DX LISTENING DIGEST 6-120, August 9, 2006 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 2006 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 NEXT SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1325: [WRMI schedule still in flux] Fri 2030 WWCR1 15825 Sat 0800 WRN 13865 DRM via Bulgaria Sat 1230 WRMI 9955 Sat 1430 WRMI 7385 Sat 1600 WWCR3 12160 Sun 0230 WWCR3 5070 Sun 0630 WWCR1 3215 Mon 0300 WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0415 WBCQ 7415 Wed 0930 WWCR1 9985 Complete schedule including non-SW stations and audio links: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: 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 or http://wor.worldofradio.org WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml CONTINENT OF MEDIA 06-07 available from August 9: (stream) http://www.dxing.com/com/com0607.ram (download) http://www.dxing.com/com/com0607.rm ** AFGHANISTAN [non]. Radio Ashna (VoA), (Iranawila, Sri Lanka). 8/9/06, 7590, SINPO 24232, 0057-0116 in Pashto. M speaking, clear ID and talk by W, music, ToH sequence including two IDs, theme, M with probable news, brief music, talk by M&W, music to fade-out 0116 (Mark Taylor, Madison, WI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. RA definitely left free 6080 for Radio Singapore as heard the last few days. But heavy splatter at 1130 from WYFR Spanish 6085, puts me in the obligation to better detune to 6077 to get something more audible. Not a great deal using the sync detection of the ICF7600GR. RA was absent on 9580 // 9590 when I tuned at 1140, this Wednesday 9 August. // 6020 very poor. Finally on the air after 1230 (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) This page http://www.abc.net.au/reception/news/051006_shortwave_radio_services.htm still shows 6080, and does not show 4835 and 2310 which have been back for a while now. I wonder if 6080 has really gone or just part of their transmission problems. Is anyone still hearing the NT service on 11880 during local daytime? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BANGLADESH. 4750, Bangladesh Betar was heard in Northern India mornings and late afternoons in Bengali, featuring news and current affairs in English until 1700* (Maarten Van Delft, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** BHUTAN. 6035, BBS, Thimpu, heard at 0720 still in English (Van Maarten van Delft in India, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 5952.5, Radio Pio XII, Siglo XX. Acabo de recibir un nuevo e-mail de la emisora, en respuesta a un informe de recepción enviado hace aproximadamente un mes; dice lo siguiente: "Siglo XX, 9 de agosto 2.006, Señor Manuel Méndez, España Amigo le saludo desde 3800 metros de altura sobre el nivel del mar. Le agradecemos por su reporte de sintonía. Radio Pío XII es una emisora de los religiosos católicos Oblatos de María Inmaculada. Fue fundada el 1 de mayo de 1959. Nuestra potencia es de 10 Kws en onda media, frecuencia 710 khz y 10 Kws, onda corta, banda de 49 metros, frecuencia 5955 Khz. Trabajamos en una de las regiones más pobres de Bolivia (Norte de Potosí). Nuestro trabajo esta dirigido a contribuir en el desarrollo de los pueblos quechuas, aymaras, mineros, y otros sectores urbano marginales, mediante la promoción de la participación ciudadana y democrática de estos sectores en las decisiones comunitarias, sociales y públicas de nuestro país. Somos considerados una de las emisoras alternativas, participativas y populares en América Latina. Estamos Afiliados a la Red ERBOL (educación Radiofónica de Bolivia) ALER (Asociación Latinoamérica de Educación Radiofónica), AMARC (Asociación Mundial de Radios Comunitarias). Esa es la información que podemos brindarle Atte. José Blanco Villanueva ADMINISTRADOR" (via Manuel Méndez, Spain, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOTSWANA. GOVERNMENT MINISTER SAYS VOA ``PROMOTES COOPERATION`` An agreement establishing The Voice of America (VOA) relay station in Botswana stipulates that it would not air programmes that are detrimental to the country`s interests. Speaking at the 21st anniversary celebration of the setting up of the facility in Selibe- Phikwe, Minister for Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said the agreement also stipulated that relayed programmes would be the sole responsibility of the government of the United States of America. Further, the US was to ensure that broadcasts from the radio station would not cause interference with the country’s scheduled internal and external broadcasts. Interference levels were not to exceed internationally accepted specifications, Venson Moitoi said. The VOA radio relay facility in Botswana consists of up to six high- power short wave transmitters, two [sic] high-power medium-wave transmitters, related antennae, associated receiving and communication equipment and auxiliary power generating plant. Venson-Moitoi said its establishment in Botswana was in consideration of the two countries’ mutual interests in furthering international understanding and cooperation by promoting the exchange and dissemination of information. She said Botswana has used its best efforts to assist the government of the USA in establishing programme-grade feeds into the facility via satellite. The signing and sustenance of the agreement is a test case for the excellent relations subsisting between the two countries because it came into effect before Botswana promulgated its own laws in broadcasting, including the Broadcasting Act No.6 of 1999. Under this Act, she said, all broadcasting facilities, operations, organisations and institutions operating in Botswana fall under the jurisdiction of the autonomous regulatory body, the National Broadcasting Board which operates under the auspices of the Broadcasting Telecommunications Authority. In spite of the being implemented as a bilateral agreement outside the framework of the Broadcasting Act, she said, the agreement between the two governments has served well. Agreement between great friends must provide such visionary provisions in order to take into account changing circumstances and scenarios in the domestic or national laws of the respective countries, Venson-Moitoi said. (Source: Botswana Press Agency)(August 9th, 2006, 09:57 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) It`s interesting to note that no mention was made of the VOA`s ``Studio 7`` broadcasts to Zimbabwe, which are carried by the Botswana relay. This has been the subject of complaints by the Zimbabwe government, the latest one only a week or so ago. Zimbabwe started jamming this service in June 2006 (Andy Sennitt, ibid.) ** CHINA. Voice of the Strait (Fuzhow). 8/9/06, 7280, SINPO 43443, 1203-1215, in Chinese (listed Amoy or Hakka dialects). YL and OM announcers with short articles, ID 1209, magazine type program with YL announcer including article by OM with what sounded like `person on the street` sound bites, article by another OM. This is unusually good reception for VotS here (Mark Taylor, Madison, WI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non]. 6280, Sound of Hope, via Taipei (presumed), 2245- 2255, Aug 05, stunning signal from Chinese music jammer, but once in a while allowed Chinese talk underneath to be sensed/heard. Scheduled here Fri/Sat 2200-2400 (and was not there when I passed the frequency around 2150). From where is Sound of Hope on 6280? (Finn Krone, Holte, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) Hello Glenn, I need some help in identifying an AM station on the 20m amateur band. It's parked on the frequency of 14260 kHz. I hear it best from around 1330z to 1400z (carrier off suddenly at 1400). I never hear any announcements or IDs during my listening period. Only Asian music which consisting of tom-tom sounding drums and gong sounds. The bearing from WV seems to be anywhere between 315 to 335 degrees. Judging from the signal strength and rapid fading, I believe it to be an Asian transmitter. At first, I thought it might be AWR via Guam but the Chief Engineer assures me it is not. Any info would be appreciated as this is an intruder in the amateur radio spectrum. Many thanks Glenn. Regards, (Garie Halstead, West Virginia, K8KFJ, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Garie, I can tell you exactly what it is. Chinese mainland jamming. The same music feed ``Firedrake`` is used on many other frequencies against hostile stations such as Radio Free Asia, BBC, and anything from Taiwan. In this case they are jamming a Falun Gong-connected clandestine called Sound of Hope, probably transmitted from Taiwan. It has a much weaker signal by comparison, and you may not detect it at all, except during the 5-minute break at the top of the hour when the jammer goes off for monitoring. SOH is at fault for choosing to operate in the ham band. From one day to another, different 20m channels may be used, and they are also heard on 17 and 18 MHz. There have been a lot of reports about this in DX Listening Digest, and the ARRL Intruder Watch knows about it (there was an article a while back on the ARRL website). The DARC intruder watch (Germany) is also on the case, filing official protests with the Chinese ambassador in Berlin, etc., etc. But the Chicom are going to jam SOH wherever it appears, and that includes 20m. Regards, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** COSTA RICA [and non]. Re Fessenden and WATD story: ``MARSHFIELD - While at sea in the winter of 1906, the crews on U.S. Navy vessels in the Atlantic and the fleet of the United Fruit Co. got a message from Reginald Fessenden, the man who had built their ships’ radios: Tune in on Christmas Eve for a surprise.`` That was the Great White Fleet, the brainchild of Minor C. Keith, who was the empire builder of the U.F.Co., nicknamed in most Latin America as ``Mamita Yunai`` starting in Costa Rica soil, being in charge of the railroad construction that the Tico government of the 1860s needed to carry coffee exports from Central Valley to Puerto Limón. As Mr. Keith was running out of money that he got from British bankers, more than granted, he was ``blessed`` by then CR congressmen in order to finish that enterprise, with land on both sides of the railroad track, that he filled with banana roots he brought from Panamá. He first began hiring independent vessels to carry the bananas to New Orleans. To make the story short, he ended building a second railroad that was his own to compete with the national carrier, and as soon as he became a wealthy man, thanks ONLY to that green (bananas) gold, he became the proprietor of that great fruit steamships. The story tells us that Costa Rica was the World`s Greatest Banana producer by 1907. So a year before sailors and workers on the Great White Fleet en route Limón-New Orleans and vice versa, witnessed Reginald Fessenden`s Christmas First Radio Show (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) This week`s North East Radio Watch by Scott Fybush includes some photos of the Fessenden event: http://www.fybush.com/NERW/2006/060807/nerw.html (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** CUBA. All these were noted relaying Noticiero Nacional de Radio on 8 August, 2006, 1300-1330 local [1700-1730 UT] in a quick check: Rebelde 670, 710, 1180, 5025 Progreso 640 Radio Cadena Habana 1100, 1140 590 Musical = non-relay, just a quick light news blurb 1300. 730 Progreso? = wobbler, but no real audio in line noise, weak signal. It's amazing how few really decent daytime Cubans are audible up here now. I think it's a combo of some Cuban xmtrs no longer active or on lower power, some open channels now occupied by new stations in Florida, and or course IBLOC adjacent channel obliteration. The days of me logging 25-30 with no problem on any given high-noon appear to be gone forever (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. CUBA TARGETS ILLEGAL TV DISHES AS US WEAPON Cuba`s Communist government has signaled a crackdown on the use of black-market satellite dishes, just over a week after ailing leader Fidel Castro temporarily relinquished power to his brother. The Communist Party newspaper Granma today warned that the dishes, which many Cubans use to watch Spanish-language television programmes from Miami, could be used by the US government to broadcast subversive information. ”They are fertile ground for those who want to carry out the Bush administration’s plan to destroy the Cuban revolution,” said the newspaper, the official voice of the government. Such an article in Granma usually signals that action is on the way. The article also decried the ``avalanche`` of capitalist advertising in commercial television programmes. Since Castro provisionally relinquished power to his brother Raul on 31 July after undergoing gastric surgery, Cubans have been anxious for more information on his condition and the political direction of their country. Those who get black-market television by cable have watched with amazement images of Miami’s exile community celebrating in the streets what they see as the end of Castro’s 47-year rule. Cuban officials say Castro, who will be 80 on Sunday, is recovering from his operation. But neither he nor his brother have been seen in public. Castro said in a statement on 1 August that details of his health were a state secret due to the threat of US intervention in Cuba. The Bush administration has stepped up pressure for political change in Cuba by increasing broadcasts of US-funded radio and television to the island. The transmissions are sent from a plane but the Bush administration would like to start beaming its TV Martí broadcasts by satellite. Anecdotal accounts indicate there are more than 10,000 illegal dishes in use in Cuba. The owner of a dish usually sells the service to others - sometimes hundreds of clients - for $10 a month via hidden cables that crisscross roofs. (Source: Reuters) (August 9th, 2006, 15:27 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) If only the US Gov’t was that smart --- but commercial operations don`t get involved with TV Martí-like programming. The real fear, as Eastern Europe taught, was all the commercials for stuff you can buy. Something that`s far worse in a communist economy (Lou Josephs August 9th, 2006 at 17:37 ibid.) ** CZECH REPUBLIC [and non]. Probably already jockeying for those 95 parking spots. "Radio Free Europe will be relocated to the A - class building [in Prague], which will be built to the highest specifications as requested by Radio Free Europe. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty will consist of a 5 floor main building, main entrance building, service entrance building, 95 underground parking places as well as 2 water points." http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-09-2006/0004412817&EDATE= (Orco Property Group press release, 9 August 2006, via kimandrewelliott.com Aug 9 via DXLD) Viz.: ORCO PROPERTY GROUP: PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY LUXEMBOURG, August 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As of 1st August 2006, Orco Property Group has obtained planning permission for its Radio Free Europe project. The exclusive "build-to-lease" agreement with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty concerns a 15-year lease of 23,000 sqm with an option to extend by a further 30 years. This new development will be located in Hagibor district of Prague 10, between Vinohradska and Izraelska street and close to Zelivskeho metro station. "Orco Property Group is immensely proud to have been chosen as developer of this exciting and high-profile project. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is very well known not only in the Czech Republic, but throughout Europe and the rest of the world too. This upcoming development will be a chance for Orco Property Group to make a significant contribution to the social, political and cultural landscape of the Czech capital. We are currently working very closely with the authorities of Prague 10 in order to avoid any inconvenience to the local community," states Steven Davis, Senior Vice President of Orco Property Group. Radio Free Europe will be relocated to the A - class building, which will be built to the highest specifications as requested by Radio Free Europe. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty will consist of a 5 floor main building, main entrance building, service entrance building, 95 underground parking places as well as 2 water points. Transport system will be connected with the existing infrastructure. Cigler Marani Architects was appointed designers for the project. The project is estimated to be finished in 2008. Notes to Editors: Orco Property Group is a leading investor, developer and asset manager in the Central European real estate and hospitality market, currently managing assets of approximately EUR 737 million as valued at 31/12/2005. Operating in Central Europe since 1991, Orco Property Group is a public company, based in Luxembourg, and listed on both the Euronext and Prague Stock Exchange. Orco Property Group's portfolio includes, IPB Real, MaMaison Residences, Orco Hotel Collection, Orco Real Estate, and other retail properties. Orco Property Group operates in a number of countries including, mainly, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Croatia, Germany and Slovakia. Orco Property Group is continually analysing investment into new territories. Orco Property Group is also sponsor and manager of the Endurance Real Estate Fund for Central Europe, a Luxembourg-regulated, closed-end fund whose total subscribed capital represents EUR 140 million, and which currently manages assets approx. of EUR 130 million. Estimated total value of the Fund's portfolio after investment of full subscribed capital is ca. EUR 500 million. The Endurance Fund is dedicated to institutional investors and focuses on acquisitions in Central European real estate markets. Contact presse: Sarah Vidal, tel: +33-(0)1-40-67-67-07, e-mail: svidal @ orcogroup.com http://www.orcogroup.com SOURCE Orco Property Group (via DXLD) I still think RFE/RL, VOA, Radio Free Asia, Alhurra, and Radio Sawa should all be moved to a single building in Chicago. Then, suitably juxtaposed, merge them all into one multimedia corporation (Kim Andrew Elliott, Posted: 09 Aug 2006, kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) ** DENMARK. On August 01, Danmarks Radio could celebrate the 80 years anniversary of its news bulletin. These news broadcasts were introduced one year after the inauguration of "Statsradiofonien" in 1925. Until 1964 the news were edited by the printed newspapers and called "Pressens Radioavis" (The newsbulletin from the press). At first, the news staff consisted of three persons who produced news bulletins daily at 1900 and 2200 local time. Today the news department of DR Radio has a staff of 70 who produce 26 daily radio broadcasts which are presented differently to the different target groups on various channels. A recent British worldwide survey on the abstract concept "Happiness Index" reveals that we in Denmark should be the most happy people in the world! Number two is Switzerland and number three Austria (Anker Petersen, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** EGYPT. 9989.94, R Cairo, 2140-2155, Aug 02, English, ID, comments on the situation in Lebanon, where Israel were entirely blamed for stopping the peace process. Terrible modulation, but better than usual (usually the audio is so bad, that it is impossible to understand anything), 34444 (Bjarke Vestesen, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) see also UNIDENTIFIED [non] 4840 ** ETHIOPIA. 6109.94, R Fana, Addis Ababa, 1841, Aug 04, vernacular telephone calls // 6940.00, apparently a new frequency replacing 6210 and in the clear between co-channel TPBS Lhasa -1800* and CRI carrier *1858. However, reports to DXLD mention French being heard here as well, which I am not quite sure what to think of, unless Fana has taken up French programming?! Definitely needs further monitoring, generally poor (Martien Groot, Netherlands, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) See also UNIDENTIFIED ** FINLAND. SWR to Americas? Hi Alpo, Just wondering if you have had any verifiable reports from outside Europe, especially N or S America? Could you give details? 73, (Glenn to Alpo Heinonen, Scandinavian Weekend Radio via DXLD) We received quite many reports during first years (2000-2004) of our transmissions during autumn and wintertime when we beamed our 25 mb antenna towards NAm. We used only 50 watts that time and simple dipole type antenna. Best times our signal went to quite west and south areas of US, most cases still to East Coast. We got also couple of reports from US on 48 mb when started there. Last wintertime we have had mostly steady Westeuropean direction and so I do not remember we have got reports that time from NAm. Still we have a little bit more power in use now, 100 watts and better beam antenna with 2 elements. So when conditions will be favourable we shall have test towards NAm again and I think it would be possible to get our signal to be heard there. We have had quite much job to do to improve our antennas, studio and transmitting equipments during last year so we have not had too much time for any special tests. I wish that situation changes better when we shall have our new MW antenna mast ready and hopefully still some more power in use. So, I wish some test will realized during next autumn-wintertime ...October... December???? 73' (Alpo Heinonen, SWR, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [Later:] Of course we have 3-element beam on 25 mb nowadays (taken in use in summer 2005). We had 2-element one in use already in September 2001, when there were many listeners in NAm, westcoast states Oregon, Washington and in BC Canada. Also heard in central states Montana and Wyoming. In east States like New York, Maine and Maryland and in South Tennessee and in Newfoundland Canada. 73' (Alpo, ibid.) Hola colegas: Acabo de pasarme por el buzón de correos y me he encontrado con un sobre remitido por Scandinavian Weekend Radio en tamaño A4 con información sobre Virrat. La QSL para un informe del 1 de abril lo ha firmado Alpho Heinonen con una tarjeta con datos completos, así como una carta manuscrita en inglés en la que agradece la escucha y hace algunos comentarios sobre los detalles especificados. Para tener la verificación por escrito envié 2 USD a la siguiente dirección: SWR Reports, P.O.Box 99, FI-34801 VIRRAT, Finland. Su página web es: http://www.swradio.net/index2.htm Paz y Dx (Ignacio Sotomayor, Segovia, Castilla, España (40º56'35,14''N, 4º07'04,30''W) Rcvx: SONY ICF -SW7600 Anx: KIWA Pocket Loop, Noticias DX via DXLD) FINLANDIA, 11690, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, recibidas dos tarjetas QSL distintas de dos de sus transmisiones, v/s Alpo Heinonen. Junto a las tarjetas, en un sobre tamaño A4: carta manuscrita de Alpo, folletos turísticos de la ciudad de Virrat, pegatinas, etc. Tiempo de respuesta: 6 meses. Los informes de recepción se enviaron juntos en una carta con 2 US $. La dirección: SWR P.O. Box 99 FIN-34801 Virrat FINLAND (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUATEMALA. R. Cultural Coatán 4780 at 0215-0230 s-off. In Spanish. Guatemalan music. Faint. Haven't heard these folks for awhile, at least a year. 73/Liz (Cameron, UT Aug 10, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUINEA. NEW BROADCASTING CENTRE TO BE INAUGURATED ON 2 OCTOBER The government of Guinea has announced that the new broadcasting centre of Radiodiffusion Télévision Guinéenne (RTG) in Koloma will be inaugurated on 2 October. The building, donated by China, was completed more than two years ago, but logistical and financial problems prevented RTG from moving into it. Problems included getting the programmes from the studios to the transmitters, providing sufficient electrical power, and giving staff the necessary training to operate the new equipment. Two RTG engineers have already flown to China for training, and funding will be provided to have Chinese personnel present in Koloma for one year. It has been decided that not everyone in RTG will move to the new site. Radio Guinée Internationale (RGI) will remain at the old site in Boulbinet, but will be provided with better facilities and more resources to do its job properly. Also staying put is Radio Kaloum Stéréo - so Radio Nationale will be the only radio network moving to Koloma. The station should start operating from there by 15 August, and the TV service will be up and running before the inauguration on 2 October. (Source: Guinéenews) (August 9th, 2006, 13:10 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** HONDURAS. Since 0600 today Aug 07, Honduras is back to normal time, that is, UT -6. The government had decided to go into a daylight saving [sic] time regime for three months from May 07, and according to a communiqué the goal was accomplished in savings as planned, and as we approach the ``winter`` season here, the time should go back to normal. So we had an extra hour`s sleep this morning! The only active Honduran stations on SW right now are on 3340 and 4819 (Elmer Escoto, San Pedro Sula, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** INDIA. 3223, 3315, 3365, 3390 and 3945 are still going strong. 4760, AIR Leh, one Saturday in NW India I heard them opening at 1300. 5050, AIR Aizawl not heard evenings. 6000, AIR Leh. From a location in NW India, where I could listen just briefly, I noticed it at local noon. [0630 UT] While touring Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Western Bihar recently, I checked which domestic AIR stations I could receive in full daylight on 6 and 7 MHz. I used my Sony ICF-7600G, only with its 1 m. telescopic antenna: 5985 Ranchi (poor modulation and strong hum) 6020 Shimla 6030 Delhi (Uttaranchal Progr.) 6040 Jeypore 6150 Itanagar 6190 Delhi (Northern Service) 6195 Lucknow, weak and // 7105 (a spurious product generated by the transmitter or my receiver) 7105 Lucknow // 6195 7115 Port Blair (weak with fading, not heard daily) 7120 Jaipur 7130 Shillong 7140 Hyderabad (often mixing with China Business R or ousted by them) 7150 Imphal 7160 Chennai 7180 Bhopal 7195 Mumbai (FM Gold Service // Chennai 7270) 7210 Kolkota (sometimes slightly drifting down) 7230 Kurseong (opening at 0720, news in E at 0730) 7240 Mumbai (now and then Lhasa was dominating this channel) 7250 Gorakhpur 7270 Chennai (FM Gold Service // Mumbai 7195) 7290 Thiruvananthapuram (weak and not heard daily) 7295 Aizawl (Maarten Van Delft in India, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. Re 6-119: The BBC have tackled the problem of capacity on unicast internet streams by having a multicasting trial which has recently been extended to include some ITV television channels. They will be multicasting their radio streams at a higher bit rate using multicasting too when it goes public. They will also be using peer to peer technology when they launch their integrated media player for on demand content. http://support.bbc.co.uk/multicast/why.html Check the 4th paragraph here for an explanation of multicasting: http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/internet_radio.htm One station I sometimes listen to that is doing a form of this is Radio Caroline which uses Abacast though for some reason it does seem to suffer from occasional short drop outs; have just launched it now and it is excellent quality and both the upstream and downstream lights on my modem are flashing away. I noticed none of this was mentioned by the Arthur D Little report on DRM, nor the fact that portable internet radios are becoming widely available for the increasing number of consumers with wireless broadband networks and I believe these would also work where there are WiFi hotspots or WiMax networks. Abacast home page: http://www.abacast.com/ Radio Caroline (to use the abacast stream you need to download the Abacast software): http://listen.radiocaroline.co.uk/ (Mike Barraclough, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. A GIANT STEP FOR INTERNET RADIO By Frank Barnako INTERNET DAILY Last Update: 4:15 PM ET Aug 8, 2006 http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/5BVrCZGBK9vW36vWT6D428?siteid=yhoo&dist=TNMostRead&print=true&dist=printBottom The announcement by Sprint Nextel Corp that it will spend several billion dollars to spread a cloud of broadband access over the nation is great news for the nation's broadcasters and wannabes. Kurt Hanson, publisher of Radio and the Internet Newsletter, said Sprint's decision to build a high-speed network using WiMax technology is "another major step towards wireless delivery of Internet radio." I've written about this before. With Wi-Fi blanketing cities, and without the need for hundreds or perhaps thousands of towers or relays, anybody can be a broadcaster. And you'll be able to listen at your PC, wireless-enabled phone, or a Wi-Fi radio in your car. The most powerful Clear Channel station is on the same wavelength as a kid in his bedroom with a playlist he thinks the world should hear. With Wi-Fi distribution, they're all the same. There's more on my blog. The biggest Web site you never heard of The five most popular general news Web sites in June were Yahoo News, MSNBC, AOL News, CNN and Internet Broadcasting, according to ComScore Media Metrix. More than half (54%) of all Internet users visited sites in the category during the month. The most popular time for news reading is the work day, when a third of visits occur. Weekends and evening day parts are also popular (30% and 28%). Now, about that list. Internet Broadcasting? Bet you've never been there. Never heard of it, right? IBTV isn't really a news site. It's a network of sites for almost 80 local TV stations, including properties owned by NBC, McGraw-Hill, and Cox Broadcasting. IBTV provides Web hosting, design and site maintenance, content production and advertising sales. There's more on my blog (CBS Marketwatch.com via Bill Patalon III, Baltimore, MD, Aug 9, DXLD) See original for numerous linx ** IRAN. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) --- IRIB maintains 3 daily broadcasts in English that are available via shortwave, live webcast and on-demand webcast. Satellite options (not XM or Sirius) also exist. The perspective here is, shall we say, a bit different than what you`ll hear from Kol Israel. Most daily broadcasts begin with a recitation from the Qur'an in Arabic, which is then read in English. If you`re listening online and want to bypass the Qur`an recitation, you can fast forward to roughly 5 to 6 minutes into the broadcast. One of the daily features is News and Views; you may remember this as a mainstay title of the Voice of Russia. Much like the Voice of Russia, IRIB uses this program to highlight editorials that share the political views of the government. Shortwave frequencies include 15600 and 17660 kHz at 1030 UT, targeting the Indian subcontinent; 7370 and 9635 kHz at 1530, also targeting the Indian subcontinent, and 7205 and 6205 kHz, targeting Europe, and 9925 and 9800 kHz, targeting South Africa, at 1930 UT [and 7540 via Lithuania; see 6-119 for latest sked ---gh]. The 1930 edition is repeated over shortwave at 0130 UT on 7235 and 9495 kHz, targeting North America. There are actually two separate services – the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Voice of Justice, which is a version produced specifically for an American audiences, but doesn’t seem to vary too much from the VOIRI in content. There are seven daily webcasts; these go to air live at 1030, 1130, and; 1530; repeats air at 1930, 2130, 0030, and 0130 UT. The 1130 edition is the Voice of Justice edition. On-demand archives are available for one week. In some ways, the webcasts feel like the early years of Internet audio – they`re at ``phone line quality`` of 8 kbps. Their website is http://english.irib.ir/ I hope August brings continued good listening! 73 DE (Richard Cuff, Easy Listening, August NASWA Journal via DXLD) See ISRAEL; SYRIA ** IRAN. Re 6-119: A06+ (from DX Mix News) --- There are some incorrect data. Thus, Bengali program 0030-0127 is heard jamming Illimani on 6025. I don't know whether this is an add-on or a replacement. Then, 3985 has been cancelled for Russian at 1700 and 1930 (while stays for Hebrew at 1900). And Russian at 1800 is no more on 6205. --- 73! (Sergey Nikishin, QTH: Moscow, Russia; G.C.: 55 38'N / 037 29'E, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) HFCC shows Bengali on 5950 kHz, but 6025 is registered for IRB Arabic to 0330 UT. 73 de wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** IRAQ. I had an inquiry from the wife of someone who is on AFN Freedom Radio in Iraq, wanting to know if there is any streaming available so she could listen to him stateside. I had to tell her I did not think so, but could there be some secret satellite or internet feed? Here`s the website which says nothing about streaming: http://www.afniraq.army.mil/ And there is a great deal of info here: http://www.harrold.org/rfhextra/iraqnews.html including links to numerous audio streams, but not AFN, as far as I can tell. This is the comprehensive source of info about what is on satellite: http://www.lyngsat.com (Glenn Hauser, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ISRAEL. Kol Israel --- Even though budget cuts seem to threaten the existence of the shortwave services of Kol Israel twice a year like clockwork, the daily 15-minute and 25-minute English broadcasts continue. What we hear over shortwave (and over Sirius and Internet webcast) is a news broadcast intended for a domestic Israel audience as well as an international audience. As a result, you’ll hear geographic details and local weather events that you wouldn’t normally expect to hear from an international broadcaster. Topics focus on events within Israel plus events that affect Jews in other regions. While the service is generally dry and straightforward in content and style, it’s a good way to hear news with an unabashedly Israeli perspective. In some instances, stories will be included that help you feel like you’re eavesdropping on local news; for instance, if an IDF soldier is killed in battle, Kol Israel might then have a report from the soldier’s hometown on the day of his or her funeral. Nowadays, weekend broadcasts are the same as the weekday features, but this wasn`t the case years ago – you may remember the program DX Corner, Kol Israel`s listener contact / hobby program. I`ll always have a soft spot for DX Corner because it was the first shortwave listener contact program that aired a letter I`d sent in. The letter was nothing special – I`d expressed appreciation for their programming and requested a schedule – but it was a thrill to hear my letter on air and to get a transcript of the broadcast in their return mail to me. Nowadays, with websites and e-mail, it doesn`t seem nearly as much of a thrill to be contacted by an international broadcaster. Unless, of course, it`s that long-lost Radio St. Helena QSL or another rare catch. Daily 15-minute editions are aired live in Israel at 0330, 0930, and 1730 UT, and are also webcast live; listen at mms://s95wm.castup.net/990310005-52.wmv If your web browser is properly configured, the mms:// protocol will launch your media player. The 0330 broadcast is archived by the World Radio Network for one week. Domestically, you can hear these broadcasts on the REQA network. The 0330 broadcast airs on shortwave on 13720, 11590 and 17600 kHz; the 0930 broadcast on 15760 and 13680 kHz. A daily 25-minute edition that has more ``magazine-style`` content airs domestically on the Reshet Hei network at 1900 UT and is also archived by the World Radio Network. Shortwave frequencies include 9400, 11590 and 15640 kHz. Reshet Hei is also webcast live at http://israelradio.org/iri.ram or http://66.28.252.74/iri (Richard Cuff, Easy Listening, August NASWA Journal via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. 15785, Galei Zahal, 8 August, 2006, 1458-1534. Finally decent audio (though still low). Hebrew male news 1500-1504, into Hebrew pop music, male announcer (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY. ITALIAN TV ADVERTISERS WILL HAVE TO TURN DOWN THE VOLUME Italy`s government plans to clamp down on broadcasters turning up the volume when they show advertisements in order to get viewers` attention. Communications Minister Paolo Gentiloni said research showed Italy’s three main channels on average raised the volume on adverts by 50 percent compared with ordinary programming, even though this is banned under Italian law. It is usually done by networks in agreements with advertisers in order to try keep viewers glued to the screen during the publicity breaks. ``We need to stop television advertising that raises its voice,`` Gentiloni told a news conference. He said Italy’s media watchdog would set up a fine system before the end of September for those found breaking the law. Leading broadcasters Mediaset and RAI were not immediately reachable for comment. (Source: Reuters)(August 9th, 2006, 12:06 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) It`s not only Italian TV stations that do this. Many years ago I contacted the Independent Broadcasting Authority in the UK about this problem, and they admitted that TV stations were allowed to increase the audio level by several dB’s during commercial breaks, but that ``on occasions`` they may exceed the permitted limit. The problem is even worse on some low-budget satellite stations that have automated playout, and I find myself constantly adjusting the volume (Andy Sennitt, ibid.) What the advertisers don`t realise is that, in many cases, this raising of the level is having exactly the opposite effect to what they intend. Many people will simply mute the audio, or even change channels, out of annoyance (Richard Davis August 9th, 2006 at 12:35, ibid.) Yes, it`s very annoying and perhaps we should consider legislation in the UK. You get up to make a coffee during the commercial break, the volume increases, baby wakes up and you miss the coffee! I have started doing what the previous poster says and that is to mute the sound. Channels run by Sky are also doing this, e.g. Sky One etc. (Henry, August 9th, 2006 at 18:59, ibid.) same problem in USA (gh) ** JAPAN. I find particularly wrong the idea radio may be substituted by TV as I remember the totally unsuccessful DW-TV in Germany. But as an economist it is unbelievable 700,000 euros (the million of yens quoted by the article) would help TV development. I have written to the Italian section in Tokyo and wait for their reactions (Luigi Cobisi, Italy, Jul 29, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** KENYA. The Italian Foreign Ministry information service for tourists gives interesting news for travellers to Kenya, being confirmed also by local Tourist organizations. An emergency information and health center is active in Kenya to assist tourists, The Center is manned by qualified staff 24 hours a day all year round and can be contacted as follows:- Tel: 604730, Cell: 0733-617499 or 072-745645, Fax : 505614. Email: safetour@wananchi.com - Dedicated Helpline: 604767. But there is also a SW service operated by the center to keep contact with people in the remote areas, Frequencies are: 10650 kHz (USB), 5853 kHz (LSB) and 3198 kHz (LSB). I am not going to splendid Kenya`s seas and parks but maybe we could listen to the tourist assistance center! (Luigi Cobisi, Aug 05, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. 9665-9665.4, KCBS, Pyongyang, *1955-2200 slow fade out, Jul 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 29, carrier with test tones, 1959 IS, some days short announcement, 2000 3 short + 1 long time pips, instrumental National Anthem, ID, instrumental music and large choir singing revolutionary songs (like those I heard for many years from the Philippines!). 2100-2120 3+1 time pips, news in Korean by man and woman. Sometimes very strong signal with good modulation probably from a high power transmitter (Roland Schulze, Stuttgart, Germany, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) Heard 2050-2110, Aug 02, orchestral music, Korean ann, time pips, news and political talk, 35343 (Anker Petersen, Denmark, ibid.) 11680, KCBS, Kanggye, 2100, Jul 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 29, Korean program, but weaker than // 9665v. Covered until 2100* by BBC in Arabic and REE Spain (Roland Schulze, ibid.) Heard *2100-2110, Aug 02, Korean, 25333 // 9665 (Anker Petersen, ibid.) ** KOREA SOUTH. KBS World Radio is being heard on KONG from Aug 01. KONG is the sharpest way to listen to KBS World Radio. It is state-of- the-art web radio that KBS has created for its digital audience at home and abroad. You can listen online to the real-time broadcast of all KBS’s radio channels, including KBS World Radio, no matter where you are. You can now tune into KBS World Radio through KONG. KONG is a digital web radio service that Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) has created using advanced technology. With only a single click, you are able to enjoy crystal-clear sound on all of KBS's radio channels. You can easily download and install this multi-functional web service on your personal computer. To tune in to KONG, visit the direct link to the KBS website: http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/event/kong and sign up to become a member. Hit the download button for KONG, and after you will see the KONG icon appear on your desktop. Click it and then log on (KBS Website, via al-Amin, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) Why ``KONG`` and what was lacking in existing web radio services requiring this to be developed? (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** MEXICO. TRANSMITEN DESDE DOCUMENTALES HASTA URGENTES MENSAJES MOVILIZADORES --- SORPRENDE DIFUSIÓN FIDEDIGNA DEL MOVIMIENTO EN ESTACIONES DE RADIO Y TV --- HERMANN BELLINGHAUSEN ENVIADO Oaxaca, Oax. 4 de agosto. Hay que frotarse los ojos y los oídos en Oaxaca ante lo que transmiten las radiodifusoras "liberadas" y hasta la televisión local. Por una vez coincide lo que sucede en el mundo real y lo que presentan los medios. Y con ratings históricos. El movimiento popular, que hace rato ya no es sólo magisterial, se ha apropiado de todos los espacios de la vida pública en la capital del estado, incluidas tres estaciones de radio y el canal 9, y bloqueando las sedes de los tres poderes. . . http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2006/08/05/036n2soc.php (via Roberto Edgar Gómez Morales, Noticias DX via DXLD) ** MEXICO. [This is a follow-up to two previous pieces blaming Béistegui for the ills of IMER; we haven`t seen her own response] Miscelánea mediática === Columna: Medios de por medio Por: Elvira García --- Cultura Publicado en el periódico: El Universal Martes 08 de agosto de 2006 Dolores Béistegui envió el miércoles a EL UNIVERSAL una carta con la que pretende descalificarme. Dice que hago tantas afirmaciones "imprecisas, equivocadas y falsas, que resultaría muy largo detenerme en cada una de ellas"; pero nada aclara de mis revelaciones, apoyadas en documentos. En mis dos entregas dedicadas al Imer en manos de la señora Béistegui, aseveré que ha despedido a muchos productores, a la vez que ha contratado a asesores a los cuales da sueldos altos, no acordes con la difícil situación del Imer. Es el caso de la asesoría que pagó a Beatríz Solís Leree, a quien en 2002 Béistegui entregó 99 mil 750 pesos en honorarios por concepto de "apoyo en Metodología Radiofónica". En 2004, por la "coordinación de Investigación sobre Medios Públicos y Preparación de Congreso, y otros", le extendió cheques por un total de 267 mil 965 pesos con 71 centavos, y en 2005 "por la investigación sobre medios públicos y preparación del Congreso Nacional", le pagó 85 mil 500 pesos. Además, a mi correo electrónico han llegado muchos testimonios y documentos de personas despedidas por doña Dolores en cuatro años. Cómo resuelve Luis Carlos Ugalde ciertos asuntos en el IFE Por falta de espacio, la semana pasada ya no les acabé de cóntar cómo fue que el consejero presidente del IFE, Luis Carlos Ugalde, resolvió, a la velocidad de la luz, la inquietud de un ciudadano --- planteada a través del IFAI --- acerca de si Hugo Concha Cantú tenía o no licencia de locutor. Como les comenté, resulta que el multifacético Concha, hoy también habilitado como vocero, conducía el programa Voces de la democracia sin contar con licencia de locutor. Bueno, desde el 22 de junio de 2006 ya la tiene. Lo curioso es que el IFE retrasó por cerca de un mes la respuesta al IFAI; hizo tiempo para que la SEP pudiese elaborar el certificado número 31106 que acredita a Concha como locutor. Más curioso todavía es que el propio Concha es quien firma la respuesta al IFAI, pero ahora en su calidad de director ejecutivo de Capacitación Electoral y Educación Cívica del IFE. ¿Así tan limpia y transparentemente resuelve todos los asuntos el IFE? Los medios electrónicos están dividiendo y ofendiendo a los mexicanos Leo en el artículo quinto de la Ley Federal de Radio y Televisión. "La radio y la televisión tienen la función social de contribuir al fortalecimiento de la integración nacional y el mejoramiento de las formas de convivencia humana". Por tanto, uno de sus deberes es: "Fortalecer las convicciones democráticas y la unidad nacional". Pues el secretario de Gobernación tendrá que instruir a su director de Radio y Televisión para que envíe un extrañamiento o imponga una infracción a un buen número de medios electrónicos -la mayoría del cuadrante- que está radicalizado el tono de su discurso en contra de los simpatizantes de AMLO y del candidato. Frases como "Andrés Manuel es un imbécil". "Son chingaderas las que está haciendo". "!Qué poca madre de estos miserables", "Son unos nacos los que están ocupando Reforma". "Bola de mugrosos" y otros epítetos que, dice la ley, "son contrarios a la integridad nacional". También quieren ser escuchados Me llegan varios correos, entre ellos el de la profesora Catalina García, quien dice no estar de acuerdo con los spots que el IFE ha sacado al aire, en los que funcionarios de casilla dicen que "todo estuvo muy bien" durante la jornada electral. Doña Catalina --- que fue presidenta de la casilla número 4677 contigua 1, en el Distrito 8 --- reclama al IFE "el derecho a que mi voz se integre a un spot, pues en mi casilla hubo anomalías, y quiero difundirlas". Más peticiones al IFE En estos días, un grupo de periodistas y algunos colegios de periodistas solicitarán al IFE, con base en su Ley de Transparencia, el acceso a todas las boletas electorales una vez que el Trife concluya su dictamen (via Roberto Edgar Gómez Morales, Noticias DX via DXLD) Yes, in a lot of supposedly democratic countries, you have to get a license to be a radio announcer (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** NEPAL. 5005, R Nepal was heard daily in India, but not on 7 MHz (Maarten Van Delft, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND. Nothing was heard from RNZI this Wednesday at 1100 or 1200, Neither 9870 nor 9615, and it was until 1300, with poor signal on 7145 (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, Aug 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGER. 9704.00, La Voix du Sahel, 9 August, 2006, 2154-2222. Tune- in to unidentified language African hip-hop vocals, male with ID in French followed by female with ID in French. Time tones about 40 seconds slow, male announcer and into reggae track. Gone at 2306 recheck. Very strong (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAKISTAN. 4790, R Pakistan was heard // 5025v and 5080 during a presidential address at 1600. All outlets are poorly modulated. I did not hear 5095 or their Foreign Service on 4850 (Maarten Van Delft in India, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) 5023.58-76, R Pakistan, Quetta, 1655-1735, ID and news at 1700, Pakistani songs at 1733. Drifting frequency. Slight transmitter hum and distortion. S5-S8 signal (Vlad Titarev, Ukraine in Dxplorer via DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Radio Magadan (Arman), probable. 8/9/06, 7320, SINPO 44333, 1219­1233, in Russian. Program of Russian classical music with M announcer. No ID heard before fade-out about 1234. Good listening until fade-out --- quite enjoyable program of characteristic melancholy Russian classical music. I guess missing my bus and having to fight traffic to drive to work will be worth it. No relaxing and reading DXLD on my way to and from work today! (Mark Taylor, Madison, WI, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. Voice of Russia What`s New http://www.vor.ru/English/Exclusives/what_new.html RUSSIA: 1000 YEARS OF MUSIC (On the air as of August 10th). In the framework of our Russia: 1000 Years of Music multi-series we welcome you to the vast universe of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov`s music, a certain unreal world of inexhaustible imagination. The next edition of the program will be devoted to the opera Kashchei the Immortal, probably the most 'unusual' opera penned by the composer. Intrigued? Then tune in to RUSSIA: 1000 YEARS OF MUSIC feature on Thursday at 1630 and 1830 and Friday 0330 UT. MUSICAL TALES (on the air as of Tuesday, August 15th). Sifting through the works of just about any composer you will surely run across a couple or more unfinished pieces. Some of them are real masterpieces that ultimately found their way onstage. Unfinished Masterpieces such is the theme of the two upcoming editions of Musical Tales. Tune in to Musical Tales on Tuesday at 0300, Wednesday 0230 and 2030, Thursday 0130 and 1730, Saturday 0600 and 1600, Sunday 0400 and 1800 and Monday at 0400 UT (via John Norfolk, swprograms via DXLD) Add 11 minutes to hourtop times; a sesquiminute to hourbot times; why is it too much trouble for them to publish the exact times? (gh, DXLD) ** SAINT HELENA. The RSH station manager is a lady: Ms. Laura Lawrence. Photos of all the three RSH station managers, Tony Leo, Ralph Peters, and Laura Lawrence have been published at: http://www.dswci.org/news/0608/rsh.html Essentially all the equipment for the SW station will arrive on St. Helena on about Aug 13. A few days later, work will begin to dig the hole and pour the concrete for the foundation for the 12.5 meter tall tower from the "Hummel Al-Tower" company in Germany. By Aug 15, the special, 3-element, mono-band beam antenna will have been constructed by the "OptiBeam" company in Germany. The antenna will travel with me on the ship to St. Helena at the end of September. I plan to arrive on the island on Oct 15. I also plan to be active in the local evenings on the amateur radio bands in SSB with 100 Watts and a beam (I like the 20 Meter band) and hope to be able to use the call-sign "ZD7PU". Naturally any QSL cards for amateur radio contacts with me should be sent via the regular QSL- bureau or directly to me in Germany (with Return Postage). (Robert Kipp direct and via Toshi Ohtake, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) These four broadcasts are also regarded as special programmes in connection with the 50th anniversary of the DSWCI on 18 Nov 2006. The DSWCI will verify correct reception reports on these programmes by our special DSWCI QSL-card, if return postage (1 IRC, 1 U.S. Dollar or 1 Euro) is enclosed. Please send your reports to DSWCI, Tavleager 31, DK-2670 Greve, Denmark (Anker Petersen, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) ** SAINT HELENA. Assunto: RADIO SANTA HELENA (( ZD7RSD )) Em contato com os responsáveis pela (atual) gerência administrativa da Rádio Santa Helena (Srs: John Ekwall e Robert Kipp) procurei saber das pendências de confirmações QSL, providências que possam ainda ser tomadas e outros assuntos ligados à Rádio Santa Helena. Por sugestão do nosso colega "Rudolf Grimm", de São Bernardo do Campo, estou divulgando abaixo o diálogo mantido com o Sr : Robert Kipp, onde estão colocados os seus pontos de vista. ...................................................................... Dear Mr. Heinrich in Brazil, you recently sent some questions regarding Radio St. Helena. 1) Why "reception reports" should take several months to be acknowledged. It is not a matter of be patient ! -- The experience of the past (1997, 1998, 1999) has shown that it does take a few months to process the reception reports and to issue the QSL cards. 2) Why "reception reports" sent by regular mail will be accepted and by another way will not? Is it because the ship only visits England twice per year? -- The ship visits the island about every three weeks most of the year. -- The station management made the decision to accept only reports sent by regular mail. Maybe in future that decision can be changed. 3) Reception messages flooded into the station by phone, fax and latterly e-mail are no more considered to grant QSL Reports! Please take a look at http://www.eQSL.cc -- The "eQSL" web page is, indeed, interesting, especially for amateur radio. This is not a possibility at this time (2006 / 2007) for RSH. In future this or some other form of email-qsl might be possible, but that decision is up to the station management. 4) Any return postage attached to 3 IRC´s or Greenstamps should be deal in a different way. -- I agree. The bank accounts around the world are well known and will accept donations at any time. If someone wants to put a small donation in the envelope with the reception report and the return postage, then that is perfectly OK. 5) Reception reports where sent to RSH station manager more than seven years ago and are not yet confirmed. It is absurd! -- Are you referring to a reception report from yourself? If so, please, send me a copy of your reception report, and I will try to have it officially verified. 6) RSH welcomes donations at any time and in any amount, and what about us?? -- I assume that you or anyone else in the world would be happy to receive a "donation" from time to time. Radio St. Helena is no exception here. 7) Is there any expectation that should we wait for?? -- You have all the information that is presently known. There are no "surprises" waiting in the background. I hope the DX-conditions are good in your part of Brazil on 04. November. With best regards, Robert Kipp ...................................................................... Quando perguntado sobre a demora de mais de sete anos para recebimento de um cartão QSL o Sr: Robert Kipp informou que : "send me a copy of your reception report, and I will try to have it officially verified."(mande-me uma cópia do seu relatório de recepção, e tentarei ter isso oficialmente verificado). Para tanto, para aqueles que mandaram o Relatório de Recepção, utilizem o endereço eletrônico "RDC-Roberts-Data@..." [truncated by yahoogroups] (recomendável) ou o endereço anterior radio.sthelena@... [ditto] para resgate dos cartões QSL, ainda não confirmados para apreciação do SR : Robert Kipp, da Rádio Santa Helena. Finalizando ele espera que as condições para DX nesta parte do Brasil sejam boas no próximo dia 4 de novembro. Havendo contato com a Rádio Santa Helena naquele dia, não deixem de cobrar o Relatório de Recepção eventualmente encaminhado. Outro detalhe é que o aeroporto da ilha de Santa Helena somente ficará pronto em de 2010: The airport, which should be ready to accept flights by 2010, sendo uma via mais rápida de correio (2 vezes por semana). Boas escutas (Eduardo R. Heinrich, Aug 8, radioescutas via DXLD) ** SAIPAN. This is tentative, since I was semi-asleep and didn`t want to go thru the process of verifying exact frequencies, but a quick check of the 16m band found a few signals on it at the late hour of about 0545 UT August 9, in Chinese. One was near the top and I think it must have been R Free Asia on 17880; something parallel lower which may have been same on 17615 as listed. On the 19m band all I was hearing was Australia, leading me to believe that 16m would not have been open to China itself; and no co-channel/jamming was heard, altho there was something 5 kHz below the lower frequency (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN. BBC EXPANDS ITS FM PRESENCE TO SOUTHERN SUDAN The BBC has extended its FM presence in Sudan to the country’s South by launching two 24 hour a day, seven days a week FM relays in Southern Sudan`s capital city, Juba. BBC World Service will broadcast to Juba and surrounding areas in Arabic on 90.0 FM and in English on 88.2 FM. To mark the launch of the FM relays, BBC World Service will stage special broadcasts from Juba during the week commencing Monday 14 August for both its English for Africa and its Arabic output. A considerable part of the BBC`s Sudanese audience listens via four FM relays in Northern Sudan – Khartoum 91.0 FM, Al Ubayyid 91.0 FM, Port Sudan 91.0 FM and Wad Madani 91.5 FM. The two new FM relays in Juba pioneer the BBC`s FM presence in the South. Simon Kendall, Business Development Manager for Africa and Middle East, BBC World Service, said: ``We are delighted that audiences in Juba, Southern Sudan can now listen to BBC programmes in crystal clear quality thanks to these two new FM relays. The BBC has a very substantial audience in Sudan, and we are very pleased to be able to improve our availability to our listeners in the Juba area.`` Dr Samson Kwaje, Minister of Information of the Government of Southern Sudan, expressed his happiness that the BBC is now re-broadcasting via FM relays in Juba: ``The BBC is very popular in Southern Sudan, and I am confident that better access to the BBC broadcasts will play a positive role in informing our people. The people of Southern Sudan are always interested in international developments, and the BBC has the reputation for excellent coverage of global news. I am also glad that, as part of our agreement, BBC World Service will give training to the staff of the Ministry of Information, sharing its standards of excellent journalism.`` Ends (PRESS RELEASE 9 August 2006 via DXLD) ** SYRIA. Radio Damascus --- While Radio Damascus hasn`t found its way to my Pennsylvania casual listening environment too often over the years, its shortwave service does continue. Frequencies and air times are approximately 2005-2105 and 2110-2205 on 9330 and 12085 kHz. Audio quality is sometimes poor, which doesn’t help when propagation itself isn’t good. My experience is that content from Radio Damascus isn`t terribly compelling – from my memory, much of each day`s broadcast is Western popular music. Perhaps things have changed recently – please send along any updates in what you hear, and I`ll pass them along to other NASWA members (Richard Cuff, Easy Listening, August NASWA Journal via DXLD) ** U K [non]. See SUDAN ** U K [non]. Besides the S5 we're getting from Cypress Creek 9660 at 1100 for BBCWS, WHRI took the last minute before 1300 to promote its ministry before switch-off. The Beeb was audible too on 9740 // 6195 SNG as well as 6130 Montsinéry, and its change over to 9750 at 1200 (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBC RADIO 4 PROGRAMME ON JAMMING --- BBC Radio 4. 17th August, 8 p.m. to 8.30 p.m UK time, 1900-1930 UT, then available for 7 days on Listen Again It's My Story: Political Interference --- At the end of the 2nd World War an invisible battle was waged in the skies above Eastern Europe. For almost 40 years Soviet-bloc radio engineers treid to jam radio signals coming from the West. On the Western side engineers did their best to get the signals through. Roger Bolton talks to engineers from both sides and hears what happened when the jamming finally stopped (Radio Times via Mike Barraclough, Aug 8, dxldyg via DXLD) ** U K. BBC Multicasting: see INTERNATIONAL INTERNET ** U S A. Death of a colleague (update). Robert Wone, 32, recently appointed attorney for Radio Free Asia, stabbed in a townhouse near Washington's Dupont Circle. Update: "Five days into this investigation and homicide detectives aren't even sure how many people were in the house when Washington attorney Robert Wone was stabbed to death in a home near DuPont Circle." WUSA9.com, 7 August 2006. http://wusatv9.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=51272 Posted: 09 Aug 2006 (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD) includes video report --- OBIT ** U S A. James L. Tyson, 1916-2006. He was author of U.S. International Broadcasting and National Security (1983) and served on a commission that led to the creation of Radio Free Asia. He also "believed that at least 4,000 U.S. journalists were furthering Soviet propaganda goals, particularly in television network news." Washington Post, 9 August 2006 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080801327.html (kimandrewelliott.com Aug 9 via DXLD) OBIT --- see also CZECH REPUBLIC ** U S A [non]. Re 6-119, Wolfgang Büschel has added the transmitter sites: Frequency change for Radio Free Asia in Cantonese: 1400-1500 NF 11595[SAI], ex 11715 \\ 9780[TIN] Frequency changes for RFE/RL - Radio Farda in Persian: 1900-2100 NF 7580[LAM], ex 9760 to avoid CRI in Czech 2000-2130 NF 5830[UDO], ex 7190 to avoid CRI in English 2100-2130 NF 7580[IRA], ex 9960 Additional freqs for RFE/RL - Radio Free Afghanistan PASHTO 0230-0330 on 11820[KWT] DARI 0330-0430 on 11820[KWT] 0430-0530 on 17815[IRA] 0530-0630 on 17815[IRA] 0630-0730 on 17815[IRA] 0730-0830 on 17815[IRA] 0830-0930 on 17815[IRA] 0930-1030 on 17815[IRA] 1030-1130 on 11805[UDO] 1130-1230 on 11805[UDO] 1230-1330 on 11550[KWT] 1330-1430 on 11550[KWT] Additional freqs for VOA - Radio Ashna: PASHTO 0030-0130 on 7590[IRA] DARI 0130-0230 on 7590[IRA] 1430-1500 on 15090, 17840 1500-1530 on 15090, 17840 1530-1630 on 15090, 17840 1630-1730 on 15090, 17840 1730-1800 on 11565, 17840 1800-1830 on 11565, 17840 [all KWT / 17840MOR] 1830-1930 on 7590[IRA] 1930-2030 on 7590[IRA] Some freq changes for Voice of America: English 1800-2100 on 11975[SAO], deleted 2100-2200 on 1530, 6080[SAO], 15580[MOR] additional txion for Africa French 2030-2100 NF 15185[SAO], ex 15730 Sat/Sun Hausa 1500-1530 NF 13750[SAO], ex 13745 to avoid Gospel For Asia 2030-2100 NF 15185[SAO], ex 15730 Mon-Fri Persian 1730-1930 NF 11925[MOR], x11740 to avoid R. Cairo En till 1800 & BSKSA Ar from 1800 UT. Serbian 1930-2000 NF 9530[BIB], x9705 to avoid La Voix du Sahel ? Turkish 1030-1045 NF 17740[IRA], x1030-1100 on 17670 to avoid CRI Cantonese \\ 15205 1830-1900 on 11865[MOR] and 15235[MOR], retimed, x1800-1900 on same (R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX Aug 7 via DXLD) ** U S A. Re DXLD 6-115, Brock Whaley in the NRC-AM list mentioned "WRDW in Augusta (GA)": Strange, since there is a WRDW-FM in Philadelphia, "Wired 96.5" (used to be "Wild 96.5" until competing stations claimed they had a right to use the "Wild" name in early 2004); they still play mostly hip-hop but now it's more of a Top-40 station competing with WIOQ (Q-102). (Joe Hanlon in NJ, Aug 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I think it`s safe to say that WRDW is a ``heritage`` callsign in Augusta, with a Philly-come-lately. Too bad the Augustans didn`t care enough to keep it exclusively (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** U S A. Does anyone on list listen to the Dr. Knowledge Show on KDKA in Pittsburgh each Friday and Saturday night at midnight, usually on for 3 hours but occasionally on 'til 3:30 or 4:00 A.M. An interesting live trivia show with very few commercials. As usual, all heard on the Sony Walkman 73 (Chris K4CME, Taylors, SC, Aug 7, NRC-AM via DXLD) I.e. UT Sat & Sun 0400-0700/0730/0800, on 1020 (gh) Earlier this year, I listened to at least an hour of his show just about every weekend. It's interesting, and he does a very good job of finding new topics to discuss every week. I have an interest level as my grandmother was born in Pittsburgh, and used to tell some interesting stories of the place. There's a similar locally produced show on KGO in San Francisco (Dr. Bill Wattenburg), but my preference is still with Dr. K. (Joe Miller, KD8DLU Troy, MI, ibid.) I wonder why there are few commercials --- just a low spotload? (Paul Walker, ND, ibid.) Paul, I suspect that he buys the time from KDKA and uses it to promote the books he has written. When the show ends, it is followed by infomercials in 1/2 hour blocks. An interesting show. Give it a listen if you can. Oh, H. J. Heinz does part of the sponsorship. 73 (Chris K4CME, South Carolina, ibid.) ** U S A. Re 640 unID, then WMFN: If you search on Behara Grand Rapids you get a number of hits such as this: ``Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:57 pm Post subject: Radio "B E H A R" 640AM svake Nedjelje Nas mozete slusati svake Nedjelje na frenkvenciji 640AM ili putem Paltalk-a sekcija evropskih jezika, u sobi Radiobehar 640AM ili na nasoj web-stranici http;//www.iccgr.org Emisija pocinje od 12:00pm.- do 1:00p.m. Na nasem radiu mozete reklamirati svoj biznis. Tim Radio Behara`` That`s obviously not Arabic, but something to do with Bosnia, I guess in Croatian. The website domain has expired, however, but watch out for all the stuff that tries to load anyway. You never gave us the time; was it between noon and 1 pm ET? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Glenn, it looks pretty like Bosnian or Serbian (which btw are basically the same, at least for DX ear). I believe it's more like BOSN, judging on Muslim features previously mentioned. Definitely it not European transmitter (i.e. TA for you). 73, (Vlad Titarev, Kremenchuk, Ukraine, MWDX yg via DXLD) I figured it could not be Serbian since it was not in Cyrillic (gh, DXLD) It`s in Croatian; here`s how I read it: It says you can listen every Sunday on 640AM, through paltalk with a portion of European language or via our web page on line. Broadcasts from 12 to 1pm ET. Us(them) can for the purposes run advertising for their business. Michael (of Michael&Ross, Aug 8, mwdx yg via DXLD) ** U S A. More on KRTS 93.5 Marfa, TX MARFA PUBLIC RADIO STATION UPGRADING Ruth Campbell, Staff Writer, Midland Reporter-Telegram 08/08/2006 Editor's note: This story is part of a continuing series about the "Triangle" area of Alpine, Fort Davis and Marfa, where citizens of the Permian Basin often vacation. MARFA -- A more powerful Marfa Public Radio station hopes to hit the airwaves the first weekend in October, board member Kay Burnett said. The process of launching the station began in 2004 with Burnett spending six months building support for it. "We were forming our ranks to bring public radio here some way, some day. There are people here who have waited 30 years for public radio," Burnett said. When it resumes broadcasting, the station at 93.5 FM will be 100,000 watts, up from its current 6,000 watts. Burnett said a new tower is currently being built on the transmission site at the top of 6,900- foot Brown Mountain. The station's license is owned by Matinee Radio LLC of Austin. Right now, General Manager Tom Michael is working on streaming broadcasts on the station's Web site – http://marfapublicradio.org The station office is located between Marfa City Hall and the Marfa Book Co. on the main street. The studio looks directly out to the street. "So you can get instant reaction from the townspeople," said Michael, who has been with the station from the beginning. Board members include adjunct University of Texas School of Law professor and Fort Davis resident, Steve Bickerstaff; Alpine philanthropist and entrepreneur Kay Burnett; Marathon rancher, investor and telecom consultant Joe Duran; Chinati Foundation conservator Francesca Esmay; state Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine; radio station President Katy Hackerman, R. Vic Morgan, president of Sul Ross State University; Evan Smith, editor of Texas Monthly magazine; Director of and General Manager of KUT-FM in Austin; Stewart Vanderwilt and McDonald Observatory Education Coordinator Marc Wetzel. The station started with a staff of one -- Michael -- and this summer has grown to two interns, Andrew Stuart, who does news and production, and consultant Karen Bernstein. The two summer interns are from University of Texas at Austin and Rice University. In the fall, Michael said, he plans to bring on interns from Sul Ross. "Our board operates like a nonprofit board. They hire me and oversee operations. We meet monthly. We have a meeting once a year in Austin," Michael said. According to its Web site, the station's mission is to provide radio that unites the community and promotes cultural enrichment through presentation and focus on the importance of art, education, quality of life and the local economy. "We have a full suite of NPR (National Public Radio) programming. We worked out a programming deal for one year with KUT (in Austin). It helped us get up and running," Michael said. Favorites such as "Weekend Edition," "Prairie Home Companion," "Fresh Air," "Car Talk" and "Morning Edition" are offered. Music from rock to classical and reggae is offered. The station recently had musicians Joe Ely, Butch Hancock and Guy Clark on the air live. "We've done live interviews and live music, but no live remotes yet," he said. The station is also "dripping a toe" into local news, but it has a local show called "Talk at 10" featuring McDonald Observatory officials, local artists and visiting authors. In working toward more wattage, the station is starting from scratch. When it's on the air, the station is mostly available in cars and it's spotty in homes. In a car, you can listen to it east to Marathon and north to Fort Davis. "We cover what we consider to be the tri-county area well enough," Michael said. "It's funny when we were offline, the mayor of Marfa came by and said he had some work in Alpine and couldn't listen to 'All Things Considered.' It's been (kind of) rough, but people are understanding," Michael said. ©MyWestTexas.com 2006 (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ?! It`s rather incredible that all those big shots including a law professor could be involved in this without the nicety of an FCC license (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Glenn, More on the WHGG 1090 Kingsport TN situation: transmitter is less than 20 miles NE of my location. The night broadcasts come and go in spurts; some nights they seem to run lower power than daytime --- Critical Hours [1800 W] power? Other nights they sound like 10 kW. They do not have an FM, run no ads overnight, but do legally ID TOH. Sounds here as if no bird; guess is computer automated? They tend not to sign off at sunset, and broadcast as late as 2 hours after sunset, with no sign off, just pull the plug in the middle of an oldie. Lately, when they are not on all night, I have heard them run as early as 5 AM [EDT = 0900 UT]. Don't know what to make of this bunch; same folks run WPWT on 870, with the occasional carrier being left on. I do enjoy this station, but understand that it is a pest at night. Have also heard WTNK [also 1090] Hartsville TN in July on at night with what sounded like day power, not 2 watts worth. Would like to see WHGG obey the regs and sign off when they should (Ed from Johnson City TN, August 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. RULE WAIVER REQUEST FROM STATE OF CALIFORNIA The State of California wants to run brief electric power conservation messages on its Travelers Information Stations. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-1560A1.doc (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. ON ALLOWING AM STATIONS TO USE FM TRANSLATORS NAB's petition for Rulemaking to allow AM Stations' use of FM translators is ready and waiting for your review at the first URL below. Comment deadline is August 24. http://www.nab.org/newsroom/PressRel/Filings/RMPetFMTranslators71406.pdf http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=9473 (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. IRCA member on the Weather Channel The Weather Channel - Storm Stories - Postmark: Katrina Sunday, August 27, 2006-8PM ET/PT [0000 & 0300 UT Mon Aug 28] Monday, August 28, 2006-8PM ET/PT [0000 & 0300 UT Tue Aug 29] Description: "Postmark: Katrina" is a special one hour edition of the Weather Channel's award winning series, "Storm Stories". This program depicts the efforts of the US Postal Service to restore critical mail service to the battered Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane: Katrina. Produced by amateur radio operator (my note: and famous member of the famous IRCA) Les Rayburn, N1LF, who owns Birmingham based production company Reel Cowboys http://www.reelcowboys.tv Rayburn and his crew were fully embedded with federal law enforcement officers from the US Postal Inspection Service within hours of the storm's landfall, and he traveled on missions with them throughout the Gulf Coast for weeks following the storms. Rayburn, an extra class amateur and OES, along with his wife Abby, and a soundman alternated between filming the recovery efforts and actually assisting in them by providing critical HF communications for the National Communications System (NCS) SHARES program. "We really put our ARECC training and preparation to work," said the amateur. "We had an extensive jump kit already in my truck, complete with camping equipment, a backup generator, extra batteries, radios, inverters, even a GPS, all of which proved invaluable. All we had to do was add our camera and sound gear and go" he continued. Working an average of 18 hours per day, often sleeping on post office floors or in the pickup truck, Rayburn was also able to undertake a variety of missions from NCS using his Yaesu FT-857D and Tarheel screwdriver antenna. "We were the first federal agency on the ground in Port Arthur, Texas, just hours after Hurricane Rita struck. NCS wanted us to check on the status of public service communications. We made our way down flooded streets to the washed out police station. After explaining who we were, we quickly found out that their repeater was down, and arranged for spare parts to be shipped immediately" was one example cited by Rayburn. The team also was sent to Stennis NASA Station, near Waveland, MS to check on the status of an overdue technical support team, helped to relay messages from New Orleans overworked 911 system to the Coast Guard, and arrange for a Navy search helicopter for the mayor of Cameron, LA following Rita. "Because of being embedded with the US Postal Inspectors, we were often the first people on the ground from the federal government and having HF radio support proved valuable over and over again" said Rayburn. In several instances, cellular and landline phones were inoperative and the HF radio was the only means of communicating with the outside world. In addition to their work for NCS-SHARES, Rayburn and his wife helped to relay over 100 messages for ARES/SHARES/ and the Red Cross. "At one point, we were on the air for over 40 hours straight. But it was worth it to try and help those people" said Abby Rayburn. Though unlicensed, she participated by monitoring a spare receiver, logging messages, and making phone calls were possible. The documentary includes brief portions of this amateur radio traffic, has a graphic explanation of how repeaters function, and even some Morse Code. It should be of interest to amateur radio operators and an opportunity to point out the value of this backup communications resource. "We were honored to tell the story of how the Postal Service struggled to restore mail service and deliver critical FEMA checks," said Rayburn, "and honored to do our small part as well". (Source? ARRL? via Steve Hawkins, NG0G, Aug 9, IRCA via DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. Re 6-119: Hi Glenn, I spoke a few hours ago with our frequency manager, and he confirmed that VOP is still on 7120, as advertised :-) The other thing that puzzled me was the bit about news in English, as VOP is mainly in Shona and Ndebele, I believe. Yes, old programmes are still being played back. I have no idea what was logged on 11705, but I'm told it wasn't VOP. 73, (Andy Sennitt, Radio Netherlands, Aug 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 4840, 2110-2200*, Aug 07, English female announcer, who translates an Arabic speaking man, Israel often mentioned, soft music on flute, possible ID: "Huna sauto...", Orchestral anthem, 45333. Not heard Aug 08 (Anker Petersen, Denmark and Christoph Ratzer, Austria, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) Also reported earlier, leading to: [non]. Dear Mauno, well, Wolfy asked me yesterday about the same station and I checked it-half asleep - and I thought it was Voice of the Arabs. As I was half asleep, so according to that clip you sent me I can confirm that this is Egypt as I could hear the National Anthem at the end of the clip. It has some religious prayers at the beginning of that recording and then the YL saying that "we have been together for the last 2 hours". The audio was a little bit distorted so I couldn't get any ID or anything, but I'll try to give another try tonight and will try to record the ID if I can. Yesterday I noticed it signed in around 2110 UT. It was loud and clear in Cairo ydy; I thought it was // the Voice of the Arabs on 621 kHz but, as I said I was half asleep :S as I wake up around 0330 UT every day so I try to get bed around midnight our time. That's 2100 UT. Let's hope for the best tonight :) All the best guys, yours (Tarek Zeidan, SU1TZ, Cairo, Egypt, via Wolfgang Büschel, DXLD) Hi Tarek and Wolfy, thank you for your reply. So it is probably from Egypt and not relayed by someone. Maybe a punching error. 73, (Mauno Ritola, ibid.) Thanks Mauno, Ja, jetzt klickte es: Abu Zabaal-EGY 500 kW 4840 + 7210 = 12050 kHz or 12050 minus 7210 = 4840 kHz 7210 90 Grad Ar 2000-2200 UT 12050 315 Grad Ar 1200-2400 UT 19260 should be another difference spur on the upper side. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 5915, 2155-2205, Aug 05, station mixing with Reshet Dalet/Israel in Arabic, but extremely difficult. Could well be Lusaka, Zambia, as gone at recheck a few minutes later, at 2208. Israel scheduled to 2110, prolonged because of present situation? (Finn Krone, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD) The same UNID I heard Jul 16 - cf. DX-Window no. 303 under Israel (Anker Petersen, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 6109.9, 1840-1859, Aug 03, Folk songs, talks in Vernacular; blocked by CRI in Russian, 22441, adjacent QRM only till 1859. The type of music and the Vernacular seemed to be southern. I checked a few old WRTHs, and Angola, Congo and Tanzania used very close frequencies (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DSWCI DX Window Aug 9 via DXLD). It may, however, be from the Horn of Africa or the Sahel region (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) The solution of this puzzle is found under Ethiopia above! (DSWCI Ed.) Maybe: but in French? (gh) UNIDENTIFIED. Number Stations on SW: a TV Report --- Art or espionage? Mysterious radio stations broadcast numbers and codes 24/7! Who are they and what does it mean? We investigate the cold-war era phenomena. Conspiracy theorists will love this. Show it to your paranoid friends today! Watch the video report by KUTV, Salt Lake City, UT here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVJMq0rYPs (via Sergei Sosedkin, IL, dxldyg via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Glenn: It's Bill Patalon, the big former business reporter from The Baltimore Sun and other national publications who's long been a big fan of yours. We've corresponded in the past. And, as you know, I think you do a terrific job. Anyway, you always say that folks who read your stuff should feel free to pass along any interesting news or other leads, which I do on occasion. I came across this news story on CBS MarketWatch.com and wanted to send it your way. Hope it helps. What are you up to? Anything new? Doing well? I sure hope so. You deserve success and happiness, for you've brought that to scores of others. Take care. Keep up the SUPER work, my friend. Respectfully yours (Bill Patalon III, Baltimore, MD) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ QSL PRESERVATION I was in the Baltimore area in 2000, and took the opportunity to visit the University of Maryland/CPRV QSL collection. At the time, the cards and letters were essentially in Manila folders and filing cabinet drawers with just a very minimal effort done to sort and categorize them. The temp/humidity was controlled but little else. This may have improved since then, but the visit was rather disheartening at the time. I got to see QSLs with names like August Balbi and others on them, so it was worth it to me just to touch such a fantastic bit of treasure like that (Jim Pogue, Memphis, TN, IRCA via DXLD) Patrick Griffith wrote: "Ideally the best form of preservation would be one that includes a scan that is freely available for viewing on line. That way they could be viewed by the masses at will without the necessity to travel." Brief comments: 1. The best form of preservation is placing them in archival acid-free folders and boxes and storing them at about 68 degrees and low humidity. 2. Scanning them is a kind of "publishing," and would make them freely available, but would do nothing to ensure preservation of the originals. Except that handling in any way is bad from a preservation standpoint, so if scans reduced handling, that would improve preservation. 3. Libraries don't have the money to scan everything they own. 4. Even if UMD had an aggressive digital publishing program, there are probably far more significant collections that should be scanned and placed online way ahead of QSLs (Dave Hochfelder, ibid.) They have been taken out of the binders and placed into (I assume acid-free) folders and grouped together geographically (Bill Harms, MD, ibid.) Certainly glad to hear this. When I visited in 2000, the staff at the archive was really helpful, but as with so many similar endeavors, very short-handed. I truly appreciate their great work and the many hours of effort by DXers that have gone into preserving this precious part of our shared history. In all likelihood, they will have my collection someday (Jim Pogue, Memphis, Tennessee USA NRD-535, Wellbrook LA5030 loop, ibid.) There is a museum in Chicago dedicated to the preservation of broadcasting related artifacts. I wonder if these folks would be interested in housing and preserving a broadcast QSL collection? Here is some info I pulled from a related web site. ------- The Museum of Broadcast Communications will be closed to the public until Spring 2007. The Museum is currently moving from the Chicago Cultural Center to a new home not yet announced. The new facility will include expanded archives and exhibit galleries, increased seminars and public events, a radio and television studio, a gift shop and a cafe. The Museum of Broadcast Communications opened to the public in 1987. Bruce DuMont, the well-known political commentator and radio show host, is the founder and president of the Museum. The Museum includes broadcast-related exhibits and archives from which you can request videotapes to view in carrels on the premises. The Museum includes costume memorabilia, a Sports Gallery and an advertising exhibit. The Museum is also home to the Radio Hall of Fame, which exhibit includes collectibles and recordings from old radio shows. I presently have about 125 medium-wave QSLs scanned into my AM-DXer web site (see link below). These are all postcard size or smaller. Due to the limitations of the WebTV system I am unable to scan the larger QSLs. So no QSL letters are included (Patrick Griffith, Westminster CO http://community.webtv.net/N0NNK/ http://community.webtv.net/AM-DXer/ IRCA via DXLD) There are dozens of broadcast musea across North America, but I expect most of them would only be interested in a few QSLs for decoration, not an exhaustive collexion to be preserved and catalogued (gh, DXLD) Hello DXers, in Europe, esp. in the German-speaking countries, the best thing you can do is to donate your QSL collection to the QSL Collection, based in Vienna, connected with the ORF; main person here is Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC Visit http://www.qsl.at/english/welcome.html in order to learn more about the project! And before you decide to give away your collection please do send your QSL logs via E-mail to me, my QIP page at http://www.schoechi.de/qip.html now has more than 50000 QSL logs from more 10200 radio stations world wide (Martin SCHÖCH, Eisenach, East Germany, ibid.) PREGUNTA RELATIVA A BANDERINES RADIALES Es sabido que existían ya en los años 40 grandes banderines o estandartes para colgar al micrófono en los teatros o salas en donde se realizaban emisiones en vivo, de música u otras, pero me gustaría saber cuándo salieron los primeros banderines usados como obsequio para los oyentes. Entre los primeros deben ser quizás los de SIRA (Servicio Internacional Radiofónico Argentino) y de OTC (Radio Leopoldville, del Congo Belga). Ambos pueden haber salido en 1952 o por ahí. Alguien me puede ampliar estos datos? (Henrik Klemetz, Suecia, playdx yg via DXLD) Hola Henrik, Radio Record de São Paulo de Brasil en los anos 1948-1950 tenía un banderín triangular por los programas deportivos de futebol; ese banderín lo enviaba a los oyentes, y también lo distribuía a los oyentes que partecipaban a las emisiones; debería ser esto el primer banderín souvenir para los oyentes (Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ BPL: FCC ADOPTS MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER The FCC has adopted a Memorandum Opinion & Order (MO&O) promoting the roll out of Access Broadband over Power Line (BPL). In so doing it has ruled on a number of interference issues, but not necessarily in a manner that will please legacy users of the spectrum. For example, the FCC has denied a request from the TV industry to exclude BPL from frequencies above 50 MHz. The FCC's press release (first URL below) explains the main features of the BPL MO&O. The full MO&O is at the second URL. The remaining web addresses link to short Statements from FCC Commissioners. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-266773A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-113A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-266773A2.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-266773A3.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-266773A4.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-266773A5.doc (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ NPR TESTS SHOW SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF MINI FM TRANSMITTERS EXCEED FCC EMISSION LIMITS In a new study of FM modulators (mini FM transmitters) using "real- world" test conditions, NPR Labs says the measured field strengths of about one-third of the devices exceeds FCC Part 15 emission limits according to Radio World. NPR Labs took measurements on more than 28,000 moving cars on two channels, 87.9 and 88.1 MHz, and estimates that a driver could pass dozens of FM modulators in an average commute. The lab found that nearly 1% of cars had operating FM modulators on these two channels. Of course, the use of 87.9 MHz is prohibited by FCC Rules because it is inside TV Channel 6's spectrum (as is 87.7 MHz). Mini transmitters using these frequencies should be removed from the market, see second URL for the Rules being violated. http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=9502 http://earthsignals.com/add_CGC/Letters/Sirius_on_FM.html (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) MIKE STARLING SUGGESTS PUTTING ALL MINI TRANSMITTERS ON 87.9 In order to remove interference to existing FM broadcast stations, NPR's Mike Starling suggests one possible solution: change the FCC Rules and put all mini transmitters on 87.9 MHz (see URL below, third paragraph from the end). Mike is a consummate professional and a good friend, but CGC respectfully disagrees with him on this issue. Putting all mini devices on 87.9 MHz would shift the interference burden to TV Channel 6 (or the successor to that spectrum), lead to car-to-car interference and create an attractive nuisance for pirates. What mobile bandito would not relish the opportunity to capture a bunch of receivers by running a few watts of power on a single frequency? The temptation will be too compelling. http://tinyurl.com/nnntb (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) MORE ON THE MINI FM TRANSMITTER SAGA NAB president David Rehr has asked the FCC to recall satellite receivers containing non-compliant mini FM transmitters. In response, Sirius Satellite says NAB is simply "muddying water," but Sirius is in no position to complain after admitting that some of their staff members authorized the manufacture of non-compliant transmitters. Any product recall should of course involve not only satellite receivers with non-compliant transmitters, but iPods, MP3 players etc. with similar unacceptable devices. http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=251972 http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=9466 http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=9490 (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) INTERFERENCE FROM MINI FM TRANSMITTERS ("MODULATORS") ETC. There are numerous issues here in Chicago with FM interference near "Athletic Centers" that use FM modulators to send TV audio to people while they work out. Within at least 1000 feet these modulators cause problems, similar to the ones that the XM and Sirius modulators cause. Some of these businesses are located on major highways and streets and cause numerous issues with real time listening. If we could show that these situations are radiating signals above the Part 15 limit, is the FCC interested in doing anything about it? I too have noticed gas pumps and some RF motion detectors causing issues with AM and FM reception. Paul Easter, Engineering Manager, Chicago (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) CAR-BASED iPODS THREATEN TERRESTRIAL AND SATELLITE RADIO LISTENING "Competition for in-car radio listeners just got stiffer as Apple Computer has closed a deal with Ford, GM and Mazda to put iPods docks in their new vehicles. Apples's new agreement with the car manufacturers means that by 2007, up to 70% of U.S. autos will have seamless iPod integration. GM sees potential in using the iPod as a marketing tool to attract younger consumers, and sales of iPods are are expected to double by 2009. Sirius has made deals with Ford and Toyota in the past, but the proliferation of in-car iPods could create some serious competition between satellite radio and Apple. While more in-car entertainment options takes away from both terrestrial and satellite radio, Jim Cramer of Real Money Radio says Sirius, in particular, is depending on the automobile industry for much of its growth business and could face a real challenge if new car buyers consider their personal iPod, which can hold the equivalent of thousands of CDs, sufficient for their in-car listening" - Sarah Vance, R&R Staff Reporter (via Pete Kemp, NRC-AM via DXLD) FAA PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE ENORMOUS IMPACT (LEAD STORY, CGC #743) Here is a little FAA gem that could affect many users of the RF spectrum. In the proposed modification to 14 CFR 77.9(e) (1), the FAA would require that notice be given for the construction of a new, or modification of an existing facility, i.e. building, antenna structure, or any other man-made structure, which supports a radiating element(s) for the purpose of radio frequency transmission operating in the following frequency groups: 54-108; 150-216; 406-420; 932-935/941; 952-960; 1,390-1,400; 2,500- 2,700; 3,700-4,200; 5,000-5,650; 5,925-6,525; 7,450-8,550; 14,200- 14,400; 21,200-23,600 MHz. Read more in Doug Lung's article at: http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=1357 (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) HOLLYWOOD WANTS TO PLUG THE "ANALOG HOLE" Re 6-103: when I axually looked at the website, I discovered that this item was slightly stale, dated May 23, 2002. Thus the importance of including DATES of material submitted is reinforced! And please pay attention to dates when surfing for stuff to contribute (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DIGITAL BROADCASTING ++++++++++++++++++++ REVISED IBOC FM SPECTRAL MASK The spectrum plot below shows the increase (in green) in the proposed adjacent channel digital noise created by the FM IBOC system. The outer limit of the original mask was 215 kHz. Now iBiquity wants to limit pushed to 250 kHz. Name withheld http://beradio.com/media/art/SpectrumMask.jpg (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) TURN FM IBOC OFF? Since iBiquity is changing the FM IBOC mask to match real-world measurements, does that mean all present FM IBOC stations are in violation of the current RF mask rules? Maybe IBOC should be shut-off like the out-of-spec XM/Sirius FM modulators. Name withheld (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) WORLD OF TELEPHONY ++++++++++++++++++ LONG DISTANCE FEDERAL EXCISE TAX IS HISTORY The Spanish-American War has been history for more than 100 years, and now, so is the tax imposed in 1898 to help fund it. As of August 1, all phone companies selling long-distance phone service are legally required to eliminate the 3 percent federal excise tax on long- distance service. http://tinyurl.com/nulap (CGC Communicator Aug 8 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) PROPAGATION ++++++++++++ :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts :Issued: 2006 Aug 08 2054 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/weekly.html # # Weekly Highlights and Forecasts # HIGHLIGHTS OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 31 JULY - 06 AUGUST 2006 Solar activity was at very low levels. Through 03 August, the disk was only populated by small, magnetically weak spot groups. Since the 3rd, the disk was spotless. No greater than 10 MeV proton events were observed. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels. The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels at middle latitudes, while high latitudes observed quiet to minor storm conditions. Solar wind speed ranged from a low of near 380 km/s early on 31 July to a high of near 640 km/s midday on 01 August. The Bz component of the IMF did not vary much beyond +/- 3 nT for the majority of the period. Early on 31 July, wind speed and temperature began a slow increase, all in advance of a recurrent coronal hole wind stream. By midday on the 31st, the IMF Bz was fluctuating between +/-11 nT and remained so through the balance of the 31st. By midday on 01 August, wind speed peaked at about 640 km/s, while the IMF Bz relaxed some, not varying much beyond +/- 5 nT through the end of the 1st. As a result, at middle latitudes the geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels through midday on 01 August, while high latitudes experienced quiet to minor storm conditions through midday on 02 August. Thereafter and through the end of the summary period, the field was at mostly quiet levels. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 09 AUGUST - 04 SEPTEMBER Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels. No greater than 10 MeV proton events are expected. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 09 – 10 August. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly quiet to unsettled for the majority of the forecast period. Active periods are possible on 24 and 28 August, while active to minor storm periods are possible on 03 September, all due to recurrent coronal hole high speed wind streams due to rotate into geoeffective positions. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2006 Aug 08 2054 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 2006 Aug 08 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2006 Aug 09 70 10 3 2006 Aug 10 75 8 3 2006 Aug 11 75 8 3 2006 Aug 12 75 5 2 2006 Aug 13 75 5 2 2006 Aug 14 75 5 2 2006 Aug 15 75 5 2 2006 Aug 16 75 5 2 2006 Aug 17 75 5 2 2006 Aug 18 75 5 2 2006 Aug 19 75 5 2 2006 Aug 20 75 5 2 2006 Aug 21 75 5 2 2006 Aug 22 70 5 2 2006 Aug 23 70 8 3 2006 Aug 24 70 15 3 2006 Aug 25 70 5 2 2006 Aug 26 70 8 3 2006 Aug 27 70 10 3 2006 Aug 28 70 15 3 2006 Aug 29 70 10 3 2006 Aug 30 70 8 3 2006 Aug 31 70 5 2 2006 Sep 01 70 5 2 2006 Sep 02 70 10 3 2006 Sep 03 70 20 4 2006 Sep 04 70 12 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio via WORLD OF RADIO 1325, DXLD) ###