VOA Radiogram, January 28-29

Hello friends,

Last weekend, I had problems with our Outlook contact lists, resulting in some of you receiving two emails, and some VOA Radiogram listeners receiving no email. I’ve reconstructed the mailing lists. If you have previously unsubscribed and are receiving this email again, let me know, and I will delete you again.

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off. VOA Radiogram will be heard during the DigiDX broadcast times on WRMI Florida and IBC Italy. See the expanded schedule below.

The expanded schedule is a good way to celebrate the 200^th program of VOA Radiogram this weekend.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 200, 28-29 January 2017, all in MFSK32 except where noted:

1:52  Program preview

 3:02  Strange insect gets new scientific order*

8:54  China will crack down on VPNs*

14:02  Olivia 64-2000: Naval Academy HF Cubesat

21:30  MFSK32: 200th edition of VOA Radiogram*

25:09  Closing announcements*

* with image

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule (expanded):

UTC Day	UTC Time	kHz	Transmitter	Target*
Saturday	0930-1000	5865	North Carolina	Americas
Saturday	1600-1630	17580	North Carolina	Europe
Sunday	0230-0300	5745	North Carolina	Americas
Sunday	1930-2000	15670	North Carolina	Europe
Sunday	2030-2100	11580	WRMI Florida	Europe
Sunday	2330-2400	11580	WRMI Florida	Americas
Monday	2000-2030	3975	IBC Italy	Europe
Wednesday	2100-2130	3975	IBC Italy	Europe
* But often heard outside the nominal target area

The Mighty KBC broadcast to North America will be Sunday at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 6145 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK32 will be transmitted at about 0130 UTC. Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/ . 

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off.  See http://www.digidx.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/digidx/

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) has digital modes as follows:
EVERY WEDNESDAY ON 3975 KHZ 20.30-21.00 UTC in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500
EVERY FRIDAY ON 9955 KHZ 02.25-02.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SATURDAY ON 1584 KHZ 21.25-21.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 7730 KHZ 00.55-01.00 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 6070 KHZ 11.30-12.00 UTC  in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500 (VIA RADIO BCLNEWS)
For the complete IBC transmission schedule, including voice broadcasts, visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/

Winter SWL Fest.  I am planning to attend the Winter SWL Fest, March 2-4, 2017, at Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Hope to see you there. Information at  http://www.swlfest.com .

Thanks for your reports from last weekend. I am still compiling the gallery from program 198 (14-15 January). I hope to have it finished this weekend and send it to everyone who provided reports.

I hope you can tune in and write this weekend.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net

Twitter: @VOARadiogram  (especially active just before, during, and after broadcasts)

PS: A few operating notes:

• For best Olivia 64-2000 performance, turn Fldigi's squelch (SQL) off.
• The RSID at 1500 Hz sometimes mixes with the transmitter hum, most noticeable at 360 Hz, to move your receive audio frequency down to 1140 Hz, resulting in no decode. To prevent this, in Fldigi: Configure > IDs  > RsID > unselect Searches passband.  Your center audio frequency will wander no more than +/- 200 Hz.
• Fldigi automatically saves your decoded MFSK images as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ (in Windows; folder names might be different with other operating systems). You can attach those png files with your reception report.
• The VOA Radiogram Twitter account @VOARadiogram is especially active before, during, and after the broadcasts. You don't need a Twitter account: just go to https://twitter.com/voaradiogram and refresh it occasionally.

DXers Unlimited - January 22 edition

Radio Havana Cuba
Dxers Unlimited's weekend edition for Sunday 22 January 2017
By Arnie Coro/CO2KK

Hola amigos radioaficionados all around the world.. I am Arnaldo, Arnie,  Coro your host here at the weekend edition of Dxers Unlimited, the one  and only radio hobby program covering almost all of the 91 different  ways we can enjoy playing with our radios and accessories...

First news item... the Sun making a come back of sorts, after stalling  for about 10 days at the beginning of 2017... Sunspots are back in sight and the daily 10.7 centimeters solar radiation flux has moved up to around 85 units...  Correspondingly the next few days will see better propagation conditions on the short wave bands, especially between 10 a 21 megaHertz...

Item two.... good news coming from the European Broadcasting Union...
They are announcing a New dot radio Internet Domain The EBU is launching a new Top Level Domain (TLD) name -dot .radio - aimed at the radio community including Radio Amateurs. The launch is planned for September 2017 and the EBU says this which will progressively change the way people are reaching internet resources linked to radio.

These categories will be accepted for the use of a dot .radio domain:
• Radio Amateurs
• Radio broadcasting stations
• Unions of Broadcasters
• Internet radios
• Radio professionals (journalists, radio hosts, DJs, …)
• Radio-related companies selling radio goods and services
Item three: More and more radio amateurs around the world are learning standard electronic workshop procedures, like soldering , measuring  circuit parameters, reading circuit diagrams , also learning how to  visually identify electronic components, and all that new knowledge opens the way to start building the new generation of user friendly  radio kits... Yes I am very pleased to say that several of the most recently advertised via Internet amateur radio transceivers kits intended to be assembled at home using simple hand tools and standard measuring equipment like the now classic digital multimeters have proven  to be very reliable after proper assembly.

One recent example is the Bayou Jumper solid state QRP transmitter receiver rig, that was derived from the World War II Paraset rig used by paratroopers launched behind enemy lines and by freedom fighters in countries occupied by the Nazis to communicate vital information.  The twenty first century version uses all solid state components for the regenerative detector receiver and the power transistors transmitters...

Limiting the coverage to a narrow segment of the 40 meters band has proven to be a very wise decision, because it has helped to create more activity on the 40 meters band segment between 7100 and 7125 kHz.. Of course that this little rig is a CW only transmitter...  and it is able to receive also single side band voice signals as well as digital modes. Among the bright ideas brought forward by the radio club that is promoting this kit of parts we must include the use of coils that are part of the printed circuit board supplied with the kit of parts. Coil winding to exact specifications has proven to be a long time  problem for home builders. The Bayou Jumper, spelled B A Y O U  J U M P E R uses a single easy to wind toroid coil for the receiver...

The Bayou Jumper Transceiver was designed by two American radio amateurs Jim Giammanco N5 IB and David Cripe N M Zero S---- Here are now some
Specifications and Design Features of this very interesting amateur radio 40 meters band transmitter and receiver set General
     N5IB: Original prototype development, receiver development, PCB and
panel layouts, part sourcing.
     NMØS: Transmitter design, PCB, panel, parts sourcing, assembly manual.
     RXTX Design: Separate receiver and transmitter, built in RIT..
     T/R Switching: Hand switched with a chicken head knob, just as in the old days.
     Single Bander: 40M as supplied.
     Toroids: Only one toroid to wind in the receiver, and none in the transmitter. Only ONE for the whole rig!
     NO SMT: All parts are through hole, there are NO surface mount
devices in the kit.
     Current Requirements: Receiver 20ma, Transmitter 750ma
 
Enclosure: Beautiful silk screened panel and commercial wooden box,
for a very retro look. Dim. L x W x H, 7.75" x 5.5" x 3.25"

Here is more about how volunteer groups around the world are promoting the home assembly of ham radio equipment by designing rigs that can be successfully completed thanks to the use of high quality electronic components , extremely well designed and made printed circuit boards as well as excellent step by step instruction manuals.

The Bayou Jumper solves many of the problems found in previous attempts of making kits by addressing the most frequent failures of those projects, like for example the need to wind several toroidal ring inductances using very fine wires, a task that is quite a challenge for the older radio amateurs and also to younger less experienced home builders.

Now I am going to share with you the specifications of the performance achieved by the Bayou Jumper kit. Amazing as some them may seem to be, they were all fully verified with advanced electronic test instruments.
Receiver
     Tuning and Regeneration: Grounded front panel, and insulated shafts
on the controls, so hand effect detuning is minimized.
     Sensitivity: -120 dB (approx S1). Well below the typical rural band
noise level of approx. -100dB (approx. S4).
     Tuning Range: Tuning range approximately 120 to 150 kHz.
     One Knob tuning: No bandset/band spread needed.
     Varactor Tuning: Varactor tuning employing readily available
Schottky diodes as varactor diodes.
     RF Gain: Optional RF attenuator control, useful when employing
full-scale antennas.
     Audio: Plenty of headphone audio, and will drive a small speaker.
     Transmitter
     NS-40: Integrated into the PCB is Dave's famous NS-40 Class E
transmitter.  
More info here:
     Crystal Controlled: The rig has a socket for the old-style FT243 crystals, plus 7030 and 7122 kHz crystals and included crystal adapters. If you have old 7MHz Novice crystals, you can use them with this rig!
     Output Power: Solid 5 Watts.
     No Toroids: No toroids to wind, all inductors are etched on the pc board.
     Keying Options: Straight key built into the front panel, just like the original Paraset! Also includes a 1/8" jack so you can use it with your favorite mechanical key, or an electronic keyer with an interface, such as one of these.
     Spotting: You can activate the crystal oscillator at low power to allow zero beating the receiver to the transmit frequency.
     Final Amp: Cool running robust MOSFET.
     Spectral Purity: All harmonics and spurious emissions are 50dB or more below the carrier.
Using a half wave 40 meters band dipole antenna fed via a one o one balun with 50 ohms coaxial cable, my 5 Watts output QRP transceiver provides good two way contacts under normal propagation conditions. My daytime coverage reaches all over the Cuban archipelago, and at night I can work all over the Americas, Europe, Western Africa. Under very good propagation conditions early pre sunrise propagation of 40 meters makes possible DX contacts with Japan, Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific Islands nations--- Now at the end of the show... a short form HF bands propagation update::. Conditions have improved and will continue to improve due a slight but noticeable increase in solar activity... see you all at the middle of the week edition of Dxers Unlimited next Tuesday and Wednesday UTC days  just after the half hour newscast here
at Radio Havana Cuba.
(Arnie Coro/R Havana)

Monitoring "out of band" transmissions

Recent international monitoring of stations broadcasting on "out of band" frequencies. Though this is not a complete list of all out of band frequencies, it reflects a portion of what has been monitored.

Freq/ UTC

Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar

4750       1400-1704

Bolivia, R Mosoj Chaski

3310       0033

Brazil, Radio Clube do Para

4885       1242

Brazil, Difusora Acreana

4885       0339

Canada, CHU Time/Frequency Station

3330       0440

Canada, VFG Gander Volmet (meteorological information for aircraft in flight)

3486       0720      

3476       0718      

3477.4  0716       

China, China National Radio 1

4749.992   1300-0000

4750       0015-0300, 0905-1532, 2040-2130

4799.995   0000-0322, 0920-1127, 1533-1804 , 2023-0000

4800       1219-1533, 2147

China, China National Radio 2

3985       1302-0000

China, PBS Hulin Buir

3900       1220-1223

China, PBS Hunan

4990       0923

China, PBS Xinjiang

4500       0000-0200, 1230-1800, 2340

China, PBS Xizang Lhasa 

4820       1016-1227, 1510-1525, 2004-2148

4920       1510-2112

China, Voice of Strait

4940       1028-1523

Clandestine, Voice of People

3480       0600-0630, 0858-0902-0930, 1013, 1205-1235, 1504-1552, 1758-1829, 2009-2135

Euro pirate - Radio Batavia

3929       2155

France, Radio France International

3965       DRM 0000-1120, 0900, 1627-0000

French pirate stations

3450       2120

Germany, DDH Hamburg Meteo (meteorological information)

3855       0419-2250 

Germany, HCJB Deutsche Life FM

3995       24 hour schedule

Germany, Radio 700  (station previously reported as "inactive," monitored 28 October 2016)

3985       0000-0900, 1604-0000

India, AIR Port Blair

4760       0212-0330

India, AIR Shillong

4970       1512-1524

Ireland, Shannon Volmet  (meteorological information for aircraft in flight)

3412       0000-0600, 2225-0130 

3413       0130 

3414.362   0715-723   

Japan, R Nikkei Prgm 1

3925       1019-1225

North Korea, KCBS Pyongyang

2850       0001-0338, 0557-0752, 0854-0925, 1001-1215 1454-1510, 1754-2137

3220       0005, 0607-1009, 1204, 1456-1550, 1756-2140,

3250       0330, 0603, 1456-1522, 1755-2109

3320       0000-0311,0608-1011, 1204-1211, 1503-1515, 1755-1815-2145   

3980       0915-1225

  

North Korea, Voice of Korea

3250       0001, 00759-1218, 2141-2352

3320       0803-1014

North Korean jamming

3320       0310

3910       1813

3911       1035

3912       0314, 0605-0632, 0902-1018, 1215-1225, 1500-1832, 2005-2035, 2107-2146

3985       0610

4450       0609-1234, 1533-2144

4550       1229

4557       0609-1027, 1843-2150

Papua New Guinea, NBC R Madang

3260       0906

Papua New Guinea, NBC R Manus

3309.977  1846-1851  (station previously reported as "inactive", monitored 02 October 2016)

3315       0925  monitored 11 October 2016

Papua New Guinea, NBC R Simbu

3355       0928 (station previously reported as "inactive", monitored 11 Nov 2016

Peru, Radio Chota

4890       1243    (station previously reported as "inactive", monitored 07 October 2016)

Portugal, CSV Santa Maria Control

3492       0753       Aircraft traffic

Russian pirate station

2995       0140

3082       0157

3124       0152

Shanwick Radio (Air Traffic Control)

2872       0050, 0720

3446       0520, 0712

3447.4   0715-0725

3450       1715-1740

South Africa, Radio Sonder Grense

3320       0040

South Korea, KBS World

3955       2000-0000

  

Swaziland, TWR Africa

3240       0330

4759.995   1630-1645 

Turkey, TAH Marine Coastal Station

4560       0713, 1603-1753, 1858-1915 Sitor

UK, BBC

3915       2300

3955       DRM 0500-0600

4789.988  1300-1330

USA, WWCR Nashville TN

4840       0320

Vatican City State, Vatican Radio

3975       2040-2100

From the Isle of Music programming January 23-28

From the Isle of Music, Week of January 23-28, 2017

SPECIAL EDITION: To honor the first anniversary of the passing of Miguel Angel Rasalps "Lele", who sang with Elio Reve, Los Van Van and the funky, rocking yet very Cuban Los Reyes 73, music from all three groups with special guest Ricardo Delgado, who played saxophone with Los Reyes 73 in the 1970s.

Three options for listening on shortwave:
WBCQ, 7490 KHz, Tuesdays 0100-0200 UTC (8pm-9pm EDT Mondays in the Americas)
Channel 292, 6070 KHz, Fridays 1100-1200 UTC (1200-1300 CET) and Saturdays 1200-1300 UTC (1300-1400 CET)
See the NOTES section of our Facebook page for instructions for listening online if you are out of range or don't have a shortwave radio.
(Tilford Productions)

Radio Australia a 'vital link'

Radio Australia Transmitter, Shepparton

Shepparton News
By Gary Baker, former District Manager at Radio Australia, Shepparton
January 21, 2017
Recently I heard that the HF radio transmission site at Shepparton, known as Radio Australia, is to be shut down. I believe this is mostly due to budget cuts to the ABC by the Federal Government. The ABC uses this site to broadcast services into Asia and the Pacific Islands. The site is owned by a private company, Broadcast Australia. The ABC pays Broadcast Australia to use the transmission site at Shepparton, but it does not own the facility.

I understand the ABC needs to cut back on some services it provides and make use of the latest technology. This makes sense except in the case of the Shepparton facility. The Shepparton transmission site has the capability to direct radio signals into specific countries as we see fit. This is unique to this site, as no other site can reach the countries this one can.

In my time as District Manager at the Shepparton site, I recall some instances where the Shepparton site was called upon to direct radio signals to specific targets. At one point the Fiji Government shut down the local Australian ABC transmitter.Shepparton sent radio into that country to keep Australians informed during that time. When there was a coup in the Solomon Islands, once again we sent signals into that country.

We also sent radio signals into Myanmar at the request of the Australian Government.Another task that the Shepparton site fulfils is to send signals into northern Australia in times of need, for example during Cyclone Larry when the Northern Territory radio service was beamed back to the tropical north from Shepparton. The Shepparton site is in a location that has good weather and is politically stable. This makes it an ideal tool for widespread information broadcasting.

The ABC would argue that this HF radio service is old technology and can be replaced by the internet or satellite services. This is true.

However, the ABC and the Federal Government do not control the internet or satellite services in other countries and therefore they are not reliable. HF radio broadcasting from a secure location is very reliable.

So why remove this service? Does the Federal Government understand the value of this international radio service?

I hope that in writing this letter, its value will become clear to those who have the power to make decisions. The Australian Government is in the position of being ‘hands off’ the ABC’s management of services, and I would agree for every service it provides except this one. Radio Australia Shepparton should be partly controlled by the Australian Government, not just the ABC.

I plead that this broadcasting site remains in service and continues to provide northern Australia and oversees services for Australians home and abroad. You could also argue that long-range radio lets the world know we are here, and gives Australians both in our home country and overseas vital information in times of need.
(BDXC/Mike Terry post 23 Jan 2017)
photo via panoramio)

Updated winter B-16 clandestine station schedules

original post 30 December 2016

All times UTC

Radio Republica
0100-0300 on  9490 ISS 150 kW / 285 deg to Cuba Spanish

Radio Payem e-Doost
0230-0315 on  7460 KCH 500 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Farsi

Denge Kurdistan
0330-0600 on  7350 KCH 300 kW / 130 deg to WeAs Kurdish

Radio Tamazuj
0330-0400 on  7315 SMG 250 kW / 146 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0400-0430 on  7315 SMG 250 kW / 151 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0330-0430 on  9600 ISS 250 kW / 138 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0330-0430 on 15540 MDC 250 kW / 335 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic

Radio Dabanga
0430-0600 on  7315 SMG 250 kW / 151 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0430-0530 on 15540 MDC 250 kW / 335 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0530-0600 on 15540 SMG 250 kW / 151 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic

Eye Radio
0400-0500 on  7250 ISS 250 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Arabic/English*
*including other languages Dinka/Nuer/Shilluk/Bari/Zande/Lutoho

Radio Dandal Kura International
0500-0700 on  7415 ASC 250 kW / 055 deg to WeAf Kanuri

Republic of Yemen Radio
0600-0900 on 11860 JED 050 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic

Radio Dandal Kura International
0700-0800 on 15480 WOF 300 kW / 165 deg to WeAf Kanuri

Denge Kurdistan
0600-1300 on 11600 KCH 300 kW / 130 deg to WeAs Kurdish

Republic of Yemen Radio
0900-1800 on 11860 unknown tx / unknown to N/ME Arabic

Radio Free North Korea
1100-1300 on  9355 TAC 100 kW / 076 deg to NEAs Korean

Suab Xaa Moo Zoo, Voice of Hope
1130-1200 on 11570 TSH 100 kW / 250 deg to SEAs Hmong

Voice of Khmer M'Chas Srok
1130-1200 on 17860 TAC 100 kW / 122 deg to SEAs Khmer Thu/Sun

Voice of Tibet
1200-1230 on 11513 DB  100 kW / 095 deg to EaAs Chinese
1230-1300 on 11507 DB  100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan

Que Me
1200-1230 on  9930 HBN 100 kW / 318 deg to EaAs Vietnamese Fri

Radio ERGO
1200-1300 on 17845 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Somali

National Unity Radio
1200-1500 on  7520 DB  100 kW / 071 deg to NEAs Korean

Denge Kurdistan
1300-1600 on 11600 KCH 300 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Kurdish

Shiokaze Sea Breeze
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Chinese Mon
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Tue
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Wed
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs English Thu
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Fri
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Sat
1300-1330 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Sun

Nippon no Kaze
1300-1330 on  9465 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean
1300-1330 on  9950 TSH 100 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean

Voice of Tibet
1300-1330 on 11513 DB  100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan
1330-1400 on  9508 DB  100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan

Shiokaze Sea Breeze
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Mon
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Tue
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Wed
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs English Thu
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Fri
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Sat
1330-1400 on  6145 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Sun

Furusato no Kaze
1330-1400 on  9705 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese
1330-1400 on  9950 TSH 100 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese

Voice of Wilderness
1330-1530 on  7615 TAC 100 kW / 070 deg to NEAs Korean

Shiokaze Sea Breeze
1405-1435 on  5935 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese

Furusato no Kaze
1430-1500 on  9560 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese
1430-1500 on  9960 HBN 100 kW / 345 deg to NEAs Japanese

Radio Tamazuj
1430-1500 on 13800 NAU 125 kW / 152 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
1430-1500 on 15540 ISS 250 kW / 138 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
1500-1530 on 13800 MDC 250 kW / 340 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
1500-1530 on 15540 SMG 250 kW / 151 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic

North Korea Reform Radio
1430-1530 on  7590 TAC 100 kW / 076 deg to NEAs Korean

Nippon no Kaze
1500-1530 on  9800 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean
1500-1530 on  9975 HBN 100 kW / 345 deg to NEAs Korean

Denge Kurdistan
1500-1600 on 11600 ISS 250 kW / 090 deg to WeAs Kurdish

Radio Al-Mukhtar
1500-1530 on 11670 ISS 100 kW / 125 deg to EaAf Arabic Tue
1530-1600 on 11670 ISS 100 kW / 125 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Tue

Radio Voice of Adal
1500-1530 on 11670 ISS 100 kW / 125 deg to EaAf Arabic Wed/Sat
1530-1600 on 11670 ISS 100 kW / 125 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Wed/Sat

Radio Warra Wangeelaa-ti
1500-1530 on 15515 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to EaAf Afar Oromo Sat

Radio Biafra
1500-1600 on 15325 SCB 100 kW / 195 deg to WeAf English

Nippon no Kaze
1530-1600 on  9465 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Korean
1530-1600 on  9965 HBN 100 kW / 345 deg to NEAs Korean

Living Water Ministry Broadcasting
1530-1630 on  9650 unknown probably PUG to NEAs Korean Wed

Radio Dabanga
1530-1630 on 13800 MDC 250 kW / 340 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
1530-1630 on 15540 SMG 250 kW / 151 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic

Voice of Martyrs
1530-1700 on  7510 TAC 100 kW / 076 deg to NEAs Korean

Shiokaze Sea Breeze
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Chinese Mon
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Tue
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Wed
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs English Thu
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Fri
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Sat
1600-1630 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Sun

Denge Kurdistan
1600-1930 on  7455 ISS 250 kW / 090 deg to WeAs Kurdish

Furusato no Kaze
1600-1630 on  9690 TSH 300 kW / 002 deg to NEAs Japanese
1600-1630 on  9975 HBN 100 kW / 345 deg to NEAs Japanese

Radio Xoriyo Ogaden
1600-1630 on 11970 ISS 500 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Somali Tue/Sat
1600-1630 on 17870 ISS 500 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Somali Mon/Fri

Eye Radio
1600-1700 on 15250 ISS 250 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Arabic/English*
*including other languages Dinka/Nuer/Shilluk/Bari/Zande/Lutoho

Radio Voice of Independent Oromiya
1600-1630 on 17850 ISS 250 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Oromo Sun

Shiokaze Sea Breeze
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Mon
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Tue
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Wed
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs English Thu
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Fri
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Korean Sat
1630-1700 on  6110 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Sun

Radio Sagalee Qeerroo Bilisummaa
1630-1658 on 17840 ISS 250 kW / 130 deg to EaAf Oromo Tue/Thu/Fri

Radio Ranginkaman/Radio Rainbow
1700-1730 on  7580 KCH 500 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Farsi Mon/Fri

Voice of Oromo Liberation
1700-1730 on 11810 NAU 100 kW / 139 deg to EaAf Afar Oromo Wed/Fri/Sun
1730-1800 on 11810 NAU 100 kW / 139 deg to EaAf Amharic Wed

Dimtse Radio Erena
1700-1730 on 11965 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Mon-Fri
1730-1800 on 11965 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to EaAf Arabic Mon-Fri
1700-1800 on 11965 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Sat/Sun

Radio Front for Independence of Oromo
1730-1758 on 17765 ISS 150 kW / 125 deg to EaAf Oromo Sun

Radio Payem e-Doost
1800-1845 on  7480 KCH 500 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Farsi

Radio Publique Africaine
1800-1831 on 11550 MDC 250 kW / 295 deg to SoAf Kirundi
1831-1858 on 11550 MDC 250 kW / 295 deg to SoAf French

Radio Itahuka
1800-1900 on 15420 MDC 250 kW / 320 deg to CeAf Kirundi Sat

Radio Biafra
1800-2000 on 15325 SCB 100 kW / 195 deg to WeAf English

Radio Dandal Kura International
1800-2100 on 12050 ASC 250 kW / 065 deg to WeAf Kanuri

Republic of Yemen Radio
1800-2300 on 11860 JED 050 kW / non-dir to N/ME Arabic

Lutheran World Federation/Voice of Gospel/Sawtu Linjilia
1830-1858 on  9800 ISS 500 kW / 180 deg to WCAf Fulfulde

Sedoye Bahar Voice of Spring
1900-1930 on  7510 KCH 500 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Farsi Thu/Fri

Denge Kurdistan
1930-2130 on  7455 KCH 300 kW / 116 deg to WeAs Kurdish

North Korea Reform Radio
2030-2130 on  7500 TAC 100 kW / 076 deg to NEAs Korean

Stream of Praise Music Ministries
2100-2115 on  7530 TAC 100 kW / 090 deg to EaAs Cantonese
2115-2130 on  7530 TAC 100 kW / 090 deg to EaAs Chinese

Suab Xaa Moo Zoo, Voice of Hope
2230-2300 on  7530 TSH 100 kW / 250 deg to SEAs Hmong

Republic of Yemen Radio
2300-0600 on 11860 unknown tx / unknown to N/ME Arabic

(DX Mix Nx/Ivo 30 Dec)

Frequency Updates

All times UTC

Clandestine
Additional broadcasts of Living Water Ministry Broadcasting
1500-1600 on  9650*unknown probably PUG to NEAs Korean Tue/Wed/Thu, ex Wed# * co-ch same  9650 CON 050 kW / non-dir to WeAf French Radio Guinea Conakry # probably from Jan. 3 and from same date at new time 1500-1558, ex 1530-1630.

Ecuador
Updated schedule of HCJB Voice of The Andes on 6050 kHz 
0930-1400 on  6050 QUI 010 kW / 018 deg to CeAm various*, ex 0830-1500
0930-1400 on  6050 QUI 010 kW / 172 deg to SoAm various*, ex 0830-1500
2100-0230 on  6050 QUI 010 kW / 018 deg to CeAm various*, ex 1900-0500
2100-0230 on  6050 QUI 010 kW / 172 deg to SoAm various*, ex 1900-0500
* including Cofan/Chapala/Spanish/Shuar/Quechua/Waodani & other langs.

Vietnam    
Updated schedule of Voice of Vietnam 
Effective from: 15 January 
2000-2028 on  7280 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu German, not Russian
2000-2028 on  9730 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu German, not Russian
2030-2058 on  7280 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu French, not English
2030-2058 on  9730 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu French, not English
2130-2158 on  7280 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English, additional
2130-2158 on  9730 SON 100 kW / 320 deg to WeEu English, additional

Zambia    
Updated schedule of KVOH /Voice of Hope Africa 
Effective from: 23 January 
1700-2200 on  4965 LUS 100 kW / 000 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri tx#1, new additional
1700-2200 on  6065 LUS 100 kW / 315 deg to WeAf English Mon-Fri tx#2, new additional
1200-1700 on  9680 LUS 100 kW / 000 deg to SoAf English Sat/Sun tx#1, unchanged
1200-1700 on 13680 LUS 100 kW / 315 deg to WeAf English Sat/Sun tx#2, unchanged
0500-0800 on  9680 LUS 100 kW / 000 deg to SoAf English Mon-Fri tx#1, cancelled
0500-0800 on 11680 LUS 100 kW / 315 deg to WeAf English Mon-Fri tx#2, cancelled
(SWL DXing/DX News/Ivo Ivanov)
(graphics: Gayle Van Horn Collection) 

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2017 Jan 23 0615 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html 
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 16 - 22 January 2017

Solar activity was at low levels due to a C9/1f flare observed at 21/0726 UTC from Region 2628 (N12, L=173, class/area Dao/210 on 22 January). Region 2628 was responsible for additional C-class flaring on 21 January. The rest of the period was at very low levels. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels with high levels observed on 16-17, and 20-22 January. The largest flux value of the period was 3,090 pfu observed at 16/1935 UTC. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to active levels over the period. Solar wind parameters were indicative of background conditions to start the period. Early on 18 January, wind speed began to increase as a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) became geoeffective. Wind speed reached a maximum value of 651 km/s at 19/0320 UTC and total field peaked at 17 nT at 18/0605 UTC before gradually decreasing throughout the remainder of the period. The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels on 16-17 January, quiet to active levels on 18-19 & 21 January, and quiet to unsettled levels on 20 & 22 January. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 January - 18 February 2017

Solar activity is likely to be low with a slight chance for M-class flares on 23-31 January and 14-18 February due to the flare potential in Region 2628. Very low levels are expected on 01-13 February. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels with high levels likely on 23-27 January, 01-13 February, and again on 16-18 February due to CH HSS influence. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 23, 27-31 January, 01-07 February and 14-18 February with G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels likely on 03 February due to recurrent CH HSS effects. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2017 Jan 23 0615 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2017-01-23
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2017 Jan 23      85           8          3
2017 Jan 24      83           5          2
2017 Jan 25      82           5          2
2017 Jan 26      80           5          2
2017 Jan 27      80          12          4
2017 Jan 28      80          15          4
2017 Jan 29      78           8          3
2017 Jan 30      77          10          3
2017 Jan 31      77          12          4
2017 Feb 01      76          16          4
2017 Feb 02      76          18          4
2017 Feb 03      75          20          5
2017 Feb 04      75          16          4
2017 Feb 05      75          12          4
2017 Feb 06      75          10          3
2017 Feb 07      75           8          3
2017 Feb 08      76           5          2
2017 Feb 09      77           5          2
2017 Feb 10      77           5          2
2017 Feb 11      77           5          2
2017 Feb 12      77           5          2
2017 Feb 13      78           5          2
2017 Feb 14      79          15          4
2017 Feb 15      81          10          3
2017 Feb 16      83          10          3
2017 Feb 17      83           8          3
2017 Feb 18      83           8          3
(NOAA)

Upcoming test broadcast

Test broadcasts of Shortwaveservice via unknown transmitter location

All times UTC

Jan.21-22
1200-1300 on  9900 unknown transmitter to EaEu music & announcements
1200-1300 on  9900 unknown transmitter to EaEu music & announcements
Jan.28-29
1500-1600 on  6015 unknown transmitter to WeEu music & announcements
1500-1600 on  6015 unknown transmitter to WeEu music & announcements
(SWL DXing)

Review-World Radio TV Handbook 2017

2017 World Radio TV Handbook Review

by Gayle Van Horn W4GVH
CEO Teak Publishing
                A new year brings many things for radio hobbyists, including new goals to enrich their listening opportunities. Ultimately, world listeners welcome the annual edition of World Radio TV Handbook, now in their 71st edition.

                The new edition begins with receiver reviews. The Icom IC-7300 offers an excellent overall rating, as one of high quality, good performer, as well as good value and functionality. As the popularity of software-defined radios continues to expand, the Reuter Elektronik RDR55D is the newest edition to the market. Discerning listeners who prefer a self-contained SDR will discover this new addition significantly advances the state of the art. SDRPlay RSP, a lower cost SDR known as a dongle, is a very good introduction to the capabilities and limitations of the software-defined receiver. A review of the wideband loop antenna Wellbrook ALA1530LNP is complimented for its performance, and an outstanding value. Listener's using more than one radio receiver will welcome the new Bonito AAS300. Called an 'Active RF Splitter,' by the manufacturer, it provides three outputs from a single input. Compared to other multicouplers, it covers a wide frequency range, and works very well.

                A stalwart of each edition is the features section. The Mighty KBC explores the well known radio station, popular to medium wave and shortwave listeners. Who knew KBC had such an interesting and surprising history? KBC, a small private station has big plans for their future. Remote Reception delves into the modern SDRs located half a world away - and available to a world audience via the Internet.

                Freelance writer and active radio enthusiast Hans Johnson, resumes his radio travelogue expertise covering CKZN St John's. Follow Han's travels on the history and current use of the most easterly shortwave transmitter in North America.

                Australian radio hobbyist and DXer Rob Shepherd shares his travels in South America and the Pacific, including a bit of DX, and reminds us, "radio is alive and well in South America and the Pacific."

                Vagn Fentz reminisces about radio times long ago, working with the founder of WRTH, Olaf Johansen, on one of the very first editions.

                Michael Pütz, of Business Radio at Media Broadcast GmbH and Chairman of the IRDR Project Working Group, outlines setting up and the progress so far in organizing an HF disaster relief radio network. The IRDR Project, explains this vital role of radio providing life-saving information at critical times.

                Ulf-Peter Hoppe updates the annual HF Broadcasting Reception Conditions Expected .During 2017 he predicts good year of reception.

                The National Radio section includes domestic radio stations broadcasting to a national listening audience on medium wave, shortwave, and FM. Listings are grouped by country and include frequencies, transmitters, kW, contact and website information. International Radio contains the same information from international broadcasters airing to a world audience.

                Clandestine and Other Target Broadcast list stations broadcasting politically motivated programming, or those targeted at zones of local or regional conflicts. A one-page listing of Religious Broadcasters Cross Reference Table closes this section.

                The Frequency List covers by-frequency medium wave stations by-region, SW Stations of the World and listings of shortwave station broadcasting in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, plus DRM International Broadcasts schedules.

                The by-country National Television section includes information on national stations, networks and contact information for each country listed.

                Lastly, there contains an extensive Reference section. Informative includes indexes, abbreviations and symbols, target area codes, transmitter sites, Standard Time and Frequency stations, clubs and organizations and selected Internet resources.

                This year's 71st edition, and in past editions, continues their reputation as a comprehensive exemplary reference book for the radio listening audience. It remains the very best, most authoritative reference book for the radio and television hobbyist. Teak Publishing wishes WRTH many years of continued success.

                World Radio TV Handbook 2017, is available from the WRTH website at http://www.wrth.com/info.html. Click on How to Order for information link. It is also available in the United States from Universal Radio Inc. Go to http://www.universal-radio.com/ for the online catalog. 

From the Isle of Music Programming, January 16-22

From the Isle of Music, Week of January 16-22, 2017
Electronic Cuba – Leonardo Pérez shares more of Una Mecanica Diferente, Jazz saxophonist Emir Santa Cruz shares some of his music, and we are going to explore some of what is happening in Cuban electronic music today.

Three options for listening on shortwave:
WBCQ, 7490 KHz, Tuesdays 0100-0200 UTC (8pm-9pm EDT Mondays in the Americas)
Channel 292, 6070 KHz, Fridays 1100-1200 UTC (1200-1300 CET) and Saturdays 1200-1300 UTC (1300-1400 CET)
See the From the Isle of Music Facebook Page for more information.
(Tilford Productions)

DX Stamps & Supplies Update

Bhutan postage stamps

Special thanks to Bill Plum for his DX Stamps & Supplies mid month updates

Dear Customer,

YES!!!  ADDITIONS TO THE DISCOUNT POSTAGE GRID!!!!!!!!!  Running low on 2 stamp units and may need to substitute units in 3 stamps......2 stamp, 3 stamp and 4 stamp units at 500 qty all priced the same...at 60% of face!!

Below are early bird specials for February 2017....same as January.

 If you need a current stamp list or supply list, I can email it to you.

NEWS:  Discount Postage Grid has been updated for the 49c rate for mid-January...BUT there are no changes in my prices. SWEET!!

IDEA:  Slightly damaged Deluxe QSL Album   now $30.00 -or- buy 2 for only $55.00!!!

NEW RATES:
Sweden now massive 19,50 kr!!! YIKES!

If you hear of or notice any new rates, let me know.

NEW PRICES:   Sweden now priced at $3.00 ea

IN STOCK AGAIN:

STAMPS ON BACK ORDER: Algeria, Mexico, Namibia

U.S. DISCOUNT POSTAGE DEALS!!

Save Big on your domestic mailings with colorful vintage stamps!
HAPPY  MAILING!!
49c units
 Forever
 
in  2 stamps
3 stamps
4 stamps

x 100
$45.00
 
 $40.00
 $39.00
 $38.00

x 200
 $85.00
 
 $65.00
 $63.00
 $62.00

x 500
 $208.00
 
 $157.00
 $157.00
 $157.00

FINALLY have some low values!!!!!

Payment by Credit card, check or money order, for forever stamps, 49c units & bulk postage!

Also available:
Bulk Postage Lots
(of various denominations  in sheets & singles)

$500 Face Value: NOW $300. ppd

No Charge for shipping Discount Postage Offers

FEBRUARY 2017  DX  STAMP  SPECIALS
2 Germany-$2.60       3 Japan-$3.90  
2 Italy-$7.00    2 UK-$3.00    2 France-$3.60    2 Spain-$4.00
 
FEBRUARY 2017  DX  SUPPLY  SPECIALS
200/200 European Plain Mailers and Plain Returns - $40.00
200/200 European Air Mailers and Plain Returns - $40.00
European AIR Returns are SOLD OUT!!
5 Packs of Extra QSL Album pages - $22.00

FEBRUARY 2017 CLOSE OUT SPECIALS
500 European Air Mailers - $42.00
1000 European AIR Mailers - $76.00
200/200 Stateside mailers and Returns - $23.00
500/500 Stateside Mailers and Returns - $43.00

Priority Mail Shipping Rates: Orders up to $40.00 add $9.00, orders from $41.00 to $100.00 add $15.00. orders from $101.00 to $150.00 add $20.00, orders over $150.00 add 15%. When ordering supplies and stamps, the stamps ride free, just use supply total to figure shipping costs. Shipments to Canada and overseas ship at a greater cost. (07/2015 modified)

Stamps Only Orders: Just add $1.00 P&H for posting to USA, add $2.00 for posting to Canada.

73, bill

William Plum
12 Glenn Road
Flemington, NJ 08822
908 788 1020
Email: plumdx@msn.com

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2017 Jan 16 0341 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 09 - 15 January 2017

Solar activity was mostly at very low levels with low levels observed on 12 January due to an isolated C3 flare observed at 12/1618 UTC from Region 2625 (N03, L=254, class/area Cso/050 on 14 January). An associated coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed off the east limb in coronagraph imagery beginning at 12/1624 UTC, but was determined not to have a geoeffective component. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached
high levels throughout the period. The largest flux of the period was 42,125 pfu observed at 09/1805 UTC.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to active levels over the period. Solar wind speed began the period near 700 km/s with total field near 5 nT under the influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). By 10 January, solar wind speed was in decline, reaching nominal levels late on 12 January. Total field was variable between 1-7 nT for the rest of the period.
The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to active levels on 09 January, quiet to unsettled levels on 10-12 January and quiet levels on 13-15 January.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 16 January - 11 February 2017

Solar activity is expected to be very low with a chance for C-class flares on 16-26 January as Regions 2625 and 2626 (N09, L=244, class/area Hax/140 on 15 January) rotate across the visible disk. Very low levels are expected from 27 January through 11 February.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels with high levels likely on 16, 18-27 January and again on 01-11 February due to CH HSS influence.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 17-24 and 27 January-07 February with G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels likely on 18-19 January and 03 February due to recurrent CH HSS effects.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2017 Jan 16 0342 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2017-01-16
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2017 Jan 16      77           5          2
2017 Jan 17      77           8          3
2017 Jan 18      77          25          5
2017 Jan 19      78          20          5
2017 Jan 20      80          18          4
2017 Jan 21      80          18          4
2017 Jan 22      80          18          4
2017 Jan 23      80          12          4
2017 Jan 24      80           8          3
2017 Jan 25      80           5          2
2017 Jan 26      78           5          2
2017 Jan 27      77          12          4
2017 Jan 28      77          15          4
2017 Jan 29      77           7          3
2017 Jan 30      77          10          3
2017 Jan 31      77          12          4
2017 Feb 01      77          16          4
2017 Feb 02      76          18          4
2017 Feb 03      75          20          5
2017 Feb 04      75          16          4
2017 Feb 05      75          12          4
2017 Feb 06      75          10          3
2017 Feb 07      75           8          3
2017 Feb 08      75           5          2
2017 Feb 09      76           5          2
2017 Feb 10      77           5          2
2017 Feb 11      77           5          2
(NOAA)