DX LISTENING DIGEST 6-184, December 13, 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 Extra 73 Fri 2130 WWCR1 7465 Sat 1330 WRMI 7385 Sat 1700 WWCR3 12160 Sat 2230 WRMI 9955 Sun 0330 WWCR3 5970 Sun 0730 WWCR1 3215 Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: 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 DX/SWL/MEDIA PROGRAMS Dec 12: http://www.worldofradio.com/dxpgms.html ** AFRICA. http://www.africalist.de.ms ...updated today. Two more special cases to check: VON, possibly off and Sudan possibly off 9505. 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Dec 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALBANIA. TWR Europe statement re. Albania --- Today Beate Kiebel, vice-director of TWR Europe in Vienna, denied earlier reports about a cancellation of their transmissions via Albania after these items were just pointed out to her. She states: "At present we have no plans to finish our mediumwave and shortwave transmissions via Radio Tirana." (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Dec 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ANGUILLA. After several days missing due to some local problem, DGS on Caribbean Beacon heard back on air Dec 10 at 1435 on 11775, but with constant lite noise in background. Seems like a satellite downlink or dish positioning problem. Also Dec 11 around 0600 on 6090 with DRM ACI de Luxembourg 6095 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BAHRAIN. 12 Dec at 1915 on about 6010.1 noted a weak station with western pops. Buried by IRIB at 1930. Today 13 Dec I checked this and it was again audible around 1750, but 6010 was too crowded until 1900. After 1900 I heard this station with pops (George Michael etc) and few announcement in (British) English. Mentioned twice "National Day 16th" which fits with Bahrain and by passing what sounded like "...Radio Bahrain, this wonderful, wonderful station". That fits R Bahrain even better :-) At 1930 IRIB started again on 6010. This station had a carrier and upper side band but I couldn't check if there was audio on lower. R Bahrain used to be AM/U. Haven't seen loggings of R Bahrain on this frequency for a long time. Maybe it has been here for some time or is this reactivation? Again, the ID I heard was not too clear, so I hope someone could confirm Bahrain on this frequency (Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. ¿NUEVA EMISORA DE ONDA CORTA? Fecha: Mar, 12 de Dic, 2006 11:06 am ABI A3799 16:42:24 11-12-2006 1-P ABI: MERCADO-PANDO http://abi.bo/index.php?i=noticias_texto&j=20061211164225 MERCADO CAMPESINO PASA A MANOS DE FEDERACIÓN DEL SECTOR EN PANDO. La Paz, 11 dic (ABI).- El Parlamento Nacional en las últimas horas, aprobó la transferencia del mercado campesino de Cobija a favor de la Federación Sindical Única de Trabajadores Campesinos de Pando (FSUTC- P). La normativa esta en conformidad a lo establecido por el artículo 59º, atribución 7ª de la Constitución Política de Estado, que señala "Autorizar la enajenación de bienes nacionales, departamentales, municipales, universitarios y de todos los que sean de dominio público"; de ahí que se autoriza al Gobierno Municipal de Cobija transferir, a título gratuito, un terreno de su propiedad. El área que pasará a los campesinos de la FSUTC-P, tiene una superficie total de 5.368,28 m2, ubicado en la zona Eureka, calle Paltal, Distrito 4, Manzano Nº 79. Este predio transferido a la FSUTC-P, permitirá a los campesinos de Pando comercializar sus productos provenientes del área rural para los consumidores sin intermediarios, siendo un espacio de intercambio social, económico y cultural. También se conoció que en el mencionado terreno funcionará una radioemisora de onda corta que permitirá tener un contacto con todas las comunidades a través de diversos programas de fortalecimiento institucional y proyectos de desarrollo rural. Rdc/jca ABI Vía: (Agencia Boliviana de Información via José Bueno, Córdoba - España, dxldyg via DXLD) WTFK? ** BULGARIA. Frequency changes of RADIO BULGARIA from Jan. 1, 2007: BULGARIAN 0100-0200 Daily NF 7300 PLD 250 kW / 245 deg to SoAm, ex 7500 0530-0600 Mon-Fri NF 11900 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 11500 0530-0600 Mon-Fri NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 0530-0600 Mon-Fri NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 0500-0600 Sat/Sun NF 11900 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 11500 0500-0600 Sat/Sun NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 0500-0600 Sat/Sun NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 1600-1700 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 1600-1700 daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 1900-2100 Daily NF 9500 PLD 250 kW / 140 deg to ME , ex 7400 1900-2100 Daily NF 9700 PLD 250 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 9400 ENGLISH 0730-0800 Daily NF 11900 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 11500 1830-1900 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 1830-1900 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 2200-2300 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 2200-2300 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 FRENCH 0700-0730 Daily NF 11900 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 11500 1800-1830 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 1800-1830 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 2100-2200 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 2100-2200 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 GERMAN 0600-0630 Daily NF 11900 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 11500 1730-1800 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 1730-1800 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 2000-2100 Daily NF 7400 PLD 500 kW / 295 deg to WeEu, ex 5800 2000-2100 Daily NF 9400 PLD 500 kW / 306 deg to WeEu, ex 7500 RUSSIAN 0400-0500 Daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 0400-0500 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 0600-0630 Daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 0600-0630 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 1500-1600 Daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 1500-1600 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 1500-1600 Daily NF 9500 PLD 250 kW / 045 deg to CeAs, ex 9400 1700-1730 Daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 1700-1730 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 1900-2000 Daily NF 7400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 7500 1900-2000 Daily NF 9400 SOF 100 kW / 030 deg to EaEu, ex 5800 SPANISH 0000-0100 Daily NF 7300 PLD 250 kW / 245 deg to SoAm, ex 7500 0200-0300 Daily NF 7300 PLD 250 kW / 245 deg to SoAm, ex 7500 2200-2300 Daily NF 6200 PLD 250 kW / 245 deg to SoEu, ex 7400 2200-2300 Daily NF 9500 PLD 250 kW / 260 deg to SoEu, ex 9400 TURKISH 0600-0630 Daily NF 7200 PLD 250 kW / 140 deg to ME , ex 7400 1830-1900 Daily NF 9500 PLD 250 kW / 140 deg to ME , ex 7400 RADIO VARNA 2200-0400 Sun-Mon NF 7200 VRN 100 kW / non-dir to WeEu, ex 7600 (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) Note the trend generally to go up one band higher, or to a higher frequency in the same band. Must be based on some optimistic propagation predixion of higher MUFs as we pull out of the darkest days (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. O'REILLY ON ADVERTISING BOX SETS Hello Everyone: First of all, thank you for your patience; it’s been a long process. Finally!!! The update you’ve all been waiting for! Ten hand-picked episodes from the O`Reilly on Advertising Series are now on a 5-CD set. They will be available on December 18 from the CBC, just in time for Christmas; Please contact the CBC Shop – Telephone 1- 800-955-7711 or http://www.cbcshop.ca/ Enjoy. If you have any questions, please email me at lyndap @ pirate.ca P.S. Don`t miss out! Remember to tune in to Terry’s new series ``O`Reilly and The Age of Persuasion`` on CBC Radio 1 – Thursdays at 11:30 am, repeated on Saturday at 4:00 pm. Cheers (Lynda Persaud, Pirate Radio, Toronto, Dec 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It`s radio at its best --- I must say, tho, in the Persuasion series there are echoes, to say the least, of material already used on the Advertising series (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHILE. 6010, R. Parinacota, Putre. A radioamateur of the northern zone consulted the station and they answered him that the radio station carries out maintenance from time to time (Hugo López, Santiago, Chile, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) Cf. DX-Window no. 312 (DSWCI Ed) 6080, R Patagonia, Coyhaique, has not yet answered me, but my impression is that it is off the air most of the time (López, ibid.) ** CUBA. [RE: DXLD 6-182 - MEXICO] 6120, R. Rebelde (presumed), Dec 12, 0453-0458* (transmitter off), fair-good, pop LA music, off with no announcement. Did not hear any other station after sign-off. Clearly // 5025, which was good and at 0458 went to a strong open carrier, which was noted till I tuned out at 0515. Is unfortunate that Stewart did not indicate how long he listened or if he checked for the obvious parallel. EiBi lists 6120 as: 0300-0500 irr (Ron Howard, Monterey, CA, Etón E5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [and non]. On Dec 12, 6000 in Spanish was still going at 0701, but off when I tuned by again at 0702. 6060, however, was opening Teatro de la Opera, a CMBF program I have heard before at this time. Then found it also on 9550 at 0712. Maybe the engineer on duty at site likes to listen to R. Musical Nacional before going home; is it every UT Tuesday? May as well put it on Monitoring Reminders Calendar. Feature on Giuseppe di Stefano, with some great old recordings, but his rendition of ``Celeste Aïda`` was cut off before he finished at 0720 to brief open carrier and off. How rude. You never know when they will pull the plug. Meanwhile another RHC frequency, 6180 was still on at 0708 with speech in Spanish (not Fidel or Hugo) about Venezuela. Perhaps had switched to feed from another domestic network after English closing nominally at 0700 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) On Dec 12 at 0701 check, R. Martí was on 5980 with jamming. But the poor DentroCuban Jamming Command had to split its resources to keep 5890 jammed as well, altho RM was not on it at the moment. I wonder if RM switches 5890/5980 from one night to the next or back and forth during the transmission, but am not about to stay up later to find out. Likewise at 1506 Dec 12 I found heavy jamming on 11750, but no RM, where I had heard it loud & clear only once before. RM was coming thru the usual jamming on 11930 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICA. I was reading through DXLD 6-182 and found Stephen Price’s logging of ZIZ-555. His mention of ``[h]ardly any signal from DBS Dominica on 595`` caused a double-take: haven’t they been OFF this split frequency for a number of years now? I think they`’re on 590 (Randy Stewart, Springfield MO, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, the photo of the sign on the building shows 590 (tho stations have been known to round off their frequencies), and WRTH 2006 says 590, only on air Sundays (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** ECUADOR. I had a tentative tip in DX-Window, and I didn't realize that this station was not heard since 1999! I didn't hear any identification, so I am puzzled: If I didn't hear Radio Federación, what did I listen to? Best wishes from Björn Fransson, the island of Gotland, Sweden. Quote from DXW (Ed is Anker Petersen): ECUADOR. 4785.05, R Federación Shuar, Sucua, 2320, Dec 08, no ID, but Indian language and sermon (Fransson) This needs further monitoring, because I have not seen this station reported heard since Oct 1999! (Ed) (via Björn Fransson, Sweden, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. Re Bata QSL after a sesquidecade: Is there a verification signer on this letter? If so, please post it to HCDX. This station has long been tough to QSL. Also, if a mailing address appears on the letter and/or envelope, does it match published addresses in Passport To World band Radio or the WRTH? Thanx and 73, (J. D. Stephens, Hampton Cove, AL, USA, HCDX via DXLD) ** FINLAND. 6170, Scandinavian Weekend R, Virrat, 1420-1430, Sat Dec 02, Finnish ann, pop music, 34232. The only frequency audible in Denmark! (Anker Petersen, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) Conditions were really poor at least here in Northern Finland because of a stormy/unstable magnetic field just before our transmitting day. I was able to hear SWR here in Rovaniemi only from 0850 to 1135 with quite nice reception on 6170. Outside that, nothing (Alpo Heinonen, SWR, Finland, Dec 05, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** FRANCE [non]. RFI in Spanish on 15515 ended this morning at 1230. As Jason Gardner noted, all the RFI Spanish transmissions are very well-received here in southeastern US. Satellite feed on IA-5 that includes RFI in Spanish is silent after 1230, as well (Mike Cooper, GA, Dec 12, DXLD) ** GABON. ANU Le Buzz, 19160, Dec 10 at 1441 // fundamental 9580 but at this hour stronger on 19160. Also Dec 11 at 1503, 19160 buzz with some modulation underneath, ranging S4 to S9 +7. And Dec 12 at 1514, steady at S9 +10 with buzz, and traces of voice (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hmmm, the buzz. when does the buzz appear on 9580 in the morning? I'll try tomorrow. however, 4777 seems to have lowest priority, then 9580... The buzz on 19160 seems to have commenced buzzing just now, at 1128 Dec 12, when also the jamming on 17660 has begun. so possibly Two is then switched from 9580 to 17660, while Buzzy takes over 9580 after finishing serving R. Gabon. Or after a coffee break. 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also PROPAGATION ** GERMANY [and non]. Cancelled transmissions of DW eff. Jan. 1, 2007 Albanian 0630-0700 on 6045 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1200-1230 on 9770 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1600-1630 on 15470 SIN 250 kW / 075 deg Bosnian 0700-0715 on 6045 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1300-1330 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg Bulgarian 0500-0530 on 7200 SIN 250 kW / 055 deg 0600-0630 on 7195 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1030-1100 on 11970 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1830-1900 on 9810 SIN 250 kW / 055 deg Croatian 0900-0910 on 9770 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1330-1400 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1500-1510 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg Macedonian 0730-0800 on 9615 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1000-1030 on 9770 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1400-1430 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg Polish 1730-1800 on 7240 SIN 250 kW / 040 deg Romanian 1100-1300 on 11970 WER 125 kW / 120 deg Serbian 0715-0730 on 6045 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1030-1100 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 1430-1500 on 7175 WER 125 kW / 120 deg 2100-2115 on 7245 SIN 250 kW / 045 deg Turkish 0630-0700 on 11905 WER 500 kW / 105 deg 1130-1200 on 11690 WER 500 kW / 105 deg M-Sat, Romanes Sun 1130-1200 on 15275 WER 500 kW / 105 deg M-Sat, Romanes Sun 1530-1600 on 15470 SIN 250 kW / 075 deg (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) ** INDIA. 4900, Presumed AIR Guwahati heard here 0005 to past 0015 December 13th with local music, strong signal but modulation quite weak at times, nothing on 4940, only other Indian station heard at same time was Mumbai on 4840. At 1705 to past 1715 December 13th presumed Guwahati back on 4940 again with music, weak to fair, difficult copy as local noise level higher than usual (Mike Barraclough, Letchworth Garden City, UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4940.0, AIR Guwahati, Assam, 0035-0155 fade out, Nov 19, 23, 26 and 30, Dec 07 and 12, talks in Assamese (p), ID: "This is All India Radio", back from 4900 (Cf. DX-Window no. 312), 25232 (Manuel Méndez, Spain; Anker Petersen, Denmark; and T. R. Rajeesh, Kerala, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) On Nov 18, DSWCI member Alokesh Gupta (New Delhi) talked over phone to AIR Station Engineer at Guwahati, and he informed that the station is off the air for nearly 30 minutes due to power failure. But he was not able to confirm whether they mistuned the transmitter. Only possibility is that AIR Guwahati may be switched on 4900 due to careless operation of keypad entries. The lack of carrier on 4940 on Nov 18 is an evidence for that. The mishandling of transmitters by technicians are normal incidents here! Not even checking with the digital receivers supplied to them. According to Mr. Gautam Kumar Sharma in Abhayapuri, Assam (a closer location to Guwahati), AIR Guwahati noted on 4900 around 1430 in a couple of days since Nov 25! Later report by him says that AIR Guwahati was back on 4940. I also monitored them on 4940 most days after Dec 1. What might have caused them to operate on 4900? Almost all [listeners] use cheap receivers without digital display and change of frequency is not a problem for them (T. Ramachandran Rajeesh, Kerala, India, Dec 09, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) 5050, AIR Aizwal cannot be monitored in many parts of India due to heavy QRM from CNR on 5050. If AIR considers to move stations like Aizwal, Leh 4760 (Port Blair on 4760) or Shimla 4965 (QRM from CVC Africa) to vacant 4900, good chances for DX listeners to log them (T. Ramachandran Rajeesh, Kerala, India, Dec 01, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** INDIA. *All India Radio Bhopal 4810, invites reception reports* I received a full data verification letter signed by the Station Engineer Mr. Sudir Sodhia in 19 days for an e-mail report to the station. Reception reports are welcomed by the station Engineer, especially for the new frequency 4810 kHz and all correct reports will be directly acknowledged via a full data verification letter. The station currently uses 50 kW output for all broadcasts. Postal mail reports shall be mailed to: Mr. Sudhir Sodhia, Station Engineer, All India Radio Bhopal, Shamala Hills, Bhopal-462002, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA. E-mail reports to bhopal @ air.org.in and should mark attn for station Engineer. Fax reports addressed to Stn Engineer should be sent to: +91 755 2661019. No return postage is required by the station. So kindly use this opportunity to tell the station that many of you are listening which surely inspires them! (T. R. Rajeesh, Kerala, INDIA, Dec 12, dx_india via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. 3215.09, RRI Manado, 1318-1355*, Dec 06, vocals, long chats between songs, final song ended at 1355 and, after a short 10- second announcement, the station went off the air. Generally fair signal, about even with the local noise level. Spot checks throughout the week show the same pattern, i.e. music in this time frame, and going off the air around 1400, sometimes a bit earlier, sometimes later. Have never heard them running Jakarta programs, although they may do so earlier. Frequency has been the same all week, 3215.09 (John Wilkins, CO, in DXplorer via DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) 4604.98, RRI Serui, 2040-2130, Dec 02, 03, 09 and 12, BI ann, music, pop songs, news on the hour // with Fak Fak 4790, 25432 (Max Van Arnhem, Netherlands; Giampiero Bernardini, Milano/Bocca di Magra, La Spezia, Italy; and Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) I thought I have heard RRI Serui on 4605 kHz (Dec 9, 2006, at about 2130 UT). The background noise was terrible and I did not catch any station ID, but I the music and language were both pointing in the Indonesian direction. Must keep on trying - I feel like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot trying to catch something. 73 de (Matti Ponkamo, Naantali, Finland (KP10AK18) DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. Stood by on 9525 at 1530 Dec 12 after a sesquihour of hum and traces of modulation, to find out exactly when VOI would begin the 6:24 Gam-Drake loop with frequent English IDs. It was at 1532 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL. FAVORITE *NON-ENGLISH* MUSIC ON SHORTWAVE? I was chatting with Mike Wolfson after David Goren's and Daniel Say's comments regarding non-English programming on shortwave. Another aspect of shortwave that remains a key advantage is access to world music --- no, not what WXPN in Philadelphia produces, but real World Music from internationally-located broadcasters. So, let's help each other out here...what is your favorite music program that isn't necessarily from an English language broadcaster? There's only one criterion -- that it's relatively easy to hear in North America. Please mention when it's on -- station and frequency -- and why you like it. To kick things off, here's one that I first mentioned in an Easy Listening column a couple years back. "Mike Gibson Gospel Music Hour", WWRB 3185 kHz, Wed and Sun 0200 -- a welcome relief from the fringe programming that dominates most of WWRB's air time – (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, Dec 4, swprograms via DXLD) International broadcasting / shortwave blog: http://www.intlradio.blogspot.com "Nuestra Música" on REE, Madrid. It goes out Tuesday to Saturday UT at 0230 on 6055 and 9535 kHz. Also, when RAE, Buenos Aires propagates our way on 11710, I just leave the dial there from 2200 to 0400. There's an hour in English at 0200, but the format for all languages is lots of tangos (and other fine Argentine tunes) interspersed with short reports (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, ibid.) If I can, I try to catch RTI's Mandopop101, which is UT Fridays in the States at 0220-0255, repeated at 0320-0355, on 5950. The 0200 hour for RTI is also apparently on 9680, although I don't try to receive that one, preferring to leave my analog receiver where it is on 5950 (Kevin Anderson, ibid.) Is that in their (presumably) Mandarin Chinese service? (I'm being lazy; didn't check to see if that was in their English language block) (Rich Cuff, ibid.) No; that's part of their English programming. I don't particularly care for Asian pop music, although at least what's on Mandopop 101 isn't as bad as the stuff KBS World Radio has on Sundays on "K-Pop Interactive" -- a bunch of foppish boy-band wannabes singing formulaic combinations of synth and rap, or soloists (male and female) singing incredibly treacly ballads that might make even "Up With People" vomit. I prefer "Jade Bells and Bamboo Pipes" on Wednesdays from around 0230 UT. China Radio International's English service has "China Roots" on Saturdays at 1100 on 5960 kHz, but that frequency hasn't been coming in as well as whatever they were using over the summer. (Never mind that it's now 6 AM here in the East!) Croatian Radio plays some fun pop music when they come in on 7285 kHz. At least, it's fun for me -- it reminds me of the sort of music popular in Russia when I studied there back in 1992. It sounds like a bad Communist interpretation of 1970s-era Western pop, but it's just too cheesy to resist. Radio Bulgaria plays some similar music in some of their music segments (Ted Schuerzinger, ibid.) Yes, "Jade Bells and Bamboo Pipes" on Radio Taiwan International is an excellent music program, much better than the Mandopop101 program I suggested! UT Wednesday in the States at 0230-0255, repeated at 0330- 0355, on 5950. Usually very soothy music, excellent for falling asleep to, which is what I am often trying to do in the latter hour (Kevin Anderson, ibid.) JB&BP has been a hallmark program for years (Richard Cuff, ibid.) RHC used to have some good music programming. I have not listened for it lately, do they still have any? ef (Eric Flodén, Vancouver, ibid.) Yes, they do, especially on Sunday nights (local times in NA) in the English service. Plus, 5025 kHz. Radio Rebelde, relaying domestic programming in Spanish offers several music programs at various times and comes in quite well in the evenings up here in the northeast US. (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, ibid.) This prompts me to repeat the original question: how many other non- English services out there (e.g. from the Middle East or Western Europe) feature music programming? For example, I used to remember that as a staple from the Voice of Greece bracketing the daily English-language newscast (Richard Cuff, ibid.) And I interpreted your question as referring to music in which the language sung was not in English. You didn't say that you wanted only non-English *announcer/host* language or non-English *target audience* in your original request. Just being nit-picky . Now that I know what you want, I will shut up, as I usually only listen to programs to an English target, as I like to know what I am listening to by the announcer telling me in a language I can understand, and I don't understand other spoken languages. Sorry for my confusing things (Kevin Anderson, ibid.) I listen to the English section of RKI (now "KBS WORLD Radio, the voice of Korea") to keep up with K-Pop as they have a one song introduction and a countdown of the week. 0200~03:00 and 1200~1300, 9560 via RCI Sackville and a later 5:00 or 8:00. Then there is the morning 1400~1500 on the same 9650 for a Korean service. Then I can listen to the Korean language broadcast with greater understanding. Sunday is K-Pop Interactive http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/enter/music_inter.htm with a countdown on the English programs 1 and 2. Of course, Mason City, Iowa, is listening to the Spanish programs on 0100~0200 on 15575 and 1100~1200 11795 (Sackville) International radio doesn't do symphonic works because of length, sound quality, too many soft movements etc., etc. I remember such classical music things as the Concertgebouw Orchestra from Radio Netherlands, Some classical pieces on the Radio Australia "by your request" program and the BBC did bits, but mainly on the pop Proms -- summer series. Otherwise it is mainly on the popular side but they have to pay royalties and keep up-to-date. Plus the majority of most station's listeners are ex-pats and they are older and very impatient with 'modern pop' music. You can't please all the audience with one broadcast. Some years back, I remember being in the Saturday live (about 11 or noon JST 3 GMT) show of Radio Japan, with the daily bus tours passing behind us, seating in the 3 rows of bleachers watching the show, first an hour in English and then the same show in Japanese with the same popster singing the same sweet song. The older producers claimed that they disliked that type of music (what they liked they didn't say) but it was what the listening (and watching) audience wanted and expected to hear. R. Japan has long year-end shows of music. And CRI copies them in so many ways with a single piece of music. CRI also has a dreadful morning drive programme they inflict upon the world with pop-music because it is an hour in English and so "international." In Beijing CRI in French, English puts on lots of light classical music in the mid morning on FM for the bored ex-pats stuck at home? I hate the CRI reliance on just a few pieces of music repeated each year (or month) on the international broadcasts. You don't hear it, but because o their international language skills, they run a lot of internal-to-China bilingual pop radio, with repeaters around the country. Want all the traffic news from Beijing 1000 kilometres away? You got it. There are so many better ways to run radio as a local medium. AIR comes in weakly in the Northwest/B.C. but they play a lot of popular music as does R. Bangladesh when I was listening in Vietnam. However for World Music, we have a surplus of such in Vancouver with two more stations starting up this month, as well as occasional dribs and drabs from the CBC (mainly the English network). Several stations here got their licence for serving the multicultural (i.e. non-English community) but predominate in either the Cantonese and Punjabi/Hindi languages in the 'peak' hours, with tokens to other languages in the non-peak hours for an hour each. See CHKG/CJVB pairs (they also run two national TV cable-only networks) competing wth CHMB. CKYE is the newest of the Bhangra market. There are others. Music is nice if clear and yes I hate MP3 compression (Daniel Say, BC, ibid.) "Kilimandjaro" on Afrique No. 1, weekdays 1700-1800, for "musique afro caraïbéenne" (Scott Walker, New Cumberland PA USA, Dec 4, ibid.) 15475 Many thanks for the continued responses to the topic. I fear that it was my message to Rich that got the ball rolling on this one. My original suggestion to Rich was for non English "Easy Listening" alternatives with an emphasis on music. I asked the question because so many former English language broadcasters in general and RCI in particular have basically abandoned English language broadcasting to North America. I really enjoyed listening to them as a neighbor to the US and the unique perspective they have as a "foreign" country to us while being our next door neighbor. I'm trying to continue being a shortwave listener and was seeking new targets to listen to (Mike Wolfson, ibid.) Until recently, DW's German Service would have filled that bill, but as I understand it they are no longer on hf to NA either at all or only in the most limited fashion. Nonetheless, several broadcasters beam a longform (i.e.: over an hour) "home language" service in our direction and some of their programming includes music, much or most of it of a local nature. They include: REE, Spain RDP Internacional, Portugal RAI, Italy ERA5, Greece TRT/VOT, Turkey RHC, Cuba (+ Radio Rebelde on 5025) HCJB, Ecuador (9745 all evening; Musica del Ecuador in Spanish still on the schedule at last report) NHK, Japan CBS, Taiwan A Russian language international service consisting of mostly contemporary Russian pop/rock music on 7125 kHz and available all evening in NA. (Haven't checked on this one in a few months, however.) Radio Sawa [hasn`t been on SW for a long time now --- gh] Radio Farda AIR domestic service on 10330 kHz -- very strongly heard here over several hours in the mornings and early evenings -- especially late mornings. All of the above have web sites that provide frequencies and many have program details, some of which can be deciphered through use of an appropriate online language translation program like babelfish. Happy Exploring! (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, Dec 6, ibid.) ** IRAN [non]. Clandestina para Irán. MOLDAVIA?? 6225, Radio International, 1738-1800, escuchada el 12 de Diciembre en farsi, desde las 1738 con un segmento musical en forma de sintonía repetido una y otra vez. La transmisión comienza a las 1743 con un fragmento de ``Dire Straits``, cuñas de ID, locutor con comentarios y fragmentos musicales, referencias a los funerales de Augusto Pinochet, locutora con comentarios, SINPO 45343. Audio: http://valenciadx.multiply.com/music/item/284 (José Miguel Romero, Burjasot (Valencia) España, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also KURDISTAN I believe the transmitter site is the same R Zamaneh 6245 uses (Mykolaiv, UKRAINE). When 6225 R International and 6245 R Zamaneh are on the air at the same time, there always are strong mixing products on 6205 and 6265 (Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland, ibid.) 6225 1730-1830 40 SMF 500 129 241106 250307 UKR MNO GFC 6245 1700-2200 39,40 SMF 300 134 291006 250307 UKR NEW GFC Yes Sir, both via Mykolaiv, UKR, - former - SOVIET USSR VAIL - SMF short call still used, despite SMF is 275 kilometers away southeastwards. MNO - Merlin VT-Communications brokered, NEW - TDP? brokered. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) It appears that strong mixing products are typical for this site, at least under certain circumstances like specific antennas with similar azimuths being in use. I can't recall the frequencies in detail, but years ago Radio Ukraine International was at night on air via two transmitters, the still existing 49 metres outlet plus a now scrapped second one on 41 metres. They produced a mixing product somewhere in the 60 metres band which was so strong that it was widely believed to be a fundamental. By the way, Radio Zamaneh booked the airtime at Moscow as Andy had pointed out. So no further broker is involved here (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.) 6225, R International, *1733-1735, Dec 06, late sign on with signature melody, several ID’s in Farsi: ``Radio Anternationale``, political talks. On Dec 08 it signed on at *1728! 55454 (Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) 6261, UNID Clandestine item in DX-Window no. 312: It was a spurious signal from R Zamaneh on 6245 (Björn Fransson, Sweden, Nov 29, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) I have heard on this frequency a spur from R Zamaneh 6245. In addition, when R International 6225 and R Zamaneh 6245 are transmitting at the same time (around 1800 I recall) there is a mixing product on 6205 (Zamaneh) and 6265 (both). This may show that both are transmitted via same transmitter site (Jari Savolainen, Finland, Nov 30, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) I heard the same spurs on 6205 and 6265 on Dec 08 at 1728 when R International on 6225 signed on, but no spurs were noted on Dec 06 at 1733! Obviously an unstable transmitter is in use somewhere! (Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** IRELAND. RTÉ TO START DRM TESTS ON 252 KHZ Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed that the 252 kHz site (200 kW in analogue) is to have a new transmitter installed this week to allow the transmission of DRM on this frequency. At present, a date has not been set, but initial tests will take place in DRM mode between 0200-0500 UT, simulcasting RTÉ Radio 1. The power for the DRM broadcasts is not yet known. (Source: ``Jimbo`` via DRM Software Radio Forums) (December 13th, 2006, 11:01 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** JAPAN [and non]. NHK RADIO JAPAN'S YEAR END PARTY ON DEC. 31, ALL IN JAPANESE: 1030-1430 on 17565 BON 250 kW / 170 deg to SoAm 1300-1730 on 17860 SAC 250 kW / 240 deg to CeAm 1430-1500 on 21630 ASC 250 kW / 085 deg to WeCeAf 1430-1700 on 6175 SKN 250 kW / 150 deg to WeEu 1430-1700 on 9750 SKN 250 kW / 090 deg to EaEu 1430-1700 on 9805 EKA 300 kW / 310 deg to ME/WeAs 1430-1700 on 15355 GAB 500 kW / 170 deg to SoAf 1500-1700 on 7140 YAM 100 kW / 165 deg to AUS/NZ 1500-1730 on 11705 SAC 250 kW / 240 deg to NoAm 1700-1930 on 9835 YAM 300 kW / 055 deg to SoAm 1800-1930 on 12045 EKA 300 kW / 350 deg to SoAs 1900-1930 on 7140 YAM 100 kW / 165 deg to AUS/NZ (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) Apparently this concerns additional/expanded transmissions, and does not include regularly scheduled ones, such as 1300-1500 SAC on 11705? Which may also carry this program (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JORDAN. R. Jordan, 11690, Dec 12 at 1500-1503 with R. Jordan 96.3 FM ID and 3 minutes of news during pause in pop music before and after. All the news concerned the Middle East; how provincial (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KASHMIR. Dear Dxers, If you want to see the Radio Kashmir interesting video from CNN IBN, follow the link (Jaisakthivel, Chennai, India, Dec 12, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: Subject: Radio Kashmir Video Click on the link below to read the full story http://www.ibnlive.com/news/radio-lends-voice-to-pak-prisoners/28156-3.html (via Ardic DX Club, ibid.) Thanks. I visited the station and interviewed the director back in 1989. It will be interesting to see the station in the video (Andy Sennitt, ibid.) ** KASHMIR. INDIA? 4955, Kashmir, Radio Kashmir at 0152 UT. A few times IDs in Kashmiri then male announcer talking, SIO 444. A rare catch for me (Costa Constantinides, Cyprus, wwdxc BC-DX Dec 12 via DXLD) This item puzzles me up. From which country originate this outlet, how is the exact Identification of the station? ?former 6100 kHz Radio Voice of Kashmir? (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KURDISTAN [non?]. 3878v, Voice of Iranian Revolution, via Northern Iraq, *1520-1615, Dec 09 and 12, martial songs, 1525 IS for five minutes with theme from ``Schcherazada`` by Rimsky-Korsakoff, 1530 ID in Kurdish: ``Dangi shurashi Iranya – dangi shurashi Iranya – dangi shurashi Iranya Kurdistana`` followed by ``The Internationale``. Then political talks in Kurdish and jamming started 1530 on 3870. Until then 25232 heard // 4365, but nothing around 6420 (Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark and Bjarke Vestesen, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) 4365.5, Voice of Iranian Revolution, via Northern Iraq, *1520-1540, Dec 12, Kurdish // 3878v. Jamming started here at *1535 on 4365. Until then: 34444 (Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** LIBYA [non]. V. of Africa, 17725 via France, Dec 12 at 1512 with big carrier, hum/buzz and occasional clix, but no voice modulation (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MADAGASCAR [and non]. LOCAL MINISTRY TO EXTEND REACH OF 'GOD'S WORDS' --- WORLD CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING TARGETS MIDDLE EAST Edward Short, left, senior producer Chinese Department, and Edward Ho, producer Chinese Department, get ready to tape a Christian message in Chinese at the World Christian Broadcasting studios in Franklin. PHOTOS BY JOHN PARTIPILO / THE TENNESSEAN By SAMUEL SHU Staff Writer Published: Wednesday, 12/13/06 http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20061213&Category=NEWS06&ArtNo=612130418&SectionCat=&Template=printart A Franklin ministry that has long beamed Christian radio messages into China and Russia is adding Arabic programming and expanding its facilities to reach a potential audience of 5 billion people. World Christian Broadcasting is building new short-wave radio towers in Madagascar, off the African coast, to supplement the broadcasts it has been making from Alaska for decades. "Anchor Point, Alaska, is the west-most place with paved road on continental U.S. soil closest to Russia and Asia," said Edward Short, who speaks fluent Chinese. All the programming originates in Franklin, where Short and his colleagues record Christian messages in Chinese, Russian and English. These are then sent to Alaska for broadcast via short wave. When the Madagascar facility is ready perhaps in 2008 Arabic-language broadcasts also will be beamed into the Middle East. World Christian Broadcasting, an independent company affiliated with Churches of Christ, now has 30 employees in Franklin and four families to run the radio station in Alaska, said Charles Caudill, president and CEO of the firm. The 10,000-square-foot, one-story building they own in Franklin has 22 offices, four studios and two conference rooms. Annual budget to double The firm's annual budget is about $2 million, Caudill said. When it begins broadcasting the Arabic program, the budget is going to double. The entire operation is funded by donations from churches and individuals. About 70 percent of donations are from individuals and 30 percent are from churches, Caudill said. Several individuals donated $50,000 to $100,000 apiece last year. "Raising funds is not easy," said Channing Workman, director of development, "because there are so many worthy causes for people to support. But spreading God's words around the world is important, and we don't owe any money." The 20 hours of programs broadcast each day take a variety of forms. There are conversations, storytelling, preaching, marriage counseling and English teaching, but they all center on one message: "spreading God's words," Short said. "We all seek joy and peace. And the way to gain true joy and peace is through God. We strive for the propagation of the word of God to all people." God directs the signals Broadcasting to the other side of the world has one problem: There is no way of knowing how many listeners are tuning in. "Even though I don't know, God knows," said Edward Ho, a colleague at World Christian Broadcasting. "God knows when and where to direct the signals and messages." The breadth of the audience is one thing that brought Short a former missionary to World Christian Broadcasting. Started in the early 1980s, the broadcasting company first had its headquarters in Abilene, Texas. Its programming and other operations were in office space donated by the local Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Another radio ministry, Trans World Radio, got an earlier start, and now has a broader reach. Founded in 1952, TWR has programs in scores of languages and dialects that are aired from outlets around the world, including 14 international broadcasting locations. World Christian Broadcasting's idea for a short-wave Christian radio station was first conceived by Lowell Perry, a professor of communications at Abilene (Texas) Christian University, and Maurice Hall, the company's first president. They took their cue from the 1945 Yalta Conference where President Franklin Roosevelt communicated with his staff at home via short-wave radio, said Caudill. By the late 1980s, the company was ready to consolidate its headquarters and operations into one place. The firm had several requirements, Caudill said. It wanted a central and convenient location because it is easier to raise funds from such a place. A growing ethnic population would provide the talent pool needed for foreign-language broadcasting needs. A major university library is essential for programming research. A consultant came back with three suggestions: St. Louis, Dallas and Nashville, with Nashville on top. Since company officials already knew Nashville and had access to a familiar fund base, Nashville became a shoo-in, Caudill said. The firm opened its new offices in Franklin in 1990. Short, a Nashville native, joined in 1985, after almost two decades as a missionary. At 22, Short had gone to Taiwan with his wife to do mission work for the Churches of Christ. The couple spent nearly two years as full-time students learning Chinese. The Shorts then spent 13 of the next 16 years in Taiwan, where their two children were born. Short said he enjoyed his life in Taiwan. "The people there were so nice." Winning converts, however, was a different story. He and his wife would reach people on the street, in stores and through friends. They would invite people to their home. But, Short said, "it was difficult to make converts." Today, less than 5 percent of Taiwan's 23 million people are Christians, Short said. "Doing mission work over the radio does not provide much personal contact, but I can reach more people in one week than I would face to face in one year, maybe even longer," Short said. Heard in Antarctica To ensure the message is getting through, World Christian Broadcasting has three reception monitors in China and one each in Russia and the Philippines, Caudill said. These monitors listen to the broadcasts and tell the firm when it needs to change its frequencies. By international convention, short- wave channels are not assigned. People can choose to broadcast over whatever channel they find. Interference, intentional or not, is a fact of life over the short- wave spectrum. Constantly monitoring reception and changing channels is necessary. Once the monitors decide a channel is too jammed, the firm moves to a different one. Another way to gauge reception is through emails and letters from listeners, said Short. Since many listeners do not know how to write English, the broadcasters direct them to write to an address in Hong Kong. "We have a letter saying that the Chinese exploration team to Antarctica heard our broadcast," said Ho. "Our signal reached Antarctica all the way from the Arctic!" Published: Wednesday, 12/13/06 (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** MEXICO. I've been exploring Mexican station websites for inclusion in the information I'm compiling, and I've run across one from a station I'd be delighted to hear, that should get those of us who enjoy Mexican sounds in a feliz spirit for Navidad: http://www.jojutlaradio.com (Qal R. Mann, Krumudgeon IRCA via DXLD) XEART 1520; had (live?) webcam right on the wm player with a girl dewing some sewing (gh) see also RADIO PHILATELY ** NEW ZEALAND. Revised schedule of Radio New Zealand International from Dec. 6, all Rangitaiki site, 50 kW whether AM or DRM [I thought it was 100 kW on AM; deliberately QRP? --- gh]: 1300-1550 5950 000 deg AM All Pacific 1300-1550 7145 000 deg DRM All Pacific 1551-1750 9870 035 deg AM NE Pacific, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands 1551-1750 9890 035 deg DRM NE Pacific, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands 1751-1950 11725 000 deg AM All Pacific 1751-1850 11675 035 deg DRM NE Pacific, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands 1851-1950 15720 035 deg DRM NE Pacific, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands 1951-2259 17675 000 deg AM All Pacific 1951-2050 11675 325 deg DRM NW Pacific, Vanuatu, Solom Island 2051-2259 15720 325 deg DRM NW Pacific, Vanuatu, Solom Island 2300-0559 15720 000 deg AM All Pacific 2300-0559 17675 000 deg DRM All Pacific 0600-1059 9765 000 deg AM All Pacific 0600-1259 9890 000 deg DRM All Pacific 1100-1259 13840 325 deg AM NW Pacific, Bougainville, PNG, Timor, As (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. Frequency change of Radio Veritas Asia in Tagalog from Dec. 8: 1500-1600 NF 9620*PUG 250 kW / 300 deg, ex 9615 to avoid CRI Bengali on 9610 *strong co-channel All India Radio in Baluchi (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Some changes for Voice of Russia in DRM mode: 0700-0800 on 12060 MSK 035 kW / 240 deg in Russian RIR, additional 0800-1000 on 12060 MSK 035 kW / 240 deg in English WS, additional 1100-1300 on 12060 MSK 035 kW / 240 deg in German, cancelled 1300-1400 on 12060 MSK 035 kW / 240 deg in English WS, cancelled (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) ** SAUDI ARABIA. On Dec 11, I heard two Arabic speaking stations on 9555 at 1750-1757. One was CRI which closed down 1757*. The other one possibly mentioned ``Sout Majles al-taawon`` at 1754. But at 1800-1945 BSKSA, Riyadh was heard with its usual HS 1 programme in Arabic with several ID’s, 1800 news and reports, 1845 radioplay, 1900 phone interview mentioning President Mubarak, 45434 (Anker Petersen, Skovlunde, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** SCOTLAND [non]. RADIO SIX INTERNATIONAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY Just to alert you all to our CHRISTMAS DAY broadcasts – at last 9290 kHz from Ulbroka (100 kW) is operational again, and to celebrate we’re on air for four hours on Christmas morning. At 0600 I`ll be live and just about awake to open my CHRISTMAS STOCKING; at 0700 John Cavanagh hosts the festive edition of his SOUNDWAVE; at 0755 Nigel dewar Gibb offers a LETTER FROM SCOTLAND, and live at 0800 we count down the tracks our listeners have chosen as we present our annual RECORD OF THE YEAR show. So far many hundreds of listeners have voted – and the result is far from a foregone conclusion! 0600–1000 [UT?] from Glasgow, Scotland on 9290 on Christmas Day. And there will be random Christmas Presents for some of the Reception reports we receive!! Best regards for the season (TONY CURRIE, Programme Director, RADIO SIX INTERNATIONAL http://www.radiosix.com Dec 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOMALIA [non]. 17550, R Waaberi via Juelich, Germany verified an e- mail reception report with a simple e-mail reply acknowledging my reception in 10 days from v/s Ali Gulaid. His e-mail address: alimarshal @ yahoo.com (Richard D’Angelo, Whitfield, PA, U.S.A, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) ** U S A. VOA Bethany is now officially historic. The former Voice of America transmitter building near Cincinnati is named to the National Register of Historic Places. "It well deserves the honor because of its important position in helping us win World War II and telling other countries the truth of what was happening on the other side of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War." Cincinnati Equirer, 13 December 2006. West Chester Township seeking thirteen people to serve on board to develop a museum at the old VOA Bethany transmitting station. Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 December 2006. Russian jazz saxophone player Igor Butman: "I remember I heard this guy [Wynton Marsalis] on the Voice of America, and I was blown away." "Bloomberg, 11 December 2006. Posted: 13 Dec 2006 (links to three stories at http://www.kimandrewelliott.com/index.php?id=753 via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. AFN BROADCASTS `TASTE OF HOME` --- BUT TRANSFERS AND CUTBACKS IN LIVE SPORTS ARE AMONG AREAS OF CONCERN FOR CRITICS by Randy J. Stine, 12.06.2006 ALEXANDRIA, Va. Research shows that besides a good commissary, nothing is more important to U.S. service members and civilians overseas than hearing news and music from the United States. But cutbacks in live radio sports programming and the reassignment of personnel at the American Forces Radio and Television Service have resulted in fewer listening options. . . http://www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0052/t.527.html (via Barry Hartley, NZ, DXLD) ** U S A [non]. Frequency changes of WYFR Family Radio: 1300-1400 NF 5865 DB 100 kW / 135 deg, ex 7100 in English 1400-1700 NF 5865 DB 100 kW / 135 deg, ex 7100 in Hindi 1400-1500 on 5880 RUS or CIS transmitter in Hindi, maybe test? (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, Dec 12 via DXLD) ** U S A. When KOA moved to the present transmitter site (1959 I believe) it was way out in the country south of Denver. Now it is practically in the middle of the ever expanding Denver suburb of Parker. The land they are on must be quite valuable now. And of course they get complaints from their new neighbors about interference to everything from their telephone to their toaster. With all of the changes going on in Clear Channel lately nothing would surprise me (Patrick Griffith, Westminster CO http://community.webtv.net/N0NNK/ http://community.webtv.net/AM-DXer/ IRCA via DXLD) ** U S A. Laurel: to the Gallup Poll, for telling America the truth -- - only 26 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Rush Limbaugh, the buffoon whose only appeal is to the intellectually- challenged (Observerscope, Oklahoma Observer Nov 25 via DXLD) ** U S A. NEW RADIO FORMAT ANGERS LISTENERS RYAN J. FOLEY Associated Press December 13, 2006 Clear Channel Radio says high school and college sports are a better fit for Madison-area listeners than progressive talk radio. Those are fightin' words in Madison, a place where politics are fought between Democrats and liberals and "Impeach Bush" yard signs are not uncommon. The decision by the nation's largest operator of radio stations to replace its highly rated progressive talk station here with Fox Sports Radio has sparked a major backlash. Some advertisers have threatened a boycott, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition and a rally was scheduled Tuesday night to urge the San Antonio-based company to reconsider. . . http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/index.php?ntid=111035&ntpid=0 (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U S A. ADVERTISERS JOIN PROGRESSIVE RADIO LISTENERS AT WXXM Listeners and businesses upset with format change at The Mic looking to gather forces --- Kristian Knutsen on Tuesday 12/12/2006 04:12:28, On the morning of Nov. 29, Barbara Wright cut a commercial to run on 92.1 WXXM ("The Mic"), the Air America affiliate that will switch formats to Fox Sports come the New Year. The purpose of the commercial was to promote a rally that will be held tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the High Noon Saloon to demonstrate listener and advertiser support for the progressive talk radio format. . . http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=5047 (Isthmus, Madison WI, via Artie Bigley, DXLD) Since CC is divesting itself of hundreds of stations, why not this one and let some real Progressives own and run it? (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. Glenn, It looks like we will soon be losing Air America. THIS REALLY SUCKS!!! C.C. seems to be dropping AA all over the place.... http://www.progressive1230.com/main.html (Artie Bigley, OH, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That would be Columbus 1230 WTPG; says CHANGES ARE COMING --- but let`s hope the Babe of the Day, a fine Liberal tradition, stays, e.g.: http://www.progressive1230.com/cc-common/babes/botd1.html?image_string=/12_7_2006.jpg&month=1165467600 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. DC PIRATE RADIO 1710 Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:40 pm (PST) Just had this sent to me, thought some of you folks might be interested. I haven't been able to tune them in but there are some audio clips below. I don't look for pirates a lot, but it's been a long time since I've heard a political one from the US. Avast mateys! (Dan Murray, Brampton Ontario, ODXA via DXLD) Viz.: Subject: [EF!] DC Pirate Radio reminds VA MTR-connected powerline project of "Bolt Weevils" You'll like these audio pieces... From http://www.dc.indymedia.org --- DOMINION POWER PROPOSES MASSIVE POWER LINE PROJECT WHILE GLOBAL WARMING BURNS Author * WSQT Guerrilla Radio 1710 AM Date Created * 11 Dec 2006 License --- public domain This work is in the public domain Dominion Power is proposing a new 500 KV power line to connect "growth centers" in Northern Virginia to cheap coal power plants in Appalachia buringin [?] mountaintop-removal coal. The line would destroy a lot of $1M properties, exposing them to damage from "Bolt Weevils." AUDIO: http://dc.indymedia.org/usermedia/audio/3/war_ of_the_trees_dominion_ power_d11.mp3 http://dc.indymedia.org/usermedia/audio/8/more_ global_warming_consultants.mp3 (Luke Kuhn via Dan Murray, ODXA via DXLD) ** ZANZIBAR. RADIO TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR. DATE: 12-12-2006. TIME: 1755- 1805 UT. FREQUENCY: 11735 KHz. SIGNAL: VERY GOOD. LANGUAGE: SWAHILI & ENGLISH. PROGRAM: ID. NEWS IN ENGLISH, MUSIC. Audio clip available on http://francec58.multiply.com/music/item/238 73's (Francesco Cecconi, HCDX via DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE. NO OPERATIONAL BUDGET ALLOCATED FOR ZIMBABWE’S NEW EXTERNAL SERVICE Presenting the report of Zimbabwe`s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Communications on the 2007 budget allocations to the Ministry of Information and Publicity, chairman Cde Leo Mugabe told the House of Assembly that the 2007 budget for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation supports only one new project for external broadcasting - the Shortwave 24/7. However, only capital costs have been allocated. “While monies have been made available for capital development, no working capital was allocated. This makes it very difficult to operationalise this new project whose main elements are already in place and which is unlikely to attract commercial interest by virtue of its shortwave frequency,” he said. (Source: The Herald)(December 13th, 2006, 09:47 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Re 4695.2: R San Miguel, Riberalta, Bolivia, was stable for many months between 4905 and 4900. But in Oct-Nov it drifted to 4928 – 4937 where it no longer is heard. So it might be them! (Anker Petersen, Ed, DSWCI DX Window Dec 13 via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Heard a station this morning 12/12 around 1140-1210 UT in Spanish on 5010 kHz. Only thing I heard whole time was two M speaking at different times. First one was speaking a little more "excitedly," and mentioned a lot of different QTH's, including East coast of U.S. and Puerto Rico; maybe where reception reports were coming from? Second had lower pitch voice and either spoke softer or mic was at lower volume, so couldn't make out what he was saying. Heard first mention "Amanecer" one time in passing, but could've just been talking about the time of day ("dawn" or "daybreak" according to SP-EG/EG-SP dictionary I have) and not necessarily station ID. Was doing other things so wasn't right by receiver the whole time, but never did hear ID. Just got home 2200, and lots of QRN but nothing noted on 5010, though Guinea Ecuatorial booming in 5 kHz. lower. Maybe Dominican Republic station on in a.m.? But they were never very strong, and this one had decent signal, though fading out as sun was coming brightly over the horizon. Anybody else hear this? (Alex Vranes, Jr., Harpers Ferry, WV, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Exact same type programming heard 12/13 1150-1205, but signal weaker and band noisy on a very rainy day here, so couldn't really make out anything being said. Also another station underneath, probably the AIR station. Only other L.Am.'s heard at this time today are Guatemalans on 4780/4800, so C.Am./Caribbean QTH? Anyone else hearing this? (Alex, ibid.) If not D.R., Could be HRMI, R. Misiones Internacionales, Honduras, which is occasionally active on 5010, a (deliberate?) sesquiharmonic of 3340. 73, (Glenn, ibid.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Glen[n], I'm enjoying every single issue of the WOR! Keep on this excellent work! Merry Christmas and all the best for 2007 (Martin Ferdy - HB9DSP, Switzerland, Dec 12 with a PayPal donation) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ DX CLUB CLOSES ITS DOORS NEW ZEALAND; Regret to advise the New Zealand DX Radio Associated [sic] (incorporated) founded on the 7th January 1933, will close up on 31st December 2006. I prepared and mailed the final Tune In magazine a few days ago, now only the paper work and the financial side of things to look at. Our numbers have not been large in recent years, and kept getting less, and finally costs and general support caught up. Farewell to our friends, but some of us will continue to DX of course, and remain in contact (Ron Killick, Christchurch, NZ, Dec 12, HCDX via DXLD) RADIO PHILATELY +++++++++++++++ RADIO EDUCACION 1924-2004 SPECIAL CARD For all interested of radio and philatelic cards. The picture of special card and stamp for the 80th anniversary of Radio Educación, México "La cultura en la radio" is available on my blog: http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3436/598/1600/762136/File0013.jpg 73's (Francesco Cecconi, HCDX via DXLD) R A D I O E Q U I P M E N T F O R U M + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + NO Q ABOUT IT, TRAINS GIVE A HOOT AND TOOT Valley 101, Clay Thompson, Dec. 2, 2006 12:00 AM http://www.azcentral.com/news/columns/articles/1202clay1202.html I just got a note from some woman who said it irritates her when people who don't live in Flagstaff or haven't lived there in the past, refer to that city as "Flag." I didn't know there was some sort of rule about that. I can think of things more irritating than that, but we all have our little annoyances, I guess. Of course, that doesn't have anything to do with today's question, which is: Is the train whistle signal "tooooot-tooooot-ta-tooooot" (the Morse Code letter "Q") blown as a train approaches every railroad crossing a government regulation? And why the letter "Q"? Trains are required to signal whenever they approach a grade crossing, but I think that particular long-long-short-long signal they use was a tradition before it might have been required by law. And it doesn't have anything to do with Morse code. The "Q" thing is just a coincidence. Back before they could use radios or walkie-talkies, railroad engineers needed some method of communication with their crews or with the rail yard workers or anybody else who needed to know what a train might be up to. So they came up with a series of whistle signals to let others know what was going on. Why the long-long-short-long pattern for crossing? For one thing is distinctive, sort of dramatic. It's a good attention- getter. You're not likely to miss it, and you're not likely to mistake it for someone just tooting a train whistle at random. One thing I read said that a arrangement of long note, long note, short note and a long note at a lower pitch was a very common cliché in Renaissance music, but I doubt if a lot of early train engineers had studied much Renaissance music. I am told that pattern of notes is a mordent, but since I don't know exactly what mordent might be I don't know if that is so. Anyway, there are all sorts of train whistle signals. When a train passes through a station where it isn't stopping, it sounds one long blast. Two shorts means a train is about to move ahead and three short toots means it is getting ready to back up. You probably think I knew all this already, but actually I stole most of it from http://www.sdreader.com (via radiointel.com via DXLD) PHIL'S 2006 SW RADIO BUYING GUIDE Phil checks in with his end of year picks and tips with his 2006 SW Radio Buying Guide. [download the pdf file] Nov 8 http://www.azcentral.com/news/columns/articles/1202clay1202.html (Radiointel.com via DXLD) Better portables only DIGITAL BROADCASTING ++++++++++++++++++++ DRM: see ANGUILLA; IRELAND; NEW ZEALAND; RUSSIA DRM DOESN`T CUT IT; SURVEY Hi amigos radioaficionados worldwide! Your short wave receiver is now tuned to Radio Havana Cuba's twice weekly radio hobby program, Dxers Unlimited, with yours truly, Arnie Coro at the microphone. Here is item two: DRM, Digital Radio Mondiale totally stalled according to the opinion of mass media experts, that rightfully have voiced their opinions that without low cost radios capable of picking up the DRM short wave broadcasts, the digital transmission system is doomed to failure. Besides the lack of receivers at a reasonable cost, those who have already experienced DRM reception not at a one day demonstration, but on a regular, daily basis, are telling engineers that the total drop out of the audio output experienced by DRM broadcasts is very annoying to say the least. For those of you not familiar with DRM, Digital Radio Mondiale, it is a standard specifically created to broadcast digitally instead of using the classic analog radio modulation technologies, AM and FM that we listen to every day. Stations broadcasting using DRM have not made public audience research statistics or comments by potential listeners, something that in my humble opinion really doesn't help DRM at all, because lack of such information is something to worry about. According to several mass media researchers, the pattern followed during the introduction of DRM technology for short wave broadcasting is basically wrong, because low cost radios for DRM reception have not become available yet, and besides that, the promotion of the technology has also been mishandled by the DRM Consortium, who seems to be much more concerned about the engineering problems regarding the transmitters than with the actual reception of the broadcasts. More about digital communications modes later, as Dxers Unlimited's mid week edition continues. I am Arnie Coro in Havana, Sí amigos, yes my friends, I want to ask each and every one of Dxers Unlimited listeners around the world a single question today. Get ready for writing it down, as I think this is going to be one of the first ever open polls about DRM Digital Radio Mondiale. In a couple of minutes I will be formulating the question, to give you a chance to find paper and a pen or pencil to write it down. In the meantime let me add that radio amateurs are using digital communications modes with a high degree of reliability and energy efficiency. A keyboard to keyboard narrowband mode, PSK31 is now, at the low ebb of the solar cycle, becoming more and more popular among those amateur radio operators around the world that have learned how to connect their computers to their radios. PSK31 running between 10 and 25 Watts power has proven to be extremely effective on the 20 meters ham band, and as recycled computers become cheaper and their availability increases, more and more radio amateurs around the world are learning how to communicate using PSK31. Now, ready for today's question... Here we go... Ready to copy: Here we go: Have you ever listened to Digital Radio Mondiale, DRM broadcast transmissions on short wave? Again, here is the basic question: Have you ever listened to Digital Radio Mondiale, DRM broadcasts transmission on short wave ? And in case that your answer is yes: again, in case your answer is yes, give your impressions about those DRM broadcasts regarding quality and reliability of reception. So, in case you have listened to DRM add your comments about quality and reliability of reception to your YES answer to the question. As soon as all the answers are received here, I will compile them and analyze them using standard statistical methods, and of course, made the results of this poll public, by reading them on the air, and publishing them on our website. Your answers about DRM will certainly help to have a much better picture of what's happening with this technology, amigos (Arnie Coro, CO2KK, RHC DXers Unlimited Dec 12 via ODXA via DXLD) DRM PRESENTATION Wed January 31st 6 pm for 6:30 pm start [UT Feb 1 at 0000/0030] at the Telford Lecture Theatre, BAE Systems, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8HN. The World Standard Digital Solution for Improving Short Wave Broadcasting. Jonathan Stott of the BBC Technology Group will explain how Digital Radio Mondiale works and will illustrate its development, testing and service launch. 73 (Trevor M5AKA Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/ monitoringmonthly yg via DXLD) INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTERS AND OTHERS BECOMING SCEPTICAL OVER DRM Message List --- Less than enthusiastic outlook via crosspost... Just been reading an 8 page article The Future of Radio 2 in the just published World Radio TV Handbook 2007, a series of interviews as a follow up to last years with much mention of DRM. Summarising the views given: Nigel Chapman, Director BBC World Service: Not very optimistic over DRM. Keeping toe in the water but not investing any more in DRM at the moment. What's the market? BBCWS cutting back on European languages and radio generally for television. May be some possibilities in Asia. "As you've probably already gathered we're members of the DRM sceptics club in Bush House." Guido Baumhauer, Managing Director, Strategy, Marketing and Distribution , Deutsche Welle: Ready to go digital in a big way if and when receivers are more commonly available. However customers will buy DRM receivers only if there are more and better programmes. DW is following a multi platform strategy including television and streaming internet services using P2P technology and on demand audio and television. Mathew Palmer and Martin Orell of The Technology Partnership, experts in RF design and product development: See DRM as a bolt on technology to DAB but can't see a commercial return. "The question we would ask is why bother?" They were very early into DAB but all the research and development is now going into interactive mobile TV and radio and on demand services. David Jackson, Director of Voice of America: No plans to broadcast in DRM. "We're not going to try to convince people to use it for the sake of using it. We'll wait until we see evidence that people are using DRM before we adopt it." Richard Hunt, Head of Broadcast Services at VT Communications: DRM not made the progress hoped for since last year. DRM has focused too much, in his view, on international cross border broadcasting whose audience is a very small percentage of the total radio audience. DRM should push more within the domestic area. "I'm not terribly conversant with the finer points of the receiver market but it's as though DRM doesn't really excite the enthusiasm of the manufacturers." DRM is still a work in progress "Your average member of the public might find it (DRM) quite difficult to use." "There's still a lot of functionality in DRM that hasn't yet been completely nailed down, like autotuning." Keen on what he calls DRM 120 not because of the mode but because it uses spectrum already allocated to broadcasting. China interested in possibilites of DRM and putting DRM capable transmitters into their shortwave sites. "The worrying side of it is whether perhaps they'll try and control the receivers and so control what the population hears." The article deals with other aspects of radio development as well as DRM, well worth a read through at Borders if you don't regularly buy a copy of the Handbook (Mike Barraclough, Dec 7, via DRMNA yg via DXLD) NO MORE ANALOG TV IN THE NETHERLANDS The analog TV transmitters in the Netherlands were turned off this morning: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/world/4393351.html To my knowledge all European countries are using the same system, DVB- T. It's similar in many aspects to our ATSC, except that they use a modulation scheme called "COFDM". The frequency allocations may differ; to my knowledge all European countries *are* going all-UHF. In our 8VSB system, a single carrier frequency is transmitted; it has 8 possible signal strengths. In COFDM, many carrier frequencies (128 IIRC but I'm probably wrong) are used within the same channel. 8VSB provides better coverage for a given power level. However, it doesn't handle multipath ("ghosting") very well. Mobile reception (on cell phones, or if a station uses some of its bandwidth for something other than TV) doesn't work very well. COFDM requires more power to cover a given area. However, it handles multipath and mobile applications much better. In general, in the States a given TV "station" is expected to cover its entire service area with a single high-powered transmitter. In Europe, a TV "station" is expected to use dozens of smaller transmitters to reach their service area. Hence, the different choices in modulation schemes. (ironically... while it looks like Europe is going all-UHF for their DTV, their COFDM modulation scheme would probably work better at VHF than our 8VSB...) ===================================== The European DTV standard allows for HDTV, but unlike in the States, high-definition is not the underlying reason for going digital. I'm not 100% certain there is any broadcast HDTV in Europe - if there is, there hasn't been for long, and if there isn't, there will be very soon. Looks like multicasting is the reason for going digital over there. -- (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, http://www.w9wi.com WTFDA via DXLD DVB-T IN ASIA DVB-T (digital video broadcasting- terrestrial), called DTT (digital terrestrial television) by the BBC (not correct as there is radio as well) or Freeview (also not correct as subscription channels can be included) is spreading rapidly. Shortly before my recent trip to the far east I read that Malaysia was running a DVB-T trial in the Klang valley and proving set top boxes for up to 1000 trialists. I decided to take a Silver Crest (Lidl) DVB-T SL65 box with me to check it out. Shortly after arriving in Malaysia I connected the box to my hosts TV and aerial using phono leads (no scarts outside Europe) and found one multiplex on channel 44. There were 5 TV programmes and 7 radio programmes using 8K mode. The TV programmes were RTM 1, RTM 2, ( the national networks equivalent to the BBC), RTM i, (believed to be an interactive channel but only showing colour bars), Muzik Aktif, a new video channel showing Malay videos in blocks such as ballads, traditional pop, etc., and EPG which was relaying RTM 1. All the channels were in 4:3 mode and none had teletext or subtitles. There was however a working EPG. The radio channels were Klasik Nasio, Muzik FM, KL FM, Traxx FM, AI FM, Minnal FM, and Asyik FM. I didn’t really investigate these though I believe most are available on FM. I also visited Vietnam but did not take my set top box as I knew I would be staying in hotels and hotels don’t generally provide direct off air feeds to the room TVs. However in Hue in central Vietnam I saw DVB-T boxes in the shops and got a demonstration of a Philips box, costing around £26, in one shop. There were 26 services available including international services such as BBC World and DW TV but no radio. The menus on the box were all in Vietnamese so I could not investigate further but I gather the service is available in Hanoi and Saigon as well (Gareth Foster, Dec 12, BDXC-UK via DXLD) BUYING A NEW TV [continued from 6-183] I might be able to help some with this one. You'll want to find a TV capable of both NTSC (analog) and ATSC (digital). QAM is the cable delivery method, so you don't need that. Plasma used to be the leader in flat panel displays, but LCD is catching up. I'm an LCD guy myself, so I'm a little biased. Generally, plasma provides more vivid color and deeper black levels, but has the drawback of potential screen burn-in if you leave one image up for too long and is generally considered to be less reliable over the long haul, although of course, nobody really knows that yet. LCD is a bit behind plasma in black levels, but is pretty close on color. Typically, LCD TVs will have a lower contrast ratio than plasmas, but you can't compare those measurements because they aren't apples to apples between the two displays. Any LCD with 1000:1 contrast ratio should have plenty of contrast and any modern plasma should be fine in that regard too. I have a couple of Westinghouse brand LCDs that work great for me. Others stick with the established brands. Olevia also makes TVs that lots of people like at a resonable price. Probably the best place for information is AVS Forum. Here's a link to the plasma/LCD section. There's a ton of info on specific models etc. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40 http://www.crutchfield.com is good too. You'll probably have to see the TVs in person to check for blue screen. Hope this helps! (Glen Hale, Dec 11, WTFDA via DXLD) Also check the December issue of Consumer Reports magazine. They have a good spread on the TV's as well as the termonolgy. Check your library! (John Ebeling, MN, ibid.) IBOC: THE PUBLIC IS SKEPTICAL AT BEST ABOUT HD RADIO Radio Magazine's Digital Radio Update for December 6, 2006 tells us what the general public seems to think about the HD Radio roll-out. The predominant tone was skeptical at best. http://tinyurl.com/yyeme4 (CGC Communicator via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) WTWP resumed using their IBOC. I can hear it LOUD and FUZZY today 12/12 (Bill Harms, Elkridge, Maryland, 1941 UT, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) WTNT 570 and WTEM 980 are both running IBOC as of 1934 EST 12/12. They also seem to be stronger than usual and might be running on their daytime powers and antenna patterns. At least WTWP turned off their IBOC (Bill Harms, MD, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Washington DC- area PROPAGATION +++++++++++ SCIENTISTS AT ODDS OVER SUNSPOT CYCLE Last Updated: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 | 10:27 AM ET The Associated Press http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2006/12/13/tech-sunspot.html Scientists are deadlocked over the severity of the next sunspot cycle, which could produce powerful solar storms capable of disrupting communication systems on Earth. A panel of space weather forecasters has been sifting through about three dozen predictions from 15 nations that differ widely in how intense the next solar cycle will be. The group, run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and funded by NASA, aims to make an official prediction in spring 2007. This view of the sun shows activity above large areas of stormy solar activity. Scientists are debating whether the next sunspot cycle will lead to storms capable of disrupting communications on Earth. This view of the sun shows activity above large areas of stormy solar activity. Scientists are debating whether the next sunspot cycle will lead to storms capable of disrupting communications on Earth. (NASA/Associated Press) [caption?] While scientists have observed sunspots -- dark, cool blemishes -- on the sun's surface since the days of Galileo, they've been unable to accurately forecast the severity of the eruptions associated with the spots. Sunspots are best known for triggering solar flares. The debate over the next cycle, known as solar cycle 24, has been "passionate," said Douglas Biesecker, a physicist at NOAA's Space Environment Center who heads the panel. 'It's like listening to a freight train in the distance to estimate the size of the train.'-- David Hathaway, NASA sunspot researcher No clear prediction has emerged yet from the various computer models that simulate the sun's activity, Biesecker said Tuesday during a meeting of the American Geophysical Union. Forecasts vary so wildly that predictions for the peak sunspot number range from 42 to 185. "You have scientists who each have their own idea of what the cycle is going to be and everybody believes they're right," Biesecker said. Magnetic energy Governments and companies increasingly rely on space weather forecasts to guard against possible failures of power grids and radio communications when solar storms explode with massive bursts of magnetic energy and radiation that barrel toward Earth at millions of kilometres per hour. Solar activity occurs when the sun's magnetic field lines twist and turn as it rotates. The process spews millions of tonnes of superheated charged particles into space. Scientists at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research made headlines earlier this year when they predicted that solar cycle 24 will be between 30 per cent and 50 per cent stronger than the current one and will begin a year later. The researchers based their forecast on a sophisticated computer model that others contend has not yet been proven reliable. Effect on Hubble The intensity of the next sunspot cycle could have consequences for the aging Hubble Space Telescope, which has beamed back stunning images of star births and galaxies, said Dean Pesnell, a project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center who predicts a weak solar cycle. A weak cycle would mean that Hubble would experience less atmospheric drag and stay in orbit longer while a strong cycle could force NASA to boost the telescope so that it stays in place, Pesnell said. David Hathaway, a researcher at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center who predicts a strong sunspot cycle, said the biggest hurdle is trying to forecast how the sun will act with little data to work with. "It's like listening to a freight train in the distance to estimate the size of the train," Hathaway said. © The Canadian Press, 2006 (via CBC News via Dan Say, BC, DXLD) GABON??? 17660 Emisora musical Afro-pop. Saludos cordiales, hoy 13 de Diciembre a las 1400 UT he sintonizado en 17660 la emisora musical afro-pop, me sorprende mucho la tremenda señal con que llega, con SINPO 45444; sin embargo un chequeo rápido por la banda de 16 m se puede observar que a ésta hora las condiciones de escucha no son buenas y prácticamente no se escucha ninguna emisora a excepción de La Voz de Grecia en 17525, la BBC en 17830 y Radio Kuwait en 17885 y 17895, ninguna otra emisora se a podido escuchar en esa banda. ¿Es posible con estas condiciones de escucha determinar que la emisora Afro-pop pueda venir de Gabón? Yo sigo con muchas dudas y sigo pensando que es Francia el lugar de transmisión de esta misteriosa emisora, quizás me equivoque, pero en un día tan malo para la escucha, donde las condiciones de propagación no son nada buenas, las únicas emisoras que se escuchan son cercanas y potentes, tengo muchas dudas del origen de transmisión de esta emisora (José Miguel Romero, Spain, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) José, There was a solar flare at 0240 UT Dec 13, which accounts for the lack of signals on 16m; however, when this happens low-latitude signals from the equatorial regions are not affected, or even enhanced. You are only about 750 km from Issoudun, France, and that is too close for big first-hop signals on 17 MHz. You should not expect to get stronger signals from there than elsewhere because you are close; quite the contrary. You are too close and most of these signals skip over you. (Except for the occasional sporadic-E opening, which could be happening around winter solstice.) Thus your strong signal from the music jammer on 17660 is entirely consistent with it coming from Gabon, not France. 73, (Glenn, ibid.) Saludos cordiales Glenn, interesante su explicación; sin embargo las emisiones de Issoudun en Francia en esa banda y a esa hora se escuchan muy bien aquí, sin antena. Estas transmisiones junto a las de la BBC son captadas con la antena de ferrita, sin necesidad de desplegar la antena telescópica y por supuesto sin tener conectada la antena radio master, llegan que rompen, a pesar de mi proximidad. Con la emisora Afro-pop ocurre lo mismo, llega muy fuerte, no es necesario antena, siempre con señal inalterable; en el día de hoy me ha llamado mucho la atención esta particularidad. No es normal que las emisoras de la banda de 16 m hubieran desaparecido, ya que normalmente en ese horario consigo captar varias, sin embargo hoy no. África Nº 1 siendo de Gabón hoy no se escuchaba, cuando normalmente llega bastante bien; sin embargo hoy no se captaba nada, tan solo las emisoras que he mencionado, que por cierto llegaban con gran fuerza, señal 4 y 5, pero las demás nada de nada. 73 (José Miguel Romero, Valencia, ibid.) Such as 17610, 17725 Libyan relay, 17620 RFI? Well, experience trumps theory as long as we are sure of the variables. I know that 17 MHz and even 15 MHz signals are ordinarily only poorly heard here at such a distance. Could be the antenna at Issoudun puts out a high angle signal which means it comes down shorter; and/or with most of the signal going directly over you, a significant fraxion returns via backscatter? And temporary short-skip Es openings could be misleading. But the absence of ANU 17630 while 17660 was heard is intriguing. I wonder if 19160 was making it then? (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ARNIE CORO'S HF PLUS LOW BAND VHF PROPAGATION UPDATE AND FORECAST And now amigos, as always at the end of the show, here is Arnie Coro's HF plus low band VHF propagation update and forecast. Solar activity is moving slowly down, and we haven't seen more big solar flares during the past several days, after the unusual X9 and X6.5 flares generated by active sunspot region 930. Solar flux is now around 90 units and moving down, but, we may see more more class C solar flares during the next two to three days. Local evening propagation conditions are going to be good between 3 and 10 megaHertz, but the maximum useable frequency available to any part of the world from your location is going to drop dramatically as the sun sets. And at daybreak, the maximum useable frequency curve will show a very slow upward swing, because of the low solar flux prevailing at this moment. An early start of the winter Sporadic E season may be in progress, so watch for E skip signals on low band TV stations, channels 2 to 4 in the Americas, and for 10 and 6 meter amateur bands DX anywhere in the northern hemisphere (Arnie Coro, CO2KK, RHC DXers Unlimited Dec 12 via ODXA via DXLD) Field activity was at quiet levels during 04 – 05 December. Activity increased to unsettled to minor storm levels on 06 December with periods of major to severe storm levels at high latitudes. This increase was due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. The field remained disturbed for the rest of the period with quiet to active levels and periods of minor to major storm at high latitudes. ACE data showed increased velocities beginning 05 December, which continued through the period. Velocities peaked at 632 km/sec at 07/0553 UTC. Maximum southward IMF Bz during the disturbance was – 11 nT at 06/1057 UTC. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 13 DEC 2006 - 08 JAN 2007 Solar activity is expected to be at very low to moderate through 18 December with isolated major flare activity possible. Activity is expected to decrease to very low to low levels during 19 - 30 December with the departure of Region 930 on 18 December. Activity is expected to increase to low to moderate levels during 31 December – 08 January with the return of Region 930. A greater than 10 MeV proton event is possible until Region 930 departs the disk on 18 December. No proton events are expected during the rest of the period. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels during 13 and 22 - 25 December and 04 – 08 January. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to active levels through 14 December. Quiet levels are predicted during 15 – 19 December. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to minor storm levels during 20 – 23 December and 02 – 04 January due to recurrent coronal hole high-speed wind stream. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected during the rest of the period. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2006 Dec 12 2154 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center # Product description and SEC contact on the Web # http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2006 Dec 12 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2006 Dec 13 90 10 3 2006 Dec 14 90 10 3 2006 Dec 15 90 5 2 2006 Dec 16 90 5 2 2006 Dec 17 90 5 2 2006 Dec 18 85 5 2 2006 Dec 19 80 5 2 2006 Dec 20 80 15 3 2006 Dec 21 80 20 4 2006 Dec 22 85 15 3 2006 Dec 23 85 15 3 2006 Dec 24 85 5 2 2006 Dec 25 85 5 2 2006 Dec 26 85 5 2 2006 Dec 27 85 15 3 2006 Dec 28 85 5 2 2006 Dec 29 90 5 2 2006 Dec 30 95 5 2 2006 Dec 31 100 5 2 2007 Jan 01 100 5 2 2007 Jan 02 95 25 5 2007 Jan 03 95 25 5 2007 Jan 04 90 15 3 2007 Jan 05 90 10 3 2007 Jan 06 90 5 2 2007 Jan 07 90 15 3 2007 Jan 08 90 15 3 Space Weather Message Code: SUMX01 Serial Number: 63 Issue Time: 2006 Dec 13 0333 UTC SUMMARY: X-ray Event exceeded X1 Begin Time: 2006 Dec 13 0214 UTC Maximum Time: 2006 Dec 13 0240 UTC End Time: 2006 Dec 13 0257 UTC X-ray Class: X3.4 Optical Class: 4b Location: S05W23 NOAA Scale: R3 - Strong NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at http://www.sec.noaa.gov/NOAAscales Thank you for using the SEC Product Subscription Service (via DXLD) Official Space Weather Advisory issued by NOAA Space Environment Center, Boulder, Colorado, USA SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN #06- 4 2006 December 13 at 8:02 a.m. MST (2006 December 13 1502 UTC) **** ACTIVE SUNSPOT GROUP PRODUCES SIGNIFICANT FLARE **** NOAA sunspot Region 930 produced a category R3 (Strong) radio blackout with an associated S2 (Moderate) solar radiation storm at 0240 UTC, 13 December (9:40 P.M. EST, 12 December). The SOHO/LASCO instrument also observed a powerful and fast Earth directed coronal mass ejection with this activity. As a result of this activity, a significant geomagnetic storm is expected to impact the Earth approximately 1800 UTC, 14 December (1:00 P.M. EST). NOAA sunspot Region 930 yielded a strong R3 radio blackout and a strong S3 solar radiation storm on 05 December. This region has been unproductive over the past five days. The active region is now a large sunspot cluster which is still rotating across the visible disk. Because of the current position of Region 930, further activity has greater potential to promptly impact Earth. Agencies impacted by space weather storms should continue to closely monitor space weather conditions during the next five days. Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA, USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services and other observatories, universities, and institutions. More information is available at SEC's Web site http://sec.noaa.gov Thank you for using the SEC Product Subscription Service (via DXLD) GEMINIDS METEOR SHOWER PLUS Es Hi all, There has already been reported some activity from this shower, but it really fires up tonight (Tuesday). The sources are reporting thsat it will peak around 0900 UT December 14 [Thursday]. Great conditions should be expected Wednesday night, Thursday Morning and again Thursday night This is a great North to South path shower. It will get active around 9 PM local, drop down a bit around 2-3 AM (the shower is overhead) and then stay active till about 9 AM local. Meteor showers have good years and bad years. But on good years there is no finer meteor shower. You TV and FMBC M.S. enthusiasts should enjoy this one. Back when I didn't have a local Ch. 2, it was fun watching 3 to 4 TV stations show up on a long burn. Sporadic E Also, 6 Meters (50 MHz) has been quite busy this evening. Hopefully you all have been catching and little TV DX. I haven't seen any evidence of the MUF being too high here in Texas, but signals out east and northeast have been outstanding on 6 Meters. Good Luck (Art KA5DWI Jackson, Dec 12, ABDX via DXLD) GEOMAGNETIC INDICES - GEOI Phil Bytheway - Seattle WA - phil_tekno @ yahoo.com Geomagnetic Summary August 17 2006 through December 13 2006 Tabulated from daily email status Date Flux A K Space Wx Au 8/17 86 2 1 no storms x 18 86 4 1 no storms x 19 89 10 2 no storms 4 20 89 25 6 moderate 9 21 88 26 2 moderate 3 22 88 24 2 no storms x 23 81 20 4 no storms 7 24 78 7 1 no storms 3 25 78 5 3 no storms x 26 77 1 0 no storms 6 27 76 1 0 no storms 3 28 79 15 3 minor 9 29 76 10 1 no storms 6 30 73 8 0 no storms 5 8/31 74 7 1 no storms 6 9/ 1 83 7 2 no storms 9 2 77 12 2 no storms 7 3 76 8 2 no storms 7 4 77 6 1 no storms 4 5 79 26 3 moderate 8 6 80 12 1 no storms 5 7 84 7 2 no storms 5 8 87 8 2 no storms 5 9 87 8 1 no storms x 10 86 2 1 no storms 1 11 87 6 1 no storms 5 12 85 8 1 no storms 3 13 84 4 1 no storms 6 14 83 5 0 no storms 3 15 83 5 1 no storms x 16 80 1 0 no storms 1 17 79 2 1 no storms 4 18 78 8 4 no storms 6 19 74 23 4 minor 7 20 73 15 2 no storms 7 21 71 6 1 no storms 4 22 71 5 2 no storms x 23 72 3 2 no storms 4 24 70 9 3 no storms 9 25 70 10 2 minor x 26 70 23 3 no storms x 27 71 7 1 no storms 6 28 72 5 1 no storms 5 29 73 2 1 no storms 2 9/30 77 5 2 no storms 5 10/ 1 78 15 2 no storms 6 2 78 15 2 minor x 3 78 25 1 no storms x 4 77 7 2 no storms 2 5 77 6 2 no storms x 6 77 3 0 no storms x 7 76 3 1 no storms 4 8 77 7 3 no storms 5 9 75 8 1 no storms 5 10 75 8 1 no storms x 11 75 5 0 no storms x 12 74 4 0 no storms 4 13 74 3 2 no storms x 14 73 23 4 no storms 9 15 72 19 3 no storms 4 16 71 15 2 no storms 8 17 70 8 1 no storms 6 18 70 8 1 no storms x 19 x x x x x 20 70 2 0 no storms x 21 70 4 4 no storms x 22 71 12 4 no storms x 23 x x x x x 24 x x x x x 25 76 4 2 no storms x 26 75 6 2 no storms x 27 75 9 1 no storms x 28 72 1 1 no storms x 29 72 3 3 no storms x 30 73 20 4 no storms x 10/31 76 11 2 no storms x 11/ 1 80 5 2 no storms 2 87 5 2 no storms 3 88 9 3 no storms 4 87 10 2 no storms 5 86 6 2 no storms 6 85 7 1 no storms 7 84 2 1 no storms 8 85 1 0 no storms 9 86 0 0 no storms 10 89 7 3 no storms 11 91 35 3 moderate 12 97 22 3 no storms 13 97 9 1 no storms 14 95 2 0 no storms 15 95 2 1 no storms 16 96 6 1 no storms 17 94 9 1 minor 18 90 7 1 no storms 19 89 2 1 no storms 20 85 4 1 no storms 21 81 0 0 no storms 22 78 0 0 no storms 23 77 1 3 no storms 24 77 15 2 minor 25 77 16 2 minor 26 79 12 3 no storms 27 78 14 3 no storms 28 82 10 1 no storms 29 86 7 2 no storms 11/30 86 6 1 no storms 12/ 1 84 20 1 minor 2 84 5 2 no storms 3 87 3 1 no storms 4 87 2 0 no storms 5 92 0 0 no storms 6 102 3 1 strong 7 103 24 4 strong 8 96 22 3 strong 9 96 25 3 moderate 10 92 5 2 moderate 11 x x x x 12 92 12 2 minor 12/13 102 22 4 minor ********************************************************************** (IRCA DX Monitor Dec 16 via DXLD) TIPS FOR RATIONAL LIVING ++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE OKLAHOMA OBSERVER The state`s Liberal opposition fortnightly finally has a website, http://www.okobserver.net/ which will encourage you to subscribe with a table of contents for recent issues. Couldn`t do better! Includes media criticism (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ###