Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2020 Jan 20 0748 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 13 - 19 January 2020

Solar activity was very low. The solar disk was spotless. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at moderate levels throughout the reporting period.

Geomagnetic field activity was quiet with an isolated period of unsettled conditions on 16 Jan under a nominal solar wind regime.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 20 January - 15 February 2020

Solar activity is expected to remain at very low levels.

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 21-22 January, due to recurrent CH HSS influence. Moderate levels are anticipated for the remainder of the outlook period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach active levels on 20-21 Jan with unsettled conditions forecasted on 22 Jan and 01-05 Feb due to recurrent CH HSS activity.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2020 Jan 20 0748 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2020-01-20
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2020 Jan 20      72          12          4
2020 Jan 21      72          12          4
2020 Jan 22      72          10          3
2020 Jan 23      72           5          2
2020 Jan 24      72           5          2
2020 Jan 25      72           5          2
2020 Jan 26      72           5          2
2020 Jan 27      72           5          2
2020 Jan 28      72           5          2
2020 Jan 29      72           5          2
2020 Jan 30      72           5          2
2020 Jan 31      72           5          2
2020 Feb 01      72          10          3
2020 Feb 02      72          10          3
2020 Feb 03      72          10          3
2020 Feb 04      72          10          3
2020 Feb 05      72          10          3
2020 Feb 06      71           5          2
2020 Feb 07      71           5          2
2020 Feb 08      71           5          2
2020 Feb 09      71           5          2
2020 Feb 10      71           5          2
2020 Feb 11      71           5          2
2020 Feb 12      71           5          2
2020 Feb 13      71           5          2
2020 Feb 14      71           5          2
2020 Feb 15      71           5          2
(NOAA)

Shortwave Radiogram, weekend schedules

Hello friends,

I was afraid that eventually I would lose track of Shortwave Radio program numbers. Well, It happened in last weekend's email. I wrote that the weekend's show number was 133, but it was, of course, 134. And this weekend it will be program 135.

Last Sunday morning at 0800-0830 UTC, 5850 kHz from WRMI was not on the air, but 7730 kHz was. I am hopeful both frequencies will return this Sunday.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 134) are provided by Scott in Ontario (Saturday 1330 UTC), 2010DFS in Japan (Sunday 0800 UTC 7730 kHz), Ralf in Germany and Jeff in Oklahoma (both Sunday 2330 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

This weekend's show is in the usual MFSK32 and MFSK64, with nine MFSK images.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 135, 17-19 January 2020, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:44  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:49  Puzzling home galaxy of repeating fast radio burst*
 8:47  MFSK64: Process turns CO2 into 'green methane'*
14:14  Images of the week*
27:02  MFSK32: Closing announcements

* with image(s)
Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net
And visit http://swradiogram.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Saturday  0330-0400 UTC 9265 kHz  WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday  1330-1400 UTC 15770 kHz  WINB Pennsylvania
Sunday 0800-0830 UTC  5850 kHz /7730 kHz  WRMI Florida
Sunday 2330-2400 UTC 7780 kHz  WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC transmits to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. A 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/.

“This is a Music Show” is the newest addition to digital modes via analog shortwave. Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK text and image near the end of the broadcast. It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0100-0200 UTC on 5850 kHz and 0130-0230 UTC on 9395 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com . www.instagram.com/thisisamusicshow/ www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/ @ThisIsAMusicSho

New York and Pennsylvania NBEMS nets. Most weekends, as KD9XB, I check in to the New York NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging Software) net Saturday at 1300 UTC on 3584 kHz USB, and the Pennsylvania NBEMS net Sunday at 1300 UTC on 3583 kHz USB (with out-of-state check-ins now starting at 1230 UTC). Check-ins are usually in Thor 22, and messages are in MFSK32. Messages generally use the Flmsg add-on to Fldigi. If you are a radio amateur in eastern North America, feel free to check in. Outside the region, use an SDR in the eastern USA to tune in and decode. You do not need Flmsg to check in, and most of the messages can be read without Flmsg. If you can decode the net, send me an email to radiogram@verizon.net , or tweet to @SWRadiogram , and I will let them know you are tuned in. USEast NBEMS Net: Please also note the USEast NBEMS Net, Thursdays 0000 UTC (Wednesdays 7 pm EST) on 3536 kHz USB.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

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

Encore - Classical Music on Radio Tumbrill, weekend schedule

This weekend Encore - Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will be broadcast again at the NEW TIME in Europe of 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz.
This is instead of the Sunday broadcast at 15:00 UTC.
There is much less interference from adjacent channels at this time - indeed we have had several reception reports from India.
For now - the 6070 kHz repeat will continue to be on Friday evenings at 19:00 UTC - as usual.

WWCR Nashville will broadcast the Encore on Saturday at 21:00 UTC as usual on 9350 kHz. The propagation is very good over the US and much of Canada and the signal carries to parts of western Europe too.

WBCQ Maine will send out the show on 7490 kHz at 01:00 UTC Monday to the US. (Early evening Sunday local US - obviously.)

NB - trial broadcast of Encore on 7440 kHz Sunday 09:00 UTC Channel 292 - Sunday 19th

Do let us know how well you can pick up Encore at your location by emailing to encoretumbril@gmail.com. We try to reply to all emails and will send eQSL cards for full reports - though a brief report is fine.

This week's programme is chock full of interesting and provocative classical music - listen in and see if you agree.
The playlist is on the website and will be updated soon after Saturday's broadcast of the new show by Channel 292 at 11:00 UTC.

Both Channel 292 and WBCQ as well as WWCR can be pulled live off the internet if the reception is poor in your location. Easy to find their sites with a google search.


In the meantime - thank you for spreading the word about Encore - Classical Music on Shortwave. And thank you to everyone for letting us know how well the signal is received where you live.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril.

Regular Broadcast times are:
11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday on 6070 kHz and repeated 19:00 - 20:00 UTC Friday on 6070 kHz Channel 292 (Germany).
21:00 - 22:00 UTC Saturday on 9350 kHz WWCR (Nashville).
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Monday on 7490 kHz WBCQ - (Maine).

Frequency Updates

All times UTC

Clandestine
Shiokaze/Sea Breeze 
Effective: 09 Jan 2020
1300-1400 7310 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs, ex 6145 and 2nd freq.
same time 7345 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs, ex 7245 is as follows
1300-1330 Japanese Mon/Tue/Sat/Sun; Korean Wed/Fri; English Thu
1330-1400 Korean Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun; Japanese Mon/Tue; English Thu
1600-1700 6085 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs, ex 5955 and 2nd freq.
same time 7325 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs, ex 6020 is as follows
1600-1630 Japanese Mon/Tue/Sat/Sun; Korean Wed/Fri; English Thu
1630-1700 Korean Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun; Japanese Mon/Tue; English Thu

Clandestine
Furusato no Kaze via Shiokaze Effective: 06 Dec. 2019
1405-1435 6085 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Daily, ex 6070
1405-1435 7260 YAM 300 kW / 280 deg to NEAs Japanese Daily, ex 6095

New Zealand
Radio New Zealand Pacific 
Effective: 15 Jan 2020
1059-1258 on  6115 RAN 100 kW / 325 deg to NWPac/PNG/As English, ex 9700
(DX Bulgaria)

Radio Onda begins testing on shortwave

Today's follow-up from my original post on January 7.

Netherlands
Rádio Onda has moved to 5940 kHz from 6060 kHz. Heard testing today at 1100 on 5940.05v kHz, weak here in Finland. (Mauno Ritola on WRTH Facebook group, 5 Jan)
(Radio Onda's entry is on page 459/460 of WRTH 2020 under Belgium - though SW licence is for 1 kW from site in Netherlands see: https://www.radioonda.be/ondes-courtes)

"Welcome to Radio Onda's website! We are broadcasting in DAB+ from Brussels. Here you can listen, in addition to the good French music, the best international hits 80s and 90s, and of course, the beautiful Brazilian music! Listen to the broadcast of Radio Onda also on 6060 kHz" https://ondaasbl.wixsite.com/english

"Radio Onda is managed by ASBL Onda, a non-profit association based in Bruxellas, Belgium. Our activities are aimed at the dissemination of Brazilian culture by the old continent. In addition to webradio, we have a 6030 kHz Shortwave broadcaster from Holland, with 1 KW of power, covering much of Europe. The programming of the station is quite varied, and here you will hear from MPB, National Rock, Samba, Country, among other national styles. This way, we bring you a great variety of music, with lots of humor and information, for an audience not only Brazilian, but also Belgian and European. ASBL Onda is a member of HFCC, an international organization for shortwave radio frequency coordination, in addition to the Geneva-based ITU." (translated from Portuguese at https://ondaasbl.wixsite.com/home/a-radio)
(N.B. Voz Missionaria, Brazil also uses 5940 kHz, though off channel around 5939.7 kHz)
(A. Pennington/BDXC)

A-20 season registered already, start as from March 29, 2020.
5940 kHz 0000-2400 UT ITU CIRAF zones 27E,28NW  MRT 1 kW  0=non-directional ITU antenna type '700
(W. Bueschel/WWDXC10 Jan 2020)

French website http://www.radio.be listing 6060 kHz, streaming audio is not active.

blog post: January 7, 2020
Netherlands
New time of Radio Onda ASBL via Margraten, Netherlands effective December 6, 2019
0000-1700 on 5940 kHz (MRT 001 kW / non-dir) Portuguese to Western Europe. (ex 24hrs)
(edited for clarity)
(DX Bulgaria 07 Jan 2020)

Listed in WRTH 2020 as;
Radio Onda, 6060 kHz 1600-2300 in English, French, Portuguese. Station inactive at time of publication, but due to air in the near future. Station is produced by the registered voluntary association 'Onda pour le dévelopement de la communication sociale et culturlle de la communauté Brésilienne en Belgigue."
(WRTH 2020)
French website http://www.radio.be listing 6060 kHz, streaming audio is not active.

Radiogram weekend schedules

Hello friends,

The new, additional transmission of Shortwave Radiogram Saturdays at 1330-1400 UTC is now confirmed and added to the schedule. This broadcast should be especially convenient for European listeners. The 15770 kHz frequency from WRMI Florida has lately delivered a good signal into Europe. In fact, it has also been heard as far east as Kuwait and as far south as New Zealand. Unfortunately, it is usually inaudible here in the eastern USA.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 133) are provided by 2010DFS in Japan (Sunday 0800 UTC on 7730 kHz), Scott in Ontario (Sunday 0800 UTC on 5850 kHz),  HFZone in Virginia and Jeff in Oklahoma (both Sunday 2330 UTC). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

This weekend's show is in the usual MFSK32 and MFSK64, with 10 images.

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 133, 10-12 January 2020, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:40  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:48  Helium is the new "oil" for western Canada*
 7:53  MFSK64: Sky lanterns -- elegant fire hazard*
12:37  Ice on Earth's rivers is in rapid decline*
16:29  This week's images*
28:22  MFSK32: Closing announcements

* with image(s)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net

And visit http://swradiogram.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Saturday  0330-0400 UTC 9265 kHz  WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday  1330-1400 UTC 15770 kHz  WINB Pennsylvania
Sunday 0800-0830 UTC 5850 kHz 7730 kHz  WRMI Florida
Sunday 2330-2400 UTC 7780 kHz  WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC transmits to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. A 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/.

“This is a Music Show” is the newest addition to digital modes via analog shortwave. Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK text and image near the end of the broadcast. It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0100-0200 UTC on 5850 kHz and 0130-0230 UTC on 9395 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com . www.instagram.com/thisisamusicshow/ www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/ @ThisIsAMusicShow

New York and Pennsylvania NBEMS nets. Most weekends, as KD9XB, I check in to the New York NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging Software) net Saturday at 1300 UTC on 3584 kHz USB, and the Pennsylvania NBEMS net Sunday at 1300 UTC on 3583 kHz USB (with out-of-state check-ins now starting at 1230 UTC). Check-ins are usually in Thor 22, and messages are in MFSK32. Messages generally use the Flmsg add-on to Fldigi. If you are a radio amateur in eastern North America, feel free to check in. Outside the region, use an SDR in the eastern USA to tune in and decode. You do not need Flmsg to check in, and most of the messages can be read without Flmsg. If you can decode the net, send me an email to radiogram@verizon.net , or tweet to @SWRadiogram , and I will let them know you are tuned in. USEast NBEMS Net: Please also note the USEast NBEMS Net, Thursdays at 0000 UTC (Wednesdays 7 pm EST) on 3536 kHz USB.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

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

Encore -Classical Music, weekend schedule

This weekend Encore - Classical Music on Radio Tumbril will start broadcasting at a NEW TIME in Europe. We have moved the 15:00 UTC Sunday transmission on 6070 kHz to 11:00 UTC on SATURDAY on 6070 kHz with Channel 292. There should be much less interference from adjacent channels at this time. For now - the repeat will continue to be on Friday evenings at 19:00 UTC as usual.

WWCR will broadcast the Encore on Saturday at 21:00 UTC as usual on 9350 kHz. The propagation is very good over the US and much of Canada and the signal carries to parts of western Europe too. (we had a reception report from West Bengal in India last week as well.)

WBCQ send out the show on 7490 kHz at 01:00 UTC Monday to the United States.

Do let us know how well you can pick up Encore at your location by emailing to encoretumbril@gmail.com. We try to reply to all emails and will send eQSL cards for full reports - though a brief report is fine.

This week's program starts with some solo cello by Bach and part of the Beethoven violin concerto. After that we will have come contemporary pieces by Thomas Adés and Jennifer Higdon followed by some Smetena and a romance by Haydn.

The program finishes with First Snow by Mansell and some Mozart.  I hope you enjoy it. The playlist is on the website  - along with an email link and comments page.

Both Channel 292 and WBCQ as well as WWCR can be pulled live off the internet if the reception is poor in your location. Easy to find their sites with a google search.

In the meantime - thank you for spreading the word about Encore - Classical Music on Shortwave. And thank you to everyone for letting us know how well the signal is received where you live.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril.

Regular Broadcast times are:
11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday on 6070 kHz on Channel 292 and repeated 19:00 - 20:00 UTC Friday on 6070 kHz Channel 292 (Germany).
21:00 - 22:00 UTC Saturday on 9350 kHz WWCR (Nashville).
01:00 - 02:00 UTC Monday on 7490 kHz WBCQ - (Maine).

Frequency Updates

All times UTC

Texas Radio Shortwave and Radio City via Channel 292

Texas Radio Shortwave from January 18,2020 until June 20, 2020 broadcast in English to Central Europe - 3^rd Saturday at 0900-1000 on 6070 (ROB 010 kW / non-dir).

Radio City -The Station of the Cars from January 25, 2020

1100-1200 on 6070 6070 (ROB 010 kW / non-dir) 4^th Saturday to Central Europe in German. This is as a replacement for the programs we used to transmit on the 4th Saturday of the month via Hamburger Lokalradio HLR on 6190 kHz:

1300-1400 on  6190  (GOH 001 kW / 230 deg) 4^th Saturday to Central Europe in German CUSB.

(edited for clarity)

(DX Bulgaria 07 Jan 2020)

Netherlands

New time of Radio Onda ASBL via Margraten, Netherlands effective December 6, 2019

0000-1700 on 5940 kHz (MRT 001 kW / non-dir) Portuguese to Western Europe. (ex 24hrs)

(edited for clarity)

(DX Bulgaria 07 Jan 2020)

Listed in WRTH 2020 as;

Radio Onda, 6060 kHz 1600-2300 in English, French, Portuguese. Station inactive at time of publication, but due to air in the near future. Station is produced by the registered voluntary association 'Onda pour le dévelopement de la communication sociale et culturlle de la communauté Brésilienne en Belgigue."

(WRTH 2020)

French website http://www.radio.be listing 6060 kHz, streaming audio is not active.

United Kingdom

Changes of Encompass Digital Media Services (ENC-DMS) and BBCWS

TWR Africa

Effective: 01 January 2020

0330-0345 - 7245 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Amharic Sat/Sun, ex Sat-Mon/Fri

0330-0345 - 7245 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Oromo Tue, NO CHANGE

0330-0345 - 7245 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Sidamo Thu, ex Wed/Thu

FEBA Radio

Effective: 01 January 2020

1615-1630 - 9540 ERV 300 kW / 192 deg to EaAf Guragena Mon-Wed, ex 1600-1630

1615-1630 - 9540 ERV 300 kW / 192 deg to EaAf Amharic  Thu-Sun, ex 1600-1630

1800-1830 - 6035 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Sat/Sun, ex Sun Jan.4

BBCWS

Effective: 06 January 2020

1900-2000 - 6150 DHA 250 kW / 255 deg to CEAf Arabic, ex 6145

2000-2100 - 6150 SLA 250 kW / 260 deg to CEAf Arabic, ex 6145

(DX Bulgaria 07 Jan 2020)

Bangladesh Betar schedule update

Bangladesh Betar QSL (Gayle Van Horn Collection)

The following schedule for Bangladesh Betar, is an update from those posted in the Winter Edition of Global Radio Guide 2019-2020.

All times UTC /broadcast daily
Transmitter (250 kW) via Dhaka, Bangladesh, targeted to Asia

Arabic
1600-1630 4750 (7250 inactive)

Bengali
1630-1700 4750 (7250 inactive)
1700-1730 4750 (7250 inactive)
1915-2000 4750 (13580 inactive)

English
(ID as: "this is the External Service of Bangladesh Betar")
1230-1300 4750 (15105 inactive)
1745-1800 4750 (13580 inactive)
1800-1900 4750 (13680 inactive)

Hindi
1515-1545 4750 (15505 inactive)

Nepali
1315-1345 4750 (9455 inactive)

Urdu
1400-1430 4750 (15505 inactive)

Reception reports to: Senior Engineer, Research & Receiving Centre rrc@dhaka.net
Website: http://www.betar.gov.bd http://www.betar.gov.bd
(WRTH 2020)

A closer look at Australian broadcasting

Our friend Hans Johnson, has a good feature at Radio World on Australia Still Has Shortwave Voices, in Radio World https://tinyurl.com/yfhhwx7l
Keep em coming, Hans :)

And speaking of Australia -

On Dec 20, 1939 PM Robert Menzies announced Australia's first international broadcast service. From radio, to TV, digital, mobile, social and streaming we have taken an Australian voice to the Asia Pacific and the world.

Check out the Australia Calling: 80 Years of International Broadcasting (ABC) at:
https://tinyurl.com/yhynytmg

Telestar set for upcoming broadcast

Telstar has a Happy Birthday Shortwave show on 7 January from 1200-1300 UTC on 5990 kHz via Nauen, Germany, with 125 kW for Western Europe. Reports to puntenelli@hotmail.com
https://studio52radiogroup.jimdofree.com/

Radio Free Asia Announces Year of the Rat QSL

                                                    ®

 RADIO FREE ASIA RELEASES YEAR OF THE RAT QSL

JANUARY 2020

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces its Chinese Lunar Year QSL. The Year of the Rat begins January 25, 2020 and ends February 11, 2021. The rat is one of twelve animals used in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in a rat year are considered ambitious, meticulous, industrious and sociable. They are also are very focused, naturals at following their instincts, and they are highly attentive which supposedly makes them excellent in business. This is RFA’s 72^nd QSL and is used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports January – April 2020. 

RFA’s Year of the Rat QSL  

Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Tibetan (including Uke, Amdo, and Kham dialects), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in our editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of our target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of our broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest.  More information about RFA, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is always available at www.rfa.org.

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports.  Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions.  RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener.  RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at http://techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DXers, but also from our general listening audience.

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org and by mail to:

          Reception Reports

          Radio Free Asia

          2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300

          Washington DC 20036

          United States of America

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2020 Jan 06 0724 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 December - 05 January 2020

Solar activity was very low. New Region 2755 (S34, L=355, class/area Bxo/020 on 03 Jan) developed on the SE limb on 01 Jan but was in decay by 04 Jan. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels on 30 Dec-04 Jan. Moderate levels were reached on 05 Jan with a maximum flux of 245 pfu observed at 05/1800 UTC.

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels on 30 Dec-02 Jan under nominal solar wind conditions. On 03 Jan, total field increased to 10 nT at 03/0505 UTC with solar wind speed increasing to around 410 km/s. On 04 Jan, a prolonged period of southward Bz was observed reaching a maximum southward deflection of -4 nT. On 05 Jan, total field increased once again to 15 nT at 05/1743 UTC followed by an increase in solar wind speed to near 550 km/s as a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) became geoeffective. The geomagnetic field responded with isolated unsettled periods on 03-04 Jan and quiet to active levels on 05 Jan.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 06 January - 01 February 2020

Solar activity is expected to continue at very low levels.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels on 08-14 Jan and 23 Jan-01 Feb. Moderate levels are expected on 06-07 Jan and again on 15-22 Jan.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach unsettled levels on 08-10 Jan and 01 Feb. Unsettled to active levels are expected on 06 Jan and14-15 Jan due to recurrent CH HSS effects.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2020 Jan 06 0724 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2020-01-06
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2020 Jan 06      72          12          4
2020 Jan 07      72           5          2
2020 Jan 08      72           8          3
2020 Jan 09      72           8          3
2020 Jan 10      72           8          3
2020 Jan 11      72           5          2
2020 Jan 12      71           5          2
2020 Jan 13      70           5          2
2020 Jan 14      70          12          4
2020 Jan 15      70          12          4
2020 Jan 16      70           5          2
2020 Jan 17      70           5          2
2020 Jan 18      70           5          2
2020 Jan 19      70           5          2
2020 Jan 20      70           5          2
2020 Jan 21      70           5          2
2020 Jan 22      70           5          2
2020 Jan 23      70           5          2
2020 Jan 24      70           5          2
2020 Jan 25      71           5          2
2020 Jan 26      72           5          2
2020 Jan 27      72           5          2
2020 Jan 28      72           5          2
2020 Jan 29      72           5          2
2020 Jan 30      72           5          2
2020 Jan 31      72           5          2
2020 Feb 01      72           8          3
(NOAA)

Bill Plum's Monthly Specials

Dear DX Customer,

CLOSING OUT DX ENVELOPES!!! 

BUY  NOW!

DX Postage,QSL Albums, AIRMAIL Style Envelopes, & 

Stateside Envelopes: SOLD OUT!!

 + NO LONGER taking Credit Cards

ONLY Plain Euro Mailers available...

SEE Close Outs Below!

!!!!!!!  Why I am NOT restocking: Many have reached DXCC, others are going the e-QSL route. I can't compete. Sooo, it's Only Discount U.S. POSTAGE, where I can compete,plus Vintage PENS & PENCILS.

Begin Your New Year the WRITE Way!

Vintage writing instruments are available.

Step up to Quality & Step back in Time.

+++ Our vintage pens & pencils are

restored and in working condition. +++

1920s Lady's Sheaffer with (14kt) 5-30 nib and gold

filled trim. 4-1/2" capped and 6" posted. Previous owner's name on barrel.   Price: $110. Plus more ! Including 1880's rolled gold pen, ring slide mechanical  pencils. Pencil is  4" closed and 5-1/4" open.  Price: $120 Leads provided. 

Sheaffer 1942 golden brown striated  pencil with short military pocket clip. Measures 5 inches. A green striated model also available. Price: $30. Leads provided. 

1940s Sheaffer golden brown striated pencil with gold filled trim and wire band. A

green striated model also available. Price: $30. Leads provided.

Opt Out on Future Emails????

Let me know.

Future emails will contain U.S. discount postage offers anda highlighted pen or pencil.

  

DEALS on U.S. FOREVER STAMPS and All Discount

U.S. Postage Combos WILL CONTINUE!!!!

U.S. DISCOUNT POSTAGE DEALS!!

Save Big on your domestic mailings when you plaster 

 your envelope with colorful vintage stamps!

HAPPY  MAILING!!

55c units	Forever	2 stamps	in  3 stamps	4 stamps	5 stamps
x 100	$51.00	xxx	$47.00	$46.00	$45.00
x 200	$97.00	xxx	$73.00	$72.00	$70.00
x 500	$236.00	xxx	$179.00	$179.00	$179.00

++For orders of 500 of 3-, 4-, and 5-stamp units, add $5.00 for shipping.++

-:-  FOREVER STAMPS  -:-

100-500 qty: booklets

1,000-5,000 qty: rolls or booklets, or a combo of each

+++ JANUARY MEGA DEALS on FOREVER STAMPS!!! +++ 

1000 Forever Stamps for $462  +  $5.00 shipping

2000 Forever Stamps for $915.  +  $5.00 shipping

5,000 Forever Stamps (at 81% FV)  $2225 +  $10 shipping

Available in rolls of 100, booklets of 10 or combo. 

!!!! FINAL !!!!

DX ENVELOPES 

YOUR

LAST CHANCE

AT A GREAT PRICE! 

 ---:-:-:-:-:--- 

STILL PRICED LOW!!!

  

600 European PLAIN Mailers: $45.00 ppd!

1200 European PLAIN Mailers: $75.00 ppd!!

Fold one & insert it into the other.

BUY NOW! or it'll be BYE-BYE!  

-:-:-:-:-:-:-

73, bill

William Plum

12 Glenn Road

Flemington, NJ 08822

908 788 1020

Email: plumdx@msn.com

KTWR testing DRM

Guam  
KTWR Chief Engineer Steve Brunson announced the KTWR DRM test transmission in
B19 as follows:

UTC
Wednesday 1026-1056 11995 50kW 315deg for China
Thursday 1226-1241 7500 50kW 320deg for Japan
Sunday 1026-1056 13800 90kW 285deg for India
Reports welcome via online report at http://www.twr.as (akahito Akabayashi BCDX)

Radio Seagull on medium wave

from Andy Sennitt in the January issue of BDXC Communications newsletter

Radio Seagull relayed on 1476 kHz I'm pleased to say that starting on New Year's Eve, Radio
Seagull will be on the air in the UK on 1476 kHz [via Carillon Wellbeing Radio] between 2000 and
0400 UTC every day. Seagull has been relayed on an experimental bases since the summer
between 2000-2400 and this has now been extended to eight hours.

DRM now available on KiwiSDR receivers

a reprint from BDXC Communications - January 2020

Thanks to Alan Gale for informing us that SDR receivers available online at sdr.hu now have the option of receiving DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale), as well as AM and LSB/USB.

This comes thanks to a software update based on Dream 2.1.1 which is being rolled out to all  the KiwiSDRs. BDXC member Mike Bott who runs an SDR in Westerville, Ohio, adds that “Most of the Kiwi owners that I'm aware of allow their Kiwi to update overnight automatically. I know I let mine do this.

There are a few bugs/shortcomings in DRM at the moment, but they are being worked on SAM is on the horizon, too. Note that the nightly updates will run a tad longer than previously, but that is being addressed, too. Checking on 27 December around 1500 UTC I managed to log RFI in DRM on 3965 kHz via an SDR receiver in Carlow (Ireland), although the audio was breaking up. It seems to require a signal strength of at least S9 to produce any audio at all. Note that you can only select DRM when nobody else is using the same receiver. The AMN button now toggles between AM Narrow and AM Wide which used to have separate buttons. (DK)

DRM schedules, based on monitoring can be found at http://ab27.bplaced.net/drm.pdf Ian Kelly writes: I've tuned to a few of the UK KiwiSDRs (the directory is at https://sdr.hu/) . Some already have the DRM mode button present, though the one I often use which has a good low noise antenna set up (http://southwest.ddns.net:8073/) hasn't updated yet to include the DRM mode.

I've tried the DRM mode with some limited success on the M0AQY KiwiSDR in Somerset. Site (http://stucapon.plus.com:8073/). When you select the DRM mode, above the waterfall, you will be presented with a panel. The centre of the panel shows a timeline and will show you which broadcasters are listed as having DRM transmissions on air in real time. You can scroll down the list, until you see a station listed with a current DRM transmission, denoted by a blue bar.

Click on the bar, and you can see if you can receive it! If the waterfall shows a wide trace, there's a chance you might hear something! However, it is clear you need a strong signal to have any hope of the WebSDR having any hope of decoding any audio. The S meter needs to read at S9+10dB to be in with a chance - AM transmissions are perfectly audible at much lower levels. At the present time, I have only managed to hear any audio from one broadcaster, All India Radio on 7550 kHz. Although I got a few minutes of audio with some interruptions and stutters a few moments ago, the signal seems to have now dropped below the threshold required to resolve any audio now, except for the odd fragment of audio being looped!

If you do succeed, on the left hand side of the panel, there is some technical data, and below it, is a list of services which are being transmitted. In the case of All India Radio, there are two streams currently on air, "GOS - III" and "Vivadh Barati", both AAC streams at a rate of of 10.48 kbps - hardly hifi! The audio sounded comparable to a typical shortwave AM station at that data rate - not the crisp "FM quality" I have heard on recordings of DRM stations before.There's also a panel that appears on the bottom right of the screen, which lets you tab through the DAB frequencies, continent by continent (presumably based on the target area).

One thing to note when you are using the DRM mode, it locks the KiwiSDR to you exclusively, due to the resources required to use the DRM mode! Whereas, typically up to 4 or 8 users can simultaneously use a KiwiSDR when using other modes!

So, etiquette would dictate that you use DRM mode sparingly and don't forget to tune out when you have finished, rather than leaving it running in a browser tab, needlessly locking other users out!
(Ian Kelly/27 December 2019)
BDXC/Jan 2020)

Shortwave Radiogram weekend schedule

Hello friends,

The holidays have come and gone. Rather quickly, it seems. In any case, I hope you enjoyed the festive season. Thanks for your support and friendship in 2019, and best wishes for 2020.

Listeners have alerted me to a new weekly transmission of Shortwave Radiogram, Saturdays at 1330-1400 UTC on 15770 kHz from WRMI Florida. I have not yet confirmed with WRMI if this is a permanent addition to their schedule. Let's tune in Saturday to see if it continues at least through this weekend.

Videos of last weekend's Shortwave Radiogram (program 132) are provided by Scott in Ontario (Friday 1300 UTC) and Jeff in Oklahoma (Sunday 2330; abbreviated because of poor reception). The audio archive is maintained by Mark in the UK. Analysis is prepared by Roger in Germany.

This weekend's show is in the usual MFSK32 and MFSK64   .

Here is the lineup for Shortwave Radiogram, program 133,  2-5 January 2020, in MFSK modes as noted:

 1:42  MFSK32: Program preview
 2:46  Japanese satellite sets low altitude record*
 7:44  MFSK64: Newseum, a tribute to journalism, closes*
13:43  This week's images*
27:17  MFSK32: Closing announcements
* with image(s)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net
And visit http://swradiogram.net
Twitter: @SWRadiogram or https://twitter.com/swradiogram (visit during the weekend to see listeners' results)
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567099476753304

Shortwave Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day UTC Time Frequency Transmitter
Saturday  0330-0400 UTC 9265 kHz  WINB Pennsylvania
Saturday  1330-1400 UTC 15770 kHz WINB Pennsylvania
Sunday 0800-0830 UTC 5850 kHz/ 7730 kHz  WRMI Florida
Sunday 2330-2400 UTC 7780 kHz/ WRMI Florida

The Mighty KBC transmits to North America Sundays at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 5960 kHz, via Germany. A 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/. 

“This is a Music Show” is the newest addition to digital modes via analog shortwave. Most of the show is a music show, but the host transmits some MFSK text and image near the end of the broadcast. It’s transmitted on WRMI, Thursdays at 0100-0200 UTC on 5850 kHz and 0130-0230 UTC on 9395 kHz (Wednesday evening in the Americas). Also look for a waterfall ID at the beginning of the show. thisisamusicshow@gmail.com . www.instagram.com/thisisamusicshow/ www.twitter.com/ThisIsAMusicSho/ @ThisIsAMusicSho

New York and Pennsylvania NBEMS nets. Most weekends, as KD9XB, I check in to the New York NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging Software) net Saturday at 1300 UTC on 3584 kHz USB, and the Pennsylvania NBEMS net Sunday at 1300 UTC on 3583 kHz USB (with out-of-state check-ins now starting at 1230 UTC). Check-ins are usually in Thor 22, and messages are in MFSK32 . Messages generally use the Flmsg add-on to Fldigi. If you are a radio amateur in eastern North America, feel free to check in. Outside the region, use an SDR in the eastern USA to tune in and decode. You do not need Flmsg to check in, and most of the messages can be read without Flmsg. If you can decode the net, send me an email to radiogram@verizon.net , or tweet to @SWRadiogram , and I will let them know you are tuned in. USEast NBEMS Net: Please also note the USEast NBEMS Net, Thursdays at 0000 UTC (Wednesdays 7 pm EST) on 3536 kHz USB.

Thanks for your reception reports!
Kim

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

All India Radio revives AIR Aizawl

India

Log edited for clarity

All India Radio
All times UTC
5050 kHz, AIR Aizawl, Jan 3. Exciting news for the New Year! Today had positive reception of
this station that had been off the air for several years.

Yesterday had a faint hint that another station might be here besides the usual Beibu Bay Radio, so monitored this frequency again today, at 1120-1127. Prominent test tone, went off for a minute until start of the distinctive AIR interval signal.

Possible news 1130-1145 in Hindi, then at 1135 noted "this is All India Radio with the news read by . ." Items not very readable due to Beibu Bay Radio interference.
(R Howard, CA/Etón E1/dx-India 03 Jan)

I have contacted AIR Aizawl. They are using only 2 kW now (instead of 10 kW). Tomorrow they will increase the power some more. 7295 kHz is also on air.
Sked:
5050 0025-0400 1130-1630
7295 0700-1000
Reports to aizawl@@prasarbharati.gov.in
(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS/National Institute of Amateur Radio Hyderabad)

Frequency updates

All times UTC

New Zealand
Radio New Zealand Pacific Sun-Fri DRM:
1651-1750 on  5975 RAN 035 kW / 035 deg to Tonga/Samoa English unchanged
1751-1850 NF 11690*RAN 035 kW / 035 deg to Tonga/Samoa English, ex  9780
1851-1958 NF 13840*RAN 035 kW / 035 deg to Tonga/Samoa English, ex 11690
* both freqs are unregistered for this time slots

United Kingdom
BBC - cancelled transmissions
Effective: 01 Jan 2020
0100-0130 on  5845 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg to SoAs Hindi
0100-0130 on  5875 WOF 250 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Hindi
0100-0130 on  7430 WOF 300 kW / 082 deg to SoAs Hindi
0100-0130 on 11995 SNG 250 kW / 315 deg to SoAs Hindi
1500-1600 on  7410 DHA 250 kW / 045 deg to SoAs Urdu
1500-1600 on  9410 SNG 250 kW / 315 deg to SoAs Urdu
1500-1600 on 11995 SNG 250 kW / 320 deg to SoAs Urdu

Only one transmission of BBC in Hindi is on the air:
1400-1430 on  5875 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg to SoAs Hindi
1400-1430 on  9510 SNG 250 kW / 320 deg to SoAs Hindi
1400-1430 on  9540 SLA 250 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Hindi
1400-1430 on 11995 SNG 250 kW / 315 deg to SoAs Hindi
(DX Bulgaria 01 Jan 2020)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2019 Dec 30 0435 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 23 - 29 December 2019

Solar activity was very low. New Region 2753 (S29, L=122, class/area Bxo/010 on 25 Dec) developed on the visible disk on late on 23 December while Region 2754 (N25, L=191, class/area Axx/010 on 25 Dec) developed on 24 Dec. Both regions were inactive and decayed to plage on 26 Dec. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed during the period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels on 27-29 Dec and reached moderate levels on 23-26 Dec. The maximum flux of the period was 462 pfu observed at 25/1810 UTC.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to unsettled levels. A slight enhancement in solar wind parameters occurred beginning late on 25 Dec as a weak negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) became geoeffective. Total field increased to a maximum of 9 nT at 25/1920 UTC while solar wind speed reached a maximum of 415 km/s at 26/1435 UTC. The geomagnetic field responded with an isolated unsettled period early on 26 Dec.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 December - 25 January 2020

Solar activity is expected to continue at very low levels.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels on 06-14 and 23-25 Jan while moderate levels are expected on 30 Dec-05 Jan and 15-22 Jan.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach unsettled levels on 30 Dec-01 Jan due to weak CH HSS activity. Unsettled to active levels are expected on 14-15 Jan due to recurrent CH HSS activity.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2019 Dec 30 0435 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services
#
#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
#                Issued 2019-12-30
#
#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest
#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index
2019 Dec 30      72           8          3
2019 Dec 31      72           8          3
2020 Jan 01      71           8          3
2020 Jan 02      71           5          2
2020 Jan 03      70           5          2
2020 Jan 04      70           5          2
2020 Jan 05      70           5          2
2020 Jan 06      70           5          2
2020 Jan 07      70           5          2
2020 Jan 08      70           5          2
2020 Jan 09      70           5          2
2020 Jan 10      70           5          2
2020 Jan 11      70           5          2
2020 Jan 12      72           5          2
2020 Jan 13      72           5          2
2020 Jan 14      72          12         4
2020 Jan 15      72          12         4
2020 Jan 16      72           5          2
2020 Jan 17      72           5          2
2020 Jan 18      72           5          2
2020 Jan 19      72           5          2
2020 Jan 20      72           5          2
2020 Jan 21      72           5          2
2020 Jan 22      72           5          2
2020 Jan 23      72           5          2
2020 Jan 24      72           5          2
2020 Jan 25      72           5          2
(NOAA)