Radio NZ International ready for Australian Radio 1922 documentary

Join us from Monday, February 20 2012 to enter the fascinating world of Australian radio broadcasting in 1922 on the Mailbox program from Radio New Zealand International.

For 20 years, Australian radio amateurs had the right to broadcast local music and other programs on the standard mediumwave radio dial, sharing frequencies with licenced commercial radio stations in the evenings and on Sunday mornings.

You can listen directly via shortwave radio from RNZI in New Zealand, or audio on demand [for the following month] with full details of current broadcast frequencies [both DRM and analog] and times possible for your area as well as audio downloads at http://www.rnzi.com/ .

In the years between 1921 and 1922, over 50 local radio stations were broadcasting in Australia, all run by local radio amateurs.

Some of these operations were very sophisticated for their time, broadcasting for nearly 10 hours each week and operators soon going on to help establish the ABC and commercial radio stations.

2CM Sydney was the first station with 3ME Melbourne, 4CM Brisbane, and 5BG Adelaide also amongst the early starters.

In the program, you'll hear more about these stations and the pioneers such as Charles MacLurcan, Ray Allsop, Harry Douglas, Sydney Neuman, Thomas Elliott and others.

You'll also hear some of the music played by these early radio stations, which stayed on the air until late 1939 when WWII finally silenced them.

So join us from Monday, February 20 2012 as we enjoy some early Australian radio history from 90 years ago on the Mailbox program from Radio New Zealand International [www.rnzi.com].
(Radio Heritage Mail/HCDX)
(photo/Atwater Kent)

Monitoring Radio Vanuatu

Log edited for clarity

3945, Radio Vanuatu, Emten Lagoon, 1108-1233 UTC, Feb 07. Running well past their normal sign off time, in vernacular. Many IDs, talk in large room (poor audio), background sounds of phone ringing, and several mentions of “government of Vanuatu.” At 1121 - station promo: “hello. I am Captain Jesse Wilson, the Mission Commander for Pacific Partnership 2011 and when I am in Vanuatu, I listen to Radio Vanuatu.” Announcement at 1122 that at “half past ten” (1130 UT) there would be information about "Cyclone Jasmine." Pop songs, 1130-1138 Report about Cyclone Jasmine (wind speeds and direction), provided emergency phone number at Port Moresby and also a website. Pop island songs. Another update at 1216 on Cyclone Jasmine, 1225announcement. C&W music. Based on my daily monitoring of this, today was well above normal reception. Four minute edited MP3 audio at www.box.com/s/mzlrp4lvclnglrn07jac .
(Ron Howard, CA/DX WIndow 488)

Myanmar begins new minority language program

Logs and information edited for clarity

All times UTC // parallel frequency - sign-off*

Station ID in Bamar given as: "Rakhine Athan Lwin Thana ma athan lwin ne baday, yakhu achien ga sa bi thayinda asisingo set la athan klwin ba may shin ", (we are broadcasting from Rakhine Broadcasting Station, from now you will listen our minority language program"). According to station announcement in Bamar this morning (Feb 07), they started broadcasting minority language program three times daily:

Morning:
2330 to 0030 Chin 7110
0030 to 0130 Kachin 7110
0130 to 0230 La 9590
0230 to 0330 Po 9590

Afternoon:
0530 to 0630 Geba 9590
0630 to 0730 Kokang 9590
0730 to 0830 Karen 9590
0830 to 0930 Shan 9590

Evening:
1030 to 1130 Kayah 7345
1130 to 1230 Gekho 7345
1230 to 1330 Mon 7345.
(Babul Gupta, via Goonetilleke)

5770, Myanmar Defense Forces, Taunggyi, 0030-0300, Feb 08. Vernaculars, also heard at 1130-1500, SINPO 35333. (Goonetilleke)

5915, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw, 2300-0300, Feb 09. Vernaculars, also heard at 0930-1500* // 729, SINPO 44444. (Goonetilleke)

5985, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw, 2300-0130, Feb 10. Vernaculars, SINPO 34443. (Goonetilleke)

5985.8, Myanma Radio, Yangon, 0930-1630, Feb 10. English at 1530-1630, SINPO 34443. (Goonetilleke)

6030, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw (???), 2300-0130, Feb 09. Burmese music and announcement in vernaculars, SINPO 44444. (Goonetilleke). New unknown station! (Ed)

7110, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw, *2330-0130, Feb 08 and 11. Vernacular announcement, station ID "Rakhine Atan ..." and always lots of music. SINPO 45544 in Sri Lanka, SINPO 24332 in Austria. (Goonetilleke and Robic). Also heard at 1030-1430, Feb 08, 09 and 11. Vernaculars, local pop music, SINPO 45544 in Sri Lanka, weak but readable in USA. (Alexander in DXplorer, Goonetilleke, Hauser and Perry)

7345, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw (presumed), 1030-1330*, Feb 07, 08, 09 and 11. Burmese dialects, spots of music with few announcements in vernaculars. Sign off with repeat of two gongs plus drum, SINPO 34433 in Sri Lanka, SINPO 24132 in Denmark. CNR 1 heard in Chinese weaker on 7345 at 1330-1405 // 6030. (Goonetilleke and Petersen). This must be the new minority language program ”Rakhine Broadcasting Station.” According to the Danish Newspaper Jyllandsposten in a report from Yangon Feb 10, all Burmese journalists still have to get their articles censured before publishing, if allowed at all. This cannot be a new, independent station, but a new program from Myanma Radio. (Ed)

9460, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw (???), 0330-0630, Feb 08. Burmese announcement on 9590, Myanma Radio, Nay Pyi Taw (presumed), 0130-0330, Feb 08. Burmese announcement and many music items at 0600-0830 in vernaculars, SINPO 45544. (Goonetilleke). Also new minority language program ”Rakhine Broadcasting Station”. (Ed)

9730.8, Myanma Radio, Yangon, 0130-0100, Feb 09. English at 0230-0330 and 0700-0730, vernaculars, SINPO 45544. (Goonetilleke)
(DX Window 448)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2012 Feb 14 2216 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 06 - 12 February 2012

Solar activity began the week at moderate levels due to an M1/Sf flare produced by Region 1410 (N18, L=056, class/area Cso/240 on 01 February) at 06/2000 UTC. Activity levels decreased to very low to low levels for the remainder of the week. Noteworthy events include
a long duration C7 limb event from Region 1410 at 07/2219 UTC, and a CME associated with a filament eruption at 10/1154 UTC. Region 1410 produced a long duration C7 limb event at 07/2219 UTC.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit started the period at normal background levels, increased to moderate levels on 07 February, and reached high levels on 08-09 February. The electron flux returned to moderate levels for the remainder of the
period.

The geomagnetic field was at mostly quiet levels for the majority of the period. There were a few periods of unsettled to active conditions at mid-latitudes with active to minor storm conditions at high latitudes, early in the week on 7 and 8 February. This activity was associated with solar wind speeds between 450-500 km/s and periods of southward Bz. Mid-day on 09 February, unsettled to active periods were observed at high latitudes due to the arrival of a
co-rotating interaction region followed by a weak coronal hole high speed stream. From late on 09 February until the end of the period, mostly quiet conditions prevailed.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 15 February - 12 March 2012

Solar activity is expected to be low with a slight chance of M-class activity until Region 1419 rotates off the visible disk on 26 February. Very low to low levels are expected to prevail for the remainder of the period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at low to moderate levels.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly quiet levels throughout the period, with the exception of any currently unanticipated future CME events. Increased field activity due to
recurrent disturbances is expected on 18-19 February, 23 February, 2-3 March, and 7 March.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2012 Feb 14 2216 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 2012-02-14
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2012 Feb 15 105 5 3
2012 Feb 16 105 5 2
2012 Feb 17 110 5 2
2012 Feb 18 110 8 3
2012 Feb 19 110 8 3
2012 Feb 20 110 5 2
2012 Feb 21 105 5 2
2012 Feb 22 115 5 2
2012 Feb 23 115 8 3
2012 Feb 24 115 5 2
2012 Feb 25 115 5 2
2012 Feb 26 115 5 2
2012 Feb 27 110 5 2
2012 Feb 28 110 5 2
2012 Feb 29 110 5 2
2012 Mar 01 105 5 2
2012 Mar 02 105 8 3
2012 Mar 03 105 8 3
2012 Mar 04 110 5 2
2012 Mar 05 110 5 2
2012 Mar 06 110 5 2
2012 Mar 07 105 8 3
2012 Mar 08 105 5 2
2012 Mar 09 105 5 2
2012 Mar 10 105 5 2
2012 Mar 11 105 5 2
2012 Mar 12 110 5 2
(NOAA)

RNW Madagascar relay off the air following tropical cyclone

Today a category 4 tropical cyclone (Giovanna) crossed the island of Madagascar. The road from the capital city to our relay station is a mud stream right now and lower parts of the Island are flooded. Schools and businesses are closed.

First reports mention a lot of damage. We lost the roofs from two small buildings including the high voltage area. So this forced us to close down the operation this morning completely because of the massive rain showers. Four antennas and two satellite dishes are damaged and need to be repaired. Fortunately the transmitter building was not damaged and luckily none of our team was injured. Also our office in Antananarivo in Ivandry had some damage and we lost our wireless link from the office to the station. Communication with the station is difficult.

Tomorrow at daylight we can exactly assess the damage and start repairing. We expect to be on air with the most important services at 1300 UTC. We’ve been in contact with all clients. IBB, DWL and Vatican will try to cover from their own sites.
(Source: Rocus de Joode, RNW Programme Distribution/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview, Feb. 10-16

The State We're In
Jonathan Groubert and his team look at current events from an unexpected perspective.

Valentine’s Special

How a Palestinian Romeo crept through illegal tunnels to be with his Juliet in Gaza. Why an American sociologist thinks that monogamy virtually guarantees cheating. What happened when a woman in Toronto answered an ad for female escorts. And how a man annoyed a woman so much on a flight... she married him.

First airing: Saturday 02:00 UTC

Earth Beat
Marnie Chesterton and her team look at the footprint we’re leaving on our planet.

Valentine’s Special

We go all gooey on the inside, for people with a passion for what they do. There was the man who panned for gold to make a very special ring, the tea drinker who turned her love of a nice cuppa into a career, and a woman mapping where we make out. Pucker up, cos this show’s a labour of LOVE.

First airing: Friday 03:00 UTC

South Asia Wired
Stories from South Asia.

This week on South Asia Wired, we feature a harrowing story on modern day witch hunting in Chhattisgarh as three women recount how they were beaten, stripped and electrocuted after they were accused of being witches. And we hear from the people who are trying to combat this medieval practice by introducing modern ideas of science and law.

(There'll be a new edition of the programme on Thursday )

First airing: Thursday 10:00 UTC

Bridges With Africa
We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa.

More than 20,000 flee Mali as Tuareg rebels step up their offensive against the government
The Rwandan taxi cyclist going for Olympic gold
And the new album from Congo’s hottest R N B group, Makoma

Africa in Progress
Inspiring round-table discussions with guest speakers and in-depth interviews give listeners food for thought.

First airing: Monday 19:00 UTC

Commonwealth Story
A selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

Sister Rose, by Lydia Vonyler (Grenada).Lessons in lying.Commonwealth Short Stories Competition 2010. Read by Dona Croll.

First airing: Tuesday 01:50 UTC

Global Perspective
Who says I can’t… is the motto of this year’s collaboration of international broadcasters, offering stories of defiance and perseverance.

Who says I can’t die… or live?

Bun Chai, who is paralysed from the neck down, made a public appeal to the Hong Kong government for the right to end his life… and in the process found a way to live. We hear Bun Chai’s story from Radio Television Hong Kong.

First airing: Monday 17:30 UTC

European Jazz Stage
Unique jazz performances from the continent’s hottest clubs, concert halls and festivals, including the spectacular North Sea Jazz Festival.

From the Mississippi Hall at the 2010 North Sea Jazz Festival, it's a line-up of unknown, but promising artists.

16-year-old Canadian jazz phenomenon Nicky Yanofsky, the incredible Royal Conservatory Big Band packed with young talent, and Maite Hontelé, a young woman from Holland who's blowing her 'trompeta del son' across the port of Rotterdam.

Your host is Benjamin Herman.

First airing: Monday 01:00 UTC

RNW Classical
Classical concerts from the Royal Concertgebouw as well as studio recordings of Dutch performers, presented by Hans Haffmans.

Available 24 hours a day

Streaming audio: www.radionetherlands.nl/

English Service to 25 March 2012

1000-1057 12065as
1400-1457 12080as
1800-1900 11655af
1900-1957 11655af
1900-1959 11615af
1900-2000 7425af
2000-2057 7425af 11615af
(original Excel via Leo van der Woude, R Netherlands. Reformatted
from BCL post by GVH)
(photo/Commercial Appeal)

Sharing in the magic of radio

YOU ARE INVITED TO SHARE THE MAGIC OF HF BROADCASTING AND AMATEUR RADIO TO A WORLD WIDE LISTENING AUDIENCE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO CALL IN AND SHARE WITH A HUGE GLOBAL RADIO AUDIENCE.

WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO

YOUR FAVORITE MODES KHZ

YOUR LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB AND ITS ACTIVITIES

YOUR PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN AMATEUR RADIO THIS SATURDAY Feb 11 at 4 PM CENTRAL

FROM 4 – 6 PM / 2200 - 2400 UTC THE FREQUENCY IS 9990 KHZ

FROM 6 – 10 PM / 2400 - 0400 UTC THE FREQUENCY IS 5085 KHZ

THE CALL IN NUMBER IS 615-547-9520

It is not very often that you can hear a new HF shortwave radio station sign on the air. WTWW a new International Shortwave Radio facility just outside of Nashville, TN is launching a new transmitter this Saturday with a broadcast we are calling “This Is Only A Test” starting at 4 pm Central Standard Time. This is a 100,000 watt
transmitter running into a full size rhombic antenna.

This is a global radio event with radios being tuned in all over the world.

The QSO radio show has requested that we could air this broadcast as a amateur radio event to promote amateur radio along with shortwave listening. Why? Well, the shortwave listening audience is huge.

The typical shortwave radio listener is a great potential candidate for amateur radio.

There are more than 1.5 billion shortwave receivers in use worldwide, the BBC estimates that at any given moment, over 200 million sets are tuned to shortwave broadcasts.

This is the second time WTWW has allowed us to conduct this kind of broadcast on a powerful new shortwave facility.

The purpose of this broadcast is to demonstrate HF communications and to put radio amateurs on the air to a worldwide audience to tell their story.

This is not a commercial venture in any way.

So spread the word to all of your amateur radio friends and call us on Saturday on “This Is Only A Test” and talk to the world about Amateur Radio!

Thanks and 73

Ted Randall

QSO Radio Show

http://www.qsoradioshow.com
(Rachel Baughn/MT)

Blog Logs

Logs edited for clarity

// parallel frequency *sign-on / sign-off*

All times UTC

Bolivia
5952.41, Radio Pio Doce, 1035. Fair signal, clear frequency despite hissing ambient noise on band. Morning 'noticiero' in Spanish and frequent mentions of Bolivia. Female announcer noted at 1043 into taped ad string. Quite reliable in the mornings lately, not sure how long this will hold up. (Ralph Perry, IL/Cumbre DX)

6134.827, Radio Santa Cruz, 0935-1000. Male announcer's Spanish comments to 9943, followed by music. Comments resumed, plus more music. Signal at fair level to full 'cannned' ID as, "... Radio Santa Cruz ..." over music. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Brazil
9819.62, Radio 9 de Julho, (presumed) 0305-0330. Portuguese talk to lite instrumental music. Portuguese religious music. Poor signal. (Brian Alexander, PA)

15190.05, Radio Inconfidência, 2345-0020. Portuguese and US pop music. Portuguese ballads and Portuguese talk. Weak but readable. // 6009.98 - weak, poor with adjacent channel splatter. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Djibouti
4780, Radio Djibouti, *0306-0345. Abrupt sign on with Qur`an. Arabic talk at 0318. Indigenous vocals at 0330. Fair signal quality. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Ecuador
6050, HCJB, Quito-Pifo, 1158-1200. Male's Spanish comments, then male/female music talk-overs at 1159. Pips on the hour followed by ID and announcements. Moderate signal strength with minimal fading. (Jim Evans, TN)

Eritrea
7174.99, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea - Program 2, *0255-0330. Sign on with interval signal. Vernacular talk at 0300. Horn of Africa music. Fair signal. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Ethiopia
9705, Radio Ethiopia, *0258-0320. Sign on with interval signal and opening announcements. National anthem at 0259. Chimes at 0300 and Amharic talk. Horn of Africa music. Fair signal. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Indonesia
4750.00, Radio Makassar, 11:50-1200. At tune in, noted Qur'an recitations followed by annoucer's comments in Indonesian Music presented at 1152. Signal was fair. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Libya
11600, Radio Télévision Libye - Radio Libye, 1712-1732.* French talk. Short breaks of lite instrumental music. Abrupt sign off. Fair signal. Not heard earlier between 1600-1630. Very erratic schedule lately. Heard at *1714-1805*. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Madagascar
5010.00, Radio Madagasikara, 0218-0240. Carrier + USB. Local Afro-pop music. Short 25 second interval signal at 0226 followed by choral national anthem. Opening ID announcements at 0229. Malagasy talk. Local Afro-pop music. “La Bamba” song. Poor in noisy conditions. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Malaysia
9835, RTM (Sarawak FM), Kajang, 1213-1221. Pop ballad music with an Asian sound. Talk in Malay by a man at 1221. Poor signal strength, slowly fading down to barely above the noise at 1221. (Jim Evans, TN)

Myanmar
7110 Myanma Radio. Almost a daily visitor around 1300 with easy-listening local hits. (Ralph Perry, IL/Cumbre DX)

Oman
Radio Sultanate of Oman 13750. Caught at 1433 with Arabic to eastern Africa. Koranic chanting into long-winded discussion program between two men. Fair signals, considering the broadcast is supposed to be beamed to eastern Africa. (Al Muick, PA/HCDX)

Peru
3329.53, Ondas del Huallaga, Huánuco 1008-1015. Lively Peruvian music, CHU notched. (Robert Wilkner/HCDX)

4826.316, Radio Sicuani, Sicuani, Cusco 2310. Deep fades for announcer in Spanish. Music also, plus noted fading out 1115-1125. (Robert Wilkner, FL/HCDX)

5460.1, Radio Bolivar Cd. Slight drift, energetic male announcer in Spanish 2350-0025(Robert Wilkner, FL/HCDX)

5921.26, Radio Bethel, Arequipa. Station noted at 2326-0007. (Robert Wilkner, FL/HCDX)

6173.9, Radio Tawantinsuyo, Cusco 1000-1035. Male announcer's talk entire period. Noted in as late as 1115 on subsequent rechecks. (Robert Wilkner, FL/HCDX)

Sudan
7200, SRTC, *0255-0328. Abrupt sign on with Arabic talk. Chirping birds at 0259. Local chants at 0320. Fair, but covered by Iran at their 0328 sign on. (Brian (Alexander, PA)

Thailand
9720, Radio Thailand, Udon Thani, 1231-1235. English service newscast with emphasis on issues concerning Thailand and India. Moderate signal strength with a small amount of fading. (Jim Evans, TN)

Uzbekistan
9500, CVC International, Tashkent, 1303-1305. Contemporary religious music followed at 1305 by talk in Hindi. Poor signal but steady signal in lots of noise. (Jim Evans, TN)

Radio Netherlands to end Dutch service on shortwave

On Friday, 11 May we will have a marathon [Dutch] radio broadcast in which we look back with pride at 65 years of Dutch radio for expatriates, and which will also serve as the ‘farewell’ broadcast. Activities in other languages, especially those for the Dutch Caribbean and Indonesia, will also be discussed in detail. The choice of date has to do with the preparation time required to produce the radio marathon.

The activities of the Dutch department will be phased out, but the timetable will depend on the progress of the reorganization and the available manpower needed to guarantee the quality of the programmes. No formal decision has yet been made about the date of the final Dutch radio broadcast. However it is extremely unlikely that Dutch language radio broadcasts will continue through the summer.
(Source: RNW Editor-in-Chief/R Netherlands Media network Weblog )

Keeping an eye on Israel and Iran via shortwave

With Iran and Israel currently leading the news, this would be an excellent time to monitor both on shortwave. Kol Israel, in recent years have reduced their shortwave service to two hours in Persian as; 1500-1600 UTC on 9985 and 13850 and 1600-1630 UTC (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun) on 9985 and 13850 kHz. Israel's Galei Tzahal operates in Hebrew, 24 hours on 7635 kHz.

Tensions could expand and following shortwave is a great extra source.

VOIRI - Iran

Effective to: 25 March 2012

All times UTC

Albanian
0630-0727 on 13810 15500
1830-1927 on 6085 9760
2030-2127 on 6165 9760

Arabic
0230-0527 on 7350 9740 9895
0330-0427 on 7295 9500 "Voice of Palestine"
0530-0827 on 13690 15735 17820
0830-1027 on 13740 13790 15735 17820
1030-1427 on 13790 15735 17670
1430-1627 on 9830 17670
1630-1727 on 6065 9830
1730-2027 on 6065 7335
2030-0227 on 6065

Armenian
0300-0327 on 5915 7300
0930-0957 on 11820 15220
1630-1727 on 5915 7435

Azeri
0330-0527 on 6200
1430-1657 on 6200

Bengali
0030-0127 on 5915 6100
0830-0927 on 13680
1430-1527 on 7320 9730 11805

Bosnian
0530-0627 on 13760 15500
1730-1827 on 6030 9850
2130-2227 on 5950 9710

Chinese
1200-1257 on 13825 15150 15360 15525
2330-0027 on 5955 6110 7380

Dari
0300-0627 on 9805 11860
0830-1157 on 13840 15545
1200-1427 on 11640 13840
1430-1457 on 11640

English
0330-0427 on 7200 7365 "Voice of Justice"
1030-1127 on 21575 21695
1530-1627 on 13785 15525
1930-2027 on 6010 #6115 7320 13670 15450

German
0730-0827 on 15085 17690
1730-1827 on 6205 #7420 7425

French
0630-0727 on 17560 17865
1830-1927 on 6055 #6115 7380 15345

Hausa
0600-0657 on 17810
1130-1157 on 21480 21800
1830-1927 on 11965 13730

Hebrew
0430-0457 on 9755 11870
1200-1227 on 13740 15515

Hindi
0230-0257 on 9510 11710
1430-1527 on 11700 13750

Indonesian
1230-1327 on 17720 21630
2230-2327 on 7380 9675

Italian
0630-0727 on 13650 15085 (9770 SIT deleted)
1930-1957 on 5890 7215

Japanese
1330-1427 on 9585 9625
2100-2157 on 6145 7200

Kazakh
0130-0227 on 7205 7265
1530-1627 on 7380 9540 9850

Kurdish
0430-0527 on 7370 9610
1330-1627 on 5920

Pashto
0230-0327 on 5950 6095
0730-0827 on 13720 15440
1230-1327 on 7225 9725
1430-1527 on 5985
1630-1727 on 6005 7345

Russian
0300-0327 on 7370 9510
0500-0527 on 12025 13680 17680 21600
1430-1527 on 7285 9685 11860 (7420 SIT deleted)
1700-1757 on 3965 6090
1800-1857 on 6130 7305
1930-2027 on 4005 7205

Spanish
0030-0227 on 6010 7345
0230-0327 on 6010
0530-0627 on 13710 15330
2030-2127 on 5930 9630 (6055 SIT deleted)

Swahili
0400-0457 on 13680 15260
0830-0927 on 21510 21640
1730-1827 on 9830 11715

Tajik
0100-0227 on 5950 7300
1600-1727 on 5955 7295

Turkish
0430-0557 on 6085 7360
1600-1727 on 6175 7315

Urdu
0130-0227 on 3965 6100 6185
1300-1427 on 9715 11685 11720
1530-1727 on 6115

Uzbek
0230-0257 on 6175 7300
1500-1557 on 6070 7215
# via Sitkunai,Lithuania
(DX Mix News 703 via Alokesh Gupta, India)
(photo/earthhope action network)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview, Feb. 2-10

The State We're In
Jonathan Groubert and his team look at current events from an unexpected perspective.

This week: The fight of your life

A young woman in Kabul boxes to change her life and her country. A philosopher believes virtue can be taught in the boxing ring. And a Kenyan woman who was attacked while running for election is determined to run again.

First airing: Saturday 02:00 UTC

Earth Beat
Marnie Chesterton and her team look at the footprint we’re leaving on our planet.

This week: Out of place but not out of mind

Things that, at first glance, seem a little out of place. Like turning water into fire, or a man who can make a gas guzzling car drive like it’s a green dream machine, or building a mountain in the Netherlands.

First airing: Friday 03:00 UTC

South Asia Wired
Stories from South Asia.

This week:

We hear from India’s suicide capital, Bangalore, where old values are clashing with new aspirations of consumerism and people can’t always cope. And we hear from an old lady in Burma who is more than coping with being a dissident in a military regime.

(There'll be a new edition of the programme on Thursday 9 February)

First airing: Thursday 10:00 UTC

Bridges With Africa
We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa.

This week:

Violence flares as Senegal’s incumbent president Abdoulaye Wade can run for a third term as president.
How can African economies survive in the global economic crisis? We seek the answer at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
‘Mr Hotel Rwanda’ Paul Rusesabagina visits the Netherlands amid protests. Not everybody is convinced of his heroism.
South Sudan is closing down its oil production. Our reporter Jared Ferrie visited an oil field in South Sudan.

First airing: Friday 00:00 UTC

Africa in Progress
Inspiring round-table discussions with guest speakers and in-depth interviews give listeners food for thought.

This week: Fela Kuti is alive and kicking

A musical about the Nigerian music legend and political activist Fela Kuti is conquering the world, from Lagos to New York and Amsterdam. In this report, Fela’s sons Femi and Seun, themselves well known musicians, reflect on his life and times.

The creators of the musical talk about his legacy. All agree that Fela’s message for the emancipation of Africa is still relevant today, not only for Nigeria, but for the entire continent.

First airing: Monday 19:00 UTC

Commonwealth Story
A selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

This week: This place is not for sale - by Stephen Ralph (Trinidad & Tobago). The mystery of an old fisherman's house.

First airing: Tuesday 01:50 UTC

Global Perspective
Who says I can’t… is the motto of this year’s collaboration of international broadcasters, offering stories of defiance and perseverance.

This week: Who says I can’t fish?

Around one billion people in the world rely on fish as their primary source of protein, but fishermen in many parts of the world are having greater restrictions put on their fishing because of concerns about the level of fish stocks and the marine environment. The BBC World Service introduces us to Fred Normandale, one of the few remaining fishermen in the small town of Scarborough in the North East of England.

First airing: Monday 17:30 UTC

European Jazz Stage
Unique jazz performances from the continent’s hottest clubs, concert halls and festivals, including the spectacular North Sea Jazz Festival.

This week:

From the North Sea Jazz Festival 2010 we bring you the Chris Potter Tentet, Singer Kurt Elling's Coltrane and Hartman Project, and piano innovator Jason Moran & the Bandwagon. Your host is Benjamin Herman.

First airing: Monday 01:00 UTC

RNW Classical
Classical concerts from the Royal Concertgebouw as well as studio recordings of Dutch performers, presented by Hans Haffmans.

Available 24 hours a day
(R Netherlands)

24 hour streaming audio at: www.radionetherlands.nl/

English service effective to 25 March 2012

All times UTC

1000-1057 12065as
1400-1457 12080as
1800-1900 11655af
1900-1957 11655af
1900-1959 11615af
1900-2000 7425af
2000-2057 7425af 11615af
(original Excel via Leo van der Woude, R Netherlands. Reformatted from BCL post by Gayle Van Horn)

DX Stamp Service February Specials

Plenty of news this month.

On Back Order: Russia and Spain. Both on order, expecting Spain updates next week.

In Stock Again: Netherlands, Australia, Lebanon and Mexico

Our Shipping Rates Priority Mail rates increased a very small amount. Our rates will remain the same. Those rates are for envelope, album or page orders and appear at the bottom.

New Postal Rates and Prices
Aland Island now 1,00 euro, but their forever stamp we supply covers it.
Belgium rate now 1,29 up from 1,20 euro, but their forever stamp we supply covers it
Brazil now 2,10r up from 2,00. We've been supplying 2,30 for a few months now to cover
Colombia now 6100 up from 5600
Denmark now 14 DK up from 13 DK, but 13DK covers their economy "B" rate
Greenland now 10,50 DK up from 10DK
Hungary now 300 HUF up from 270 HUF, we have 30 HUF updates
Iceland now 230 ISK up from 220 ISK their forever stamp covers it which we supply
Norway now 15K up from 14 K their forever stamp covers it
Saudi Arabia now 4 SR up from 2SR...New price for this is now $2.40
Spain now 0,85 up from 0,80 We have 5c makeups coming.

Great Website!! Check out customer and good friend, Hal, K4HB's postage rate site at http://www.k4hb.com/postage.html If you notice new postage rates on incoming QSLs drop me and Hal an email. It sure helps!

Dept. of Oops ! Another country for which we supply a forever stamp is Falkland Islands. We forgot to include this in last month's listing. We will begin supplying the new France forever stamp very very soon. France also covers the French islands in the Caribbean, F. Guiana, Corsica, Reunion Island, and soon will cover Mayotte once again. French stamps do not cover F. Poly or New Caledonia.

Dept. of OUCH!! Just restocked several South American countries. Paraguay new price is $5.00....My cost was a whopping $4.80....I don't think I'll be selling many of these and might drop once supply goes...or grows moldy....

Deposit Account Deal If you want to start a deposit account OR add $$ to an existing account, this is the DEAL for you! Send $100 (check only) and we'll credit your account $110. Send $200 (check only) and we'll credit your account $225!! February's a short month, so act FAST!!
February 2012 DX STAMP SPECIALS

3 Germany-$3.90 3 UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) $4.50

3 Italy-$8.25 2 Spain-$3.00 2 Canada-$2.20 3 Japan-$3.90

February 2012 DX SUPPLY SPECIALS

**200/200 European Air Mailers & Returns $37**

200/200 Stateside Mailers & Returns $16

2 Standard QSL Albums $40

2 Deluxe QSL Albums $60

Shipping charges extra on supply specials
(Bill Plum)

Mint postage stamps of foreign countries can be purchased from Bill Plum's Airmail Postage and DX Supplies, 12 Glenn Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 USA.

Include a self-addressed-envelope for his current price list or request a price list via email at plumdx@msn.com . The prices represent Airmail rate to North America. Prices are subject to change without notice. No mimimum order via check, money order or credit card, but credit card orders under $ 15.00 will incur a $ 2.00 extra charge. Visa, MC, AMEX are accepted. Please include billing and shipping address for AMEX.

Don't forget the DX supplies include European Airmail envelopes (European Air Return and European Air Mailer). These envelopes are perfectly acceptable for mailing to ALL parts of the world, not just to Europe. Their size insures you that a 4"x6" DX QLSs will not come back to you folded which could happen if you used small U.S. sized airmail envelopes. Bill's European Air Return fits into a European Air Mailer without folding. These two envelopes and up to 5 QSL cards weigh less than one ounce. The European Air Return and 2 QSLs weigh less than 10 grams. All envelopes are sealed in plastic for protection. Envelopes are packed 100 per size per package. The 5-/50 Combo comes in one package.

I have used Bill's service for years and find his prices affordable and dependable. All stamps are enclosed within a glassine envelope, so no worries of stamps sticking to the letter, and you can enclose the stamps as is in the letter to the station.

Recheck this blog at the first of the month for Bill's monthly specials!
Gayle Van Horn

Newdesigned Deutsche Welle website to premier Feb 6

Press Release

Deutsche Welle's completely redesigned website will go online on February 6, 2012. Deutsche Welle Director General Erik Bettermann announced the new online services at a press conference held in Berlin on January 31, 2012. The new website will retain the multilingual, multimedia content that DW has been known for, but will have a look and feel based on Germany's international broadcaster's new corporate identity. The website also has a
new Internet address: www.dw.de/

"The new website encompasses everything that DW has to offer - articles, audio, video and interactive content," said Bettermann. "dw.de is a source of reliable information from Germany and high-quality journalistic content in 30 languages. A refreshing color concept and modern design give the site a friendly face."

Quality journalism with a straight-forward design

Users will be able to get their bearings quickly at dw.de due to its intuitive navigation and design. Content is developed and organized exactly to the users' expectations - from the homepage to the last article. The modern layout makes it possible to put focus on key issues and topics. It also creates more room for background information and features. Visually, dw.de resembles a high-quality magazine with clearly defined structure and topical focus. "As the reliable expert from Germany, it is DW's task to organize and breakdown important events and developments from Germany and our target regions, while explaining the outcomes and providing in-depth analysis," explained Bettermann. "Multilingual, multimedia, in-depth
reporting - the new DW website underscores our focus on high-quality journalism," said the Director General.

Links will always lead the user to corresponding content, special topics and DW multimedia projects. Bettermann said the large-scale layout provides more room for images and videos and makes it easier for the user to sift through the day's news.

Ready for the next Internet revolution

The website also offers improved integration of social media - making it easier for the user to enter into dialogue with DW. The layout was based on usage models from several target regions. From a technical point of view, www.dw.de/ will give DW the flexibility it needs in the future. The modular concept and transparent interface will ensure that the website is ready for
the next Internet revolution.

The new design is also based on a new technical infrastructure. The website will automatically readjust to match the device that is being used - regardless of it is a desktop computer, a tablet or a smart phone. Access for all of these devices is available today: The media player has been
converted to HTML5 - a real bonus for people watching videos on mobile devices.
(via Alokesh Gupta)

Voice of America looks to the future on 70th anniversary

Washington, D.C. — February 1, 2012 —
Voice of America turned 70 on Wednesday, and VOA Director David Ensor says the international broadcast agency is aggressively moving forward with new programs that ensure it remains an “information lifeline to people in closed societies like Iran.”

Addressing VOA journalists at the agency’s Washington headquarters, Ensor pointed to a television news show for Burma that began airing in January, a popular video blog that has been viewed more than 7 million times in China, expanded TV broadcasts to Iran, and new health programs on radio in Africa. He also described plans for a Russian language TV program that will harness popular social media programs to make citizen journalists and the audience a key part of the show. Ensor said the one-time cold war broadcaster is “as relevant today as it was February 1st, 1942,” the date of the first shortwave radio broadcast to Germany.”

Created by the U.S. government in the opening days of World War Two, the Voice of America has evolved into a global multi-media organization, broadcasting balanced and comprehensive news in 43 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 141 million.

The first shortwave radio transmission, spoken in German just weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, began with the words “Here speaks a voice from America.” The broadcast went on to promise, “The news may be good. The news may be bad. We shall tell you the truth.” Ensor, the 28th Voice of America director, says the agency continues to be guided by those words.

VOA radio remains highly popular in many markets, including Somalia, parts of Pakistan and Haiti. Ensor says the agency is moving forward with new television and Internet programs that target countries like Iran, where the government restricts the free flow of information.

VOA programs are delivered on satellite, cable TV, mobile, shortwave, FM, medium wave, the Internet, and on a network of about 1,200 affiliate stations around the world. In addition to more than 1,100 employees in Washington, VOA works with contract journalists in trouble spots around the world. Last month the Taliban claimed responsibility for the murder of a reporter working for VOA in Pakistan.
(VOA)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2012 Jan 31 2314 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 23 - 29 January 2012

Solar activity ranged from low to high levels. Region 1402 (N28, L=214, class/area=Eko/630 on 17 January) produced a long duration M8/2b flare at 23/0359 UTC. Multiple radio emissions from 25 MHz to 15.4 GHz, including a 5100 sfu Tenflare, and a Type IV sweep were also observed. Finally, an approximately 1600 km/s asymmetric full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was seen in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery beginning at 23/0412 UTC. Activity returned to low levels as* Region 1402 made its way across the visible solar disk producing occasional low to mid level C-class flares. On 27 January, Region 1402 moved to N29W71 before producing an X1/1f flare at 27/1837 UTC. Radio phenomena, including a Type II (1523 km/s) and a Type IV radiosweep with an 810 sfu Tenflare accompanied this flare. An asymmetric halo CME was later observed in LASCO C2 coronagraph imagery with an estimated plane-of-sky speed near 2000 km/s. Region 1402 rotated off the west limb on 28 January. Region 1402’s counterpart, Region 1401 (N18, L=213, class/area=Eki/540 on 19 January) was the second largest and most magnetically complex (beta-gamma) region on the disk during the period. Region 1401 was only responsible for a couple of low level C-class flares during the period. Region 1401 decayed to spotless plage on 26 January.

Energetic proton flux levels reached strong levels during the period as two proton events energized the Earth's magnetosphere. The first event began minutes after the M8/2b flare on 23 January. The 10 MeV proton flux crossed the 10 pfu event threshold at 23/0530 UTC. The 10 MeV protons increased steadily to a peak flux of 6310 pfu at 24/1530 UTC, following the arrival of the interplanetary shock. This 10 MeV proton event ended at 27/1025 UTC when the enhancement dropped below the 10 pfu level. This 10 MeV proton event was the largest enhancement since Oct 29, 2003 (29,526 pfu) and the 11th largest since January, 1975. Also with this event, the 100 MeV proton flux exceeded the 1 pfu threshold. The 100 MeV flux began at 23/0445 UTC, increased to a peak of 2 pfu at 23/0750 UTC, then steadily declined until it dropped below the 1 pfu threshold at 23/2050 UTC. The second event began on 27 January, after the X1.7/1f flare. The 10 MeV proton flux crossed the 10 pfu event threshold at
27/1905 UTC. The 10 MeV protons increased steadily to a peak flux of 796 pfu at 28/0205 UTC. The 10 MeV proton event was still in progress at the time of this report. The associated 100 MeV event began at 27/1900 UTC, reached a maximum of 11 pfu at 27/2140 UTC and ended on 28/2120 UTC.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit began at background levels, but increased to moderate levels late on 23 January. Values increased to high levels on 27-28 January, before decreasing to moderate levels through the end of the period.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to minor storm levels at mid-latitudes and briefly reached severe storm conditions at high latitudes. The magnetic field was mostly quiet on 23 January with an isolated minor storm observed at high latitudes from waning effects from a CME. On 24-25 January, activity increased to isolated minor storms at low latitudes and severe storms at high latitudes, due to the arrival of a CME, associated with the 23 January M8/2b flare. An interplanetary shock was observed at the ACE spacecraft at 24/1431 UTC followed by a 37 nT increase in total field, as measured by the ACE spacecraft, at 24/1439 UTC. A corresponding sudden impulse was observed in the Boulder magnetometer with a 22 nT deviation at 24/1504 UTC. Solar wind speed, as measured by the SOHO spacecraft, was approximately 750 km/s at the time of the shock passage before decreasing to approximately 650 km/s. The geomagnetic field decreased to predominantly quiet levels for the remainder of the period.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 01 February - 27 February 2012

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels from 01-09 February until old Regions 1401 and 1402 are due to return. Solar activity is expected to increase to low levels with a chance for M-class flares and a slight chance for X-class flares for the remainder of the period.

The greater than 10 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to remain elevated from 01-02 February but below the 10 pfu threshold values. A return to background levels is expected from 03- 08 February. On 09 February, old Regions 1401 and 1402 are due to return to the visible disk. From 09 February until the end of the forecast period, there will be a slight chance for a proton event. The greater than 2 MeV electrons at geosynchronous orbit are expected to be at normal to moderate levels for the entire forecast period.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels for the entire period. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected on days 03-04 February, 09 February, 12 February, and 23 February. This increased activity can be attributed to multiple, recurrent coronal hole, high speed wind streams.


Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2012 Jan 31 2314 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 2012-01-31
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2012 Feb 01 115 5 2
2012 Feb 02 115 5 2
2012 Feb 03 115 5 2
2012 Feb 04 115 5 2
2012 Feb 05 115 5 2
2012 Feb 06 110 5 2
2012 Feb 07 110 5 2
2012 Feb 08 110 5 2
2012 Feb 09 120 8 3
2012 Feb 10 130 5 2
2012 Feb 11 130 5 2
2012 Feb 12 130 8 3
2012 Feb 13 130 5 2
2012 Feb 14 130 5 2
2012 Feb 15 130 5 2
2012 Feb 16 130 5 2
2012 Feb 17 130 5 2
2012 Feb 18 130 5 2
2012 Feb 19 130 5 2
2012 Feb 20 130 5 2
2012 Feb 21 130 5 2
2012 Feb 22 130 5 2
2012 Feb 23 120 8 3
2012 Feb 24 115 5 2
2012 Feb 25 115 5 2
2012 Feb 26 115 5 2
2012 Feb 27 115 5 2
(NOAA)

Bible Voice Broadcasting winter schedule updates

Some MBR changes:

NF/new frequency

All times UTC

Bible Voice Broadcasting Network to East Africa
1600-1630 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Oromo Mon/Thu
1630-1700 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Mon/Fri
1700-1730 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Tigrinya Mon/Tue/Fri
1730-1830 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Mon/Tue/Fri
1630-1700 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Tue
1630-1800 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Wed
1630-1830 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Thu/Sun
1630-1745 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Amharic Sat
1745-1800 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 English Sat
1600-1630 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Oromo Fri/Sun
1800-1830 NF 15335 ISS 100 kW / 131 deg, ex 13810 Somali Fri-Sun

Bible Voice Broadcasting Network to N&ME:

NF/new frequency

All times UTC

1715-1800 NF 9465 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 7355 Arabic Mon/Wed/Fri
1800-1830 NF 9465 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Tue
1830-1900 NF 9465 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 Hebrew Tue
1800-1915 NF 9465 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Sun
1645-1700 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Mon/Wed
1645-1720 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Tue
1645-1745 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Thu
1645-1715 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Fri
1645-1800 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Sat
1630-1800 NF 11700 WER 100 kW / 120 deg, ex 9460 English Sun
(DX Mix 714, Ivo Ivanov via Alokesh Gupta, India & Wolfgang Bueschel, Germany)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview

The State We're In
Jonathan Groubert and his team look at current events from an unexpected perspective.

This week: Freedom’s road

The first Western media interview of Imad Ghalioun, the Syrian politician who defected recently, a Wikileaks pioneer and politician from Iceland who helped make public the 'collateral murder' video, and a former East German cyclist who defected just before he went to the Olympics.

First airing: Saturday 02:00 UTC

Earth Beat
Marnie Chesterton and her team look at the footprint we’re leaving on our planet.

This week:

A show full of fun and games. From forest kindergartens and forsaking a childhood in the woods for the concrete of the suburbs, to generating power on a merry-go-round. Ooh, and how to play a pig. Fooling around for the sake of our planet, and why it’s important to play.

First airing: Friday 03:00 UTC

South Asia Wired
Stories from South Asia.

This week:

We hear about the opening media landscape in Burma during an unprecedented time of reform and why Dutch photographer Frans Welman fell in love with the Nagas, who live in the rarely visited region of Nagaland in India’s northeast.

(There'll be a new edition of the programme on Thursday 2 February)

First airing: Thursday 10:00 UTC

Bridges With Africa
We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa.

This week:

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has ruled that there is enough evidence to put four of Kenya’s leading politicians on trial for crimes against humanity. But should the ICC be meddling in Africa’s affairs? We report from Kenya and The Hague.
How to get around town the 'green' way – the skateboarding craze hitting Nairobi’s streets.
High-tech music from the desert - with Mali’s Super Onze.

First airing: Friday 00:00 UTC

Africa in Progress
Inspiring round-table discussions with guest speakers and in-depth interviews give listeners food for thought.

This week: How to save 29,000 lives

Figures released by the World Health Organisation in January 2012 show that Africa is the most dangerous place in the world to get pregnant. And ending a pregnancy is highly dangerous too. In Africa, 29,000 women die every year as a result of unsafe abortions.

This is a public health emergency and the issue of unsafe abortions was high on the agenda at the World Conference on Family Planning, held last year in the Seneglese capital Dakar.

During that conference, we spoke with three medical doctors who have had first-hand experience with the consequences of unsafe abortions and are determined to improve reproductive health for women.

First airing: Monday 19:00 UTC

Commonwealth Story
A selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2010 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

This week: The nearly departed soul - by Rosemarie Johnson Clarke (Bahamas). An irrepressible great grandmother.

First airing: Tuesday 01:50 UTC

Global Perspective
Who says I can’t… is the motto of this year’s collaboration of international broadcasters, offering stories of defiance and perseverance.

This week: Who says we can’t be gay, Muslim, and successful?

Elkader is a small town in the center of the American Midwest. It’s not where you’d expect to find a gay couple starting an Algerian restaurant. But this town in Iowa was named after a 19th-century Algerian jihadist. WAMU radio takes us to Elkader to see how the residents have found their way through the Islamophobia debate.

First airing: Monday 17:30 UTC

European Jazz Stage
Unique jazz performances from the continent’s hottest clubs, concert halls and festivals, including the spectacular North Sea Jazz Festival.

This week:

A triple Dutch edition this week, featuring three ensembles from the rich jazz scene of the Netherlands.

Pianist Peter Beets and his New York quartet take on Frédéric Chopin. Saxophonist Ben van Gelder brings his scrapple from the Big Apple, and saxophonist Ad Colen leads his quartet to new heights in Dutch jazz.

First airing: Monday 01:00 UTC

RNW Classical
Classical concerts from the Royal Concertgebouw as well as studio recordings of Dutch performers, presented by Hans Haffmans.

Available 24 hours a day

Streaming 24 hour audio: www.radionetherlands.nl/

English service
1000-1057 12065as
1400-1457 12080as
1800-1900 11655af
1900-1957 11655af
1900-1959 11615af
1900-2000 7425af
2000-2057 7425af 11615af
(original Excel via Leo van der Woude, R Netherlands. Reformatted from BCL post by GVH)

DXing from an Australian perspective

Thanks to Bob Padula for sending in his monitoring observations.
Gayle VH

According to the Ionospheric Prediction Service, Sydney, solar activity on Jan 26 dropped to 126 (10.7 cm flux) and 79 (SSN). Predictions for Jan 28 are 120/72.

There is continuing excellent propagation into Melbourne in the 7 MHz band during our post sunrise period, with signal paths from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle dominant.

This band has become heavily congested during the window 1930 to 2000 UTC, and this is a summary of key occupancies observed in that time on January 26, 2012.

7200 SUDAN R, Omdurman
7205 IRAN VOIRI *1930 Russian
7210 ETHIOPIA R. Fana
7215 CHINA CRI Cantonese
7225 RUSSIA CRI-Moscow Turkish
" GERMANY RFE Lampertheim Russian
7230 RUSSIA VOR Moscow Russian
7235 GERMANY VOA Biblis *1930 Albanian
7245 CHINA CRI Russian
7255 CHINA CRI Turkish
7265 CRI Esperanto
7280 VIETNAM VOV French
7290 MOLDOVA R. Prednestrovye, Kishinev area, German
7295 MALAYSIA RTM Kajang English
7305 FRANCE CRI Issoudin Czech
7315 CHINA CRI Kashi Albanian
7320 RUSSIA R. Rossi, Magadan
7335 CHINA CRI Jinhua Portuguese
" IRAN VOIRI Arabic
7345 ROMANIA RRI Macedonian *1930
7350 CHINA CRI Urumqi French
7360 ALBANIA CRI Cerrick French
7365 VATICAN VR Romanian to 1940
7375 CYPRUS BBC Arabic
7385 ALBANIA CRI Cerrick French
7395 CHINA CRI Kashi German
7405 CHINA CRI Xian Portuguese
7410 INDIA AIR English to 1945*
7425 MADAGASCAR RN English
7435 VATICAN VR Latin Mass *1940-2000*
7440 CHINA CRI Xian Romanian
7450 GREECE R. Macedonia, Greek
7480 SRI LANKA Iranawela English
7520 THAILAND R. Farda, Udon
7530 SRI LANKA RL Iranawela Tajik
7550 INDIA AIR English to 1945*
7530 SRI LANKA R. Farda, Iranawela
7540 RUSSIA R. Dengo Mesopotamia, Nikol. Kurdish

Regards from Melbourne!

Bob Padula

Radio Bulgaria's countdown on shortwave

A reminder to our readers that Radio Bulgaria's final day on shortwave will be January 31, 2012.

All times UTC

Albanian
0630-0700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0630-0700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0700-0800 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0700-0800 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1700-1730 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1700-1730 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2000-2100 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2000-2100 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

Bulgarian
0100-0200 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0100-0200 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0100-0200 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0100-0200 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0530-0600 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU Mon-Fri
0500-0600 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU Sat/Sun
1400-1500 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1400-1500 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1400-1500 on 11600 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1400-1500 on 15600 PLD 300 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1600-1700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1600-1700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
1600-1700 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1600-1700 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1600-1700 on 9700 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1600-1700 on 15700 PLD 300 kW / 185 deg to SoAF
1900-2000 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1900-2000 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2200-2300 on 6000 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
2200-2300 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
DX MIX NEWS 0545-0600 Sun; 1445-1500 Sun; 1945-2000 Sun

English
0000-0100 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0000-0100 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0300-0400 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0300-0400 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0730-0800 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0730-0800 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1830-1900 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1830-1900 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2200-2300 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2200-2300 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2230-2240 Fri; 0030-0040 Sat; 0330-0340 Sat; 0740-0750 Sun

French
0200-0300 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0200-0300 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0700-0730 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0700-0730 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1800-1830 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1800-1830 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2100-2200 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2100-2200 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2130-2140 Tue; 0230-0240 Wed; 2130-2140 Sun; 0230-0240 Mon

German
0630-0700 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0630-0700 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1730-1800 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1730-1800 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2000-2100 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2000-2100 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2050-2100 Tue; 0650-0700 Thu; 2020-2030 Sat

Greek
0600-0630 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0600-0630 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0600-0700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0600-0700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1730-1800 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1730-1800 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2100-2200 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2100-2200 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

Russian
0400-0430 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
0400-0430 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1500-1600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1500-1600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1900-2000 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1900-2000 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
DX MIX NEWS 1540-1600 Sat; 1940-2000 Sat; 0410-0430 Sun

Serbian
0700-0730 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0700-0730 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0800-0900 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0800-0900 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1800-1830 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1800-1830 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2200-2300 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2200-2300 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

Spanish
0000-0100 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0000-0100 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0200-0300 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0200-0300 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0700-0730 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
0700-0730 on 9800 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
1730-1800 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
1730-1800 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
2100-2200 on 6000 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
2100-2200 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
DX MIX NEWS 1750-1800 Sun; 2120-2130 Sun; 0020-0030 Mon; 0220-0230 Mon

Turkish
0600-0630 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME
0600-0630 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME
1830-1900 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1830-1900 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
1830-1900 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to N&ME

MW: PET=Petritch (G.C. 41N28/023E19) 1 x 300 kW
VDN=Vidin (G.C. 43N50/022E43) 1 x 300 kW

SW: PLD=Plovdiv (G.C. 42N23/024E52) 2 x 300 kW, 3 x 170 kW

Address:
4, Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1040 Sofia and P.O.Box 900, 1000 Sofia.
Website: www.bnr.bg
(DX MIX NEWS & BCL)

Monitoring India on shortwave radio

All times UTC

AIR/All India Radio

3945, AIR Gorakhpur, 1625-1628, Jan 15, talks, SINPO 15321. (Mille)

4747.6, Radio Kashmir, Leh, -1631*, Jan 10 and 11. Even after many weeks, still continues on this odd frequency instead of 4760. I could not get the proper audio at my location. (Jacob). On Jan 10, at 1330-1450, the stronger than usual open carrier, but as normal unable to confirm any audio due to adjacent QRM from Bangladesh Betar and CNR1 mixing together on 4750. It is of some comfort to learn that even at your location in India, you do not have the best of audio from them. (Howard). It was not heard on 4747.6 Jan 17 evening or Jan 18 morning. However some suspected carrier was noted by Victor Goonetilleke and myself drifting up and down near 4720 around 1615 to past 1630, Jan 17. I have spoken to the Station Engineer at Radio Kashmir, Leh Jan, 18 and informed him of 4760 frequency variation problem. He told me, that his SW transmitter is having problems and they are attending to it. E-mail is not working well there. He also informed, that it is heavily snowing there now with maximum temperature Minus 16 degrees Centigrade! (Jacob)

4775, AIR Imphal. Regarding my logging at 0000-0040, Dec 24, in DX-Window no. 444. (Petersen). It is test that you heard. That station is heard often testing on SW around 0000 just before normal transmission starts. Many AIR stations are also similarily noted testing like that on MW before start of normal transmissions in the morning. Some of them are tests of standby transmitter. On SW I have observed only 4775 like that. (Jacob)

4820.86, AIR Kolkata, 1415-1440, Jan 15, Bengali (presumed) talk, best in USB due to interference from Xizang PBS 4820, 33443. (Petersen and Savolainen)

4840.01, AIR Mumbai, 0018-0030, Jan 23, Indian music. Weak. WWCR 3 is not up yet? Maybe their gone? (Bolland)

4910, AIR Jaipur, 1641-1643, Jan 17, talks, SINPO 25332. (Mille)

5010, AIR Thiruvananthapuram, 0035-0056, Jan 20. English news concluding with report of the Australian Open in tennis, 0040 into Malayalam with mix of talk and music, 0055 some type of promotional ann with fanfares, 0056 possibly news headlines, but fading badly now. Occasional QRM from possibly fisherman speaking in Spanish. Poor. Jan 20. Next evening, Jan 21, I was listening for their 0020 sign on and English news at 0035. Although a carrier was detectable at 0035, it was not until 0045 that the signal rose out of the noise. Malayalam vocals until 0057 when a man spoke. Very poor. (Sellers). Also heard at 1645-1648, Jan 17, talk, 34343 (Mille)
(DX WIndow 446)