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Thursday, June 29, 2023

Shortwave Radiogram, Program 308

 


Hello friends

As I type this, the Washington DC area is in a Code Red situation for the smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires. Many of you in North America are in a similar situation. It does look hazy outside, but not as bad as our Code Purple a few weeks ago. With our temperature now 85F/29C, I would usually leave the windows open. But they are now closed to keep the bad air out. 

One of our news stories this weekend is about research showing that a regular daytime naps are associated with healthier and larger brains. On Thursdays, I am usually awake at about 3 am to produce Shortwave Radiogram, finishing at about noon. By then, a two-hour nap is obligatory, after which I start this weekly email. It's good to know my daytime naps may have a benefit. (I knew I would become a daytime napper in the year or two before I retired, occasionally nodding off briefly at my desk.) 

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 310) is provided by Scott in Ontario. The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is provided by Roger in Germany.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 311, 29 June-4 July 2023, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:40  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:48  MFSK32: Bigger bottles keep champagne bubbly for decades*
 8:07  MFSK64: Regular daytime naps linked to healthier brains
11:39  MFSK64: This week's images*
27:40  MFSK32: Closing announcements

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 Gateway Wiki: https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Shortwave_Radiogram_Gateway 
  
Other Shortwave broadcast programs that include digital text and images include The Mighty KBC, Pop Shop Radio, and This Is A Music Show (TIAMS). The schedules for these fine broadcasts are posted here.
 
Thanks for your reception reports!

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom
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Grimeton Radio Station broadcast on July 2

 


Alexanderson Day program & transmission schedule:
10:25 CEST (08:25 UTC) Live YouTube broadcast begins.

10:30 CEST (08:30 UTC) Start-up of the Alternator.

11:00 CEST (09:00 UTC) Transmission of a message.

11:15 CEST Guided antenna walk (Swedish). Start by the cooling pond.

11:45 CEST Guided technical tour (Swedish & English). Start by the visitor’s center.

13:25 CEST (11:25 UTC) Live YouTube broadcast begins.

https://youtube.com/live/4QwVIsnS8uQ?feature=share
13:30 CEST (11:30 UTC) Start-up of the Alternator.

14:00 CEST (12:00 UTC) Transmission of a message.

14:15 CEST Guided antenna walk (Swedish). Start by the cooling pond.

14:45 CEST Guided technical tour (Swedish & English). Start by the visitor’s center.

Live Video from World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station
Both transmission events can be seen live on our YouTube Channel.

Test Transmissions
There may be some test transmissions during the days before Alexanderson Day, July 2nd. Details about the time for the tests will be published on our website, possibly with short notice. During the tests, SAQ will be on air shorter periods of time, when we will be carrying out some tests and measurements. Your comments are welcome to info@alexander.n.se.

QSL Reports to SAQ
QSL reports to SAQ are most welcome and appreciated! For guaranteed E-QSL from us, please report using our ONLINE FORM. Our confirmation of reports by Email / mail / bureau is not guaranteed. Please only send ONE report covering both transmissions. The online form will be open from July 2nd until July 30th.

Amateur Radio Station SK6SAQ
The Amateur Radio Station with the call “SK6SAQ” will be QRV on the following frequencies (updated 2021-06-11): – 3.535 kHz CW – 7.035 kHz CW – 14.035 KHz CW – 3.755 kHz SSB – 7.140 kHz SSB

QSL-reports to SK6SAQ (NOT SAQ) are kindly received via: – Email to info@alexander.n.se – or via: SM bureau – or direct by postal mail (link to address here)

Two stations will be on the air most of the time.

Visiting World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station
In addition to these program items, lots of other activities are offered throughout the day, including: – The exhibition, where you can test your Morse skills, among other things. – The control, an obstacle course for all climbers, where there are different tasks to solve. – Operation Palmqvist, an escape room that takes place on Grimeton Radio Station during World War II. – Kjells café, with good coffee. – The radio shop, the world heritage well-stocked souvenir shop.

Please see grimeton.org for visitor’s information.

Not a member yet ? Then it’s time to join the Alexander team!
We welcome you as a member of the Alexander Grimeton Friendship Association, to support our non-profit activities in preserving, documenting and bringing to life the unique Alexanderson alternator from 1924. As a member You get a 10% discount on World Heritage Grimeton’s shop and café (not ice cream), and free admission to Alexander’s summer evening displays and to the Alexanderson Day, upon presentation of your membership card. Four times per year, you will receive our online magazine “Alternatorn”, exclusively available only to our members.

Members also has access to our on-line library with lots of unique historical documents about SAQ and the Alexanderson alternator. Alexander members also have free admission to the Radio Museum in Gothenburg. Membership costs SEK 125 / year. Apply For Membership Now!

Help us to keep SAQ Grimeton operational.
Just a small donation will be of great help to us, in our work to keep SAQ in operational condition. Your donation will go to the work of maintaining, displaying, and running the historical Alexanderson alternator, as well as passing on knowledge to current and future generations. Donate here.

*The world heritage site Grimeton is a living cultural heritage. The transmitter SAQ are therefore preliminary and may be canceled at short notice.
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Wednesday, June 28, 2023

QSLing WBCQ

 


On the WBCQ (Worlds Last Chance) website (heard here recently on 9330khz) they say: 

"We issue QSL cards for verified reception reports. QSL cards are issued for reception reports via postal mail only. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request."

But... I live in the UK, I emailed them at this address: wbcq@wbcq.com... they then replied back with this address: lee@worldslastchance.com and asked me to go and fill a form in here: https://www.worldslastchance.com/wlc-radio/qsl - and they would send the QSL after that.

So... I filled in the form... and within seconds of submitting it I got a return email with a link to download the e-QSL.

I'll send a full QSL report in for the magazine, but I thought I'd attach the QSL for all to see ??

So... if you want a QSL from WBCQ... don't email them - just go straight here:  https://www.worldslastchance.com/wlc-radio/qsl and fill the form in - they even want the full SINPO ratings - bless them ??

(Paul Flanagan, Billingham, Cleveland/BDXC)





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KVOH signs-off shortwave

 

From program Frequency Al Dia program

USA
Attention. KVOH turns off its short wave transmissions. Last night was the last transmission of the KVOH station, La Voz de Esperanza (Voice of Hope) from California on the frequency of 9975 kHz.
Another great loss for listeners around the world. Maintenance costs are too high. #KVOHClosedDown

Spanish text
-Frecuencia Al Día- USA: Atención. KVOH apaga sus transmisiones por Onda Corta. Anoche fue la ultima transmisión de la emisora KVOH, La Voz de Esperanza desde California por la frecuencia de los 9975 kHz. 
Otra gran perdida para los radioescuchas alrededor del mundo. Los costos de mantenimiento son muy altos. #KVOHClosedDown #cierraKVOH #apagaKVOH  
(Dino Bloise, Frecuencia Al Dia Facebook page 26 March)

PDF to Press Release: 
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Monday, June 26, 2023

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2023 Jun 26 0339 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 June 2023

Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Low levels were observed on 23 and 25 Jun. Moderate levels were observed on 19, 21-22, and 24 Jun whereas high levels were observed on 20 Jun. Region 3341 (S16, L=207, class/area Cso/200 on 23 Jun) was responsible for the majority of the M-class activity along with an X1.1 Tenflare (480 sfu at 2695 MHz) at 20/1709 UTC which had associated Type II (1057 km/s) and Type IV radio sweeps along with a CME off the Eastern limb at 20/1712 UTC. WSA/ENLIL analysis indicated the potential for a grazing blow late on 23 Jun to early on 24 Jun. Region 3341 produced a total of four M1 flares and one X1 flare. Regions 3337 (N20, L=262, class/area Cso/120 on 21 Jun), 3340 (N23, L=233, class/area Ekc/300 on 25 Jun), and 3342 (S22, L=343, class/area Dao/070 on 20 Jun) also contributed to M-class flare activity. Region 3340 produced an M4 at 22/2344 UTC with associated Type II (534 km/s) and IV radio sweeps along with an associated CME off the SE limb at 23/0414 UTC. The CME was determined to not have an Earth-directed component. Region 3340 developed a Beta-Delta magnetic configuration on 25 Jun as moderate growth and consolidation were observed. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 19-20 and 22-24 Jun due to CH HSS influence. The peak flux was 2,550 pfu observed at 22/1540 UTC. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) storm levels. Quiet to unsettled levels were observed from 19-23 Jun as solar wind parameters remained slightly enhanced between 390-485 km/s and total field ranged from 5-8 nT. On 24-25 Jun, solar wind parameters became enhanced, possibly due to the aforementioned CME from the X1 flare. Total field ranged from 5-12 nT while solar wind speed values increased to nearly 535 km/s. The geomagnetic field responded with active to G1 (Minor) storming late on 24 Jun through early on 25 Jun. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 26 June - 22 July 2023

Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels on 26
Jun-22 Jul. 

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 14-21 Jul due to CH HSS influence. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach unsettled or active levels on 26 Jun-03 Jul, 8-9 Jul, and 12-22 Jul with G1 (Minor storm levels likely on 12 Jul and G2 (Moderate) levels likely on 13 Jul due to recurrent CH HSS activity. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2023 Jun 26 0339 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2023-06-26
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 Jun 26     150           8          3
2023 Jun 27     145          12          4
2023 Jun 28     145          12          4
2023 Jun 29     140           8          3
2023 Jun 30     135           8          3
2023 Jul 01     130          12          4
2023 Jul 02     130          12          4
2023 Jul 03     130           8          3
2023 Jul 04     130           5          2
2023 Jul 05     130           5          2
2023 Jul 06     135           5          2
2023 Jul 07     135           5          2
2023 Jul 08     135          12          4
2023 Jul 09     145           8          3
2023 Jul 10     155           5          2
2023 Jul 11     160           5          2
2023 Jul 12     165          20          5
2023 Jul 13     170          30          6
2023 Jul 14     175           8          3
2023 Jul 15     175           8          3
2023 Jul 16     175           8          3
2023 Jul 17     175           8          3
2023 Jul 18     175           8          3
2023 Jul 19     170           8          3
2023 Jul 20     170           8          3
2023 Jul 21     170           8          3
2023 Jul 22     160           8          3
(NOAA)

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Sunday, June 25, 2023

Special programming from Pop Shop Radio

 


From: Tony Pavick

Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:55:37 UTC

Yes -- you read that right -- it's shows not show -- as we will have two different shows in the lead-up to Canada Day!

Hi --
I am Tony, the host and general does-it-all at Pop Shop Radio from Canada as heard on WRMI and Channel 292, This year we will have two special shows airing to celebrate Canada0Day. 

The first will be our regular show which airs as follows:
Channel 292: Wed 28 June at 1600 UT and Sat 1 July at 2100 UT on 3955 and 9670 (10 kW)
WRMI: Sunday 2 July at 9PM ET (0100 UT Monday) on 5950 (100 kw)
This show will countdown the C-FUNTASTIC 20 from 14-CFUN Vancouver for 1 July 1967 complete with classic 14-CFUN jingles

The theme of this show was decided way before Bell Media's announcement that the station at the old 14-CFUN frequency would be going dark. 14-CFUN may be dead, but it won't lie down!

The second show will air as follows
Woofferton UK: Saturday 1 July 0100 UT (9 PM ET Friday) on 15715 beamed to N America (308 degrees) at 250 kilowatts
Channel292: Sun 2 July at 1900 UT on 6070 (10 kw)
All Canadian content complete with jingles from great Canadian Top 40 stations of the past like CKLW and CHUM

So mark your calendars! Tune in and celebrate Canada's 156 birthday around the world on Shortwave.

Want to know more about Pop Shop Radio? Just ask

Tony
(NASWA/19 June) 
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Thursday, June 22, 2023

Shortwave Radiogram, Program 308

 


Hello friends


This week in northern Virginia, we have an unusual visitor: rain. It rained most of yesterday, and it will rain, at least a bit, during the next few days. This won't completely break our drought, but any precipitation helps.

Meanwhile, our sympathies are with our friends and listeners in Texas, enduring an extended heat wave. Other parts of North America, as well in Europe, will also experience heat waves during the summer of 2023. Stay hydrated and find cool places.

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 309) is provided by Scott in Ontario. The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is provided by Roger in Germany.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 310, 22-27 June 2023, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:42  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:48  MFSK32: Australia activates renewable power plant
 6:48  MFSK64: How to make healthy potato chips*
10:38  MFSK64: This week's images*
28:37  MFSK32: Closing announcements

* with image

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

Other Shortwave broadcast programs that include digital text and images include The Mighty KBC, Pop Shop Radio, and This Is A Music Show (TIAMS). The schedules for these fine broadcasts are posted here.
Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

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


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Radio Caroline North slated for 24-25 June broadcast

 


The next Radio Caroline North broadcast is on 24-25 June, live from our radio ship Ross Revenge.


You'll hear some great music from the 60s to early 90s – plus a chance to win goodies from our Web Shop, kindly sponsored this time by Peter Roberts from Frimley, Surrey.

Listen on 648 AM across England, The Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond, on 1368 AM in the North/North-West courtesy of our friends at Manx Radio, worldwide online here via our Caroline North Player, on smart speakers and the Radio Caroline app.

We'd love to hear from you during the broadcast via memories@... and remember, it's the only email address that gets you straight through to our 'North' broadcasters.

https://radiocaroline.co.uk

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Monitoring Tajikistan

 

23-20 UT 4765 kHz, via 100 kW transmitter in Dushanbe Yangiyul.
Tajikistan also has a foreign broadcasting service "Voice of Tajikistan".

Broadcasting grid "Voice of Tajikistan" UTC time.
0200-0400 in Tajik
0400-0600 in Farsi
0600-0800 in Dari
0800-1000 in Russian
1000-1100 in Uzbek
1100-1200 in Hindi
1200-1300 in Arabic
1300-1400 in English
1400-1600 in Tajik
1600-1800 in Farsi

All broadcasting is carried out at a frequency of 7245 kHz, through a 100 kW transmitter in Yangiyul. Broadcasting of these two countries is carried out in the direction of Central Asia and the Middle East. Although transmissions from Kyrgyzstan are sometimes heard in the Crimea.

Radio stations are also relayed through transmission centers in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Detailed frequency schedules via transmitting centers can be found in the Bulletin of the British DH Club, in the Asia section http://bdxc.org.uk/articles.html

The schedule in Russian of broadcasting from Kyrgyzstan can be found on the website of the Novosibirsk House of Artists Club


Long-range radio reception and SW. Viktor Tsekhanovich, Crimea, Russia.
(via Anatoly Klepov-RUS, RUSdx #1242 via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 18)
(WWDXC Top News 1545-20 Jun 2023)
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Danish station announcements on mediumwave

 

Denmark    
Stig Hartvig Nielsen informs:
World Music Radio has now ceased broadcasting on 927 kHz. It is not known at this point if or when operations on 927 kHz may reoccur. Streaming continues on the net as well as broadcasting on shortwave 5930, 15700 (Sat-Sun) and 25800 kHz.

Re: World Music Radio 927 and Radio208 1440 cease broadcast - licenses not renewed yet.

Radio208 has now ceased broadcasting on 1440 kHz. It is not known at this point if or when operations on 1440 kHz may reoccur. Streaming continues for the time being on the net as well as broadcasting on shortwave 5970.

The closures of operations on 927 and 1440 kHz come after the Agency for Culture and Palaces (Slots-and Kulturstyrelsen) in The Ministry of Culture still has not issued the annual license. An application for a new license was sent in March. It is presumed that the Agency has changed its practice regarding "trial licenses", so it is not known whether a new license will be issued whatsoever.
(73s Ydun Ritz on MWList 12 June;
World Music Radio on F_B, via Alan Pennington-UK BrDXC-UK iogr June 12)
(Top Nxs/1545-20 June 2023)
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Why is Long Wave being dismissed?

 


Next week's issue of the Radio Times Page 144 (edited summary quoting the information)

Why is Long Wave being dismissed?

Radio 4 Longwave on the 198 frequency will be switched off in 2024, possibly by the end of March.
The Daily Service and Today in Parliament will move to digital only.

Radio 4 FM will carry the Shipping Forecast twice a day on weekdays and three times a day at weekends as well as on Radio 4 Extra and BBC Sounds.

A spokesman for Arqiva, the company responsible for the transmitters at Droitwich, Westerglen and Burghead tells Radio Times: “Longwave equipment here has been around for decades and has now reached the point where maintaining the network for the relatively small audience is not considered economically viable.Any equipment used solely for this network that can’t be repurposed will be decommissioned and eventually removed.”

No mention of the medium wave fillers or that the electricity industry is paying for the operational costs and maintenance of the infrastructure, the annual cost of which is estimated to be £5 million this financial year.

Their website mentions the extension
 of this agreement until March 2024.
Mike Barraclough to mwlists iog (2023-06-16)
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SLBC doubles Tamil service on mediumwave

 

The international service of the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) recently doubled its Tamil Service airtime to two hours, on 873 kHz AM (medium wave) from Puttalam transmitter. The new schedule is 0130-0330 UTC (7.00 am to 9.00 am IST).

This is partly in response to the individual efforts of listeners, many in the southern part of India, in Bengaluru. Introducing this change, Colombo International Radio also announced that shortly they are going to use DRM on 1548 kHz.

This will be done by using the old transmitter of Deutsche Welle located in the north of Sri Lanka at Trincomalee. The Sri Lankan public broadcaster has started airing the DRM announcement here.

Ydun Ritz (2023-06-19)
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Smooth Radio announces closures

 


Reports today on the Digital Spy AM Deathwatch thread:

30th June closedown announcements heard on 

Smooth Dorset 828

Smooth Norfolk 1152

Smooth Essex 1359/1431

Smooth Wiltshire 936/1161

Smooth Gloucestershire 774

Vincent Lo says he understands that Plymouth 1152 and Suffolk 1170/1251 will also be closing on June 30th.
The closedown announcements are going out during ad breaks but not everyone.
Mijal Hussein has uploaded one he heard on Smooth Essex 
(Mike Barraclough/BDXC)

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Media Bureau Announces LPFM New Station Application Filing Window

 


Announces LPFM New Station Application Filing Window

DA/FCC #: DA-23-531
June 22, 2023

Media Bureau Announces LPFM New Station Application Filing Window

Window Open from November 1, 2023 to November 8, 2023

The Media Bureau (Bureau) announces a filing window for applications for low-power FM (LPFM) new station construction permits.  The filing window will open at 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and close at 6:00 pm EST on November 8, 2023.  The window is available for LPFM proposals in the entire FM band (channels 201-300).   

This will be the first LPFM filing window since 2013, and we encourage potential applicants to begin familiarizing themselves with the application process.  New applications must be filed electronically on FCC Form 2100, Schedule 318 in the Bureau’s Licensing Management System (LMS).  Schedule 318 is currently being updated, and the new version will be released in the near future, well in advance of the opening of the filing window.  In 2019, the Commission amended its rules and procedures for filing LPFM applications and selecting and licensing competing LPFM applications.   The Bureau will provide detailed information about filing procedures and requirements by public notice in advance of the filing window.  Interested applicants also may monitor the Audio Division Web Page for information and developments:  http://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/lpfm/.

For additional information on the filing window, contact James Bradshaw, James.Bradshaw@fcc.gov; Alexander Sanjenis, Alexander.Sanjenis@fcc.gov; Lisa Scanlan, Lisa.Scanlan@fcc.gov; or Amy Van de Kerckhove, Amy.Vandekerckhove@fcc.gov; of the Media Bureau, Audio Division, (202) 418-2700.  Direct press inquiries to Janice Wise, Janice.Wise@fcc.gov, (202) 418-8165.  
- FCC -
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Audio link available for BBC Midwinter broadcast of 21 June, 2023

 


In case you missed  the 21 June special broadcast, an audio link is available at: 

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Texas Radio Shortwave schedule, 25 June

 



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Monday, June 19, 2023

Annual Midwinter Day in Antarctica from BBC on 21 June


 Midwinter's Day in Antarctica is a week away (21st June) and BBC, as in previous years, will have a half-hour broadcast to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff over-wintering at BAS bases there.

"The Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast is unlike anything else on the BBC World Service. Every year, we make this special program for just 32 listeners: The team of scientists and support staff isolated at British research stations in the Antarctic midwinter. Presented by Cerys Matthews, the program features messages from family and friends at home as well as music requests from Antarctica. For decades it has been part of the traditional midwinter celebrations." https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct5hqt




The BBC program website above shows three scheduled broadcasts:

• Thu 22 Jun 2023 01:32 GMT 
BBC World Service UK DAB/Freeview, East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Online & West and Central Africa only (also on BBC R4 LW etc at this time 0230 BST?)
• Thu 22 Jun 2023 04:32 GMT 
BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
• Thu 22 Jun 2023 12:32 GMT 
BBC World Service Australasia

Checking HFCC today, there are 4 x 15-minute BBC English broadcasts registered this evening (14 June 2023) 2130-2145 UTC to CIRAF zones 67 & 73 (Antarctica) so presume these are the usual tests ahead of the Midwinter's Day broadcast? Can anyone at Woofferton confirm this, and also if there is still the usual 2130 UTC transmission on 21st June (as well as the three the BBC list above)?
Frequencies per HFCC 14 June 2130-2145 UTC: 7255 Dhabbaya; 12005 Woofferton; 12065 Woofferton and 13810 Woofferton.
73, Alan Pennington
Caversham, UK
(BDXC/A Pennington)

BBC World Serice information

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Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2023 Jun 19 0506 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 June 2023

Solar activity was at low to moderate levels. Moderate levels were observed on 16 and 18 Jun. M1 flares were observed at 16/0530 UTC from Region 3337 (N17, L=263, class/area Axx/010 on 16 Jun), 16/1038 UTC from Region 3338 (N11, L=263, class/area Cso/140 on 16 Jun), 16/1959 UTC from Region 3331 (S22, L=017, class/area Eso/180 on 09 Jun), and 18/0031 UTC from Region 3336 (S20, L=281, class/area Cso/160 on 14 Jun). An M2.5/2n flare was also observed from Region 3336 at 18/1353 UTC. Activity from Region 3336 was likely due to its proximity to Region 3335 (S15, L=284, class/area Eki/390 on 17 Jun). 

A type II radio sweep (440 km/s) and a narrow CME directed off the SE limb at 18/1408 UTC was associated with the M2 flare. Although unlikely to have much of an Earth-directed component, initial WSA/ENLIL runs determined possible grazing late on 21 Jun. Other activity included a large filament eruption centered near N22W50 that began lifting off at 17/1844 UTC. Coronagraph imagery depicted an associated CME off the NW limb beginning at 18/0125 UTC. Modeling of the event showed a miss, however a glancing blow on 21-22 Jun cannot be ruled out. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 17-18 Jun with a peak flux of 3,840 pfu at 18/1430 UTC due to CH HSS influence. 
 
After 15/0800 UTC, total field began to rise followed by an increase in solar wind speed and a change in phi angle as a CIR and negative polarity CH HSS was becoming geoeffective. Solar wind speed reached a maximum of 742 km/s at 16/1215 UTC and the Bz component reached a maximum of -13 nT at 15/1655 UTC. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to G2 storming on 15 Jun and Unsettled to G2 storming on 16 Jun. By 17 Jun, solar wind speeds were slowly diminishing and reached background levels on 18 Jun. Quiet to unsettled levels were
observed on those days. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 19 June - 15 July 2023

Solar activity is expected to be at low to moderate levels throughout the forecast period (19 Jun-15 Jul). 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is likely to reach high levels on 19-24 Jun and again on 14-15 Jul due to HSS influence. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach unsettled to active levels on 19-21 Jun, 27-28 Jun, 01-02 Jul, 08 Jul, and 12-15 Jul with G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) levels likely on 12-13 Jul due to recurrent CH HSS effects. There is a chance for CME effects on 21-22 Jun related to the CME eruptions on 17 and 18 Jun. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2023 Jun 19 0506 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2023-06-19
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 Jun 19     160          12          4
2023 Jun 20     155          12          4
2023 Jun 21     160          12          4
2023 Jun 22     160          12          4
2023 Jun 23     165           5          2
2023 Jun 24     165           5          2
2023 Jun 25     165           5          2
2023 Jun 26     165           5          2
2023 Jun 27     165          12          4
2023 Jun 28     170          12          4
2023 Jun 29     175           5          2
2023 Jun 30     175           5          2
2023 Jul 01     175          12          4
2023 Jul 02     180           8          3
2023 Jul 03     180           5          2
2023 Jul 04     175           5          2
2023 Jul 05     175           5          2
2023 Jul 06     170           5          2
2023 Jul 07     170           5          2
2023 Jul 08     170          12          4
2023 Jul 09     170           5          2
2023 Jul 10     170           5          2
2023 Jul 11     165           5          2
2023 Jul 12     160          20          5
2023 Jul 13     160          30          6
2023 Jul 14     165           8          3
2023 Jul 15     165           8          3
(NOAA)
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Friday, June 16, 2023

Shortwave Radiogram, Program 308

 


Hello friends

I am experimenting with the formatting of these emails in an attempt to make them easier to read. Let me know if it doesn’t display well on your email app.

Today in the Middle Atlantic, the weather is delightful (but we could use some rain). Shortwave propagation has been less than delightful, with static crashes from offshore storms adding to the mix. I hope conditions improve in time for this weekend’s broadcasts of Shortwave Radiogram, although our MFSK32 text enjoys a challenge.

Our last transmission, Tuesday at 1430-1500 UTC on 9955 kHz from WRMI Florida, can be difficult to hear during the summer. Cuban jamming is also present in the frequency, probably as a result of certain programs now or previously transmitted by WRMI. That jamming seems half-hearted, so it rarely impedes the decoding of our modes. WRMI on 9955 is beamed at 160 degrees, but the antenna seems to propagate well off its back, which would be 340º. So for this troublesome transmission, the reception might be good in Georgia, Tennessee, the upper Midwest of the USA, and maybe even into the Canadian prairies.

A video of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 308) is provided by Scott in Ontario. The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. The analysis is provided by Roger in Germany.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 309, 15-20 June 2023, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:45 MFSK32: Program preview
 2:50 MFSK32: Nickel-based batteries can replace cobalt
 6:28 MFSK64: Railways could be conveyance for backup power
11:47 MFSK64: This week's images
27:53 MFSK32: Closing announcements

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram 
(visit during the weekend to see listeners’ results)
  
Other Shortwave broadcast programs that include digital text and images include The Mighty KBC, Pop Shop Radio, and This Is A Music Show (TIAMS). The schedules for these fine broadcasts are posted here.
 Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim
Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
Reporting on international broadcasting at https://twitter.com/kaedotcom
  
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Thursday, June 15, 2023

Broadcasting Again After a Natural Disaster

 


By Jon Hill

After Super Typhoon Mawar slammed into Guam on May 24, listeners in far-flung countries who count on KTWR to bring them spiritually nourishing broadcasts found that their radios went silent.

Winds of at least 108 mph swept over the TWR shortwave station’s radio towers, damaging all five curtain antennas, two of them severely. Not knowing how long it would be before KTWR broadcasts would again reach those uncountable listeners across Asia, ministry staff hastened to contract with other outlets to temporarily carry some of the programmings. Other team members buckled down to repairs.

Amazingly, through the blessings of the Lord and the hard work of our skilled staff on Guam, a healthy portion of KTWR’s regular program schedule is already back on the air. One rough estimate indicated that a third or more of the station’s gospel broadcasts are going out again, including to countries of special concern such as North Korea and China.

TWR Vice President for Asia Daryl Renshaw said he is thankful both for the resumption of some of the broadcast ministry to North Korea and for TWR supporters who make the outreach possible.

Additional story at: https://twr.org/story/broadcasting-again-after-a-natural-disaster



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Encore classical music schedules from Radio Tumbril

 



Regular Broadcast times of Encore are:
02:00 - 03:00 UTC Friday 5850 kHz WRMI to US
10:00 - 11:00 UTC Saturday 6070 AND 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
 
Repeated:
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 7730 & 5850 kHz WRMI to Europe US and Canada
16:00 – 17:00 UTC Sunday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
21:00 - 22:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
02:00 - 03:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada
13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, the east coast of the US, and Iceland. (Touch of seasonal RTTY on the lower sideband. Suggest notch out or use USB.)
19:00 – 20:00 UTC Friday 6070 kHz Channel 292 to Europe
 
 Some Things to see on The Encore Website:
The Encore website is www.tumbril.co.uk where you will find:
Important information about the funding of Encore - Radio Tumbril.
Up-to-date transmission times and frequencies.
The playlists for the most recent programs. 
An email link.
 
Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL cards are welcome.
 
The Encore Production Team is away on a further bonding exercise in West Scotland following the success of a similar expedition just finished in continental Europe.
The next two program playlists are available on the Encore website.
 
There will continue to be some delay in answering emails and sending eQSL cards for reception reports.
 
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 - and thank you for your support.
 Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - www.tumbril.co.uk
GMØTLY
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Texas Radio Shortwave - 18 June 2023

 









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1888 Radio-A Voice for the Amhara People monitored

 


Registration with the HFCC was effective on 10 May 2023, made by Radio Miami International (RMI) for 17630 kHz at 1700-1800 via Issoudun, France (250 kW at 127 degrees to CIRAF 48W). The notes column lists "1888 ra" and this would appear to be the name of the station: 1888 Radio - A Voice for the Amhara People.

I recorded today's program (14 June) and tried to translate snippets of audio from Amharic to English using Google Translate with little success, it did seem to recognize "Voice of Amhara" a couple of times. A subsequent Google search finally found their website at https://1888radio.org/ which says "Welcome to 1888 radio, the radio station advocating for the Amhara people. Our mission is simple: to give the Amhara people a voice and promote our culture, history, and rights. Every community deserves to be heard and represented. We are committed to ensuring the Amhara people are not ignored or overlooked". The frequency of 17630 kHz is mentioned.

They also have a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@1888Radiomedia/featured
BDXC/Tony Rogers)

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Radio Delta International set to relay Radio Monique

 


According to a Whatsapp received from the station, next Saturday 17th June, from 0500, Radio Delta International will be on air on 6020 kHz relaying the offshore station Radio Monique with live program.


More about Radio Monique:

"For our international friends a short explanation of what radio Monique is all about. In the beginning, in December 1984 we started as a radio station broadcasting from international waters from the radio ship Ross Revenge. During daytime, we rented air time from radio Caroline. Her elegant ship was moored in the Thames estuary in an area known as the knock-deep, quite a protective little patch on the North Sea. 

Radio Monique is nowadays a low-power station that broadcasts daily from Velsen in the mid-west of the Netherlands on the medium wave 918 kHz. 

It is a cooperation between Radio Delta and Radio Monique. The power is 100 watts. In the  autumn of 2022, a lot of work was done on a new transmission tower."

(Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain/BDXC)
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Texas Radio Shortwave appeals to low-powered European stations

 


Texas Radio Shortwave seeks a low-power European MW station (licensed LPAM or otherwise) for a one-off one-hour broadcast.

The program will be a modified version of a regular TRSW show featuring music by Texas performers.  TRSW will produce the show and send a studio-quality audio file to the host station.

TRSW previously broadcast over Channel 292, WBCQ, and European and North American pirate stations.  WRMI currently airs its programs every Sunday to North American and European audiences.

TRSW has partnered with Radio Clash, Radio Igloo, Radio Monique, and CoolAM to introduce those stations' programming to North American audiences.

Interested stations should email texasradiosw@com.

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Monday, June 12, 2023

Pro-Russia edits at RNZ may have been happening for years

 



New Zealand
An RNZ digital journalist who allegedly inserted pro-Russian sentiment into news stories claims they have edited reports in that way for five years and nobody queried it.

The public broadcaster is launching a review after it said it found out on Friday that stories were being altered to give them a pro-Russian slant.

That was despite concerns being raised about the journalist's work more than a year ago. They have now been placed on leave.

So far, 250 stories have been reviewed and 16 have had to be corrected.

RNZ management has conceded the broadcaster's process for publishing stories from other media companies has not been strong enough, and there will be an external review of editorial processes.

"I subbed several stories that way over the past number of years," the journalist told Checkpoint.

"In fact since I started RNZ and… I have done that for five years and nobody has tapped me on the shoulder and told me that I was doing anything wrong."

Checkpoint reported that those claims had not yet been verified by the staff member's managers.

Additional story at
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Shiokaze schedule update

 
                                                
Clandestine station Shiokaze (Sea Breeze)

Effective: 07 June 2023
All times UTC
1300-1400 on 5965 and 6165 kHz                             
1405-1435 on 5935 and 7295 kHz                             
1600-1700 on 6070 and 7325 kHz                             
1705-1805 on 5980 and 6090 kHz

Shiokaze (Sea Breeze) broadcasts to North Korea and is operated by the independent investigating organization "Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to North Korea", regarding persons believed to have been abducted by North Korea prior to 1983. All broadcasts are from Yamata in Japan (300 kW). 
They usually have an English program at 1300-1400 and 1600-1700 on Wednesdays (otherwise they are in Korean and Japanese)           
(T Rogers/BDXC)
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May edition of IARU Monitoring System newsletter

 


May edition of IARU Monitoring System Region 1
Among the usual annoying intrusions we have been receiving almost daily for years in our amateur bands, some have a "seasonal" behavior, surely due to propagation, schedules and other reasons: well-known, they come back every year, around the same time.
Examples of such intrusions are, for instance, those using A1A (CW) on 14108 kHz CF, transmitted by RUS MIL stations, which we have been receiving for years at this season, sending encrypted QTC almost daily on this frequency, which
suddenly disappear until another season, or until the next year.
The same seems to be true for other modes, such as the DPRK-FSK 600 ARQ (F1B. SH = 600 Hz. 600 Bd) and DPRK-PSK 1200 ARQ (PSK. BW = 1K20E), both from KRE, which we already started receiving last month, and which have been found
transmitting almost daily on 20 m, on 14098.5 kHz, 14198.5 kHz CF and 14298.5 kHz CF, as well as sporadically on other frequencies and bands (mostly on 15 m) during May

Follow the Interesting intercepts in the May edition of IARU Monitoring System newsletter at:

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Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 


Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2023 Jun 12 0122 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 June 2023

Solar activity was moderate. There were two M-class flares during the period. The largest event was an M4.7 flare (R1-Minor) at 07/1146 UTC from Region 3327 (S14, L=052, class/area = Dki/300 on 06 June). Region 3331 (N18, L=066, class/area = Dro/20 on 07 June) produced an M2.5 flare (R1-Minor) at 09/1711 UTC. The remaining numbered regions on the visible disk were either quiet or produced C-class events. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

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

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to unsettled levels. Unsettled levels were reached on 06, 07, and 11 June. Quiet conditions were observed on 05 and 08-10 June. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 12 June - 08 July 2023

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

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 17-21 June in response to elevated wind speeds from multiple, recurrent CH HSSs. The remainder of the outlook period is anticipated to be at moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to range from quiet to active levels. Active conditions are likely on 12-13, 16, 27-28 June and 09 July with unsettled conditions likely on 17-18 June and 01-02 July due to recurrent CH HSS influence. Quiet conditions are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2023 Jun 12 0122 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2023-06-12
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2023 Jun 12     155          12          4
2023 Jun 13     157          12          4
2023 Jun 14     153           5          2
2023 Jun 15     160           5          2
2023 Jun 16     150          12          4
2023 Jun 17     150          10          3
2023 Jun 18     150          10          3
2023 Jun 19     155           5          2
2023 Jun 20     155           5          2
2023 Jun 21     160           5          2
2023 Jun 22     165           5          2
2023 Jun 23     170           5          2
2023 Jun 24     170           5          2
2023 Jun 25     170           5          2
2023 Jun 26     168           5          2
2023 Jun 27     165          12          4
2023 Jun 28     162          12          4
2023 Jun 29     160           5          2
2023 Jun 30     160           5          2
2023 Jul 01     160          12          3
2023 Jul 02     160           8          3
2023 Jul 03     160           5          2
2023 Jul 04     160           5          2
2023 Jul 05     165           5          2
2023 Jul 06     170           5          2
2023 Jul 07     170           5          2
2023 Jul 08     170          12          4
(NOAA)
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Saturday, June 10, 2023

Texas Radio Shortwave - June 11 schedule

 



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Friday, June 09, 2023

Czechia Country Radio makes frequency adjustments

 


Czechia
Country Radio to use 639 kHz, close 1062 kHz. Country Radio is moving from 1062 to 639 kHz, where it will use the former Czech Radio high-power medium wave masts at Liblice. A second transmitter will be used on 954 kHz with 5 kW Ceské Budejovice – the transmitter has been carrying DRM tests but will carrying Country Radio in AM. mediaguru.cz (translated from Czech) gives more details: 

Czech Radio stopped broadcasting on medium and long wave at the end of 2021, Country Radio can therefore move to the Liblice station, where it will broadcast on 639 kHz, with a power of 20 kW. "The change in frequency from 1062 kHz to 639 kHz is necessary due to the tuned antenna present on the Liblice transmitter". For a certain period, parallel broadcasting will take place on both frequencies. "Given that Liblice is situated to the east, we also asked the Broadcasting Council to add an AM transmitter Ceské Budejovice – on 954 kHz with a power of 5 kW.”

According to Martin Hroch, CEO of Radio United Broadcasting [which owns Country Radio], the launch of the transmitters should probably take place in the summer months. It is not excluded that the new location Ceské Budejovice – Husova Kolonie will be launched first, the date depends on resolving signal issues, Liblice should follow. 

"We are not pressured by a fixed date yet, but we would like to shut down Zbraslav [1062 kHz] in September," concluded Hroch. Country Radio is the third most listened-to station in the supra-regional radio category. According to Radioprojekt, 265,000 people tune in every day. https://www.mediaguru.cz (24 May)
(MW Rpt/BDXC June 2023 by Dave Kenny)
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QSLing Denmark's longwave station

 


As you may know, Denmark's Kalundborg 243 kHz will close down by the end of this year.

If you listen to the station and write a reception report, you still have the possibility to get a QSL.

Jens Christian Seeberg, a former engineer at the station, has offered to verify your reports. Please be patient as Jens Christian does this on a voluntary basis and also has other things to fill his days with. 
Reports can be sent to jseeberg@post3.tele.dk
Ydun Ritz (2023-06-09)

Station website:

Danish schedule
All times UTC
0445-0500
0500-0505
0700-0800
0800-0805
1045-1100
1100-1145
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Thursday, June 08, 2023

Atlantic 2000 International slated for June 10 anniversary broadcast

 


Special programming on June 10, 2023, is scheduled at 0800-0900 UTC on 6070 kHz/9670 kHz.

The broadcast will air from Channel 292 and online to celebrate their 41st anniversary.  

The special e-QSL will be available for a detailed reception report of 15-20 minutes. Include technical details which include your receiver, SINPO codes, antenna, and information on reception from either  
shortwave, computer, telephone and the connection if you listen online. Web receivers require a geographical location.

Visit our website for email links and listen to Atlantic 2000 http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr

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Radio Delta redesigns new logo

 
Radio Delta, a Netherlands-based shortwave radio station, has revealed its redesigned logo complete with a new slogan, “Keeps the Shortwave Alive”. The new design includes the color orange, referencing the station’s Dutch origins. The logo features a disk jockey alongside a vinyl record. The station hopes the refreshed design will better resonate with its audience.

In addition to the new logo, Radio Delta plans to sell t-shirts, stickers, and sweaters featuring the updated design. By purchasing these items, listeners can support the station’s ongoing broadcasting and development efforts. 

Radio Delta has been a fixture in the shortwave radio community for years, delivering quality programming to a dedicated audience. The station’s management is confident that the new logo will help to solidify its position as a beloved broadcaster in the Netherlands and beyond.

European, Private Shortwave Stations List - June 1, 2023, list the Radio Delta's schedule as:
All times UTC
Sunday  0600-1000 on 6005 kHz
Irreg  1500-2100 on 6060 kHz
Sunday  0600-1000 on 11670 kHz
Future Plans on 13720 kHz
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Texas Radio Shortwave - June 11

 


                            Special thanks to Terry Colgan, for the following schedule





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