Thursday, December 31, 2020

New Years Eve specials from Channel 292 and WBCQ

 

Both Radio Channel 292 and WBCQ The Planet will have New Year’s Eve specials organized by Bill Tilford  (aka Uncle Bill) featuring multiple programs: 

On December 31, Radio Channel 292 will present a 2-hour special,  Neujahrsgrüsse von Radio Channel 292 featuring segments from nine different music programs with classical, jazz, rock, Cuban, and volksmusik from 2300-0100 UTC on 3955 (10kw), 6070 (100kW from Moosbrunn) and 9670 (10kw) kHz.  It will repeat on all three frequencies at 10kw from 0900-1100 UTC on January 1.   The time for the 10kw transmissions was donated by the station. 

The broadcast at 2300 will use a directional beam towards Central and South America on 9670 kHz and might also be listenable on parts of the east coast of North America depending upon propagation. 

On December 31 from 10pm-11PM EST (0300-0400 UTC January 1), WBCQ presents Escape From 2020!, with a short play from Tom Call Theater and music from Marion’s Attic, The Lumpy Gravy Radio Show, From The Isle of Music, and Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot.  Airtime is donated by Allan and Angela Weiner. 

The frequency 6160 kHz has penetrated deep into Europe in some previous nighttime transmissions from WBCQ 

William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC
5713 N. St. Louis Av
Chicago IL 60659-4486
email: bill@tilfordproductions.com

From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill's Melting Pot schedules, January 3-9, 2021



From the Isle of Music, January 3-9: 
This week, our first episode of 2021, we present experimental music from 1980 by Arte Vivo. 

The broadcasts take place: 
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 Sofia, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK) 

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

For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1300-1400 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany. 

Our Patreon page is  https://www.patreon.com/tilford 


Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, January 3-9: 

In episode 198, our first episode of 2021, we enjoy traditional and modern music from Laos. 

The broadcast takes place: 

Sunday 2300-0000 (6:00PM -7:00PM EST) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe 

Tuesday 2000-2100 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. 

Saturday 0800-0900 UTC on Channel 292, 9670 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. 

Our V-Kontakte page is  https://vk.com/fromtheisleofmusic 

Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2021! 
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC

BBC and FEBA Radio schedule updates

 


All times UTC

Updates of BBC and FEBA Radio

BBC
1800-1830 9540 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to CeAf French, (ex 6180) from December 25
1400-1430 15400 ASC 250 kW / 055 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday, from December 27
1400-1430 17780 ASC 250 kW / 065 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday, from December 27
1400-1430 21630 DHA 250 kW / 260 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday, from December 27
2000-2030 9545 WOF 250 kW / 160 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday,  from December 27
2000-2030 11660 ASC 125 kW / 055 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday, from December 27
2000-2030 15490 ASC 250 kW / 065 deg to WeAf Hausa Sunday, from December 27

FEBA to January 1, 2021
1615-1630 on  9540 ERV 300 kW / 192 deg to EaAf Guragena Mo-We and will be deleted
1615-1630 on  9540 ERV 300 kW / 192 deg to EaAf Amharic  Th-Su and will be deleted
1630-1700 on  9540 ERV 300 kW / 192 deg to EaAf Amharic  Daily and will be deleted
(DXB/31 Dec 2020)

Radio Emma Toc World Service, January 2021 schedule summary



Program Contents -  A look at the 'Numbers Stations' past and present, a recent interview with Jeff White from WRMI, news of a revived publication from The Indian DX Club International, Tony Hancock's 'The Radio Ham', and hellos to listeners.

Ways to listen...   Radio Emma Toc World Service - Program No. 9 January 2021

You can listen online - http://www.emmatoc.com  - visit the World Service page.

You can listen to our shortwave or MW or FM broadcasts via our relay partners as follows:

WRMI - Radio Miami International - 9955kHz - covering Latin America (and beyond)
 Tues 18:00 EasternTime / 23:00 UTC and Wed 20:00 Eastern Time / 01:00 (Thurs) UTC  

WRMI - Radio Miami International - 5950kHz - covering Eastern North America (and far beyond)
 Sundays 21:00 EasternTime / 02:00 (Monday) UTC  

World  FM -  88.2MHz / 107.6MHz - covering Tawa, Marahau and Stoke, New Zealand
 Sundays 22:00 NZST / 10:00 UTC and Thursdays 16:30 NZST / 04:30 UTC   
 (alternating with other programs) 

Channel 292 - 6070kHz - covering Europe (and beyond)
 Fri Jan 8, 2021 08:00 UTC  and Tues 15 Jan 2021, 15:00 UTC 

Scandinavian Weekend Radio - 6170kHz / 11690kHz / 1602kHz / 94.9MHz                                          The next scheduled broadcast will be in February 2021. 

Happy listening! If you are outside the transmitter coverage areas, why not listen via the broadcasters' online services. Website details for the above stations are listed on our own website here -  www.emmatoc.org/worldserviceschedule 

If you don't have access to receivers & aerials you can try using an online SDR receiver - ve3sun.com/KiwiSDR - experience the enjoyment of tuning around shortwaves from worldwide locations online.

We are happy to issue eQSLs for reception reports sent to - emmatoc1922@gmail.com - and will gladly include them for online reports. If using an online SDR, please give us the SDR location.

If any stations wish to relay our program a download link is available on our website. Please advise us of times and dates so we can publicize in our schedule.


Thank you!
Jim Salmon, Radio Emma Toc

Sri Lanka to sell airtime on ex-DW relay station Trincomalee to Encompass Digital Media

 



ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has agreed to sell airtime on a former Deutsche Welle relay station in Trincomalee in the North East of the island to UK based Encompass Digital Media Services, London.

Germany’s DW built the relay station in Sri Lanka in 1980 mainly for international shortwave (HF) broadcasting. It also has a medium wave transmitter for South Asia.

(A Gupta/WWDXC/Top News 31 Dec 2020)

KBS World Radio announces program cancellations


South Korea, KBS World 


Cancellation of Programs

We have recently learned that, unfortunately, one of the team members at KBS WORLD Radio's English Service has tested positive for COVID-19.

In order to prevent the spread of infection, KBS WORLD Radio has taken the preemptive measure of suspending all production of the programs Korea24 and K-POP Connection.

Korea24: From December 28 to December 31, Korea24 will be replaced by reruns of previous KBS WORLD Radio special programs. On January 1, a special program marking the new year will be broadcast. Regular Korea24 programming will resume on January 4, 2021.

K-POP Connection: K-POP Connection will air reruns of previous episodes from December 29, 2020, to January 7, 2021, except for January 1, when a pre-recorded new-year special episode will air. Regular programming to resume on January 8, 2021.

The English Service is striving for the safe and quick normalization of all production. We ask for our listeners' understanding of this inconvenience.
(KBS World Radio English Service F_B page,
via Alan Pennington-UK, BrDXC-UK newsgroup 28 Dec)
(WWDXC Top News 31 Dec 2020)

New Years Eve special from Vatican Radio for Southern Africa

 

The ‘live broadcast,’ with Pope Francis on the 31 December for the “Te Deum” prayer, on Vatican Radio’s English Africa Service gets an additional Shortwave frequency.

Vatican News English Africa Service – Vatican City

Shortwave Radio listeners in Southern Africa can join Pope Francis for the live Evening Prayer (Vespers) and the thanksgiving prayer is known as, Te Deum, on an additional Shortwave frequency of 9705 kHz on the 31-meter band. The Vespers and Te Deum will begin at 5 pm local time in Rome which is 16 hours UTC.

THE TE DEUM

On 31 December every year, the Pope leads the universal Church in a Solemn prayer of Thanksgiving to God for the year just ending. Usually, this Solemn prayer takes place in St. Peter’s Basilica and comes at the end of the evening First Vespers on New Year’s Eve.

The end of the year Te Deum is thus a prayer of thanking God for the year just ending. According to tradition, the Te Deum prayer has been sung (prayed) in the Church since the year 1700. This year, 2020, the end of the year Te Deum takes on special significance given the suffering brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. For most people 2020 has been a disastrous year: annus horribilis, to use the Latin term. Yet as St. Paul says, “… for all things give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/2020-12/new-year-s-eve-a-special-shortwave-frequency-for-southern-afric.html

(BDXC)

South Korea medium wave info update

 KOREA REP OF (SOUTH) 

{some insights into another world for European DX ears and eyes. wb. }

Some updates on the South Korean MW scene by Chris Kadlec:

630 KBS 1 Radio Suncheon is off the air. Transmission was scheduled to cease for 6 months starting on May 23rd, 2020, but as of November 23rd, the station remains off the air with no word when / if it will resume broadcasting.

810 MBC Daegu transmission has been temporarily suspended as of Febr 1, 2020. It is off the air with no further details.

990 Changwon (MBC Gyeongnam) was taken off the air due to a new development taking over its tower site. It was scheduled to go back on the air by July 2018 in the Buk-myeon area (rural county to the north). As of last month, correspondence to MBC Gyeongnam has given no answer as to when this
station will return or if it will be rebuilt. It is currently off the air.

1134 Seoul KBS 3R has been off the air since September 15th for replacing transmitting equipment. It was scheduled to go back on the air Dec 4th. As of the 5th, it has been confirmed that the station is still not on the air.

1188 FEBC moved to a new tower site in the Daebu-do coastal area of suburban Ansan from Siheung, turning on the new facilities on October 12, 2020. They have a nice new building beside it as well. The towers are located at 37 13 14.3 N 126 33 29.1 E in an area just west of the old Universal Studios theme park site.

1332 MBC Chungju went off the air on May 1, 2020. The station is scheduled to be off the air for one year and return on May 1, 2021.

1350 MBC Samcheok was taken off the air in 2018 due to a new development taking over its tower site. It moved up the road and constructed a new building and new mast at 37 27 43.7 N 129 08 26.8 E and has been on the air for some time (perhaps seamlessly).

1440 Pyeongtaek (Camp Humphreys) AFN is - as already known - broadcasting at 5 kW, confirmed by the fact that it is using the old AFN Yongsan 5 kW transmitter that previously operated on 1530 kHz. All previously-used equipment from US Forces Area I (Seoul and north) was moved to the new
military HQ at Camp Humphreys, with Camp Casey (1197 kHz) shutting down February 15, 2018 (already widely reported) while staying on the air in Kunsan and Daegu, leaving no remaining AFN stations in the suburbs between Seoul and the border.

[Check out Chris' excellent radio website at
(via RealDX io Group; NZL DX Times, NZRDXL, Dec 29)
(Top News 31 Dec 2020)

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

KTWR frequency updates

 


All times UTC

Effective: 03 January 2021

1130-1200 on  9910 TWR 050 kW / 350 deg to JPN  Japanese Sat DRM mode, additional
1245-1250 on 12040 TWR 100 kW / 290 deg to SoAs Hindi Mon-Fri, additional
1250-1255 on 12040 TWR 100 kW / 290 deg to SoAs English Mon-Fri, additional
1245-1300 on 11590 TWR 200 kW / 285 deg to SoAs English Sun-Wed FEBA India, additional
1245-1300 NF 11590 TWR 200 kW / 285 deg to SoAs Malayalam Thu-Sat FEBA India, ex 11580
1315-1330 on 11590 TWR 200 kW / 285 deg to SoAs Bhatri Sun FEBA India, additional
(DXB/01 Dec 2020)
-- 

Monday, December 28, 2020

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2020 Dec 28 0139 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 - 21 - 27 December 2020

Solar activity was at very low levels from 21-27 Dec. The largest flare observed was a B7.3 from Region 2795 (S18, L=318, class/area Dao/200 on 24 Dec) on 24 Dec. 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 24-27 Dec due to CH HSS influence. Normal to moderate levels were observed on 21-23 Dec. 

Geomagnetic field activity reached active levels on 21 and 23 Dec, and unsettled levels on 22, 24-25 Dec, all due to positive polarity CH HSS influences. Quiet levels were observed on 26-27 Dec. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity - 28 December - 23 January 2021

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels throughout the period with a slight chance for low levels on 28 Dec - 04 Jan, and 17-23 Jan due to the flare potential from Region 2795 (S18, L=318, class/area Dao/200 on 24 Dec). 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at moderate to high levels on 28-29 Dec and 20-23 Jan due to recurrent CH HSS influences. Normal to moderate levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 5-6 Jan and 18-20 Jan, and quiet to unsettled levels on 29 Dec, 3 Jan, and 21 Jan, all due to recurrent CH HSS influences.

Mostly quiet levels are expected on the remaining days in the outlook period. 



Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2020 Dec 28 0139 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 2020-12-28
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2020 Dec 28      88           5          2
2020 Dec 29      88           8          3
2020 Dec 30      88           5          2
2020 Dec 31      88           5          2
2021 Jan 01      88           5          2
2021 Jan 02      87           5          2
2021 Jan 03      86           8          3
2021 Jan 04      85           5          2
2021 Jan 05      84          10          3
2021 Jan 06      84          10          3
2021 Jan 07      84           5          2
2021 Jan 08      84           5          2
2021 Jan 09      84           5          2
2021 Jan 10      84           5          2
2021 Jan 11      84           5          2
2021 Jan 12      84           5          2
2021 Jan 13      84           5          2
2021 Jan 14      84           5          2
2021 Jan 15      85           5          2
2021 Jan 16      86           5          2
2021 Jan 17      84           5          2
2021 Jan 18      88          10          3
2021 Jan 19      88          10          3
2021 Jan 20      88          10          3
2021 Jan 21      88           8          3
2021 Jan 22      88           5          2
2021 Jan 23      88           5          2
(NOAA)

Dxers Diary to premier on January 3, 2021

 


Jose Jacobs reports the following. Dxers Diary, a 5-minute DX program, from KTWR's DRM broadcast every Sunday from January 3, 2021, on 13800 kHz at 10:26 UTC to 10:56 UTC. Send your logs and band scans to dxersdiary@gmail.com. 
Arun Kumar, VU2BBF Chennai/Dx India)

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Merry Christmas 2020

 

                MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM TEAK PUBLISHING




FRS set for their seasonal broadcast

 
Traditionally, FRS-Holland will hit the airwaves with its annual seasonal broadcast. We will be ringing out 2020 - which was in a number of respects an exceptional year- on Sunday, December 27th, the day following Boxing Day. 

Here's the info regarding our upcoming December 27 2020 broadcast: 
FRS-Holland will be on 7700// 5790 as well as 3920 kHz. 
FRS will be on air from 09:00- 13:30 UTC/ 10:00- 14:30 CET. 
Programs will be repeated on 7700//5790: 13:30- 18:00 UTC/  14:30- 19:00 CET. 
Also, between 08:52- 12:00 UTC/ 09:52- 13:00 CET FRS will be also on 5810 kHz !!
(FRS)

Channel 292 presents 'Marathon' programming on December 26


On December 26 from 0900-1430 UTC, Radio Channel 292  will have a 100-kW Marathon on 6070 kHz, organized by Max Berger of  Radio SM Dessau. programming features multiple programs using a transmitter in Moosbrunn, Austria. 

The so-called "3. 100 KW- Marathon" will repeat on 3955 kHz (10kW) via Radio Channel 292 from 1430-2000 UTC on the same day.
(Paul Gager/BDXC) 

All times UTC


Shortwave Marathon via Moosbrunn, Austria relay  on December 26:
0900-0930 on 6070 HitAM 6045
0930-1000 on 6070 SM Radio Dessau
1000-1030 on 6070 Jake FM
1030-1100 on 6070 Decade FM
1100-1130 on 6070 Radio Power Rumpel
1130-1200 on 6070 Radio DARC
1200-1230 on 6070 Uncle Bill's Melting Pot
1230-1300 on 6070 From the Isle of Music
1300-1330 on 6070 SATzentrale - Dien Technikradio
1330-1400 on 6070 Radio Kein Paris
1400-1430 on 6070 Korches Radio
1430-1900 on 3955 ROB Repeat of the shortwave marathon (DX Mix-Bulgaria)
(NASWA/10 Dec 2020)
(Bill Tilford/Tilford Productions)

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Radio Northern Europe International, Christmas Specials

 


RNEI - Radio Northern Europe International will broadcast Christmas Special programming on the following schedule, via Germany's Channel 292

All times UTC

1900-2000 on  9670 ROB 010 kW / non-dir to CeEu   December 23
1100-1200 on  9670 ROB 010 kW / 293 deg to NWEu  December 25
0400-0500 on  9670 ROB 010 kW / 060 deg to SEAs    December 27
(Teak Publishing)

Gruß an Bord slated for annual Christmas Eve broadcast

 




Thanks to Harald for the updated frequency usage plan for this year's Gruß an Bord on 24 December.

Here are the transmitter sites, per HFCC:
1900-2100UTC
 * 6030-Yerevan, Armenia (Europe)
 * 6080-Naue, Germany (Atlantic - North)
 * 9570-Moosbrunn, Germany (Indian Ocean - East)
 * 9740-Nauen, Germany (Indian Ocean - West)
 * 9800-Issoudun, France (Atlantic / Indian Ocean (South Africa)
 * 11650-Issoudun, France (Atlantic - South)

2100-2300UTC
 * 6145-Nauen (Atlantic - North)
 * 6155-Yerevan (Europe)
 * 9590-issoudun (Atlantic / Indian Ocean (South Africa)
 * 9675-Moosbrunn (Indian Ocean - East)
 * 9740-Nauen (Indian Ocean - West)
 * 9830-Issoudun (Atlantic - South) 
(Alan Roe, Teddington, UK)

 (BDXC-Alan Roe/BDXC)
photo/The Shortwave Radio Audio Archive)


16 Gwendoline Street Christmas programming

 

This year's Christmas programming will broadcast as follows

All times UTC

Thursday 24/12 1930-2000 7290 + 594
Friday  25/12 1900-1930   7290 +594
Saturday 26/12 2030-2100 594
Sunday  27/12 1230-1300 9510
Sunday  27/12 2030-2045 594

Internet-only Fri 12/25 at 2330 and Saturday Dece3mber 26 at 0530 + 2230 UTC

Shortwave is at 150 KW, mediumwave is for northern Italy. There is streaming available at http://www.nexus.org/mp3

594 can also be streamed via AM Italia on the  http://www.radio.net  app
(Stephen Jones) 

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Mighty KBC, plans Christmas Day broadcast

 

The Mighty KBC has announced, their upcoming Christmas Day broadcast ... . Dave Donkervoort Goes Santa! 

Programming will be relay from Armenia on 6080 kHz, at 2100-2300 UTC.
(KBC Facebook page)

Encore-Classical Music broadcast schedules

 

Dear Listener,

Regular Broadcast times of Encore are: 
11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe - Simulcast on 9670 kHz
Repeated:
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz, Simulcast on 5010 kHz WRMI to the US, Canada and Central America.
17:00 – 18:00 UTC Sunday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
22:00 - 23:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
03:00 – 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east coast of US and Iceland.
03:00 - 04:00 UTC Thursday 5800 kHz WRMI to South America and Caribbean & US
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Thursday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east coast of US and Iceland.
20:00 – 21:00 UTC Friday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe.

NOTE - 03:00 – 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada is a new frequency to improve propagation - was 9455 kHz.

NOTE - Recently WRMI has slotted in an extra transmission of Encore on 5800 kHz at 03:00 on Saturday morning. If they do it will be the first airing of the new program. The reason being that I routinely upload the fresh mp3 files on Thursday evening to Channel 292 and WRMI.

NOTE - Apologies for the persistent RTTY on the LSB of the 13:00 UTC transmissions of Encore from WRMI on 15770 audible in parts of northern Europe in recent weeks. 

Special Broadcast soon:
On December 31, Radio Channel 292 will present a 2-hour special, Neujahrsgrüsse on Radio Channel 292 featuring segments from nine different music programs with classical, jazz, rock, Cuban, and volksmusik from 2300-0100 UTC on 3955 (10kw), 6070 (100kw from Moosbrunn) and 9670 (10kw) kHz. It will repeat on all three frequencies at 10kw from 0900-1100 UTC on January 1.   Time for the 10kw transmissions was donated by the station. Encore will be providing classical music.

Our email is  encoretumbril@gmail.com. Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL welcome. The website is www.tumbril.co.uk where we show transmission times and frequencies, the playlist for the most recent program, more information about Radio Tumbril, and the email link.


This week's program starts with the overture from Mozart's The Magic Flute. Then we'll have some Erik Satie, followed by a little Stockhausen, and Abelard - by way of contrast. A Bach Partita, a Ravel Pavane, and Pastorale by Debussy follow on. The program ends with part of Mendelssohn's Violin concerto in E Minor - soloist Nicola Benedetti.

Channel 292 can be pulled live off the internet if the reception is poor in your location. Easy to find their site with a google search. A very good site for online SDR receivers all over the world is: http://kiwisdr.com/public/  Click the 'Map' button in the top left of the screen.

Thank you for spreading the word about Encore - Classical Music on Shortwave on Radio Tumbril.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - Scotland

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2020 Dec 21 0123 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 14 - 20 December 2020

Solar activity was at very low to low levels. Low levels were observed on 14 Dec when Region 2792 (S22, L=103, class/area Bxo/010 on 15 Dec) produced a C4/Sf at 14/1437 UTC. Associated with this event was a Type II radio sweep with an estimated shock velocity of 606 km/s. 15-20 Dec saw solar activity at very low levels. 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 normal to moderate levels throughout the period. 

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels throughout the period. The solar wind environment was at nominal levels with wind speeds between 348-416 km/s, total field ranged between 2-5 nT and the Bz component varied between +/-5 nT. The phi angle was in a predominately positive orientation throughout the period. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 21 December - 16 January 2021

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels throughout the period with a slight chance for low levels from 21-31 Dec and 01 Jan and again on 14-16 Jan due to the flare potential from Region 2794 ( S18, L=347, class/area Hsx/120 on 20 Dec). 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels on 21 Dec, 30-31 Dec, and 01-16 Jan. High levels are anticipated on 23-29 Dec due to CH HSS effects. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 21-26 Dec and 05-06 Jan due to CH HSS influence. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms are likely on 23 Dec. Mostly quiet conditions are expected to prevail throughout the remainder of the
outlook period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2020 Dec 21 0123 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-serviceswww.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2020-12-21
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2020 Dec 21      84          12          4
2020 Dec 22      84           8          3
2020 Dec 23      84          18          5
2020 Dec 24      84          15          4
2020 Dec 25      86          10          3
2020 Dec 26      86           8          3
2020 Dec 27      86           5          2
2020 Dec 28      86           5          2
2020 Dec 29      86           5          2
2020 Dec 30      86           5          2
2020 Dec 31      86           5          2
2021 Jan 01      84           5          2
2021 Jan 02      84           5          2
2021 Jan 03      84           5          2
2021 Jan 04      84           5          2
2021 Jan 05      84          10          3
2021 Jan 06      84          10          3
2021 Jan 07      82           5          2
2021 Jan 08      82           5          2
2021 Jan 09      82           5          2
2021 Jan 10      82           5          2
2021 Jan 11      82           5          2
2021 Jan 12      82           5          2
2021 Jan 13      82           5          2
2021 Jan 14      84           5          2
2021 Jan 15      84           5          2
2021 Jan 16      84           5          2
(NOAA)

Friday, December 18, 2020

Christmas programming from From the Isle of Music, Uncle Bill's Melting Pot, and upcoming 100 kW Marathon

 


From the Isle of Music, December 20-26: 
This week, we present a Navidad Cubana with Cuban Christmastime music from the past several decades. 
The broadcasts take place: 
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 Sofia, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK) 

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

For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1300-1400 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany. 

Our Patreon page is https://www.patreon.com/tilford 

Uncle Bill's Melting Pot, December 20-26: 
In episode 196, we listen to some unusual Christmastime music (including some parodies) from various countries. 
The broadcast takes place: 

Sunday 2300-0000 (6:00PM -7:00PM EST) on WBCQ The Planet 7490 kHz from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe 

Tuesday 2000-2100 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe. 

Saturday 0800-0900 UTC on Channel 292, 9670 kHz from Rohrbach, Germany for Europe/Asia with a directional booster beam aimed east but also audible in western Europe.    



100kW Marathon, Channel 292, Germany, 6070 kHz, December 26:   
December 26 from 0900-1430 UTC, 6070 kHz at 100kW from Moosbrunn 
Repeats 1430 UTC on 3955 kHz from Rohrbach at 10kW  

This five and 1/2-hour event organized by Max Berger of SM Radio Dessau features ten different programs on Channel 292 who collaboratively bought time on Moosbrunn's 100kw transmitter.  This is an excellent chance to hear programs many listeners may not have heard before and listen to some of your favorites at 100kW. 

The program later repeats from Rohrbach on 3955 kHz from 1430 UTC using 10kw with time donated by Channel 292.   
From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill's Melting Pot will share an hour from 1200-1300 UTC. 
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer
Tilford Productions, LLC
5713 N. St. Louis Av
Chicago IL 60659-4486
email: bill@tilfordproductions.com

KTWR slated for special Christmas broadcasts

 

KTWR will be airing special Christmas broadcasts in DRM in December. The frequencies and times will be the same as we use for the current DRM broadcasts. All broadcasts will be in English. (We hope to do this in more languages next year.)

All times UTC

7500kHz    1246-1315  20-23 December    (target area to Japan) 

9910kHz    1057-1130  19, 20-26 December  (traget area ti China) 

13800kHz  1026-1056   20-25 December (target area to India)   
Merry Christmas from KTWR
(Love Asia By Radio post)

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Shortwave Radiogram schedules, December 18-20

Hello friends,

The reception of the Shortwave Radiogram was generally good last weekend. Thanks for all your reports. We in the US Atlantic seaboard had unusually good reception on 15770 kHz on 12 December after the usual difficult reception the day before. For listeners in Europe, this reminder that the the Sunday 0800-0830 UTC broadcast, 5850 and 7730 kHz, actually directed to Asia, might be audible this time of year, especially west and north.

Last weekend, we did not see any examples of dramatic multipath reception in the small image created by Roger in Germany. We'll try it again in the new year. The decoding of images under multipath conditions can look like this (from a previous show) ...

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 182) is provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

This weekend's show is in the usual MFSK32 and MFSK64, with eleven images (1 x MFSK32 and 10 x MFSK64).

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 183, 18-20 December 2020, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:40  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:45  New bulk carrier ship to get tilting 'rotor sails'*
 7:14  MFSK64: How lucky we are to have a habitable planet
 9:56  This week's images*
27:31  MFSK32: Closing announcements

* with image(s)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Friday 0030-0100 UTC 9265 kHz WINB Pennsylvania
Friday 1300-1330 UTC 15770 kHz WRMI Florida
Friday 1500-1530 UTC 13655 kHz DRM WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday 0330-0400 UTC 9265 kHz WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday 1330-1400 UTC 15770 kHz WRMI Florida
Sunday 0800-0830 UTC 5850 kHz  7730 kHz WRMI Florida
Sunday 2330-2400 UTC 7780 kHz  WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC transmits to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/. 

“This is a Music Show” is the newest addition to digital modes via analog shortwave. Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK text and image near the end of the broadcast. It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0200-0300 UTC on 5850 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas) and a new time also on WRMI, Wednesdays at 2100-2200 UTC on 7780 kHz (aimed towards Europe) . Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com .  www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/ @ThisIsAMusicSho

New York and Pennsylvania NBEMS nets. Most weekends, as KD9XB, I check in to the New York NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging Software) net Saturday at 1300 UTC on 3584 kHz USB, and the Pennsylvania NBEMS net Sunday at 1230 UTC on 3583 kHz USB (with out-of-state check-ins now starting at 1130 UTC). Check-ins are usually in Thor 22, and messages are in MFSK32. Messages generally use the Flmsg add-on to Fldigi. If you are a radio amateur in eastern North America, feel free to check in. Outside the region, use an SDR in the eastern USA to tune in and decode. You do not need Flmsg to check in, and most of the messages can be read without Flmsg. If you can decode the net, send me an email to radiogram@verizon.net , or tweet to @SWRadiogram, and I will let them know you are tuned in. USEast NBEMS Net: Please also note the USEast NBEMS Net, Thursdays 0000 UTC (Wednesdays 7 pm EST) on 3536 kHz USB.
 
Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

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



Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Frequency updates

 

All times UTC

USA    WRMI - Frequency changes of WRMI-05 and WRMI-08 
Effective 14 December 2020 

WRMI-05 
0000-2400 4980 RMI 100 kW / 285 deg to MEXI English, ex 5950 as follows
0000-0100 & 0200-0700 & 1000-1100 Supreme Master TV; 0700-0800 Family Radio
0100-0200 WRMI program; 0800-1000 RAE Argentina and 1100-2400 Brother Stair

WRMI-08
0000-2400 5950 RMI 100 kW / 355 deg to ENAm English, ex 9455 as follows
2100-2300 APS Radio; 2300-0200 & 0400-2100 Brother Stair 0200-0400 WRMI pxs


USA    
KVOH Voice of Hope America after 0700UTC on December 15:
0000-0200 on  9975 VOH 100 kW / 100 deg to CeAm Spanish Tue-Sun
0200-0700 on  9975 VOH 100 kW / 100 deg to CeAm English Tue-Sun
Good signal at 0700&0800UT via Boca Raton FL USA and continues!
(DXB 15 Dec 2020)

Monday, December 14, 2020

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2020 Dec 14 0119 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 07 - 13 December 2020

Solar activity was reached low levels on 07 Dec due to a long-duration C7/1f flare observed at 07/1632 UTC from Region 2790 (S22, L=252, class/area=Hsx/80 on 10 Dec). The associated halo CME arrived at Earth just after 10/0000 UTC as an interplanetary shock, and with the driver directed south of the ecliptic plane. Solar activity was at very low levels throughout the remainder of the period with B-class flare activity. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was normal to moderate throughout the period. 

The geomagnetic field reached active levels early on 10 Dec due to the arrival of the 07 Dec CME. Quiet or quiet to unsettled conditions were observed throughout the remainder of the period. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 14 December - 09 January 2021

Solar activity is expected to be very low to 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 reach high levels on 21-25 Dec, with normal to moderate levels expected to persist throughout the remainder of the outlook period. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach active levels on 20-22 Dec due to CH HSS influences. Quiet and quiet to unsettled conditions are expected to prevail throughout the remainder of the period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2020 Dec 14 0119 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 2020-12-14
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2020 Dec 14      82           5          2
2020 Dec 15      83           5          2
2020 Dec 16      83           5          2
2020 Dec 17      84           8          3
2020 Dec 18      85           5          2
2020 Dec 19      85           5          2
2020 Dec 20      85          12          4
2020 Dec 21      85          15          4
2020 Dec 22      85          12          4
2020 Dec 23      85          10          3
2020 Dec 24      85           8          3
2020 Dec 25      86           5          2
2020 Dec 26      86           5          2
2020 Dec 27      86           5          2
2020 Dec 28      86           5          2
2020 Dec 29      85           5          2
2020 Dec 30      84           5          2
2020 Dec 31      83           5          2
2021 Jan 01      82           5          2
2021 Jan 02      82           5          2
2021 Jan 03      82           5          2
2021 Jan 04      82           5          2
2021 Jan 05      82          10          3
2021 Jan 06      82          10          3
2021 Jan 07      82           5          2
2021 Jan 08      82           5          2
2021 Jan 09      82           5          2
(NOAA)

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Frequency updates from BBC and WRMI

 All times UTC

Armenia
Effective: 14 December 2020
Frequency change of BBC via Yerevan, Armenia
Effective: 14 December 2020 
0100-0200 5945 ERV 300 kW / 100 deg to SoAs English, ex 5970


USA
Changes of WRMI, registered in HFCC Database
Additional frequency, probably via WRMI transmitter #4:
0000-2400 on  4980 RMI 100 kW / 160 deg to LaAm 

WRMI 5 change of azimuth/target area from December 14:
0000-2400 on  5950 RMI 100 kW / 355 deg to ENAm English and canceled 5950 RMI 100 kW / 285 deg to MEXI English
(DXB 10 Dec)


15th Edition of the Global Radio Guide (Winter 2020-21) Now Available


 Rise and set. Day and night.  For many, that is the most observation that is required of the sun.

 For radio hobbyists, however, our celestial neighbor holds a larger influence on our daily lives, requiring much closer examination.  The role it plays in our hobby can be that of a great awakener or a great destroyer.

 Now, as we stand on the first steps of Solar Cycle 25, which is already positioning itself to be one of the most talked-about solar cycles among radio hobbyists in decades, there is a renewed energy in the hobby for all things HF.  Many are venturing out, some for the first time, into the vastness of radio bands that once again crackle with life.

 For this journey, you will need an experienced and knowledgeable guide.  Gayle Van Horn, as she has for the past 30 years, has stepped up to answer that call.

 Teak Publishing is proud to announce the 15th Edition of the Amazon bestselling e-book, the Global Radio Guide (Winter 2020-21), by Gayle Van Horn, W4GVH.

 “This publication will have wide appeal to amateur radio operators, shortwave radio hobbyists, news agencies, news buffs, educators, foreign language students, expatriates, or anyone interested in listening to a global view of world news and major events as they happen,” says Larry Van Horn, co-founder of Teak Publishing and editor of the Global Radio Guide (GRG)

 With the help of the GRG, you can tune in shortwave broadcast stations from hotspots such as China, Cuba, India, Iran, North/South Korea, Taiwan, and many other counties. If you have a shortwave radio receiver, SDR or Internet connection, pair it with this unique radio resource to know when and where to listen to the world.

 This newest edition of the GRG carries on the tradition of those before it with an in-depth, 24-hour station/frequency guide with schedules for selected AM band, longwave, and shortwave radio stations. This unique resource is the only radio publication that lists by-hour schedules that include all language services, frequencies, and world target areas for over 500 stations worldwide.

 The GRG includes listings of DX radio programs and Internet website addresses for many of the stations in the book. There are also entries for time and frequency stations as well as some of the more “intriguing” transmissions one can find on the shortwave radio bands.

 Gayle has also updated her now famous SDR Buyer’s Guide, a must-have compendium that helps you navigate through revolutionary world of software-defined radios (SDRs), the digital frontier of the radio hobby.

 New in this 15th edition of the GRG, Gayle dives into how and where to hear exotic shortwave stations transmitting in the world’s tropical radio bands. Located in the lower portion of the HF spectrum, these stations serve as a window into the culture and daily lives of countries not served by large international broadcast stations.  Even in an increasingly connected and digital world, for many of the citizens in these countries, these radio stations serve as the only source of news and information they have at their disposal.

 Spectrum Monitor magazine editor, Ken Reitz checks in with a primer on where you can hear global radio and television media broadcasters via satellite.

 Fred Waterer, also of Spectrum Monitor, checks in with a feature on listening to music from around the globe on shortwave. There is a nostalgic look back at radio in 1922 by our friends at AWR Wavescan. Teak Publishing's Larry Van Horn will give the reader an exclusive tour of frequencies and radio services below 530 kHz in Radio's Basement Bands.

 Whether you monitor shortwave radio broadcasts, amateur radio operators, or aeronautical, maritime, government, or military communications in the HF radio spectrum, this book has the frequencies to help you to hear it all. Teak Publishing’s Global Radio Guide "brings the world to you."

 You can find this edition of the Global Radio Guide, along with all of our titles currently available for purchase, on the Teak Publishing Web site at www.teakpublishing.com  

 The 15th edition of the Global Radio Guide e-Book (electronic book only, no print edition available) is available worldwide from Amazon and their various international websites at https://www.amazon.com//dp/B08PHX81Z1/

 The price for this latest edition is US$8.99. Since this book is being released internationally, Amazon customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia can order this e-Book from Amazon websites directly servicing these countries. Customers in all other countries can use the regular Amazon.com website to purchase this e-Book.

 

You can read any Kindle e-Book with Amazon’s ‘free’ reading apps on literally any electronic media platform. You do not have to own a Kindle reader from Amazon to read this e-book. There are Kindle apps available for iOS, Android, Mac and PC platforms. You can find additional details on these apps by checking out this link to the Amazon website at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/fd/kcp.

 

First review of the new Global Radio Guide 15th edition:

  

 


 

New schedule for KVOH - Voice of Hope

 


The new schedule of KVOH Voice of Hope America, effective 11 December 2020.

All times UTC

0000-0200 on  9975 VOH 100 kW / 100 deg to CeAm Spanish Tue-Sun
0200-0700 on  9975 VOH 100 kW / 100 deg to CeAm English Tue-Sun

Previous transmissions on 17775 kHz in Spanish 1500-2000 Mon-Fri and 2000-2200 Tue/Thu and in English 1600-2100 Sat are suspended.
(DXB 11 Dec)

Friday, December 11, 2020

Encore-Classical Music, program schedule update

 

Dear Listener,

Regular Broadcast times of Encore are: 
11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe - Simulcast on 9670 kHz
Repeated:
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz, Simulcast on 5010 kHz WRMI to the US, Canada, and Central America.
17:00 – 18:00 UTC Sunday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
22:00 - 23:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
03:00 – 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east coast of US and Iceland.
03:00 - 04:00 UTC Thursday 5800 kHz WRMI to South America and Caribbean & US
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Thursday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east coast of US and Iceland.
20:00 – 21:00 UTC Friday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe.

NOTE - 03:00 – 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada is a new frequency to improve propagation - was 9455 kHz.

Special Broadcast soon:
On December 31, Radio Channel 292 will present a 2-hour special, Neujahrsgrüsse von Radio Channel 292 featuring segments from nine different music programs with classical, jazz, rock, Cuban, and volksmusik from 2300-0100 UTC on 3955 (10kw), 6070 (100kw from Moosbrunn) and 9670 (10kw) kHz.   It will repeat on all three frequencies at 10kw from 0900-1100 UTC on January 1.   The time for the 10kw transmissions was donated by the station. Encore will be providing classical music.

Our email is  encoretumbril@gmail.com. Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL welcome. The website is www.tumbril.co.uk where we show transmission times and frequencies, the playlist for the most recent program, more information about Radio Tumbril, and the email link.


This week's program starts with Bocherini, followed by a Byrd motet, and then Hungarian Dance No.1 by Brahms. The string quartet 'Intimate Letters' composed by Janáek next, then Sea Interludes from Benjamin Britten. The second part of the hour has some film music, a sad song by Henry Purcell, a piece for flute and harp, and some Mozart. 

Channel 292 can be pulled live off the internet if the reception is poor in your location. Easy to find their site with a google search. A very good site for online SDR receivers all over the world is: http://kiwisdr.com/public/  Click the 'Map' button in the top left of the screen.

Thank you for spreading the word about Encore - Classical Music on Shortwave on Radio Tumbril.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - Scotland

Radio Truth announces transmitter issues

 


Dear Friends of Radio Truth (Radio Verdad)
Radio Truth's Omnitronix 1000 burned out on the fifth of December 2020 by 10:00 o'clock in the morning. Both power modules were burned out, so, Radio Truth is out of air ever since.

We fixed Module 'A' today and I went to test it. It worked alright for five minutes, and then, a fuse burned out. We plan to review it tomorrow.

Module 'B' has a card with a burned area on the printed circuit. It may need a new card, or rebuilding the old one.

So, this is the reason why we are off the air on short wave.

However, we are on the air of Internet through our Web Site Radio Verdad Estación Educativa Evangélica de Chiquimula  http://www.radioverdad.org/

Radio Verdad | Estación Educativa Evangélica de Chiquimula

From yesterday, we are also transmitting on Radio Truth International via satellite on the same frequency of 4055 Khz, and we need your reports if you get to tune it.
May God bless you and keep you in good health.

Dr. Édgar Amílcar Madrid
Manager and Director
Radio Truth,
Chiquimula, Guatemala, C. A.