QSLs for July 2012

QSLs received during the month of July 2012 include the following:

Voice of Vietnam VoV 4 (QSL card) transmitting from Dak Lak (formerly South Vietnam)

NordAM (QSL card) received via Internet stream from Kall-Kreke, Germany

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (Final English Broadcast QSL card) transmitting from Tinang

The Overcomer Ministry (eQSL) transmitting from Yerevan-Gavar, Armenia

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (Final English Broadcast QSL card) transmitting from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.

Radio Free Asia (commemorative QSL card for 2012 Olympics) transmitting from Kuwait
Radio Prague (QSL Card) via the Internet from Prague, Czech Republic.

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Myanma Radio (eQSL) medium-wave broadcast transmitting from Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
Radio Pakistan External Service (eQSL) transmitting from Islamabad, Pakistan.

Voice of America - Radio Netherlands Worldwide (QSL card) transmitting from RNW relay site in Bonaire.

Radio Rossii (eQSL) transmitting from Moscow-Taldom, Russia.

Voice of Vietnam (QSL card) German language programme transmitting from Skelton, UK

Radio Spaceshuttle International (eQSL) transmitting from Finland
WX6ZZ (QSL card) transmitting from San Francisco, California, USA

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Bonaire.

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany.

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Kranji, Singapore.

Tartarsan Wave (QSL card) transmitting from Samara, (Kuzan, Tartarsan), Russia.

Radio Canada International (QSL letter) transmitting from Kunming, China.

WYFR - Family Radio (QSL card) transmitting from Bao-Zhong, Taiwan.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (QSL card) transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria, Vatican.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (QSL card) transmitting from Saipan, Agingan Point.

Promised QSLs:

Radio Slovakia International (QSL card) via Internet from Bratislava, Slovakia.

Vatican Radio (3 QSL cards) transmitting from Santa Maria de Galeria and Tashkent.

Lao National Radio (QSL) medium-wave broadcast transmitting from Vientiane

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Palau.

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Santiago, Chile.

Radio Slovakia International (Internet)

Radio Slovakia International in  Bratislava was logged on 29 July 2012. Their Internet broadcast in the English language was monitored from 16.27  to 17.00 UTC. An Internet stream at 128  kps in mp3 format was heard, using the "TuneIn" application on a mobile device.  Programming included "News Reel" recapping events in Slovakia over the past week and "Listeners' Tribune" commenting on queries from listeners. A French language broadcast was heard after this 30 minute English broadcast.

A reception report was emailed to Radio Slovakia International the following day. Within a few hours I was notified that a QSL would be sent. Gavin Shoebridge, English Section of Radio Slovakia, stated the following: "Thank you for your detailed email. I have written out a QSL card just 4 minutes ago, and it should be in the post first thing tomorrow morning. Give it two to three weeks and you should have it in your hands. Also, I’ll make sure your email gets a mention in this week’s Listener’s Tribune show on Sunday." This QSL card did indeed arrive on 27 August 2012.

Email:

englishsection@radioslovak.sk

NHK World - Radio Japan (via Santiago)

1st QSL Card

NHK World - Radio Japan, transmitting from Santiago, Chile, was logged on 28 July 2012. A Portuguese language broadcast of mostly talking was observed from 21.30 to 22.00 UTC on  11.880 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 25232 -- weak  signal strength with faint audio (heard best in LSB mode) was hindered  mostly due to atmospheric noise. On previous days, for the past month, reception was negligible -- no signal was observed at all, again due to propagation conditions in this region. 

Reception report was submitted on line and emailed to NHK World on the same day. NHK Portuguese section acknowledged the report a few days later. This QSL arrived on 6 September 2012. A second QSL card arrived on 6 October 2012.

3nd QSL Card

Voice of Turkey

Voice of Turkey in  Emirler was logged on 27 July 2012. An English language broadcast on Turkish  history and Turkish/Arabic music was monitored from 16.40 to 17.30 UTC on 15.525 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 55545 -- excellent signal strength with only minor fading.

Reception report was emailed to VoT on the same day. This QSL card and a programme schedule arrived in the mail on 16 August 2012.

TRT programme schedule

Broadcasting Service of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Broadcasting Service of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  - Radio Riyadh was logged on 26 July 2012 / 7 Ramadan 1433. Taraweeh prayers performed by Imam  Saud Al-Shuraim (if I'm not mistaken), followed by news and "Call of Islam" programming was monitored from 19.30 to 20.30 UTC. This transmission was observed on both 9.555 kHz (SW) and 1440 KHz (MW). Reception (SINPO) on 9.555 kHz (SW) was 55555 -- excellent reception in all respects; reception on 1.440 kHz (MW) was 33433 -- fair signal strength, clear and audible speech despite interference from China Radio International.

Reception report was emailed to Ministry of Culture & Information and attempted at their website online, but message failed delivery at BSKSA site. A registered letter was posted as well. Hopefully a response will be forthcoming, although I am aware BSKSA reportedly stopped issuing QSLs some time ago. Nevertheless, it is always worth trying; one never knows for absolute certainty the outcome.

TRACK & TRACE RECORD
This registered letter reached and departed Jeddah on 6 August 2012. It arrived and departed Riyadh post office on 7 August 2012. It arrived at another office -- I'm guessing a branch post office in Riyadh -- on 8 August 2012. In October 2012, this letter was returned, undelivered, to me.

Follow-up attempts to contact the Saudi Embassies in the US and Malaysia as well as various Saudi ministries on Facebook and websites failed to garner any response. I am puzzled why they have all of these reference points, yet no response whatsoever comes from anyone. I am disheartened and disillusioned! Insha Allah, one day I pray some kind soul from Saudi Arabia will help me obtain a letter of verification (QSL) from Radio Riyadh.

This self-made QSL letter, Eid greeting card and cover
letter with reception report was sent by registered mail.

Address:
Broadcasting Service of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  (BSKSA)
Radio Riyadh
P.O. Box 61718
Riyadh, Ar Riyad
Saudi Arabia - 11575

AIR National Channel / Akashvani (via Nagpur, Maharashtra on MW)

All India Radio (AIR National Channel / Akashvani) in Buti Bori [Buttibori], Nagpur, Maharashtra, was logged on 25 July 2012. Time monitored was from 22.30 to 23.30 UTC (broadcast time 13.25 to 00.40 UTC). News Bulletin in English, followed by Islamic and Hindu programming, all of which was heard on 1566 kHz (medium-wave). Reception (SINPO) was 35333 -- fair signal strength, but increased static and fading as grey-line between India and Malaysia disappeared. By 23.30 UTC audio feed was in audible, although carrier signal Could still be detected.

Reception report was emailed and posted to AIR on same day. Time will tell whether AIR will respond; they are terribly inconsistent in replying.

Email:

spectrum-manager@air.org.in


Address:
ALL INDIA RADIO NAGPUR
National Channel Super Power Transmitter
Near TV Tower
Seminary Hills
Nagpur 440006
Maharashtra, INDIA

Voice of America (via Dushanbe on MW)

Voice of America, transmitting on medium-wave from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was logged on 24 July 2012. An Urdu language broadcast was monitored from 17.25 to 18.15 UTC on 972 kHz (medium-wave). Reception (SINPO) was 35333 -- fair signal strength, clear and audible speech, despite fading every four to five minutes and some atmospheric noise. Signal was detected as early as 16.00 UTC, but significantly weaker.

Reception report was emailed to VOA and IBB on the same day. On 14 August 2012, VOA Public Relations emailed: "Thank you for your message and reception report. We always enjoy hearing from our audience overseas.  We have shared your email with the appropriate office at VOA. A QSL card will be mailed to you soon." This QSL arrived in the mail on 26 February 2013.

Email:

letters@voa.gov

North Korea Reform Radio (via Tashkent)

North Korea Reform Radio, transmitting presumably from Tashkent, Uzbekistan,  was logged on  23 July 2012. Time of Korean language broadcast was monitored from 15.30 to 16.15 UTC (broadcast time 15.00 to 17.00 UTC) on  7.590 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 15.30 UTC was 35433 - fair signal strength with some transmitter noise or possible jamming and fading, otherwise speech was audible and clear. Some interference from another station at 16.00 UTC degraded reception to 34432.

Reception report was emailed on the same day to North Korea Reform Radio. A Season's Greetings card arrived in the mail on 4 January 2013. minus an official QSL. However, the message within does acknowledge my reception report, so I suppose indirectly it was confirmed.

Email:

nkreform@naver.com

Website:

www.nkreform.com

The Overcomer Ministry (via Yerevan-Gavar)

The Overcomer Ministry, transmitting from Yerevan - Gavar, Armenia, was logged on 19 July 2012. Time monitored for their English language transmission was 17.25 to 18.00 UTC (broadcast time 17.00 to 18.00 UTC) on  15.425 kHz. Reception (SINP0) was 34443 -- fair signal strength with slight interference. 

Reception report was emailed to The Overcomer Ministry on the same day. Within a few hours I received an eQSL with incorrect details, i.e. wrong recipient,. wrong frequency, wrong date, wrong transmitter location and no  broadcast time. I resubmitted the report the next day, and I received another eQSL. It too had discrepancies;  the frequency was wrong (15.420 kHz -- WBCQ carries The Overcomer Ministry around this time) and broadcast time was not stated. It would seem reception reports, while noted and promptly acknowledged, are lightly regarded by The Overcomer Ministry.

Email:

brotherstair@overcomerministry.org

Radio Kuwait International

Radio Kuwait International, transmitting from  Sulaibiyah, was logged on 19 July 2012. An English language broadcast was monitored from 18.05 to 19.00 UTC (broadcast time 18.00 to 21.00 UTC). Islamic programmes on Ramadan, news and financial news on the region and mix of Islamic and Western music were observed on the frequency of 15.540 kHz. Reception (SINPO): at 18.05 UTC was 35433 -- fair signal strength with slight fading. By 18.30 UTC reception improved to 45444. However, by 19.00 UTC reception degraded to 25322 -- signal was weak and hampered by fading, yet occasionally clear with audible speech.

A reception report was emailed to Radio Kuwait International on the same day. QSL was never sent, but I did receive 2012 and 2013 calendars and programme schedules. Apparently I was added to their mailing list.

Email:

kwtfreq@media.gov.kw

Myanma Radio (Medium-Wave)

Myanma  Radio, transmitting from Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, was logged on 4 July 2012. Music in the local vernacular was monitored from 15.00 to 15.41 UTC on the medium-wave frequency of 594 kHz. Reception (SINPO) from 15.00 UTC onward was 33333 -- fair signal strength with occasional fading, atmospheric noise and interference from a Chinese language station. 

Reception report was emailed on the same day. This incomplete QSL card -- minus my name, time, date and frequency of reception report -- was emailed to me on 18 July 2012. Thankfully the Director of MRTV  signed the card.

Radio Pakistan External Service

Radio Pakistan External Service in Islamabad was logged on 13 April 2012. An Urdu language broadcast was monitored from 08.50 to 10.11  UTC (broadcast time for West Europe 08.30 to 11.04 UTC) on 15.725 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45534 -- good signal strength, despite occasional fading.

A reception report was emailed on the same day. Subesquent follow-up emails were submitted. Finally on 17 July 2012, this eQSL and the following email was received from Mr. Asad Ayub:  "For the time being find attached here a e-QSL card for your prompt acknowledgment. Also a printed copy of QSL card  other than having Quaid-eAzam Mausoleum picture is mailed to your address which you soon will receive." The paper QSL card with a Ramadan greeting indeed did arrived on 8 August 2012.

Echo of Hope (Republic of Korea)

Echo of Hope (Voice of Hope) in Hwaseong, Republic of Korea was logged on 15 July 2012. Korean language programmes were monitored from 15.40 to 16.15 UTC (broadcast time 05.50 to 00.00 UTC) on 6.003 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 15.40 UTC was 33443 -- fair signal strength and clearly audible speech, otherwise some transmitter noise was observed most of the time when not jammed. At 17.00 UTC jamming resumed.

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (via Zahedan and Dehgolan)

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIB), transmitting from Zahedan, was logged on 12 July 2012. An Arabic language programme on Islamic topics and music was monitored from 18.18 to 19.19 UTC. Transmission was on 12.080 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45333 -- good signal strength, but atmospheric noise significantly degraded quality reception, otherwise speech was audible and clear.

IRIB, transmitting from Dehgolan, Kordestan Province, was suspected to be broadcasting Taraweh prayers and Islamic programming on 945 kHz (MW). A reception report was submitted for times monitored after 17.15 UTC on 20 July 2012.  Reception at 17.15 UTC was 33433 -- fading every 10 minutes with interference from a Thai station. At 18.00 UTC onward reception improved to 35433 -- fading persisted, even when the Thai station had signed off at 18.00 UTC. On further listening from 20 July to 20 August 2012 -- during the month of Ramadan -- the station was heard as early as 10.00 UTC and well after 21.00 UTC.

 I now suspect the actual station was quite likely Thor. Phor. Song -- Kong Thap Phaak Thii Song (2nd Army Area), Aphai Road, Tambon Nai Muang, Muang District, KALASIN 46000 Thailand.. The language spoken was not Thai, but perhaps a dialect used by the Pattaya Thai or Cham Malay/Khmer who are Muslims.  The following SOUND FILE was recorded in late July. This excerpt is one of the Islamic topics  broadcast everyday during Ramadan, following recital of the Quran from the imams in Mecca. 

Each reception report was emailed on the day monitored. IRIB sent this QSL card for their transmission from Dehgolan, Kordestan Province (945 kHz - MW) and Zahedan (12.080  kHz - SW) on 29 August 2012. While the Zahedan confirmation is correct, the Dehgolan verification is questionable and I regrettably must DISQUALIFY  it.

NHK World - Radio Japan (via Wertachtal)

NHK World - Radio Japan, transmitting from the Wertachtal relay site in Germany, was logged on 19 June 2012. A Japanese language broadcast was heard from 17.50 to 19.00 UTC on 15.445 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45554 -- strong signal strength, no interference, no fading and clear speech.

Reception report was submitted online and emailed on the same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 2012.

NHK World - Radio Japan (via Kranji)

NHK World - Radio Japan, transmitting from the Kranji relay site in Singapore, was logged on 25 June 2012. An English language broadcast was heard from 10.00 to 10.30 UTC on 9.695 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 55555 -- excellent reception on all accounts. 

Reception report was submitted online and emailed on the same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 2012.

Last English Broadcast of Radio Canada International (Kunming)

Radio Canada International, transmitting from Kumning, China, was logged on 24 June 2012.  "Maple Leaf Mailbag" hosted by Terry Haig was monitored from 15.30 to 16.00 UTC (broadcast time from 15.00 to 16.00 UTC). This was a rebroadcast of the previous week's "Maple Leaf Mailbag"  and the last English transmission of RCI from Kunming. The broadcast was received on 11.675 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 54444 -- relatively good signal strength for much of the transmission.

A reception report was emailed and Mr. Bill Westenhaver followed-up with this QSL letter from RCI.

Radio Rossii GTRK (via Magadan)

Radio Rossii GTRK, transmitting from Magadan, Oblast, Russia, was logged on 8 July 2012. A Russian language broadcast was monitored from 19.25 to 20.00 UTC (broadcast time from 19.10 to 20.00 UTC). Aside from a folk song, a female announcer was heard much of time. Transmission was on 7.320 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 19.25 UTC was 24332 -- poor signal strength, but nevertheless audible, and at times, clear speech was detected. By 19.40 UTC signal strength gradually weakened and was barely audible, which degraded reception quality to 13321. 

Reception report was submitted to Radio Rossii GTRK.

Website:

www.radiorus.ru/ 

Address:
Radio Rossii GTRK
State Broadcasting Company
19/21, 5th Yamskogo Polya St.,
Moscow, 125040, Russia

Radio Rossii (via Moscow - Taldom)

Radio Rossii, transmitting from Moscow-Taldom, Russia, was logged on 8 July 2012. A Russian language broadcast in a largely talk format was monitored from 18.45 to 19.45 UTC (broadcast time 17.19 to 21.00 UTC). Surprisingly at one point the Beatles’ song “Blue Jay Way” was played during the broadcast. Transmission was on 7.215 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was  34433 -- fair signal strength, slight fading and interference from nearby station splatter, otherwise speech was clear and audible.

Reception report was submitted to Radio Rossii. This eQSL, Taldom photo and email was received from Mr. Andrey Shaydurov on 16 July 2012.

Website:
www.radiorus.ru/

Email:
mail@radiorus.ru

Taldom Antenna Array and TX site

Address:
Radio Rossii
State Broadcasting Company
19/21, 5th Yamskogo Polya St.,
Moscow, 125040, Russia

Radio Taiwan International (via Woofferton)

Radio Taiwan International, transmitting from Woofferton, UK, was logged on  6 July 2012. Their German language broadcast, featuring news, letters from listeners and Taiwanese Pop music was heard from  19.00 to 20.00 UTC. Transmission was on 6.185 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 55455 -- loud and clear signal with slight atmospheric noise and minor fading was observed. 

A reception report was submitted online at RTI's German language website and emailed on the same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 15 August 2012. A RTI pennant and postcard  was included.

RTI postcard

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (via Agignan Point, Saipan)

Radio Netherlands Worldwide, transmitting from Agignan Point (Saipan), was logged on  27 April 2012. A Dutch language broadcast was transmitted from 09.30 to 09.57 UTC, but monitored from 09.45 to 09.57 UTC on 15.750 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45444 -- good signal strength with slight atmospheric noise, otherwise clear and strong audio was observed. 

Reception report was emailed on same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 6 July 2012.

Myanmar Defence Forces

Myanmar Defence Forces, transmitting from Taunggyi, Myanmar, was logged on  3 July 2012. Music and talk was observed from 11.30 to 15.30 UTC on 5.770 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 24332 -- poor signal strength with some transmitter noise, otherwise speech was clear and audible

Address:

DEFENCE FORCES BROADCASTING STATION

Taunggyi, Shan State

Myanmar

A reception reported was mailed to the address below.

All India Radio (via Panaji)

All India Radio (AIR)  transmitting from Panaji, Goa, was logged on 4 July 2012. Broadcast time for Tamil language service was from 00.00 to 00.45 UTC; the broadcast time for the Sinhala language service was from 00.45 to 01.15 UTC. Transmission of both services was on 11.740 kHz. Reception (SINPO): 45444 -- good signal strength, clear and audible, despite some fading. 

Reception report was emailed to AIR and AIR Panaji on the same day. Hopefully a QSL will be forthcoming, although at times it is difficult to get a response from AIR. 

NHK World - Radio Japan (via Tashkent)

NHK World - Radio Japan, transmitting from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, was logged on 3 July 2012. An English language broadcast of news and insight, a technology programme called "Focus" highlighted a self-winding solar generator and a Japanese folk tale was monitored from 13.15 to 13.30 UTC (broadcast time 13.00 to 13.30 UTC) Transmission occurred on 15.735 kHz. Reception (SINPO): 55555 -- excellent reception on all accounts. 

Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line at NHK World - Radio Japan website on the same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 19 July 2012.

NHK World - Radio Japan (via Palau Medorn)

NHK World - Radio Japan, transmitting from Palau Medorn, was logged on 3 July 2012. An Indonesian language broadcast was monitored from13.35 to 14.00 UTC (broadcast time 13.15 to 14.00 UTC). An English language broadcast followed at 14.00 UTC. Transmission occurred on 11.705  kHz. Reception (SINPO): 55555 -- excellent reception on all accounts. 

Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line at NHK World -Radio Japan website on the same day. A few days later I received an email from the Indonesian service, stating a QSL card would be forthcoming.