QSLs for June 2014

QSLs received and promised for the month of June 2014:

BBC "British Antarctic Survey Test Transmission" (eQSL) transmitting from Woofferton (UK) and Al Dhabbaya (UAE)

Radio Veritas Asia (QSL card) transmitting from Palauig-Zambales, Philippines



Voice of Vietnam VOV 1 (QSL card) transmitting from DacLac (formerly South Vietnam)

Atlantic 2000 (eQSL) broadcasting via Internet stream from France

Voice of America (QSL card) transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria (Vatican)

Voice of Turkey (QSL card) transmitting from Emiler, Turkey

WWV on 25 MHz (QSL card) transmitting from Fort Collins, Colorado (USA)

EA5/GM0OPK (QSL card) transmitting from Valencia, Spain

Radio Romania International (QSL card) transmitting from Tiganesti, Romania

Radio Romania International (QSL card) transmitting from Tiganesti, Romania

NHK World-Radio Japan (QSL card) transmitting from Yamata, Japan

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (QSL card) transmitting from Kamalabad, Iran

Adventist World Radio / KSDA (WaveScan) (QSL card) transmitting from Agat, Guam

Adventist World Radio / KSDA (WaveScan) (QSL card) transmitting from Agat, Guam

PCJ Radio International (eQSL) "First Test Transmission" from Taiwan

Echo of Europe (QSL card and letter) transmitting from Nauen, Germany

Radio Thailand via IBB (QSL card) transmitting from Udon Thani, Thailand




Promised QSL:
China Radio International for PBS Gannan (QSL) transmitting from Hezuo, Gānnán Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, PRC
Radio Ashna (Voice of America/IBB) (QSL) transmitting from Kuwait.

International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) Cuts Broadcasts

Voice of America is expected to reduce their short-wave transmissions after 30 June 2014. Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia  broadcasts will be affected as well.

"All short-wave frequencies will be eliminated for Voice of America English radio broadcasts to Asia, VOA English teaching programs, and VOA programs to Bangladesh," according to BBG Watch.

We have the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), who operates radio transmissions for Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), to thank for this development. Apparently VOA, RFA and RFE/RL were caught off guard a few days before the announcement, which reflects the utter contempt and ignorance of  the IBB.

Source: BBG Watch

On 29 June 2014, Keith Perron of PCJ Radio International broadcast a Voice of America newscast satirizing the recent and sudden closure. It included an interview with an apparatchik from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) and a lengthy comment, albeit uncertain David Ensor, Director of the Voice of America. This was followed with comments from a well known voice and WWII adversary. Well, it's better Keith Perron made the announcement since VOA and affiliates could not deliver the message. Up next Radio Free Voice of America. Keep your radios tuned listeners.

In case you missed this PCJ Radio International broadcast, the VOA spoof may be heard HERE. Enjoy!!!

 Source: Keith Perron at PCJ Media.

 

31 Metres. 24 Countries. 1.5 Hours.

While scanning the 31 metre band  24  countries were netted in 1.5 hours on 25 June 2014.  Radio Australia, VOIRI, Radio Riyadh and Voice of Korea operated on two or more frequencies. Another hour or two would easily have chalked up more stations and countries. Tune in and give 31  metres a listen. There's a lot to discover. 73s!!!

GUAM
KTWR // 9.975 // 55555 // 18.56 UTC with light music

PHILIPPINES
Radio Pilipinas // 9.925 // 55545 // 18.50 UTC with English pop tunes and announcements in Filipino

NORTH KOREA
Voice of Korea // 9.875 // 44444 // 18.47 UTC with revolutionary/martial music in Korea/French announcements

SAUDI ARABIA
Radio Riyadh // 9.870 // 45444 // 18.46 UTC with talk on Islam in Arabic

IRAN
VOIRI // 9.860 // 35443 // 18.45 UTC with  talk in French

GERMANY
RFE via Lampertheim // 9.840 // 33443 // 18.43 UTC with discussion in Russian

MALAYSIA
RTM Sarawak FM // 9.835 // 45444 // 18.40 UTC with Malay pop tunes

TURKEY
Voice of Turkey // 9.785 // 35443 // 18.37 UTC with news in English

SRI LANKA
VOA Deewa Radio via Iranawila // 9.780 // 24332 // 18.35 UTC current event reports in Pashto

SOUTH KOREA
KBS World Radio // 9.740 // 53544 // 18.30 UTC with Spanish language programming

VIETNAM
Voice of Vietnam // 9.730 // 24342 // 18.30 UTC with news in French

SOUTH AFRICA
BBC via SENTECH in Meyerton // 9.720 // 24443 // 18.25 UTC with news magazine in Somali

ALASKA (USA)
KNLS  // 9.655 // 45544 // 17.55 UTC with Russian language broadcast and (a first for me) The Moody Blues performing "I Know You're Out There". Sign off at 18.00 UTC.

FRANCE
Afiadarfur via TDF Issoudun // 9.645 // 35443 // 18.00 UTC with current event reports in Arabic and Sudanese

CHINA
China Radio International // 9.645 // 54544 // 19.10 UTC with news in French

BRAZIL
Radio Aparecida // 9.630 // 24321 -- dominant carrier with faint audio // 19.10 UTC with talk in Portuguese

MOROCCO
Radio Mediterranee Internationale // 9.575 // 24432 // 19.15 UTC with pop music in Arabic/French

SPAIN
Radio Exterior de Espana // 9.570 // 24432 // 19.19 UTC two REE transmissions: one in Arabic and another in French with flamenco music

RWANDA
IBRA Radio // 9.550 // 23432 // 19.25 UTC with music in Arabic

INDONESIA
Voice of Indonesia // 9.525 // 55545 // 18.54 UTC with Indonesian pop tunes

AUSTRALIA
Radio Australia // 9.475 // 44444 // 18.20 UTC with contemporary jazz tunes

INDIA
AIR National Channel // 9.470 // 53544 // 18.05 UTC in English with Western pop/rock Deep Purple "Smoke on the Water", The Who live version of "Pinball Wizard", Tommy James "Mony, Mony"

GREECE
Voice of Greece // 9.420 // 44544 // 18.10 UTC with Greek pop tunes

EGYPT
Radio Cairo // 9.280 // 23432 -- overmodulated // 18.15 UTC Turkish music

Radio Ashna (Voice of America)

Radio Ashna (Voice of America), transmitting from the IBB relay site in Kuwait, was logged on 25 June 2014. A Dari language broadcast of news events, including reports on Iran and Iraq, were observed from 02.05 to 02.30 UTC. Reception on the short-wave frequency of 11.925 kHz was (SINPO) 25432 -- weak audible signal with some atmospheric noise and fading. Speech was clear and discernible at times.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. VOA Public Relations emailed in the evening with the following message, "Thanks so much for your feedback and reception. We will send you a QSL card". QSL card from Belgium, postmarked 3 July 2014, arrived in Malaysia on 26 August 2014.

Email:

askvoa@voanews.com

Short-wave Listener's Guide to Ramadan

As the Islamic world enters the annual month of Ramadan, short-wave listeners can expect  extended hours of Islamic programming. Stations not just in the Middle East, but Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia will likely be on air beyond their usual broadcast times. Listeners will hear qāriʾ reciting the Qu'ran, muezzins announcing the call to prayer and imams leading taraweeh prayers. English language broadcasts from Radio Cairo, Voice of Turkey, Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran and Radio Kuwait are certain to dedicate segments of their programming to the characteristics  of Ramadan.

For most Muslims the beginning of Ramadan 2014 will start on Saturday, the 28th of June and will continue for 30 days until Sunday, the 27th of July. To catch the ambiance of Ramadan on short-wave radio, tune to Radio Cairo, Radio Kuwait, Radio Pakistan, Radio Riyadh, Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran, Voice of Nigeria and Voice of Turkey. RFE/RL affiliates Radio Mashaal and Radio Azadi are likely to feature programming, so too is VOA Deewa Radio. The A14 schedule of these stations below should aid in your search. All times are UTC.

Ramadan Mubarak and Happy DXing!!!

ALGERIA -- Radio Algerienne Chaine 1
7.295 // 04:00 - 04:58 // Arabic 
7.295 // 05:00 - 05:05 // French
7.495 // 21:00 - 21:05 // French
9.375 // 20:00 - 20:55 // Arabic
9.375 // 20:55 - 20:58 // French
9.535 // 05:00 - 05:05 // French
12.060 // 19:00 - 20:58 // Arabic
13.820 // 18:00 - 18:58 // Arabic 

BANGALADESH -- Bangladesh Betar
4.750 // 06:00 - 12:35 // Bengali
4.750 // 12:35 - 12:55 // English
4.750 // 12:55 - 15:35 // Bengali
4.750 // 15:35 - 15:55 // English
4.750 // 15:55 - 17:04 // Bengali
7.250 // 05:00 - 06:00 // Bengali
7.250 // 07:00 - 09:00 // Bengali
7.250 // 16:00 - 16:30 // Arabic
7.250 // 16:30 - 17:00 // Bengali
9.455 // 13:15 - 13:45 // Nepali
13.580 // 17:45 - 19:00 // English
13.580 // 19:15 - 20:00 // Bengali
15.105 // 12:30 - 13:00 // English
15.505 // 14:00 - 14:30 // Urdu
15.505 // 15:15 - 15:45 // Hindi

EGYPT -- ERTU Radio Cairo
9.280 // 16:49 - 18:53 // Turkish
9.315 // 00:45 - 02:00 // Spanish
9.315 // 02:00 - 03:30 // English   
9.410 // 19:00 - 20:00 // German   
9.410 // 20:00 - 21:15 // French   
9.490 // 18:00 - 19:00 // Italian
9.685 // 19:00 - 20:00 // Russian   
9.895 // 21:15 - 22:45 // English   
9.965 // 00:30 - 04:30 // Arabic   
9.965 // 23:00 - 00:30    // English
11.710 // 00:45 - 02:00 // Spanish
12.070 // 00:45 - 02:00 //Spanish
12.070 // 23:30 - 00:45 // Arabic
13.580 // 15:00 - 16:00 // Albanian
13.580 // 21:00 - 23:00 // French   
15.160 // 15:00 - 16:00 // Uzbek   
15.285 // 17:00 - 17:30 // Somali   
15.285 // 17:30 - 19:00 // Amharic
15.290 // 19:00 - 20:30 // English
15.345 // 16:00 - 18:00 // English
15.450 // 16:00 - 17:00 // Afar
15.535 // 13:00 - 16:00 // Arabic
15.710 // 12:30 - 14:00 // Indonesian
15.710 // 18:00 - 21:00 // Hausa   
15.710 // 07:00 - 11:00 // Arabic
15.735 // 16:00 - 18:00 // Urdu   
15.790 // 13:30 - 15:30 // Persian   

INDONESIA -- Voice of Indonesia
9.525 // 10:00 - 11:00 // English
9.525 // 11:00 - 12:00 // Chinese
9.525 // 12:00 - 13:00 // Japanese
9.525 // 13:00 - 14:00 // English
9.525 // 14:00 - 15:00 // Indonesian   
9.525 // 15:00 - 16:00 // Chinese
9.525 // 16:00 - 17:00 // Arabic
9.525 // 17:00 - 18:00 // Spanish
9.525 // 18:00 - 19:00 // German
9.525 // 19:00 - 20:00 // English
9.525 // 20:00 - 21:00 // French   
Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) also airs Ramadan programming.

IRAN -- Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (English only)
7.315 // 19:20 - 20:20  
9.400 // 19:20 - 20:20  
9.715 // 19:20 - 20:20  
11.620 // 15:20 - 16:19  
11.780 // 03:20 - 04:19  
11.885 // 19:20 - 20:20  
13.650 // 03:20 - 04:19  
13.780 // 15:20 - 16:19      
17.640 // 10:20 - 11:17  
17.820 // 10:20 - 11:20  

KUWAIT -- Radio Kuwait
5.960 // 01:50 - 09:00 // Arabic   
6.050 // 16:00 - 21:00 // Arabic   
7.250 // 08:00 - 10:00 // Persian       
9.750 // 11:00 - 16:00 // Arabic   
11.630 // 09:30 - 16:00 // Arabic Holy Quran   
13.650 // 16:49 - 20:00 // Arabic   
15.515 // 04:55 - 09:00 // Arabic       
15.540 // 15:50 - 18:00 // Urdu       
15.540 // 18:00 - 21:00 // English
17.550 // 20:00 - 00:00 // Arabic   
21.540 // 09:30 - 18:00 // Arabic
21.580 // 10:00 - 12:00 // Filipino

MALAYSIA -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia (Malay)
5.965 // Klasik Nasional FM / Radio Satu  00:00 - 00:00
6.050 // Asyik FM / Radio Tujuh // 00:00-14:00 
9.835 // Sarawak FM // 00:00-00:00    
11.665 // Wai/Sarawak FM // 22:00 - 17:00 
  

MOROCCO - Radio Mediterranee Internationale
9.575 // 00:00 - 00:00 // French and Arabic

NIGERIA -- Voice of Nigeria
7.255 // 18:00    20:00 // English       
7.255 // 20:00 - 21:00 // French       
7.255 // 21:00 - 22:00 // Fulfulde       
7.255 // 22:00 - 23:00 // Hausa   
9.690 // 08:00 - 09:00 // Hausa       
9.690 // 09:00 - 15:00 // English       
9.690 // 16:00 - 16:30 // Swahili
9.690 // 16:30 - 17:00 // Igbo       
9.690 // 20:00 - 21:00 // Hausa   
11.770 // 16:00 - 16:30 // Swahili
11.770 // 21:00 - 22:00 // Arabic       
15.120 // 05:00 - 07:00 // English   
15.120 // 07:00 - 08:00 // French   
15.120 // 08:00 - 09:00 // English   
15.120 // 09:00 - 10:00 // English       
15.120 // 15:00 - 16:00 // English
15.120 // 17:30 - 18:00 // Arabic       
15.120 (DRM) //18:30 - 20:00 // English    

PAKISTAN -- Radio Pakistan
9.350 // 17:00 - 19:00 // Urdu   
11.530 // 10:45 - 11:45 // Hindi   
11.530 // 11:45 - 12:15 // Gujarati   
11.530 // 12:30 - 13:00 // Sinhala   
11.530 // 13:00 - 13:30 // Tamil   
11.570 // 17:00 - 19:00 // Urdu   
15.235 // 13:30 - 15:30 // Urdu   
15.730 // 00:45 - 02:15 // Urdu   
15.730 // 05:00 - 07:00 // Urdu   
15.730 // 08:30 - 11:04 // Urdu   
15.730 // 12:00 - 13:00 // Chinese   
15.730 // 13:30 - 15:30 // Urdu   
17.550 // 13:30 - 15:30 // Urdu   
17.810 // 12:00 - 13:00 //  Chinese   
17.830 // 00:45 - 02:15 // Urdu

OMAN - Radio Sultanate of Oman
9.500 // 00:00 - 02:00 // Arabic   
9.540 // 02:00 - 03:00 // Arabic   
9.540 // 03:00 - 04:00 // English   
13.600 // 04:00 - 10:00 // Arabic   
15.140 // 14:00 - 15:00 // English       
15.140 // 15:00 - 22:00 // Arabic   
15.355 // 22:00 - 00:00 // Arabic   




SAUDIA ARABIA -- BSKSA Holy Qu'ran - Radio Riyadh
7.240 // 15:00 - 17:57 // Persian   
9.555 // 17:55 - 23:00 // Arabic   
9.580 // 03:00 - 05:57 // Arabic   
9.580 // 17:00 - 21:57 // Arabic    .
9.675 // 18:00 - 20:57 // Turkish   
9.715 // 03:00 - 09:57 // Arabic   
9.870 // 18:00 - 22:57 // Arabic   
9.885 // 15:00 - 16:00 // Turkmen   
9.885 // 16:00 - 17:00 // Uzbek   
9.885 // 17:00 - 17:57 // Tajik   
11.820 // 17:55 - 22:57 // Arabic       
11.915 // 17:55 - 22:57 // Arabic   
11.930 // 17:55 - 22:57 // Arabic       
11.935 // 08:50 - 11:57 // Arabic   
13.710 // 14:55 - 17:57 // Arabic   
13.775 // 12:00 - 14:57 // Urdu   
15.120 // 12:00 - 14:57 // Bengali   
15.170 // 03:00 - 06:00 // Arabic   
15.205 // 15:45 - 17:57 // Arabic       
15.225 // 14:50 - 17:00 // Arabic   
15.225 // 17:00 - 18:00 // Arabic   
15.285 // 04:00 - 06:57 // Swahili   
15.380 // 05:45 - 08:56 // Arabic   
15.380 // 12:00 - 13:57 // Arabic   
15.435 // 14:50 - 17:00 // Arabic       
15.435 // 17:00 - 18:00 // Arabic   
15.490 // 08:54 - 11:57 // Arabic   
17.560 // 15:55 - 17:57 // Arabic
17.570 // 08:54 - 11:57 // Arabic   
17.615 // 08:54 - 11:57 // Arabic       
17.615 // 12:50 - 15:57 // Arabic   
17.625 // 11:55 - 13:57 // Arabic       
17.660 // 13:55 - 15:57 // French       
17.705 // 11:55 - 14:57 // Arabic       
17.730 // 06:00 - 08:56 // Arabic   
17.740 // 06:00 - 08:56 // Arabic       
17.785 // 08:00 - 09:58 // French   
17.805 // 08:54 - 11:57 // Arabic       
17.895 // 02:55 - 08:00 // Arabic       
17.895 // 11:55 - 14:57 // Arabic       
21.505 // 11:55 - 14:57 // Arabic       
21.670 // 09:00 - 11:57 // Indonesian    

TURKEY -- Voice of Turkey
5.960 // 16:00 - 20:55 // Turkish
6.040 // 04:00 - 05:55 // Turkish
6.165 // 03:00 - 03:55 // English
7.205 // 20:30 - 21:25 // English  
7.210 // 11:00 - 11:25 // Bulgarian
7.260 // 00:00 - 01:54 // Turkish  
7.360 // 17:30 - 18:25 // French
7.360 // 19:30 - 20:25 // French  
9.460 // 16:00 - 20:55 // Turkish
9.465 // 02:00 - 02:55 // Uyghur  
9.515 // 03:00 - 03:55 // English  
9.530 // 15:30 - 16:25 // Azeri
9.540 // 14:00 - 14:55 // Arabic  
9.610 // 14:00 - 14:25 // Italian  
9.635 // 19:30 - 20:25 // French
9.655 // 10:00 - 10:55 // Georgian
9.765 // 15:00 - 15:55 // Persian  
9.770 // 01:00 - 01:54 // Spanish  
9.785 // 18:30 - 19:25 // English  
9.830 // 22:00 - 22:55 // English
9.840 // 13:00 - 15:55 // Turkish
9.855 // 10:00 - 10:25 // Tatar
9.870 // 01:00 - 01:54 // Spanish
11.700 // 12:30 - 13:25 // Uyghur
11.730 // 07:00 - 07:55 // Azeri
11.750 // 06:00 - 08:54 // Turkish
11.750 // 09:00 - 09:55 // Arabic  
11.765 // 15:00 - 15:30 // Dari
11.765 // 15:30 - 16:00 // Pashto  
11.765 // 16:00 - 16:25 // Uzbek  
11.795 // 08:30 - 09:55 // Persian  
11.825 // 12:00 - 12:25 // Turkmen
11.835 // 17:30 - 18:25 // German
11.880 // 13:30 - 13:55 // Kazakh
11.930 // 16:30 - 17:25 // Spanish
11.955 // 06:00 - 11:55 // Turkish
11.965 // 13:00 - 13:55 // Russian
11.980 // 04:00 - 05:55 // Turkish  
13.635 // 06:00 - 12:55 // Turkish
13.650 // 10:30 - 10:55 // Uzbek
13.710 // 12:00 - 12:55 // Urdu  
13.760 // 11:30 - 12:25 // German
15.240 // 11:00 - 11:55 // Chinese
15.450 // 12:30 - 13:25 // English  
15.520 // 16:30 - 17:25 // English  
17.770 // 14:00 - 14:55 // Arabic

Source: Short-Wave dot Info.

BBC World Service - Special Winter Solstice Broadcast To British Antarctica Survey

British Antarctica Survey (Source: BBC)

BBC World Service - Special Winter Solstice Broadcast To British Antarctica Survey (BAS), transmitting from Woofferton (UK), was logged under less than favorable conditions on 21June 2014.  From 21.30 to 22.00 UTC, greetings, good wishes and personal messages from colleagues, family and well-wishers was observed. For added frivolity and fun, snippets of comedic music was interspersed between the comments. At 21.59 UTC BBC World Service ID was heard, then transmission promptly ended at the top of the hour (22.00 UTC). 

Propagation on 5.875 kHz was clearly not ideal in my quarter. Reception throughout the broadcast was poor with a (SINPO) of 24321 -- weak signal with occasional and indiscernible speech due in large part to atmospheric noise and fading. At various times I switched to USB and LSB modes to filter out the noise, but even with this reception remained in a word, terrible. HERE is how the BBC Winter Solstice BAS broadcast on 5.875 kHz sounded in the closing minutes from Malaysia.

Alternative frequencies were much worse: 5.985 kHz was barely noticeable; and 7.350 kHz was buried in QRM from regional stations, namely China. Reception was undoubtedly good elsewhere, and particularly the targeted area -- Antartica. Nevertheless, kudos to the BBC for airing this special winter solstice broadcast!!! 

To learn more about this broadcast, click HERE. If you missed the broadcast and want to hear how it went in 2013, click  HERE. The content and format was essentially similar for 2014. 

Radio France International (via Meyerton)

Radio France International, using the SENTECH transmitter facility in Meyerton, South Africa, was logged on 20 June 2014. A French language broadcast covering the World Cup match of Argentina, moderated by two male announcers,  was observed from 19.40 till 20.00 UTC. Reception on 9.800 kHz was (SINPO) 44544 -- good signal strength, despite mild transmitter droning and occasional, but slight fade. At 19.58 UTC a DRM transmission began, knocking out RFI's signal. 

Reception report was emailed to SENTECH and RFI the following week. RFI sent this eQSL on 12 August 2014. SENTECH took a bit longer to respond with their QSL, which arrived on 27 March 2015.
 

Radio Tamazuj & Radio Dabanga (via Santa Maria di Galeria)

Radio Tamazuj, transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria (Vatican), was logged on 20 June 2014. Broadcast began with open carrier signal at 14.58, then a music flourish with male and female announcers saying "Radio Tamazuj". Current event reports on South Sudan, first in Arabic, then Sudanese, and one Sudanese song was observed from 15.00 to 15.28 UTC. Reception on 15.550 kHz was (SINPO) 45444 -- good signal strength despite some atmospheric noise and slight fading

Reception report was submitted on-line a few hours later, then emailed at a later date.

Email:

radiotamazuj@yahoo.com

info@freepressunlimited.org

Website:
radiotamazuj.org

Radio Dabanga, transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria (Vatican), was logged on 20 June 2014. Transmission followed immediately after Radio Tamajuz. Broadcast began with multiple voices repeating "Radio Dabanga", then current event reports on Darfur from 15.27 to 16.00 UTC, first in Sudanese and lastly in Arabic. Reception on 15.550 kHz improved with a (SINPO) rating of 55545 - good to excellent signal strength despite slight and occasional fading.

Reception report was submitted on-line a few hours later, then emailed at a later date.

Email:

radiodabanga@yahoo.com

info@freepressunlimited.org

Website:
www.radiodabanga.org

BBC World Service - British Antarctic Survey Broadcast

BBC World Service - British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Annual Broadcast to BAS staff in Antarctica on midwinter's day will be 21 June 2014, 21.30 to 22.00 UTC. This date marks the longest, darkest day in the Antarctic, during which the BBC will play music requests and send special messages to the BAS team.

The British Antarctic Survey is the UK’s national Antarctic operator, and has for the past 60 years been responsible for most of the UK’s scientific research in the Antarctica. Based in Cambridge, UK, BAS operates four research stations throughout the year in the Antarctic, including Bird Island, South Georgia; King Edward Point, Cumberland Bay, South Georgia; Rothera, Adelaide Island; and Halley, Coats Land.

TEST TRANSMISSION

A "test transmission' for the impending British Antarctic Survey (BAS) broadcast occurred from 21.30 to 22.45 UTC on 18 June 2014.

Reception in Malaysia for the following test frequencies (and possible 21 June broadcast) was:
9.890 kHz // SINPO 25331 - weak signal, barely audible (TXer site: Woofferton, UK) UPDATE: This frequency will NOT be used.
7.350 kHz // no signal detected; too much QRM from firedrake (TXer site: Ascension Island)
5.875 kHz // SINPO 25442 - weak signal with atmospheric noise, but audible and best heard in LSB mode. (TXer site: Woofferton, UK)
5.985 kHz // SINPO 34443- fair signal strength, noisy with atmospheric noise, heterodyning at  21.40 UTC. Best received in LSB mode to mute noise. (TXer site: Dhabbaya, UAE)

Content of test transmission in English led off with BBC News presented by a female announcer, then into a few "Outlook" episodes on an actor and Venezuela. Transmission on 5.985 kHz ended abruptly, followed by dead air, then BBC ID twice and sign-off at 21.47 UTC.

Not certain whether BBC will confirm with QSL. I seriously doubt it, owning to their current QSL policy. Still, it should make an interesting DX catch! Surprisingly on 28 June 2014, I received an eQSL for this "Test Transmission" from veri-signer Mr. Dave Porter, (Retired) Senior Transmitter Engineer, Woofferton 1982-2012.

Check out the VIDEO PRESENTATION of Woofferton presented by Mr. Dave Porter.

For more information about British Antarctic Survey follow this LINK.

Radio Santa Cruz (Bolivia)

Radio Santa Cruz, transmitting from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia was logged on 18 June 2014. A selection of  vocal songs performed in Spanish and hosted by a male DJ was observed from 19.40 to 20.00 UTC. While Radio Aparecida (Brazil) operates on the same frequency I believe this to be Radio Santa Cruz. When I checked Radio Aparecida on 9.630 kHz only a running monologue was heard. Reception on 6.135 kHz at 19.40 UTC was (SINPO) 23422 -- weak signal, droning noise and fading with audible speech and music. At 20.00 UTC station splatter from firedrake overpowered signal.

Reception report was emailed the following day and followed up with a letter in Spanish.

Address:
Radio Santa Cruz,
Emisora del Instituto Radiofónico Fe y Alegría,
Casillas 672 y 3213
Santa Cruz,
Bolivia

Website:
www.irfabolivia.org

E-mail:
irfacruz@entelnet.bo (delayed delivery)
direccion@irfabolivia.org

Addendum to PBS Gannan

Successful PPC QSL of PBS Gannan

Shortly after posting my blog entry on PBS Gannan, István Hegedüs -- a fellow DXer in Hungary -- emailed to inform he had recently obtained a QSL directly from PBS Gannan in Hezuo, Gansu Province, PRC. However, it was not without some trepidation, given past experience. His previous attempt to contact PBS Sichuan by registered mail with CD audio file, reception report and PPC QSL failed and he was able to track it to a certain point, but it was eventually lost in the postal/bureaucratic maze of China. 

Not to be deterred, he posted a letter with PPC QSL to PSB Gannan. After 64 days it was returned to him. István wrote,  "In the envelope there was nothing but my QSL card. I was very content to receive this new, rare and precious radio trophy from China. You can see in the outer ring of the stamp the name of the station with Tibetan characters, while the Chinese characters are in the inner ring."

His story is not unlike the one I experienced in acquiring a QSL from China Tibet Broadcasting after many failed attempts. To see my account of this incident, click HERE and see the final reward HERE.

Envelope with returned QSL

DXers wishing to QSL directly from PBS Gannan, or for that matter most Chinese stations, may want to create a PPC QSL. The envelope should be addressed in Chinese and Roman script. Cover letter and reception report may be in Chinese, as not all station managers/engineers read or speak English. Keep your English simple and upload it to Google translator, then copy and paste the translated text onto your letterhead.

I would suggest reading the article "How to Identify Chinese Radio Stations" by Mika Mäkeläinen. It might be useful. His website, DXing Info, is also filled with a variety of DXing tips.

Should one be fortunate to receive PBS Gannan on short-wave, use the following address:

To the attention of the DIRECTOR of

GANNAN People’s Broadcasting Station

甘南藏族自治州人民广播电台 - 广播处长

地址:甘肃省甘南州合作市甘南合作西二路４９号

邮政编码：747000 HEZUO / GANSU Province

People’s Republic of  CHINA

 Thank you for sharing this information, István. Happy DXing!!!

Bangladesh Betar

Bangladesh Betar, transmitting from Dhaka, was logged on 17 June 2014. The external service of their English language broadcast was heard from 12.30 to 13.00 UTC. News, commentary on Bangladesh forestry management and river system as well as traditional Bangladeshi music sung in Bangla was observed during this half hour broadcast. Reception on 15.105 kHz was (SINPO) 55545 -- excellent!

Reception report was emailed on the following day and mailed on 20 June 2014.

PBS Gannan (via Hezuo)

CRI for PBS Gannan

PBS Gannan, transmitting from Hezuo, Gānnán Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (PRC), was logged on 16 June 2014. A Tibetan language broadcast of news and presumably current events with music filler between reports was observed from 23.05 to 23.30 UTC, followed by a broadcast in Chinese. Reception on 5.970 kHz was (SINPO) 24432 -- weak signal, fading and slight station splatter, but clear and audible speech detected. Some heterodyning  as well as increased fading and station splatter was observed at 23.17 UTC. Signal was barely audible at 23.30 UTC.

Reception report was emailed to China Radio International, English Department, the following day. Why CRI? Previous attempts to QSL PBS affiliates has failed, whereas CRI (YingLian) will confirm. CRI emailed on the same day, confirming reception report. CRI verification card arrived on 8 June 2014.

  PBS Gannan Address:
GANNAN People’s Broadcasting Station
甘南藏族自治州人民广播电台 - 广播处长
地址:甘肃省甘南州合作市甘南合作西二路４９号
邮政编码：747000 HEZUO / GANSU Province
People’s Republic of  CHINA

Radio Itatiaia (via Belo Horizonte MG)

Radio Itatiaia, transmitting from Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil, was logged on 16 June 2014. A Portuguese language broadcast of news/sports/current events (?) presented by a male announcer, followed by a female announcer presenting a promotional advert, was observed from 22.10 to 22.30 UTC. Reception  at 22.10 UTC on 5.970 kHz was (SINPO) 23431 -- weak but audible speech, despite station splatter from RTM Klasik Nasional (Malaysia)/Voice of Vietnam and occasional fading. By 22.30 UTC, QRM enveloped transmission and signal was inaudible at this point.

HERE is an audio file from this transmission at around 22.12 UTC. A male announcer, speaking Portuguese was heard between the fading and station splatter of RTM Klasik Nasional (Malaysia). 

Reception report was emailed the following day and posted at a later date.

Address:

Rádio Itatiaia

Rua Itatiaia 117, Bonfim, 

31210-170 Belo Horizonte MG, 

Brazil

E-mail: 

itatiaia@itatiaia.com.br 

Website:
www.itatiaia.com.br/sobre/radio-itatiaia