QSLs / ARTICLES
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Monday, December 31, 2012
QSLs for December 2012
QSLs for the month of December 2012 include the following stations:
Radion Nikkei 2 (QSL card) transmitting from Chiba-Nagara, Japan
Radio Hageisa (QSL card) transmitting from Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland
Radio Merlin International (eQSL) via Internet broadcast from United Kingdom
The Mighty KBC (eQSL) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany
SSB Broadcasting System (QSL card) transmitting from Tainan/Taipei, Republic of China
PBS Xinjiang (QSL card) transmitting from Urumqi, Xinjiang, PRC
RTM - Radio Klasik (QSL card) transmitting from Kajang, Malaysia
RTM - Radio Aysik (QSL card) transmitting from Kajang, Malaysia
RTM - TRAXX FM (QSL card) transmitting from Kajang, Malaysia
RTM - Sarawak FM (QSL card) transmitting from Kajang, Malaysia
RTM - Wai FM (QSL card) transmitting from Kajang, Malaysia
Radio Manx (QSL card) via Web-radio/Internet from the Isle of Man
The Mighty KBC (eQSL) transmitting from Wertacktal, Germany
Voice of Pujiang (eQSL) transmitting from Zhenru, Shanghai, China
China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Habana, Cuba
Radio Makedonias (eQSL) transmitting from Greece
Voice of Wilderness / Bible Voice Broadcasting Network (QSL card) transmitting from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Radio Nikkei 1 (QSL card) transmitting from Nemuro, Japan
WBCQ (QSL card) transmitting from Monticello, Maine, USA
WTWW (eQSL) transmitting from Lebanon, Tennessee, USA
Radio Cayman 1 (eQSL) broadcasting via Internet/Web radio from George Town, Cayman Islands
NBC - Radio Milne Bay (eQSL) transmitting from Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
CHU (QSL card) transmitting from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The Overcomer Ministry (eQSL) transmitting from Kostinbrod (Sofia), Bulgaria
Promised QSL:
China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Hohhot, People's Republic of China
Beibu Bay Radio (QSL Card) transmitting from Nanning City, People's Republic of China
Radio Habana (QSL card) transmitting from Habana, Cuba
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Radio Sonder Grense (via Meyerton, South Africa)
Receiver used was a Tecsun S-2000 (Grundig Satellit 750) connected to a 13-meter vertically elevated 1/4 wave antenna with 13 meters of 50 ohm shielded lead-in coaxial.
Reception report was submitted on-line at Radio Sonder Grense and posted. Prompt email responses acknowledging my email followed, but unfortunately key staff would be on leave till 7 and 14 January 2013. On 25 January 2013, I received an email from Sikander Hoosen promising to send a QSL-Letter in February. I indeed received a QSL-letter in the mail on 20 March 2013.
Physical Address:
SENTEC
RADIO SONDER GRENSE
RADIO PARK, HENLEY ROAD,
AUCKLAND PARK,
JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG,
SOUTH AFRICA
Postal Address :
SENTEC
RADIO SONDER GRENSE
PO BOX 91312,
AUCKLAND PARK, 2006
JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG,
SOUTH AFRICA
Website:
www.rsg.co.za
Voice of Jinling (via Nanjing)
Voice of Jinling, transmitting from Nanjing, People's Republic of China, was logged on 27 December 2012. A Chinese language broadcast of contemporary jazz was heard from 16.45 to 17.03 UTC. Transmission was on 5.860 kHz. Reception (SINPO) during time monitored was 34443 -- fair signal strength with slight interference and minor fading, otherwise audible and clear.
To hear a recording of the station, click HERE.
Reception report was emailed shortly after broadcast ended on the same day. Email appeared to be correct, but delivery was delayed and ultimately failed. Followed up a week with a letter to VoJ.
Email:
info@vip.jsbc.com
Saturday, December 29, 2012
China Radio International (via Hohhot)
China Radio International, transmitting from Hohhot, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China, was heard on 29 December 2012. A Russian language broadcast with Chinese pop songs and commentary was heard from 23.10 to 23.50 UTC. Transmission was received on 7.405 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 25422 - weak signal strength and fading. Despite these conditions, reception was audible and clear. Reception worsened after 23.40 UTC as grey-line gradually disappeared.
English Section |
Russian Service (Sent 5 Feb 2013) |
Russian Service (Sent 15 August 2013) |
Voice of Strait (via Fuzhou, Fujian)
Voice of Strait, transmitting from FuZhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China, was logged on 25 December 2012. News magazine with music clips segued between reports in a Chinese dialect was observed from 11.25 to 12.00 UTC on 6.115 kHz. Signal (SINPO) was 34343 -- fair signal strength with minor interference and slight atmospheric noise, others audible and clear reception.
A sound file of reception in South East Asia may be heard HERE.
Address:
中国福州187信箱 海峡之声广播电台
Voice of Strait,
P.O. Box 187
FuZhou, Fujian Province, 350012
People's Republic of China.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Guangxi Beibu Bay Radio (via Nanning)
Guangxi Beibu Bay Radio (BBR), transmitting from Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang, was logged on 24 December 2012. Local pop music, frequent station IDs and advertisements was observed from 22.59 to 00.00 UTC. Transmission was on 5.050 kHz. Reception (SINPO) of this 50 kW station was 45444 -- strong and clear signal.
Reception report was emailed to CRI and posted to BBR on the following day. Subsequently CRI replied with a promised QSL for Guangxi Beibu Bay Radio. This QSL card from CRI arrived in the mail on 29 January 2013, confirming the report for Guangxi Beibu Bay Radio.
Original email from CRI |
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Radio Merlin International, UK (via Internet)
Radio Merlin International, transmitting from Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom, was logged on 26 December 2012. Rock, Christmas and novelty music, presented by DJs Jackie Frost and Nellie, was heard from 04.30 to 05.30 UTC. Since their short-wave transmission on 6.305 kHz was more suitable for audiences in UK, Europe and the Americas, I caught their Internet stream at their website: http://radiomerlininternational.weebly.com/.
Reception report was emailed immediately to RMI on the same day as the broadcast. These eQSLs arrived on 28 December 2012.
Email:
radiomerlin@blueyonder.co.uk
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Mighty KBC (via Wertachtal)
The Mighty KBC, transmitting from a 250 kW transmitter in Wertachtal, Germany, was logged on 23 December 2012. An English broadcast of rock and country music was monitored from 15.20 to 15.59 UTC on 15.470 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 34433 -- fair signal strength with slight fading. At 15.40 UTC reception improved to 45444 -- good signal strength. By sign off, reception was degraded to 24332.
A sound file of this broadcast may be heard HERE.
Reception report was submitted on-line and emailed immediately after broadcast ended. This eQSL arrived a few hours later.
Email:
themightykbc@gmail.com
Email:
themightykbc@gmail.com
Saturday, December 22, 2012
'Tis the season for festive greeting cards and souvenirs
Atlantic 2000 International eCard |
'Tis the season once again for festive greeting cards and souvenirs from radio stations around the world. In the closing weeks of December I have received eCards from Atlantic 2000 International in France and Radio Alcaravan in Colombia. Calendars from KBS World Radio and have arrived too. In all likelihood this will continue well into the first few months of 2013, given the provision I contacted a particular station in the past year, their database contains my address and the station sends out these items.
Radio Alcaravan eCard |
Desktop calendar from KBS |
As more and more radio stations leave the short-wave band or reduce their broadcast hours and language services, these souvenirs are becoming treasured momentos just as valuable as the QSL. Last year alone, we sadly saw the end of Radio Bulgaria International, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, Radio Canada International and a few more notable international broadcasters. Who knew at the time we would no longer hear their staple of wonderful programmes and never again receive their greetings and souvenirs.
Radio Ukraine International |
With this little reminder, let us as listeners be more attentive and listen to these radio stations, especially those broadcasting on the short-wave and medium-wave bands. Who knows how much longer they will occupy the airwaves. Even Web Radio / Internet stations deserve attention, particularly the former short-wave broadcasters, such as Radio Ukraine International and Voice of Malaysia, who turned to this medium due to financial, organisational and/or governmental policy. If we truly value our hobby, let us show our support with a "Thank You Note" and a reception report or two in the coming year. They deserve our loyalty.
BLOG COMMENT:
Chrissy Brand in the UK commented: "Great post - thanks for the festive QSL cards!"
Thank you for the kind words.
RTI eCard for New Year 2013 |
Chrissy Brand in the UK commented: "Great post - thanks for the festive QSL cards!"
Thank you for the kind words.
Voice of Pujiang (via Shanghai)
Self-prepared eQSL |
Voice of Pujiang, transmitting from Zhenru, Shanghai, People's Republic of China, was logged on 18 December 2011. Local pop music with intermittent station announcements in Chinese was observed from 12.00 to 12.35 UTC, but signal continued to be heard well after 14.30 UTC. Transmission was on 5.075 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 23332 -- weak signal, some unidentified QRM, and slight fading, yet clear and audible speech and music.
To listen to a transmission from the Voice of Pujiang, click HERE. This Voice of Pujiang announcer was recorded on 23 December 2012, around 15.12 UTC.
To listen to a transmission from the Voice of Pujiang, click HERE. This Voice of Pujiang announcer was recorded on 23 December 2012, around 15.12 UTC.
Mr. Qian is now the veri-signer who issues QSLs for the Voice of Pujiang. So, I prepared the eQSL shown here and emailed my initial reception report back to him. He filled in the data and verified the eQSL on the following day. No official stamp was marked on the eQSL, nor will any eQSL be issued with the official stamp, according to Mr. Qian. The official seal is reserved only for a QSL-letter, which is available for 1 IRC or US$1 (to cover postage). For complete details about how to obtain a QSL from Voice of Pujiang refer to this BLOG ENTRY,
The original aerogramme |
I look forward to the promised QSL-letter with station's official seal in the near future. It arrived in the mail on 21 February 2013.
Want a QSL from Voice of Pujiang?
Voice of Pujiang in Shanghai will now verify reception reports from listeners, after many years of not responding. Mr. (Victor) Qian Xiaoyan, an Editor for China Business News/Voice of Pujiang and avid DXer himself, wrote in a recent email to me that he would personally confirm reception reports for the Voice of Pujiang, even those neglected reports that were submitted "several years ago".
Self-prepared eQSL |
For a reception report sent by snail-mail with an IRC or a dollar, he will confirm it with a full data QSL-letter and official seal. He went on to say, "The IRC or dollar is needed to cover postage. If the listener sends an IRC, please do not fold it; I prefer the IRC because the dollar is difficult to exchange here".
The postal address one should use when submitting their reception report is:
Mr. Qian Xiaoyan
Floor 11, Radio Building
No.1376 Hongqiao Road
Changning District
Shanghai 200051
P.R. CHINA.
With regard to the current broadcast schedule for the Voice of Pujiang, Mr. Qian had this to say, "There is some mistake about the time and frequency of our station in the new WRTH 2013 (page 155)".
He elaborated by providing the correct broadcast schedule for the Voice of Pujiang. On medium-wave, it is 22.00-16.00 UTC on 1422 kHz @ 20kW; on short-wave, transmission is 12.00-16.00 UTC on 3.280 kHz, 4.950 kHz and 5.075 kHz @ 15kW. The station may also be heard live on webradio / Internet at http://radio.weibo.com/shanghai/am1422
In addition to being a radio enthusiast, Mr. Qian is also a "serious QSL collector". He invites listeners who possess Chinese radio QSL cards before 1980s to scan their classic cards and email copies to him.
For all enquiries regarding the Voice of Pujiang, PLEASE contact Mr. Qian. This is entirely his initiative, not mine. As a courtesy to a fellow DXer, I am merely passing along the information he shared with me.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Short-wave Stations
RADIO KLASIK
RTM - Radio Klasik FM, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, was logged on 21 December 2012. A mix of classic Malay pop tunes and Nashid (Islamic religious songs) and talking with frequent station IDs was observed from 09.35 to 10. 30 UTC. Transmission was on 5.965 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 45444 -- good signal strength, clear and audible.
Radio Klasik may be heard HERE.
RADIO ASYIK FM
RTM - Radio Asyik FM, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, was logged on 21 December 2012. This simulcast FM transmission orginates from a studio in the Cameron Highlands, then is relayed on short-wave from Kajang. Malay pop tunes, news on the hour and frequent station IDs were heard from 10.30 to 11.00 UTC. Transmission occurred on 6.050 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 44444 -- good signal strength with slight fading, otherwise clear and audible.
TRAXX FM
RTM - TRAXX FM, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, was logged on 21 December 2012. Malaysian business news and English pop/rock music hosted by two DJs was heard from 11.00 to 11.30 UTC. Transmission was on the frequency of 7.295 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 34433 -- good strength, slight interference and some fading, otherwise clear and audible
TRAXX FM may be heard HERE.
SARAWAK FM
RTM - Sarawak FM, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, was logged on 21 and 22 December 2012. Malay songs, news, commentary on India-ASEAN meeting and commercials were noted from 23.45 to 00.20 UTC. This FM simulcast originates from a studio in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. It is relayed to Kajang, then transmitted on the short-wave frequency of 9.835 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 32332 -- fair strength, severe interference and some fading, otherwise audible despite QRN.
Sarawak FM may be heard HERE.
WAI FM
RTM - Wai FM, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia, was logged on 22 December 2012. A mix of music and Christmas wishes from phone-in listeners was heard from 03.03 to 03.40 UTC. Broadcast was in Malay and indigenious language (possibly Dayak or Iban). This FM simulcast originates from East Malaysia (presumably Sabah), then is relayed to Kajang for broadcast on the short-wave frequency of 11.665 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 44444 -- good signal strength with slight interference.
Wai FM may be heard HERE.
Reception reports were emailed on 24 December. An email with QSL card to be posted was received on 26 December 2012. Thank you very much Encik Zulkifli at RTM!
Reception reports were emailed on 24 December. An email with QSL card to be posted was received on 26 December 2012. Thank you very much Encik Zulkifli at RTM!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Radio Makedonias (ERT3)
Radio Makedonias (ERT3) in Thessaloniki, Greece was logged on 19 December 2012. A Greek language broadcast of music and news on the hour was monitored from 18.05 to 19.30 UTC on. 7.450 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 18.05 was 23332 -- weak signal strength and terrible station splatter from Radio Free Asia, despite this signal was audible. Reception at 19.00 UTC improved to 35333 once interfering stations signed-off. Slight transmitter hum and fading was observed, otherwise signal was clear and audible.
To hear the reception quality of this transmission in Malaysia (on 19 December 2012 at 19.05 UTC) you may listen to this sound file HERE.
Reception report was posted a few days later to ERT and later emailed when the letter was returned on 19 February 2013, undelivered. This eQSL arrived in the mail on 21 February 2013.
Address:
ERT S.A. – HELLENIC RADIO TELEVISION
SUBDIRECTION OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT
C/O MR. GIORGOS KALIENTZIDIS
P.B. 11 312
541 10 THESSALONIKI – GREECE
Saturday, December 15, 2012
KBS World (via Woofferton, UK) -- German Broadcast
KBS World, transmitting from Woofferton, UK, was logged on 15 December 2012. A German language broadcast was monitored from 20.00 to 21 .00 UTC on 3.955 kHz. Reception (SINPO): 34333 -- fair signal strength, clear speech despite atmospheric noise. By 20.45 UTC reception worsened -- very noisy and weak, but still audible.
Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line at KBS on the same day. This German language QSL card arrived in the mail on 18 April 2013.
Address:
Deutsche Redaktion
KBS World Radio,
Korean Broadcasting System,
Yeouido-dong 18, Yeongdeungpo-gu,
150-790 Seoul, Republic of Korea
Email:
german@kbs.co.kr
Website:
world.kbs.co.kr/german/news/index.htm
Radio Taiwan International (Via Skelton, UK) -- German Broadcast
Radio Taiwan International, transmitting from presumably Skelton, UK, was logged on 15 December 2012. A German language broadcast was monitored from 19.10 to 20.00 UTC on 3.955 kHz. Reception (SINPO): 34333 -- fair signal strength, clear speech despite being very noisy.
Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line at RTI on the same day. After multiple follow-up emails in both English and German, RTI finally responded on 28 August 2013 with this lovely QSL card.
Address:
Address:
Radio Taiwan International
German Service
PO Box 123-199
Taipei, 11199
Taiwan, ROC
Email:
deutsch@rti.org.tw
Website:
german.rti.org.tw/
Radio Nikkei 2 (via Chiba-Nagara, Japan)
Radio Nikkei 2, transmitting from Chiba-Nagara, Japan, was logged on 15 December 2012. This domestic Japanese station was monitored from 02.00 to 02.30 UTC on 9.760 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 02.00 UTC was 14221 -- poor signal strength with fading and atmospheric noise. Despite these conditions, discussion between female and male announcers was audible and intelligible when signal peaked upward. By 02.20 UTC only a weak carrier could be detected, except when signal faded up.
Reception report was submitted on-line and emailed to Radio Nikkei on the same day. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 29 December 2012.
Email:
webmaster@radionikkei.jp
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
SSB Weather Broadcasting (via Taipei, Taiwan)
Reception report was emailed on the same day. A QSL card was promised on 14 December 2012. QSL card and letter arrived in the mail on 27 December 2012.
Address:
Central Weather Bureau
64, Gongyuan Road,
Taipei 10048, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel:
+886-2-2349-1000
Website:
www.cwb.gov.tw
Email:
webqry@cwb.gov.tw
Monday, December 10, 2012
PBS Xinjiang (via Urumqi, China)
PBS Xinjiang, transmitting from Urumqi, was logged on 9 December 2012. A mostly music format of regional music with announcements in Uighur was observed from 17.25 to 18.00 UTC. Transmission was heard on 3.990 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 34333 -- fair signal strength with minor interference, fading and noise, otherwise clear and audible.
A reception report was emailed a few days later to Ying Lian at China Radio International. This broadcast was confirmed with the following message: "Thank you to sending report of program of PBS Xinjiang, we will send a qsl card soon." This QSL card arrived on 27 December 2012, confirming PBS Xinjiang.
xjxwzx@163.com (PBS Xinjiang)
yinglian@cri.com.cn (Ying Lian at CRI)
yinglian@cri.com.cn (Ying Lian at CRI)
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
WTWW (via Lebanon, Tennessee)
WTWW, in Lebanon, Tennessee, USA, was logged on 5 December 2012. Religious music segued with a sermon from a male minister was monitored from 22.25 to 23.05 UTC on 9.990 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 22.25 UTC was 14321 - weak signal strength with fading. When signal peaked upward, audio was detected, although undiscernible speech. At 22.45 UTC reception improved slightly to 24332 -- signal was stronger and allowed speech to be heard more clearly. This window of opportunity disappeared after 23.05 UTC as grey-line was ending. At this point, only a weak carrier signal was observed.
A reception report was emailed to Mr. George McClintock. This eQSL was sent on 13 December 2012 by President and Manager of WTWW, Mr. George McClintock.
Email:
George@wtww.us
Sunday, December 2, 2012
All India Radio (via Gorakhpur)
All India Radio, transmitting from Gorakhpur, India, was logged on 1 December 2012. Music with female host, speaking in Urdu, was heard from 17.05 to 17.30 UTC on 3.945 kHz. Reception (SINPO)was 34333 - fair signal with atmospheric noise and fading, otherwise clear and audible transmission at times.
Reception report was submitted to AIR.
Radio Free Kenyalang
Radio Free Kenyalang, transmitting from an unknown location, was logged on 30 November 2012. Political discussion about Sarawak issues was heard in Malay and Iban from 12.45 to 13.15 UTC. Frequency used was 15.650 kHz. Reception (SINPO) at 12.45 UTC was 34333 -- fair signal strength with atmospheric noise and fading. At 13.00 UTC reception was degraded to 24222 -- much weaker signal with fading and static.
This station is possibly associated with the Sarawak Workers Party. It is another opposition radio station similar to Radio Free Sarawak. No known website, email or Facebook page exists presently.
Radio Dialogue (via Madagascar)
Reception reports for these dates were emailed and submitted on-line to Radio Dialogue on the same day and with subsequent follow-ups. I also designed and attached an eQSL (see above) for them. On 22 April 2013 I contacted the MGLOB relay station in Madagascar and received a reply the following day. On 23 April 2013, after repeated Facebook messages to Radio Dialogue, I received this acknowledgement: "Thank you very much for report on our broadcast. We will send you (QSL)." In a follow-up email to MGLOB I received a reply on 1 October 2013 confirming transmission and promising to send a QSL card.
Street Address:
Radio Dialogue
9th Floor, Pioneer House,
Corner 8th Ave / Fife Street,
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Postal address:
Radio Dialogue
P.O. Box FM100,
Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Email:
radio@radiodialogue.com
Website:
www.radiodialogue.com