QSLs in April 2012

 QSLs for the month of April 2012

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (QSL card) transmitting via Ahwaz

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (QSL card) transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria, Vatican
Radio Pakistan (eQSL) transmitting from Islamabad

Radio Canada International (QSL card) transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria

Radio Canada International (QSL letter) transmitting from Kimjae, Republic of Korea

Radio Canada International (QSL letter) transmitting from Yamata, Japan

Sawtu Linjiila Radio / Media Broadcast (eQSL) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany

Beacon of Hope / Media Broadcast (eQSL) transmitting from Nauen, Germany

Radio Japan (QSL) transmitting from Issoudun, France

China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Bamako, Mali

China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Cerrik, Albania

China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Issoudun, France

Athmik Yatra Radio (eQSL) transmitting from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Radio Dardasha 7 / Bible Voice Broadcasting (eQSL and QSL card) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany

Radio Tirana (2 QSL cards) transmitting from Shijak, Albania

VOA-IBB (QSL card) transmitting Poro Point, Luzon, Philippines

Atlantic 2000 International (eQSL) via Internet

Promised:

Radio Prague  via the Internet

Caribbean Beacon transmitting from The Valley, Anguilla

Trans World Radio India transmitting from Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Radio Canada International (QSL letter) transmitting from Tinang, Philippines

All India Radio Schedules

es

All India Radio mailed these broadcast schedules along with a cover letter. Interestingly I have pursued AIR for over a year now regarding approximately a dozen reception reports for about as many stations located around the subcontinent, all to no avail. I suppose with these schedules it's a step in the right direction. I can only hope that eventually some of these stations will be verified.

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (via Ahwaz)

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran transmitting from Ahwaz was logged on 6 December 2011.  An English language broadcast was heard from 13.00 to 14.29 UTC on 13.840 kHz. 

Reception report was initially emailed shortly after being logged in December 2011. PR material, minus a promised QSL card, arrived in early 2012. A follow-up email garnered the QSL card and more promotional material, including a calendar, sticker, card. magazine and Islamic literature, all of which arrived on 30 April 2012.

Bart Simpson on Short-wave Radio

Bart Simpson at his eloquent best!!! "I'll always be a shortwave listener. If it transmits, I will listen."

Radio Prague (Internet)

Radio Prague in the Czech Republic was logged on 28 April 2012. An English language broadcast of news, commentary, music and cultural insight was heard from 22.00 to 22.30 UTC on the Internet via Radio Prague’s website at www.radio.cz/en. Excellent streaming and sound quality was noted during the 30 minute broadcast. 

A reception report was submitted on-line and the promise of a QSL card was promptly acknowledged. A QSL card indeed arrived in the mail with a programme schedule and souvenir ruler on 23 May 2012.

Bangladesh Betar (Medium-Wave)

Bangladesh Betar, transmitting from Dhaka-ka, was logged on 27 April 2012. A Bangla language broadcast consisted of news, music and radio drama. This domestic broadcast was monitored from 14.15 to 15.00 UTC on 693 kHz (MW). Reception (SINPO) at 14.15 UTC was 34333 -- fair signal strength with occasional fading every 7 to 10 minutes, then interference from a Chinese language station, otherwise speech and music was clear and audible.

Reception report was emailed to Bangladesh Betar. QSL card and letter from Bangladesh Betar arrived in the mail on 16 May 2012.

Radio Japan - NHK World (via Bonaire)

Radio Japan - NHK World, transmitting via Bonaire, Netherland Antilles, was logged on 25 April 2012. A Japanese language service was monitored from 23.25 to 00.00 UTC (broadcast time 22.00 to 00.00 UTC) on 15.265 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 23.25 UTC 25332 -- fair signal strength, no interference and some fading, otherwise clear and audible speech was observed. Transmission improved by 23.40 UTC to 35433.

Reception report was submitted on-line and emailed to Radio Japan - NHK World. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 14 June 2012. Unfortunately the "Location of Reception" is not Netherland Antilles; it should state Malaysia.

Radio Omdurman (Sudan)

Radio Omdurman in Al Aitahab, Sudan was logged on 25 April 2012. An Arabic language broadcast of religious discussion, news reports and music was monitored from 18.15 to 19.05 UTC on 7.200 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 18.15 UTC was 34433 -- fair signal strength with interference from adjacent station. At 18.37 to 19.05 UTC reception worsened due to weak audio muted by a strong carrier signal and continued interference.

Reception report was submitted on-line and emailed. Follow-up reports were submitted on 17 November 2012.

RECORDED ON 25 APRIL 2012 @ 18.36 UTC

Website:
www.sudanradio.info/english/

Radio Pakistan (eQSL)

Radio Pakistan in Islamabad was logged on 19 April 2012. A programme in Urdu with music and occasional talking from an announcer was observed from 16.00 to 16.15 UTC on 3.975 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45332 -- a strong carrier signal, but weak audio feed and moderate atmospheric noise.

A reception report was emailed to Radio Pakistan on 20 April 2012. An eQSL arrived on 25 April 2012.

Voice of Tanzania Zanzibar

Voice of Tanzania Zanzibar (Sauti ya Tanzania Zanzibar) in Dole, Tanzania Zanzibar was logged on 24 April 2012. Time monitored was from 17.50 to 19.00  on 11.735 kHz. Station interval signal (drum beat) was observed at 17.59 UTC, followed by time beeps, then news in English presented by a male announcer. A station ID in Swahili presented by a female announcer followed, then African and Hindi pop tunes until 18.59 UTC. Reception (SINPO) at 17.50 UTC was 34343 -- fair signal strength with slight interference, transmitter noise, and fading, otherwise good audio quality. At 18.30 UTC reception improved slightly with less noise and stronger and clearer audio, rating 45444. 

To listen to a SoundCloud audio sample at 18.00 UTC on 24 April 2012 as recorded in West Malaysia, click here. 

Reception report was emailed and posted. Shortly after submitting this report, I noticed on my blogsite statistics page that someone did view this posting from Tanzania. Thank you. Please, if you are from  Sauti Ya Tanzania Zanzibar your QSL would be IMMENSELY appreciated..

Address: 

Sauti Ya Tanzania Zanzibar

P.O. Box 1178 

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Email:
karumehouse@tvz.co.tv

Radio Taiwan International (Medium-Wave)

Radio Taiwan International in Fangliao was logged on 21 April 2012, transmitting from the medium wave frequency of  1359 kHz. An hour long English language programme beamed to South East Asia was heard from 11.00 to 12.00 UTC. Reception (SINPO)  was 35543 -- good signal strength, no interference, only occasional fading every 10 minutes or so. The actual reception report was submitted for 22 April 2012, and propagation was terrible after 11.20 UTC -- SINPO was 25311 due weakness of signal, fading and atmospheric noise.

Reception report was emailed and sent online at RTI. QSL card, along with a programme schedule and post card, arrived in the mail on 15 May 2012.

Website:

english.rti.org.tw/receptionreport.aspx

Post card

National Radio of Kampuchea (Cambodia)

National Radio of Kampuchea (RNK) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Kampuchea) was logged on 19 April 2012. A Khmer language broadcast of news and commentary was monitored from 23.00 to 00.00 UTC on 918 kHz (MW). The transmitter of this MW station is rated at 200 kW. Reception (SINPO) at 23.00 UTC was 45444 -- good signal strength with minimal fading. At 23.25 UTC reception was 35323 -- fair signal strength, with fading every 7 to 10 minutes and some heterodyning. By 00.00 UTC signal strength worsened to 25321 -- weak signal fading and increased atmospheric noise

Details of reception report follow: 

23.00 - Station ID presented by male announcer

23.02 - News (World and Cambodia) reported by female announcer

23.30 - Talking from male announcer

23.35 - Talking from female announcer

23.38 - Talking from male announcer, advertisement (?) with music under male and female announcers, mention of "Vietnam" from male announcer

23.45 - Talking from female announcer

23.46 - Talking from male and female announcers

00.00 - Time beep, followed by station ID from male announcer, then brief music and talking from female and male announcers.

For a sample of the reception quality I received at 23.00 UTC, click this SoundCloud link (here).

Reception report was sent on-line and posted. QSL email arrived on 4 May 2012.

Website:

www.rnk.gov.kh

Address:

National Radio of Kampuchea (RNK)

#6, Corner of Streets 19 102

Sangkat Wat Phnom, Doun Penh, 

Phnom Penh 12202 Cambodia

Wantok Radio Light (Papua New Guinea)

Wantok Radio Light in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea was logged on 18 April 2012. Music and a religious sermon in English was  monitored: from 18.30 to 19.15 UTC on 7.325 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 18.30 UTC was 25321 -- weak signal strength, occasional fading and atmospheric noise, nevertheless speech and music was audible at times. At 18.50 UTC reception improved slightly to 25332 -- fading was still present, but audio improved to actually discern the religious sermon. At 19.10 UTC signal weakened, atmospheric noise increased and nearby station splatter caused some interference, nevertheless faint music was detected, earning a rating of 24221. I was very fortunate to catch this station; so often interference or poor propagation had made previous attempts impossible. I was alerted to its signal by a SWL in Austria. I figured if he could hear a faint signal, I should be more likely to detect it. Bazinga! I did, and this is the result.

A reception report was emailed on the same day. After several follow-up emails, I received this surprisingly good news -- a rather large QSL card (approximately 7" x 5") and confirmation letter.  These items arrived in the mail on 28 June 2012.

Email:
qsl@wantokradio.org
wantok@wantokradio.org

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (via Santa Maria di Galeria)

Radio Netherlands Worldwide, transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria, Vatican was logged on 17 April 2012. An English broadcast for East Africa was monitored from 18.45 to 19. 30 UTC (broadcast time 18.00 to 19.57 UTC) on 17.605 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 17.45 UTC was 35333 -- fair signal strength with no interference, moderate atmospheric noise and fading, yet clear and audible speech. By 18.15 UTC reception was degraded to 25222 -- signal was significantly weaker due in large part to increased atmospheric noise, thereby reducing audio quality. By 18.30 UTC atmospheric noise overwhelmed audio and the result was incomprehensible speech.

Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line. Two QSL cards were received in the mail: the first  on 30 April 2012 and the second on 2 July 2012.

Beacon of Hope / Pan American Broadcasting Company (via Nauen)

Beacon of Hope / Pan American Broadcasting Company, transmitting from  Media Broadcast in Nauen, Germany, was logged on  17 April 2012. An English language broadcast of Evangelical Christian music and sermon was heard from 14.15 to 14.30 UTC on 15.205  kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45544 -- good signal strength with  no interference, only slight fading.

Reception report was emailed. Jeff Bernald of Pan American BC promptly replied:  "Thank you very much for sending us a Reception Report! I have reviewed this and can confirm that you have listened to one of our broadcasts on Beacon Of Hope! I have forwarded your report to the station, and they will email you a QSL card." An eQSL from Media Broadcast was sent on 19 April 2012.

Email: 

info@panambc.com

Radio Free Asia (via Kuwait)

Radio Free Asia, transmitting from Kuwait, was logged on 4 April 2012. A Tibetan language broadcast was monitored 02.15 to 02.40 UTC (broadcast time 02.00  to 03.00 UTC) on 11.745 kHz. Reception (SINPO): 22322 -- weak signal strength made worse by strong inference from a Chinese language station and atmospheric noise. Despite these adverse factors, broadcast was audible, but not always clear. Interference continued well after 02.40 UTC.

Reception report was emailed to RFA. QSL arrived in the mail on 16 April 2012. This (IBB via Tinian) is one  in a series of QSL cards featuring IBB relay sites.

Caribbean Beacon (Anguilla)

Caribbean Beacon (University Network) in Anguilla was heard on 13 April 2012. An English language  broadcast of Evangelical Christian programming was observed from 21.45 to 22.04 UTC (broadcast time 10.00 to 22.00 UTC) on  11.775 kHz. Reception (SINPO)  at 21.45 UTC was 25332 -- weak signal strength coupled with some atmospheric noise and fading. By 22.00 UTC reception was degraded to 25222 -- strength of signal weakened while atmospheric noise and fading increased. Despite these adverse conditions, speech was audible up until 22.04 UTC, at which point a carrier signal was apparent until sign off.

This was another one of those dream stations that seemed nearly impossible to catch, yet with persistence, patience and good propagation success followed. For several months, at different hours,  Caribbean Beacon was monitored without much success, then under night skies from Anguilla (evening) to Malaysia (dawn) -- a distance of 17,105 km / 10,629 miles -- the sermon of a female minster, presumably Pastor Melissa Scott, was clearly and faintly received on 13 April 2012 (Anguilla date).

Unfortunately the recordings below do not do justice to the quality of reception enjoyed on this particular morning. 

RECORDED ON 13 APRIL 2012 AT 20.50 UTC 
(14 April 2012 @ 05.50 am Malaysian time) 
using a Degen DE-1102 with an external random wire of 10 meters.

A SoundCloud recording may he heard by clicking (here). Again, I must stress  the recording is poor and not a true reflection of the signal quality actually received.

Reception report was emailed. On 17 April 2012, Doris Mussington of Caribbean Beacon replied with this email confirming my reception report: "Thanks for listening to us on the Caribbean Beacon  Please continue to listen to us and be blessed. A QSL card will be mailed to you." Three years later, on 23 April 2015, I received the promised QSL card. However, I hasten to add the QSL reached in two weeks, having been posted on 9 April 2015.Strange.


Email:
beacon@anguillanet.com

Address:

Caribbean Beacon (University Network)
c/o Doris Mussington
P.O.Box 690
The Valley, Anguilla

China Radio International (via Yunnan Province)

China Radio International, transmitting presumably from Xuanwei, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, was logged on 11 April 2012. An English language broadcast of "China Drive" and "China Studio" was monitored from 17.00 to 18.00 UTC (broadcast time 16.00 to 18.00 UTC) on 1080 kHz (MW). Reception (SINPO) was 45444 -- good signal strength, no interference and occasional fading. This purported to be a 600 kW transmitter, which might account for the regular and excellent reception in this region of South East Asia.

Reception report was emailed to CRI. YingLian emailed later in the afternoon, confirming my report stating: "We are glad to receive your reception report. If you have any opinions on our broadcast, feel free to write to us. We will send a qsl card to your convenience." QSL card was received in the mail on 9 May 2012.

Email: 
crienglish@cri.com.cn

Voice of Russia (via Moscow)

Voice of Russia transmitting from Moscow was heard on 11 April 2012. A Russian language broadcast was monitored from 13.05 to 14.00 UTC (broadcast time 13.00 to 15.00 UTC) on 11.860 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 54555 -- exceptionally strong signal with slight interference. At 14.00 UTC reception was degraded slightly to 53554 due to interference from station operating on the same frequency.

A reception report was emailed to VOR. The following email was received later in the evening: "We received your today’s letter. Thank you for writing to us. As for your reception report, I will forward it to the VOR Russian Department for their consideration." QSL card arrived in the mail on 2 May 2012.

Email: 

letters@ruvr.ru

Radio Romania (via Galbeni)

Radio Romania International transmitting ing from Galbeni was received on 11.970 kHz on 10 April 2012. A French language broadcast was observed from 19.56 to 20.27 UTC. Reception (SINPO): 34343 -- fair signal strength with slight interference, atmospheric noise and fading. Aside from these conditions, transmission was audible and clear.

Reception report was emailed. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 3 November 2012.

Email: 

eng@rri.ro

engl@rri.ro

Radio Télévision Libye

Radio Télévision Libye was heard on 10 April 2012. A French language broadcast of French pop songs and commentary was monitored from 16.00 to 17.00 UTC on 11.600 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 16.00 UTC was 55545 -- strong signal strength with slight fade, otherwise the broadcast was loud and clear. At 16.40 UTC reception was degraded to 53543 -- although signal remained strong, interference from an adjacent station of equal strength distorted audio quality. Despite this, transmission was still  audible. At 17.00 UTC, China Radio International totally obscured transmission.

To hear Radio Télévision Libye at 16.00 UTC on 10 April, click here.

Reception report was emailed. Email failed to deliver, but due to server overload. Postal address remains a mystery.

Email:
info@voiceof africa.com.ly

World Harvest International -- T8WH (via Palau)

World Harvest Radio -- T8WH, transmitting from  Palau Medorn, was heard on 7 April 2012. A brief English broadcast of World Harvest promotional advertisements, station information and music was observed from 13.00 to 13.15 UTC. Reception (SINPO) on 11.705 kHz was excellent at 55545. At 13.15 UTC, Radio Japan signed on from this relay site.

Reception report was emailed and sent on-line. QSL card received in the mail on 26 December 2013.

Radio Canada International (via Santa Maria di Galeria)

Radio Canada International, transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria, Vatican, was received on 7 April 2012. A French language broadcast was monitored from 19.00 to 19.30 UTC (broadcast time 19.00 to 19.59 UTC) on  13.730 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 19.00 UTC was 25222 -- weak signal strength, yet speech was faintly heard amidst the atmospheric noise. By 19.20 UTC reception worsened to 25211 -- occasionally signal was completely inaudible. By 19.30 UTC,  signal dissolved onto atmospheric noise. It was surprising RCI was even heard given the frequency and time is not compatible for reception in this quarter of the world.

Reception report was emailed and sent on-line. On 10 April, Mr. Bill Westerhaven emailed stating a RCI "60 Anniversary QSL" would be sent. Indeed, Indeed, the QSL card, together with RCI book markers and stickers, arrived in the mail on 23 April 2012.

Radio Canada International (via Tinang)

Radio Canada International, transmitting from Tinang, was received on  7 April 2012. An identical Chinese language broadcast -- with a few seconds delay -- similar to the one from Kimjae relay station was monitored from 11.15 to 11.59 UTC (broadcast time 11.00 to 11.59 UTC) on 9.490 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was much better from this transmitter site and frequency at 55555 --  excellent on all accounts!

Reception report was emailed and sent on-line. On 10 April, Mr. Bill Westerhaven stated on an email that a "QSL letter" would be issued given the shortage of QSL cards. After a follow-up email in all of the confusion at RCI, I received the QSL letter on 8 May 2012.

Radio Canada International (via Kimjae)

Radio Canada International, transmitting from  Kimjae, Republic of Korea, was heard on 7 April 2012. A Chinese language broadcast was monitored from 11.10 to 11.59 UTC (broadcast time 11.00 to 11.59 UTC) on 9.570 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 54544 -- relatively strong signal strength, despite slight interference and some minor fading.  Reception stablished and improved around 11.30 UTC to

55545.

Reception report was emailed and sent on-line. On 10 April, Mr. Bill Westerhaven stated in an email that a "QSL letter" would be issued given the shortage of QSL cards. Indeed, a QSL letter, together with RCI book markers and stickers, arrived in the mail on 23 April 2012. 

Radio Dardasha 7

Email message 

Radio Dardasha  7 (Bible Voice Broadcasting) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany was heard on 5 April 2012. An Arabic language broadcast was monitored from 19.00 to 19.30 UTC on 13.740 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 25432 -- weak signal strength, slight atmospheric noise and some fading, yet speech was audible and clear. Signal was barely audible after 19.25 UTC.

Reception report was emailed. Message from Radio Dardasha 7 confirming reception report was emailed on 6 April 2012, stating: "Thank you so much for sending us a  reception report, it is valid!"

Bible Voice Broadcasting posted a QSL card which arrived on 25 April 2012,

Email:

dardasha7@gmail.com

Radio Canada International (Via Yamata, Japan)

Radio Canada International (RCI), transmitting from Yamata, Japan was received on 5 April 2012. Chinese language broadcast was heard from 15.00 to 15.59 UTC on 11.730 kHz. The broadcast highlighted the closure on shortwave services of RCI. Interestingly the last half  hour of the broadcast repeated the first half hour. Reception (SINPO): 55555 -- excellent on all accounts.

Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line. Bill Westerhaven of RCI replied: "I've just completed your QSL letter (as we have almost run out of QSL cards), which will be mailed as soon as possible after the Easter weekend. Thank you very much, as well, for your comments on our reduction in services.  I will forward your comments to our management and to my colleagues." Indeed, a QSL letter, together with RCI broadcast schedule, book markers and stickers, arrived in the mail on 23 April 2012. 

KJES (New Mexico, USA)

KJES  in Vado, New Mexico, USA was logged on 2 April 2012. The station was monitored from 13.10 to 13.30 UTC on 11.715 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 13.10 UTC was 23332 -- a carrier signal of fair strength was present along with interference from station splatter on a nearby frequency. Despite this, faint speech and music was occasionally detected. Carrier signal remained present at 13.30 UTC, but degraded significantly due to increased station splatter. On subsequent days, transmitter was heard powering up at sign-on -- 13.00 UTC, followed by carrier signal.  

I am certain this was KJES as no other international shortwave broadcaster -- to my knowledge -- is operating on this frequency at this time, nor heard in South East Asia.  The path of night had just ended in New Mexico at approxiately 13.00 UTC, which would have contributed to the difficulty of clearly receiving any audio signal. If KJES transmitted a bit earlier, or better still, on a clear frequency on the 31 or 49 meter band, they might be heard. 

As inconclusive as my observations may be,  I emailed a reception report to KJES. I leave it them to decide whether it truly merits a QSL. 

Email:

kjesroots@gmail.com

Atlantic 2000 International (France / Germany)

Atlantic 2000 International was logged on 1 April 2012 via the internet after attempting to receive the station on short-wave. A test transmission was broadcast from 08.00 to 09.00 UTC on 9.480 kHz. Signal was inaudible given geographical location and propagation. Even if it could be heard -- and it is highly unlikely  -- CNR operates on this frequency. URL used was: http://atlantic2000.listen2myradio.com/ The website is registered with a server in France, but I've seen the same QSL for the short-wave transmission indicating the transmitter site was in Germany.

Nevertheless, a reception report was emailed to Atlantic 2000 International indicating the short-wave conditions. Reception on the Internet was clear, good  fidelity and uninterrupted streaming. Later in the evening, I received the following email: "Thank you very much for your reception report.You will receive our QSL-card in a few days. The broadcast will be repeated next Sunday at 1000 UTC on 9480 kHz and on the Internet."

An eQSL arrived on 7 April 2012, along with this message: "Thank you very much for your reception report. Our very first from Malaysia! We are pleased to send you our QSL-card and information sheet. Have a very good weekend."

RE-BROADCAST:
Atlantic 2000 will be on the air again this Easter Sunday, 8th of April, at 10:00 UTC (12:00 CEST) on 9480 kHz, with a repeat of the broadcast of the 1st of April. Their stream will be active at the same time on their website.

Website:

radioatlantic2000.free.fr/

Email:

atlantic2000international@gmail.com