6019.5, Radio Victoria, 0925-0935 Noted a male in Spanish religious comments. Very excitable which is a tipoff for Radio Victoria on the air. At 0930, Radio Nederland comes on the air block an already crowded frequency. Radio Victoria was poor when heard earlier.(C. Bolland, FL)

Portugal
13700 RDP Int'l; 2332-2337+, English and Portuguese pop/rap tunes; "Aray Day Pay Internacional" after each tune. SIO=4+53+ (H. Frodge, MI)

Romania
9790 Radio Romania Int'l; *2200, 24-July; On in English after 9-note IS tune; brief anthem, ID and schedule, then into English news at 2201. SIO=4+53; //11940 SIO=333- (H.Frodge, MI)

Uzbekistan
11790, CVC, 0146-0203, English. Usual format of contemporary religous music, CVC promos and ID. Poor. (S. Barbour, NH)

Zambia
4965 The Voice (p); 0425-0432+, Afro & English gospel tunes; Male announcer in English to religious program at 0430. Copiable but covered by the Abominable Swiper. (H. Frodge, MI)

Radio Waves International weekend relay schedule

Here is R.W.I's next shedule via Riga, Latvia on 9290kHz with a special country music show dedicated to the festival in France, The Country Rendenvous, celebrating this year their 20th birthday. I'll be there listenning to 15 groups with 24 hours of live music during this last weekend of July

Schedule for: July 27 at 2100 to 2200 UTC , July 28 at 0700 to 0800 UTC and July 29, 0600 to 0700 UTC.

We will be on holiday for two weeks, but the radio programs continue on the net at:
http://www.pirateradionetwork/. com/
Philippe & Peter Hills
(Source: Jose Migel Romero via HCDX)

My Shortwave Radio Hasn’t Gone Silent Yet

Special thanks to Harold Sellers, for permission in posting his editorial from the current issue of Listening-In publication. This is an excellent thought-provoking editorial, one that should be read by every naysayer who insist the hobby is dead, or at least on its last days. There remains a vast radio spectrum to monitor, and plenty to hear. Indeed stations have left the air or downsized, but new stations continue to sign-on. Consider too, we are at the sunspot mimimum, where less than favorable conditions are expected and the norm. This too shall pass, and DXers need to be patient. The sky is not falling folks.
Gayle Van Horn

My Shortwave Radio Hasn't Gone Silent Yet
by Harold Sellers
In recent years there’s been a lot of talk decrying the loss of shortwave broadcasters and the perceived slow death of shortwave. While it’s true that many countries and stations have halted their shortwave broadcasts in favor of the internet and satellite broadcasting, when I spin my radio’s dial I still hear lots of signals. They may be “different” than what I commonly found a decade or more ago, but they are still skipping across the oceans to my antenna.

Twenty years ago I was an enthusiastic DXer who spent many hours at my shortwave receiver, often spending entire weekends listening for as many countries as I could hear. Frequently an intense weekend of listening would fi ll my logbook with over 100 countries. It has been a long-g-g-g time since that has happened!

Although it may be diffi cult to hear 100 countries, you might be surprised to know that there are still about 175 countries still broadcasting on shortwave, according to the Country List of the North American Short Wave Association. Granted that country list was designed to give radio DXers as many “countries” to hear as possible and many have not been independent political entities for a long time (if ever), but it’s still an impressive total.

It’s not all bad news for shortwave broadcast band DXers. Even though we lost Iceland and Hungary’s English broadcasts at the end of June 2007, Hungary continues in Hungarian and Radio Kuwait unexpectedly resumed the English transmissions they dropped months earlier.

I know more countries will discontinue broadcasting on shortwave. Technology is changing and so are the political and cultural scenes in the world. My listening habits haven’t remained the same either (not to mention the changes in my career and family life).

I like hearing music and news from around the world. I feel fortunate that I now have several means at my disposal to hear the programming I enjoy. I can use one of my three shortwave radios in any location I might fi nd myself: at home, at work or while traveling. Plus I have a home computer and also a laptop, so in most locations I can access the internet and listen to a broadcaster streaming over the internet or perhaps via World Radio Network. Add to that the many internet-only broadcasters – such as Putumayo Radio, which I’m listening to via iTunes as I type this – and I’ve got the world at my fingertips!

Going back to that time 20 years ago, I had one radio and it wasn’t very portable. I had a computer, but it never left the house and couldn’t “hear” any broadcasters anyway. But back to shortwave. Is it dying? I’ll ask you a question: Did you think more and more countries would take to shortwave every decade and that they would never fi nd other methods or priorities?

The past we enjoyed was great, but so is the present. In many aspects of life we need to adapt and if you are willing to adapt, you needn’t feel disheartened. Embrace the change by having an attitude of not giving up. We have lots to listen to and some great, new radios to do it with.

I’ve been in this DX hobby for 40 years now and I still haven’t heard all of the 175 “radio countries” still on the air.

Excuse me; I have to get back to listening.
Till next month....73 and good listening,
Harold Sellers
(ODXA-Listening In, Aug 2007)

New website for Islands on the Air

The new IOTA website http://www.rsgbiota.org/ has been up and running since 21 June. It includes many innovative improvements, and contains also many new features including the ability to view one’s own record of island groups confi rmed. Soon it will be possible - for registered users - to claim additional credits on-line and even to claim credit for IOTA Contest QSOs without the need for QSL card verifi cation. The site was developed primarily by Dominic Smith (MØBLF), with Martin Atherton (G3ZAY) acting as the liaison between the project team and the IOTA Committee. Enquires about the website can be emailed to IOTA.online@rsgb.org.uk [425 DX NEWS, 7 July 2007]
(Source: ODXA/Listening-In/Ham Radio Corner-David Ross)

Blog Logs

This morning's Blog Logs, is a sampling of those from the latest DX Window via Danish SW Club International. Best of DX your way...have you shared your logs yet?
Gayle VH



Bolivia
4409.8, R Eco, Reyes, Beni, 2302-0120, Jul 11 and 21, Spanish talk, Bolivian songs, noise QRM, 22232. (Méndez and Petersen)

4781.54, R Tacana, Tumupasa, 0014, Jul 05, Bolivian music, 25343. (Beryozkin)

4865, R Logos via RCentenario, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 2140-2151, Jul 21, Spanish talks, light songs, 33322, QRM from Brazil. (Gonçalves)

4958, R Difusora Trópico, Trinidad, 2224-2235, Jul 21, Spanish talks, 25231. (Gonçalves)

5952.50, R Pio XII, Siglo XII, 2208-0130, Jul 09, 13 and 17, Spanish fast talking about "la calidad educativa", ID: "Radio Pio XII, un recorrido por los municipios de Bolivia", advs in Spanish and Quechoa: "Cooperativa veterinaria", "Ferretería Lima, Llallaguas", "Radio Pio XII, las seis de la tarde con treinta y un minutos", 23222. (Méndez, Petersen)

Brazil
3385/5045/ 1550MW, R Guarujá Paulista, Marília, SP. The last DX-programme (no. 190!) from DX Clube do Brasil was broadcast on Sa Jul 21. From Jul 23, Sistema Globo de Rádio began broadcasting via these transmitters at 1300-1600 and 2000-2300 produced by Baixada Santista with the ID: "Rádio Globo Santos". (Romais)

4755, R Rural, Campo Grande, MS, 0020-0101, Jul 11, Portuguese talk, sound effects, handful of vocals and simple "Rural" IDs noted. Fair to good reception with some CODAR QRM. (D'Angelo). Thus R Imaculada Conceição still have programmes from R Rural! (Ed)

4805, Radiodifusora do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 2155-2246, Jul 09 and 14, Brazilian songs, Portuguese talk, ID: "Radiodifusora, Manaus". At 2200 "A Voz do Brasil", 2230 “Correspondente Ipiranga – Rede Gaúcha SAT” news magazine, 55343. (Gonçalves and Méndez)

6150, R Record, São Paulo, SP, 2158-0004, Jul 10 and 16, advs, ID and frequency ann, slogan: “A sua melhor companhia – Rádio Record!”, A Voz do Brasil at 2200, 43443, adjacent QRM. (D'Angelo and Gonçalves)

11804.8v, R Globo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 2021-2100*, Jul 09 and 21, Portuguese advs, slogan: “Hoje, amanhã e sempre – é Rádio Globo!”, “Futebol show”, 33333. (Gonçalves and Méndez). Also football 1516-1636, Jul 15. (Gonçavles)

11815, R Brasil Central, Goiânia, GO, 1900-2237, daily, "Brasil Central – Suecessos!” music programme, TC after each song, 54444. (Gonçalves, Kolchanov and Liangas). Also heard at 1514-1650, Jul 15, folk songs and reports on the Pan-american Games, 34432, adjacent QRM. (Gonçalves)

Canada
9625, CBC Northern Québec Service, Sackville, NB, 2219-2236, Jul 19, Canadian Indian language programme, talks, Canadian folk tunes, interview, 54433, adjacent QRM only. Also heard 1102-1415, Jul 23, French, news, Indian Vernacular, chanting, pops, English 1400, 33432, co-channel QRM during the first hour. (Gonçalves

China
5860, Voice of Jinling verified my English report with a very nice colourful verification card in 38 days. The QSL text is printed in Chinese but English stamp was also included on the card. They were kind enough to send 4 different Beijing Olympics logo. The contact person of the station is Ms. Ruoyi Liu and she can be contacted via e-mail to: liuruoy@hotmail.com. Their website is www.vojradio.com. (Rajeesh, Jul 10)

Colombia
6009.48, La Voz de tu Conciencia, Lomalinda, Puerto Lleras, 0020-0059, 0710-0717 and 1004, Jul 10, 12 and 21, man preaching in English and translated into Spanish by another man, soft instrumental music, canned ID: "Desde Puerto Lleras, Colombia, esta ?? Alcaravan Radio en 15-30 AM, y la onda corta 6010 La Voz de tu Conciencia, la voz ?? radio AM ??". Reception quality varies from "Good and clear" to 13221. (D'Angelo, Méndez and Valko)

Germany
6045, R Gloria International, via Juelich, 1200, Su Jul 22, monthly broadcast in teamwork with MV Baltic R. The postal address is: Radio Gloria International, (c/o Coloradio.org), Jordanstraße 5, D- 01099 Dresden/ Germany, e-mail: radiogloria@aol.com.(Taylor). It was the station we heard in Vejers just before the AGM. (Koie)

Guatemala
4781.3, R Cultural Coatán, San Sebastián de Coatán, 2236-2247, Jul 21, Spanish, pops, 34332. (Gonçalves). Also heard on 4780 at 0229-0252*, Jul 14, program of rustic vocals with Spanish talk, ID and frequency ann at 0239. More music until final ID and closedown. Instrumental music until carrier cut at 0252. Poor to fair but clear until Djibouti carrier came on at 0250.(D'Angelo)

Guinea
7125, R Guinée a.k.a. R Conakry, Sonfonya, 2205-2227, Jul 12, French, “Journal de la Nation”, 54433, weakish and clipped audio, QRM from China. (Gonçalves). Also heard in French 0651-0705, Jul 12, and in Vernacular with Afropops 1410-1505, Jul 14, 24322 - 44333, increasing QRM from VOA via Thailand. (Gonçalves and Méndez)

Indonesia
9525, Voice of Indonesia, 1035-1053, Jul 18, comments in Bahasa Indonesia, 1047 music presented, good. (Bolland). Also heard on 9524.95, *0743-0900, Jul 21 and 22, music and ID loop ("You are listening to the Voice of Indonesia"), one hour English segment with news, sports news, program "Getting to Know Indonesia", "Weekly Review", "News in Brief", gives frequencies of 9525, 11785 and 15150, fair-poor, mixing with CTN until 0800.(Howard)

Kuwait
11990, R Kuwait, 1915-2100*, Jul 21, pop music program, reading a short story by a Kuwaiti author, ID's like "You are listening to radio Kuwait" mentioning 11,990 kHz to Europe and North America. The news in brief followed a local time check for 11:49 PM in the State of Kuwait. 2058 close down ann mentioning tomorrow's 1800 GMT transmission. Closed with orchestra National Anthem with 5 + 1 time pips at 2100 and Arabic ID. Fair to good reception.(D'Angelo)

Mali
5995, R Mali, Kati, Bamako, 2055-2146, Jul 09 and 21, Vernacular, traditional chanting, 54444 despite adjacent DRM QRM 5990; // 4835.3. (Gonçalves and Slaen)

Mexico
6010, R Mil, México DF, 0558-0620, Jul 23, songs, Spanish ID 0559: "Radio Mil", talk by man and woman, complete ID 0604: "Radio Mil, 1000 kHz, 50.000 watts, onda corta 6010 kHz...", jingle: "Radio Mil", "Vive México en Radio Mil", 23222. (Méndez)

Peru
6019.6, R Victoria, Lima, 0612-0645, Jul 12, locutor: "Mañana viernes, campaña para vencer la brujería y la hechicería, con el evangelista internacional Manuel Asensio, los esperemos a las 7, 10, 1, 4 y 7 de la tarde en Avenida Arica 248, distrito Breña", 24322. (Méndez). Also heard 1045-55, Jul 16, with plenty of QRM, poor. (Bolland)

Uganda
4976, R Uganda, Kampala, *0300-0426, Jul 13 and 20, opening music followed by a man and woman with ID and opening ann in English and Swahili. Local tribal music and drums. 0400 English news, poor to fair. (D'Angelo)

Vietnam
9530, Voice of Vietnam 1, Son Tai, Hanoi, 2220-2300, Jun 26 and 29, reports in Vietnamese with music bridges, 35433. I heard the same station fading in around 1520-1700*, Jul 07, 08 and 09 with same kind of programme.(Schulze)

Zimbabwe
3396, ZBC, Guineafowl, Gweru, 1824-2245, Jul 11, 13 and 20, Vernacular talks, piano tunes, British and African pop songs, 45332, but rated 54333 at 2015. Not heard on 6045. (Gonçalves, Liangas and Petersen)
(DSWCI-DX Window #329 7/25/07 via Anker Petersen)

Cricket match radio schedule

All India Radio commentary of first Cricket test match, fourth day play between India and England was noted on Jul 22, *1000-1805*, on medium wave and the following shortwave channels: 4810 Bhopal, 4910 Jaipur, 5010Thiru'puram, 5015 Delhi, 5040 Jeypore.

Schedule for India - England cricket series :
Test Matches
July 19-23 : 1st Test at Lord’s
July 27-31 : 2nd Test at Trent Bridge
August 9-13: 3rd Test at Brit Oval
One day matches :
August 21: 1st ODI, The Rose Bowl (day/night)
August 24: 2nd ODI, Bristol (d/n)
August 27: 3rd ODI, Edgbaston
August 30: 4th ODI, Old Trafford (d/n)
September 2: 5th ODI, Headingley Carnegie Stadium
September 5: 6th ODI, The Brit Oval
September 8: 7th ODI, Lord’s. (Gupta)

10330, The AIR Vividh Bhartahi program is now broadcast from AIR Delhi (Khampur Site) with 250 kW, (ex via Bangalore 500 kW). The schedule is: 0025-0435, 0900-1200 and 1245-1740. (Jacob)
(Source: DX Window #329 7/25/07)

New schedule updates from WRTH

To remind our blog readers, World Radio TV Book is pleased to announce that an update is now available for the A07 schedules file. Updates may be downloaded from a five page pdf file at the WRTH web site: http://www.wrth.com/updates_new.asp .
(Source: Gilbert/DXplorer, Jul 13/DX Window #329 7/25/07)

South African Relay League adjust weekly schedule

Effective from July 29, the weekly English and Afrikaans transmissions from the official station of the South African Radio League, ZS6SRL, relayed over the Meyerton facility for Africa, are scheduled as follows:
Sundays 0800-0900 17590 (replacing 17695) 250 kW 19 degrees
Sundays 0800-0900 7205 100 kW non-directional
Mondays (repeat) 1900-2000 3215 100 kW 290 degrees.
The SARL issues its own fully-detailed QSLs for correct reports of the Meyerton relays.

These programs have been broadcast for many years, and provide news about the League's activities, as well as topical news of worldwide events concerning amateur radio and propagation. They are compiled by Hans ZS6SKR and are on 7066 and 145.725 from Pretoria and on various repeaters in other districts, 0800-0900 Sundays. Full details are at the SARL Website: http://www.sarl.org.za/public/_news/read.asp . (Padula, Jul 20)
(Source: DX Window #329 7/25/07)

Shortwave radio propagation update

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
25 July - 20 August 2007

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.
No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 25 July, 03 August, and 12 - 15 August.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to at quiet levels on 25 July. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to active levels on 26 July due to a recurrent coronal hole HSS. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 27 - 30 July. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to active levels on 31 July due to a recurrent coronal hole HSS. Activity is expected to decrease to mostly quiet levels during 01 - 06 August. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to minor storm levels on 31 July due to a recurrent coronal hole HSS. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettled levels during 08 - 09 August. Another recurrent coronal hole HSS is expected to increase activity to unsettled to minor storm levels on 10 - 11 August. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettled levels during 12 - 15 August. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to active levels during 16 - 17 August due to a recurrent coronal hole HSS. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during the remainder of the period.
Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2007 Jul 24 2323 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2007 Jul 24
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2007 Jul 25 68 5 2
2007 Jul 26 68 15 4
2007 Jul 27 70 5 2
2007 Jul 28 70 5 2
2007 Jul 29 70 5 2
2007 Jul 30 70 8 3
2007 Jul 31 70 15 4
2007 Aug 01 70 5 2
2007 Aug 02 70 5 2
2007 Aug 03 75 5 2
2007 Aug 04 75 5 2
2007 Aug 05 75 5 2
2007 Aug 06 75 8 3
2007 Aug 07 75 20 5
2007 Aug 08 75 8 3
2007 Aug 09 75 5 2
2007 Aug 10 75 20 5
2007 Aug 11 75 15 4
2007 Aug 12 75 8 3
2007 Aug 13 70 8 3
2007 Aug 14 70 5 2
2007 Aug 15 70 8 3
2007 Aug 16 65 15 4
2007 Aug 17 65 10 3
2007 Aug 18 65 5 2
2007 Aug 19 65 5 2
2007 Aug 20 65 5 2
(NOAA)

Blog Logs

All times UTC

Bolivia
4732.02 Radio Universitaria (pres.) 0051-0207:35*, Tlk by male at tune in, then soft LA romantic music. Male returned over music at 0056 and then another Rom. song. Same M was joined by W anncr at 0100. More lively Latin American pop music with animated M anncr host afterwards. Just at threshold readability but much too noisy. Signal strength dropped down after 0100, which is consistent for sunset reception. Kept recording and found they left the air at exactly 0207:35. Finally no RTTY this night. (D.Valko/PA/HCDX 12 July)

Burkina Faso
5030 Radio Bourkina, Ouagadogou, 2048-2052, July 09, French, short announcement & local music, SINPO 23222 (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina)

China
6155, CNR-2/CBR, 1300-1400, July 23, hour program mostly in English: "This is English Evening on China Business Radio", hosted by Eric, song "Every Breath You Take" by Sting, talking about weddings, "Career Focus. In tonights edition of Smith's Business close-up ...", segment "Studio Classroom Worldwide", fair-good. MP3 audio available at: http://www.listeningexpress.com/download/#EE (Ron Howard-CA)

Colombia
6009.48 LV de tu Conciencia 1004 nice canned ID by M "Desde Puerto Lleras, Colombia, esta ?? Alcaravan Radio en 15-30 AM, y la onda corta 6010 La Voz de tu Conciencia, la voz ?? radio AM ??", then canned anmnt by M. Good and clear. (Valko 12 July/Cumbre DX)

Costa Rica
6020.95, REE, 0237-0311, July 24, Spanish programming,fair-poor, // 3350, 6055, 6125, 9535 & 9620. (Ron Howard-CA)

India
4920, All India Radio, (pres) 00:15-0030 Another weak signal here with music and believe I hear comments at 00:21 UTC. The noise and QRM on this band makes copy of anything not a lot of power, impossible to copy. Signal was threshold. (Chuck Bolland, January 22, 2007)

India
4920 AIR Chennai (p), Tamil Nada, 0052 - 0102, Vernacular, musical programme, comments or news by man announcer, 24332, (Eramo, Argentina)

Indonesia
4790, RRI Fak Fak, 0931-1035, With a female in Indonesian comments, this was followed with pop music. This format continues throughout the period. Didn't notice a break on the hour. Signal was poor. Still audible at 1035. (Chuck Bolland, July 20, 2007)

Malaysia
7295, RTM, (TENT), 1016-1030 Noted at tune-in a female in English comments, possibly presenting the weather report. At 1018, a male comments. Signal was threshold and possibly a boggie. (Chuck Bolland, July 20, 2007)

Mali
5995 Radio Mali (p), Bamako, 2055-2100, July 09, ¿language?, very nice vernacular songs, 24332 (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina)

Mexico
9599.22 Radio Universidad 0917-1002, Usual Classical mx. 0940 Woman announcer with song announcements, then back to more music.0959 woman returned with more song announcements followed by nice canned ID promo mentioning what sounded like 96 FM. Long period of deadair then. Beautiful clear signal.(Valko 12 July)

Peru
3375 Radio San Antonio(p), Padua del Callali, Arequipa, 1009 - 1040, July 1, Spanish and local dialect, Musical Programme (Anden music), religious comments by man, 24232, (Eramo, Argentina/Cumbre DX)

4746.9 Radio Huanta 2000, Huanta, Ayacucho, 0005 - 0007, June 26, Spanish, man announcer, advs, ID "Huanta 2000...", 24322, (Eramo, Argentina/Cumbre DX)

4857.46 Radio La Hora (p), Cusco, 2317 - 2328, June 27, Spanish, comments, man announcer, 24222, (Eramo, Argentina/Cumbre DX)

Zimbabwe
4828, Zimbabwe Broadcasting, (pres) 2330-2345, Can't hear too much since it's still a 45 minutes before sunset, but under the noise I can hear Hilife type music with singing etc at threshold. Never heard any comments due to the wild noise level. (Chuck Bolland July 21, 2007)

DXers Unlimited edition July 21-22

By Arnie Coro - CO2KK

Hi amigos radioaficionados... I am Arnie Coro in Havana, and its my pleasure to share with you about seventeen minutes of on the air and on the web time talking about our favorite hobby, yours and mine...

RADIO... Item One: More days with an absolutely spotless solar disk are expected soon... not a single sunspot will be seen during a several days period according to solar forecasters, something that tells us a lot about the way solar cycle 23 is decaying...

Item Two: Everybody knows that whenever there is a massive emergency, cellphones simply stop working, or in the best possible scenario, it is very difficult to communicate using them. BUT, simple , relatively low cost amateur radio two meters and seventy centimeter bands continue to work nicely ,providing reliable communications links that are not dependent of the number of users of the system, like cellphones are...

That's why amateur radio continues to be regarded as a most reliable way of communicating during emergencies, something that here in Cuba we have found out when several powerful hurricanes , Michelle, Isidore, Lili, Charley and Dennis struck our archipelago !!! By the way, a low cost handheld FM two meter band transceiver and a very simple antenna system is all you will need to stay in touch via a repeater, even under the worst weather conditions !!!

Item Three: More about the Micro Vert antenna, and how it compared to a one meter diameter magnetic loop...Some experts are telling now that what is actually radiating in the case of the MicroVert antenna is a section of the outer braid of the coaxial cable feedline ! And at the end of the program, our exclusive and not copyrighted HF propagation update and forecast... Stay tuned... in just a few seconds more radio know-how for your enjoyment follows... I am Arnie Coro in Havana...

This is Radio Havana Cuba, the name of the show is Dxers Unlimited, and for first time listener's information this is a twice weekly program devoted to the promotion and development of the wonderful hobby of radio, one you can start enjoying without investing a single cent... just by using your already existing radios to catch far away stations, in other words to enjoy DXING ... !!! More about the Micro Vert ultra compact single band antenna...All I can say is that it seems to work, after all... For the past several days I have experimented quite a bit with the 40 meters band version of the Micro Vert, with my new PSK31 digital communications mode capability at CO2KK, and among the findings that I wish to share with you is that it makes a nice receiving antenna for both the 49 ,41, 31 and 25 meters international shortwave broadcast bands... and that , of course is a bonus... as the Micro Vert antenna is usually thought as a single band system for amateur radio work, in other words a rather narrow band antenna... But, I found this quite by chance, when connecting the Micro Vert's 50 ohm coaxial cable downlead to an amateur band's transceiver that also has extended coverage of the HF spectrum. The transceiver was tuned to Radio Havana Cuba's 9550 kiloHertz frequency, and to my surprise, the station came in loud and clear with the Micro Vert... The Micro Vert cut for the 40 meters ham band , used as a receiving antenna delivered excellent reception on 41 meters , as one could expect, but it did also provide quite good reception of the 31 ,25 and 22 meters bands broadcasters...

Later I ran another detailed comparative test on the 40 meters band while running 20 Watts of PSK31 mode , using the Micro Vert and a One Meter Diameter Magnetic Loop , so that both antenna could be switched very fast at the receiver's input. Results showed that , depending on the distance from the transmitting station, one could receive always equal or better signals on the Micro Vert... without having to retune every few kiloHertz, as you have to do with the Magnetic Loop...

The Micro Vert is a rather practical and compact single band solution for radio amateurs that otherwise can't operate on the HF bands due to lack of space for a standard size antenna system. So far I have built three of these antennas, one for 40 meters, another one for 30 meters and still another one for the most popular DX ham band of them all: 20 meters. In all three cases it was not really difficult to tune up the antennas, and results show, that even under recent poor propagation conditions, the Micro Verts have allowed me to carry on nice two way contacts....

The worst signal report given for the Micro Vert on 20 meters by a station about 1500 miles away from Havana, was about 2 S units below my very efficient quarter wave ground plane ... While the signal from the ground plane was reported as S9...the signal from the Micro Vert after a fast switch over was S7, an indication that DL7PE, Juergen, the inventor of the Micro Vert was absolutely right when he affirmed that his antenna design could make possible HF operation for many amateur operators that live in the cities...and for that very same reason could not install
antennas for the HF ham bands.
.....
Several days in a row without a single sunspot are now not an uncommon happening !!! Some newcomers to solar observations might have wondered if this was normal or not... but long time observers, like my good friend Angel Gonzalez Coroas , are not shocked by the spotless Sun...

If you want to run your own propagation forecating software, feed the program with a solar flux figure of 70 and you will be hitting ballpark figures during the last 10 days of July !!!

And now, just before going QRT , here is Arnie Coro's Dxers Unlimited's HF propagation update and forecast... CQ magazine's VHF contest is in progress as you are hearing this show, and there are good chances of Sporadic E openings for the participants to enjoy. Solar flux at rock bottom levels near 70 and no sunspots in sight on either side of the Sun...Few chances if any of maximum useable frequencies going above 20 megaHertz, except perhaps via Trans Equatorial Propagation.. Hope to have you all listening to the mid week edition of Dxers Unlimited next Tuesday and Wednesday UTC days amigos !