North and South Korea are in an underground war - Kim Jong Un might now be winning

 

Jean Mackenzie

Seoul correspondent

The border between North and South Korea is swamped with layers of dense barbed-wire fencing and hundreds of guard posts. But dotted among them is something even more unusual: giant, green camouflaged speakers.

As I stood looking into the North one afternoon last month, one of the speakers began blasting South Korean pop songs interspersed with subversive messages. "When we travel abroad, it energises us", a woman's voice boomed out across the border - an obvious slight given North Koreans are not allowed to leave the country.

From the North Korean side, I could faintly hear military propaganda music, as its regime attempted to drown out the inflammatory broadcasts.

North and South Korea are technically still at war, and although it has been years since either side shelled the other, the two sides are fighting on a more subtle front: a war of information.

Additional story at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98pnx35xj2o

UK Propagation Report

RSGB

GB2RS News Team | May 30, 2025

Last week’s high-speed solar wind, from a massive coronal hole on the Sun, took its toll on the HF bands. However, this week has been little better. Another coronal hole running diagonally across the Sun has been emitting particles that have pushed the Kp index up to a maximum of 6.67 which puts us into visible aurora territory.

Nevertheless, some DX has been worked including CP4BT in Bolivia, ZP5KP in Paraguay and V44KAI St Kitts and Nevis. These were reported by Karl, G0SKW on the CDXC Slack alerting system.

BA100IARU, a special event station celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union, has been active from Beijing, China and has been worked on 20m CW. The station’s QRZ.com page provides real-time updates on which band the operators are working on.

Most of the DX has been worked on 21, 18 and 14MHz with the 10m band mostly closed due to the summer doldrums. There have not been too many Sporadic-E openings on the 10m band. Instead, most of the Sporadic-E reports have been on the 6m band.

The solar flux index has increased, standing at 144 on Thursday 29 May, which is always a good sign. In fact, the solar disk is looking quite healthy at the moment with spots in both hemispheres.

As of last Thursday, the 29 May, there had been 43 C-class flares over the previous five days, as well as six more potent M-class events and one X-class flare. So, the Sun is still very active.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will reduce again, perhaps going as low as 110 by Wednesday 4 June. It does look like we are in for a rough ride with unsettled geomagnetic conditions forecast for the coming week. Looking further ahead, the 13 and 14 June seem to be the worst days, when a Kp index of five is forecast.

As usual, a high Kp index can result in lowered maximum useable frequencies and aurora-like conditions, with a slow recovery.

VHF and up:

The weather continues to be unsettled into the coming week, especially for northern areas, but with some drier and warmer spells in the south.

There does not appear to be strong signs for any Tropo success, but there should be a chance of occasional rain scatter on the GHz bands. 

Some models suggest we are on the edge of high pressure over the North Sea. Others drive a deep low right across the country. This will resolve itself next week, but for now it’s not at all clear which forecast will win through.

The prospects for meteor scatter are mostly random meteors but towards the end of this week the daytime Arietids will peak to enhance chances further.

The solar auroral alerts keep coming, so it’s reasonable to expect the chance of some radio response such as watery-sounding signals on HF, even if we don’t go to the full effects on VHF. It’s certainly worth watching for those increasing Kp values.

The Sporadic-E prospects often burst into life about now. So, after a few reasonable 6m band openings, like the one into southeast Europe on Wednesday 28 May, make sure you are ready for the first week in June – one of the prime weeks for Sporadic-E opportunities.

This is partly due to meteor input and the fact that the tidal winds in the E region are taking on their summer pattern. The long polar days mean that the low-pressure weather patterns are also beginning to affect the northern polar routes to China and Japan across northern Russia with their possible weather triggers, like jet streams.

EME path losses are increasing again. Moon windows shorten, and peak elevation is falling as the Moon declination goes negative again on Wednesday the 4 June. 144MHz sky noise is low and remains low as the week progresses.

https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2025/05/30/propagation-news-1-june-2025/

(Mike Terry/BDXC)

Radio Classic Sunday, slated for June 1 broadcast

 

Radio Classic Sunday QSL

Radio Classic Sunday can be heard again on June 1, 2025  at 20:00 CET on 5990 kHz in the 49 meter band. 

Don't miss it! and earn the station's e-QSL card. 

On September 1, 2024 we celebrated our 4th anniversary. On June 1, 2025 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM CET on 5990 kHz we will broadcast again. If you receive us, please let us know by e-mail or fill in the reception form. 

For additional station information, check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=radio%20classic%20sunday and on Instagram. 

Shortwave radio is alive!

To learn more about this unique station, go to: https://radioclassicsunday.com/

The Mighty KBC schedule updates

 

Our regular transmission from 8:00-10:00 pm Eastern Time Saturday (currently 0000-0200 UTC Sunday) on 5950 kHz will not change.  Also, the 1200-1300 UTC Sunday transmission on 15770 kHz will not change.

However, the following broadcasts will change:

The 5:00-7:00 pm Eastern Time Sunday broadcast (2100-2300 UTC Sunday) on 5950 kHz will be replaced by 7:00-8:00 pm Eastern Time [2300-2400 UTC] Monday and Tuesday (Dave Mason on Monday, Uncle Eric on Tuesday) also on 5950 kHz.

The 0000-0200 UTC Sunday broadcast on 7570 kHz will be replaced by 0200-0300 UTC Monday also on 7570 kHz (Dave Mason).

And the 0800-0900 UTC Saturday broadcast on 7780 kHz will move one hour later to 0900-1000 UTC also on 7780 kHz. (Uncle Eric)

The first two changes will take place immediately.  The change on 7780 kHz will take place on June 14.

The Mighty KBC is broadcasting from Okeechobee Florida USA

(Alan Roe, Teddington, UK/BDXC)

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/

Blog Logs, June 2025

 

Welcome to the June issue of Blog Logs. Thank you for your emails, your logging contributions, and following the latest daily tweets on X at Shortwave Central (Gayle Van Horn W4GVH)

@QSLRptMT

Have you subscribed to the Shortwave Central YouTube channel? You will find a vast selection 

of videos and audio airchecks, and the Playlist is growing! Join your fellow radio enthusiasts at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShortwaveCentral 

The Shortwave Central blog brings you the latest from the ever-changing realm of radio. Additional radio information is covered in my Bits & Bytes monthly column in The Spectrum Monitor e-zine at: https://www.thespectrummonitor.com/

Languages as indicated

// denotes the station heard on a parallel frequency

*Sign-on Sign-Off*/ frequencies in kHz

Monitoring May 1-28, 2025 

UTC, frequencies in kilohertz (kHz)

Shortwave

Algeria

17600 Ifrika FM, Bechar, 0732-0748. African song variety to ID, “Ifrika FM, La Voix Africaine.” Arabic and French comments // 15140 – SINPO 35333. Audible on 15140, 0710-0728 in French with Le Journal to “Ifrikya FM” identification // 17600. (Manuel Méndez, Spain/BDXC)

Ascension Island

9655, KBS World Service Seoul relay via English Bay at 2001. Opening announcements in French, newscast to a special French programming segment. Fair/clear signal. Off abruptly at 2100, the frequency noted online by KBS for this transmission to Africa is incorrect as 5950. (Tony Rogers, UK/BDXC/NASAWA)

11660, BBC World Service relay 1941-1951. Hausa service with announcer duo talks to 1946 station ID. Newscast and additional conversations on the Sudan crisis. (Ronaldo Xavier-Cabedelo, Brazil/Top Nx) Website www.bbc.com/worldservice 

17830, BBC WS relay English to Central Africa at 1845. Sport Today program, including chat and interviews. SINPO 45344 (Paul Walker, AK)

21645, BBC WS relay. Hausa service 0340 with announcer commentaries. SINPO 25322 to West Africa (Rudolf Grimm, São Bernardo, SP, Brazil)

Australia

11900, Reach Beyond Australia at 1249. Religious programming for the Hindi service. Fair signal quality. Noted on 15460 at 1346 with English programming discussing ADHD to Christian music. Poor signal quality  (Harold Sellers, BC Canada)Website www.reachbeyond.org.au 

Bolivia

3310, Radio Mosoj Chaski, Cotapachi, 0058-0106. Quechua comments. SINPO 15421 (Méndez).

Brazil (Portuguese)

5940.3 Voz Missionaria, Camborií, 0539-0612 with religious programming and songs // 9665. SINPO 14322 (Méndez).

6010, Rádio Inconfidencia, Belo Horizonte, 0405-0530. Brazilian pop vocals to easy-listening style. Noted on the subsequent day on 15190 with soccer commentary. (Sam Wright, MS)

6150, Radio Saturno, Belo Horizonte, 0441-0533. Brazilian music to announcers. SINPO 15422. 6180,  Rádio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia  2102-2115 with soccer commentary. (Méndez)

9818.5, Rádio 9 de Julho, São Paulo 0446-0533 with religious programming. SINPO 25422 (Méndez)

11780, Rádio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia, 2010-2050. Usual format of announcer’s local comments and announcements to “Rádio Nacional” with station information. (Wright)

Canada

6070, CFRX. 0200-0230. Evening broadcast from CFRB relay. Traffic report, national and local news items, station promo, followed by Night Shift program. Dood signal via Kiwi Crivitz, WI (Van Horn/SW Central Kiwi SDR/LA) 

China 

13710, China Radio International via Kunming. Turkish service at 1637 with announcer comments and pop songs. SINPO 45554, target to Europe. 17735 with CRI via Kashi. Mandarin service at 1418. SINPO 35443 (Grimm, Brazil). 

Denmark

5930, World Music Radio, Bramming 1857-1924. A variety of songs in various languages to flute music // 15700 and 25800. SINPO 25422 (Méndez/Spain) Website www.wmr.dk 

Ecuador

6050, HCJB. 0200-0230.; 0330-0500*. Spanish text and conversation from announcers. Good signal via Kiwi Lima, Peru. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Oh4BjQEQn60 (Van Horn) 

Eswatini

7410, TWR Africa via Manzini. Portuguese program at 1937. Bible study program produced by Radio Trans Mundial Brasil, São Paulo. Additional bible study and readings. SINPO 35543, targeted to Angola, Africa (Grimm). Website: www.twr.org 

Ethiopia

6030, Radio Oromiya, Addis Ababa, 1610-1630; 1745-1850. Fair signal in assumed Amharic with news script reading, and announcements amid fair signals. Voice of Amharic State on 6090,  1815-1835 with East African style music to announcer. Radio Fana on 6110, 1800-1845 with fair signal of Africa. Three Ethiopian stations heard on the same day in May (Van Horn/LA/Kiwi Kenya SDR). YouTube videos: Radio Fana https://youtu.be/ZFPGWBlWd6c Radio Oromiya https://youtu.be/r6vyi5XYC_A 

Indonesia

4755, Voice of Indonesia, Jakarta. 1930-2000. Indonesian music during the English service. Talk, national items, and station ID. (John Benson, AL/Kiwi PHL SDR).Website  www.voinews.id  

Finland

6195, RealMix Radio, Raasepouri; 1901-2017. English pop and oldies musical variety. Station ID “RealMix radio” to the additional English comments. SINPO 25422 (Méndez).

Guam

15530, KSDA- AWR at 1430. English service ID and frequency. Introducing program in Burmese during the fair signal. Guam’s KTWR on 11590 at 1445 with interval signal and announcers listed Kazakh service. (Sellers/CAN). Website: www.awr.org 

Mali

5995, Radio Mali via Bamako, 1850-1910. Pop African-style vocals to the English Magazine segment. Fair signal on 9635, 1725-1758* in local language, announcer’s intro to African vocals. Station interval signal at 1758 to ID and 1758 closedown. (Frank Hilton, SC/Kiwi S Africa) Heard on 9635, 1615-1630 with announcer reading script in local language, fair signal quality. (Van Horn, LA/Kiwi SDR). YouTube video from 17 March 2025 https://youtu.be/P8TqTurpyTE 

Mexico

6185, Radio Educación, Mexico City 0330-0645 in Spanish. Cultural feature to Mexican music variety. Station identification as “la onda corta de Radio Educación, 6185 kilohertz banda internacional de 49 metros, desde la Ciudad de México.” An additional variety of Mexican music styles. Always a pleasure to monitor this station, the last shortwave from México (Van Horn).Station schedule: 2200-1200 UTC.

Moldova

15175, Vesti FM relay via Pridnestrovsky Radiolelecentr-Program Vesti FM, via Grigoriopol/Maiac in Russian from 1635 tune-in. Station identifications, news, conversations, station IDs, jingles, news and commentary. Time tips at 1659, off at 1700. YouTube video available at: YouTube video at https://youtu.be/fOIWAox7jEQ (Van Horn/LA, NLD Twente SDR)

13730, Vesti FM relay via Moldova. Russian service at 1529. Possible ads and a Russian newscast. Also 1557 keypad tones, announcements, additional IDs and time-pips to 1600.” (Sellers/CAN)

Mongolia

12085, Voice of Mongolia via Ulan Baatar at 1030. Fair signal at tune-in with Mongolian-style music to the announcer. Chime interval signal at 1030 into the Japanese service. Usually a fair signal, this one no exception. (Ben Clement, WA) Website: www.vom.mn 

North Korea

11710, Voice of Korea at 1305. English programming with music, ID and into DPRK news topics. Excellent signal quality // 9435 very good (Sellers/CAN) Website: www.vok.rep.kp 

Norway

5895, Radio Northern Star, Bergen, 2019-2036. English pop oldie music to English/Spanish identification at 2030. “Radio Estrella del Norte…Radio Northern Star.” SINPO 14322. Also heard 0429-0437 with English pop music (Méndez, Spain). Subsequent log 1839-1857.

Oman

11830, BBC World Service at 1320. English service with analysis program during a very weak signal, improving slightly. Abruptly off at 1359 (Sellers/Canada) www.bbc.com/worldservice

Peru

4775, Radio Tarma 0101-0110 with Peruvian flute music; SINPO 25422. Peru’s Radio Sena Cristiana, Cotahuasi heard on 4820 at 0102-0109 with Spanish religious programming. SINPO 15421 (Méndez).

Philippines

9920, FEBC Manila/Radio Reos at 1540. Russian programming of biblical teachings. Radio Teos identification, additional announcements and station interval signal (Sellers/CAN).

Romania

13860, Radio Romania International in Spanish via Tiganesti to Spain. Heard at 1845 with lady announcer’s news script, including items on COPE and news on Mexico. SINPO 55444 (Walker, AK).

15160, Radio Romania International, Tiganesti at 1541. Announcer’s script to instrumental music with interval signal and station sign-off (Grimm) 

Turkey

13725, Voice of Turkey via Emirler in Spanish at 1649. Comments to the instrumental music program. SINPO 25322, targeted to Europe/North Africa; 17770 in Arabic at 1412, targeted to North Africa; 17815 in Turkish at 1408. SINPO 25322, targeted to Europe (Grimm).Website: https://trt.global/world

Vanuatu

9960, Radio Vanuatu, Port Vila, 0430-0700. English pop songs, local talk, and announcements. Website: www.vbtc.vu 

Vatican City

15490, Vatican Radio via Sta. Maria di Galeria. Malayalam service at 1511. Religious references to instrumental music. SINPO 15321, targeted South Asia; 17790, via the same site at 1441 in Hindi. Lady’s program comments to interval signal at 1449 to Tamil language sign-on at 1450. SINPO 35343, targeted to South Asia Grimm).https://www.vaticannews.va/en/

Venezuela

4940, Estacion 4940, 0428-0536. Spanish religious music and comments; SINPO 15421 (Méndez). YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86RjevTDfGE 

Vietnam

9840, Voice of Vietnam at 1500. Station sign-on in English for very poor signal quality. Audible on 11885 at 1603 with English news. Signal fair with interferences // 9730 just barely there (Sellers/CAN) Website: www.vovworld.vn  You Tube video, German service from 21 Nov. 2014 posted at: https://youtu.be/nLqm7st730s

Remembering those that gave for us

 

Early Radio Broadcasting in India

 Early Radio Broadcasting in India

Special thank you to Ray Robinson and Jeff White for sharing this episode of Wavescan

Photo via The Revolver Club

Jeff: According to official records, radio broadcasting in India began on July 23, 1927, when the Indian Broadcasting Company, IBC, inaugurated its first radio station, 7BY, in Bombay.  As time went by, 7BY became the more familiar VUB, and the Indian Broadcasting Company was taken over by AIR, All India Radio.

  

However, in the eight year period stretching from early 1920 until regular broadcasting was established in 1927, a dozen or more radio stations were established in several of the major cities in India.  All of these stations were experimental in nature, and some were very temporary, lasting no more than a few days.  Ray Robinson in Los Angeles has more.

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  The very first radio broadcast in India was made by Giandchand Motwane from Bombay in 1920.  This low powered station was on the air for just one day under the callsign 2KC.

In the following year there was another experimental radio station on the air in Bombay, and this was a co-operative venture between the ‘Times of India’ newspaper and the Post & Telegraph office in Bombay.  The P&T transmitter carried these experimental broadcasts in August 1921, and they were noted more than 100 miles away in Poona.

A third, and this time a more substantial, station was established in Bombay two years later again and it was on the air with 1.5 kW on 750 kHz under the callsign 2FV.  This station left the air when the government-approved station 7BY (later VUB) was inaugurated in 1927.

The fourth experimental station in Bombay was operated by the Walter Rogers Company as 2AX.  This station was inaugurated in 1925, and on September 6 of that year Pastor Robert Hare made a historic broadcast from this station.  It was the very first radio broadcast from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the territories of what was then British India.  Station 2AX also left the air when 7BY (VUB) was inaugurated two years later.

Over in West Bengal, the Marconi Company from England conducted several test broadcasts from different locations in Calcutta.  The first concert program was heard at a distance of three miles, and subsequently a discourse from the local golf club was heard at a distance of 72 miles.  This same transmitter was made available on loan to the Calcutta Radio Club, who launched their own radio station in November 1923 under the callsign 2BZ.

The Marconi company made another transmitter available to the government in West Bengal who operated their station as 5AF.  Both stations in Calcutta, 2BZ and 5AF, were closed when the national government established its own station, 7CA (later VUC), in 1927.

Madras, now known as Chennai, was another city in India that received a radio station in the pre-IBC broadcasting era.  This early experimental station was operated by the Madras Presidency Radio Club under the callsign 2GR.

   

This station was closed in 1927 due to financial problems and the equipment was donated to the Corporation of Madras who re-opened the station under the international callsign VUM.  This station was closed in 1938 when All India Radio established its own station for coverage of Madras and the callsign VUM was transferred from the old club station to the new AIR station.

We could also mention that there is a listing in an old radio directory for a station operated by the Crompton Electric Company in Madras, and another station in Bangalore, both in the same year 1926, though it is not known whether these stations were ever established.

Perhaps we could also mention the tiny one watt station that a postal official established at his home in Hyderabad back in 1933.  And it would appear that there were a few other early radio stations during this pre-IBC broadcasting era, the details of which have been lost over the years.  It is thought there were four or five in this category, and who knows, maybe the information about some of these other stations may yet come to light.

Back to you, Jeff

1940’s Pre-Partition QSL listing all AIR stations,

including Lahore (subsequently in West Pakistan), and

Dacca (subsequently Dhaka, East Pakistan, later capital of Bangladesh)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins, May 26, 2025

 

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2025 May 26 0140 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 May 2025

Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Region 4098 (S04, L=021, class/area=Dai/170 on 25 May) produced the strongest event of the period, an impulsive X1.1 flare (R3-Strong) at 25/0152 UTC. An associated Tenflare (170 sfu) and subsequent, narrow CME was observed. The CME was oriented far to the west and no expected to contain an Earth-directed component. The region also produced an impulsive M8.9/2b (R2-Moderate) event at 25/1630 UTC. Region 4087 (N15, L=057, class/area=Dso/240 on 18 May) was the only other region to produce an event above R1 (Minor) with an M1.2/Sn flare at 21/0008 UTC. 

No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraphimagery. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 18-19 May and 21-24 May in response to a high-speed stream from a large, polar-crown-connected coronal hole. 20 May and 25 May electron flux was at normal to moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet to unsettled over 19-20 May. An isolated period of active conditions were observed on 21 May. Quiet conditions were observed over 22-25 May. The solar wind was under the influence of a positive polarity CH HSS for the week. Solar wind speeds reached of peak of ~630 km/s on 21 May andgradually waned over the following days. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 26 May - 21 June 2025

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels

(R1-R2/Minor-Moderate), with a chance for R3 (Strong), over the next three days as Region 4098 (S04, L=021, class/area=Dai/170 on 25 May), the most productive region on the visible disk, makes its way to the west limb of the Sun. A chance for M-class X-ray activity (R1-R2) will persist throughout the outlook period due to multiple regions on the visible as well as multiple active regions scheduled to return from the farside of the Sun. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 30 May - 05 Jun and 14-21 Jun following recurrent coronal hole influence. The remainder of the period is expected to be at normal to moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly elevated due to anticipated influence from multiple, recurrent coronal holes. G1 (minor) geomagnetic storms are likely on 13-14 Jun; active conditions are likely over 28-29 May, 02 Jun, 05 Jun, 10-11 Jun, and

15-17 Jun; unsettled conditions are likely over 26-27 May, 30 May - 01 Jun, 03-04 Jun, 06-07 Jun, and 18-21 Jun. Quiet conditions are only expected on 08-09 Jun. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt

:Issued: 2025 May 26 0140 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 2025-05-26

#

#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2025 May 26     135           8          3

2025 May 27     130           8          3

2025 May 28     125          12          4

2025 May 29     125          15          4

2025 May 30     130          10          3

2025 May 31     125           8          3

2025 Jun 01     120          10          3

2025 Jun 02     115          12          4

2025 Jun 03     110           8          3

2025 Jun 04     110          10          3

2025 Jun 05     115          12          4

2025 Jun 06     120          10          3

2025 Jun 07     125          10          3

2025 Jun 08     125           5          2

2025 Jun 09     120           5          2

2025 Jun 10     115          15          4

2025 Jun 11     120          12          4

2025 Jun 12     125          12          4

2025 Jun 13     120          30          5

2025 Jun 14     125          20          5

2025 Jun 15     125          12          4

2025 Jun 16     130          12          4

2025 Jun 17     130          12          4

2025 Jun 18     125           8          3

2025 Jun 19     120           8          3

2025 Jun 20     115           8          3

2025 Jun 21     115           8          3

(NOAA)

Memorial Day programming from Unique Radio Australia on May 25

 

Listen to the Memorial Day Special on Sunday, May 25th For the Troops.

Coming up, 25th May, Memorial Day for the Troops and the first unofficial day of summer cast. A Sunday and Monday cast is most likely to be scheduled, so please stay tuned; More info to follow. 

On Live Stream.

http://uk4-vn.mixstream.net:8104/index.html

For correspondence please go to the following

JenUR@proton.me

Until then, enjoy the greenery in your mind or senses.

Jen In The Rad.

Check out this still-popular story about WBCQ

 

WBCQ: A One-of-a-Kind Shortwave Radio Station

A brokered programming business model has kept the station on the air for 26 years

By James Careless

Published: July 24, 2024

There are all kinds of shortwave radio stations in the world, but WBCQ seems unique.

Allan Weiner at the foot of the rotatable antenna installed in 2018.

Located in Monticello, Maine, WBCQ is an up-to-500,000 watt shortwave powerhouse that covers the world via 7.490 MHz, 9.330 MHz, 5.130 MHz, 3.265 MHz, and 6.160 MHz — depending on the time of day, to maximize signal propagation by bouncing off the ionosphere. 

The same rural broadcasting center and antenna/transmitter site is also home to local stations WXME(AM) — carrying talk and rock music on 780 kHz with a translator on 98.3 MHz — and WBCQ(FM), airing classic country on 94.7.

Allan Weiner getting the job done at WBCQ

Dedicated to free speech

To put it mildly, the programs aired on WBCQ’s shortwave broadcasts are eclectic. 

Depending on when you tune into “WBCQ The Planet,” you could hear evangelistic religious programs such as “The Overcomer Ministry” and “World’s Last Chance,” music shows like “American Debauchery” with DJ Duane Bruce, “Marion’s Attic” featuring historic audio recordings, “Le Show” with Harry Shearer, and Radio Newyork International, the name of which is an eponymous nod to Allan Weiner’s ship-based radio station near New York City in the late 1980s.

Read the rest of the story at: 

https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/news-makers/wbcq-a-one-of-a-kind-shortwave-radio-station?utm_term=A8208372-8B15-4B60-A12B-B5B02339D50A&lrh=5fe29bca13dc3e17fdcf1cf80df5f0574faf550d6593cce4d12e8d4836f3656a&utm_campaign=0028F35E-226C-4B60-AC88-AB2831C8A639&utm_medium=email&utm_content=34D60BF9-D384-49AD-BAA2-D84186FF4968&utm_source=SmartBrief

Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/9b3sswmb

Radio France International, Summer Schedule

 

Vintage RFI QSL

A25 schedule to 26 October 2025

Language  Time (UT)   Freq. Target Area

French    0400-0500  15300  East Africa

French    0400-0500  11700  East Africa

French    0500-0600  15300  Central Africa

French    0500-0600  13695  Central Africa

French    0500-0600  11700  Central Africa

French    0600-0700  15300  Central Africa

French    0600-0700  17850  Central Africa

French    0600-0700  13695  West Africa

French    0600-0700  11700  West Africa

French    0700-0800  21580  Central Africa

French    0700-0800  15300  West Africa

French    0700-0800  17660  West Africa

French    0700-0800  17850  Central Africa

French    0800-0900  15300  West Africa

French    0800-0900  17660  West Africa

French    0800-0900  21580  Central Africa

French    0800-0900  17850  Central Africa

French    0900-1000  21580  Central Africa

French    0900-1000  15300  West Africa

French    0900-1000  17660  West Africa

French    0900-1000  21690  Central Africa

French    1200-1300  21690  Central Africa

French    1200-1300  21550  Central Africa

French    1200-1300  17690  West Africa

French    1200-1300  21580  West Africa

French    1700-1800  21690  Central Africa

French    1700-1800  21580  Central Africa

French    1700-1800  17620  West Africa

French    1800-1900  17850  Central Africa

French    1800-1900  17620  West Africa

French    1800-1900  15300  West Africa

French    1800-1900  21690  Central Africa

French    1900-2000  11995  West Africa

French    1900-2000  15300  Central Africa

French    1900-2000  17620  West Africa

French    1900-2000  17850  Central Africa

French    2000-2100  11995  West Africa

French    2000-2100   9790  West Africa

French    2100-2200  11995  West Africa

French    2100-2200   9790  West Africa

Fulfulde  0730-0800  15330  West Africa

Fulfulde  0830-0900  17620  West Africa

Fulfulde  1300-1330  17660  West Africa

Fulfulde  1730-1800  15485  West Africa

Hausa     0600-0630  13740  West Africa

Hausa     0600-0630  11995  West Africa

Hausa     0700-0730  17620  West Africa

Hausa     0700-0730  15325  West Africa

Hausa     1600-1700  17620  West Africa

Hausa     2000-2030  11700  West Africa

Mandinka  0700-0730  13660  West Africa

Mandinka  0800-0830  17620  West Africa

Mandinka  1200-1230  17620  West Africa

Mandinka  1700-1730  15485  West Africa

Swahili   0430-0500  11790  East Africa

Swahili   0530-0600  17660  East Africa

Swahili   1500-1600  21690  East Africa

(WWDXC Top nx 1618/22 May 2025)

Active Brazilian List on Shortwave

 

BRAZIL  

 

5939,24 kHz  Radio Voz Missionaria,  Camboriu SC. 09 May 1952. 45444.

 6010,05 kHz  Radio Inconfidencia,  Belo Horizonte MG. 09 May 1947. 45444.

 6180,00 kHz  Radio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia DF. 09 May 1943. 45444.

 9665,03 kHz  Radio Voz Missionaria,  Camboriu SC. 09 May 1939. 45554.

 9818,53 kHz  Radio Nove de Julho,  Sao Paulo SP. 09 May 1956. 45554.

11750,00 kHz  Radio Voz Missionaria,  Camboriu SC. 09 May 2335. Signal is absent today, possibly for technical maintenance of the transmitter/antenna.

11780,00 kHz  Radio Nacional da Amazonia, Brasilia DF. 09 May 1933. 45554.

15189,81 kHz  Radio Inconfidencia,  Belo Horizonte MG. 09 May 1959. 25342.

Radio Brasil Central, 4985, 11815 kHz. Everything indicates that Radio Brasil Central's shortwave transmissions have been definitively terminated. For several weeks now, there has been no information from other people who heard these frequencies as active, and there is even a tendency for the shortwave transmissions of this station to be terminated.

(Rudolf Grimm, Sao Bernardo SP, Ibiuna SP-BRA; hcdx May 9/Top nx 1618-22 May 2025)

Reminiscing with a Radio

Thank you to Ray Robinson, Jeff  White, and Dr Adrian M Peterson, for the Wavescan program - another excellent nostalgic story in radio history.

Reminiscing with a Radio: Radio to the Rescue – Lost in China!

Author: Dr.  Adrian M.  Peterson 

Jeff:  A few weeks ago in the middle of April, we presented a feature on some of the shortwave stations that were pressed into service for broadcasting across the Pacific from California during World War II.  As a follow-up to that today, we have a story that was written up by our editor-in-chief Dr. Adrian M. Petersen, about the way one of those stations was used to broadcast an emergency message, in June 1939.  From Los Angeles, Ray Robinson has the story.

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  These days we are quite familiar with the multitudinous forms of electronic communication that are available for the purpose of passing on information in emergency situations.  Hand held walkie-talkies can be used for directing search and rescue teams, the telephone can summon help with the dialing of emergency numbers, the “Amber Alert” system in the United States alerts motorists along busy highways to keep a look out for wanted cars with a kidnapped passenger, radio and TV stations can provide important emergency information to the public very efficiently, and of course there are many ways of using the Internet to pass on information quickly.  All of these modern communication procedures might be described as “Lassie to the Rescue”, electronically.  However, as we are aware, it has not always been this way.  Back more than three quarters of a century ago, there was just the telephone and wireless and these were the only forms of electronic communication that could be utilized for quick emergency contact.

During the tumultuous events in Asia in the era immediately prior to the Pacific War, a famous Chinese dramatic soprano, Louise Kwan, was married to a professor at Nanking University in China.  He was granted the opportunity of postgraduate studies at Cornell University in New York State, and in order to make the journey, Louise Kwan left her infant son in the temporary care of her own parents.  However, while the university couple were in the United States, Nanking University, along with many other enterprises in coastal China, packed up and trekked inland ahead of an anticipated Japanese invasion.  While still in the United States, Louise made many attempts to find the location to which her parents and her infant son had relocated, but without success.

Finally, Louise and her husband decided that it was time to return to their homeland and they began their homeward-bound journey by traveling across the continental United States.  Arrangements had been made by the Reverend Stanley Hunter of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, California for Louise to stop off in San Francisco and make a live broadcast from the new shortwave station KGEI.  This was the only shortwave station in the United States at the time that was heard with a reliable signal in China.  During this era, it was on the air for the early morning broadcast with 20 kW on 9530 kHz in the 31 metre band.

This new shortwave station in California was established by the General Electric Company, which had previously placed stations WGEA & WGEO on the air in Schenectady, New York.  The original plans for their California-based station, as announced in 1937, called for two shortwave transmitters at 20 kW each, though the station was launched two years later with just one unit.  The first test broadcast from this new station, under the experimental callsign W6XBE, went on the air on February 18, 1939 on 15330 kHz.  This initial broadcast, on the opening day of the “Golden Gate International Exposition”, was heard in several areas of the United States and also in Australia.  Initially, this station verified by letter, though at least one listener-prepared card verifying the first test broadcast was signed and posted in San Francisco.

Thus it was that Louise Kwan stood before the open microphone in the Treasure Island studios of station KGEI in the early morning of June 21, 1939, and she sang songs in Chinese that she had sung on previous occasions, and in much better times, to her infant son.  She then made an urgent appeal for anybody in China who knew the whereabouts of her parents and her son to pass the information along.  Three days later, she and her husband boarded an ocean-going steamer for the long, and potentially treacherous, journey across the Pacific to mainland China.

At the time when Louise Kwan made her emotional broadcast, the General Electric station was still operating under the original experimental callsign, W6XBE, though a few weeks later, on September 1, the call was officially regularized to the more familiar KGEI.  The studios in which Louise made her broadcast were located in the “Palace of Electricity” on man-made Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay during the 1939 “Golden Gate International Exposition”.  The antenna was strung across two poles located at the harbor entrance to Treasure Island.  During the Pacific War, station KGEI was taken over by the United States ‘Office of War Information’ (or, OWI) as the first west coast station for the Voice of America.

photo via Ray Robinson

After some time of heart-wrenching searching in China, Louise and her husband did finally manage to locate their missing son, though Louise also discovered that her parents had died during the arduous trek inland.  The information was passed on to station KGEI in California via the Presbyterian church pastor, and listeners throughout the world heard the “rest of the story”, as radio-man Paul Harvey would say, about the re-union of the famous Chinese soprano, Louise Kwan, and her missing son.

Back to you, Jeff.

Listen to Rare Audio of  from the former KGEI San Francisco, California in 1941: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ_S0WeT3ts

Frequency testing from Moldova

 

photo via Wikipedia

Shortwave frequency testing from Grigoriopol-Mayak, Moldova, testing targeted to the Far East 

 

(UTC)

300 kW, 16 degrees 

May 19 

13730 kHz

15.00-16.00 

19.00-20.00

 

May 20 

15175 kHz

11.00-12.00 

16.00-17.00 

20.00-21.00 

 

May 21 

17505 kHz

10.00-11.00 

15.00-16.00 

19.00-20.00 

https://t.me/s/powerfulradio/290

(R Pearson)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2025 May 19 0221 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 May 2025

Solar activity ranged from low to high. Region 4087 (N15, L=058, class/area=Dho/250 on 15 May) produced the strongest event of the period, an impulsive X2.7/2b flare (R3 - Strong) at 14/0825 UTC near the NE limb. A Type II radio sweep and Tenflare accompanied the event. The region also produced an M5.3 flare (R2 - Moderate) at 14/0325 UTC with a Type II radio sweep and an M7.7/1n flare (R2) at 14/1119 UTC. Finally, three R1 events were produced by the region on 14 and 15 May. Region 4086 (N07, L=207, class/area=Dao/060 on 13 May) also produced R3 event, with an X1.2/1b flare observed at 13/1538 UTC. Associated with that event was a Type II radio sweep and Tenflare. 

Other activity included a DSF that lifted off of the Sun's northern hemisphere late on 12 May. Analysis and modeling of the event suggested the bulk of the ejecta would pass close but above Earth early on 17 May. No other Earth-directed CMEs were identified in available coronagraph imagery. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. However, a weak enhancement, which peaked below the S1 (Minor) threshold, was observed on 13 May following the X1.2 event from Region 4086. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels 18 May following activity associated with the onset of a positive polarity CH HSS. 

Geomagnetic field activity was quiet levels on 12-13 May. Periods of southward Bz elevated geomagnetic activity to active levels on 14-15 May. Late on 16 May, enhancements in solar wind parameters, associated with the onset of a positive polarity CH HSS and possible influence from the southern periphery of the CME that left the Sun on 12 May, increased activity to active levels. Total magnetic field strength reached peak levels of 22 nT on 17 May and the Bz component reached as far south as -17 nT. Solar wind speeds increased to around 500 km/s. The geomagnetic field responded with conditions up to G2 (Moderate) levels. Wind speeds continued to increase to around 750-800 km/s by 18 May, but the decreased in magnetic field strength in the IMF only provoked a peak of G1 (Minor) conditions as the high-speed stream began to wane. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 19 May - 14 June 2025

Solar activity is expected to be at low levels, with a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) events, over the outlook period. 

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 19-23 May, 29 May - 05 Jun, and 14 Jun in response to recurrent coronal hole activity. The remainder of the outlook period is expected to be at normal to moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity is likely to elevated above quiet levels for most of the next 27 days due to multiple, recurrent, coronal hole features. G2 (moderate) conditions are likely on 29 May and 13 Jun; G1 (minor) conditions likely on 19 May, 28 May, and 14 Jun; active conditions are likely on 30 May - 01 Jun, and 10 Jun; unsettled levels are likely on 20-23 May, 27 May, 02-07 Jun, and 11-12 Jun. Quiet conditions are expected for the few remaining days of the outlook period. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt

:Issued: 2025 May 19 0222 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 2025-05-19

#

#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2025 May 19     120          18          5

2025 May 20     115          12          3

2025 May 21     115          12          3

2025 May 22     115          10          3

2025 May 23     120           8          3

2025 May 24     120           6          2

2025 May 25     120           5          2

2025 May 26     120           5          2

2025 May 27     130           8          3

2025 May 28     135          25          5

2025 May 29     135          30          6

2025 May 30     140          20          4

2025 May 31     140          20          4

2025 Jun 01     140          20          4

2025 Jun 02     135          12          3

2025 Jun 03     135           8          3

2025 Jun 04     130          10          3

2025 Jun 05     125          12          3

2025 Jun 06     120          10          3

2025 Jun 07     115          10          3

2025 Jun 08     120           5          2

2025 Jun 09     115           5          2

2025 Jun 10     120          15          4

2025 Jun 11     120          12          3

2025 Jun 12     120          12          3

2025 Jun 13     115          30          6

2025 Jun 14     110          20          5

(NOAA)

Texas Radio Shortwave Tests for Europe on May 18 and 21

 

earlier QSLfrom Texas Radio Shortwave

On Sunday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 21, we'll test to Europe over Shortwave Radio (shortwaveradio.de).

We want reports comparing the reception of the two frequencies each day and between Sunday and Wednesday, since the broadcasts are at different times.  If you have time, note how Channel 292 is received on 3955 and 6070 kHz.

We'll have a nice QSL for correct reception reports, and maybe some other goodies if you send a really detailed report.

Our email is texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com.

Texas Radio Shortwave

Tests for Europe over Shortwave Radio (shortwaveradio.de)

Month Date (UTC) Time (UTC) Freq (kHz) Target

May 18 1800 3975 & 6160 Eur

21 2000 3975 & 6160 Eur

On Sunday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 21, we'll test to Europe over Shortwave Radio (shortwaveradio.de).

We want reports comparing the reception of the two frequencies each day and between Sunday and Wednesday, since the broadcasts are at different times.  If you have time, note how Channel 292 is received on 3955 and 6070 kHz.

We'll have a nice QSL for correct reception reports, and maybe some other goodies if you send a really detailed report.

Our email is texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com.

Massive solar flare erupts

 

Strongest solar flare of 2025 erupts from the sun, sparking radio blackouts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

X2.7-class eruption from sunspot AR4087 disrupts radio signals as the active region rotates toward Earth, raising the risk of more flares ahead.

The sun roared to life early Tuesday (May 14), unleashing a powerful X-class solar flare from a newly emerging sunspot region AR4087.

The eruption peaked at 4:25 a.m. EDT (0825 GMT), triggering strong R3-level radio blackouts across Europe, Asia and the Middle East — the sunlit side of Earth at the time — as sunspot region 2087 crackles with activity.

Solar flares of this magnitude are uncommon, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Solar flares are ranked by strength in five classes: A, B, C, M and X, with each step representing a tenfold increase in energy. The recent X flare clocked in at X2.7, placing it at the lower end of the most powerful solar flare class.

Continue reading at:

https://www.space.com/astronomy/sun/strongest-solar-flare-of-2025-erupts-from-sun-sparking-radio-blackouts-europe-asia-middle-east

Radio Marti’ is back on the air....is it reaching Cuba?

 

photo Wikipedia

Radio Marti’ is back on the air. 

Here’s why its signal is likely not reaching Cuba 

By Nora Gámez Torres May 9, 2025 2:26 PM

Despite an earlier announcement that Radio Martí was back on the air following a presidential executive order that suddenly halted the U.S.-funded radio broadcasting to Cuba, its signal is probably not reaching the island because its shortwave transmitters remain silent. Early in March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating that the U.S. Agency for Global Media — the parent agency of Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which oversees Radio and TV Martí and the online news site Martí Noticias — reduce operations to a minimum. 

All Martí employees and senior management at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting were placed on leave, and the radio station stopped transmitting for the first time in four decades.

Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article306063551.html#storylink=cpy

Encore classical music from Radio Tumbril

 

Dear Listener,

Regular Broadcast times of Encore By WRMI and Channel 292 are:

02:00 - 03:00 UTC Friday 5850 kHz WRMI to US

20:00 - 21:00 UTC Friday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe

10:00 - 11:00 UTC Saturday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe

01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz WRMI to US and Canada

19:00 - 20:00 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. (Sometimes RTTY on the lower sideband. Suggest notch out or use USB.)

Some Things to see on The Encore Website:

The Encore website is www.tumbril.co.uk where you will find:

Important information about funding of Encore - Radio Tumbril.

Up to date transmission times and frequencies.

The playlists for the most recent programmes.

An email link.

Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL cards are welcome.

ENCORE IS A ONE-MAN OPERATION -  PLEASE MAKE A PAYPAL DONATION AND HELP KEEP ENCORE ON THE AIR - Go to - www.tumbril.co.uk

WRMI and Channel 292 are very generous with their air-time but Encore still costs around 100 Dollars/Euros a month to broadcast.

If you can - please send a small contribution to help Encore keep going.

THE DONATION BUTTON is on the homepage of the website - www.tumbril.co.uk - which folks can use if they would like to support Encore.

(Please don't be put off by the POWR security wall when using the PAYPAL button - it is a harmless requirement of WIX the website hosting service.)

THIS FORTNIGHT'S PROGRAMME - First broadcast this FRIDAY 16th May by WRMI at 0200 UTC on 5850, and 2000 UTC on 15770 and then Channel 292 on SATURDAY 17th May at 10:00 UTC on 9670 kHz:

Starts with part of the Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra by Mozart, some Tango inspired music from Argentina, and an example of music for high Baroque trumpet by J S Endler.

After that an arrangement for piano quartet of The Sea and the Seagulls from Rachmaninoff, and some film score by Caroline Shaw.

The last piece is the first movement of Borodin's Quartet No. 2.

(This bulletin is sent by Bcc to the many hundreds of listeners who have been in contact with Encore over the last nearly six years of broadcasting Encore.)

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - www.tumbril.co.uk

GMØTLY

BBC producers request to listener's

 

The WRTH has received a request from the producers of the annual BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast (Boffin Media), asking the shortwave community if anybody has any recordings of pre-2005 BBC Antarctic broadcasts (or knows of any e.g. archived on a website)

The BBC does not have any recordings in their archive from before 2005 (the 70th anniversary of BBC Antarctic broadcasts is this year as the first BBC broadcast to Antarctica was in 1955 - re my 2021 article in Communication https://bdxc.org.uk/antarctic.pdf )

(The producer is Richard Hollingham at Boffin Media - email to info@boffinmedia.co.uk [info at boffinmedia.co.uk] marked for his attention if you have any old pre-2005 recordings)

(Alan Pennngton/BDXC) 

Radio Free Asia Burmese language service closes permanently

 

The Radio Free Asia (RFA) Burmese language service officially announced its closure on Friday, marking a significant loss for independent journalism in Myanmar where press freedom is already severely restricted by the regime, which seized power in a 2021 military coup.

“A diverse media landscape is especially crucial during this period of military rule. This is very sad news,” a journalist from Myanmar now working in Chiang Mai, Thailand told DVB on the condition of anonymity. An unknown number of independent Myanmar news agencies relocated to Thailand in 2021, where they now operate from exile.

The RFA shutdown follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on March 14, which led to a notice of funding termination for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). It oversees several outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and RFA.

“We inform you that due to funding uncertainties, the RFA Burmese Service will cease operations. We sincerely thank our audience for their years of trust and support,” Kyaw Kyaw Aung, the head of RFA Burmese language service, shared in a social media post on Friday.

Additional text at: 

https://english.dvb.no/radio-free-asia-burmese-language-service-closes-permanently-myanmar-media-struggle-with-us-funding-cuts/