DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-145, August 24, 2005 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits For restrixions and searchable 2005 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO EXTRA 60: Wed 2200 WOR WBCQ 7415 [first airing of each edition] Wed 2300 WOR WBCQ 17495-CLSB Thu 1000 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Thu 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Thu 2030 WOR WWCR 15825 Thu 2300 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Thu 2330 WOR WBCQ 7415 [occasional] Fri 0000 WOR WTND-LP 106.3 Macomb IL Fri 0200 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream [repeated 2-hourly thru 2400] Fri 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Fri 2000 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru Sat 1600] Fri 2105 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Sat 0800 WOR WRN to Eu, Au, NZ, WorldSpace AfriStar, AsiaStar Sat 0855 WOR WNQM Nashville TN 1300 Sat 1000 WOR WPKN Bridgeport CT 89.5 & WPKM Montauk LINY 88.7 Sat 1730 WOR WRN to North America (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sat 2100 WOR WRMI 7385 Sun 0230 WOR WWCR 5070 Sun 0300 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Sun 0630 WOR WWCR 3210 Sun 0730 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Sun 0830 WOR WRN to North America, also WLIO-TV Lima OH SAP (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sun 0830 WOR KSFC Spokane WA 91.9 Sun 0830 WOR WXPR Rhinelander WI 91.7 91.9 100.9 Sun 0830 WOR WDWN Auburn NY 89.1 [unconfirmed] Sun 0830 WOR KTRU Houston TX 91.7 [occasional] Sun 1300 WOR KRFP-LP Moscow ID 92.5 Sun 1400 WOR WRMI 7385 [NEW] Sun 1730 WOR WRN1 to North America (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sun 1900 WOR RNI Mon 0300 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0330 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 Mon 0415 WOR WBCQ 7415 [usually closer to 0418-] Mon 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Mon 1800 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru 1400 Tue] Tue 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Tue 2330 WOR WBCQ 7415 [usually] Wed 0930 WOR WWCR 9985 Wed 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Latest edition of this schedule version, with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html WRN ON DEMAND [from Fri]: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html WORLD OF RADIO Extra 60 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/worx60h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/worx60h.rm (WOR Extra 60 is the same as COM 05-06, with WOR opening added to hi) WORLD OF RADIO Extra 60 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0506.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0506.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/com0506.html WORLD OF RADIO Extra 60 in true SW sound of Alex`s mp3 [projected]: (stream) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_08-24-05.m3u (download) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_08-24-05.mp3 WORLD OF RADIO 1284 downloads in studio-quality mp3: (high) http://www.obriensweb.com/worx60h.mp3 (low) http://www.obriensweb.com/worx60.mp3 WORLD OF RADIO PODCAST: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml (currently available: Extra 58, 1281, 1282, 1283, Extra 59, 1284, Extra 60) ** ANTARCTICA. ARGENTINA [sic] – Apesar do anúncio de que não irá mais confirmar os informes de recepção com o cartão QSL, a LRA-36 Rádio Arcángel San Gabriel, que emite da Antártida, enviou certificado de recepção ao Fresnel de Ximenes, de Planaltina (GO). A correspondência demorou 285 dias e foi assinada pelo diretor Marcos Ramírez (Célio Romais, Panorama, @tividade DX Aug 21 via DXLD) Viz.: ANTARTIDA: 15476 kHz - R. ARCÁNGEL SAN GABRIEL - San Gabriel - ATA Recebido certificado de recepção full data. 285 dias. V/S: Marcos Ramirez, diretor da LRA-36. QTH: Base del Ejército Esperanza, 9411 - Antártida Argentina, Argentina (Fresnel de Ximenes, Planaltina, Goiás, @tividade DX Aug 21 via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 6134.81, Radio Santa Cruz, 1015-1025 Aug 24, Noted a man and woman presenting a language lesson in Spanish. Could not ident the second language being taught from or to. At 1023 caught a canned ID "...Radio Santa Cruz ..." and time "La hora 6 y 24 minutos". I must say that the signal quality of Radio Santa Cruz was very, very good. It was the best I've heard, ever! So, since all other regular South American stations seemed to be the same this morning, I am speculating that RSC may have done something to improve their signal? But it could have been the perfect skywave and time for the signal to bounce into Clewiston? Anyway, the signal was armchair (Chuck Bolland, FL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Here`s why: Solar-terrestrial indices for 23 August follow. Solar flux 112 and mid-latitude A-index 11. The mid-latitude K-index at 0900 UTC on 24 August was 6 (155 nT). The mid-latitude K-index at 1200 UTC on 24 August was 7 (298 nT). Space weather for the past 24 hours has been strong. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G3 level occurred. Solar radiation storms reaching the S2 level occurred. Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred (SEC via DXLD) OTOH, higher frequency conditions were very poor when I checked around 1400; just a few of the closer stronger signals audible on 16m, NOT including Chile 17680 which is usually a powerhouse here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. BRASIL – A Rádio Oito de Setembro, de Descalvado (SP), pretende emitir, em definitivo, pelas freqüências de 1590 kHz, em ondas médias, e 2490 kHz, em ondas tropicais, a partir de primeiro de setembro. As informações são do funcionário da emissora, Diórgenes José Carneiro Mesquita Lopes, em mensagem publicada na comunidade ``Ondas Curtas``, no Orkut. Por enquanto, os horários em que a emissora está no ar são os seguintes: de segundas a sextas-feiras, entre 1100 e 2200; nos sábados e domingos, entre 1100 e 2330. Recentemente, a freqüência de 2490 kHz foi sintonizada, em Pirassununga (SP), pelo Geraldo de Bem. [note that the MW 1590 is 900 kHz below the TB 2490, convenient for 2 x IF imaging! --- gh] BRASIL – Um novo espaço para o Meio Ambiente nas ondas curtas brasileiras. O programa Ponto de Encontro, da Rádio Nacional da Amazônia, de Brasília (DF), já está irradiando, nas sextas-feiras, às 10h30min, no horário oficial de Brasília, matérias produzidas pelo Programa Piloto para Proteção das Florestas Tropicais do Brasil. No programa do próximo dia 26, a jornalista Thaís Brianezi vai mostrar a experiência de uma cooperativa de mulheres que produzem sabonetes e essências extraídas de madeiras, principalmente do pau-d’arco. A dica é do biólogo Paulo Roberto e Souza, de Tefé (AM). Freqüências: 6185 e 11785 kHz (Célio Romais, Panorama, @tividade DX Aug 21 via DXLD) Now 24th Aug. 0930 UT, I've been receiving 'Radio Nacional', seems to be 'da Amazônia' on 6180 instead of 6185 kHz. But it`s suddenly QRT around 1010. Testing new frequency? Only today? This station (perhaps Amazônia) QSY from 6180 to 6185 in Oct. 2004. 73 & FB DXing! (Kenji Takasaki in Mie prefecture, JAPAN, JRC NRD-545/535D/525/515, HCDX via DXLD) ** CANADA. ENGLISH CBC LOCKOUT AFFECTS THE FRENCH NETWORKS TOO Newsgroup: alt.radio.networks.cbc, alt.tv.networks.cbc It is not only English Canada affected by CBC Lockout. At the SRC's new season promotion, a group of CBC employees complain about the loss of French services to the communities outside of Quebec, and, noted below, 3 foreign correspondents reports in French to the French network from London, Moscow and Asia (Dan Say, BC, via DXLD) La Presse (Montreal, Que) Le mardi 23 août 2005 http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/article/article_complet.php?path=/arts/article/23/1,144,248,082005,1138526.php LOCK-OUT À LA CBC : MANIF PRÉVUE CE MATIN DEVANT LA TOUR par Hugo Dumas La Presse Une cinquantaine de cadenassés de CBC/Radio-Canada, dont les correspondants parlementaires francophones du bureau d'Ottawa, manifesteront tôt ce matin devant la grande tour du boulevard René- Lévesque. Le moment et le lieu ont été judicieusement choisis, car c'est aujourd'hui que la SRC tient son gros pow-wow annuel de la rentrée, où elle dévoilera toute sa programmation automne-hiver. Toutes les vedettes et têtes d'affiche y seront. Les journalistes des autres médias aussi. ``C'est la rentrée de Radio-Canada, mais il y a une partie de la famille qui n'est pas invitée``, souligne Paul Bélanger, producteur délégué à la télévision régionale de Radio-Canada en Outaouais et en Ontario, qui organise la manifestation d'aujourd'hui. Les 5500 membres de la Guilde canadienne des médias ont été mis en lock-out lundi dernier par Radio-Canada. Au coeur du litige: l'embauche de contractuels. Le conflit affecte principalement le réseau anglais, mais également tous les employés du réseau francophone à l'extérieur de Moncton et du Québec. Au Québec et à Moncton, les employés appartiennent au Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada (SCRC). Eux ont été mis en lock-out au printemps 2002. Ainsi, les Patrice Roy, Christine St-Pierre, Emmanuelle Latraverse, Daniel Lessard et Daniel L'Heureux arpentent présentement les trottoirs, tout comme Martine Biron (Edmonton), Frédéric Arnould (Winnipeg), Marc Godbout (Toronto) et Denis-Martin Chabot (Halifax). ``Le lock-out ne concerne pas seulement la CBC et la télé anglaise. À l'extérieur du Québec et de Moncton, tout le monde est dans la rue``, précise Paul Bélanger. Produite à Ottawa, l'émission Le Jour du Seigneur est également touchée par le lock-out. À l'étranger, le lock-out réduit au silence les correspondants Don Murray (Londres), Nick Spicer (Moscou) et Patrick Brown (Asie), qui alimentent les deux réseaux. Mais pas Joyce Napier (Washington), Michel Cormier (Paris) et Jean-François Bélanger (Afrique). Table 3 Percentage share of radio listening by format by audience category Fall 2004. CBC http://www.statcan.ca:80/english/freepub/87F0007XIE/2004001/data.htm (via Daniel Say, BC, DXLD) CBC English lockout affects much of French service outside Quebec. Newsgroup: alt.radio.networks.cbc,alt.tv.networks.cbc La Presse, (Montreal, Quebec) Le mardi 23 août 2005 http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/article/article_complet.php?path=/arts/article/23/1,144,248,082005,1139455.php CBC/Radio-Canada --- LES FRANCOPHONES HORS QUÉBEC SE PLAIGNENT DU LOCK-OUT --- par Sylvain Larocque, Presse Canadienne Regina --- Les représentants de la communauté francophone de la Saskatchewan ont tenté de sensibiliser, mardi, les élus libéraux de passage dans leur province aux conséquences néfastes du lock-out de CBC/Radio-Canada à l'extérieur du Québec et du Nouveau-Brunswick. Denis Desgagnés, directeur de l'Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, presse le gouvernement fédéral d'intervenir pour faire en sorte que le diffuseur public maintienne des services en français lors des conflits de travail. ``Pour nous, c'est très décevant ce lock-out, parce que Radio-Canada, c'est notre seul média, dit-il. On n'a rien d'autre.`` ``Comme c'est un service de base, il devrait y avoir des dispositions pour faire en sorte qu'en cas de lock-out ou de grève, les communautés minoritaires continuent à avoir des services``, explique-t-il. M. Desgagnés a fait ces commentaires à l'issue d'un événement tenu mardi au ``Carrefour des plaines``, le centre communautaire francophone de Regina, au cours duquel une vingtaine de représentants de divers organismes fransaskois ont rencontré des députés libéraux du Québec. Les Fransaskois, qui sont au nombre de 18 000, ont trouvé une oreille attentive auprès de Denis Coderre, député de Bourassa (Nord de Montréal). ``Je trouve inacceptable que Radio-Canada ait fait le lock-out, surtout que c'était en pleins Jeux du Canada (à Regina)``, a-t-il déploré. Sa collègue Liza Frulla, ministre du Patrimoine canadien, refuse toutefois d'intervenir. Elle se dit sensible à la situation des francophones hors Québec, de même qu'à celle de tous les auditeurs et téléspectateurs de CBC, mais se limite à convier les parties à reprendre les négociations. Le lock-out touche 5500 employés de la société d'État à l'extérieur du Québec et de Moncton, membres de la Guilde canadienne des médias -- (via Dan Say, BC, DXLD) Plus encore: Bernard Derome appuie les cadenassis d'Ottawa --- par Hugo Dumas, La Presse --- Le chef d'antenne Bernard Derome est venu appuyer ses collègues cadenassis d'Ottawa, qui ont érigé, hier matin, trois piquets de grève autour de la grande tour de Radio-Canada, boulevard René-Lévesque. . . http://www.cyberpresse.ca/arts/article/article_complet.php?path=/arts/article/24/1,144,248,082005,1139613.php (via Dan Say, BC, DXLD) Viz.: SRC can't report from Parliament Hill Bernard Derome, (SRC's century-long TV news anchor), supports the pickets from Ottawa at a rally in Montreal. Note that SRC can't report from Ottawa anymore as it is on the Media Guild side of the river. So, "Le conflit, qui repose essentiellement sur l'embauche d'employés contractuels plutôt que des permanents, touche principalement le réseau anglophone, mais aussi tous les employés francophones de Radio-Canada á l'extérieur du Québec et de Moncton. C'est pour cette raison que Le Téléjournal ne propose plus de reportages provenant de la colline parlementaire d'Ottawa. Les Patrice Roy, Christine St- Pierre, Emmanuelle Latraverse et Daniel Lessard ont été jetis sur le trottoir." So the Ottawa reporters are out on the street. And we miss the animated face of Emmanuelle Latraverse, the serious high-mindedness of Christine St-Pierre. All quiet on the Liberal scandals front then. [old report; connexion?] http://www.radio-canada.ca/Medianet/CBFT/Telejournal200505262200_1.asx Six years of Rabinovitch, and 5 labour disputes in that time, three of which were lockouts as Mlle. St. Pierre notes below. Some new TV programs such as "Dans les coulisses du pouvoir" may have to be cancelled as they are/were to be produced out of Ottawa (Dan Say, BC, DXLD) ** CANADA. An American's Plea to the CBC --- an article by Christopher Key in the (generally excellent) on-line magazine the Tyee is a plea for the CBC to return to pre-lockout standards: http://www.thetyee.ca/Views/2005/08/21/AmericanPlea/ excerpt: My radio has been locked for years on CBC Radio Two. There is no station on this side of the border that offers anything like it. There's a classical station in Seattle, but they don't play jazz. There's a jazz station in Tacoma, but they don't play world music. Radio Two not only offers me all of that, but I get a lot of news that goes unreported by the solipsistic US press. Yes, Vinyl Café is a blatant ripoff of A Prairie Home Companion. It's so well done, however, that even Garrison Keillor probably listens. The character who does the CD reviews on Sound Advice is insufferably pretentious. That's about all I can find to complain about. Shelley Solmes delightful presence on Here's To You is indicative of the Ceeb's popularity south of the border. Requests from listeners in the US are played nearly every day. Jurgen Gothe's Disc Drive is a merry pastiche of music from many genres that is a staple of my afternoon listening. Would that Jurgen were as visible a Canadian icon as Don Cherry. Danielle Charbonneau of Music for a While has the sexiest voice in the known universe. I'd listen to her if she played Christian hip-hop (via Eric Flodén, BC, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) See also NETHERLANDS [non] ** CANADA. CBC WORKERS LAUNCH CBC UNPLUGGED AND STUDIO ZERO http://www.thetyee.ca/News/2005/08/22/CBCUnplugged/ Controversial podcast has got 'everybody.' By Peter Tupper, Published: August 22, 2005 TheTyee.ca Imagine a bunch of locked-out auto workers standing outside the factory gates and saying, "All right, let's build our own cars." Across Canada, locked-out CBC employees are working together to put out their own radio programs, under the collective name of CBC Unplugged. They will broadcast on conventional radio stations and across the Internet through a new technique called podcasting, in which people download audio files from the web and listen to them on their iPods or other digital audio players. The leadership of the Canadian Media Guild, the CBC's employee union, says that time spent working on this news service will count as picketing, toward up to 10 of the 20 hours per week of lockout duty. A statement on the CMG website says, "since we are without a collective agreement, there are no conflict issues to prevent us from providing quality content to our audiences." Here in Vancouver, a group of about 15 Canadian Media Guild members has banded together as Studio Zero, a young and loosely organized enterprise. From surreal to real Colin Preston, secretary of the Vancouver local of CMG, says, "We were out on the line on Monday and I just perceived so much energy coming from people on the line who felt frustrated that they couldn't apply their skills as communicators and broadcasters. They said, we've got to do something. I identified those people, they had a meeting the following day and they've just been givin' 'er since then." "Originally we wanted a more surrealistic project where we would set up a table and chairs and talk to people, and have a studio that did not broadcast at all," says JJ Lee, a reporter and producer for the CBC and the pilot producer for Studio Zero. "Then we realized the technology was out there and there was enough equipment dispersed among our fellow colleagues on the line that we could actually do something." Workers on the picket line laid out the story lineup in chalk on the blank concrete wall of the CBC building. "It just came down to pushing ahead on the project and seeing what we could do. We built the technological infrastructure. We don't have studios, we don't have anything.... It's sort of like the 'Gilligan's Island' version of a radio program." The show will be produced from a space on Granville Street rented by the CMG. Striking talent The first edition of CBC Unplugged from Studio Zero will be an hour-long package of lockout-related news and local music, some of it recorded on the Vancouver picket line on Monday, August 22nd. It will include CBC's on-air talent Mark Forsythe, Ian Hanomansing, Bill Richardson, Rick Cluff and Tetsuro Shigematsu, who have been temporarily replaced by management during the lockout. Co-hosting today's show will be CBC Radio One's Jenna Chow, and CBC 3's Alexis Mazurin. And Carole James is sending a piece in. "We've got everybody, they've got nobody," says Lee. Studio Zero will soft-launch the package Monday night by sending to various radio stations for broadcast. Campus stations CiTR 101.9 at UBC and CJSF 90.1 at Simon Fraser will air it Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m., and Co-op radio CFRO 102.7 will replay it at noon. Also at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Studio Zero will hard-launch the MP3 file of the show will be "podcast" from www.cmgvancouver.org, hosted on a server owned by CBC employee Loc Dao. The CBC Unplugged podcast is a new medium and one that is still growing in terms of technology and content. Dao isn't even sure he'll have enough bandwidth to handle the demand for the show. Definitely not the CBC Lee says, "We figure, at some point, that [the CBC is not] going to be too happy we're calling it CBC Unplugged." However, he likens the CBC Unplugged project to political cartoons or MAD magazine spoofing "Star Wars", and says using the name "CBC" in the podcast's name is fair comment. "We're real clear that we're not the CBC, all the way through," he says. "We're telling our side of the story, that's our main goal. And we're spoofing it, because [for instance] we're doing the weather, but only describing the weather on the four cardinal points of the block at 700 Hamilton Street." The Studio Zero show will definitely be partisan in favor of the CMG. "The purpose of this show is not to replace what used to happen on the CBC when it was running properly. The purpose of this show is to get people to complain about the fact that we're not doing our jobs," says Lee. Jason MacDonald, a spokesperson for the CBC in Toronto, said that CBC Unplugged is, "a tool for guild members to stay in touch with each other and share their point of view and experience with regard to the work stoppage." But adds, "more call-in shows and opinion pieces and those kind of things don't resolve the key issue, which is the need to get back to the bargaining table." Labour disputes usually involve workers separated from the means of production. In the information economy, the means of production is the same as the workers, who take their names and their skills with them when they strike or are locked out. Digital technologies like mini-disc recorders, personal computers and the Internet make it possible to create and distribute media to the world for next to nothing. Peter Tupper is a freelance writer based in Vancouver. References http://www.thetyee.ca/About/Intro/ (via Dan Say, BC, DXLD) ** CANADA. Odds and Ends from Canadian Trip --- When in Tofino, BC, in early August, noted a TIS-type station operating on 1260 from the close-by Pacific Rim National Park . It identified as "CBPU"; had an announcement by a woman (in English, followed by the obligatory French repeat) about park conditions; after that was an announcement of weather conditions by a man (in English, followed by one in French), The woman's announcement was very muddy and hard to understand, even tho we were quite close to the park Wickaninnish HQ (and probably the transmitter). The weather announcement was quite clear. At our house in Tofino, CBPU wasn't nearly as strong as the CBC relay in Ucluelet on 540, even tho it was considerably closer, so suspect that CPBU's power is in the 10 to 20 watt range. Given proper conditions, I suspect that CBPU would be a possibility from a costal location in the NW USA. Patrick Martin; with your antennas, go after them! When arriving on the train at Winnipeg on Tuesday, August 16, noticed that CJML was alive and well on 580. Announcements indicated that they were on for another special day (VJ Day??) but also got the impression that they will be on the air occasionally (since they announced as "Community Radio") for special events (John Sampson, Aug 23, ABDX via DXLD) ** CUBA. RHC added 13660 daily to NAm at 1300-2000 (WRTH July Update via DXLD) I don`t think so; it may have been on for a special occasion, but they don`t have any frequencies running continuously thru siesta time (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DENMARK. WMR plans to resume 5815 in October (WRTH July Update via DXLD) ** GERMANY. At present southern Bavaria suffers from severe floodwaters of various rivers, cf. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1688454,00.html Amongst them is the Wertach river. The dikes had to be reinforced but are expected to withstand: http://www.fraenkischer-tag.de/nachrichten/index.php?MappeCID=f2nzrna~9wkrsg0nkf0iq&Hierarchie=zdi286wvm2l-65i$e5*nk&Seite=Regionales&SeiteSub=Bayern http://www.aichacher-nachrichten.de/Home/DieganzeRegion/AugsburgStadt/sptnid,20_regid,1_arid,532027.html The Wertach floodwaters could also impose a threat on the shortwave site if the plant is situated too close to the river. If so it would not be the first such victim: Decades ago the Wiederau site near Leipzig got flooded by the Weiße Elster river. The other side of such a location with good ground conductivity. All the best, (Kai Ludwig, Germany, UT Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GREECE [and non]. Again, nothing on 9420 from Avlis 3 at 0000-0400 last night. This morning at 1200-1230 UT, Greenville with Radio Martí and Delano with Voice of Greece were both on 9775, with Radio Martí strong and clear and Voice of Greece not audible. At 1230, the engineer at Greenville must have realized his error and switched Radio Martí back to 7405. Delano then broke through with Voice of Greece on 9775 (John Babbis, MD, Aug 22, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Again, nothing on 9420 from Avlis 3 at 0000-0400 last night (John Babbis, Aug 23 & 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Maybe they have made some unpublicized frequency changes: (gh, DXLD) Saludos cordiales, el pasado 22 de Agosto la Voz de Grecia fue escuchada por la frecuencia de 9375 kHz en español, supongo que en emisión accidental ya que al día sigiente en esta frecuencia no se emitió el programa en español y sí por la frecuencia de 12105. 9375 Voz de Grecia, 1440-1500, escuchada el 22 de Agosto en español a locutor con boletín de noticias, sintonía; se identifica "Aquí Atenas, están escuchando la Voz de Grecia, Radio Filia", segmento de música latina, SINPO 44433 (José Miguel Romero, Spain, Aug 24, Noticias DX via DXLD) ** HUNGARY. Hi, this Sunday morning long-skip conditions and lots of noise on the bands. So many UNIDs and not much heard. Did also some listening during the week, highlight was Radio Balaton with weak signals. Additional information to the logs can be found mostly in German under http://blog.freeradio.de 6300.0 2244 Radio Balaton 24322 6 050819 balaton.mp3 E (Achim Brueckner's Free Radio Disaster Logs off air RX: NRD 525 GF Ant: ARA 30 Location: Detmold 51 56N 8 52E, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** INDIA. ASIA-PACIFIC`S BIGGEST BROADCASTING STUDIO OPENS Wednesday, 24 August , 2005, 02:00 New Delhi: The Asian-Pacific region's biggest broadcasting studio was inaugurated on Tuesday by Information and Broadcasting Minister S. Jaipal Reddy. Built on a plinth area of 13,895 square metre, the new five-storeyed Broadcasting House and the 18,958 square metre 11-storeyed Doordarshan Bhawan Tower B house state-of-the art studios and modern centrally air-conditioned offices. The new complex will be used by the All India Radio home services, the News Services Division and the External Services Division. It has 26 fully automated transmission studios, and all recording, editing and playback equipment, including mixing consoles and master routers, are in digital mode. The newsroom is paperless and equipped with state-of-the art facilities. There are also six dubbing rooms, five control booths, two radio conferencing rooms and one Captive Earth Station. Each of the 26 transmission studios include a digital audio work station, two CD players and a digital mixer. Ten of the 26 studios are equipped with digital phone-in units with a facility to conference upto 12 callers on ISDN and PSTN lines (from http://sify.com/news/ via Mukesh Kumar, MUZAFFARPUR, INDIA, DXLD) Dare we now hope AIR will now clean up its audio? (gh, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. My favourite online radio station is "Fabulous 690 The Lounge", formerly KLAC. It plays M.O.R. jazz standards and has some amusingly quirky adverts. The stream is at: http://ccdig.liquidviewer.com/klac 73, (Tom Read, M1EYP, Macclesfield, England, http://tomread.co.uk Aug 22, BDXC-UK via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM [and non]. Luego de casi 3 semanas de lanzado al aire, el Canal Telesur, que debe fomentar la integración latinoamericana no logra remontar el vuelo esperado, pero sigue intentándolo. Una serie de impedimentos técnicos ha bloqueado el inicio ininterrumpido de las transmisiones de Telesur a lo largo y ancho de la región. Aram Aharonián, vicepresidente de la Junta Directiva de Telesur [caption] Por ejemplo, todavía no se puede ver, principalmente por definiciones internas de los canales estatales y de los propios gobiernos, en dos de sus cuatro socios capitalistas, Argentina (con el 20% del capital) y Uruguay (con el 10%). En Venezuela, la sede oficial del canal, se está transmitiendo en período de prueba durante cuatro horas diarias y se ve solo a través de los sistemas de cable privados con alcance nacional, entre ellos Directv, propiedad del magnate de los medios Gustavo Cisneros. En Argentina, el estatal Canal 7, que transmitió en vivo la ceremonia de inauguración de Telesur, todavía no ha comenzado a transmitir de forma regular la señal por "diferencias horarias para los noticieros", dijo a la agencia francesa de prensa AFP, una fuente del canal, asegurando que se está "reprogramando" todo para ponerlo al aire y que están enviando material sobre la situación argentina a Telesur. El vicepresidente de la Junta Directiva de Telesur, el uruguayo Aram Aharonián, dijo desde Caracas a varios medios en Montevideo que se siente "frustrado" porque no pueda verse masivamente Telesur en su país y se quejó de no lograr ni siquiera "establecer comunicación" con el canal estatal (Tveo). Técnicamente en Uruguay la señal es gratuita, libre y abierta y puede bajarse del satélite y ser emitida sin condiciones por radio o televisión. En Cuba, el cuarto socio que aporta el 19% a este canal y que aspira a derrocar "la dictadura noticiosa" de las grandes cadenas internacionales, Telesur sólo se ve en un resumen de una hora, preparado por el Instituto Cubano de Radio y Televisión (ICRT). Por otra parte, la señal de Telesur llega íntegramente por circuito cerrado, a instituciones oficiales en La Habana. Muchos habitantes de la capital cubana ya han expresado que les gustaría ver Telesur íntegramente, pues la programación que les escoge el ICRT está muy cargada de deportes y noticias. En Colombia, donde tampoco se transmite, existen dudas sobre los objetivos políticos e ideológicos de la cadena continental, luego que trascendiera en la prensa la molestia que causó la inclusión del septuagenario líder de la guerrilla de las FARC, Manuel Marulanda Vélez alias Tirofijo, en una de las promociones del canal. La Comisión Nacional de Televisión de Colombia (CNTV), desmintió haber bloqueado el acceso al satélite de Telecapital, un canal del gobierno de Bogotá que prevé retransmitir, como informamos aquí en Radio Enlace, la semana pasada. El director de la CNTV, Jorge Figueroa manifestó a la agencia francesa de prensa AFP, que "Somos respetuosos de la autonomía de los canales en su programación y del pluralismo informativo¨. En Bolivia, Telesur ya tiene una oficina con equipos de edición y transmisión instalados y pronto una empresa de cable empezará a transmitir. En Brasil, que se encuentra en desventaja debido a la barrera del idioma, y cuya televisión local está ampliamente dominada por el poderoso grupo Globo, la señal de Telesur se recibe a través de TV- Comunitaria, un canal difundido por un sistema de televisión prepaga que difunde la programación entera de Telesur y la repite durante el día. En Centroamérica, México, Chile y Perú no se difunde nada de Telesur. Pese al sinfín de tropiezos, la idea de imponerse como un contrapeso al flujo informativo de Estados Unidos, sigue siendo muy celebrada por los canales estatales, portavoces gremiales de la prensa y de ministerios de Educación y Cultura en la región. Para el presidente de la Federación Latinoamericana de Periodistas (FELAP), el argentino Juan Carlos Caamaño, Telesur "es un arma de construcción masiva". Telesur, con un presupuesto anual de 2 millones y medio de dólares y con un consejo asesor integrado por el Ignacio Ramonet, director de Le Monde Diplomatique; el actor estadounidense Danny Glover, el escritor uruguayo Eduardo Galeano y el poeta nicaragüense Ernesto Cardenal, sigue afinando acuerdos para llegar a toda América, con la firme intención de ampliarla a 24 horas en dos meses. Para conocer de primera mano las incidencias de Telesur, Radio Nederland ha enviado a Caracas a nuestro reportero Juan Carlos Roque. Juan Carlos entrevistó en la capital venezolana al vicepresidente de la Junta Directiva de Telesur, el uruguayo Aram Aharonián. Pero qué es lo que hay detrás de Telesur? Escúchelo por real audio (Radio Nederland, Radio-Enlace Aug 19 via DXLD) See http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/es/programas/RadioEnlace for audio links, which will be replaced by next show on Friday (gh, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. On 29th September 2005 at 0730 UT there will be a minor change to the technical parameters of Intelsat 10-02, the satellite WRN uses to relay its English and multi-lingual services to Africa. The symbol-rate will change from 8.022 (eight point zero two two) to 5.000 (five point zero zero zero) and the FEC from ½ to ¾. Services will not be affected by these changes. Also on the 29th September 2005, the WRN English network to North America relayed via Sirius Satellite Radio will move from channel number 115 to 140. Sirius inform us this is due to the introduction of new channels on Sirius Satellite Radio (such as the much publicized Howard Stern channel). Please ensure that all your publicity material (e.g. websites, brochures etc.) is updated in order to reflect this change. Kind regards, (Sophie Wilson, Client Services Assistant, WRN > TRANSMITTING SUCCESS, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. Hurricane QSL WX4NHC --- For those of you who are looking for a RARE DX CATCH and QSL: Tropical Storm Katrina has formed and South Florida has been put under Hurricane Watch with projected path towards Miami. WX4NHC, Ham Station located at the National Hurricane Center, offers QSL cards - operations under these conditions. Some of the frequencies are only attended DURING A HURRICANE! Here's a QSL worth working for Shortwave listeners: http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/ http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/w4ehw-station.html http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/wx4nhc-qsl.html http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/w4ehw-contact.html GOOD DX, Folks!!! (Konnie Rychalsky, Southern Connecticut DXer, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAQ [non]. SADDAM HUSAYN'S DAUGHTER SAID PLANNING LAUNCH OF TV CHANNEL FROM JORDAN | Text of report in English by Egyptian news agency MENA Kuwait, 24 August: Raghad, daughter of former Iraqi president Saddam Husayn, intends to launch from Jordan a private satellite channel to talk about the "positive" aspects of her father's life, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Watan said Wednesday [24 August]. The newspaper quoted well-informed sources as saying the satellite will operate for 12 hours a day and former Ba'thist media men will prepare programmes that would "highlight" the role of Saddam. The former Iraqi information adviser here Jawad al-Ali had denied alleged reports that he was cooperating with Raghad, the eldest daughter of Saddam, to set up a TV satellite channel that could be mouthpiece of the Iraqi resistance. Source: MENA news agency, Cairo, in English 1006 gmt 24 Aug 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** KOSOVO [non]. DJ's satirical tune causes uproar THIS item: 08/21/05 - A Norwegian video set to the KZOK-FM 102.5 Seattle morning jock Bob Rivers' 1999 tune about the war in the Serbian province of Kosovo has caused an uproar there. Nicholas Wood, New York Times ... on the Northwest Broadcasters site, led me to the story on the NY Times site, below: August 21, 2005 VIDEO OF D.J.'S SATIRICAL SONG PROVOKES OFFENSE IN KOSOVO By NICHOLAS WOOD Correction Appended PRISTINA, Kosovo - Most of the satirical songs written at the radio station KZOK in Seattle amuse listeners for a brief life, then fade from the air. But one number from 1999 about the war in the Serbian province of Kosovo has ignited a diplomatic dispute years later and halfway around the world. The song, written by the D.J. Bob Rivers and set to the melody of the Beach Boys hit "Kokomo," ridiculed what he considered the nonchalant way the United States assumed the role of the world's policeman when it led an air war over Kosovo, a place most Americans knew little about. The trouble started, Mr. Rivers said, when a group of Norwegian soldiers on peacekeeping duty in Kosovo came upon the song in 2002 and decided to make a rock video of it. The two-and-half-minute video shows four soldiers miming to the music - dancing on watchtowers and armored trucks, wearing bulletproof vests over their bare chests, performing routines in their military compound and even splashing mineral water on one another. Over time, the tape --- which has a link on Mr. Rivers's Web site, http://www.bobrivers.com --- made its way to the Internet and caught the attention of BK TV, the Serbian television station. When the station broadcast the video, it incited an uproar, and not only because of the dancing and lightly clad soldiers. What was most provocative were the song's lyrics. Verses such as "Protecting human rights, airstrikes and firefights/We'll be dropping our bombs, wherever Serbian bad guys hide," caused deep offense. The video prompted criticism among Serb leaders of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, a province that officially remains part of Serbia, but has been administered by the United Nations and patrolled by NATO since the two-and-a-half-month bombing campaign in 1999. A senior adviser to Serbia's prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica, said the video suggested that the NATO mission, which was meant to be evenhanded between the province's majority Albanian population and its minority Serb community, was biased. "Such things only help the Serbian side to prove that there is no security in Kosovo, no respect for human rights and no multiethnicity," Agence France-Presse quoted the adviser, Slobodan Samardzic, as saying. "The president was very shocked to learn about this," said Vuk Jeremic, the senior foreign policy adviser to President Boris Tadic of Serbia. Mr. Tadic was especially upset because the soldiers came from Norway, a country with a strong record for peace initiatives and conflict resolution, Mr. Jeremic said in an interview. The video showed that four years after the collapse of Slobodan Milosevic's autocratic government in Serbia, the nation's image abroad is still sullied. "This is what boys from Norway think about Serbs," he said. Norway's ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, Hans Ola Urstad, promptly issued an apology calling the video "highly regrettable" and promised an investigation. He expressed the hope that the video would not do "serious harm to the longstanding and deep friendship between Serbia and Montenegro and Norway." The original intent of the song - to question American involvement in Kosovo - had clearly been missed. "It was meant to be very lighthearted, and was aimed at our own government," Mr. Rivers said in a telephone interview, but instead it was taken as propaganda. He said that for several years he had received e-mail messages from Serbs complaining about the song. Zoran Stanojevic, a journalist who writes a column about the Internet in the Serbian news magazine Vreme, understood that the song was not the work of Norwegian soldiers. If they were that good at satire they would be "doing stand-up on the radio," not serving in the army, he said. "If nobody tells you it is a satire, it can sound a bit harsh," he said in a telephone interview. He blamed cultural differences for the misinterpretation. "For example, the ironic use of a love ballad, they didn't understand the idea." Most Serbs still do not know the song's origin, he said. The Norwegians' video is not the only case of cultural insensitivity by NATO troops in Kosovo. In July, Express, a Kosovo Albanian newspaper, republished an interview by an American soldier with his hometown newspaper. In it the soldier, Sgt. Robbie Nelson, from the 635th Armor unit of the Kansas National Guard, compared local farming methods to turn-of-19th-century America. The article caused some amusement and some anger. Sergeant Nelson said he had no idea that his article would be reprinted in Kosovo. "I didn't have any intention of causing anybody offense," he said. "I was just telling my local paper what's different about Kosovo." A spokesman for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense said this month that there would be no proceedings against the six soldiers responsible for the video because they had all left the army. Mr. Rivers said he believed the Norwegian soldiers were to blame for taking his song out of context. But he was not sure if the video merited an international dispute, or if the Norwegians should have apologized for what was, after all, his song. "I don't know enough about the world to know who should apologize to who," he said. Correction Monday, Aug. 20, 2005 Because of an editing error, an article yesterday about a video made by a group of peacekeepers in Kosovo that satirizes the American response in 1999 to the war there referred incorrectly to the video's stance on the NATO-led peacekeeping mission. The video did not intend to criticize the peacekeeping mission, but it was perceived as anti- Serb by some Serbian leaders and prompted them to criticize the mission (via Eric Flodén, BC, dxldyg via DXLD) ** KURE. Kure-Osity #2 19 August 2005 by H. Ward Silver, NØAX (n0ax@arrl.net), K7C Team Member K7C Web site: http://www.cordell.org/htdocs/KURE/ Hurry to Kure [is it pronounced Kurry?] The one-month-to-go date passed on the 15th of August and the team is scurrying about putting the final touches on everything - the radios, the antennas, computers, food. Of course, the biggest and most important part of the expedition is the transportation! If that doesn't pull through, nothing else matters as we've seen several times in the past. The rarer the QTH, the more difficult the journey, it seems. Could there be a correlation here? When one thinks of Kure Atoll at the far western end of the Hawaiian island chain, the image of swaying palms, steel guitars, and various concoctions of rum and fruit juice come to mind. Nothing could be further from the actual situation, I assure you! First of all, Kure is a lot farther from Honolulu than you might think - 1375 miles (2213 km)! Travel the same distance east from Honolulu instead and you'd be more than halfway back to Los Ángeles! On the way to Kure, we'll pass the islands of Kauai and Niihau, the western edge of inhabitation, and then have a long open ocean run past Nihoa, the last of the islands with a Hawaiian name. 400 km (250 miles) later, we reach Necker Island, 393 miles from Honolulu. Necker begins an increasingly austere series of classic desert islands until Midway is reached. A large military base until 1993, Midway is being returned to its native state as a national wildlife refuge. From Midway, it's about 60 miles further on to our final destination Kure, the northernmost coral atoll in the world. Browse to http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/GG/HCV/haw_formation.html to find out more about the Hawaiian islands and how they formed. Kure is a Hawaii State Wildlife Refuge and more can be learned about it at http://www.hawaiianatolls.org/about/kure.php In the past, some DXpeditioners to Kure first flew to Midway via military or tour aircraft and then took a boat to Kure. (There is a landing strip at Kure from the Coast Guard LORAN station days, but it is no longer maintained.) These flights are no longer available, unfortunately. The expense of chartered aircraft ruled out that option, so it will be a sailor's life for us on board the Machias. This name should ring a bell to aficionados of Pacific DX, the Machias having carried the Kingman Reef/Palmyra expedition in 2000. Once again, Cap'n Bill Austin will be in charge of a cargo of wild-eyed hamsters in hot pursuit of DX! Our captain estimates that the trip will take about 9 days from Honolulu to Kure, aided by the trade winds. Weather at this time of year is expected to be mild. You can keep an eye on Kure weather at http://www.weatherforyou.com/weather/hawaii/midway+island+naval+air+fa cility.html Coming back we'll have to add another day or two; a total of 19 or more days at sea. We'll all be an old salt (or maybe just smell like one) by the time we get back to the land of the hula girls and ukulele. "Ahoy mateys, we're listenin' up five we are and we takes no prisoners!" Browse to the K7C Web site for photos of the Machias. During the voyage, we hope to be active as K7C/mm on the HF bands. The success of this phase of the operation depends on how we can best rig an antenna aboard the Machias. Operating at sea will be by-guess-and- by-golly, but if the 6-watt, battery-powered rig of LI2B aboard the balsa raft Kon-Tiki (Thor Heyerdahl's pioneering adventure in 1947) could maintain contact with North America as it floated westward from South America, then I suspect that we can, too. This sounds like quite a voyage, doesn't it? We'll set sail on September 15th and won't be seen again for a month! Nevertheless, we'll have all of you to keep us company through the magic of ham radio. See you on the bands! (Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - kb8nw @ barf80.nshore.org --or-- kb8nw @ arrl.net Editor of the "Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin" (OPDX - "DXer's Tool of Excellence") President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA), DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division, Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG) via Dave Raycroft, ODXA via DXLD) ** MYANMAR. BURMESE MEDIA NOT OBSERVED TO REPORT ON COUP RUMOURS As of the 1330 gmt main evening newscasts on 24 August, Burma's TV Myanmar and Radio Myanmar in Burmese have not been observed to report on a rumour about a coup d'etat in which Sr Gen Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council [SPDC] and commander in chief of the Defence Services, is said to have been removed from power by Vice Sr Gen Maung Aye, vice-chairman of SPDC, deputy commander in chief of the Defence Services and commander in chief of the army. Source: BBC Monitoring research in English 24 Aug 05 (via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. [cf 5-144, AUSTRALIA] CBC DISPUTE AFFECTS RADIO NETHERLANDS OVERNIGHT SERVICE IN CANADA During the current labour dispute at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the CBC Overnight service has been suspended. This means that Radio Netherlands, normally available on CBC Overnight, is not being carried. We regret this interruption to the normal service, which is outside the control of Radio Netherlands. Listeners in Canada with a shortwave receiver can find details of our transmissions on this page. We are also on air continuously via satellite (Intelsat Americas 5; Optus 152 E; Asiasat 2, Transponder 108) and the Internet. # posted by Andy @ 08:54 UT Aug 24 (Media Network blog via DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND [and non]. Hi Adrian, Note your plan to move to 9520 September 4. No doubt you checked this out and found it clear; however, I would like to point out that V. of Indonesia was active on 9525 until a few weeks ago during this time period, and as erratic as they are, might come back at any time, causing you problems. Or perhaps you had some assurance that they will not? 73, (Glenn Hauser to Adian Sainsbury, RNZI, via DXLD) Hello Glen[n], Thank you for your comments on 9520. 9885 has adjacent splash affecting listeners in PNG which is why we are changing frequency. We have been recording 9520 at the Darwin RMS for only the past 3 weeks and it has been clear throughout. Your warning is appreciated and we will keep a close watch on that frequency. Really good to hear from you! Regards (Adrian Sainsbury, Technical Manager, Radio New Zealand International P O Box 123 Wellington, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio New Zealand International relaying Radio Australia I guess I missed something. On the RNZI website I see that "Sunday to Friday RNZI joins Radio Australia's Breakfast programme beamed to Asia and the Pacific on shortwave and satellite." How long has this been going on? BTW RNZI will have a revised schedule from 4 September. Details at http://www.rnzi.com/pages/listen.php (Andy Sennitt, Netherlands, Aug 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) During the local morning hours I don`t see anything from R. Australia: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/schedules.php O, they mean RNZI participates in an RA program: Radio Australia --- Sunday to Friday RNZI joins Radio Australia's Breakfast programme beamed to Asia and the Pacific on short-wave and satellite. Central and South Pacific frequencies - 15515, 13630, 12080, 11660, 11650. West Pacific 11650, 9660 kHz Satellite: PanAmSat 8 at 166 E Transponder: 24c Pacific Beam (recommended for Asia & PNG between longitudes 100 and 155 degrees east. Reception westward of 100 degrees east may be possible if PAS-8 is visible above your local horizon) Satellite: PanAmSat 2 at 169 E Transponder: 8c Pacific Beam (California Bouquet) (recommended for Pacific region east of longitude 155 degrees east) For more on Radio Australia go to http://www.abc.net.au/ra/ Which I did, and after fiddling with timezone displays, I guess that would be Pacific Beat, at 18-21 UT; why don`t they just say so? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Hi Dan, Could you give me an update on the KOSU antenna relocation? When is it happening, or has it already? Also wondering what will become of the old tower W of Stillwater. Is it owned by OSU; are there other clients on it? Regards, (Glenn Hauser, Enid, Aug 24, to Dan Schroeder, CE, KOSU 91.7, via DXLD) Glenn, We are waiting for Harris Broadcast service technicians to tell us exactly when they can check out our digital transmitter. The analog is ready for operation. We are guessing both can be turned on just after the Labor Day weekend. Again, if Harris can't get their technicians scheduled, it will be delayed. The current tower just west of Stillwater is owned by Stillwater Radio Group, based in Springfield, MO. OSU owns the building. There are a few broadcast and non-broadcast clients on the tower. We will utilize for a backup transmitter site (Dan Schroeder, KOSU CE, to gh, via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PACIFIC [and non]. Pacific Radio News**** ****August/September 2005**** Wellington, New Zealand No.4 1. Great to get such positive feedback on the last issue! Now, to keep each newsletter shorter, we'll do them fortnightly instead of waiting for a full month to roll around each time:) 2. Lots of new stuff on-line at http://www.radioheritage.net too! Have you read the story about the Sea Monster that terrified Tokyo in 1947? An Australian website calls the story 'the Japanese version of War of the World's' and the broadcast from WVTR ranks up there as one of the greatest hoax broadcasts of all time. 3. Exclusive to the site is a commentary from one of the original script writers of that broadcast so you won't want to miss it. He claims their Sea Monster gave birth to the whole Godzilla phenomenon, so read the story for yourself! 4. We released a triology of WVTR stories to co-incide with VJ Month. The others are a personal insight from Shelby Newhouse [Chief Announcer at this AFRS station in 1945] and a Christmas 1945 article from 'Pacific Stars & Stripes', and lots of exclusive photos to enjoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.radioheritage.net reached two new daily records for visitor numbers in the last few weeks. Thanks for passing the word on to friends and colleagues. We've now passed a quarter million hits since we went live, and visitors from 69 countries have stopped by. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. New Zealand may seem a small place, but it's got an awful lot of AM radio stations! We've listed 150+ now on air in the New Zealand AM @ a Glance guide, the first in our new guide series. Easy to figure out who, what and where's on air with an easy glance. 6. The first part of our Early Australian AM Radio series is also now on-line, covering the 1919-1929 period. In those days, radio pioneers had experimental licenses to broadcast music and talks on the standard AM band and were more popular than many commercial stations that came along in the mid-1920's. We've got names, places and calls, and invite anyone who knows more about these pioneers to give us a call. 7. Australia also features in our first monthly column from Adrian Peterson. He recalls special flood broadcasts from northern NSW and early listening days of the 1940's. Adrian will be progressively joined by other columnists over the coming months. Check them out! 8. As mentioned in the last newsletter, we've got a whole lot more coming down the pipeline, ranging from AFRS in China-Burma-India, Radio Afghanistan in the 1970's, Tokyo Rose, Singapore's Radio Shonan, as well as a new radio serial, the story of KFSG Los Ángeles. Or, more accurately, the story of a lady whose church owned KFSG and who made the headlines when she claimed she was kidnapped! -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Emporium Radio Heritage Store (c) has been open a month now, and the Top 40 Radio Book List has recorded thousands of hits! Check out a wide range of well priced books, including the 2006 Passport to Worldband Radio due out soon, our Book-of-the-Month from US DJ Corey Deitz and much more. Great prices no matter where you live, and every purchase contributes funds to protecting radio heritage. Visit now! -------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. The gift packages at The Emporium are also recommended. They're a nice way to contribute funds towards keeping the site free for everyone to access as content grows. Coming soon, we've also got fantastic merchandise that's exclusive to The Emporium. Great heritage designs with t-shirts, mugs, 2006 calendars, greeting cards and much more, so check the Store pages regularly for availability! 10. Shortwave Radio Project needs a few good volunteers! Just four folks actually, to help Bruce Portzer create the shortwave version of the Pacific-Asian-Log. We've had a growing number of requests for such an on-line guide, and of course, it'll be searchable, downloadable and updated and as detailed as the mediumwave version. If you'd like to contribute some time over the next couple of months, email Bruce today at info @ radioheritage.net 11. Work on the Art of Radio (c) Hawaii story is progressing, and is looking good. Remember, if you've got examples of Hawaiian radio art to share [such as logos, letterheads, car decals etc] we'd love to hear from you. The Art of Radio (c) Japan still ranks the most popular of all stories currently on the site. 12. Philippines, early New Zealand AM radio, and AFRS Mosquito Network, Jungle Network, Pacific Ocean Network and Hawaii's WWII Pineapple Network are all on our research radar at present. If you have memories, memorabilia, images or anything at all to share about these subjects, do drop us a line at info @ radioheritage.net ------------------------------------------------------------------- We're a registered non-profit organization and your continued support is helping this Pacific-wide project grow. Please tell your friends and colleagues about http://www.radioheritage.net Ask us about 'webguff' as well, the partnership where you get great website design, development and delivery and contribute towards keeping radio heritage safe in the Pacific. We have no financial support from any government or broadcaster. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Warm regards from all the team at http://www.radioheritage.net (David Ricquish, Chairman, Radio Heritage Foundation, Aug 22, DX LISTENING DIGEST) But has that commercial promotional touch (gh) ** PALAU. T8BZ: According to the E-mail from Ben Chan of High Adventure Ministries - Palau, T8BZ is still in the management of High Adventure Ministries. ``Gospel Radio`` is only the new name of the station. Reception Reports should not be sent to CPO Box 6804, Hong Kong but to their original address, High Adventure Ministries, P. O. Box 66, Koror PW96940, Republic of Palau (Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 7120, Wantok R.L., 1100 with excellent signal, religious programme (Robert Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, Drake R7 ~ Long wire, Aug 24, HCDX via DXLD) See BOLIVIA for propagation report at that time (gh) ** SWEDEN. SAQ ANNUAL BROADCAST --- By Lars Kalland/SM6NM http://www.alexander.n.se SAQ, the VLF station at Grimeton, Sweden, made special broadcasts on Saturday 2 July 2005 and Sunday 3 July 2005. These short CW messages were sent on 17.2kHz using the famous historic equipment preserved at the World Heritage Site. We have got 26 reception reports for the Saturday transmission and 90 for the Sunday. The reports are well spread over Europe but we also received quite good reports from the USA this time. One good QSL was from Massachusetts and also another from a very nice location, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a very special place to radio history. One report was from Illinois and another from Utah in the Mid-USA [sic]. But the really hit was from CALIFORNIA!! A report from Mojave Desert by WA6NIA/Dennis Kidder with a quite visual attached screen capture on 17.2 kHz. Dennis says the site is "electrically very quiet". (Dennis often works radio from the club station onboard Queen Mary/W6RO at Long Beach). We think Dennis really received the SAQ signal as it obviously was received in Utah and Illinois. It must have been "good conditions" that day. We have never earlier received reports from the West coast of the USA. At the moment there are no plans for more transmissions this year, but if so, I will let the group know. Hopefully there will be transmission on Alexanderson Day in 2006. Saturday’s Message: "VARBERG RADIO STATION IN GRIMETON, SWEDEN AND THE UNIQUE 80 YEAR OLD LONG WAVE 200 KW ALTERNATOR WAS INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST IN JULY 2004. TODAY UNESCO INAUGURATES THE SITE. ASSEMBLED HERE WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THE INVENTOR ERNST F. W. ALEXANDERSON. WE ALSO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF TELEGRAPHIC AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TO IMPROVE THE INTERCHANGE OF HUMAN VALUES AROUND THE WORLD." Reception Reports from: Czech Republic 1; Denmark 2; Finland 1; Germany 6; Italy 1; Netherlands 5; Sweden 5; United Kingdom 3; USA 1 Sunday`s Message: CQ CQ CQ DE SAQ SAQ SAQ = YOU ARE LISTENING TO THE ALEXANDERSON ALTERNATOR AT GRIMETON RADIO/SAQ INAUGURATED BY HIS MAJESTY GUSTAF V, KING OF SWEDEN, 80 YEARS AGO. SINCE JULY LAST YEAR THE STATION IS A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE OBJECT = SIGNED: THE ASSOCIATION ALEXANDER - GRIMETON VETERANRADIOS VAENNER + FOR AMATEUR RADIO QSO AND QSL INFO PSE READ OUR WEBSITE: WWW.ALEXANDER.N.SE + DE SAQ SAQ SAQ @ Reception Reports from: Austria 1; Belgium 2; Czech Republic 1; Denmark 4; Finland 3; France 5; Germany 23; Greece 1; Ireland 1; Italy 3; Netherlands 9; Norway 1; Spain 1; Sweden 18; Switzerland 3; United Kingdom 9 [including two Circle members, Nick Rank & Steve Whitt]; USA 5 (Sept Medium Wave News via DXLD) ** SYRIA [non]. Re 5-143, 5-144: "Voice of Free Syria" and "Radio Free Syria" are two names for the same station (program). In English releases, the program was/is promoted as "Radio Free Syria", while the on-air ID in Arabic was "Voice of Free Syria" (Sawt Syria al-Hurra). Websites: http://www.radiofreesyria.org (English), http://www.radiofreesyria.net (Arabic, contains audio files of previous transmissions with the V. of Free Syria ID). (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. SUPERPOWER 1020 TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS WEST INDIES Talking of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and DX, I think that we'll see a regular schedule out of Superpower 1020 with religious programming in the first week of September. I will remain the QSL Manager and will entertain all reports and QSL requests. I believe we have achieved 100% on the QSL requests of the Superpower 1020 T&C DX Tests held a few months ago. The Snail Mail requests for QSLs will be: QSL Mgr Caribbean Christian Radio Superpower 1020 C/O Ron Gitschier, 68 Roxboro Drive Palm Coast, FL, USA, 32164 73, (Ron Gitschier, Aug 22, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U K [non!]. JAMMING ONE'S OWN BROADCASTS. Internet user in Spain seeking BBC content on demand gets this message: "Sorry, you've been declined because our system shows that you are outside the UK. The BBC has decided to limit access to its archives in this pilot to UK residents to ensure best value for the UK licence fee." SpainMedia.com, 19 August 2005 http://www.spainmedia.com/index.php?p=344 (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) Viz.: BBC Non-World Service ; Howie Edwards on 2005/8/19 @ 14:58 in Media, TV & Radio, Internet Imagine my excitement when I read in Andrew Losowsky’s Prandial Post that the BBC is making available lots of archive film clips free on the Internet, hoping that VJs (video jockeys) will download and lap dissolve Auntie’s classic sunsets and ethnic faces for partying young things at e-fuelled raves. I hastened to said site (``GET STARTED. Hidden gems from the list that you didn't even know you wanted...``), only to be stalled by the following: ``Sorry, you've been declined because our system shows that you are outside the UK... The BBC has decided to limit access to its archives in this pilot to UK residents to ensure best value for the UK licence fee. Users outside of the UK are not able to access clips and programmes that form part of this pilot. Regrettably we are therefore unable to offer you content and would like to apologise for any disappointment. Please spare five minutes to give us your feedback.`` In what is surely a missed opportunity to recompense Her Majesty’s licence fee payer, people like us, in Spain or Sri Lanka, can’t even purchase these clips from the Beeb – though Auntie does supply a useful link to commercial archives. Some way to build a global brand. Following the same logic, should the World Service, available on short wave over much of the planet and online in 43 languages, be slashed back to UK-only FM broadcasts in Welsh, English and Gujarati to placate the British licence fee payer? Whatever next? A disinformation service for ex-pats? Members of the Commonwealth restricted to weekly newsletters? As thin ends of wedges go, White Man’s Burden and the Reithian Mission To Inform, Educate and Entertain are heading hand-in-hand up the hypotenuse without a protractor. Yours disgusted, Barcelona (in Barcelona Business, via kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) ** U S A. Re `WGCNP`, 1610, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ: This was at the entrance just north of Tusayan. I guess that's the "main" entrance (Mike Westfall, Lost Almost NM, ABDX via DXLD) Thanks - This is either a new station or a very old one. If memory serves, there used to be a station at the south visitor center on 1610 that got out really well, but it moved to 530 about 10 years ago. 73, (Tim Hall, ibid.) ** URUGUAY. FM DEL SOL ANTENNA COLLAPSED/ANTENA COLAPSADA La Region del Rio de la Plata fue afectada por un gran temporal anoche con vientos de hasta 160 km por hora. Techos volados, líneas de energía caídas, paredes tiradas, en fin un desastre. Desde el punto de vista de las radios, la antena de FM del Sol (99.5) que está en mi barrio, Cerrito de la Victoria, colapsó a las diez y media de la noche, causando daños a una casa, felizmente sin lastimar a nadie, un milagro, otro como el de la torre de Emisora del Plata una cuadra más arriba hace unos años. Dos jóvenes murieron sí, al despolomarse una pared a una cuadra de la antena, cuando salieron a comprar velas en pleno temporal. Estoy adjuntando cuatro fotos de la torre. Otra torre caida: FM Concierto (que también servía para telefonía celular), pero no en mi barrio. Radio Clarín en 580 no estaba en el aire desde las 23, aunque no sé qué pasó con su antena. Anoche no pude dormir bien, mientras todo tronaba. Hoy de mañana no fui a trabajar, y me dediqué a visitar las cercanías. The Rio de la Plata region was affected last night by a huge atmospheric depression causing winds of 160 km per hour, causing generalized damage to trees, power lines and roofs. From the radio point of view: The "FM del Sol" (FM 99.5) transmitting tower, 128 meters high, which is in my neighborhood (Cerrito de la Victoria) collapsed at 2230 local time, affecting at least one house. No casualties fortunately here, but two youngsters died from a wall falling over them one block from there. I am enclosing four pictures of the broken tower. Other radio towers fallen are from Concierto FM, far from my house. I haven't heard mediumwaver R. Clarín 580 since 2300, last night. The FM del Sol tower also had other telcom services as "Dedicado" wireless internet. And the Concierto one had cellular services. We couldn't sleep last night! (Horacio Nigro, Uruguay, Aug 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. VT Merlin test transmission 8/24/05; 6040 kHz; SINPO 44343; 0207-0223+. Unknown transmitter site. Loop of music with announcement "You are listening to a test transmission by VT Merlin communications, a leading provider of international broadcast services. If you would like to find out more about us, please visit www.vtplc com/Merlin" Coming less well than 5975 BBC (44444) from Montsinery (Mark Taylor, WI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Most likely the usual loop announcement of Merlin operating room in London; on-air switch-over at Sackville-CAN, 250 kW unit leaves 9790 at 0200 UT, for 6040 kHz which is scheduled to start at 0300 UT. 9790 0100-0200 6,7 SAC 250 277 CAN CRI RTC 6040 0300-0330 7E,8 SAC 250 240 CAN RCI RCI all other 250 kW units remain more or less on their frequencies at this time span, like 5960, 6010, 6100, 9560, 9755, 11990. wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Maybe they are thinking of adding something new during this hour on 6040; or the managers running Sackville messed up (gh, DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ MADISON-MILWAUKEE DX GET-TOGETHER SUMMARY The 12th Annual Madison-Milwaukee Get-together for DXers and Radio Enthusiasts is now history, but the memories will last for a long, long time! Each year on the third Saturday in August, DXers gather in Wisconsin for this long-standing DX event. This year's get-together took place on Saturday, August 20, 2005, on the 11th anniversary of the very first one. The place was Burrows Park, a scenic gem of a park operated by the City of Madison, and located on the southeast shore of beautiful Lake Mendota. This year's hosts were Bill and Nina Dvorak, and they would like to express their thank-yous to all who came. The weather was sunny, with low humidity and a high of 84. However, the day was also windy, and the wind blew right through the open shelter making setup difficult. The problem was solved by stringing up canvases over the northeast opening, cutting off the wind, but unfortunately that blocked off the view of Lake Mendota as seen from the shelter. Other than that, the day was perfect and the event went smoothly. Activities began at 1 PM. Demonstrations during the day included a Winradio WR-G313i receiver brought by Craig Menning, a prototype AM radio built and displayed by Pete Gianakopoulos, and an IBOC HD radio brought by Kent Winrich (WORT 89.9 provided a local FM signal to demonstrate, but WBBM 780 had its IBOC shut off for the day). All three demonstrations attracted a great deal of interest. There were plenty of handouts available at the park-- sample DXN's from NRC along with club bulletins from IRCA, NASWA and WTFDA; Universal Radio catalogs; PopComm magazines and various station promotional materials. Snacks and beverages were plentiful. Following the afternoon session, the attendees went on to dinner at the Esquire Club, one of Madison's most long-established family owned restaurants. This was the fifth time that our Get-together dinner was held there, and the food, service and atmosphere continued to more than meet our needs. After dinner, more events occurred at the restaurant. Ten DXers who had come from distant states were presented with key chains, courtesy WIBA 1310 Madison. On each chain was a cutout key made of covered foam rubber, and on which was printed the recipient's name, home state and GTG date. After this presentation, the drawing for door prizes began. We would like to thank Universal Radio for providing us with a wide selection of prizes, along with Madison's ESPN Radio 1070, Clear Channel Milwaukee, and Scott Fybush. After activities ended at the Esquire Club, attendees went on to Bill and Nina's for the traditional cake cutting. The cake was decorated like an open egg carton, and on each of the 12 "eggs" was printed the number and date of a Madison-Milwaukee get-together. Below this drawing was the message: "It just 'Dozen' Get Better than This!" Monitoring activities and more great DX talk continued until the final attendees left at midnight. As always, the real attraction of the Madison-Milwaukee get-together was the people who attended it. The attendance for this year's event was an astounding 41 DXers! This shattered the previous attendance mark of 29, set in 2003 and tied in 2004. Attendees came from 10 states, including such distant states as MA, NY, OH, PA and NE. The DX talk, the camaraderie, the old friendships renewed and the new friendships made, make this event worth remembering for a long, long time. Participation in this year's event by fellow NRC and/or DXAS members was once again outstanding! Thirteen members from six states attended the GTG: Bill Dvorak (WI), Scott Fybush (NY), Neil Kazaross (IL), Lester Kleidon (IL), Dave Legler (MN), Peggy Leifert (IL), Kevin McGill (WI), Frank Merrill (IL) John Rieger (WI), John Sampson (MN), Glen Schroeder (WI), Ernie Wesolowski (NE) and Garrett Wollman (MA). Look for a musing on the GTG in a future DXN. The 13th Annual Madison-Milwaukee Get-together for DXers and Radio Enthusiasts will be held on Saturday August 19, 2006. The event returns to the Milwaukee area, with Tim Noonan as host. For more information, please contact Tim at dxing2 @ aol.com We hope to see you next year! 73 (Bill Dvorak, Madison WI, DXN column editor DDXD- West, Aug 22, NRC-AM via DXLD) Reunión en Valencia (España) de HFCC Extraído del diario Levante. El Mercantil Valenciano. España. http://www.levante-emv.com/secciones/noticia.jsp?pIdNoticia=131135&pIndiceNoticia=3&pIdSeccion=9 "EL ``MERCADO`` PARA NEGOCIAR LAS FRECUENCIAS DE RADIO SE INSTALA EN VALENCIA. Por M.ª del Mar Valls, Valencia. Sentirse como en casa cuando se está en el extranjero es un sentimiento difícil de alcanzar, pero la radio es una buena vía para llegar a ello, claro está si no existe el problema más temido de este medio, las interferencias. Esta semana se lleva a cabo en el museo Príncipe Felipe de la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias de Valencia la High Frequency Co-ordination Conference (HFCC) (Conferencia de coordinación de alta frecuencia). Este acto es una asamblea de frecuencias de radio, sobre todo de onda corta, que se reúne cada seis meses para resolver el problema de las interferencias. Las radios emiten al extranjero, en el caso de España sólo Radio Nacional, y en muchas ocasiones se producen problemas porque algunas emisoras utilizan la misma frecuencia que otras. La HFCC, formada por países occidentales, surgió en 1990 gracias a una radio checa. Esta asociación llevó el inconveniente de las interferencias a Ginebra, y también se asociaron los árabes, cuya organización se llama ASBU, y Asia (AABU). Estos encuentros se realizan cada 6 meses, porque debido a las variaciones y a los movimientos de la Tierra se producen cambios en la transmisión y hay que rehacer los planes de emisión para que no se produzcan esas interferencias. En este congreso, en el que participan 60 organizaciones, aunque hay más países, cada medio presenta un plan y se estudia. No hay una mesa redonda, sino que los medios que tiene problemas entre sí porque utilizan la misma frecuencia buscan soluciones. Si no se llega a un acuerdo, el conflicto pasa a la dirección. Es decir, que en cada una de estas reuniones se decide el plan de emisiones para dentro de medio año. Es en el equinoccio de otoño y en el de primavera cuando se redistribuyen las frecuencias. Esta conferencia- que en un principio iba a realizarse en Irán y que por problemas políticos de este país no se ha llevado a cabo allí-, ha contado con la colaboración de la Generalitat Valenciana y de la Diputación de Valencia.". 73 y buenos DX (via Ángel José Nicolás Esteve (EA5-0957), Valencia (España), Noticias DX via DXLD) DIGITAL BROADCASTING ++++++++++++++++++++ DRM - IFA Berlin exhibition fair on Sept 2nd to 7th, 2005. see also website in English: http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/MesseBerlin/htdocs/www.ifa-berlin.de/fset_content_e.html?url=http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/MesseBerlin/htdocs/www.ifa-berlin.de/en/Messeinfos/Profil/Kurzbeschreibung/index.html DRM mode transmission series on longwave 177 kHz via Oranienburg transmitter site on the occasion of IFA - Berlin International Consumer Electronics trade fair - will start in end of August again, like two years ago. [Most likely DLR Berlin program. wb.] Exact DRM mode time schedule is not known yet. Hopefully will carry pure DRM transmission mode during this event season, not 'silly' [absurd/nonsense, wb] Simulcast mode as two years ago. DLF mediumwaves 549 and 756 kHz are capable of DRM mode also, but no decision made about test series during IFA fair and seemingly will carry that mode not before 2006 year. MW Berlin Britz 855 kHz carries DRM mode continuously now (Klaus Schneider-D, A-DX Aug 18, translated by Wolfgang Büschel, DXLD) Viz.: DRM - IFA Berlin exhibition. Die LW 177 aus Oranienburg wird Ende August wieder in den DRM-Betrieb gehen, aber das war vor zwei Jahren auch schon so. Ob es sich diesmal um eine dauerhafte Umstellung handelt, scheint immer noch offen. Hoffentlich verzichtet man auf den unsinnigen Simulcast-Betrieb. Die DRM-faehigen Mittelwellen 549 und 756 kHz werden wohl erst 2006 umgestellt werden, jedenfalls gibt es bis dato keine Infos ueber einen moeglichen Testbetrieb waehrend der IFA. Die 855 soll angeblich jetzt dauerhaft in DRM senden (Klaus Schneider-D, A-DX Aug 18) FRANCE, 7135d? TDF Test on IFA Berlin Fair: At present RFI DRM transmissions observed on 6175 kHz, but this 49 mb will be replaced by a 41 mb channel during the IFA Berlin fair due to the distance between Issoudun and Berlin. At present (Aug 19) a strong UNID signal noted on 7135 kHz, but no modulation noted so far (Klaus Schneider-D, A-DX Aug 19) DRM 6175 kHz, 0500-0100 30 kW, except 1400-1600 & 1700-2000 UT, except 1100-1200 500kW 270 deg, 2000-2200 500kW 180deg, both when in AM mode. DRM target: 0500-0700 50deg Fr/Ge, 0700-0800 180deg Fr, 0800-0900 330deg Fr, 0900-1000 non-dir various, 1000-1100 50deg Fr/Ge, 1200-1400 non-dir various, 1600-1700 50deg Ge, 1700-1800 180deg Fr, 2200-2230 non-dir various, 2230-2330 225deg Sp, 2330-0100 non-dir various. (wb, Aug 19) NORWAY Kvitsoy planned DRM winter frequency schedule: 7465 kHz 1600-1900 UTC, 190deg, 50 kW. 9470 kHz 0700-1600 UTC, 190deg, 50 kW. Program BBC World Service. (Klaus Schneider-D, A-DX Aug 19) GERMANY During IFA Berlin fair on Sept 2nd to 7th, 2005, additional DRM transmission frequencies by DW Bonn on schedule: 7190 kHz 1200-1359 UTC (Wertachtal-D, 15deg) 13590 kHz 1400-1459 UTC (Sines-POR, 40deg) 13810 kHz 0900-1359 UTC (Sines-POR, 40deg) Regular Wertachtal DRM frequencies to EUR are beamed on 15degrees beams towards Berlin area, instead of usual non-dir antenna usage. (Klaus Schneider-D, A-DX Aug 19) DRM NEWS --- Kai Ludwig`s summary translations from various postings by Klaus Schneider: France: The DRM transmissions on 6175 have been suspended to free the transmitter for the additional RFI frequencies to West Africa. TDF will bring up DRM from Issoudun during IFA again, but this time on 41 metres because 6175 hardly makes it to Berlin during daytime. (Comment: Just this morning others report DRM from Issoudun on 7135 and 7310.) CVC (Christian Voice) did from Aug 12 to Aug 17 additional DRM tests not only via Moosbrunn (1100-1300 on 11815) but also from Jülich (1000-1300 on 6065), both towards the UK. Additional DRM transmissions during IFA: From Sines 1100-1600 on 13810 and 1600-1700 on 13590, from Wertachtal 1400-1600 on 7190. The otherwise ND transmissions from Wertachtal will be directional towards Berlin instead. Another recently added DRM frequency, presumably not connected with IFA: 0400-0600 on 9690 from Taldom. Kvitsøy will have DRM transmissions of BBC Worldservice in B05: 0700-1600 on 9470, 1600-1900 on 7465. (Comment: Probably these are so far only tentative HFCC registrations.) (Kai Ludwig, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WDAS has IBOC This is one of the worst cases I've heard yet of IBOC interference. Here at home I am within the 0.5 mV/m protected contour of WKAP 1470 in Allentown, and yet with WDAS' 1480 IBOC turned on, it is virtually impossible to hear WKAP. The IBOC hash is just horrendous and overpowers WKAP most of the time. On 1490, WBCB is also greatly affected, although I'm not within their primary contour. Here is the situation. Where I live, the WDAS and WKAP 0.5 mV/m contours overlap; consequently I am in the protected contour of each. Without WDAS' IBOC the two stations coexist, even in this situation. With the WDAS IBOC turned on, it greatly interferes with WKAP. This is the first example I've come across in which two stations are close enough that the one with IBOC interferes within the primary contour of another. This is the type of thing we have all feared. And it will only get worse, unless people at the commission wake up to the fact that the technical realities of IBOC do not add up to the promises of political expediency. The numbers don't add up to reality. The NRSC-5 standard will standardize and codify such interference as now exists to WKAP from WDAS. When it gets to this point, this is no longer just a DX issue argued by radio enthusiasts. It is a legitimate local interference problem that defies current law. Will the FCC continue to ignore such problems? Will they continue to stick their heads in the sand? Will they continue to favor the interests of big money over the interests of "the people" who supposedly own the airwaves (if one still believes the 1934 Communications Act)? How does IBOC, in this instance, serve the public interest? It doesn't; rather it defies the public interest by deeply affecting a station's primary coverage area. This is not progress; it is insanity. Why CC was anxious to get IBOC on WDAS so quickly? Simple answer: they wanted it up and running before the NAB Radio Show opens in Philly in mid-September (Rene' Tetro, Lansdale, PA, N2GQL, WPXG816, WPXU288, PG- 2-16913, Coordinates: 40D12'32"N 75D18'23"W, Grid: FN21IF, Aug 20, NRC-AM via DXLD) Here is the situation with the WKAP/WDAS IBOC interference. There is really nothing that is going to happen to change anything. Since both stations are owned by Clear Channel, they are essentially ignoring the situation. With Clear Channel's commitment to IBOC, they are willing to accept a "little loss of coverage" in areas where they do not sell much, if any, advertising. The person I spoke to a few minutes ago at WKAP (who asked to remain anonymous) said that this is the "official" stand that is being taken. Unofficially, he said, people at WKAP are really -- well, I can't use the word here, but it boils down to some heavy duty anger. The contour overlap between WKAP and WDAS was grandfathered from the old rules, and has never really been an issue in the past, even though the two stations have regularly received a bit of splatter from each other in some areas. In any event, it was not enough of a problem to be of major concern. With the WDAS IBOC turned on, however, it has now become an issue. The bottom line is, however, that this is a corporate decision, and there is really nothing local management can do about it. Their hands are pretty much tied (Rene Tetro, Aug 22, ibid.) Back at this time in 2001, we were having a big debate about IBOC/HD and satellite radio on the NRC list. Some of the participants, and IBOC/HD advocates, included station managers and executives of stations that now run IBOC/HD (such as KTNQ-1020 in Los Ángeles). Looking back four years later, two things stand out: 1) Those who doubted the consumer appeal and market potential of satellite radio have been proven wrong. . . . very wrong. 2) Those who said there was a large pent-up consumer demand for IBOC/HD have been proven wrong. . . . very wrong. Ibiquity's marketing trategy for IBOC/HD is --- to quote Nicholas Gage in "Wild at Heart" --- one of God's natural mysteries. Their operating assumption seems to be that the advantages of IBOC/HD are so blatantly obvious they don't need to do any marketing or promotion whatsoever for it to the public. They're acting as if they have the FCC and NAB on their side, then the public will fall in line and demand IBOC/HD programming and radios. If you're a supporter of IBOC/HD, can you honestly say Ibiquity has done an effective job of communicating the advantages of IBOC/HD to the public and has done the sort of promotional job they needed to in order to create a "buzz" among the public for IBOC/HD? If I were one of Ibiquity's investors, I'd be pressing hard for a major change in their marketing staff and efforts. They are clearly not getting the job done, and IBOC/HD won't succeed as long as the pubic doesn't know what IBOC/HD is (Harry Helms W5HLH, Smithville, TX EL19, Aug 22, ABDX via DXLD) IBOC and iBiquity All the big players filed their reply comments in the IBOC notice 99- 325. Ibiquity's response is very much worth reading as it really takes a shot at us DXers stating that almost all the complaints come from skywave listeners or advocates of Leonard Kahn. Makes interesting reading (Paul Smith Sarasota, FL, Aug 22, NRC-AM via DXLD) Interesting reading indeed. For those that don't know where to look, just go to http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi You'll get a form with lots of boxes to fill, but you only need to fill in the first one ("Proceeding"). Enter 99-325 there, and then click on the "Retrieve Document List" button. ou'll see all the filings in the IBOC proceeding, listed 20 to a page in reverse chronological order. Then click on the individual links to retrieve the pdf files. I prefer to right-click and open them in a new tab/window. No doubt you'll be interested in how the NAB, iBiquity and their supporters responded to all the commenters who raised the issue of interference problems. I can summarize their response thusly: "nyaah, nyaah, you're too late - that issue was closed back in 2002 when the FCC selected the iBiquity systems as the only way to do terrestrial DAB in the USA". The big money guys figure they've already won, and they're probably right... but a few of us will continue to tilt at those windmills. (Barry McLarnon VE3JF Ottawa, ON, ibid.) But they can win that battle and still lose the war -- if nobody buys the equipment, then nobody's listening, either. We'll just have to wait and see (Russ Edmunds, Blue Bell, PA, ibid.) Haven't read it yet but is on my to-do list. I would think that if iBiquity feels the need to make what amounts to an acknowledgment of all the "complaints" then this may be just an ad hominem attack, in the absence of an ability to respond in a meaningful matter. In other words if you complain, then by definition you are just a nut-bar DXer and your comments should be dismissed in that context. Sounds like the old deflection theory. So this says that Johnathan Hardis, i.a., is no better than a lowly unworthy DXer? I thought the strategy was for them to elevate themselves far above the teeming rabble in the streets, and pad about quietly in their silk robes and slippers as they contemplate the beautiful people rushing to and fro to purchase 500 dollar HD radios (Real Soon, Now). Nary a mention of strife or controversy. But, I'll need to read all the latest filings however, to get a better idea of what they are saying. There is a comment on Radio World Online, I am not sure if it has been mentioned before. "Digital Radio Kicks Up Strong Words" by Leslie Stimson dated 08.17.05 http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/iboc/03_rw_nrsc_5c.shtml Not much we did not already know (Bob Foxworth, FL, NRC-AM via DXLD) Anyone dismissing skywave interference is intellectually dishonest. With a few rare exceptions, stations have not run IBOC at night and we really don't know the extent that skywave would cause a problem. That said, DXers have noticed that skywave interference IS a problem at sunrise and sunset when stations are still running IBOC. The conclusion that skywave would likely be a major problem for IBOC is not unreasonable. Secondly, DXers have noticed interference on first and second adjacent channels DURING THE DAYTIME. These are well documented. It sounds like iBiquity is in a state of absolute denial (Bill Harms, Elkridge, Maryland, ibid.) Not really. The interference problems come as no surprise to them - they've known about them for many years. They are inherent in the hybrid system design, and there are no technical solutions short of moving the digital emissions out of band, and the NAB is dead set against that. Moreover, iBiquity and its backers are not denying that the interference exists. They're saying that the interference is an acceptable tradeoff, as far as they are concerned. If it isn't acceptable to others, tough. They have the backing of the lobbyists and the lawyers who control the FCC, and that's what counts (Barry McLarnon, VE3JF, Ottawa, ON, ibid.) The existence of interference is well documented in my book, but not the quantitative aspects. Someone needs to go around with a field strength meter and make recordings at various places inside the coverage area and produce a document that can be shopped around showing the locations, field strength, receiver parameters and the corresponding audio files of interference. Calling up stations and giving verbal feedback helps some as you might be able to get the attention of one CE. Being more specific about the level of the interference via recordings and field strengths means you have something the CE can place his faith in, and also something that can be distributed to others so that the word can be spread. Yes, this would take a lot of time. Yes, few people have a field strength meter. But at some point, someone has to do it. Any contributions of an FIM- 41 gladly accepted. Someone needs to do it (Chuck Hutton, ibid.) Indeed. Documenting the degree of interference using field strength meters speaks the language of technical people the loudest and might be the only way to communicate with them. Recordings are also helpful. The problem is determining the level of interference which is acceptable to the listener (that will very from person to person, but everyone has a threshold) and how that translates into cold numbers taken from a field strength meter. Any ideas? (Bill Harms, ibid.) Has anyone thought about a careful study of the actual spectral distribution of the modulation via a spectrum analyzer? Would that even be helpful? One could easily make actual frequency/strength determinations across the received spectrum (Rick Kunath, ibid.) Yes: http://www.dallas.net/~jvpoll/rfi/AM620_KMKI/AM620_KMKI_01.html (anyone know who "jvpoll" is?) – (Doug Smith, W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, ibid.) Did anyone think the following comment from Timothy C. Cutforth was interesting? I hope "they" don't get any ideas.... Full comment at http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6518142757 ---- NRSC-5 LEGITIMIZES IN BAND ADJACENT CHANNEL BROADCASTING If NRSC-5 is incorporated into the FCC rules it will set a precedent that it is acceptable to intentionally broadcast at will anywhere within the band at levels below those specified by the new NRSC5 mask. For instance, a 50kW station on 1030 would be fully within its rights to broadcast separate analog programs on any or all frequencies of the AM dial as follows: 150 watts carrier with program on 1020 , 1010, 1040, and 1050khz 50 Watts carrier with program on 970, 980, 990, 1000, 1060, 1070, 1080, 1090 kHz And etc out to the extremes of the broadcast dial with several selected frequencies allowed to be 20 dB higher than the mask specified levels as shown on a spectrum analyzer display set for average hold. – (via Mike Westfall, N6KUY, WDX6O, Los Álamos, NM (DM65uv), ibid.) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ PODCASTING, THE FUTURE OF RADIO Doc Searls of Linux Journal has this to say regarding traditional broadcasters and the RIAA while dealing with podcasting: http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8510 73, de (Nate Bargmann, dxldyg via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ NW7US Propagation Alert - 1634 UTC 23 AUG 2005 Aurora chasers, radio DXers, take note: Even during this time of lower solar activity, with the cycle so close to its end (expected to be during 2007), there are still moments of "flare-ups" significant enough to cause some space weather and geomagnetic activity. A greater than 10MeV proton event is currently in progress, following an M5.6 X-ray flare from NOAA active region 0798 which began at 1646 UTC and peaked at 1727 UTC yesterday, August 22, 2005. A halo coronal mass ejection (CME) was observed in association with the proton flare. (A halo CME is one that is directed toward Earth). This proton event augments an on-going proton event that was triggered yesterday evening just after 1800 UTC. This first proton event is probably related to the Long Duration Event M5.6 flare of yesterday evening and the accompanying halo CME. On August 23 and 24, due to the arrival of the coronal mass ejections from the flares noted above, aurora is possible in High Latitudes, down through the lower Canadian regions. Some Aurora might be visible in Maine and other areas of similar latitude. Some degradation on HF and MW is occurring and expected to continue. Especially on propagation paths that traverse over the poles. More updates, when warranted. 73 de (Tomas, NW7US (AAR0JA/AAA0WA), swl at qth.net via DXLD) Yes, both solar flares are geo-effective and long duration events with lots of radio noise sweeping. We are already seeing a >10o proton event and can expected significant geomagnetic storming in a day or two. Time to log all those South American stations!!! [see BOLIVIA]. BTW sunspot #10800 is the first or second opposite polarity sunspot group for incoming cycle 24. We are still 1-2 years away from solar minimum but the next cycle always begins before the present one ends. 73 & GUD DX, (Thomas F. Giella, KN4LF Plant City, FL, USA, Aug 23, ABDX via DXLD) CME`S EN ROUTE TO EARTH COULD SPARK AURORAS Space Weather News for August 23, 2005 http://spaceweather.com Big sunspot 798 exploded twice yesterday, August 22nd, and hurled a pair of coronal mass ejections apparently toward Earth. Geomagnetic storms are possible when the clouds arrive. Sky watchers should be alert for auroras during the nights of August 23rd and 24th. High latitudes are favored: e.g., Canada, Alaska and northern-tier US states from Washington to Maine. Visit http://SpaceWeather.com for more information and updates and -- a bonus -- a rare photograph of a green flash from the Moon (via Brian Smith, Aug 23, ODXA via DXLD) The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to minor storm levels. The period began with quiet to unsettled conditions on 15 August. By 16 August, unsettled to active levels with minor storm periods at high latitudes were observed. Quiet to active levels continued on 17 and 18 August. From 19 to 21 August, mostly quiet conditions were observed. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 24 AUGUST - 19 SEPTEMBER Solar activity is expected be at very low to moderate levels. Region 798 is capable of producing M-class flares until it rotates around the visible disk on 24 August. Thereafter, very low to low conditions are expected. At the time of this writing, a greater than 10 MeV proton event was in progress. This event will persist into the early stages of this period and may be further enhanced by additional proton flares from Region 798 as it rotates around the west limb on 24 August. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 26 -- 27 August, 02 -- 08 September, and again on 14 -- 19 September. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to major storm levels. Recurrent coronal hole high speed wind streams along with the CME activity that occurred on 22 August are expected to produce active to major storm levels on 24 -- 25 August. Unsettled to minor storm conditions are possible on 31 August, 09 -- 10 September, 12 -- 14 September, and 18 -- 19 September due to recurrent coronal hole high speed wind streams. Otherwise, expect mostly quiet to unsettled conditions. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2005 Aug 23 2154 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center # Product description and SEC contact on the Web # http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2005 Aug 23 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2005 Aug 24 105 30 5 2005 Aug 25 100 30 5 2005 Aug 26 100 15 3 2005 Aug 27 95 10 3 2005 Aug 28 95 8 3 2005 Aug 29 90 8 3 2005 Aug 30 90 8 3 2005 Aug 31 85 15 3 2005 Sep 01 85 10 3 2005 Sep 02 85 10 3 2005 Sep 03 85 10 3 2005 Sep 04 85 8 3 2005 Sep 05 90 10 3 2005 Sep 06 90 10 3 2005 Sep 07 95 8 3 2005 Sep 08 95 8 3 2005 Sep 09 95 15 3 2005 Sep 10 90 12 3 2005 Sep 11 90 10 3 2005 Sep 12 90 20 4 2005 Sep 13 95 20 4 2005 Sep 14 95 15 3 2005 Sep 15 95 5 2 2005 Sep 16 95 5 2 2005 Sep 17 95 8 3 2005 Sep 18 90 10 3 2005 Sep 19 85 10 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio Aug 23 via DXLD) Official Space Weather Advisory issued by NOAA Space Environment Center Boulder, Colorado, USA SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN #05- 6 2005 August 24 at 10:52 a.m. MDT (2005 August 24 1652 UTC) **** EXTREME GEOMAGNETIC STORM **** Forecasters at the NOAA's Space Environment Center (SEC) in Boulder, Colo., observed an extreme (G5) geomagnetic storm, beginning on August 24 at 2:12 a.m. EDT. Solar flares on August 22 produced minor to moderate radio blackouts (R1 and R2) and a moderated radiation storm (S2). Also, two large Earth-directed coronal mass ejections occurred on August 22, which resulted in today's extreme geomagnetic storming. The most intense period of geomagnetic storming occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. EDT today. The storm is currently subsiding; however, further, less intense geomagnetic storming is expected through tomorrow. This solar activity originated from a complex sunspot cluster known as NOAA Region 798. Minor to moderated radio blackouts are still possible today. The radiation storm currently in progress is expected to subside by August 25. This active region is currently rotating around the west limb of the Sun and will no longer be visible from Earth after today. Agencies impacted by space weather storms may experience disruptions through August 25. These include spacecraft operations, electric power systems, HF communications, and navigations systems. Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA, USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services and other observatories, universities, and institutions. More information is available at SEC's Web site http://sec.noaa.gov (SEC via DXLD) ###