Saturday, May 31, 2008

Blog Logs - Bolivia


All times UTC

Bolivia

3390.29, Radio Emisoras Camargo, Camargo, 0000-0027, May 15 and 16, mix of music and talk, sounded like it was still there at 0053, but definitely gone by 0110 recheck. Just not strong enough to dig it out of the noise. (Valko and Wilkner)

4005.50, Radio Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza, 2310-0330, May 17 and 22, catholic ceremony in Spanish, Santa Missa, Oracion, ID: "R.Virgen de Remedios en FM 79.5 y onda corta desde Tupiza, Bolivia", 2359 relay WEWN, programme: "Con los ojos de Maria", 25322. Ex 4111 kHz at 2325, 2340, 2349 was off. (Aragão, Bobrowiec and Cássio). Unfortunately here in Denmark the Vatican R is blocking the frequency 4005. At 2300-2330* it has Italian, then one hour with their open carrier QSA 5, and then from *0030 programme in Portuguese. (Petersen)

4409.81, Radio Eco, Reyes, 0110-0225*, May 15 and 17, Spanish ann, LA romantic songs, 35333. (Petersen and Valko)

4699.40, Radio San Miguel, Riberalta, 1020-1030, May 18, music with Spanish comments afterwards. Signal's peak period has already passed with it now being almost threshold; and by 1030, signal almost having disappeared. (Bolland). Also heard at 0130-0150, May 20 and 22, Spanish ann, Andean pop songs, 35232. (Petersen)

4716.70, Radio Yura, Aillu Yura, 0135-0145, May 22, Spanish ann, pop songs, 25222. (Petersen). Also heard 0919-0933, May 21, local pop and folk music alternating short ann in Spanish, and numerous canned IDs “...transmitindo en 4715KHz...”. Earlier, good 34433. (Bobrowiec)

4800, UNID (Radio Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza ?), 2240-0315, May 20 and 21, many mentions in Spanish of Bolivia in a news programme "Bolivia en Contacto" with reports from some cities "bloqueo de carreteras en Cochabamba y otras cidades". At 2302 suddenly a religious music and preacher (with that reverbaration from a church, sounding like R Virgen de Remedios) in religious ceremony in memory for some dead persons, mentioning their names. At 0004, it had returned to that kind of audio heard when it was "Bolivia en Contacto", mentioning "Radio Catolica Mundial". Relay R Católica Mundial-WEWN with ID, but no IDs heard of R Virgen de Remedios, 32322, QRM China. (Aragão and Bobrowiec)

5580.2, Radio San José, San José de Chiquitos, 2230-0010, May 15 and 24, Spanish, songs and music, advs (p), some utility interference, 25332. (Gonçalves and Wilkner)

5952.4, Radio Pío XII, Siglo XX, 2346-2358, May 24, Quechua talks, tunes, 34443. (Gonçalves)

5964, Radio Nacional de Huanuni (?), 0747-0809 (blocked), May 21, Spanish, ballads, news at 0800, 15431, then suddenly blocked by Vatican R in Italian on 5965. (Gonçalves)

6134.80, Radio Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 0923-0940, May 19 and 21, Spanish comments and regional music, ann: "Disfrútala en el dial... Oriental" and "5.50, 5.55 bolivianos, la arroba.. Cochabamba...". More information at:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/x5600s/x5600s08.htm , 23332. (Bolland and Cruz)

6155.1, Radio Fides, La Paz, 2219, May 24, Spanish talks, interview, 14341, adjacent QRM from Brazil 6150, // 9624.8 which was worse. (Gonçalves)

9624.5, Radio Fides, La Paz, 2215, May 24, Spanish talks, 12441, QRM from Canada 9625, // 6155.1.(Gonçalves)
(Source: DSWCI/DX Window #351 via Anker Petersen, Denmark

VOA drops additional English transmission to Asia

The Voice of America’s additional English broadcast to Asia at 0200-0300 UTC is to discontinued as from today, so the following transmissions are cancelled:
9780 kHz at 0200-0300 UTC from Sri Lanka
11705 kHz at 0200-0300 UTC from Thailand
(Source: DXAsia/Alokesh Gupta, India)

DX Stamp Service Specials for June


Dear DXer,

On Back Order: Italy, Guyana, Ethiopia, PNG.

In Stock Again: Portugal and Peru

Price changes: Portugal now $1.70 down from $1.90
Sweden now $2.30 up from $1.90 (new supply costing me more than the old selling price!)
Peru now $3.00 up from $2.00
Colombia now $3.50 up from $2.75
These last 2: Weak dollar even against these currencies, plus I am ordering fewer each re-order and the posting and registration fees get spread out over fewer stamps...

Update "Peel and Seal" adhesive: We contacted our manufacturer...the cost is way too high to consider. We would have to greatly increase the size of our order (to a 5 yr.+ supply!), find storage space for them AND, increase the selling price for the Euro. air returns to about $30 for 100 envelopes! I'll have to pass on this. I don't think anyone would go for it anyway!
We Will Keep Envelopes as "Lick and Stick" adhesive.

Here's an idea from one customer:

He doesn't seal the mailing envelope and he gets a VERY nice return rate too!

Hi Bill:
First, I make sure the flap tucks in the SASE and QSL so it cannot fall out. If the thief works in the post office and opens a sealed envelope he has to then smuggle it out and get rid of it. If its open he either ignores it (who would put money in an open envelope), or looks inside. When he sees nothing worth stealing, he just tucks the flap back in or seals the flap and puts it back in the system, doesn't have to run any risk in smuggling it out.
Thanks for checking for me on the Russia to Australia postage.
73 Reg

"Whatever Works" is the motto for QSL hunters!

Specials for June are:

JUNE 2008 DX STAMP SPECIALS

3 Canada $3.00 3 UK-$3.60 3 Japan-$3.60

200/200 European Air Mailers & Returns $35

300/300 Stateside Mailers & Returns $23

2 Standard QSL Albums $40

Shipping charges extra on supply specials

PRIORITY MAIL Shipping Rates for Supplies

Orders under $16.00 add $6.50, Orders from $16.00 to $4000 add $9.00, Orders from $41.00 to $100.00 add $13.00, Orders from $101.00 to $150.00 add $18.00, orders over $150.00 add 12%. When ordering supplies AND stamps, use supply total to figure shipping costs. Stamps “ride free” when you order supplies. Shipments to Canada ship at a greater cost. (04/2008)
(Source: 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. Bill also has an email newsletter service of monthly specials, and email orders are welcomed!

Pakistan time change affects VOA Urdu

Due to the change to Daylight Saving Time in Pakistan the following changes are effective from tomorrow, 1 June, for the Voice of America’s Urdu service:
MW 972 and 1539 kHz at 1300-0100 (ex-1400-0200) UTC
SW service at 0000-0100 UTC(ex-0100-0200) UTC on 7135 and 11755 kHz
SW service 1300-1400 UTC (ex-1400-1500) UTC on 9340 and 15790 kHz.
(Source: DXAsia/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Belarus government continues to hamper Radio Racyja

Reporters Without Borders has condemned the Belarusian foreign ministry’s refusal on 28 May to issue accreditation to reporter Alyaksey Minchonak of Radio Racyja, a station based in the Polish city of Bialystok that broadcasts to Belarus. This latest obstacle for the station comes a month after the police raided its Minsk bureau and seized equipment.
“The authorities are continuing to harass Radio Racyja, one of the few independent news outlets in Belarus,” the press freedom organisation said. “We call for an end to this administrative persecution, which is motivated solely by political considerations.”
Minchonak was summoned to the foreign ministry on 28 May and was told his request for accreditation had been turned down on the grounds that he had already begun to work without permission.
The decision was “absurd,” Minchonak told Reporters Without Borders. “One the one hand, the foreign ministry targets us for working without accreditation, while on the other hand it continues to refuse our requests.”
The police still have not returned the five computers and other equipment they seized in the raid on Radio Racyja’s Minsk bureau a month ago. The pretext for the raid was the station’s alleged role in creating animated cartoons posted on the Internet in 2005, which were deemed to have insulted President Alexandre Lukashenko.
Radio Racyja was launched in 1999 by the Polish government and the Dutch embassy in Warsaw. Its repeated requests for accreditation in Belarus have always been rejected by the foreign ministry. It broadcasts from Poland and has a network of correspondents in Belarus who work without accreditation. It often criticises the government, unlike Belarus’ own state-controlled radio stations.
(Source: Reporters Without Borders/R Netherlands Media Network)

Radio Netherlands - Program Preview June 1-6


Radio Netherlands Worldwide PROGRAMME PREVIEW Sunday June 1 - Friday 6 June 2008

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide's English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.

SUNDAY 1 JUNE
*** Network Europe Extra ***

Arts and Culture brought to you each Sunday from Europe's widest partnership of international broadcasters.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1005 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
1405 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1500 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** Reloaded ***
Your chance to catch up with some of the highlights from recent programmes; the best, the most interesting or newsworthy, or sometimes the funniest, chosen by our producers and presented by Mindy Ran.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Note that on Sunday we also run:

The State We're In:
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)

MONDAY 2 JUNE
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** Curious Orange ***

The Sea Shepherd is an "aggressively non-violent" conservation group - we'll find out what that means and how they came to be flying the Dutch flag.

Also, the Dutch Identity - we look at how Dutch indifference might lose them business with expats. And we visit an art exhibition about being Dutch and becoming Dutch and what that really means.

To wrap it all up, our Political Editor John Tyler will be in with Headlines from the Hague and we'll squeeze in a little Dutch music. And of course we'll be announcing the winner of our Curious Orange Koninginnedag contest.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Repeated:
Tuesday:
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)
Wednesday
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
Saturday
15:30 1000 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)

Note that on Monday we also run:

Documentary followed by Reloaded:
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
Earthbeat followed by Radio Books:
0400 (Western N America 6165)

TUESDAY 3 JUNE
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***

Who defends the defenders?

Amnesty International recently lamented that many of those targeted for human rights abuse around the are often the people trying to bring about change in their communities against the wishes of the ruling governments. So we meet the people of Peace Brigades International, volunteers who accompany activists under threat in the hope that their presence will discourages attacks. And we speak with Amnesty about the job of defending Human Rights defenders.

In this week's focus we look at the right to be Muslim and gay. Mazin, a gay Egyptian man, tells the story of how he was arrested and imprisoned in Cairo for "debauchery or offences against public morality and sensitivities". Despite his treatment, he remains a faithful Muslim. We compare his experience to that of Emrecan, who lives in Istanbul, a city known for its relative tolerance of homosexuality. And we meet Muhsin Hendricks, who is gay and an Imam, about how his sexuality affects his work.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Note that on Tuesday we also run:

Network Europe:
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
Network Europe:
1500 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
Curious Orange:
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)

WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** Radio Books ***

"The Scorpion Wore Pink Shoes" by Janice Levy

The first runner-up in our Radio Books 2008 competition comes from author and writing teacher Janice Levy from Merrick, New York. Her stories have appeared in numerous literary journals. She has published children's books in both English and Spanish.

Her winning story "The Scorpion Wore Pink Shoes" is about an illegal immigrant from Costa Rica who works in a hotel in the United States. The jury was impressed with her rich use of language and the finely observed central character.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Repeated:
Thursday:
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)
Friday
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)

Note that on Wednesday we also run:

Curious Orange:
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
Network Europe:
1500 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
The State We're In Midweek Edition:
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)

THURSDAY 6 JUNE
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** Earthbeat ***

Dheera Sujan looks at the footprint we're leaving on our planet.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Repeated:
Friday
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)
Monday
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)

Note that on Thursday we also run:

Documentary:
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
Network Europe:
1500 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
Radio Books:
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)

FRIDAY 7 JUNE
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 9845)
0100 (Central N America 9845)
0400 (Western N America 6165)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
1900 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2000 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

*** Network Europe ***

A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their unique take on the events shaping the week.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

*** Bridges with Africa ***
Lively discussion and thought-provoking reports about and from the African continent. We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and linking up with stations in Africa. The show goes beyond the clichés of starving children and war-ridden countries and seeks to bring you genuine voices from a vibrant continent.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East/Central Africa 15535, West Africa 11660, 15335, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)
2030 (West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425)

Repeated:
Saturday
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)
Tuesday
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)

Note that on Friday we also run:

Radio Books:
1030 (East/Central Asia 15510, East Asia 13820, Southeast Asia 11895, Far East 12065)
Network Europe:
1500 (South Asia 9345, 9890, 11835)
Earthbeat:
0030 (Eastern N America 9845)
0130 (Central N America 9845)
0430 (Western N America 6165)
(Source: R Netherlands)

MV Baltic Radio set for Sunday broadcast


On the 1st of June 2008

At 1200 UTC on 6140 KHz

MV Baltic Radio is on the air from the transmitting station in Wertachtal Germany.
We will be using a non-directional antenna system (Quadrant antenna).
(Source: Tom Taylor)

Australian DX Report No. 100 Released


A new episode, No. 100, of the AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT audio shortwave news magazine is now available.

It has lots of news about the A08 transmission period!

It's 12 mins 20 secs, and is at

http://airm.edxp.org/

The "AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT", is a free service of the ELECTRONIC DX PRESS RADIO MONITORING ASSOCIATION and contains professionally compiled information about world shortwave broadcasting, with monitoring research.

The site allows you to listen to the ADXR and other audio features directly (streaming audio) via your MP3 player, or via the site's embedded mini-player. Podcasts, full RSS/XML/Atom feeds, and free subscriptions are supported - full details are at the site.

Good listening to the Australian DX Report Century Episode No. 100!

Bob Padula,
Melbourne

TRT allowed to broadcast in minority languages


The Turkish Parliament passed a bill on Thursday allowing the state-owned television Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) to broadcast programs in languages other than Turkish, paving the way for broadcasts in Kurdish, Arabic and Farsi.
TRT will now be able to allocate one of its channels to 24-hour broadcasts in Kurdish. TRT General Director Ibrahim Zahin has said they plan to broadcast in Kurdish, Arabic and Farsi in the initial stages of their non-Turkish programming. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at this in a speech in Diyarbakir on Tuesday, when he announced the government’s plan to resuscitate the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog).

Kargil radio to broadcast news bulletin in Balti

The newly inaugurated and upgraded Kargil radio station of All India Radio in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) will soon broadcast daily news bulletin in Balti to encourage local and Pakistan’s Northern Areas’ audiences. Broadcasting Corporation of India Chief Executive Officer BS Lalli said the Balti service would go on air within the next two months.
The J&K chief minister has inaugurated the 200 kW high power transmitter of All India Radio at Kargil [on 684 kHz]. He said the transmission hours of the radio station would be extended from five hours at present to ten hours, with five hours of transmission in local languages and the rest for Urdu transmission.
(Source: Daily Times and Indian newspapers/Alokesh Gupta, India)

Call for controls on BBC website

There should be tighter controls on the management of the BBC’s website - in part to prevent it stifling commercial rivals, the BBC Trust has said, reports BBC News. After reviewing bbc.co.uk, the trust said it was “an excellent service” but that its content had to be different from that on rival websites. And it criticised the site’s management for a £3.5 million overspend last year.
The report is the first of a number of reviews of the BBC’s services as part of its new charter and agreement. The trust, an independent body which works on behalf of licence payers, has taken responsibility for such reviews from the Culture Secretary to establish greater independence for the BBC from the government.
In its report, the trust said the BBC website delivered great public value to the “vast numbers who use it [and] love it”. It said the site had 16.5 million users each month and continued to grow despite competition.
Representatives of competitors, including ITN and the Newspaper Society, were consulted as part of the review.
(Source: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands launches Euro 2008 blog in English

For those of you interested in the European Football Championships, which start in just over a week’s time, I’m pleased to report that we have today launched our blog in English, called Euro 2008 - the armchair fan. That’s because, like most people, we’ll be following events at home on TV. We did one four years ago for Euro 2004, but I ended up writing most of it myself as blogging wasn’t something in the consciousness of most people at RNW. This time, it’s going to be more of a team effort, appropriately enough.
To open the blog, Theo Tamis has a personal view of last night’s friendly in Eindhoven in which the Netherlands only managed a 1-1 draw with Denmark. He’s concerned about the shaky defence.
I’ve also added a commentary about something that appeared in our local paper yesterday, claiming that people in my neigbourhood are among the least enthusiastic about supporting the national team.
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 May 29 2000 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts


Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
19 - 25 May 2008

Solar activity was very low. No X-ray flares were observed during the period. Regions 994 (S12, L=310, class/area, Bxo/020 on 19 May) and 996 (N09, L=256, class/area, Bxo/010 on 19 May) were on the disk when the period began as B-type groups. By 21 May both of these regions had decayed to spotless plage, and remained spotless through the remainder of the period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during 23 - 25 May.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels during the summary period. Activity levels did increase on 21 May to quiet to active levels due to a coronal hole high speed stream. Solar wind speed measurements from the ACE spacecraft began the period at around 340 km/s and slowly increased to a maximum of approximately 630 km/s at 1432 UTC on 21 May. The inter-planetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component during this time ranged between +/- 7. Solar wind speeds declined throughout the rest of the summary period to end at about 450 km/s, with IMF Bz ranging between +/- 5.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
28 May - 23 June 2008

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 01 - 10 June and 19 - 23
June.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet levels on 28 May. On 29 May a coronal hole high speed stream is expected to rotate into a geoeffective position and increase activity levels to quiet to unsettled levels; isolated periods of active conditions may be observed during this period. On 10 June activity levels should decrease again to mostly quiet conditions through 14 June. Another coronal hole high speed stream is expected to impact the geomagnetic field on 15 June. Activity levels should increase again to quiet to unsettled levels, with a chance for isolated active conditions. On 23 June conditions are expected to be at quiet levels.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 May 29 1607 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 May 29
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 May 30 68 10 3
2008 May 31 68 8 3
2008 Jun 01 68 10 3
2008 Jun 02 68 10 3
2008 Jun 03 68 10 3
2008 Jun 04 68 5 2
2008 Jun 05 68 10 3
2008 Jun 06 68 10 3
2008 Jun 07 68 10 3
2008 Jun 08 68 10 3
2008 Jun 09 68 10 3
2008 Jun 10 70 5 2
2008 Jun 11 70 5 2
2008 Jun 12 72 5 2
2008 Jun 13 72 5 2
2008 Jun 14 72 5 2
2008 Jun 15 70 8 3
2008 Jun 16 70 15 3
2008 Jun 17 70 5 2
2008 Jun 18 70 15 3
2008 Jun 19 68 10 3
2008 Jun 20 68 10 3
2008 Jun 21 68 10 3
2008 Jun 22 68 10 3
2008 Jun 23 68 5 2
(NOAA)

Blog Logs - Clandestines

All time UTC // parallel frequencies *sign-on sign-off*

1550 MW, Radio Nacional de la RASD, Rabouni, Algeria, 0632-fade out 0735, May 20, Arabic talks, operated by the Polisario Front, 35443 // 6300. (Gonçalves)

4886.21, Voice of Iranian Kurdistan, via Al-Sulaymaniyah, No. Iraq, 0205-0235, May 20, Kurdish, Call to Prayer, jammed 33333, however at 0209 the station jumped to 4860.39 and read news and played folksongs while the jammer stayed on 4886.21! Maybe the Iranian jamming operator was sleepy! 35444. (Petersen)

7120, Radio Voice of the People, via Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar, *1700-1728, May 01 and 05, Shona/Ndebele with English ID's, often mentions Zimbabwe, SINPO 34433. At *1728 QRM R Rossii in Russian. (Schulze)

7530, Free North Korea, via Yangiyul (300 kW, 070 degrees), Tajikistan, *1900-2058*, May 14 and 17, new additional frequency, Korean, mostly talks, SINPO

9490, Radio Republica, via Sackville, Canada (250 kW 227 degrees), *1000-1100*, Spanish to Cuba Mo-Fr from May 20, QRM co-channel Free North Korea Radio in Korean via Taiwan at *1000-1030*. (Ivanov via BC-DX May 26)

9585, North Korea Reform Radio, via Taipei (100 kW, 002 degrees), 1330-1400, daily additional transmission in Korean. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

9950, North Korea Reform Radio, via Taipei (100 kW, 002 degrees), daily 1300-1330 in Korean to North Korea, new frequency ex 9940 to avoid VOIRI in Dari. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11540, Radio Free Chosun, via Taipei (100 kW, 002 degrees), *1200-1210, May 18 and 20, Korean talk after fanfare, 25332. Not audible on 12125 or 15755. (Petersen). Scheduled *1200-1300* as additional frequency. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11560, Free North Korea, via Yangiyul, *1400-1415, May 16, Interval signal to Korean talk, QRM Pakistan 11565, 34333. (Petersen). Scheduled daily *1400-1600* with 300 kW, 070 degrees, ex 1330-1530 via Gavar, Armenia, co-channel WYFR in English/Hindi. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11570, Voice of Wilderness, via Gavar, Armenia, 1331-1400*, May 16 and 18, Korean religious talk, 24222, QRM R Pakistan 11565. (Petersen and Slaen). Moved to Gavar (300 kW, 065 degrees) at *1300-1400* from 15710 to avoid R.Cairo and WHRA, but now interfered by co-channel KTWR and Radio Pakistan. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11610, Radio Voice of the People, via Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar, *0400, May 20, IDs in English, Shona and Ndebele; lively Afro-pop music, frequencies, times and web address, fair. (Ronda)

11640, Voice of Wilderness, via Irkutsk, Russia, 1345-1400*, May 16, Korean religious talk // 11570, 1358 Korean folkmusic, occasional CWQRM, 34333. (Petersen). Scheduled on this additional frequency daily *1300-1400 with 250 kW, 155 degrees. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11640, Voice of Free Radio, via Gavar, Armenia, 1620-1630*, May 16, Korean talk, 1629 song and close, 35333. From *1627 strong open carrier from Juelich. (Petersen). New station scheduled daily here *1600-1630* with 300 kW, 065 degrees, ex 1100-1130 on 15755. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

11640.01, Radio Xoriyo, Voice of the Ogadeni People, via Juelich, *1630-1650, Tu and Fr May 13 and 16, Somali opening fast ann with Horn of Africa music in background, Call to Prayer, 1632 talk mentioning Ogadenia, SINPO 55544. From *1633 weak heterodyne from noise jammer on
11640. SINPO 55444/51541. (Petersen and Romero)

11905, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions, via Kigali, Rwanda, 0630-0640, Tu May 20, English children songs, ID, talk, SINPO 35333. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new frequency *0630-0700* Mo-Fr with 250 kW, ex 11945. (Ivanov, via BC-DX)

12070, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions, via Meyerton, South Africa, *1300-1330*, Mo May 26, English ID, short African song, language lesson about soldiers, doorbell often heard, SINPO 34333 QRM R Sweden, Horby, 12075, in Russian. Heard // 15390 and 15485. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new frequency Mo/We/Fr with 250 kW, 005 degrees, ex 15325. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

12120, Radio Democracy Sorayee, via Samara, Russia, 1708-1711, May 20, Farsi talk mentioning Iran, SINPO 45444. (Romero)

12125, Radio Free Chosun, via Gavar, Armenia, daily *1200-1300* in Korean to North Korea, with 300 kW, 065 degrees, new frequency, ex 15755. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

13830, Voice of Oromo Liberation, via Wertachtal, Germany, 1700-1705, May 20, Oromo ann, ID, music, talk about Oromo, *1701 started interference, SINPO 43553. (Romero). Jammed by Ethiopia ? (Ed)

15215, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions, via Dhabbaya, 0620-0630*, Tu May 20, English talk and songs, 15221 // 15750. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new frequency Mo-Fr with 250 kW, 240 degrees, ex 15440. (Ivanov, via BC-DX)

15390, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions via Meyerton, South Africa, *1300-1330*, Mo May 26, English ID, short African song, language lesson about soldiers, doorbell often heard, SINPO 35333 // 12070 and 15485. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new additional frequency Mo/We/Fr with 250 kW, 007 degrees. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

15485, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions via Meyerton, South Africa, *1300-1330*, Mo May 26, English ID, short African song, language lesson about soldiers, doorbell often heard, SINPO 34333 // 12070 and 15390. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new additional frequency Mo/We/Fr with 250 kW, 005 degrees. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

15515, BBC Darfur Salam, via Cyprus, 1705-1708, May 20, Arabic talk or interview by woman, music, SINPO 33343 // 17585. (Romero)

15530, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instruction, via Dhabbaya, United Arab Emirates (250 kW, 240 degrees), Mo/We/ Fr, 0630-0700 English on new frequency, ex 15440, // 15660 and 15760. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

15660, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instruction, via Meyerton, South Africa (250 kW, 007 degrees), Mo/We/ Fr, 0630-0700 English // 15530 and 15760. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

15750, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instructions, via Meyerton, 0620-0630*, Tu May 20, English talk and songs, 15221 // 15215. (Petersen). Scheduled on this new frequency Mo-Fr with 250 kW, 005 degrees, ex Sines 13620. (Ivanov, via BC-DX)

15760, Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instruction, via Skelton, UK (300 kW, 140 degrees), Mo/We/ Fr, 0630-0700 English on this additional frequency // 15530 and 15660. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)

17875, West Africa Democracy Radio, via Skelton, UK, 0700-1100 to West Africa in English/French/English/French via VT Communications relay has been cancelled from May 19. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 26). Not heard on May 26. (Petersen)

17875, Radio Xoriyo, Voice of the Ogadeni People, via Samara, 1405-1430*, Tu May 13, long talk in Somali, short string and flue music piece at 1410, conversation, flute and vocal at 1425, talk and then drumming to s/off at 1430, all of this at poor level but with occasional peaks to fair. (Ronda)

17875, New additional station via TDP-Addis Dimts Radio, via Samara, Russia (250 kW 188 degrees), Su 1600-1700 in Amharic to East Africa. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13). Not audible in Denmark on Su May 18. (Petersen)

Radio Mustaqbal, via VT Communications relay in Somali to Somalia, all cancelled
15140 1205-1235 MEY 250 kW 019 degrees Mo/Tu/Sa
15160 1130-1200 DHA 250 kW 225 degrees Mo-We/Sa
15200 0805-0835 DHA 250 kW 225 degrees Mo/Tu/Sa
15215 0545-0615 MEY 250 kW 032 degrees Mo-We
15215 0545-0615 DHA 250 kW 225 degrees Sa
15440 0730-0800 DHA 250 kW 225 degrees Mo-We/Sa
17590 0620-0650 DHA 250 kW 225 degrees Mo/Tu/Sa. (Ivanov, via BC-DX May 13)
(Source: DSWCI/DX Window #351 via Anker Petersen, Denmark)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Happy Anniversary to the Shortwave Central Blog

Happy second anniversary to the Shortwave Central blog. This is simply the best place on the Internet to get the latest information on what is happening on the shortwave radio bands and apparently a quarter of a million visitors to this blog agree.

Gayle and I would like to thank all who have contributed to the effort to make this blog one of the best in the world of radio. No one else even gets close in reader traffic or news content.

Again thanks to all who have made these blogs possible with your stories and frequencies.
To all of you laissez les bons temps rouler.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Loggings from Vietnam

Thanks to contributor Wendel Craighead for his logs from Prairie Village, Kansas, USA, Bao Loc, and Lam Dong, Vietnam. wendelcd@yahoo.com

Subject: Loggings in Vietnam
I just returned from vacation in Vietnam (my 5th vacation in Bao Loc in about 10 years). Some of these loggings are a few weeks old. My friends’ Internet provider was having problems, and although Internet cafes are everywhere in Vietnam and usually have 20 to 30 computers, they are always full kids playing games with others waiting in line. So I had to wait until I returned home to report my loggings.

I really have nothing outstanding to report. There are even more Chinese stations than when I was in Vietnam in 2005. And, like in ’05, although I checked the listed frequencies often I was unable to hear any of the regional Vietnam stations. This may have been due to my modest equipment (Yacht Boy 400 and a 20 ft. indoor wire) or the very limited time these stations are on the air. In my earliest visits to Vietnam I heard a few of these, but broadcasts sometimes lasted only 15 minutes or so.

A number of stations I had hoped to log were not heard—some of the rarer Indonesians, Radio Sedayee Kashmir, Voice of Jammu & Kashmir Freedom, and others. Radio Wantok Light was always covered by CRI. There was no sign of Radio Free Asia’s Mandarin or Korean broadcasts on MW (I was probably a long way from the transmitter sites—wherever they are), and while most of the Indian regional sites were heard, they were barely audible.

Here are a few I did hear.
Bhutan
Bhutan Broadcasting Service, 6035 1401-1500 English. News at 1401; then, in BBS’s Buddhism series, on May 9 a man with an American accent spoke about the 3 Educations. Some days had pop music—including Falling In Love Again and You Give Me Something—with announcements by a woman. Off at 1500. Always weak under Yunnan PBS (in Vietnamese & Chinese) which also usually closed at 1500, although once it went off at 1410 and several times continued beyond 1500. (Craighead-Kansas, USA, & Lam Dong, Vietnam)

Myanmar
Myanmar Radio. 9731 0700-0900 English; frequency (9730) & id by a woman, then news. 0708 very eclectic (pop, rock, rap, Asian) music program; on May 1 selections included Stephen Foster’s Camptown Races with the lyrics changed to “Everybody sing this song, Doo-dah! doo-dah! . . . Oh! doo-dah-day!” At 0730 music program continued in presumed Bamar. Off at 0900. Signal was usually good. (Craighead-Kansas, USA, & Lam Dong, Vietnam)

Myanmar Defense Forces Broadcasting Unit, 5770 1129-1500 Bamar, or possibly Shan. On at 1129 with traditional Asian instrumental music; a woman speaking alternated with pop music, both Asian & Western; brief martial music featuring “bugle call” & drums at 1131, 1231, & 1331. Strong on May 10 & 11. (Craighead-Kansas, USA, & Lam Dong, Vietnam)

Taiwan
Radio Chan Troi Moi via Fanlia0, 1503 1329:30-1400 Vietnamese. On at 1329:30 with id by a man “Day . . . Chan Troi Moi . . . Radio Chan Troi Moi.” Man and woman spoke, mentioning Vietnam, Hanoi, Saigon, and many mentions of Indonesia. At 1340 brief bit of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Anthem & id by woman at 1400 close. Strong on May 6. (Craighead-Kansas, USA, & Lam Dong, Vietnam)

Taiwan
Hmong Programs for Laos in presumed Hmong. Moj Them Radio, 15260 0100-0130, Friday, May 2 and Monday, May 5. A man spoke, mentioning Afghanistan, Iraq, Mosul, and many mentions of UN Security Council & Hmong Latay (spelling?) Foundation.

Hmong Lao Radio, 15260 0100-0159, Sunday, May 11. A man spoke, mentioning Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Iraq, war on terror, Iran, etc.

Haiv Hmoob Radio, 15260 0100-0130, Tuesday, May 6. A man spoke, mentioning Canada, Australia, America, etc.

Hmong World Christian Radio, 15,260 0100-0130, Saturday, May 10. A woman spoke (sermon?) with applause at the end.

Suab Xaa Moo Zoo, 11,655 2330-2359, Friday, May 2 & Thursday, May 8.

Opened with hymn At the Cross and other Christian vocals. Aman spoke with many mentions of Jesus, Jerusalem, etc. SINFO was 55555 for all these TDP-brokered programs. (Craighead-Kansas, USA, & Lam Dong, Vietnam)
(Source: Wendel Craighead, Prairie Village, Kansas, USA, & Bao Loc, Lam Dong,
Vietnam

Yemen prepares new law for private broadcasters

The Ministry of Information in Yemen is preparing a law allowing the broadcast of private television channels and radio stations, said the Minister of Information, Hassan al-Lawzi. “We are currently working with the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Communications and Information Technology to issue two laws related to communications audiovisual information,” he stated. Al-Lawzi made this announcement at the opening ceremony of the third festival of radio and television, organized by the Faculty of the Information at Sana’a University.

“The media has become a huge force for national development and we cannot stand in front of its contributions. The Ministry of Information and Media Organizations is contemplating how to make our media assume its responsibilities in aiding real development and freedom of opinion and thinking,” he added.

Al-Lawzi stated that the political leadership’s instructions were clear about recognizing the role of media space in Yemen, pointing to the opening of a bouquet of Yemen Television. He emphasized the opening of a religious-oriented channel in the coming stage on the bouquet of Yemen, which will fill the vacuum and play a key role in media work. “The most important step is to expand participation in media freedoms, and the University of Sana’a plays a major role in producing media professionals who can forge dynamic institutions that enrich our community,” he added.
(Source: Yemen Observer/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Blog Logs


All times UTC *sign-on sign-off*

Canada
6030, Calgary, CFVP relaying CKMX (MW 1060), 0433-0504, Apr 28, the usual clear Monday with both Martí and jamming off, C&W and bluegrass songs, promo for listeners to play "radio chicken" and win up to $20,000, ID "Classic Country AM 1060. An Astral Media radio station. Astral Media, entertaining the world", mostly fair. (Howard)

Central African Republic
7220, Radio Centrafrique, Bimbo, 1013-1635, May 03, Vernacular talks, Afropops, talks, 35443 but later under other stations, e.g. Vietnam at 1630. It was poorer the next day, Su May 04, at around 1000. (Gonçalves)

Colombia
5910, Marfil Estereo, Lomalinda, 0104-0223 and 0603-0625, Apr 24 and 28, May 01 and 07, Latin American songs, ID: "La hora en Marfil Estereo, es la 1 y 19 minutos" and "Marfil Estereo", 34333. (Bernardini, Méndez and Ronda)

Dominican Republic
5009.8, Radio Pueblo, 2353-0001*, Apr 30, lively Latin pop vocals with ann and Spanish talk, ID, some guitar music. A man began speaking at 0000 but carrier was cut while he spoke. Poor to fair in noisy conditions. (D'Angelo)

Ecuador
6125, HCJB, Pifo, 0925-0935, Apr 29, Ecuadorian Folk music and Quichua comments, very weak which should not be the case, if they are using 100 kW as the PWBR says? Possibly I am in the skip zone or there is a transmitter problem? (Bolland)

Gabon
7270, Radio Diff. TV Gabonaise, Melen, 1017-1415, May 03, French live report on some women held cultural exhibition, speeches, talks, 35443, very weak at 1400. Distorted spur noted 94 kHz above and below 7270, and while that the
harmonic on 14540 was still heard. (Gonçalves)

Guinea
7125, Radio Guinée, Sonfonya, 1040-1415, May 03, Vernacular talks, African songs, 35422 and almost inaudible at 1400. (Gonçalves). Also noted at 2200-2210, Apr 25, news in French from Guinea, 34333. (Méndez)

India
4970, All India Radio-Shillong, 1207-1258, May 10, sub-continental music, occasional ann, talk or news segment at 1230, 1245 English, ID: "This is the North Eastern Service of All India Radio with our Western music program broadcasting from Shillong", pop songs in English, fair to poor. This program has been in this time slot from at least 2006. (Howard and Wilkins via DXplorer)

9470, All India Radio-Aligarh. For some days the AIR National channel at 1320-0043 was not heard. Instead some spurious signals were noted around 9510. This was informed to the concerned officials on May 12 and since then 9470 was found OK. (Jacob)

North Korea
3960, KCBS, Kanggye, 0957-1005, May 11, instrumental music, 1000 time pips, Korean talks, 23322. (Bobrowiec)

6250, PBS, Pyongyang, 1831-1842, May 10, Korean, songs, 25332. No trace of co-ch. Equatorial Guinea. (Gonçalves)

Mexico
4800, XERTA, Radio Transcontinental de América, Cd. de México, 0437-0955, Apr 22, May 01, 02, 04 and 07, Religious talks in Spanish: "Dios es amor, Dios nuestro salvador", "Palabras de amor", hymns, program of "live" vocals with brief Spanish talks, CODAR QRM, best heard in LSB 24322. (D'Angelo, Bobrowiec, Méndez and Wilkner)

Swaziland
4775, Trans World Radio, Mpangela Ranch, 0412-0435, May 01, religious talk in German alternating with choir vocals, ID 0429 including e-mail address. Language change at 0430 with English "Insights for Living" program. Good with slight CODAR QRM. (D'Angelo)

Uganda
4976, R Uganda, Kampala, 1745-1750, Apr 23, English talks, 34333. (Méndez). Also heard at 0337-0407, May 07, pop and African vocals, news at 0400 in English, poor signal. (D'Angelo)

Vietnam
4740, Radio Son La, Son La (presumed), 1220-1326, May 11, sounded like Vietnamese, indigenous chanting/singing, phone conversations, fair. (Howard)
(Source: DSWCI/DX Window #350 via Anker Petersen, Denmark)

Bulgarian National Radio begins digital broadcast for listeners abroad


The Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) yesterday began trial DRM digital broadcasts for listeners abroad. Presenting the project, BNR Director General Valery Todorov said “We hope to be able to attract attention to the need for more accelerated rates in joining the digital era”.
The digital trials will continue with a six-hour long mix of BNR’s three channels - Horizont, Hristo Botev and Radio Bulgaria in five languages. The broadcasts are designed for citizens of Central and Western Europe as well as the extensive Bulgarian Diaspora there.
The new technology will make it possible to effect substantial cutbacks on BNR broadcasting costs, improve the quality of the service and transmit an integrated multimedia product, Valery Todorov said.
(Source: Radio Bulgaria)
According to the DRM website, the schedule is:
0600-1200 Fri-Sun on 11900 kHz
0900-1200 Mon-Thu on 11900 kHz
1300-1600 Mon-Thu on 9700 kHz
All beamed 306 degrees, with 20 kW power
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Voice of Russia World Service celebrates jubilee

This year marks 30 years since the launching of theVoice of Russia World Service in English, formed aspart of the English-language Service of Radio Moscow that was on the air since 1929. On October 3, 1978,the new service began round-the-clock broadcastsbeamed throughout the world.In the run-up to the anniversary we invite you toshare with us your most vivid memories andimpressions, reminiscences of your first encounter with the World Service broadcasts on the airwaves,your impressions of our programs, both of the past andthe present day, recollections about our broadcasters,staff writers, announcers - anything you would like toshare with us and other listeners of the World Service in English. Your letters may be sent to us by the regular mail, bye-mail or voice e-mail. You may record them on a CD or audio cassette. Anything you wish to contribute iswelcome. Your most interesting entries will beincluded in our programs and posted on the web site,and your voice letters - played in our programs on theair. Write to us at: the Voice of Russia World Service, Moscow, Russia, or e-mail to us at: world@ruvr.ru Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
(Source: Sakthi Vel)

Security tightens at Malagasy radio and TV over coup rumors

Security has been tightened around the premises of the Malagasy state TV and radio stations following rumours that some military officers were planning to stage a coup, the independent newspaper Les Nouvelles web site reported on 27 May.
About eight armed soldiers have been deployed around the offices of the Television Malagasy (TVM) and Radio Nationale Malagasy (RNM) in the capital Antananarivo in a bid to control movements by staff. The Les Nouvelles web site said details are “still sketchy” on the alleged plot.
An unnamed official of the radio downplayed the deployment and termed the exercise “a simple security measure”.
A renowned presenter with the state TV confirmed the cir rumorsculation of rumours that “some high-ranking army officers were planning to forcefully get in and go live”, while a high-ranking officer with the national gendarmerie confirmed knowledge of the alleged plot, which he said “could be a move to destabilize the country”. He added that “this should not be taken lightly”.
BBCM observed that state TV did not mention any coup rumours and proceeded with normal programming in its 27 May 1000 gmt bulletin.
(Sources: Les Nouvelles website, Antananarivo, in French 27 May 08; Television Nationale Malagasy, Antananarivo, in Malagasy 1000 gmt 27 May 08, both via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Monday, May 26, 2008

Pirate activity from Free Radio Weekly

Today's pirate logs are a sampling from the last two Free Radio Weekly newsletters. Thanks to the FRW gang.
Gayle VH

All times UTC *sign-on sign-off *

Captain Morgan
6925USB 5/18 0100-0125* Fair to good signal. ID as Captain Morgan in the pirate zone. Transmitter had some drift to lower frequencies. Songs by Jimmy Hendrix, Buffalo Springfield and a parody song Hillary with other sixties and seventies music.
(Majewsk CT)

MAC Radio
6850.84AM,5-11-08,0130. Signal poor with static. Music tune "It's So Easy To Fall In Love" and others. (Hassig-IL)

Maple Leaf Radio
6925USB 5/11/8 23:21 SIO 423. SIgnal very noisy, but strong. "Clap for the Wolfman" to ID at 23:23, "No Time", "These Eyes". Station off at 23:31 with ID.(Fansome, PA)

Radio Appalachia
6924.8AM 5/11/8 00:15 SIO 231. Just above the noise with Jerry Garcia and bluegrass music. No ID noted, this is very similar to their last broadcast. Stooges “Quiet numbskulls, I'm broadcasting". Station ID at 00:42 (Fansome, PA)

The Wave
6925USB 0106-0116 5/18/08 SIO=141+. Program of rock mx including Riders on the Storm by the Doors, I'm Your Captain by Grand Funk Railroad, and other rock tunes. IDs during show by male announcer giving the Belfast address and mentioning the 6925 frequency. I was actually unid on this transmission, but it was followed by a repeat of the same show, where the IDs were definite. (Zeller-OH)

Voice of the Angry Bastard
6925.3 AM 05/14/08 23:43 SINPO 25332. Tuned in to hear "Hell Yeah, Your listening to the Voice of the Angry Bastard." Into very angry punk music. Gloria, faint signal in lots of noise. (Ragnar-MI)

Wolverine Radio
6925USB 05/15/08 00:10- SINPO 43434. Hey Hey Goodbye, Strange Love, Do You Realize, Into The Mystic. Strong signal with a slight AM hum of second station playing techno music. (Ragnar-MI)

6925USB 5/18 02:27 SIO 333. Been listening for quite a while now,program of Motown music, several IDs. "What's Going On", "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" (Fansome, PA)
(Source: FRW #640 via Ed Insinger & FRW # 641 via Greg Majewski)

Additional pirate logs:

Channel Z
6925USB 0227-0233*. 25 May 08. English. First log of this station. The last few minutes of the bx. Music by Alice Cooper, “Elected”and The Sex Pistols, “Anarchy in the UK.” ID and uncopied email address. SIgnal fair to poor quality. (J Wood, TN)

International Shortwave
6925USB 0237-0249/0311-0315. 25 May 08. English. First log of this station. “Turn up the Radio” heard twice along with “Funky Town.” Several IDs. Signal fair-poor. (J Wood, TN)

Liquid Radio
6925,000.0 0227-0248, May 17, English, Poor signal quality. I was QSLed on this one, Transmitter power is 4 watts. (Rohde-OH/NASWA Flashsheet #329 via Rich d'Angelo)

Radio First Termer
6925USB 1740-1936. 25 May 08. English. First log of this station. Male announcer “Dave Rabbit” with show reminiscent of AFRTS Vietnam era broadcasts. IDs as “Radio First Termer, 69 megacycles.” music included items from Bloodrock, Led Zeppelin, Three Dog Night, Jimi Hendrix, and others. Faint but clear signal that improved in strength as the show progressed. Fair. (J. Wood, TN).

The Crystal Ship
5385.0 0052, May 12, English, No sign of them on 6.845, Obama sound bits, "Rock & Roll All Night" by KISS to "Cat Scratch Fever". Fair signal quality. (Rohde-OH/NASWA Flashsheet #329 via Rich d'Angelo)

IBB frequency changes

All times UTC
NF new frequency

USA(non)
Some frequency changes for IBB:
0200-0300 NF 12025 IRA 250 kW / 348 deg, ex 9460 Radio Liberty (Uzbek)
1000-1200 NF 9585 LAM 100 kW / 055 deg, ex 21530 Radio Liberty (Russian)
1230-1330 NF 12140 TIN 250 kW / 267 deg, ex 11870 Radio Free Asia (Khmer)
1400-1500 NF 9345 PHX 050 kW / 285 deg, ex 15185 Voice of America (English)
1400-1500 NF 12005 UDO 250 kW / 316 deg, ex 11715 Radio Liberty (Uzbek)
1400-1600 NF 7430 PHT 250 kW / 270 deg, ex 7125 Voice of America (English)
1500-1600 NF 9345 IRA 250 kW / 049 deg, ex 13735 Voice of America (English)
1530-1600 NF 12110 IRA 250 kW / 315 deg, ex 11665 Voice of America (Persian)
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta & wb, Germany)

Radio Algeria schedule from May 24

Algeria (non)
Radio Algeria Holy Qur'an in Arabic via TDF from May 24:

All times UTC
0500-0557 on 7305 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg CeEaAf
0600-0657 on 9535 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg NoWeAf
0700-0757 on 11620 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg NoWeAf
0800-1057 on 13650 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg NoWeAf
1700-1857 on 13570 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg CeEaAf
1900-2057 on 12025 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg NoWeAf
2100-2257 on 7295 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg NoWeAf
(Source: DX Mix news #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Additional updates from DX Mix News

All times UTC

Canada (non) Radio Republica in Spanish to Cuba Mon-Fri from May 20:1000-1100 on 9490 SAC 250 kW / 227 deg, co-ch FNKR in Korean via TWN

Egypt
Frequency change of Radio Cairo in English to WeAf:
1900-2030 NF 9300 ABZ 100 kW / 250 deg, ex 9380

Germany (non)
Some Media Broadcast changes:
Radio Republica in Spanish to Cuba Tue-Sat from May 16:
0100-0200 on 5955 NAU 125 kW / 285 deg

Russia
Voice of Russia started a transmisson in Kurdish from May 19:
1600-1700 on 5925 NVS 500 kW / 240 deg
7325 ARM 100 kW / 190 deg + MW 1314 ERV 1000 kW

Sri Lanka
Frequency change for Deutsche Welle in Chinese from May 17:
1300-1330 NF 13735 TRM 250 kW / 060 deg, ex 13840 to avoid CNR-1 in Chinese

United Kingdom (non)
Some changes of VT Communications relay:
West Africa Democracy Radio to WeAf in English/French/English/French:
0700-1100 on 17875 SKN 300 kW / 180 deg, cancelled from May 19

IRIN Radio(Integrated Regional Information Network) in Somali to Somalia
0830-0845 NF 13685 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg, ex 1730-1745 on 7290 MEY 100 kW
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

WWCR multilinugal frequency update


USA
Frequency change of WWCR:
1100-1600 NF 7490*WCR 100 kW / 040 deg, ex 7465
* co-ch RFA in Korean from 1500

USA(non) Some frequency changes for IBB:

All times UTC - NF new frequency

0200-0300 NF 12025 IRA 250 kW / 348 deg, ex 9460 RL Uzbek
1000-1200 NF 9585 LAM 100 kW / 055 deg, ex 21530 RL Russian
1230-1330 NF 12140 TIN 250 kW / 267 deg, ex 11870 RFA Khmer
1400-1500 NF 9345 PHX 050 kW / 285 deg, ex 15185 VOA English
1400-1500 NF 12005 UDO 250 kW / 316 deg, ex 11715 RL Uzbek
1400-1600 NF 7430 PHT 250 kW / 270 deg, ex 7125 VOA English
1500-1600 NF 9345 IRA 250 kW / 049 deg, ex 13735 VOA English
1530-1600 NF 12110 IRA 250 kW / 315 deg, ex 11665 VOA Persian
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Radio Sweden multilingual frequency changes

Sweden
Frequency changes of Radio Sweden from May 18 and 25:

All times UTC - NF new frequency

1500-1530 NF 11595 HB 500 kW / 120 deg to WeAs, ex 11590 in Swedish
1530-1600 NF 11595 HB 500 kW / 120 deg to WeAs, ex 11590 in English
1600-1630 NF 7480 HB 500 kW / 085 deg to EaEu, ex 7485 in Swedish
1630-1700 NF 7480 HB 500 kW / 085 deg to EaEu, ex 7485 in Russian
1700-1730 NF 11555 HB 500 kW / 120 deg to WeAs, ex 11540 in Swedish Mon-Sat
1730-1800 NF 11555 HB 500 kW / 120 deg to WeAs, ex 11540 in Arabic Mon-Fri
(Source: DX Mix news #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Spain adjust multilingual frequency

Today's DX Mix News reports the following frequency changes from Spain.
GVH

Spain
Frequency change of Radio Exterior Espana in French and English to CeAf Mon-Fri: 1900-2100 UTC. New freq 11620#NOB 250 kW / 161 deg, ex 11625 to avoid Vatican Radio # co-ch All India Radio in English/Hindi
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Frequency change in Dutch for Radio Netherlands


Netherlands(non) Frequency changes of RNW in Dutch :

All times UTC

0700-0757 on 9625 BON 250 kW / 230 deg to AUS/NZ, cancelled from May 3
0900-0957 on 9795 SAI 100 kW / 195 deg to AUS/NZ, new transmission from May 3
1200-1257 new freq 17740 MDC 250 kW / 065 deg to SoEaAs, ex 17745 from May 13
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

WYFR Family Radio adds transmissions


WYFR Family Radio, additional transmissions to South Asia from May 13 and 19:

All times UTC

1400-1500 on 15640 NAU 500 kW / 095 deg in Marathi
1500-1600 on 15715 WER 500 kW / 090 deg in Kannada
1600-1700 on 15370 WER 500 kW / 090 deg in Tamil
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

New schedule for Chile's CVC Voz Cristiana

Chile
New schedule of CVC Voz Cristiana in Portuguese to Mexico and Central America.

All times UTC

0000-0100 on 11745 SGO 100 kW / 060 deg, ex 0000-0400
0900-1100 on 6110 SGO 100 kW / 060 deg, ex 0400-1100
1100-2400 on 15410 SGO 100 kW / 060 deg, no change
(Source: DX Mix News #522 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Bulgarian National Radio testing DRM


DRM tests of Bulgarian National Radio. Program Horisont from May 26

All times UTC

0900-1200 on 11900 SOF 020 kW / 306 deg to WeEu Mon-Thu
1300-1600 on 9700 SOF 020 kW / 306 deg to WeEu Mon-Thu
0600-1200 on 11900 SOF 020 kW / 306 deg to WeEu Fri-Sun
(Source: DX Mix News 522 via Alokesh Gupta and wb, Germany)

Evidence found of corruption at Radio Kuwait

A committee formed by the Ministry of Information to investigate irregularities at Radio Kuwait has recommended that the case file should be referred to the Public Prosecution, reports Al-Jareedah daily. A report submitted by the said committee stated that, as a result of the irregularities, the project to strengthen the mediumwave band at Radio Kuwait was delayed for four years. Moreover, the suspects are said to have violated the terms and conditions of the contract.
(Source: Arab Times/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Euro goes online, on air in Poland


Today sees the first broadcasts of Radio Euro, which takes over from the now defunct Radio BiS. Radio Euro is the first fully multimedia radio station run by public broadcaster Polskie Radio.

Polskie Radio Euro is to include more news services, including sports bulletins. The station also offers information on the upcoming Euro 2008 championships and ongoing preparation in Poland for the Euro 2012 football championships to be held in Poland and the Ukraine.

The station went online today at 0600, with its new breakfast show ‘Po bandzie’, hosted by Witold Odrobina, a known radio journalist who has previously worked for RMF FM and AntyRadio. Radio Euro offers new services, including a new website, which is to include podcasts and provides a webcam for listeners to see what’s going on live in the station’s studio.

Many programmes have adopted a new format, although one show has been rolled over from Radio BIS, being Bis Up, a show that concentrates on popular culture and foreign languages.
The station’s website includes audio, radio, and society portals for listeners to interact with the station. Polskie Radio Euro has taken over frequencies once used by Radio BIS, and can be found at www.polskieradioeuro .
(Source: Polskie Radio/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Malawi suspends all private radio stations

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has suspended all broadcasts by private radio stations in Malawi as riots and protests erupted in parts of the country over the arrest of former president Dr Bakili Muluzi at Lilongwe airport after he returned from Great Britain. Mr Muluzi is accused of planning a coup d’état against incumbent President Bingu wa Mutharika.
(Source: Nyasa Times/RNW News/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Veritas Asia antennas damaged by typhoon


RVA antenna's damaged by typhoon CosmeRadio Veritas Asia informs that during the height of the typhoon Cosme nine out of fifteen antennas in Palauig transmitter site were destroyed. To cope up with this deficiency some of RVA broadcasts have been substituted with available spare antennas (as given below). With this signal deterioration is expected in some of target areas. RVA is trying their best to restore allthe antennas in their normal working condition in the soonest possible time.

Temporary Antenna Substitution

Morning broadcast SW1:
Mandarin program at 10/280 instead of 11/350
Filipino program at 8/331 instead of 7/331
Sinhala/Hindi programs at 5/280 instead of 9/280
Urdu program at 16/300 instead of 13/300
Vietnamese program at 16/300 instead of 16/280

Morning Broadcast SW2:
Vietnamese program at 10/280 instead of 9/280
Russian program at 8/331 instead of 12/030

Morning broadcast SW3:
No Changes

Evening Broadcast SW1:
Mandarin program at 8/332 instead of 17/355
Hmong program at 10/280 instead of 9/280
Vatican program at 10/280 instead of 17/355
Filipino program at 10/280 instead of 14/300

Evening Broadcast SW2:
Hindi/Bengali/Urdu programs at 16/300 instead of 15/300
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, India)

DXers Unlimited Weekend edition - May 24-25


DXers Unlimited

Radio Havana Cuba
By Arnie Coro, CO2KK

Hi mis amigos radioaficionados around the world and those of you now orbiting our planet!!! Welcome to the weekend edition of your favorite listener oriented, and surely technically minded radio hobby program... YES... you are listening to Dxers Unlimited, the one and only short wave program devoted to each and every aspect of our wonderful passtime...not just to boring lists of stations that can be heard only at a certain specific location...

When you spend part of your spare time with your radios... you can, like during this weekend enjoy the thrill of a two way ham radio contact half way around the world using a very low power QRP transmitter in the middle of one of the year´s most important CW contests,the CQ Magazine sponsored WPX CW prefix contest, or you can have a lot of fun during a 2 meters band fox hunt at one of your city's parks... but that´s not all, you can also spend many hours optimizing your new TV Dxing antenna system now that sporadic E layer openings are happening every day....


SI AMIGOS, YES MY FRIENDS..OUI MES AMIS,.radio is unique in the sense that there is always something to learn, to experiment with, and to enjoy... I am Arnie Coro in Havana, my ham radio call sign isCO2KK, and you can hear my amateur radio station often on the 40, 30 and 20 meter bands CW segments using my new 2 Watt rig, connected to a wideband antenna that is working very well indeed.

Now here is item one of today's Dxers Unlimited... As the summersolstice is approaching, now less than a month away, we are seeing late evening band openings on the 30 and 20 meter amateur bands, and very good reception of international short wave broadcasts on the 31an 25 meter bands.

Item Two: Many e-mail messages keep coming in to my inforhc@enet.cu account every day, and it's really nice to see how Dxers Unlimited's listeners worldwide continue to enjoy this program and bring in so many new ideas, suggestions and questions for me to review. Among the most recently revived ideas was to create at least one CD ROM disk with the best of Dxers Unlimited for the past several years... and then make it available to those interested... Sure it's a good idea that will require a lot of work on my part, something I am just starting to do during this weekend...

Item Three: Simple wire antennas continue to fascinate many of you amigos, among them the ultra compact two element QUAD antenna for the two meters amateur band, that can be built in a few hours using standard PVC insulated wire used for household installations and PVC plastic pipe and standard fittings for it. But be aware of an interesting phenomenon... if you don't strip the wire of its plastic insulation, the dimensions of the antenna will be different than those coming from the standard two elements VHF QUAD antenna formula... And also there is a very nice and easy to use software program to calculate a VHF QUAGI antenna, a neat ombination of a two element QUAD and several linear parasitic director elements...

By the way that program, which is freeware, is available by just sending me an e-mail message requesting the QUAGI antenna design program... send your request to inforhc@enet.cu , again inforhc@enet.cu , and I'll e-mail the software to you as a small dot zip attachment attachment...


Item Four: A simple, rugged, flexible, roll up ,easy to transport solar photovoltaic panel, a lead acid gel cell accumulator and a simple home brewed voltage regulator will power up your low power amateur radio station and your short wave receiver at anytime... The solar energy option is excellent for your emergency communications kit, and you will be pleasantly surprised how even in somewhat dark days, the silicon solar cells can provide enough energy to charge up the battery for nighttime use.


A five or ten watt power solar panel is ideal for this application, and let me add that many ham radio contests have now special entry categories that provide bonus points for stations using solar or wind energy for powering the equipment during the contest. Amateur radio contests participants . like the many hams involved during this weekend worldwide CQ WPX CW prefixes ontests, learn a lot about fast and efficient communications procedures and field installations, something that is extremely useful when actual emergencies come up to your community .

Item Five: The number of amateur radio stations in some countries is extremely small. This is seen especially in the African continent, where the presence of DX expeditions of people visiting from developed nations is often the only possible source of a two way contact with that DX entity. My perception is that helping to develop amateur radio in Africa will be extremely useful for the people of that continent, and this is an effort that could be very well linked to already ongoing projects designed to provide Internet access from remote locations using satellite
technology.

Item Six: Tropical Band DX season is now, for all practical purpose over in our northern hemisphere... high noise levels, typical of the summer months make Dxing on the 120, 90 and 60 meters Tropical Broadcast Bands extremely difficult during the evening hours. Nevertheless, very early morning monitoring of the 4.6 to 5.1 megahertz segment of the short wave spectrum will still make possible some nice catches, because at that time there is minimal ionospheric absorption and the daily distribution of thunderstorm activity is also at a minimum...


One not too nice thing happening to Tropical Band Dxers is that many of their favorite stations
are going off the air, due to many different reasons, among them the rapid velopment of FM broadcast stations in areas forming served by Tropical Band broadcasts, and the high cost to broadcasters of keeping on the air old vacuum tube transmitters for which replacement parts are more and more difficult to find, and when found are extremely expensive. Cuba uses the Tropical 60 meters band for providing a nationwide service to so called silence zones, especially nations four main mountain regions, where night time AM and FM coverage is not as good as it should be ...

In areas of mountains and especially in the valleys where AM and FM broadcasts do not reach or provide a very unreliable service, the Near Vertical Incidence Skywave tropical band signals provide excellent service. That's whey the Cuban Broadcast Institute now operates a 50 kilowatt high tech transmitter for broadcasting Radio Rebelde's network national program on 5025 kilohertz, using a near verticalncidence sky wave antenna system to provide optimum service up to a distance of 1000 kilometers around the transmitter site...

For Dxers there is a bonus... thantenna does have a small low angle lobe that makes possible listening to Radio Rebelde in many far away places too!!!
......

Si amigos, we do QSL, we do verify reception reports and absolutely free of harge... You may send your detailed reception reports and comments about this and other RHC programs to inforhc@enet.cu ,again inforhc@enet.cu , or VIA AIR MAIL send a postcard to Arnie Coro, Radio Havana Cuba, Havana, Cuba... And now la numero uno, the number one most popular section of Dxers Unlimited, ASK ARNIE is on the air...

Today's question sent by listener Dimitri from near St Petersburg, Russia.Dimitri wants to know how he can find the equivalents of solid state devices, so as to make a cross reference between Russian electronic components and those made in Europe, the USA and Asia... Amigo Dimitri, you are not alone , you are facing a huge problem and quite a challenge... because the specification of, for example, bipolar transistors for low signal levels are difficult to match between manufacturers.

Fortunately, there are some general purpose devices that provide a high degree of compatibility, for example I have used here Russian made KT315 NPN low signal transistors to replace many different types made in Japan and Europe with excellent results... I also have created a database that matches to the best possible degree the specifications of many Russian vacuum tubes to their US, Japan and European equivalents...

Second QUESTION... Came from Canada, listener Alex from London, Ontario, is asking about the possible efficiency for short wave reception of a TTFD antenna that in his case,will need to be be only 10 meters or about 33 feet long, as that is all the space he has for his antenna system. Well amigo Alex, here is an important piece of information regarding the TTFD antenna design... the lower cutoff frequency for transmitting is calculated very easily by simple arithmetic...

The TTFD length is calculated by dividing the wavelength by the number three.. so your antenna only 10 meters in overall length will be good for transmitting from 30 meters or 10 megaHertz up... In other words, if you divide 30 meters by 3, your answer will be 10 meters, and that's the length of a TTFD that will be useable for transmitting from 10 megaHertz up... But now the good news, it is a fact of life and fully documented by many users of the TTFD, including yours truly, that a 10 meters or 33 feet long TTFD is certainly a quite useful receiving antenna down to about 5 megaHertz And when used with an antenna tuner it will also put out a useable signal on the 40 meters band, but not as efficiently as the full size half wave dipole antenna cut for that amateur band that has an overall length of 20 meters or 66 feet!!!

So , summarizing, the answer to your question amigo Alex,is, SURE, go ahead and build and then install your 10 meters long TTFD, as per the building instructions that I sent to you sometime ago, and then after using it for a while, please tell me and other Dxers Unlimited's fans around the world about your results !!!


AND remember that the TTFD Antenna's most recent version requires a terminating resistor between 800 and 950 or even one thousand ohms, that it must be a non inductive type of resistor and that it should be properly protected against the weather elements. For transmitting, the TTFD terminating resistor must be rated to a minimum dissipation of one fourth of the transmitter power for average use, and a higher rating if you plan to use full carrier modes like standard RADIO TELETYPE or PSK31 digital keyboard to keyboard mode... My version of the TTFD uses ten 2 Watt 8200 ohms carbon non inductive resistors connected in parallel, to achieve a total termination resistance of near 820 ohms, and with that value, the antenna has worked very well for several years using my 100 Watts transceiver, without any signs of the terminating resistance changing its value...
....
And now amigos just at the end of the program, as always here is our exclusive and not copyrighted free for all radio hobby enthusiasts worldwide ..Arnie Coro's Dxers Unlimited HF plus low band VHF propagation update and forecast...The effective sunspot number, ESN, continues to be at a dramatically below 10 units, while the actual sunspot optical count was zero on Friday and Saturday, an indication of the almost endless very low solar activity. The daytime maximum useable frequency curve is barely reaching 18 megaHertz on the East-West daytime paths, and as expected, best HF propagation conditions continue to be available just after local sunset.

Expect a lot more sporadic E layer openings, with possible 12, 10 and 6 meters band openings. Atmospheric noise levels are at a pretty high level, as typical of the northern hemisphere summer months... Hope to have you all join me next Tuesday and Wednesday UTC days for the mid week edition of Dxers Unlimited, and don't forget to take a little time and send me your valuable comments and opinions about this program, to help me make it better for you and all listeners around the world !!!
(R Havana Cuba)