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)

Radio Sonder Grense, broadcasting from the Sentech transmitter site in Meyerton, South Africa, was logged on 30 December 2012. A programme of Opera selections, moderated in Afrikaans, was heard from  20.43 to 21.00 UTC. Broadcast was transmitted on 3.320 kHz. Reception at 20.43 UTC was (SINPO) 24332 -- weak but audible and clear signal with atmospheric noise and fading. At 20.47 UTC, strong QRM from Pyongyang Broadcasting Station preparing to sign-on or tuning degraded reception to 22332. At 20.55 UTC, reception was 24321 -- a weaker signal with increased fading. At 20.59 UTC, Pyongyang Broadcasting Station overpowered signal.

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 UTCTransmission 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
Reception report was emailed to CRI English and CRI Russian on the following day. I received emails confirming the aforementioned report. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 21 January 2013. The Russian language mailed another QSL card which arrived on 5 February 2013. An additional two QSL cards from the Russian Service of CRI arrived in the mail on 15 August 2013.


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

Reception was emailed and posted. I've been told response by email is useless. After years of trying, I finally received this QSL from Voice of Strait in the mail on 5 February 2013.

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.

Write QSL on the cover as indicated on the their official website





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

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
Perhaps it is as much the old advertising guy in me as it is the radio enthusiast  who welcomes the arrival of these tokens of appreciation. On the one hand,  I am quite aware these are the tools of the advertising / marketing trade and designed to promote their station and country. Yet, on the other hand, I sense these stations genuinely do value their listeners and wish to encourage us to stay tuned in the coming year.   

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.

RTI eCard for New Year 2013
BLOG COMMENT:

Chrissy Brand in the UK commented: "Great post - thanks for the festive QSL cards!"

Thank you for the kind words.

NHK World Season's Greetings



Voice of Mongolia sent this Season's Greetings by registered mail

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.

A reception report was posted by aerogramme shortly afterward. There was no response for over a year. Finally, on 21 December 2012, I received an email from  Mr. Victor Qian (Editor for China Business News/Voice of Pujiang) who explained why no QSL ever arrived.

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
Here is the aerogramme I posted over a year ago. Mr. Victor Qian noticed the South East Asia DXing blog site and my entry stating no QSL was ever received from the Voice of Pujian. He followed up, checking the archived letters at the station. Some reception reports as old as 10 years were filed away with my aerogramme. He discovered my email address and contacted me. What more can I say, except thank you VERY much for your dedication and interest, Victor! 

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
This is partially attributed to the Voice of Pujiang having long ago run out of QSL cards. Moreover, the station at present has no plan to print new cards. Despite this situation, Mr. Qian gave his assurance saying, "I will confirm  any reception report either through email or snail-mail with a QSL-letter. The snail-mail (reception report) will have an official seal." 

To obtain an eQSL for an emailed reception report, he has requested submissions be sent to: victor.pujiang@gmail.com. He will confirm it by email with full data, excluding the official seal.

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. 

Radio Aysik may be heard HERE.



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!

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:
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)

SSB Weather Broadcasting  (Central Weather Bureau), transmitting from Tainan/Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan), was logged on 11 December 2012. A Chinese (presume Mandarin) speaking female announcer provided meteorological information for various cities in the region. Broadcast was monitored from 17.30 to 17.45 UTC on 5.170 kHz in USB/SSB mode @ 200 watts. Reception (SINPO) was 35443 -- Good signal strength with no interference on any kind. Speech was clear and intelligible.

A sample of this transmission may be heard HERE.

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.

Sound files from this broadcast may be heard HERE and HERE.

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.





Email: 
xjxwzx@163.com   (PBS Xinjiang)
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.

Sound files of music may be heard HERE and sign-off  HERE.

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)


Radio Dialogue "Giving You A Voice", with studio in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and transmitter site in Malagasy Talata Volondry, Madagascar, was logged on 1 December 2012. African pop music and community talk format was monitored from 16.45 to 17.00 UTC on 12.105 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 44433 -- good signal strength with atmospheric noise and fading, otherwise clear transmission. Signal was again logged on 2 December 2012. 

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

Friday, November 30, 2012

QSLs for November 2012

QSLs received for the month of November  2012 include the following:

Voice of Russia (QSL card) transmitting from Samara, Russia
Radio Marti (QSL card) transmitting from Greenville, North Carolina, USA
RTM - Sarawak FM (eQSL) transmitting from Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia
Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (eQSL) transmitting from Colombo-Ekala
Pan American Broadcasting / Media Broadcast GbmH (eQSL) transmitting from Wertactal, Germany
Evangelische Gemeiden / Missionswerk Friedensstimme (QSL card) transmitting from Wertachtal, Germany
Radio Alcaravan (eQSL) transmitting from Puerto Lleras, Colombia
Radio Ukraine International (QSL card) via  Internet broadcast from Kyiv
Chilena FM (QSL card) via  Internet broadcast from San Antonio, Chile
Radio Romania International (QSL card) transmitting from Galbeni
Radio Romania International (QSL card) transmitting from Tiganesti 
Radio Makedonias - ERT3 (QSL card) transmitting from Avila and issued by Voice of Greece

Promised QSLs:
Atlantic 2000 International (eQSL) via Internet broadcast from France
China Radio International (QSL card) transmitting from Habana, Cuba
CHU (QSL card) transmitting from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Radio Verdad (QSL card) transmitting from Chiquimula, Guatemala

The Overcomer Ministry (via Sofia/Kostinbrod, Bulgaria)

The Overcomer Ministry, using the 50 kW transmitter facility in Kostinbrod (Sofia), Bulgaria, was logged on 30 November 2012. Brother Stair was heard delivering a sermon from 19.25 to 20.00 UTC.  By 19.50 UTC reception quality worsened to 24321 -- mostly carrier signal,  except when fading peaked upward. Audio was barely heard and incomprehensible at times. Transmission was observed on  9.700 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 34333 -- fair signal strength with fading and transmitter noise, otherwise clear and audible.

Reception report was emailed to The Overcomer Ministry. This eQSL arrived on 2 December 2012.

Email:
brotherstair@overcomerministry.org

Radio Nikkei 1 (Japan)

Radio Nikkei 1, transmitting presumably from Nemuro, Japan, was logged on (Friday only) 30 November 2012. A programme of traditional Japanese music with discussion and station promotions  was observed from  10.30 to 11.00 UTC. Transmission was on 3.925 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 35443 -- fair signal strength with  some atmospheric noise, otherwise good clarity of audio.

Radio Nikkei 1 was previously QSLed on 9.595 kHz. This frequency, transmitter location and transmitter power is supposedly different, and hence the interest. As it turns out, the transmitter output is 50 kW, the same for the other Radio Nikkei frequencies; see the reverse side of the QSL card below.

Radio Nikkei  1  broadcasts on 3.925 kHz from Nagara, Chiba (call sign: JOZ) and from Nemuro, Hokkaido (call sign: JOZ4). They are synchronised regardless of the day of the week (when Nemuro transmits).

The Nemuro transmitting station (which was in Sapporo before 1996) was established for the purpose of anti-skip in the metropolitan (Tokyo) area in winter and at night.

According to Aoki's list, the schedule for the Nemuro site is as follows:
- Evening in Japan  (Monday-Thursday) 08.00-13.30 UTC, (Friday) 08.00-14.15 UTC, and (Saturday and Sunday) 08.00-12.00 UTC;
- Morning in Japan (Daily)  22.25-23.00 UTC.

Reception report was emailed and submitted on-line. This QSL card arrived in the mail on 14 December 2012.




Radio Marti (Greenville, North Carolina)

Radio Marti, transmitting from Greenville, North Carolina, USA, was logged on 5 September 2012. A Spanish language broadcast of news commentary and a few songs was monitored from 10.30 to 11.20 UTC  on 6.030 kHz. Reception (SINPO) was 25332 -- weak signal strength coupled with atmospheric noise, otherwise speech was audible and clear. 

Reception report emailed and submitted online to Radio Marti. This QSL arrived on the mail on 30 November 2012.

Email:
editor@martinoticias.com

Sunday, November 25, 2012

RTM - Sarawak FM (via Kuching)

RTM - Sarawak FM, transmitting from Kuching, Sarawak (East Malaysia), was logged on 1 November 2010. A broadcast of Malay pop tunes and Islamic progammes in Bahasa Malaysia was monitored on 5.030 kHz from 10.00 to 16.00 UTC.  Reception of this 10 kW transmitter was (SINPO) 45444 -- good signal strength  with slight atmospheric noise and fading throughout transmission, otherwise audio was good and clear.

Note: Sarawak FM is currently on 9.835 kHz, transmitting from Kajang, Selangor (West Malaysia) with Studio / HQ in Sarawak. Transmitter output is purportedly 100 kW.

Reception report was initially posted and emailed to Sarawak FM in November 2010. Follow-up emails were sent periodically in 2011 and 2012. Finally, after preparing an eQSL for the Station Manager at Sarawak FM to sign and stamp, I received a reply on 26 November 2012. There were at least three additional RTM - Sarawak FM personnel I contacted who eventually referred my eQSL to the "Senior Assistant Director of Engineering (Radio) Malaysian Department of Broadcasting, Sarawak". It is he (Mr. Zulkifli) who signed and stamped this eQSL. He replied from Kajang (the current transmitter site for Sarawak FM, which has a transmitter output power of 100kW). He also promised to post the eQSL and, I presume, their QSL card. 

Address. website and email is stated on the eQSL.