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Friday, November 30, 2018

Shortwave Radiogram weekend schedules


Hello friends,

We had good results last weekend, including another waterfall graphic provided by Merkouris in Greece (see below).

As we approach the (Northern Hemisphere) winter solstice, the Friday 2030 UTC broadcast is now heard better in Europe. The Saturday 1400 UTC show is being received in some parts of the USA, especially the southern states. The Sunday 0800 UTC broadcast, good the Australia, New Zealand, and North America, is delivering a faint signal to Europe. And the Sunday 2330 UTC continues to be heard well in Europe, late hour notwithstanding.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 75) are provided by Scott on Ontario (Friday 2030-2100 UTC) and  Ralf in Germany (Saturday 1400-1430 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

This weekend's Shortwave Radio will include some ASCII art. To display it correctly, you will need a monospaced font such as Courier. Or you can copy the text to a word processor or email client, and select a monospace font. The good thing about ASCII art is that it takes advantage of the error correction of our MFSK modes, so they usually print out perfectly and lack the fuzziness we often see with MFSK images. (To capture, read about screen capture and snipping tools for your OS.)

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 76, 30 November-2 December 2018, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:36  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:58  Forecast for winter 2018-19*
 7:19  MFSK64: Plan for sail-powered vehicle carrier*
11:34  A proposal for domestic shortwave in Australia*
17:12  This week's images*
26:15  ASCII art**
27:08  MFSK32: Closing announcements

* with image(s)

** use monospace font such as Courier

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

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

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Friday 2030-2100 UTC 7780 kHz WRMI Florida
Saturday 1400-1430 UTC 9400 kHz Space Line Bulgaria
Sunday 0800-0830 UTC 5850 kHz
7730 kHz WRMI Florida
Sunday 2330-2400 UTC 7780 kHz WRMI Florida

Slow Scan Radio transmits SSTV images and text modes Saturdays at 1300-1330 UTC on 6070 kHz (and maybe also 7440 kHz) via Channel 292 in Germany -- according to the latest schedule information I have. The website is http://www.slowscanradio.com. Reception reports to x@xdv.me.

The Mighty KBC transmits to Europe Saturdays at 1300-1400 UTC on 11600 kHz from Bulgaria, with the minute of MFSK at about 1330 UTC (if you are outside of Europe, listen via websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ ). And to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. The minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/.  ASCII art will be transmitted this weekend on KBC.

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  Five minutes of MFSK32 is at the end of the 30-minute English-language “Shortwave Panorama. For the complete IBC transmission schedule visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/ 

Broad Spectrum Radio is transmitted by WRMI Florida Sundayss at 0700-0800 UTC on 5850 and 7730 kHz. MFSK32 is broadcast during the second half hour of the show. Reports to broadspectrumradio@gmail.com.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom



WRMI begins new program on November 30


WRMI begins airing a new program, Supreme Master TV (suprememastertv.com), on November 30 at 1500-1800 UTC on 15,770 kHz seven days per week. Additional hours of SMTV may appear on other WRMI frequencies at other times. 

SMTV originates in Vietnam and broadcasts in English and a variety of other languages. The programs promote issues such as world peace, veganism, animal rights and global warming. Sample program titles include: Cinema Scene, Healthy Living, Science and Spirituality, Nature's Beauty, and Secrets of the Universe. 

You can also hear various types of music, including music from Vietnam. Your comments and reception reports on this new program are welcome at info@wrmi.net.

(Jeff White/WRMI 29 Nov)

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Radio Free Asia confirms cancellation of Korean service

Below is a reply concerning my query on the reported cancellation of Korean services for Radio Free Asia. As requested by RFA, I do not promote the Cantonese service (not ‘publicly promoted by RFA’) so my query was on the Korean service.

Korean
1500-1700  5885, 9590, 9985
1700-1900  5885, 9985
2100-2200  7485, 9860, 9985

Hi Gayle,
Until IBB can find capacity for them, they are off-air. We, along with others, have fallen victim to the Typhoon that swept across Tinian and Saipan that severely damaged both stations. 
From what I've seen from the Station Manager, it'll be months before they return to service; yep, likely in A-19.  IBB has done the best we can to move RFA broadcasts to other transmitter sites. Those you list below are likely all victims of there not being enough capacity, but they will return. 
Hope this helps.
73 aj/RFA

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Making Local Radio That Isn’t

How has radio changed without the Main Studio Rule?

Dave Beasing· Nov 19, 2018

It’s been a year now since the Federal Communications Commission regulation widely known as the “Main Studio Rule” was abolished. Local radio stations are no longer required to operate a studio and have a physical presence within the city-grade signal contour of their official city of license.

“I have not seen any widespread move to abolish studios and to consolidate operations,” says David Oxenford, partner in the D.C. law firm of Wilkinson, Barker, Knauer. He cautions that, “Stations still need to address the issues of importance to their community in their programming, and maintain a toll-free phone line that’s answered during normal business hours.”

Of course, those requirements can be fulfilled from a distance, and the Main Studio Rule itself was — in reality — treated as a formality at times, an expensive one.
Additional story at: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/making-local-radio-that-isnt

Monday, November 26, 2018

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2018 Nov 26 0241 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 19 - 25 November 2018

Solar activity was was very low throughout the summary period. Region 2727 (N01, Lo=110, class/area Cao/beta on 17 Nov),the largest region, produced no significant flare activity before it decayed to plage on 20 Nov. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal background levels throughout the summary period.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to unsettled. A weak, negative polarity high-speed stream produced isolated unsettled periods on 20-21 Nov. Quiet conditions were observed throughout the remainder of the summary period.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 26 November - 22 December 2018

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

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to range from normal to high levels. Moderate levels are expected on 07 Dec and 14-16 Dec; high levels are expected on 02-06 Dec and 08-13 Dec. The remainder of the forecast period is expected to be at normal levels. All enhancements in electron flux are anticipated in response to multiple, recurrent coronal hole
high-speed streams.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels are expected on 02 Dec; active conditions are expected on 01
Dec and 07-08 Dec; unsettled conditions are expected on 26-27 Nov, 03-06 Dec, 09 Dec and 17-18 Dec. Quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. All enhancements in geomagnetic activity are expected in anticipation of multiple, recurrent,
coronal hole high-speed streams.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2018 Nov 26 0241 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact ww.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2018-11-26
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2018 Nov 26      70           8          3
2018 Nov 27      70           8          3
2018 Nov 28      70           5          2
2018 Nov 29      70           5          2
2018 Nov 30      70           5          2
2018 Dec 01      68          16          4
2018 Dec 02      68          24          5
2018 Dec 03      68          10          3
2018 Dec 04      68          10          3
2018 Dec 05      68           8          3
2018 Dec 06      68           8          3
2018 Dec 07      68          12          4
2018 Dec 08      68          12          4
2018 Dec 09      68           8          3
2018 Dec 10      68           5          2
2018 Dec 11      68           5          2
2018 Dec 12      68           5          2
2018 Dec 13      70           5          2
2018 Dec 14      70           5          2
2018 Dec 15      70           5          2
2018 Dec 16      70           5          2
2018 Dec 17      70           8          3
2018 Dec 18      70           8          3
2018 Dec 19      70           5          2
2018 Dec 20      70           5          2
2018 Dec 21      70           5          2
2018 Dec 22      70           5          2
(NOAA)

Friday, November 23, 2018

From the Isle of Music & Uncle Bill's Melting Pot schedule, Nov-25-Dec 1



From the Isle of Music, November 25-December 1:
This week, our special guest is Diego Gutierrez, whose album Palante el Mambo! won the Fusion category in Cubadisco 2018 and was nominated in the Tropical Fusion category of the Latin GRAMMY awards this year. Additionally, we will listen to recordings by the other Latin GRAMMY winners and nominees from Cuba, many of whom were also Cubadisco winners and/or nominees.
The broadcasts take place:

1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 UTC on SpaceLine, 9400 kHz, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK)

2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0100-0200 UTC (New UTC) on WBCQ, 7490 kHz from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9PM EST in the US). This has been audible in parts of NW, Central and Southern Europe with an excellent skip to Italy recently.

3-4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1200-1300 UTC (New CETs) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany.



Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, November 25 and 27, 2018
Episode 89 takes us to Spain, including an innovative new interpretation of Carmen.
The transmissions take place:
1. Sunday 2300-2330 UTC (NEW UTC) (6:00PM -6:30PM Eastern US) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe

2. Tuesday 2000-2030 UTC (NEW CET) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. If current propagation conditions hold, the broadcast should reach Iceland AND Western Russia due to a long skip.

Also recommended:
Marion’s Attic, a unique program produced and hosted by Marion Webster featuring early 20th Century records, Edison cylinders etc played on the original equipment, comes on immediately before UBMP on Sundays from 2200-2300 UTC on WBCQ 7490 kHz.
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Trade Deal Could Have Major Impact on Radio Industry

The cultural industries exemption was one of many hot potatoes during negotiations

Kevin Curran, Nov 8, 2018

For as long as there has been broadcasting, the North American nations of Canada, the United States and Mexico have closely guarded their domestic radio and, later, television, industries.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission would not permit a licensee to have more than 25 percent foreign ownership, while Canada and Mexico forbid non-citizens from owning a broadcasting station. Recent changes in these rules could have a major effect in the U.S. and Mexico. However, it does not appear that change is on the horizon in Canada, and that could have made it difficult to negotiate a three-nation free trade agreement.

Students of broadcast history will remember the “Border Blasters” — high-powered AM stations along the Mexican line that carried programming for an American audience. additional story at: https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/trade-deal-could-have-major-impact-on-radio-industry



Record audience growth for independent reporting aided by demand in China, Iran and Russia


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) released annual impact numbers indicating its programming is reaching larger audiences than ever despite increasingly challenging media environments. The measured weekly audience grew to 345 million people in FY 2018, from 278 million people in FY 2017, an unprecedented increase of 67 million.

"This year's audience numbers showing record demand for USAGM programming confirm a central tenet of our work," said CEO John F. Lansing. "People around the world want access to truth and will seek it even in the most repressed corners of the world."

The growth occurred in key strategic countries - China, where USAGM networks now have a weekly audience of 65 million; Iran, with a weekly audience of 14 million; and Russia, where the weekly audience is almost 8 million.

USAGM measures impact by weekly audience size along with other quantitative, qualitative, digital, and anecdotal data on a wide range of factors, including program quality and credibility, engagement with the news process, and audience understanding of current events.
Key FY 2018 accomplishments include:

Radio Free Asia's Uyghur Service, the world's only Uyghur-language news service outside of China, broke shocking stories of the nearly one million Uyghurs being detained in re-education camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China since mid-2017. The Uyghur Service's reports are continuously cited by major media, the U.S. Department of State, and academics around the world, and have made the Uyghur situation one of today's most concerning human rights issues.     
Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is implementing a multi-year transformation plan designed to fundamentally improve programming content and production quality across all MBN media. In addition, MBN launched new television programs, bringing moderate voices to the crowded Arabic-language media marketplace.

Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe /Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) broadcasts attracted nearly a quarter of Iranian adults (23 percent) each week, despite the government bans on satellite dishes and online access to international media. Both networks saw a major spike  as mass protests broke out in Iran in December 2017 and January 2018, during which time Iranians were using circumvention technology to obtain VOA and RFE/RL content.

In the two years since the launch of Current Time, the 24/7 Russian-language digital network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, has gained traction online and through a wide network of distributors - more than 84 in 19 countries. New research from Russia shows an increased audience for USAGM content, up 28 percent since the last survey, despite its restricted access to standard broadcast channels. 

VOA's Africa Division launched "Our Voices," a new English-language television program hosted by pan-African women journalists, which aims to create a community of empowerment where women talk about serious matters in their lives, on the African continent and around the world, including politics, business, and migration.

Office of Cuba Broadcasting placed a network of correspondents throughout the world, reporting news about Cuba and connecting with independent reporters on the island. In addition, news programs have been expanded to better serve the Cuban audience.
Read the complete Audience and Impact report, at: https://www.usagm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-Audience-and-Impact-Report.pdf
(USAGM/21 Nov 2018)

Monday, November 19, 2018

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins




Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2018 Nov 19 0314 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 12 - 18 November 2018

Solar activity was at very low levels. Region 2726 (N05, L=137, class/area Axx/010 on 13 Nov) was inactive and decayed to plage 15 Nov. Region 2727 (N01, L=112, class/area Cao/060 on 18 Nov) showed slight growth, but remained inactive. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 12-16 Nov and moderate levels on 17-18 Nov.

Geomagnetic field activity was at predominately quiet levels, with a isolated periods of unsettled conditions observed early on 12 Nov. Solar wind speeds were elevated 12-13 Nov due to a negative polarity CH HSS. Peak speeds of 638 km/s occurred on 12 Nov at approximately 1936 UTC, and decreased over the course of the week, reaching a minimum of 298 km/s by 17/2326 UTC. 14-17 Nov were unremarkable under a nominal solar wind regime. The solar wind environment
underwent a slight enhancement on 18 Nov due to CIR arrival ahead of a negative polarity CH. Total field became enhanced to 8 nT and the Bz component saw a maximum southward deflection of -8 nT by the end of the day. Wind speeds increased to around 330 km/s and density increased to a peak of 20 particles per cubic cm.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 19 November - 15 December 2018

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels throughout the forecast period (19 Nov-15 Dec). Region 2727 (N05, L=137) will exit the solar disk on 21 Nov, and pending decay, is due to return on 04 Dec.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to remain at moderate levels 19 Nov-1 Dec. Predominately high levels are likely 2 Dec-13 Dec due to a pair of recurrent CH
HSSs. Moderate levels are likely 14-15 Dec as CH HSS influence wanes.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly unsettled levels 19-22 Nov due to a pair of negative polarity CH HSSs. Predominately quiet levels are expected 23-30 Nov under nominal
solar wind conditions. Active conditions are expected on 01 Dec due to a SSBC ahead of a recurrent positive polarity CH. G1 (Minor)Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt

Storms are likely 02 Dec due to the CIR in advance of the HSS of the aforementioned positive polarity CH. Unsettled conditions are expected 03-06 Dec as CH HSS influence wanes. Active conditons are likely 07-08 Dec due to HSS influence from a recurrent, negative polarity CH. Mostly unsettled conditions, with a chance of active intervals, is expected 09 Dec as the negative polarity CH HSS influence wanes. Quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the period.




Issued: 2018 Nov 19 0314 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2018-11-19
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2018 Nov 19      72           8          3
2018 Nov 20      72           8          3
2018 Nov 21      71          10          3
2018 Nov 22      68           8          3
2018 Nov 23      68           5          2
2018 Nov 24      68           5          2
2018 Nov 25      68           5          2
2018 Nov 26      68           5          2
2018 Nov 27      68           5          2
2018 Nov 28      68           5          2
2018 Nov 29      68           5          2
2018 Nov 30      68           5          2
2018 Dec 01      68          15          4
2018 Dec 02      68          30          5
2018 Dec 03      69          10          3
2018 Dec 04      70          10          3
2018 Dec 05      71           8          3
2018 Dec 06      71           8          3
2018 Dec 07      71          12          4
2018 Dec 08      71          12          4
2018 Dec 09      71           8          3
2018 Dec 10      71           5          2
2018 Dec 11      71           5          2
2018 Dec 12      71           5          2
2018 Dec 13      71           5          2
2018 Dec 14      71           5          2
2018 Dec 15      71           5          2
(NOAA)

Breaking News - Labor to commit $2 million to resurrect ABC shortwave radio





If elected next year, Federal Labor says it will provide the ABC with $2 million in funding to help re-establish shortwave radio services across the Northern Territory.

The ABC controversially switched off its shortwave service in January 2017, and defended the decision by saying it would "only affect a very, very small amount of people" and save taxpayers up to $1.9 million.

The decision was heavily criticized by industry groups such as the NT Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) and the NT Seafood Council.

NTCA president Chris Nott welcomed today's announcement by Labor and said the ABC's decision was short-sighted.

"What people take for granted in the cities is a luxury for those of us in the bush," Mr Nott said.

"We rely on the HF shortwave radio transmitters because we don't have mobile and data coverage for AM and FM radio stations.

"The ABC can expand its modern day platforms all it likes but the truth is we don't all have access to it and the ABC did not care at all about the impact of its decision."

Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling, said the axing of shortwave had angered a lot of people and community groups.

"Many thousands will benefit from this [bringing back shortwave]," he told the Country Hour.

"I was lobbied by a really large cross-section of the community that spends time in remote areas and when shortwave was cut there was a lot of angst, so it will be a good thing to bring it back to keep people on the land and waters connected."
Northern Territory Country Hour

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nt-country-hour/labor-commits-funding-to-restore-abc-shortwave-radio-nt/10511472?fbclid=IwAR2kQ6Ptx64WNPfrjUZoZuSdWp4t1lD09qKiqLtmM_KO1iR9oSMhB_9u26s

Saturday, November 17, 2018

NATE Says It’s “All In” on Drones in the Broadcast Tower Space


Recent FAA Authorization brings welcome changes, says head of tower organization
Susan Ashworth, Nov 8, 2018

Drones are here to stay. And that’s exciting news for the head of the National Association of Tower Erectors, who sees a bright future in terms of new applications and refined safety regulations surrounding the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Radio World spoke with Todd Schlekeway, executive director of NATE, about the organization’s connection to the Commercial Drone Alliance, his takeaway on the provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and how drones are being put to use as broadcasters deal with tall tower work due to the repack.

Radio World: What is your organization’s take on the usage of drones in the broadcast tower space?

Additional story at: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/nate-says-its-all-in-on-drones-in-the-broadcast-tower-space

2019 Radio History Calendar Celebrates Historic Remotes

John Schneider has aggregated 13 colorized photos from 1929–1947

RW Staff, 14 Nov. 2018

t’s that time of year again — calendar ordering season! Broadcast history enthusiast and frequent Radio World contributor John Schneider says his 2019 radio history calendar is now on sale.

Schneider reports this year’s theme is “historic radio remote broadcasts.” Schneider has carefully selected 13 high-resolution, colorized photos of significant remotes from 1929–1947.

For additional info, consult: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/2019-radio-history-calendar-celebrates-historic-remotes

Friday, November 16, 2018

From the Isle of Music & Uncle Bill's Melting Pot schedules




From the Isle of Music, November 18-24
This week, we listen to music from the winners of the Academic Music (concert music) categories of Cubadisco 2018 and some related Special Prize winners.

The transmissions take place
1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 UTC on SpaceLine, 9400 kHz, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK)

2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0100-0200 UTC (New UTC) on WBCQ, 7490 kHz from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9PM EST in the US).

3 -4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1200-1300 UTC (New CETs) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany.

Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, November 18 and 20
Episode 88, South Africa and Sudan, features some new music from South Africa and some vintage music from Sudan.

The transmissions take place:
1. Sunday 2300-2330 UTC (NEW UTC) (6:00PM -6:30PM Eastern US) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe

2. Tuesday 2000-2030 UTC (NEW CET) on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe.

Also recommended:
Marion’s Attic, a unique program produced and hosted by Marion Webster featuring early 20th Century records, Edison cylinders etc played on the original equipment, comes on immediately before UBMP on Sundays from 2200-2300 UTC on WBCQ 7490 kHz.
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC

Shortwave Radiogram weekend schedules


Hello friends,
The Mighty KBC's new frequency of 11600 kHz, Saturdays at 1300-1400 UTC from Bulgaria, reached across the Atlantic last weekend. That included the minute of MFSK64 at 1330 UTC (see below). If you are in North America, try it this weekend.

Unfortunately, the Shortwave Radiogram frequency of 9400 kHz at 1400-1430 UTC, also from Bulgaria, was less successful last weekend reaching the United States and Canada. It is, nevertheless, worth a try this weekend.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 73) are provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 2030-2100 UTC) and by Ralf in Germany (Saturday 1400-1430 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

As of this weekend, our broadcast at the inconvenient (at least for North Americans) time of 0800-0830 UTC moves to Sunday, from Monday, and thus might be slightly less inconvenient. North Americans who prefer not to wake up in the middle of the night can use Audacity's timer record feature. Or just leave your radio and Fldigi on all night and look at your results in the morning. Europeans should note that winter gray-line (grey-line) propagation may allow reception of the this Sunday 0800-0830 UTC broadcast. Frequencies are 5850 and 7730 kHz from WRMI Florida.

Winter propagation is allowing reception of Shortwave Radiogram broadcasts in areas where they were not heard during the summer, but the signal might not be sufficient for a good decode of our usual MFSK modes. To improve the chances of a successful decode, we will transmit some of this weekend's content in the robust Olivia 64-2000, 32-2000, and 16-2000 modes.

A few notes about Olivia: 1) For best decode, turn squelch (SQL) off.  2) The RSID should direct Fldigi to the correct Olivia modes, but if manual mode selection is necessary, Olivia 32-2000 and 16-2000 will require using the custom menu under the Olivia op mode. 3) Keep in mind that the text will not begin to print until a few seconds after you hear the tones.

Another interesting feature in this weekend's unusual program is a waterfall graphic created by Merkouris, SV2HWM, in Greece. It's a replica of the message sent to outer space in 1974 by the Arecibo radio telescope. This can be seen in the Fldigi waterfall or on an SDR spectrum display (zoom in). To see as much of it as possible in Fldigi:  Configure > UI > Waterfall > FFT Processing > Increase waterfall height > Save, then close and restart Fldigi.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 74, 16-18 November 2018, in modes as noted:

 1:41  MFSK32: Program preview
 3:07  Olivia 64-2000: Earth's dust clouds***
 6:11  Olivia 32-2000: Earth's dust clouds***
 8:42  Olivia 16-2000: Earth's dust clouds***
11:43  MFSK64: Image from previous story*
14:27  Arecibo radio telescope message to space**
20:31  This week's images
27:41  MFSK32: Closing announcements


* with image(s)

** with waterfall graphic and image

*** for best Olivia decode turn off squelch (SQL)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

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

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304
Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC DayUTC Time FrequencyTransmitter
Friday2030-2100 UTC7780 kHzWRMI Florida
Saturday1400-1430 UTC9400 kHzSpace Line Bulgaria
Sunday NEW DAY0800-0830 UTC5850 kHz
7730 kHz
WRMI Florida
Sunday2330-2400 UTC7780 kHzWRMI Florida
Slow Scan Radio transmits SSTV images and text modes Saturdays on 6070 kHz (and maybe also 7440 kHz) via Channel 292 in Germany -- according to the latest schedule information I have. The website is http://www.slowscanradio.com. Reception reports to x@xdv.me.

The Mighty KBC transmits to Europe Saturdays at 1300-1400 UTC on 11600 kHz (new time and frequency via Bulgaria), with the minute of MFSK at about 1330 UTC (if you are outside of Europe, listen via websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ ). And to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. The minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/.

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  Five minutes of MFSK32 is at the end of the 30-minute English-language “Shortwave Panorama. For the complete IBC transmission schedule visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/ 

Broad Spectrum Radio is transmitted by WRMI Florida Mondays at 0700-0800 UTC on 5850 and 7730 kHz. MFSK32 is broadcast during the second half hour of the show. Reports to broadspectrumradio@gmail.com.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram

Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom
The MFSK64 segment of The Mighty KBC, Saturday, 10 November 2018, 1330 UTC, 11600 kHz from Bulgaria, received in Virginia.
Images received by IT2024SWL in Italy, 10 November 2018, 1400-1430 UTC, 9400 kHz from Bulgaria.
 
Images and text received by Guy in Texas, 11 November 2018, 2330-2400 UTC, 7780 kHz from WRMI Florida.
Also from the Sunday 2330 UTC broadcast, these MFSK64 images were received by Merkouris in Greece, with artistic effect.
Images received by Zach in Alabama, who was awake for the 0800-0830 UTC broadcast, 12 November 2018, 5850 kHz from WRMI Florida. 

Monday, November 12, 2018

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins



Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2018 Nov 12 0247 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 05 - 11 November 2018

Solar activity was at very low levels. The solar disk remained spotless. However, spots emerged late on 11 Nov near N05E13, but remained unnumered. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at moderate to high levels on 05-09 Nov, normal to moderate levels on 10 Nov and normal to high levels on 11 Nov.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G2 (Moderate) storm levels during the period due to a pair of recurrent CH HSSs. The solar wind enviroment was enhanced on 05 Nov due to a positive
polarity CH HSS. Wind speeds peaked at 610 km/s at 05/0506 UTC and the Bz component saw a maximum deflection of -8 nT at 05/0406 UTC. During this timeframe, unsettled to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic conditions were observed. 06 Nov began a downward trend to a more nominal solar wind regime as CH HSS influence waned. Wind speeds decreased to a low of 400 km/s at 07/0611 UTC. Quiet to isolated active conditions were observed from 06-08 Nov. Mostly nominal conditions continued until early on 09 Nov with arrival of a SSBC/CIR ahead of a negative polarity CH HSS. Density reached a maximum of 18.17 particles per cubic cm at 09/1530 ahead of the CIR.
Total field reached a maximum of 14 nT at 10/0600 UTC and the Bz component reached a maximum deflection of -8 nT at 10/0821 UTC. The negative polarity CH HSS arrived early on 10 Nov with wind speeds just over 600 km/s, which continued to be geoeffective through 11 Nov. Field conditions were at quiet to isolated active levels from 09-11 Nov.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 12 November - 08 December 2018

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels through the forecast period (12 Nov-08 Dec).

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels 12 Nov-16 Nov due to CH HSS influence. An extened period of normal levels is expected 18 Nov-01 Dec due to nominal solar wind environment conditions. Mostly high levels are likely 02-08 Dec with the return of a pair of recurrent CH HSSs.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be slightly enhanced 12 Nov-14 Nov, with a chance for isolated active levels possible, due to a geoeffection, negative polarity CH HSS. Quiet to unsettled
conditons are expected 15 Nov-30 Nov under a nominal solar wind regime. Unsettled conditions are likely 01 Dec-08 Dec, with a chance of a few active periods, due to a pair of recurrent CH HSSs.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2018 Nov 12 0247 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2018-11-12
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2018 Nov 12      70          12          3
2018 Nov 13      70          10          3
2018 Nov 14      70           8          3
2018 Nov 15      70           5          2
2018 Nov 16      70           5          2
2018 Nov 17      70           5          2
2018 Nov 18      70           5          2
2018 Nov 19      69           5          2
2018 Nov 20      68           5          2
2018 Nov 21      68           5          2
2018 Nov 22      68           5          3
2018 Nov 23      68           5          2
2018 Nov 24      68           5          2
2018 Nov 25      68           5          2
2018 Nov 26      68           5          2
2018 Nov 27      68           5          2
2018 Nov 28      68           5          2
2018 Nov 29      68           5          2
2018 Nov 30      68           5          2
2018 Dec 01      68          15          4
2018 Dec 02      68          30          5
2018 Dec 03      69          10          3
2018 Dec 04      69          10          3
2018 Dec 05      70           8          3
2018 Dec 06      69           8          3
2018 Dec 07      69          12          3
2018 Dec 08      70          12          3
(NOAA)

Radio Communications Dashboard/Space Weather Overview: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/radio-communications

Friday, November 09, 2018

Shortwave Radiogram Nov. 9-12


Hello friends,

For anyone who was awake for last Monday's 0800 UTC broadcast, sorry that it was missing. There was an automation issue at WRMI, which I hope is resolved by this coming Monday. The 0800 UTC transmission is interesting, because, as we approach winter, it is beginning to be audible in Europe. Reception is usually good in Australia and New Zealand and most of North America.

On 9400 kHz from Bulgaria, our new Saturday broadcast time of 1400-1430 UTC is working well, and was even received in parts of North America. However, The Mighty KBC's new time of 1300-1400 UTC on 9400 kHz experienced interference from FEBC Philippines. Accordingly, KBC will move to 11600 kHz, via Bulgaria, beginning this Saturday at 1300-1400 UTC. It will be interesting to see if this new frequency is heard in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. At 1400 UTC, please don't forget to retune to 9400 kHz for Shortwave Radiogram.

Reception in Europe is also improving Friday at 2030-2100 UTC on 7780 kHz from WRMI. It continues to be good in Europe Sunday at 2330-2400 UTC, also on 7780, although the hour is late.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 72) are provided by Ralf in Germany (Saturday 1400-1430 UTC) and Scott in Ontario (Sunday 2330-2400 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany, including the colorization of last week's trail cam image sent by Mike in Washington state.

This weekend's Shortwave Radiogram will be relatively simple, with text and images in MFSK32 and MFSK64 only, including eight MFSK images.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 73, 9-12 November 2018, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:40  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:50  Listening station near Berlin to become museum*
 9:16  MFSK64: New Caledonia votes to stay with France*
14:02  North Korean officer purged for listening to RFA*
18:19  Images of the week
26:57  MFSK32: Closing announcements


* with image(s)


Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net

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

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

 
Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC DayUTC Time FrequencyTransmitter
Friday2030-2100 UTC7780 kHzWRMI Florida
Saturday1400-1430 UTC
NEW TIME
9400 kHzSpace Line Bulgaria
Sunday2330-2400 UTC7780 kHzWRMI Florida
Monday0800-0830 UTC5850 kHz
7730 kHz
WRMI Florida
Slow Scan Radio transmits SSTV images and text modes Wednesdays at 1830-1900 UTC on 6070 kHz via Channel 292 in Germany. The website is http://www.slowscanradio.com. Reception reports to x@xdv.me.
The Mighty KBC transmits to Europe Saturdays at 1300-1400 UTC on 11600 kHz (new time and frequency via Bulgaria), with the minute of MFSK at about 1530 UTC (if you are outside of Europe, listen via websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ ). And to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. The minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/
Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  Five minutes of MFSK32 is at the end of the 30-minute English-language “Shortwave Panorama. For the complete IBC transmission schedule visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/  
Broad Spectrum Radio is transmitted by WRMI Florida Mondays at 0700-0800 UTC on 5850 and 7730 kHz. MFSK32 is broadcast during the second half hour of the show. Reports to broadspectrumradio@gmail.com.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram

Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom

Marco in Italy received these images, Friday, 2 November 2018, on 7780 kHz from WRMI Florida.
@Hal-Fi in California received these images direct from Bulgaria, 9400 kHz, Saturday, 3 November 2018, 1400-1500 UTC.
Images received by Mark in the UK, Sunday, 4 November 2018, 2330-2400 UTC, 7780 kHz from WRMI Florida.