Major Uptick in Russian Number Station Activity

The Spectrum Monitor e-zine columnist Mike Chace Ortiz is reporting this morning a major uptick in Russian spy number station activity.

Mike wrote, " I’ve heard every imaginable Russian Intel mode in a couple of hours listening today. OFDM, CW, Voice, 200bd/500 Baudot and probably more I’ve missed. A massive uptick in activity.
The “English Man” and "Russian Man" I rarely hear these days and they are S9+ all over. Both CW and voice transmissions are repeating traffic for the same agents and on the same headers. Everything heard this morning is coming from Moscow but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Cuba-based TXs are up later in the day."

What to Look for in a Deal to Rescue iHeart Media From a Breakup

Gene Ely, Contributor
By midnight tonight, (March 13, 2018), perhaps even before, we could well learn the fate of iHeartMedia, the long-struggling radio giant, and it’s a hugely important story, and not just for radio.

A deal now in the works would restructure the company, transferring control of iHeart from Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners, two venture capital firms, to the company’s debt holders, led by Franklin Advisers, while reducing the company’s crippling debt load.

Additional story at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/geneely/2018/03/12/what-to-look-for-in-a-deal-to-rescue-iheart-from-a-breakup/#1621152a774e

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletin

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2018 Mar 12 0049 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 05 - 11 March 2018
Solar activity was very low throughout the period. No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached moderate levels on 10 Mar with normal levels observed through the remainder of the week.

Geomagnetic field activity reached active levels late on 09 Mar and early on 10 Mar due to the combined influences of a coronal hole high speed stream and a weak transient solar wind feature.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 12 March - 07 April 2018
Solar activity is expected to continue at very low levels throughout the outlook period. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 18-25 Mar with moderate levels expected on 17, 26-30 Mar. Normal flux levels are expected throughout the remainder of the outlook period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 18 and 26 Mar and active levels are expected on 15-17, and 21 Mar due to the influences of multiple, recurrent coronal hole high speed streams. Generally quiet and quiet to unsettled conditions are expected for the rest of the outlook period as a nominal solar wind regime prevails.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2018 Mar 12 0049 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 2018-03-12
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2018 Mar 12      68           5          2
2018 Mar 13      68           5          2
2018 Mar 14      68           8          3
2018 Mar 15      68          10          4
2018 Mar 16      70          14          4
2018 Mar 17      72          16          4
2018 Mar 18      72          20          5
2018 Mar 19      72           5          2
2018 Mar 20      72           5          2
2018 Mar 21      72          12          4
2018 Mar 22      72          18          5
2018 Mar 23      72          10          3
2018 Mar 24      72           5          2
2018 Mar 25      72           8          3
2018 Mar 26      72          20          5
2018 Mar 27      72           5          2
2018 Mar 28      72           5          2
2018 Mar 29      72           5          2
2018 Mar 30      70           8          3
2018 Mar 31      68           8          3
2018 Apr 01      68           5          2
2018 Apr 02      68           5          2
2018 Apr 03      68           5          2
2018 Apr 04      68           5          2
2018 Apr 05      68           5          2
2018 Apr 06      68           5          2
2018 Apr 07      68           5          2
(NOAA)

DXers Unlimited weekend edition, March 11

Special thanks to Arnie Coro, for sharing his latest program script from March 11, 2018


Radio Havana Cuba
Dxers Unlimited weekend edition
For Sunday March 11 2018
By Arnie Coro
Radio amateur CO2KK
Hi, my friends, mis amigos, mes amis,  radio-aficionados from all around the world  that are just now listening to this weekend edition of Dxers Unlimited coming to you from sunny La Habana, Cuba, where we continue to enjoy the most gorgeous spring weather that you can imagine... Ideal weather for swimming, sailing and also to go to the beach at night with your inseparable companion, the AM broadcast band receiver and if possible also take to the beach a tuneable loop that can be connected to your radio...

I am Arnie Coro, radio amateur CO2KK your host at this twice weekly radio hobby program and here is our first new item...

Cameroon Dxpedition to begin operations starting March 15
Members of the Italian DXpedition Team (IDT) will be active as TJ3TT from the Republic of Cameroon between March 15-29th. Tango Juliet three tango tango will be the callsign used... Now a list of operators mentioned  in the announcement----starting with Mac/JA3USA, Silvano/I2YSB, Vinicio/IK2CIO, Angelo/ IK2CKR, Marcello/IK2DIA and Stefano/IK2HKT.  And then Fred, the operator of  IK7JWY, will be the HF pilot station. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY.

Suggested frequencies are:
CW - 1826, 3530, 7025, 10115, 14030, 18068, 21030, 24890 and 28030 kHz SSB - 3775, 7090, 14260, 18128, 21260, 24950 and 28460 kHz RTTY - 14084 kHz
A very quiet Sunday continues to dominate the Solar Terrestrial relationships... day after day , optical observations show no signs of sunspots... something typical of the tail end of a solar cycle....this period of very  solar activity continues to provide very low ionospheric absorption of the lower frequency spectrum producing excellent reception of the the LONG WAVE and the  AM medium wave broadcast bands

According to the recently published opinions of several space weather experts, we are now, yes right now, continuing to enjoy one of the best low frequency Dxing seasons since the year 2014..... As expected the month of March will certainly may bring many interesting propagation conditions on the lower frequency bands, thanks to the expected much lower ionospheric absorption on the D layer already explained here at Dxers Unlimited.

Those of you that live in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to enjoy excellent propagation on the 160 , 80 , 60 and 40 meters bands during the time frame between your local sunset and about two hours more after your local sunrise.... and that will provide you with about fourteen hours of interesting propagation conditions . Those of you with capability to receive on the new 630 meters band will like to explore what is happening in that medium wave amateur band, now available to radio amateurs in many countries around the world.

Now here is an invitation. Yes I want to invite you all amigos, so that you can share with other Dxers Unlimited's listeners your latest DX catches... I would be pleased to receive some of your personal first hand experiences that you have had so far during this 2018, especially regarding if you have noticed better propagation conditions on the lower frequencies since the beginning of this year. And then your DX catches will go on the air here to help others enjoy this wonderful hobby....
the one you and I enjoy so much : RADIO

I am your host Arnie Coro in sunny La Habana, Cuba Yes amigos, QSL , QSL on the air and directly to your e mail and postal address too.... Sure, here at our station we are proud to answer each and every signal report, e-mail, letter and comments about our programs received since from the very first day that we went on the air with the predecessor of RHC, the Onda Corta Experimental Cubana. Now our next celebration is coming up... On the first day of May of 1961, we used the name Radio Havana Cuba for the first time.... I still remember how we used a US made VHF studio to transmitter link, around 159 megaHertz to send our audio from Revolution Square, the Plaza de la Revolución, to the downtown studios of Radio Progeso

The great challenge of today's radio amateurs and Dxers is without doubts the ever raising levels of radio frequency noise signals that interfere with reception of signals all over the radio spectrum...
At a recent radio club meeting a conversation came up about how some of us radio amateur operators  have such a high noise level, something that make that a great many signals are lost in that noise.  Depending on the frequency or band you listen to, some are experiencing 20db above S9 as their noise floor....  Me too... yes ! At CO2KK, my ham radio station, located in a downtown residential neighborhood  I have to deal with a S5 to S7 noise floor on 80 metres, and a S3-S5 on the 40 meters band.

RFI is interference caused by YOUR station equipment getting into other devices, from TVs, to electronic organs, to your touch controlled paper shredder or your cellphone .  EMI is interference FROM other electronic devices which cause your receiver noise floor to rise. Perhaps this is, not entirely technically correct, but it serves a practical purpose .

As our lives become filled with technology in every possible form, the likelihood of electronic interference increases. Every lamp dimmer, garage-door opener or other new technical “toy” contributes to the electrical noise around us. Many of these devices also “listen” to that growing noise and may react unpredictably to their electronic neighbours. Whether it’s called EMI, RFI or TVI [Television Interference], unwanted interaction between intentional and unintentional receivers and transmitters has stimulated vigorous growth in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Now at the end of the show an update about HF propagation.... what was happening on Saturday 10 March, 2018

Only one day (March 2) showed any sunspot activity over the past reporting week, with a daily sunspot number of 11 so average daily sunspot activity declined from 6 to 1.6. Average daily solar flux went from 68.3 to 67.6.

No sunspots have been seen since March 2.
Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average planetary A index dropping from 10.4 to 5.1, and mid-latitude A index from 7.4 to 4.6. Predicted solar flux is 68 on March 11-15, 70 on March 16, 72 onMarch 17-29, 70 on March 30, 68 on March 31 through April 11, 70 on April 12, and 72 on April 13-22.

Send signal reports and comments to inforhc@enet.cu or via Air Mail to Arnie Coro, Radio Havana Cuba, Havana, Cuba


.

International Shortwave Broadcast Guide, Winter 2017-2018, available at Amazon

There's still a few weeks until most stations adjust to their summer broadcast schedules.  Until then, the winter edition of International Shortwave Broadcast Guide, is still available from Amazon. Get your copy NOW to complete your winter listening.

Winter 2017-2018 International Shortwave Broadcast Guide Now Available at Amazon

 Many long time shortwave radio listeners remember the bevy of shortwave radio stations that broadcasted a constant drumbeat of political propaganda from around the world during the old Cold War years. Shortwave radio frequencies, played a very important role in promoting the then ideological confrontation between the East and the West.

Once again shortwave radio has moved to the forefront of a new Cold War, as tensions heat up around the various world hotspots. To follow the action on shortwave radio, you need an accurate and comprehensive broadcast guide.

Teak Publishing is pleased to announce the release of that important radio reference – Winter 2017-2018 International Shortwave Broadcast Guide (ISWBG) electronic book by Amazon bestselling author Gayle Van Horn, W4GVH. This all important semi-annual information resource is your electronic guide to the world of shortwave radio listening.

The release of this book is very timely for international radio monitors given the recent outbreak of tensions in the world hotspots of Eastern Europe, Middle East, East Asia and specifically, the Korean Peninsula.

Shortwave radio listeners are routinely entertained with unique perspectives to events, music, culture, history, and news from other countries that you won’t see or hear on your local or national broadcast channels. Shortwave radio broadcast is not restricted by country borders or oceans, and can propagate thousands of miles, reaching millions of listeners worldwide, in over 300 different languages and dialects. These worldwide transmissions are monitored on internationally assigned radio frequencies between 1700 kHz and 30 MHz.

There are even broadcasts from the dark side, transmitted from broadcasters known as clandestine or clanny stations. Clandestine broadcasters are wrapped in mystery and intrigue, and they usually exist to bring about some sort of political change to the country they are targeting. Programming may largely be half-truths or sometimes even outright lies, but it is essentially propaganda for their cause.

Listeners who live in the United States can easily hear shortwave broadcast stations from China, Cuba, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, North/South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and many other counties if you have an inexpensive shortwave radio receiver, and you know when and where to listen!

If you want to get in on the action, then this Amazon electronic book is your ticket the travel the world via radio. The ISWBG is our exclusive 24-hour station/frequency guide to “all” of the known longwave, selected medium wave and shortwave radio stations currently broadcasting at time of publication. This unique radio hobby resource is the “only” radio hobby publication that has by-hour station schedules that include all language services, frequencies and world target areas.

New in this ninth edition of the ISWBG is a feature, “Monitoring the Secret State of North Korea” by ISWBG author Gayle Van Horn. This timely article will guide you through the various broadcasts medium from rogue regime in Pyongyang. Other authors in this edition include The Spectrum Monitor’s Fred Waterer, and Hans Johnson. There are also two equipment reviews (Gospell GR-216 and T1VDIO receivers), a review of the NRC AM Radio Log and a review of the DXTreme Monitor 11 software program by the Teak Publishing team.

There is also an expanded special feature on Who’s Who in the shortwave radio spectrum by former Monitoring Times editor and Spectrum Monitor e-zine columnist/feature writer Larry Van Horn N5FPW. This story covers services and frequencies outside the regular broadcast and amateur radio bands, and includes our new, exclusive Hot HF 1000+ non-broadcast frequency list.

Also included in this edition is increased frequency and station coverage of longwave broadcasters, selected medium wave broadcast frequencies used by international broadcasters, all known international standard time and frequency stations transmitting worldwide, and some selected spy numbers broadcasts.

International Shortwave Broadcast Guide 9^th edition of this semiannual Teak Publishing publication is available worldwide from Amazon and their various international websites at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SF99SS/.

 The price for this latest edition is still US$7.99. Since this book is being released internationally, Amazon customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia can order this electronic book (e-Book) from Amazon websites directly servicing these countries. All other countries can use the regular Amazon.com website.

 Don’t own a Kindle reader from Amazon? Not a problem. You do not need to own a Kindle to read Amazon e-book publications. You can read any Kindle book with Amazon’s free reading apps on literally any electronic media platform.

A Kindle app is available for most major smartphones, tablets and computers. There is a Kindle app available for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch; Android Phone; Android Tablet; PC; Windows 8; Mac Kindle Cloud Reader; Windows Phone; Samsung; BlackBerry 10; BlackBerry; and WebOS. This means with a free Kindle reading apps, you can buy a Kindle book once, and read it on any device with the Kindle app installed*. You can also read that same Kindle book on a Kindle device if you own one.

You can find additional details on these apps by checking out this link to the Amazon website at www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771.

For additional information on this and other Teak Publishing radio hobby books, monitor the company sponsored Internet blogs – The Military Monitoring Post (http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/), The Btown Monitor Post (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/) and The Shortwave Central (http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/) for availability of additional e-books that are currently in production. You can learn more about the author by going to her author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Gayle-Van-Horn/e/B0084MVQCM/.

The International Shortwave Broadcast Guide will have wide appeal to amateur radio operators, shortwave radio hobbyists, educators, foreign language students, news agencies, news buffs, or anyone interested in listening to a global view of world news and major events as they happen.

Whether you are an amateur radio operator or shortwave radio enthusiasts, and want to get in on the action outside of the ham bands, then this new electronic book from Teak Publishing is a must in your radio reference library.

Here are some of the public comments from radio hobbyists who purchased previous editions of the International Shortwave Broadcast Guide Amazon e-book.

Old-School Shortwave Folks Need to Buy This by James Tedford

There is still a lot to hear on the over-the-air analog shortwave radio bands. This book, updated semiannually will help you hear it. Good comprehensive frequency listings. A must-have for those of us who refuse to totally succumb to digital media.
An excellent guide for shortwave listeners of all levels everywhere by Bill Tilford
This is the best $7.99 you will ever spend on shortwave. This is excellently done and has some of everything - an excellent hour by hour "who is on", discussions of radios, propagation, antennas and some newsworthy items related to the B16 season. The author, Gayle Van Horn, also does the excellent Shortwave Central blog, and the book also has contributions from Fred Waterer, who writers about shortwave for The Spectrum Monitor. I am not a regular Kindle user and was originally concerned about the e-book format, but the Kindle app turned out to be easy to download and use (and the app, unlike the book, is free).

Broadcasters listed by UTC By E. Kapetanakis

Guide offers a lot of useful information for the novice as well as the seasoned shortwave radio listener. Listing of broadcasters and their respective frequencies has been broken down by the Universal Coordinated Time slot that they broadcast. Very useful to check and see who you are listening to at any time of day in your particular geographical location.

Five Stars by DLR and Heatwave

A great source and informative read and great book, well written.

VERY Useful Guide! By Dave in Ohio
Being rather new to the SW DXing, I needed a guide. Most of them were pretty pricey so I decided to give this one a try. When it arrived, I didn't have a lot of time to review it, just glanced at it and was a little upset. I had expected something with page after page of countries with their frequency listings, much like other guides I'd heard about. This one seemed to have a lot of articles about SWL and only in the back did I find frequency listings. But the next day I had about an hour to sit and review the book on my Kindle and I discovered how clever Ms. Van Horn had been in her formatting. I realized that the last thing I needed was just a list of frequencies. The gem of the book is the section that divides the day into UTC hours and what frequency in which country is likely to be on the air at that time. After all, what good does it do me to know that Radio Slobovia broadcasts on 1305 if I have no idea of when to listen for them? (The book also contains a long listing by frequency for identifying those broadcasts that you stumble upon.) I've looked around the articles towards the beginning of the book and the ones I've read are well written and interesting. I strongly recommend that the new readers of Ms. Van Horn's guide use the table of contents to skip around and become familiar with the format. Very useful book at a good price. Ms. Van Horn has herself a new fan ) 

Essential reference for SWLs By Hundedrek
Gayle knows international SW like few others. She used to write a monthly column and directory in the late, lamented Monitoring Times mag. A big reason why I I subbed to it for years. This guide continues the tradition. The Kindle version is more convenient to use. Now that so many international broadcasters are streaming their programming, Gayle's guide is even more valuable.

Gayle does us a great service by publishing this Shortwave Radio Guide By Tampa

A needed re hash of previous books. Gayle does us a great service by publishing this Shortwave Guide. Many on ships have stopped using short wave as they do not have radio distribution systems for the crews as Satellite takes over. Many ships have wired hanging out of portholes as a result and all kinds of antennas stuck around the ships creating hazards so they can listen to their home countries. CBC has shut down Radio Canada to save money OMG #Stupid. Clandestine Radio is on the Rise and this book lists and explains. That in itself is interesting. Should be of interest to any #SWL or #HamRadio people.

Shortwave LIVES!!!!!! By Walter C. Thurman

The Van Horns are shining stars in the Shortwave Radio and MilComms World.... this read is helpful for us DIE HARD shortwave listener's and Ham Radio folks alike. THANK FOR WHAT YOU GUYS DO!!!!! N0RDC

Great Useful (and highly affordable) Data For SWLs By Randy S.

Gayle's monthly Monitoring Times roundup of shortwave broadcast schedules was always tremendously useful. With the demise of the magazine itself it's nice to see that her massive database (and the years of work on it) aren't going to waste. And at the price (less than the cost of a monthly issue of the magazine) it makes for a fine bargain and is well worth it for shortwave-broadcast listeners with e-reader capability. The twice- yearly updates will keep the project relevant and useful.

Solid for HF listening! By Mr geocacher

Very useful for identifying what you hear on HF. Lot's of good tidbits for listening hints too.

Shortwave Broadcast Guide by Kindle Customer

Since Monitoring Times is no longer in publication, this guide is required for the dedicated shortwave listener. There is information provided that I have found no where else. It will be a welcome addition to any listener's equipment. Gayle Van Horn has been publishing this research for many years and the followers are numerous, from beginners to professionals. The author's work is accurate, concise and thorough. If you have a shortwave radio, you need this publication as much as a set of earphones. There is none better.

 Very Good Source for Shortwave Stations Broadcast Schedules by Kenneth Windyka

I've got to admit up front that I don't have a strong interest in this part of the hobby. HOWEVER, Gayle Van Horn makes it easy to determine what one can hear on the short wave bands during a particular time period (in GMT time sorted format). I also like the internet reference available, so that one can listen to programs via the internet even if its' not possible via the shortwave radio.

NJ Shortwave listener hears International Frequencies with new guide help by Stanley E Rozewski

This e-book is complete and accurate in presenting a low cost SW frequency guide and important must read topics for the new or experienced user. I liked the easy reading format, and understandable frequency guide. I will order the second edition next year.

This is my go-to-first reference by Mary C Larson
When I turn on the shortwave receiver and want to find out what's on and where to look, Van Horn's handy frequency guide is a smart place to begin. The format is not unlike the one Monitoring Times (R.I.P.) used each month. Presumably, updated ISBGs will be published twice per year, but you can check for the updates on her blog, (mt-shortwave.blogspot.com).

Good value by DrP

This is an excellent well-written book that is very affordable when compared to encyclopedic guides, e.g., the WRTH. Much the same information is included. The first part is a nice introduction to SW listening pitched to the beginner. Included is an informative section on purchasing a radio spanning low-end <$100 models up through the most advanced transceivers. The bulk of the book contains a list of world-wide SW broadcasters, organized by frequency band. This makes it ideal for browsing one band at a time, but much less so if you want to search for broadcasts from a particular country.

I like this one by Charles

I have only had a brief chance to scan through this book. From what I have seen of it I will enjoy getting in to it.

 Excellent Shortwave Introduction and Program Guide by Don K3PRN

Excellent, very reasonable guide to shortwave radio. As a longtime shortwave listener, the listing of all shortwave stations by UTC time is very useful to me. I had previously a shortwave website that listed only English broadcasts rather than an all station listing with the language that will be broadcast. I would highly recommend this e book for all new shortwave listeners and those that interested in a very portable listing of all stations by UTC. I only hope that this will be updated twice a year for many more years.

Good Product by Radio Freq

Since Monitoring Times stopped publishing shortwave radio schedules, there has been a dearth of resources for radio-heads. This guide nicely fulfills gap. It is very comprehensive.

It is nice someone is dedicated to SWL by Robert K. Mallory
Very concise and well organized. Not much to choose from these days, it is nice someone is dedicated to Shortwave Radio Listening.

From the Isle of Music, March 11-17, 2018

No interviews this week, just a Cuban dance party from Son to Bolero to Música Popular Bailable. Note the UTC time change for WBCQ for the A18 season, the local time stays the same.
Four opportunities to listen on shortwave:

1. For Eastern Europe but audible well beyond the target area in most of the Eastern Hemisphere (including parts of East Asia and Oceania) with 100Kw, Sunday 1500-1600 UTC on SpaceLine, 9400 KHz, from Kostinbrod, Bulgaria (1800-1900 MSK)

2. For the Americas and parts of Europe, Tuesday 0000-0100 UTC on WBCQ, 7490 KHz from Monticello, ME, USA (Monday 8-9PM EST in the US). This is running on a backup transmitter due to a recent fire.

3 and 4. For Europe and sometimes beyond, Tuesday 1900-2000 UTC and Saturday 1200-1300 UTC on Channel 292, 6070 KHz from Rohrbach, Germany.

Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, Sunday, March 11, 2018
Episode 53 of Uncle Bill’s Melting Pot, Not Necessarily Elvis, takes a look at some of the various international and US parodies of Mr. Presley.  Note the UTC time change for A18, same local time.
Sunday, March 11, 2200-2230 UTC (6:00PM -6:30PM Eastern US) on
WBCQ The Planet 7490 KHz shortwave from the US to the Americas and parts of Europe
William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer

Board to review programming to Russia, China and Middle East

WASHINGTON - The Broadcasting Board of Governors will meet on March 14, at 1:00 pm at its Washington, D.C., headquarters.

In addition to board business, the Board will receive reports on the networks' efforts to counter violent extremism in Central Asia, to provide coverage of the upcoming Russian elections, and to expand distribution methods in Cuba.

The Board will hear about several new programs, including VOA's Plugged In with Greta van Susteren, as well as new Alhurra programs for audiences in the Middle East. The Board will also receive a report from the CEO and Director John F. Lansing on the networks' programming initiatives as they relate to the BBG's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, which is focused on advancing the priorities in the President's National Security Strategy.

Members of the public may attend this meeting in person by registering here by 12:00 p.m. on March 13, 2018. Seating capacity is limited. The meeting will also be streamed

Frequency change for All India Radio Chennai FM

Effective 18 March, 2018, All India Radio will make the following frequency changes:

AIR Chennai, Vividh Bharati service will change it's frequency from 100.5 MHz to 102.3 MHz.
AIR Chennai, FM GOLD service will change its frequency from 102.3 MHz to 100.1 MHz.
(Arun Kumar, Chennai)

Shortwave Radiogram, March 10-11

@jushin_Perseus received these images in Japan, Monday 0800-0830 UTC, 7730 kHz from WRMI Florida.

Hello friends,

As I was typing last week's edition of this email, the lights in my house were flickering because of the high winds on 2 March. I knew I had to work fast: adding new names to the mailing list, then sending the email three times, each with a third of the mailing list, and finally uploading the Shortwave Radiogram audio to Bulgaria and to WRMI. All of that was finished just before the lights went out at 6:00 am. (Actually, I was on the UPS.) Power was not restored until about 7:00 pm.

But my internet connection was not restored at that time. The Verizon fiber optic lines were victims of falling trees a few blocks away. Internet did not return until Sunday at about 3:00 pm. Because of this, I was not able to send my usual Twitter reminders and retweets of listeners' images, at least for the Saturday 1600 UTC show.

Videos:  BacardeSan in Mississippi produced an amazing video showing his simultaneous reception of 5850 and 7730 kHz, from WRMI Florida, Monday at 0800-0830 UTC. He used a single RTL_SDR and GQRX software. You won't be able to decode from his audio because the two frequencies were about about 400ms apart: https://youtu.be/E1tY4qGJkTE

BlackApple 62 in Italy provided this video of reception Saturday at 1600-1630 UTC on 9400 kHz from Bulgaria:
https://youtu.be/-j0Su_lBzZE And Scott in Ontario produced this video of the Sunday 2330-2400 UTC broadcast on 7780 kHz:
https://youtu.be/aMgET0jWfaA
MFSK image experiment

This weekend's Shortwave Radiogram will include an MFSK32 image transmitted at normal speed. It will then be transmitted at half speed, to be recorded then played back at double speed. Is the quality of the latter image better?

You can use Audacity to record and change the speed of the transmitted audio. (Effect > Change Speed > Percent Change: 100.0)  Other audio editors are also available. Sometimes it is tricky to transfer audio from one application to another inside a PC. A virtual audio cable such as VB Cable might help.

Details of the experiment are in the attached pdf prepared by Mark Braunstein, WA4KFZ.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 38, 10-11 March 2018, all in MFSK32 (but with one item slowed down):

 1:36  Program preview
 2:44  Clocks in Europe affected by power grid irregularities*
11:16  Odd and amazing cyclones at Jupiter's poles* 
16:53  Goodyear's photosynthesizing concept tire*
22:16  MFSK image enhancement experiment*
25:00  Closing announcements

* with image(s)
Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

Shortwave Radiogram Program 38 (10-11 March  2018)
Saturday	1600-1630 UTC	9400 kHz	MFSK32	Space Line, Bulgaria
Sunday	2030-2100 UTC	7780 kHz		WRMI Florida
Sunday	2330-2400 UTC	7780 kHz		WRMI Florida
Monday	0800-0830 UTC	7730 kHz 5850 kHz		WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC transmits to Europe Saturdays at 1500-1600 UTC on 9400 kHz (via Bulgaria), with the minute of MFSK at about 1530 UTC (if you are outside of Europe, listen via websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ ).  And to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 6150 kHz, via Germany. The minute of MFSK is at about 0130 UTC.  Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/. 

 Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  For the complete IBC transmission schedule visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/  Five minutes of MFSK32 is at the end of the 30-minute English-language “Shortwave Panorama,” per the schedule below:

Wednesday	2025-2030 UTC	5845 kHz	Europe, Middle East, Asia
Tuesday	0125-0130 UTC	5950, 11580 kHz	Americas
Friday	0225-0230 UTC	9955 kHz	Americas
Friday	0255-0300 UTC	5985 kHz	Americas
Saturday	0155-0200 UTC	5850, 5950, 9395, 9455 kHz	Americas
Sunday	0055-0100 UTC	7730 kHz	Americas
Sunday	1155-1200 UTC	6070 kHz	Europe

Thanks for your reception reports! 

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
Shortwave Radiogram
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Weekly Propagatin Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2018 Mar 05 0116 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 26 February - 04 March 2018
Solar activity reached low levels on 02 Mar due to an isolated C1 flare from Region 2700 (N06, L=328, class/area=Cro/30 on 26 Feb), which was the only active region with sunspots this period. Solar activity was very low throughout the remainder of the period and 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 on 26-27 Feb and 03 Mar and moderate levels were observed on 28 Feb and 01-02 Mar. Normal levels were observed on 04 Mar.

Geomagnetic field activity reached active and G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 27 Feb due to the influence of a negative polarity CH HSS. Generally quiet and quiet to unsettled conditions were
observed throughout the remainder of the period.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 05 March - 31 March 2018
Solar activity is expected to be very low throughout the outlook period. No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is
expected to reach high levels on 18-25 Mar and moderate levels are expected on 17, and 26-30 Mar. Normal flux levels are expected for the remainder of the outlook period. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 18, 22 and 26 Mar due to the influences
of multiple recurrent, CH HSSs. Active levels are expected on 15-17 and 21 Mar with generally quiet and quiet to unsettled conditions likely through the remainder of the outlook period.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2018 Mar 05 0116 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 2018-03-05
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2018 Mar 05      68           5          2
2018 Mar 06      68           5          2
2018 Mar 07      68           5          2
2018 Mar 08      68           8          3
2018 Mar 09      68           8          3
2018 Mar 10      68           5          2
2018 Mar 11      68           5          2
2018 Mar 12      68           5          2
2018 Mar 13      68           5          2
2018 Mar 14      68          10          3
2018 Mar 15      68          12          4
2018 Mar 16      70          12          4
2018 Mar 17      72          15          4
2018 Mar 18      72          18          5
2018 Mar 19      72           5          2
2018 Mar 20      72           5          2
2018 Mar 21      72          12          4
2018 Mar 22      72          18          5
2018 Mar 23      72          10          3
2018 Mar 24      72           5          2
2018 Mar 25      72           8          3
2018 Mar 26      72          20          5
2018 Mar 27      72           5          2
2018 Mar 28      72           5          2
2018 Mar 29      72           5          2
2018 Mar 30      70           8          3
2018 Mar 31      68           8          3
(NOAA)

March Specials ... Airmail Postage & DX Supplies

Dear Customer,
Below are DX supply Offers and news for MARCH  2018. 

DX Supplies 2018:  Sorry to say, but I do not plan to restock Euro or stateside envelopes once they sell out. Envelope sales for 2017 were half the envelope sales of 2016, and a dismal 20%  of what I sold in 2013. I know 2018's selling pace will be even slower. Below are listed new envelope ordering options designed to maximize sales based on what I have on hand.  QSL Albums and pages will not be restocked either, once supply is exhausted. At this point, it just doesn't make sense to re-stock items that take so long to sell...or not to sell.   

DX Postage: Some countries will be deleted over time, when supply is exhausted.  US Discount postage offers will continue, as this is the only area of my business that shows continued annual jumps in growth. It's something.  Fountain Pens: Delighted to hear from one contact doing Ebay selling. She has purchased a number of vintage fountain pens and mechanical pencils during the past few weeks, so this area might finally get some traction. Hopefully, giving me the opportunity to buy more, restore them and do quicker re-sales. Restoring these old gems can be a challenge, but it's fun and rewarding.  I'll continue my pen selling efforts at local flea/craft fairs and hamfests. It's a day out to socialize at least...a good break from the computer. I have 12 events planned for this year---will certainly add 5+ new ones. Most are usually listed with 2 weeks or less lead time...At least ones I attended last year give me a month+ heads up.

 DISCOUNT POSTAGE!!:  The Forever stamps I have listed below in the grid are in full sheets mostly. Final 300 Single Forever stamps: minimal effort to remove from backing paper. Offered CHEAP!! 300 for only $120.00  Email me to reserve this final batch.

HAMFESTS/Craft Shows:

March 10th:  Cherryville Repeaters Hamfest at North Hunterdon High School, Clinton, NJ: some DX supplies plus fountain pens/pencils.

April 28th: Branchburg Middle School, Baird Rd, Branchburg, NJ with fountain pens & mechanical pencils.

May 5th: Ringoes Grange, Rt 179, Ringoes, NJ with pens and mech. pencil hoard.

FOUNTAIN PEN & PENCIL PRICE LIST:  Request your updated copy today.

NEW FOREIGN RATES:  

   NETHERLANDS now at 1,40 euro for 20g. Neth. Forever stamp I sell is valid for new rate.

   CZECH REP> now 41 CZK for 50g.  Czech. Forever stamp I sell is valid for new rate.

   UKRAINE Jan 1 jump to $2,50 they seem to be using the US $. Supply just rec'd. Ukraine Forever stamp covers new rate

   QATAR now 8,50 for 20g letter...almost doubled from their 4,50 rate.

   UK 20g rate increases to 1,45 GB pound March 26th....If you have current unit with 1st + 1st + 10p stamps....you're 1p short for new rate...1st will increase in value from 65p to 67p.  Soo, on March 26th, your units will total = 1,44....Let me know how many 1p stamps you need with your next order...What you currently have will cover their new 10g rate of 1,25---but seems many UK hams complained weight always went over 10g...

      ***IF you notice rate increases, let me know.***

IN STOCK AGAIN: Slovakia and Saudi Arabia

STAMPS ON BACK ORDER:   Thailand

STAMP PRICE LIST UPDATE:

Saudi Arabia now priced at $5.00

Ukraine now priced at $3.00 

Thailand now $2.00

Brazil now $2.50

Mexico now $2.00

Finland now $2.00

Qatar now $4.00

Save Big on your domestic mailings when you plaster 

 your envelope with colorful vintage stamps!

HAPPY  MAILING!!

50c units	Forever		in  3 stamps	4 stamps	5 stamps
x 100	$46.00		$43.00	$42.00	$41.00
x 200	$88.00		$65.00	$64.00	$63.00
x 500	$215.00		$160.00	$159.00	$158.00

        Sent to USA addresses only.        

Add $1.00 for P&H

 MARCH 2018  DX  SUPPLY  OFFERS

NOTE: NEW Envelope Options With NEW PRICING!!!

50/50 European Plain Mailers and Plain Returns - $16.00

200/200 European Plain Mailers and Plain Returns - $45.00

200/200 European AIR Mailers and Plain Returns - $45.00

European AIR Returns are SOLD OUT.

 Wanna Use Just the One larger Euro Mailer Envelope?

$ave on These Clearance Deal$!

400 European AIR Mailers only - $40.00

400 European PLAIN Mailers only - $40.00

Stateside Envelope Supply Almost Sold Out. 

200/200 STATESIDE Mailers and Returns - $25.00

400/400 STATESIDE Mailers & Returns - $45.00

                                     100 #6-3/4 Forever Stamped Envelopes - $45.00

(save a little on shipping and order with other supplies!)

Qty of 3 available

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.

William Plum

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