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Monday, September 30, 2013

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2013 Sep 30 0645 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html  
#
#    Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 - 29 September 2013

Solar activity was at low levels throughout the period. A total of  three C-class flares were observed from active regions; a C1/Sf at 24/2256 UTC from Region 1846 (S17, L=056, class/area Cso/210 on 21
Sep), a C1 at 29/0127 UTC from Region 1853 (N19, L=080, class/area Cao/30 on 28 Sep), and a C1/Sf at 29/0525 UTC from Region 1850 (N09, L=036, class/area Dao/140 on 27 Sep). Region 1850 was the most magnetically complex region on the disk during the period, developing a beta-gamma magnetic configuration on 27 Sep. A filament eruption (with an approximate extent of 35 heliographic degrees)
centered near N15W40, was observed on SDO/AIA imagery beginning at 29/2145 UTC, and was associated with a long-duration C1 flare. This event produced an asymmetrial partial-halo CME visibile on LASCO C2/C3 coronagraph imagery. Additional imagery and analysis is required to determine when the coronal mass ejection (CME) is to arrive at Earth. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at high to moderate levels on 23 Sep and early 24 Sep, and then decreased to and remained at normal levels for the remainder of the period. 

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled levels with an isolated period of active conditions (1200 - 1500 UTC) on 24 Sep with coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) effects. The remainder of the period was quiet. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 September - 26 October 2013

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels throughout the outlook period. 

NOAA Scale S1 (Minor) solar radiation storm conditions are expected on 30 Sep - 01 Oct due to particle enhancement from the 29 Sep coronal mass ejection (CME). No S1 or greater proton events are
expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at moderate to high levels on 30 Sep - 10 Oct due to combined coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) and CME effects.
Normal to moderate levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to active levels on 30 Sep, and quiet to unsettled levels on 01 - 02 Oct with CH HSS effects. Quiet to active conditions are expected on 02 - 04 Oct with likely arrival of the 29 Sep CME associated with a filament eruption. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 10 - 11 Oct, 14 - 16 Oct, and 21 Oct, all due to CH HSS effects. The remainder of the period is expected to be at quiet levels, barring any further transient activity. 


Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2013 Sep 30 0645 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html 
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2013-09-30
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2013 Sep 30     100          12          4
2013 Oct 01     100          10          3
2013 Oct 02      95           8          3
2013 Oct 03      95           5          2
2013 Oct 04      95           5          2
2013 Oct 05      95           5          2
2013 Oct 06      95           5          2
2013 Oct 07      95           5          2
2013 Oct 08      95           5          2
2013 Oct 09      95           5          2
2013 Oct 10      95           8          3
2013 Oct 11     100           8          3
2013 Oct 12     100           5          2
2013 Oct 13     105           5          2
2013 Oct 14     105           8          3
2013 Oct 15     105          10          3
2013 Oct 16     105           8          3
2013 Oct 17     105           5          2
2013 Oct 18     100           5          2
2013 Oct 19      95           5          2
2013 Oct 20      95           5          2
2013 Oct 21      95          10          3
2013 Oct 22      95           5          2
2013 Oct 23      95           5          2
2013 Oct 24      90           5          2
2013 Oct 25      90           5          2
2013 Oct 26      85           5          2
(NOAA)

Radio Broadcasting on the Island of Cyprus-The International Scene

In times past here in Wavescan, we have presented the story of several radio broadcasting organizations that have been involved in international broadcasting on mediumwave and shortwave from the island of Cyprus, including:-
                        Sharq al Adna & the BBC at                           Zygi  & Lady’s Mile
                        Cyprus Broadcasting Service via the BBC     Zygi
                        BFBS                                                              Lakatamia
                        Radio Bayrak                                                  Lefkose
                        Radio ITU & Lincolnshire Poacher                 Akrotiri

            In this edition of Wavescan, we examine the interesting story of the remaining international broadcasting stations on the island of Cyprus; and in particular, the story of the Voice of America and the two powerful mediumwave stations located at the tip of the Cape Greco peninsula.  Let’s go first, to the Voice of America.
            It was back in the year 1949, that Reuters Newsagency carried a news item stating that the United States government had received approval from the Cyprus government to erect a relay station on their island.  At this time, details regarding the projected new station were not given.
            However, two years later, the Voice of America announced details for this huge new international broadcasting station that was identified under the name, Project East.  It was intended that VOA Cyprus would contain three transmitters; one mediumwave unit with a power of 1 megawatt, and two shortwave transmitters at 35 - 50 kW.
            However, on November 7, 1952, the entire project for VOA Cyprus was deleted, due to confused political issues and the anticipated cost at $6.1 million.
            Interestingly though, during the following year, VOA was noted with a brief program relay from the already established shortwave station, Sharq al Adna.  This ¼ hour daily program segment in the Greek language was noted in the United States on 6790 kHz.  During that era, Sharq al Adna was on the air shortwave with four transmitters at 7½ kW each.  
            Let’s now look at the two huge mediumwave stations located at Cape Greco in Cyprus.  Actually, Cape Greco is a small peninsula located about half way along the coast on the underside of the island.  This peninsula could be described as a narrow causeway connecting the mainland to a flat “island”.   
            In the eras of prehistory, there was an ancient settlement on the peninsula known as Tigani; and nearby was a temple in honor of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.  It is stated that Aphrodite was the Greek version of the Egyptian Hathor, and the Roman version of Venus.  An old Cypriot story tells that Aphrodite was born on the island of Cyprus.
            In the year 1812, a lighthouse was constructed right at the tip of the Cape Greco peninsula.  When the light was active, it emitted a dash every fifteen seconds, like the letter T in Morse Code.   
            These days, the Cape Greco area is a tourist destination, designated as a protected National Forest Park.  The “island” area upon which the two radio stations are located is held by the Somera Radio Station, Radio France International/Radio Monte Carlo.
            In March 1971, an agreement was signed by Radio Monte Carlo and the Cyprus government giving approval to establish a high powered mediumwave relay station on the Cape Greco peninsula, though the British government lodged an objection due to possible interference with a nearby British radar station.  The radio broadcasting station facility is owned by Radio France International.
            The initial test broadcasts from Radio Monte Carlo Cyprus began in June 1971, with 20 kW on 1232 kHz.  These preliminary broadcasts consisted of music and announcements in Arabic and French, and they were heard in far off New Zealand.  QSL cards were issued from Radio Monte Carlo in Monaco, mainland Europe.
            Three years later, that is in 1974, test broadcasts from an additional new transmitter rated at 600 kW were noted far and wide on the same channel 1232 kHz.  It was at this stage, that Radio Monte Carlo Cyprus began the broadcast of programming as a relay from Trans World Radio TWR Monte Carlo (May 1, 1974). 
            The slight adjustment of frequency from 1232 kHz to 1233 kHz is noted in the 1979 edition of the WRTVHB.  This channel change was due to an almost worldwide change so that mediumwave stations could operate at 9 kHz separation and thus reduce mutual interference.

            This mighty radio broadcasting station has also included the relay of other international broadcasting stations in its scheduling, including Radio France International RFI itself (1988), and Radio Canada International RCI (1992).
These days, Radio Monte Carlo Cyprus is still on the air, with two solid state transmitters model S7HP, rated at 600 kW each.  This station can be seen on Cape Greco, with its four tall towers in a row.
            We go back now to the Voice of America story.  A preliminary analysis for VOA Cyprus was completed in June 2001, and on June 15 of the following year, this new station began test broadcasts on 981 kHz.  The radio frequency signal from the 600 kW Thales transmitter, carrying the same model number as nearby RMC/RFI (S7HP) is fed into three tall towers which are located near the lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula.  In fact all seven towers for both stations stand at the same height, 340 ft tall.
            On February 28, 2003, VOA Cyprus changed channel from 981 kHz to the nearby 990 kHz channel.  This station is still on the air to this day, carrying the programming from VOA/Radio Sawa.
            We should also mention that a shortwave relay of the programming parallel to Radio Monte Carlo Cyprus was noted on 9795 kHz in March 1986.  This program relay was at first thought to be from Cyprus itself, though subsequent information identified the location as Nador in Morocco. 
            Then, during the brief Gulf War in 2003, it was speculated that broadcasts on shortwave of the programming from the British Forces Broadcasting Service, BFBS in London, was on relay via a shortwave station in Cyprus.  However, again subsequent information ruled out the possibility of Cyprus as being one of the BFBS relay locations.
            That brings us to the end of our series of topic regarding the history of radio broadcasting on the island of Cyprus.  As a follow on series some time soon, we plan to present the story of radio broadcasting on the island of Malta.  Quite a story!
(AWR Wavescan/NWS240 via Adrian Peterson)

Friday, September 27, 2013

Atlantic 2000 set for Sunday


September 29

Atlantic 2000 will be on the air this Sunday 29th of September from 08:00 to 09:00 UTC on 7310 kHz,

The program will be streaming at the same time on our website:  http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr

All reports to:  atlantic2000international@gmail.com

 Thank you!
Tom Taylor

Shortwave Rock ready to air


Shortwave Rock will be on the air September 29th

Dear Shortwave Rock listener,
The next broadcast of Shortwave Rock will be on September 29th between (0900-1000 UTC) on 6045 kHz.
We hope you will be able to listen.

Please email your reports to: phil@shortwaverock.com

Best regards,
Phil Mitchell

From: shortwaverock.com  
__._,_.___

VOA Radiogram Weekend Schedule


Thanks to Kim Elliott for sending in this weekend's schedule

Hello friends,

Thank you for your reception reports for VOA Radiogram 27, broadcast last weekend, 21-22 September. I think I have responded to everyone by now.

The broadcast included Fldigi's new capability to transmit images in MFSK64 and MFSK128, with correct colors displayed. Some results can be seen in the QSL for VOA Radiogram 27. The Duck Commander image was MFSK64, and the CNBC logo MFSK128...

voaradiogram.net/post/62327976737/the-qsl-for-voa-radiogram-27-the-weekend-of-21-22

This weekend we will transmit an image of a $60m diamond using MFSK16, 32, 64, and 128. For correct display of the MFSK64 and 128 images, please install one of the "alpha" versions of Fldigi from...

www.w1hkj.com/alpha/fldigi/v3.21/
Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram 28 during the weekend of 28-29 September 2013 (produced using Fldigi 3.21.76AG):

3:33  MFSK16: Program preview
5:38  MFSK 16/32/64/128 images: Large diamond
3:45  MFSK32: BBC World Service archive
4:04  MFSK64: Deutsche Welle, Radio/TV Martí, with image
1:32  MFSK128: Willis Conover Facebook page, with image
 :44  MFSK32: Email address
2:02  MFSK64: ISON comet, with image
2:29  MFSK64/Flmsg: Ultra-compact galaxy
 :37  MFSK32: Closing announcements

   
Please send reception reports and, if possible, screenshots and audio samples to radiogram@voanews.com .

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule
(all days and times UTC):
Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
Sun 1300-1330 6095 kHz
Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz
All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.

This weekend on The Mighty KBC, via Germany, I will have a minute of Olivia 64-2000 under a familiar musical tune. This will be Saturday at about 1130 UTC on 6095 kHz, and Sunday at about 0130 UTC on 7375 kHz (Saturday 9:30 pm EDT). Reports to themightykbc@gmail.com .

Thanks for tuning in and decoding. I look forward to your emails.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
http://voaradiogram.net

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Blog Logs

*Sign-On /  Sign-Off*   // station heard on parallel frequency / all freqs kHz

Logs edited for clarity
All times UTC



Argentina
11710, Radiodifusión Argentina al Exterior (English Service) *0200 speaking of damage to several key cities from flooding.  Excellent strength !  (Chuck Rippel, VA)  

Bolivia
5952.44 Radio Pio Doce. Nice signal with talk at 0955 with talk in Quechua, then ad/promo block mostly in Spanish and one  mention of Pio Doce. Choral national anthem and voice talk by male announcer. Station ID and mentions of "comunicacion Pio Doce".  Checked the webstream and it was seven seconds behind (Dave Valko, PA/HCDX)

Brazil
4874v Radio Difusoras Roraima. Program playing the "Bon Dia" song at 0935, and Brazilian pops via announcer DJ. Announcer taking phone calls. Morning rooster crowing during song. Signal really drifting around fast between 4873-4875. Sometimes as  much as 1 kilohertz in 30 seconds. Impossible to keep tuned (Valko)

4865.02 Radio Verdes Florestas. Caught middle of canned full ID at tune-in at 0936.  Religious music with host and religious choral music. Full station ID again at 0954 at end of program. Signal clear and strong. (Valko)

4915, Radiodifusora Macapá, Macapá. Brazilians songs 0535-0610, and station identification. Announcer with, "Radiodifusora" to advertisements. SINO 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain/HCDX)

4885, Radio Clube do Pará, Belém,. Heard 0605-0620 with Brazilian songs from male announcer and comments. SINPO 34433. (Méndez)

9565.069  Super Radio e Amor. Usual sermon by male announcer in Portuguese at 0505. Poor signal into Europe (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews

9645, Radio Bandeirantes, Sao Paulo, 0607-0620. Noted "Bandeirantes, a cada hora as principais noticias." Male/female with newscasr. SINPO 24322 (Méndez)

Bulgaria
11850 Overcomer Ministry with Bro. Stair via Kostinbrod (Sofia); 2030-2100* Interesting propagation on this one, prior to 2015 hours barely audible but as the sunset terminator moved west, the signal dipped and they came up over the noise floor and by 2030.  Manage to catch the last half hour of Bro.Stair and his prophecies. Sign-off in mid-sentence. Both this frequency and frequencies for Nauen at 21-2300 conform to the latest schedule received (Edward Kusalik. Alberta, Canada)

Colombia
5910, Alcaraván Radio, Puerto Lleras, 0603-0620. Latin American songs and identification: "Alcaravan Radio, 1530 AM". SINPO24322. (Méndez)

6010, La Voz de tu Conciencia, Puerto Lleras (presumed), 0603-0630. Religious songs to weak Spanish text, best on LSB. SINPO 14321. (Méndez

Clandestine
7480.005 Open Radio for North Korea (tentative) . Definite talk from announcer at 2151. Signal too weak to tell the language. Interference from WBCQ on 7490 kHz. VOA Kuwait signal popped on here at 2158:45, but since this signal was 5 hertz above, I  could see it go off at 2200:07 as scheduled. Other Open Radio for North Korea transmissions are blocked here. (Valko)

Guatemala
4055, Radio Verdad, Chiquimula, 0544-0606.* English service with religious comments and station identification. National anthem and program close-doen. SINPO 14321. (Méndez)

4055 Radio Verdad 1050. Spanish, ID with frequency and address, then a Christian message of encouragement. Fair signal. (Harold
Sellers-BC)

Indonesia
7289.93 RRI Nabire (presumed). Open carrier at 0802 and could barely hear the percussion in the mxusic at 0817. Right at audio threshold.  Lady announcer and music. Station went off between 0839-0844 (Valko)

7289.94 RRI Nabire. Station right on cue as the sun was setting there at 0852 with Koran. Somber programming, then back to studio with male announcer briefly. Lite pop music with DJ briefly, athen four lite pop-like songs in row. Male DJ resumed at  0917:14. Signal just a tad too weak to copy though. Station went off in mid-song at 0923:07. Never really did improve in the  half hour from 0852 tune-in (Valko)

4869.92 RRI Wamena. Close of newscast script at 1007 from studio announcer. Usual post-news routine with the RRI and station ID  mix. Mentions of the program and site ID by studio male DJ. Really nice signal, despite utility interference (Valko)

Mali
5995, Radio Mali, Bamako, *0559-0610. Tuning music to female's identification: "Vous ecoutez Radio Mali, emettant de Banako, band 49  metres, 5995 kHz." , Vernacular songs. SINPO 24322. (Méndez)

Peru
4747.09 Radio Huanta Dos Mil. Beautiful fast slurred "Radio Huanta Dos Mil" by announcer at 0919:54 as the live studio DJ ended  an announcement, followed by local campo song. Of course I wasn't recording unfortunately. So they really are still using the Huanta Dos Mil IDs. Fair signal but noisy (Valko).

5039.18 Radio Libertad de Junin. Signal improvement at 1028 and suddenly got a lot stronger than 10 minutes earlier. Beautiful camposina  music, then long canned announcement beginning with haunting flute at 1029, that sounded like a program intro "Con Grau ?? Nacional",  and followed by the morning DJ's mention of possibly his name Barrio Sanchez Cristobal. Back to music at 1031, but had faded again.  There was an accurate time check just as the canned announcement began (Valko)

Papua New Guinea
3385.0  R. East New Britian . News at 1108, into presumed commentary at 1109.  Both features in presumed Pisin. (Ripple)


3260.0  Radio Madang . Music noted at 1113 and clear ID from male  announcer at 1112. Short announcements into musical vocals. (Ripple). 

Philippines
12095, FEBC. Asian langauge at 1257 Asian language (listed as Tai Dam). Female speaker, 1259 indigenous stringed instrument music, 1300 brief music bridge, man with announcements. Brief FEBC interval signal then silence for about 20 seconds before IS again and speaker in another Asian language at 1302. Poor signal (Sellers)

Romania
17860.00, Radio Romania International, 1324-1330. Tuned in late during the last few notes of music was being presented. This was followed by a female giving ID in Mandarin. Interval signal followed briefly until signal went off the air at 1327 UTC.  Signal was good otherwise. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

South Africa
3320 Radio Sonder Grense. Pop music at 0115 tune-in. Extended talk by male announcer in Afrikaans. Four pop songs in a row. Several canned announcements with mention of a website. "Super Trouper" by Abba starting another block of songs to 0202, and what sounded like the news by deep-voiced male (Valko).


Friday, September 20, 2013

WRN Program Schedule

Welcome to the latest edition of the WRN Newsletter providing details of upcoming programs that can be heard on the World Radio Network.

WRN is pleased to offer a free desktop Widget that streams all of the WRN radio services. To find out more, visit the tools section on the WRN website.

The WRN website hosts an extensive range of on-demand programming and provides schedule and ways to listen information as well as details about our partner broadcasters including links to their websites.

If you would like to contact us, please send email to contactus@wrn.org

A Prairie Home Campanion
Sunday 22nd September: A Prairie Home Companion

This week on A Prairie Home Companion from The Fitzgerald Theatre in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota, join Garrison Keillor with special guests, acoustic groove masters Väsen, minimal Motown singers (and drummer) Chic Gamine, and mandolin madman Chris Thile. Plus, the Royal Academy of Radio Actors, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, and Fred Newman, The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, and the latest news from Lake Wobegon.

Broadcast times:

In Europe:                       Sun 1100 BST / 1200 CEST

Asia Calling
Saturday 21st September: Asia Calling
 
Asia Calling is a weekly current affairs programme produced in Jakarta by Indonesia’s only independent radio network KBR68H.

In the programme this week: Pakistan's factory fire victims remembered; Indonesia's Papua province has the highest rate of HIV/Aids across the archipelago; South Korea debates green and nuclear energy; despite reforms, Burma sends activist to jail; and China's growing hunger for imported seafood.

Broadcast times:

In Europe:                      Sat 1500 BST / 1600 CEST

In North America:               Sat 1100 EDT / 0800 PDT

In Africa & the Middle East:    Sat 0600 UTC / 0800 CAT

In Asia & the Pacific:          Sat 0600 UTC / 1600 AEST

Radio Guangdong
Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd September: Radio Guangdong

Radio Guangdong, established in October 1949, is a leading radio group in south China.  Radio Guangdong programmes cover political, economic, social and cultural issues; programmes about Guangdong, programmes about Guangdong people and programmes linking Guangdong with the world.

In the program this week: The Chinese invasion of English. The Wall Street Journal recently used the Chinglish word "dama" - a colloquial Chinese term which refers to middle-aged women; an American Travel magazine survey listed Guangzhou and Shenzhen on the world's twenty least friendly cities; and the government's "anti-extravagance campaign" to ban gift-giving as a form of bribery during the mid-Autumn festival.  In other news, the debut of "Full Moon Insurance" and a Chinese space probe is set to land on the moon.
 
Broadcast times:

In Europe:                     Sat 2030 BST / 2130 CEST      

In North America:              Sat 2130 EDT / 1830 PDT
                             
In Africa & the Middle East:   Sat 1630 UTC / 1830 CAT                                                                      
In Asia & the Pacific:         Sun 2200 UTC / Mon 0800 AEST

Radio New International 
Saturday 21st September: Radio New Zealand International Dateline Pacific

RNZI is New Zealand's only shortwave station, broadcasting to the Island nations of the Pacific. Its broadcasts range from Papua New Guinea in the west across to French Polynesia in the east, covering all South Pacific countries in between.

In the program this week:  Shock in American Samoa after a bus carrying a school volleyball team is attacked; AidWatch critical of the Australian government's decision to reintegrate AusAid into the Department of Foreign Affairs; people around the Pacific are being urged to reflect on the situations within their communities on the International Day of Peace; Papua New Guinea's former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare sounds a note of caution over the government takeover of the Ok Tedi mine; Guadalcanal premier replacing executive after resignations; and a Marshall Islands politician is unhappy with John Key nuclear response.

Broadcast times:
 
In Europe:                      Sat 1800 BST / 1900 CEST

In North America:               Sat 1000 EDT / 0700 PDT

Click here to listen to the program when available

NPR
Fresh Air Weekend
Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd September: NPR Fresh Air Weekend

Fresh Air Weekend with Terry Gross, the Peabody Award-winning magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs.

In the program this week: Journalist Barton Gellman recounts how he began corresponding with whistle-blower Edward Snowden; a new documentary looks at Billie Jean King's legacy as both a tennis champion and the leader of a female player uprising; and Jonathan Lethem's new novel was inspired by his own family story.

Click here to listen to the program.

Broadcast times:

In Europe:                      Sat 1100 BST / 1200 CEST

In Africa and the Middle East:  Sun 1300 UTC / 1500 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific:        Sun 1300 UTC / Sun 2300 AEST  

Ways to listen:

WRN's English language services and your favourite programs can be heard all around the world. To find out how to tune in, visit the ways to listen section on our website.

WRN via the Internet:

The WRN website hosts an extensive range of on-demand programming and you can also listen to WRN’s live streams 24/7. In addition, the WRN website provides schedule and ways to listen information as well as details about our partner broadcasters including links to their websites.
(WRN)

VOA Radiogram weekend schedules

Hello friends,

This weekend's VOA Radiogram (number 27, 21-22 September 2013) is produced using Fldigi
3.21.76AB. For best results, use this version, available from www.w1hkj.com/alpha/fldigi/v3.21/

One improvement in 3.21.76AB is that it can send images in MFSK64 and MFSK128. Previously, MFSK32 was the fastest MFSK mode for sending images without the pictures appearing skewed (off center). Images do not transmit more quickly in MFSK64 and MFSK128, but they do have higher resolution.

If your decoded MFSK64 and MFSK128 images are still slanted or skewed, calibration of the receive codec might be helpful. One such method for doing this is described here:  www.w1hkj.com/FldigiHelp-3.21/DigiWWV.html.

Our non-Latin alphabet of the week is Greek. You will need the UTF-8 character set for the Greek and for some of the punctuation in the English items. I forgot to change some of the typographic apostrophes ’ to typewriter apostrophes ' , so they will not display correctly if you do not have the UTF-8 character set. In Fldigi, that adjustment is made in Configure > Colors & Fonts.

This weekend's program includes an English VOA News item in Flmsg format. When all the text is received, the story will render, or pop up, as a new web page on your browser, suitable for saving or forwarding. To make Flmsg work with Fldigi (both can be downloaded from w1hkj.com), in Fldigi: Configure > Misc > NBEMS -- Under Reception of flmsg files, check both boxes, and under that indicate where your Flmsg.exe file is located.

Much of the show this weekend is in the MFSK64 mode, which might be a bit optimistic if reception conditions are less than ideal.

Here is the lineup of modes for VOA Radiogram, 21-22 September 2013:

2:53  MFSK16: Program preview

2:40  MFSK32: Sample of Greek text

:49  MFSK32 image: VOA Greek Service logo

3:01  MFSK32: "Need to Protect the Internet"

1:45  MFSK64: Radio Free Sarawak/Discovery Channel

2:23  MFSK64 image: "Duck Commander"

:27  MFSK128: CNBC Saracens deal

:48  MFSK128 image: CNBC logo

 :45  MFSK32: E-mail address

4:40  MFSK64: BBC Worldwide, Giglio TV, Voice of Greece, All India Radio

2:55  MFSK64/Flmsg: VOA News re Voyager Golden Record

2:17  MFSK32 image: Voyager Golden Record

:33  MFSK32: Closing announcements

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule
(all days and times UTC)
Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
Sun 1300-1330 6095 kHz
Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz
All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com

Screenshots and audio samples are appreciated, especially audio of difficult reception that nevertheless results in a successful decode of the text modes.

Reception on inexpensive shortwave portable radios is helpful, but so is reception on more sophisticated communications receivers, amateur transceivers, and SDR receivers.

I am now studying your reports from the weekend of 14-15 September and will be responding in the next couple of days.

Kim Andrew Elliott
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram

radiogram@voanews.com
http://voaradiogram.net
Twitter: @voaradiogram





Radio City & Rockliveradio weekend broadcast

All times UTC

Radio City

Friday September 20

18.00 to 19.00 on 7290 kHz via IRRS, and MW 1368 kHz from Padova, Italy

Saturday 21
08.00 to 09.00 on 9510 kHz via IRRS, also at 19.00 to 20.00 on 1485 kHz  via Radio Merkurs
in Latvia with a weekly separate program.

Every 4th Saturday

12.00 to 13.00 via Hamburger Lokalradio on 7265 kHz

The email address remains citymorecars@yahoo.ca  

Rockliveradio September 22 and 29

Rockliveradio is on 6070 kHz at:

September 22 - 16.00 to 20.00

September 29 - 13.30 to 17.30

Reports to: forstarbeiten@gmx.de

Good Listening!
Tom Taylor

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

All Ireland Football Final on September 22


RTÉ Radio will broadcast the All Ireland Football Final on Sunday 22 September on all wavelengths and via the internet to Irish people and communities around the world.
RTÉ is asking on those with relatives or friends abroad to let them know that this coverage is available and to invite them to the biggest party in Ireland’s sporting calendar.

In Ireland, audiences can listen as usual to the GAA finals on RTÉ Radio 1 FM, DAB, RTÉ.ie and on Longwave 252.

And across most of Britain, listeners can receive coverage on Long Wave 252. In addition RTÉ Radio 1 is available on the UK free to air satellite platform Freesat on channel 750.

Across the world, the match commentaries will be available online at www.rte.ie/radio1 and www.rte.ie/sport

In Africa, where many Irish people live and work, often in relative isolation with poor communications, RTÉ is providing special transmissions on shortwave radio. 

Shortwave frequencies for Africa
Both Finals throw in at 3.30pm Irish Time

Southern Africa - 7405 kHz (2pm to 6pm)
East Africa - 17725 kHz (2pm to 5pm)
East Africa -11620 kHz (5pm to 6pm)
West Africa - 7505 kHz (2pm to 6pm)

These services are part of RTÉ’s continued commitment to Irish people overseas and, over the years, has proven especially popular with those in geographically or technically isolated areas.
In addition to RTÉ Radio broadcasts, RTÉ will also broadcast the All Ireland Finals on RTÉ Two Television. Don’t forget also the extensive and dynamic online offering from www.rte.ie/sport.
For further details of RTÉ coverage abroad please see http://www.rte.ie/radio/worldwide.html
photo/RTÉ 

MV Baltic Radio shortwave antenna damaged

MV Baltic Radio made no broadcasts the weekend September 07/08. The antenna for the shrtwave transmitter in Göhren (MV Baltic R, Hamburger Lokalradio) was badly damaged by a local storm. 

Any broadcasts over the damaged antenna are not possible and the repair work is expected to last until early Oct 2013. MVBR plans that Hamburger Lokalradio and MV Baltic Radio will broadcast again from a temporary aerial.
(Taylor)
DSWCI/DX Window 488)

Canada's CFVP and CKMX change formats

Canada

(log edited for clarity)

6030, CFVP, Calgary, 2242, Sep 11. On the last day of the Country Music format, advertisements for Subway, KIA, Western Financial Group, and Wind Mobile. Station ID “Classic Country is CKMX...and CFVP Shortwave.” SINPO 35333. And this just in from the station: “CKMX is going to change formats tonight at midnight. That will affect CFVP as well. The AM station will be known as FUNNY 1060 AM. Here is a link to the new website http://www.funny1060.com/ . Bill Stovold, Director of Engineering”.

The station is designing new QSL cards and I will continue to be the QSL manager for CKMX/CFVP. Reports may be e-mailed to qslcalgary@gmail.com . (Sellers)
(DSWCI/DX Window 488)

Radio broadcasting from Cyprus - Part 2

The Local Radio Scene

Radio broadcasting came to Cyprus very late compared to so many other countries on all sides of the Mediterranean.  The radio scene in Cyprus began after the tumultuous events of World War 2 were ended, and while other political struggles were taking over in some of the Mediterranean areas.  The first radio broadcasting station to arrive in Cyprus was transferred from another country; and this is what happened.
Radio broadcasting for the benefit of British armed forces personnel began in the year 1932 when several low power transmitters were constructed by Royal Navy technicians in the Mediterranean.  Radio receivers were tuned to the BBC on shortwave for the reception of the first Christmas broadcast by His Majesty King George 5, and the low power transmitters rebroadcast the live programming to other ships and land based locations in the Central Mediterranean.

Eight years later, that is during the year 1944, there were three BFBS British Forces Broadcasting Stations in Palestine; mediumwave JCPA and shortwave JCKW in Jerusalem, and JCLA in coastal Haifa.  During the increasing hostilities in the Middle East three years later, plans were laid to move the three stations from Palestine, establish BFBS Mediterranean headquarters on Malta, and transmit network programming from Malta on shortwave to distant regional relay stations, including the transferred facility on Cyprus.  
The first consignment of personnel and equipment, taken from the Haifa station, voyaged from Palestine on the ship “Empire Lifeguard” and they arrived at Famagusta, the east coast seaport on Cyprus, arriving on May 3, 1948.
Doreen Taylor in her whimsical, yet authoritative volume, A Microphone & A Frequency, tells us that the first BFBS station in Cyprus was installed at what was then a disused Royal Air Force airfield at Lakatamia in central Cyprus.  A German DX magazine informs us that the transferred radio facility was housed in a converted barn.
The first broadcast from this relocated radio station took place on June 3, 1948.  Research in early editions of the World Radio Handbook does confirm the fact that BFBS at Lakatamia was indeed the first radio broadcasting station on the island of Cyprus.  At this stage, BFBS Cyprus was on the air from two transmitters, 1420 kHz with 1 kW mediumwave and 7220 kHz with 100 watts shortwave. Over the years, BFBS Cyprus has been on the air from several different locations, utilizing several different transmitters on mediumwave, FM, and shortwave.  These days, this station is still on the air, from three different locations with two program channels, though all on FM.

Four years after the BFBS station was inaugurated in Cyprus, the local government established a radio broadcasting organization under the name, Cyprus Broadcasting Service, with the intent of erecting local radio stations for complete coverage of the entire island.  The new radio station at Nicosia  with 10 kW on 692 kHz was officially opened at 5:00 pm on Sunday October 4, 1953.
On shortwave, CBC the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, has taken out program relays via two different shortwave stations located on their island.  Somewhere around the year 1969, CBC programming was noted via the BBC shortwave station located at Zygi on their south coast.
A 15 minute program in the Greek language was aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening over three BBC shortwave transmitters and beamed to England for the benefit of Cypriots abroad.  When the BBC shortwave station was closed earlier this year, the program was still on the air, though at thirty minutes duration.

However, in 1970 & 1971, CBC Cyprus took out a regular daily service on shortwave via Cyprus Radio in Nicosia; two hours daily and seven hours on Sunday.  The programming was a relay from the regular mediumwave service intended for Cypriots abroad, particularly in England.  One transmitter only, listed at 30 kW with callsign 5BA, carried this relay service on 11745 15260 or 17875 kHz.
In the northern part of the island of Cyprus, Radio Bayrak is listed and they commenced their radio broadcasting service somewhere around the year 1970.  In 1971 they are listed with six mediumwave stations, and in 1976 they are listed with a service on shortwave also, 7 kW on 6150 kHz.   These days they are shown with a multitude of stations on FM, and just one on mediumwave 1098 kHz with two transmitters at 50 kW each.  On shortwave, their lone 25 kW transmitter is located at Yeni Iskele.  The antenna system was recently upgraded and the newly improved signal was expected to be on air at the beginning of March last year.

Future broadcast from Wavescan, will focus on the other international radio broadcasting stations located on this eastern Mediterranean island.
(AWR/Wavescan/NWS 237)

Wavescan address:-
Box 29235
Indianapolis
Indiana 46229 USA
Wavescan @ AWR.org
Jeff White, shortwave WRMI

Ministry of Finance orders dismantling of Greek shortwave antennas

The degradation of Greek Radio is going on, having shortwave radio "Voice of Greece" as a victim. This includes 39 shortwave antenna masts hosted in Avlis, which the government plans to sell as scrap metal.

The shortwave service started 75 years ago and it is still transmitting in 5 frequencies that cover the globe with shows in Greek for expatriates and foreign language news. The facilities are currently controlled by redundant ERT employes and broadcast the guerilla service of the Greek National Radio ERA. Eighteen months ago, shortwave facilities in Thessaloniki were dismantled.

According to a statement by ERT employees, on Monday morning "in the shortwave broadcasting center of Avlis, a representative of a company that sells metal showed up and started taking photos of the site. After we, ERT people, asked him, we got informed that he had been mandated by the Ministry of Finance to give an offer for the dismantling of 39 masts and purchasing the metal as scrap." The name of company and the registration plate of the car are available.

The union body of ERT notes that this is an area of 1160 acres, featuring 39 metal masts, with a height between 30 and 70 meters each, that function as the shortwave aerials that transmit the "Voice of Greece", the ERA-pénte, across the world.

"Greek shortwave started operating in 1938 and later was also used sent information to the Greek soldiers fighting Fascists in Albania. The only ones who dared to turn it off were the Nazis during the occupation. Since the liberation, it never stopped to link the country with Greek seafarers and the Diaspora. The Voice of Greece broadcasts information, entertainment, culture and tradition from Greece with programs in 12 languages, all over the globe".

It is true that big broadcasters in Europe have decided to stop broadcasting via shortwave, because of cuts and because alternatives tuning possibilities are provided due to the development of technology. On the other hand, in the case of Greece. there are still generations of Greek immigrants abroad and seamen who are still affiliated with shortwave, whereas area around Greece the are still countries with low technological development. Also, it is outragious that the decision to remove an entire radio service was taken by the liquidator of the Ministry of Finance: there is no study about ceasing shortwave by any official body, although the promise was that the future of Greek broadcasting will be decided after an analysis performed by  the administrative Board of the new official broadcaster.
(thegreeradio.com/Bulgarian DX)

Sunday, September 15, 2013

English/Tamil DX program available on real audio

The new Tamil DX Program Radio World may listen on the following link. Ten minutes of English and Tamil. DX Tips were there in the end of the program, which is produced in Gyanvani FM 105.6 Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. Broadcast on Fridays at 8.30 PM (1500 UTC) and re-broadcast on Saturday at 8.30 AM (0300 UTC). You may also listen it on www.soundcloud.com/radioworld
(Jaisakthivel, ADXC, Tirunelveli, India)
(Jaisakthivel, India/HCDX)

Deutsche Welle upcoming programs

Deutsche Welle press release, 10 Sept 2013:
"On Sunday, September 22, DW’s programming will focus on Germany’s parliamentary elections. Deutsche Welle is set to present results, analysis and background reports as well as interviews with election winners and losers. Beginning at 15:30 UTC, DW's six TV channels will each present several hours of special programming in German, English, Spanish and Arabic. Additionally, all of the information is available at DW's multimedia special 'German Elections 2013' - supplemented by live reporting on social media sites."

Deutsche Welle press release, 6 Sept 2013: "Deutsche Welle will offer audiences worldwide a wealth of content on the Beethovenfest Bonn in 2013. Features in up to 30 languages are planned for television, radio, online and as podcasts."
Erik Bettermann's term as DW Director General ends on 30 Sept, when he will be replaced by Peter Limbourg. (Kim Elliott.com)

VOA Tours Now Offered at New Time

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Voice of America's popular studio tours begin at a new time in September, to give visitors a better opportunity to see live productions of VOA television and radio programs.

Regularly scheduled tours will now be offered Monday through Friday at noon and 2:30 p.m. The change goes into effect September 16th.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.VOAtour.com or call (202) 203-4990.

Every year thousands of visitors from around the world take the studio tour.

"I listened to VOA as a teenager in the Soviet Union in the late 1970s," one recent visitor from Russia wrote. "It was exciting for me to see the actual place where those programs had been produced. Thank you very much."

On the noon tour, you can watch the TV control room and studio as VOA Albanian service journalists go live with a popular 30-minute TV program called Ditari, one of the leading international newscasts in Albania.

During the 2:30 p.m. tour, visitors can see a live broadcast of the VOA Ukrainian language TV show Chas-Time. The tours also include stops at two radio studios, where call-in shows and sports segments are produced.

The tours offer a firsthand look at live broadcasts from the largest U.S. international news network, with a weekly audience of more than 134 million people around the world. VOA produces more than 200 radio programs and more than 70 television shows each week, in 45 different languages.

Studio tours last 45 minutes and are free. Visitors should enter via Independence Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets SW. Group reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Special tours are also available upon request. Visit www.insidevoa.com for more information.
(VOA)
photo/VOA Museum

FRS Holland slated for evening broadcast on Sunday

Dear FRS Friends,

Tonight there will be a full repeat of FRS-Holland's August 25th broadcast. This broadcast will take place between 17:52- 22:04 UTC / 19:52- 00.04 CEST. Frequencies will be (most likely!) 7685 and 5800 (or 5810) kHz.
Good listening!

73s, Peter V.


a Balance between Music & Information joined to one Format....
FRS-Holland
POBox 2702
6049 ZG Herten
The Netherlands

frs@frsholland.nl

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Monitoring Yemen on shortwave


(log edited for clarity)

Republic of Yemen Radio heard daily around 1350 UTC to close down at 1502 UTC, on 6135 kHz. Not on parallel // 9780 or 6005 kHz. News at 1400 and political comments in Arabic. Observed 15-24 August but not noted at 0600-0800 UT on 6135 kHz.
(Rumen Pankov-BUL, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

Republic of Yemen Radio

Arabic to the Middle East

All times UTC

0500-0600 6135
0600-0700 6135
0700-0800 6135
0800-0900 6135
1000-1100 6135
1100-1200 6134
1200-1300 6135 9780
1300-1400 6135 9780
1400-1500 6135 9780
1500-1600 9780
(WRTH)
Website: www.adenradio.net 

Trans World Radio Africa summer schedule update

Trans World Radio Africa

Transmitters via Rwanda, Swaziland and United Arab Emirates

All times UTC

0300-0330  3200 MAN 050 kW 003 deg to ZWE  Ndebele Mon-Sat
0300-0330  3200 MAN 050 kW 003 deg to ZWE  English Sun
0300-0345  3240 MAN 050 kW 003 deg to ZWE  Shona/Ndau
0330-0345  9530 MAN 100 kW 012 deg to EaAF Sidamo/Amharic
0345-0400  4775 MAN 050 kW 003 deg to SoAF Lomwe
0400-0500  3200 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF English Mon-Fri
0400-0500  3200 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF German Sat/Sun
0400-0500  4775 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF English Mon-Fri
0400-0500  4775 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF German Sat/Sun
0400-0445  5995 MAN 100 kW 005 deg to SoAF Chewa Sat/Sun
0500-0800  4775 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF English
0500-0800  9500 MAN 100 kW 013 deg to EaAF English
1300-1315 13660 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to EaAF Afar Thu-Sun
1400-1415 15360 MAN 100 kW 043 deg to SoAS Urdu
1400-1600  7315 MAN 050 kW 005 deg to SoAF Makhuwa/Portuguese/Lomwe
1430-1630  6025 MAN 100 kW 003 deg to ZWE  English/Shona/Ndebele
1500-1530  9585 MAN 100 kW 064 deg to MDC  Malagasy/French
1545-1700  3200 MAN 050 kW 003 deg to SoAF Shangaan/Portuguese/Ndau
1600-1630 15105 MAN 100 kW 013 deg to SoAF Kirundi Mon-Fri
1630-1645 11635 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Somali Sun
1630-1700 11635 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Somali Mon-Sat
1630-1800 11725 MAN 100 kW 013 deg to EaAF Amharic/Oromo/Kambaata
1700-1730  7300 MAN 100 kW 003 deg to SoAF Yao
1700-1745  9475 MAN 100 kW 005 deg to EaAF Swahili
1745-1815  9475 MAN 100 kW 005 deg to EaAF Swahili Sat/Sun
1745-1900  6130 MAN 100 kW 312 deg to CeAF Umbrundo/KiKongo/Fiote
1745-2000  3200 MAN 050 kW 233 deg to SoAF English Mon-Fri
1800-1815  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Tigrinya Mon-Wed
1800-1815  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Amharic Thu/Fri
1800-1830  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Tigre Sat
1800-1830  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Kunama Sun
1800-1900  9500 MAN 100 kW 013 deg to EaAF English
1815-1845  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Tigrinya Mon-Fri
1830-1845  6120 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAF Amharic Sun
1900-2000  6130 MAN 100 kW 312 deg to CeAF Portuguese
1900-2000  9940 MAN 100 kW 343 deg to CeAF Lingala/French
2000-2015  9940 MAN 100 kW 343 deg to CeAF French Sat/Sun
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 11)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

Trans World Radio India summer schedule update

Trans World Radio India

Transmitters via Russia and Uzbekistan

All times UTC

0030-0045 11600 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Bengali Mon-Fri
0030-0115 11600 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Sun
0045-0115 11600 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Bhojpuri Mon-Fri
0045-0115 11600 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Nepali Sat
0115-0130 11600 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Dzonka
1245-1530 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Bengali/Hindi/Nepali/Dzonka
1245-1300 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Kui/Santhali Sat/Sun
1300-1315 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Ho/Kumaoni Sat/Sun
1315-1330 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Dogri Mon-Fri
1315-1330 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Mewari Sun-Thu
1315-1330 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Bhasha/Bengali Fri/Sat
1315-1430 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Sat/Sun
1330-1345 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Bondo/Maithili Sun-Tue
1330-1345 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Kasmiri/Tibetan Wed/Thu
1330-1345 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Haryanvi/Garhwali Fri/Sat
1330-1400 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Mon-Fri
1345-1415 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Kuruk/Kharia Sun
1345-1415 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Maithili Mon-Fri
1345-1415 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Bundeli Sat
1400-1415 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Mon/Wed-Fri
1400-1415 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Awadhi Tue
1415-1430 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Garhwali Mon-Fri
1415-1430 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Magahi Sun/Mon
1415-1430 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Mundari/Kuruk Tue-Sat
1430-1445 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi
1430-1500 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Sadri/Chodri Sat/Sun
1430-1500 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Sindhi Mon-Fri
1445-1515 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Punjabi Sun
1445-1515 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Mon-Sat
1500-1515 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Bhili Sat/Sun
1500-1515 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Gamit/Vasali Mon-Fri
1500-1530  7300 IRK 250 kW 195 deg to SoAS Urdu
1515-1530 12055 IRK 250 kW 224 deg to SoAS Mouchi/Dhodya Mon-Thu
1515-1545 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Punjabi Sat/Sun
1515-1615 12160 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS Hindi Mon-Fri
1600-1630  7300 IRK 250 kW 195 deg to WeAS Pashto/Dari
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 11)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

Cancelled Voice of Russia frequencies


Effective from 01 September

Voice of Russia

All times UTC
0000-0400  9665 KCH 500 kW 296 deg to SoAM English
1600-2100 11635 KCH 500 kW 235 deg to NoAF French
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 11)
(WWDXC/Top 1130)

repost-Radio Cairo on shortwave

Egypt - Radio Cairo

All times UTC

0030-0430  9965 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to NoEaAM Arabic  + MERadio 9191v
0045-0200  9720 ABZ 250 kW 330 deg to NoAM Spanish
0045-0200 13620 ABS 250 kW 241 deg to SoAM Spanish
0045-0200 13855 ABS 250 kW 286 deg to CeAM Spanish
0200-0330  9720 ABZ 250 kW 330 deg to NoAM English
0200-0700 13850 ABS 250 kW 315 deg to NoAM Arabic GS
0400-0600 15610 ABZ 250 kW 170 deg to CEAF Swahili
0700-1100 17510 ABZ 100 kW 250 deg to WeAF Arabic GS
1015-1215 17830 ABZ 250 kW 090 deg to WeAS Arabic
1215-1330 17870 ABZ 250 kW 090 deg to SoAS English
1230-1400 15710 ABS 250 kW 106 deg to SoEaAS Indonesian
1300-1600 15535 ABS 250 kW 241 deg to WeAF Arabic
1330-1400 15365 ABZ 250 kW 070 deg to WeAS Dari
1330-1530 15245 ABZ 100 kW 070 deg to WeAS Farsi
1400-1600 15545 ABZ 250 kW 070 deg to WeAS Pashto
1500-1600 13580 ABS 250 kW 315 deg to EaEUR Albanian
1500-1600 15160 ABS 250 kW 061 deg to CeAS Uzbek
1530-1730 17840 ABZ 250 kW 170 deg to CEAF Swahili
1600-1700 15450 ABZ 100 kW 160 deg to ECAF Afar
1600-1800 15345 ABS 150 kW 196 deg to CeSoAF English
1600-1800 15735 ABZ 250 kW 090 deg to SoAS Urdu
1700-1730 15285 ABZ 100 kW 160 deg to ECAF Somali
1700-1900  9280 ABS 250 kW 005 deg to NE/ME Turkish
1730-1900 15285 ABZ 100 kW 160 deg to ECAF Amharic
1800-1900  9490 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to WeEUR Italian  + MERadio 8716v
1800-2100 15710 ABS 250 kW 241 deg to WeAF Hausa
1845-2000 17625 ABZ 250 kW 245 deg to WeAF Fulfulde
1900-2000  9685 ABS 250 kW 005 deg to EaEUR Russian
1900-2000 12050 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to WeEUR German   + MERadio 11276v
1900-2030 15290 ABZ 250 kW 250 deg to WeAF English
1900-0030 11540 ABZ 100 kW 160 deg to CEAF Arabic Voice of Arab
2000-2115 12050 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to WeEUR French   + MERadio 11276v
2000-2200 15225 ABZ 250 kW 110 deg to AUS Arabic
2100-2300 15205 ABS 250 kW 241 deg to WeAF French
2115-2245 11890 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to WeEUR English  + MERadio 11116v
2215-2330 15480 ABZ 250 kW 245 deg to SoAM Portuguese
2300-0030  9965 ABS 200 kW 325 deg to NoEaAM English + MERadio 9191v
2330-0045 15480 ABZ 250 kW 245 deg to SoAM Arabic
2330-0045 13855 ABS 250 kW 286 deg to CeAM Arabic

Note: Many of these frequencies have severe technical problems such as extreme distortion and / or under modulation.
(via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 7)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

As War Rages, Syrians Find Hope on Radio

The Syrian people are plunged in civil war, and you’re hearing about it daily as bombing strikes are contemplated in retaliation for chemical weapons attacks on civilians.

Now a radio program launched this summer is providing a forum for Christians and non-Christians to tell their stories amid the violence and deprivation. They are offering and receiving advice and encouragement on the TWR broadcast of Hope for Syria.

Much like Joseph told his brothers as they groveled before him in ancient Egypt, God can bring good out of these circumstances despite the obvious horrors inherent in the bitter war and religious strife. Through Hope in Syria, says TWR’s Arabic Ministry director, “the Lord strengthens the faith of those who are experiencing hunger and seeing their kids suffer.”
(TWR)

Trans World Radio-Europe


Transmitters via Austria and Germany

Trans World Radio-Europe

All times UTC

0545-0600  5910 MOS 100 kW 030 deg to WeEUR Polish Mon-Fri
0545-0600  7225 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEUR Polish Mon-Fri
0700-0750  6105 NAU 100 kW 285 deg to NoEUR English
0700-0750  7400 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to NoEUR English
0830-0900  7215 NAU 100 kW 135 deg to WeEUR Hungarian
1400-1430  7215 NAU 100 kW 065 deg to EaEUR Belarussian Mon
1400-1430  9725 MOS 100 kW 055 deg to EaEUR Belarussian Mon
1400-1430  7215 NAU 100 kW 065 deg to EaEUR Russian Tue-Fri
1400-1430  9725 MOS 100 kW 055 deg to EaEUR Russian Tue-Fri
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 11)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

BBC frequency updates

Transmitters via South Africa, Thailand, and Uzbekistan

All times UTC

0000-0100   7320 DHA 250 kW 075 deg to SoAS English, additional freq

0100-0200   9500 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS English, additional freq
1200-1400   5820 NAK 250 kW 025 deg to EaAS English Mon/Sat, ex5875
1200-1400   5840 NAK 250 kW 025 deg to EaAS English Tue/Fri, ex5875
1200-1400   5875 NAK 250 kW 025 deg to EaAS English Wed/Sun, ex daily
1200-1400   5980 NAK 250 kW 025 deg to EaAS English Thu, ex5875
1500-1600   9735 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS English, additional freq
1600-1700   9910 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAS English, additional freq
1830-1900   9720 MEY 250 kW 005 deg to ECAF Kirundi Mon-Fri,ex15790
(DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov-BUL, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Aug 29)
(WWDXC/Top Nx 1130)

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Amateur Radio Special Event Calendar

September 10-14
Portugal
CR5150, (Special Event). Members of the Portuguese Navy Hamradio Club (NRA) will activate the special event station CR5150NM between September 10-14th. Activity is to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Portuguese Navy Museum since it was founded by the King D. Luis I. Activity will be on all HF bands except 10 MHz using CW, SSB and eventualy PSK. A special QSL card is being produced, and it will be issued and sent to all contacted stations. Stations should send their QSL card by the Bureau (ARRL) or direct to CS5NRA.

September 10-19
Panama
HP0, (IOTA Tour Reminder). Operators Christian/EA3NT, Raul/EA5KA, Vincent/F4BKV and Col/MM0NDX, from the Invoker Team, have started their activation of six Panamanian island groups as HP0INT(/1,2,3,4 or 9) between September 10-19th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. The team tentative schedule is as follows:
  September  10-11 - Ogobsibu (San Blas) Island (NA-170); callsign HP0INT/2
  September 11-13 - Grande Island (NA-202); callsign HP0INT/2
  September 13-15 - Iguana Island (NA-203); callsign HP0INT/9
  September 16-18 - Colon [Bocas del Toro] (NA-088); callsign HP0INT/4

  Please be careful with HP0INT/2 as it will be used from two different IOTA groups. Listen carefully to the operator to know the exact location/IOTA. Direct QSLs are via F4BKV (OQRS preferred) [if you use IRC, he only accepts the new model valid until 2017]. Bureau QSLs are via F5CWU (OQRS preferred). More details and the OQRS are available at: http://www.invokerteam.com/hp0int

September 10-21
EU-038. Tonnie, PA9CW, is now active as PA9CW/P from Texel Island (WLOTA 0043) until September 21. Activity will be on 30 meters CW (his preferred mode) and sometimes PSK or RTTY. QSL via PA9CW, by the Bureau or direct.

September 12-24
EU-067. Marek, SP5ISZ, will be active as SV8/SP5ISZ from Milos Island  (GIOTA SAS-089, MIA MG-072, WLOTA 4149) September 12-24. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands, depending on the     propagation. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau  direct, eQSL or LoTW.

September 13-18
St. Maarten
PJ7, Dave, AH6HY, will once again be active as PJ7/AH6HY from St. Martin Island (NA-105) between September 13-18. Activity will be holiday style primarily during his evenings and on 20/17/15 meters but SSB only.  QSL via AH6HY, direct or by the Bureau.

September 14-19
Liechtenstein
HB0, Joannes, DF5AU, will be active as HB0/DF5AU between September 14-19. Activity will be on the HF bands with a focus on the higher bands using a beam antenna and amp, operating CW and SSB. QSL via DF5AU, by the DARC Bureau, direct or LoTW.

September 20-October 15
Fiji & Rotuma Islands
3D2 & 3D2/R, (Update to OPDX.1118). Andy, LZ2HM, has joined the team of Stan/LZ1GC and Rocky/3D2DD to be active from Fiji and Rotuma. Their schedule is as follows:

September 20-26 - Stan will be active as 3D2GC from the "Club Fiji Resort", Nadi, Fiji Republic, Viti Levu Island. (OC-016, WW. Loc. RH82QF). Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW and SSB, with the following equipment: Kenwood TS-480 SAT + linear amplifier ACOM 1010/ACOM 1000. The antennas: EXP. GP 40-10m,  80/160 meters INV-L and GP.
September 27-October 11-Callsigns 3D2RA (Andy), 3D2GC/P and 3D2DD/P; from Rotuma Island (OC-060). Activity will be on all HF bands. Stan 3D2GC/P will active on all HF bands, CW/SSB together with Andy, 3D2RA and Rocky, 3D2DD. Rocky will also be active, but only on SSB with the callsign 3D2DD/P. Andy, 3D2RA, will be active on all HF bands, 160-2 meters CW/SSB/DIGITAL (PSK & SSTV) and special attention will be made to work by EME on 50 MHz on JT65A.
October   12-15th - Callsign 3D2GC again from Fiji Republic. On October 16, Stan, LZ1GC, will go back to Bulgaria.

Suggested frequencies:
  CW   - 1822, 3510, 7007, 10104, 14010, 18070, 21010, 24892 and 28010 kHz
  SSB  - 1838, 3788, 7088, 14188, 18148, 21288, 24948 and 28488 kHz
  RTTY - 1838, 3588, 7038, 10138, 14088, 18108, 21088, 24918 and 28088 kHz
  SSTV - 3728, 7038, 14238, 21338 and 28688 kHz
  PSK31- 1838, 3578, 7038, 10138, 14078, 18108, 21078, 21918 and 28078 kHz
   6m  - 50100/CW. 50118/SSB and 50200/RTTY kHz

QSL 3D2GC and 3D2GC/P via LZ1GC, direct or by the Bureau (see details on QRZ.com ) QSL 3D2RA, 3D2DD and 3D2DD/P via info on QRZ.com. For more details and updates, see: http://3d2gc.com

September 23-27
NA-130.  Mike, VE2XB, will be active as VY0BRR from Qikiqtarjuaq or Broughton Island, in the Nunavut (Baffin Island) East IOTA Group between Sept 23-27th. Activity will be concentrated on 80/75/40 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB. For more details and updates, see:  http://www.vy0brr.jimdo.com

September 23-30
Montenegro
4O, Gab, HA3JB, will be active as 4O/HG3IPA from Budva between This activity will be valid for the HA-IPARC Award (International Police Association) http://www.ha3jb.com/iparc-award.html.Operations will be on CW, RTTY and SSB. Look for Gab to be active during the CQWW RTTY DX Contest (September 28-29). He also mentions that he will make a side trip to Sveti Nikola Island (EU-163) during his stay in 4O-land. QSL via HA3JB direct. He does have a OQRS now (see QRZ.com).

September 28-November 2
Reunion Island
FR, Willi, DJ7RJ, will be active as FR/DJ7RJ from Reunion Island (AF-016). Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW and SSB. He prefers lowbands. Willi will use a K2 with a SS-Amp 500w into a INV-L 15m (49 ft) vertical and 12m (39ft) horizontal with 2-4 elevated radials each 20m (66ft) long. QSL
via DJ7RJ, direct or by the Bureau.
(OPDX 1127)

Amateur Radio DXCC 2012 Yearbook Now Available

DXCC 2012 YEARBOOK

The DXCC Blog Web Page reports: "The 2012 DXCC Yearbook is now available online to ARRL members worldwide via the August 2013 Digital QST. To access this publication visit the Digital QST page at:    http://www.arrl.org/qst
       http://www.arrl.org/img/170x130/DXCC_Items/2012YB.jpg

Look down to 'QST Digital Archives'. Click Go Now on this link. The various Digital QST covers will appear and the DXCC yearbook will always be in the August edition. When you open August 2013 QST on the cover is a yellow icon in the lower portion of the cover labeled 'Includes the 2012 DXCC Yearbook'. Click this to open the yearbook. You can read it directly online or print it out for future reference. Again, access to this is by ARRL Members, worldwide."
(OPDX 1127)

Monday, September 09, 2013

Crisis in Syria - Monitoring Syrian Domestic Broadcast

As the crisis in Syria deepens and attacks by western military forces are imminent we turn our attention to monitoring domestic broadcast services from and to Syria.

Radio Damascus has been off of shortwave several years now but during a crisis you never know. Their old transmitters or frequency assignments may pop back up at anytime. Radio Damascus last transmitted on shortwave on 9330 kHz / 31 meter band and 12085 kHz / 25 meter band.

Radio Damascus is still on medium wave at 783 kHz for those in the region with AM monitor capability.

You can also monitor Radio Damascus daily broadcast podcast at  http://www.radio-damascus.net/.  The daily program is posted one day after the live transmission so you can always download on the above mentioned page the program of the former day.

If you have C/Ku-band satellite reception capability you can monitor Radio Damascus via this method.

Radio Damascus Satellite Feeds of Radio Damascus

Express AM22 at 53.0°E
Frequency: 12549 Mhz Polarization: Horizontal Symbol Rate: 8800
Directed to : Arab Homeland - North Africa - Europe

Arabsat 5C at 20.0°E
Frequency: 3934 Mhz Polarization: Left Symbol Rate: 27500
Directed to : Africa

Nilesat at 7.0°W
Frequency: 10922 Mhz Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 27500
Directed to : Arab Homeland - North Africa - South Europe

Galaxy 19 at 97.0°W
Frequency: 12146 Mhz Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 22000
Directed to : America - Canada

Hispasat 1C at 30.0°W
Frequency: 12132 Mhz Polarization: Horizontal Symbol Rate: 27500
Directed to : Europe

Asiasat 5 at 100.5°E
Frequency: 3820 Mhz Polarization: Vertical Symbol Rate: 27500
Directed to : Asia

Intelsat 19 at 166.0°E
Frequency: 12726 Mhz Polarization: Horizontal Symbol Rate: 28066
Directed to : Australia - New Zealand - Pacific - Asia

Finally here are other domestic and Internet feeds being streamed on the net from/tom Syria that we are aware of at post time.

FM RADIO
89.0 - Radio Fann Syria|rep - Aleppo [Halab] http://fann-fm.com/
89.0 - Radio Fann Syria - Damascus http://fann-fm.com/
89.6 - Radio Orient|r.[R-Paris] - Damascus http://www.radioorient.com/
90.0 - Sout Al-Sha'ab (Voice of the People) - Damascus http://www.rtv.gov.sy/
92.3 - Sham FM - Damascus http://www.shamfm.fm/
92.3 - Sham FM|rep - Aleppo [Halab] http://www.shamfm.fm/
94.0 - Shahba FM - Aleppo [Halab] http://www.shahbafm.com/
97.3 - Farah FM - Aleppo [Halab] http://www.farah.fm/
97.9 - Melody FM - Damascus http://www.melodysyria.com/
100.5 - Al Madina FM (The City FM) - Damascus http://www.almadinafm.com/
101.5 - Al Madina FM (The City FM)|rep - Aleppo [Halab] http://www.almadinafm.com/
101.8 - Sham FM|rep - Lattakia (Al Ladhiqiyah) http://www.shamfm.fm/
102.3 - Arabesque FM - Damascus http://www.arabesque.fm/
103.3 - Rotana Style FM - Aleppo [Halab] http://www.rotana.net/
103.8 - Radio Gecko - Camp Faouar (Golan) http://www.radio-gecko.com/
104.2 - Syria Al Ghad (Syria of Tomorrow) - Damascus Arabian music,talk http://www.syriaalghad.com/
105.0 - Rotana Syria|rep - ? Arabian music,talk http://www.rotana.net/
105.7 - Mix FM Syria - Damascus http://mixfmsyria.com/
106.1 - Radio Fann Syria|rep - Lattakia (Al Ladhiqiyah) http://fann-fm.com/
106.9 - Arabesque FM|rep - ? http://www.arabesque.fm/
(FM) - El-Bernameg Al-Aam - Damascus http://www.rtv.gov.sy/

Internet Streams via Receiva
https://www.reciva.com/stations/location/358

Radio Dengê Kobanê   Classical Syria    MP3 32kbps
Sham FM   News Oldies World Middle East Syria  MP3 40kbps
Version FM 94.4  Varied Syria     MP3 96kbps

Internet Streams via Tunein
http://tunein.com/radio/Syria-r101301/

Sham FM 92.3 Damascus
Al Madina FM 101.5 Al Hasakah
Damascus Online 99.8 Damascus
Radio Damascus Arabic (Irregular broadcast)
Rotana Style FM 105.0 Damascus
Version FM 94.4 Damsacus
Hawa Smart 103.2 Damascus
Ninar FM Arabic (Irregular broadcast)
Mix FM Syria Proud 2B Different (Irregular broadcast)
Syria Alghad Arabic (Irregular broadcast)
Melody FM Arabic 97.9 Damascus
Farah FM Arabic (Irregular broadcast)
If additional broadcast information becomes available, we will post updates on this blog
http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/ and on our twitter feed @QSLRptMT https://twitter.com/QSLRptMT.

Our sister site the MilcomMP will also have any utility related frequencies as they become available at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/. You can follow any updates on the @MilcomMP
 https://twitter.com/MilcomMP twitter feeds.