QSLs / ARTICLES

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

QSLs for December 2014


China Radio International (QSL Card) transmitting from Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

 

Atlantic 2000 international* (eQSL) transmitting from Kall-Krekel, Germany


Radio City via Radio Revival*  (eQSL) transmitting from Sala, Sweden

Rhein Mein Radio EDXC (eQSL) transmitting from Sitkunai, Lithuania

Vatican Radio (QSL Card) transmitting from Santa Maria de Galeria


Radio Spaceshuttle International* (eQSL) transmitting from Finland



Radio Europe* (eQSL) transmitting from Italy


 
Radio Merlin International* (eQSL) transmitting from England

Radio Marabu* (QSL Card) transmitting from Belm. Germany

Radio Waves International* (QSL and QSL Letter) transmitting from France

Danmarks Radio* (QSL Letter) transmitting on LW from Kalundborg, Denmark




Promised:
Voice of Turkey (German broadcast) transmitting from Emirler, Turkey

STF Radio International transmitting from presumably EU (received via Twente*) and Sri Lanka (received directly in Malaysia)

Radio Nord Revival (QSL) transmitting from Sala, Sweden (received both via Twente* and directly in Malaysia)

 * Logged using remote SDR receiver at the University of Twente (The Netherlands)


Monday, December 29, 2014

Radio Merkurs via Radio Revival (Sala, Sweden)

Radio Merkurs* with studio based in Riga, Latvia, was logged transmitting on shortwave from Radio Revival in Sala, Sweden on 27 December 2014. A selection of evergreen / swing music with occasional DJ comments between songs, including performances by Frank Sinatra, a tango tune, German and Latvian language songs(?), a solo guitar song, was observed from 13.00 to 13.45 UTC.

Swing music continued up until 15.00 UTC. Reception on 6.065 kHz was (SINPO) 24332 -- poor to weak signal strength with minor station interference, atmospheric noise and fading. Nevertheless music was occasionally clear and audible. MW frequency (1485 kHz) of Radio Merkurs was inaudible at the same time the SW transmission aired.

Reception report was emailed to Radio Merkurs and Radio Revival on the same day. On 29 December 2014 Ronny Forslund, the engineer at Radio Revival, stated Radio Revival had no QSL card at present and advised emailing reception report to Radio Merkurs. A follow up report was sent on 30 December 2014. This self-made QSL is based on an email confirmation received from Raimonds Kreicbergs at Radio Merkurs on 1 January 2015.

Email:
RNI@apollo.lv

Website:
www.radiomerkurs.lv/

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Radio City via Radio Revival (Sala, Sweden)

Radio City - The Station of the Cars*, transmitting from Sala, Sweden via Radio Revival, was logged on 27 December 2014. DJ chatter about play list / station IDs between old rock-n-roll and Christmas songs, including Brenda Lee - "Jingle Bell Rock", "Winter Wonderland", three German songs, an Italian hit song from 1969, a rock-n-roll guitar/saxophone melody and  "Lonesome Number One", was heard from 15.20 to 16.00 UTC (broadcast time 15.00 to 16.00 UTC). At 16.00 UTC, a female announcer identified station as Radio Revival, presented address in Sweden and information. Reception on 6.065 kHz was (SINPO) 54554 -- good, strong and clear signal with minor station interference

Reception report was emailed on the same day. An eQSL was received a few hours later from Radio City, stating: "Many thanks for your correct reception report. I'm glad reception was good in the Netherlands".

Email:
citymorecars@yahoo.ca

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Calendars 2015


KBS World Radio 

EVERY YEAR I receive at least a handful of colourful calendars from radio stations located around the world. Some depict cultural highlights. Others display national landmarks and panoramic sites. And a few may emphasize something totally, uniquely different, like the dramatic television shows featured in the 2015 calendar from KBS World.

Voice of Vietnam 
Not only are calendars one of the best ways to promote tourism of a country, they also serve to remind listeners to tune in to the country's national broadcaster. It doesn't matter how the calendars are presented, whether it is desktop, wall or flip, every day, every month, one takes notice of it.

Over the years radio stations have posted to me some truly memorable calendars. I recall particularly the 1972 Deutsche Welle calendar. DW promoted the '72 Munich Olympics with a flip calendar of artwork portraying the various sporting events. The Voice of Turkey in another year gifted me with a cloth wall calendar showing an Ottoman court image. Radio Canada International issued one with iconic images of their country -- Canadian Mounties,  maple trees in a blaze of autumn colour.

How does one go about getting a calendar from a radio station? In most cases a reception report or two during the past year will earn you not only a QSL card, but place one's address in the station's database. And if you're lucky enough, the station will mail a calendar and few other souvenirs to you. Voice of America used to promote their calendar on air. All a listener had to do was request one.

There's still time. Email a reception report to your favorite station, today. Wait a month or so, and see what the postman delivers.

Happy listening in 2015!!! 

Friday, December 19, 2014

'Tis the Season for Festive Greeting Cards and Souvenirs

Radio Arcadia / U-Boat 66
'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 Radio Taiwan International and Radio Arcadia / Radio U-Boat 66 (Italy). Cards from Radio Japan and Radio Habana Cuba have arrived too. In all likelihood this will continue well into the first few months of 2015, 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 Taiwan International
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.  

Radio Habana Cuba 
As more and more radio stations leave the broadcast bands or reduce their transmission hours and language services, these souvenirs are becoming treasured mementos just as valuable as their QSLs. This past year the Voice of Russia, Radio Espana Exterior, RTM TRAXX FM (Malaysia) and a few more notable international broadcasters decided to leave short-wave, but now -- with the exception of TRAXX FM -- are reconsidering their SW services. Deutschlandfunk will leave the long-wave band at the end of 2015. RTE in Ireland, also on long-wave, contemplated leaving as well.

Radio Japan Urdu service
Happily new stations have sprung up too -- Global 24 Radio, Radio Europa and Channel 242 and, of course, new "free radio" stations. Many former international short-wave broadcasters are turning to regional stations like Hamburger Lokalradio, Radio 700, Media Broadcast GmbH, WRMI and Global 24 to relay their programmes. Even Deutsche Welle is now relaying transmissions from Meyerton, Dhabbaya and Madagascar, not just Kigali. What a great delight it is to see this resurgence!

Radio Europe in Italy
Nevertheless, let us as listeners be more attentive and listen to these radio stations, especially those broadcasting on the short-wave, medium-wave and long-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 which have resorted to this medium. If we truly value our hobby, then we should show our support with a "Thank You Note" and a reception report or two in the coming year. They deserve our loyalty.

Premier Radio
Happy holidays and 73s!!!
Atlantic 2000 (France)

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Artsy Cuban Momentos 2015


Today, the postman delivered a letter from Radio Habana Cuba to my home. Curious, I inspected the envelope, which interestingly was addressed using an old-fashioned typewriter. As I fingered the paper I suspected it was possibly another QSL card from this Caribbean island nation. I carefully snipped open the envelope and discovered a  few souvenirs tucked inside. Was there  an autographed photo of Fidel? Nah, although that would  have been a great keepsake for posterity. Nor was there  a single Cuban stogie.  So, what was stuffed inside?  Nothing grand actually, just artwork. More to the point, it contained a 2015 pocket calendar depicting poet and professor Pablo Neruda, a New Year's greeting card of a Cuban landscape entitled "Amanecer en el Valle" by Hanoi Martinez  and an RHC programme schedule listing their current broadcast frequencies, times and target areas. Why should anyone care  to listen to Radio Habana Cuba? Well, politics aside, I love listening to Latin and Cuban music...and RHC does play fabulous songs!!!

Muchas Gracias, Radio Habana Cuba!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Atlantic 2000 International

Atlantic 2000 International will be on the air Sunday, 14th of December 2014, with 2 hours of programming on shortwave, and more via Internet!
1st hour : 09.00 to 10.00 UTC on 7.310 kHz
2nd hour : 11.00 to 12.00 UTC on 9.485 kHz 
Internet stream will be active from 09.00 to 12.30 UTC, 
via http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr


Atlantic 2000 International*, in a broadcast via Radio 700 transmitter site in Kall-Krekel, Germany, was logged 14 December 2014. Frequent station IDs in French and English were heard between a selection songs, including George Michael - "Last Christmas", The Four Seasons - "Oh, What A Night", Procol Harem - "Whiter Shade of Pale", Family of the Year -  "Hero (Let Me Go)", "La Puppet", Sam Smith - "Stay With Me", Kate Bush - "Running Up That Hill", Joan Baez "Story of Banglaladesh", Johnny Winter - "I Smell Smoke", from 09.00 to 10.00 UTC. Reception on 7.310 kHz was (SINPO) 55545 -- excellent audio strength and clarity, with occasional fading.

HERE is how Atlantic 2000 International sounded on 7.310 kHz at sign-on.

Reception report was emailed to Atlantic 2000 International on the same day. On 16 December 2014, Tiphanie at Atlantic 2000 International emailed the following message: "Thank you very much for your reception report. You will receive our QSL-card soon." An eQSL arrived on 27 December 2014.


Email:
atlanticsinginternational@gmail.com

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Rhein-Main EDXC Special Broadcast (via Sitkunai)

Rhein-Main EDXC Special Broadcast, transmitting from Sitkunai, Lithuania, was logged on 13 December 2014. Club moderator for this broadcast, Heinz Schultz, provided station ID/jingle, contact addresses and  details of the EDXC Conference held in Nice, France in September of this year. This was noted every 15 minutes of so, between interviews conducted by Toshi Ohtake of the Japanese Shortwave Club (JSWC). World renowned DXers, Anker Petersen, Denk Anderson and others, were featured in the broadcast. Transmission closed with an Eric Clapton song, "My Father's Eyes". Reception from 21.00 to 22.00 UTC on 11.690 kHz was less than ideal. SINPO was little better than 24321, here in Malaysia. Overall, reception was poor but with an audible signal between long fades and severe atmospheric noise, which lasted pretty much throughout the transmission. Thank you, Michael Haun!
 
Transmission from Sitkunai, Lithuania
Target Area     Frequency        Beam        UTC                   Day
Japan/Asia       11.690 kHz          79         21.00 - 22.00    Sat, 13 Dec

Transmission from WRMI, Okeechobee, Florida, USA
Target Area     Frequency        Beam        UTC                    Day
WNAm           7.455 kHz          285         00.00 - 01.00      Mon, 15 Dec
ENAm             5.850 kHz          355         00.00 - 01.00     Mon, 15 Dec
Car/LAm         5.015 kHz          160         00.00 - 01.00     Mon, 15 Dec
Eu                  15.770 kHz           44          21.00 - 22.00     Mon, 15 Dec

Reception report was emailed and posted to Rhein-Main Radio Club. Verification is  available ONLY from RMRC, either as an eQSL or as paper QSL (return postage is not required). The above eQSL was received on 23 December 2014. Paper QSL card arrived in the mail on 26 January 2015.

Email: 
info@RMRC.de

Postal Address:
Rhein-Main Radio Club,
Postfach 70 08 49, 
60558 Frankfurt/Main,
Germany

Website:
www.rmrc.de

Voice of Ukrainian Crimea

Voice of Ukrainian Crimea*, transmitting presumably from Crimea, was logged on 13 December 2014. Station ID in English and Russian (?) with a dramatic instrumental theme was heard approximately every 15 minutes. Regional rock, rap, pop and patriotic songs with occasional commentary were observed from 17.45 to 18.25 UTC. A rousing (macho) anthem performed by a chorus of male singers was heard just before the transmission closed. Reception on 6.290 kHz was (SINPO) 34322 -- fair signal and discernible audio despite long fades and atmospheric noise. Transmission worsened and signal weakened after 18.00 UTC due to increased QRN and fading. However, the frequency varies; other DXers have received Voice of Ukrainian Crimea further up the dial on the 48 meter band (6.325 kHz) as well.

HERE is the interval sign-on for the Voice of  Ukrainian Crimea.

Voice of Ukrainian Crimea is reportedly a free radio station, although with a clandestine nature. The station operates with a low-power transmitter, reaching as far as northern Europe and obviously with fair coverage throughout the continent. I say this noting their signal was picked up by the Twente SDR receiver based in the Netherlands, whereas it could not be detected directly from my listening post in Malaysia.

I would love to send a reception report to the Voice of Ukrainian Crimea, but as of this posting there is no known email or postal address. Nor does the station advertise one. Anyone who knows the contrary  an email address would be appreciated.

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Radio Spaceshuttle International

Radio Spaceshuttle International*, transmitting from Finland, was logged on 18 October 2010.  From 15.50 to 16.20 UTC, RSI programme content included:  Wham - "Wake Me Up Before You Go"; DJ chatting and old radio clips; an instrumental tune - "Black & Clear" with station ID "Radio Spaceshuttle International" from DJ mentioning listeners in Germany and Spain, assorted noises - siren, knocking, creaking door, walking, flushing water, facsimile, laughter and dialogue; station ID "You are listening to Radio Spaceshuttle International... universal... supersonic... in Finland"; Seventies disco tune; more sound effects "hyperman" and DJ chatting in English and Finnish with ID; disco tune followed - "I Know Show Me The Way"; sound effects - trumpet tune, then "You are listening to the best radio station in town", followed by DJ chatting in Finnish to listeners in Spain, then in English; followed by a disco tune "Cadillac". Reception on 9.270 kHz  (SINPO) 24332 - weak to fair signal, audible and clear at times, with occasional fading.

Reception report was emailed on 18 October 2014. The above eQSL from Dick Spacewalker arrived on 13 December 2014. Thank you, Dick!

Email:
spaceshuttleradio@yahoo.com

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.


LKB / LLE Bergen Kringkaster

LKB / LLE Bergen Kringkaster (LA1ASK)*, transmitting from Bergen, Norway, was logged on 5 December 2014. CW and facsimile (digital mode) transmission was received clearly, then followed by voice transmission. This was repeated several times from 00.15 to 00.20 UTC, and heard well after 01.00 to 01.15 UTC. Reception on 5.895 kHz in USB mode was (SINPO) 24342 -- CW and facsimile transmission was clearly audible, whereas indecipherable audio was only faintly received on an otherwise QRN and QRM free frequency.

HERE is how LKB / LLE Bergen Kringkaster sounded in (Twente) the Netherlands.

Reception report was emailed and posted to Svenn Martinsen at  LKB / LLE Bergen Kringkaster within the week. On 30 January 2015 I received an eQSL Letter from Svenn Martinsen, confirming reception of station.

The content of this eQSL Letter follows:

 "Dear radio friend! Thank you so much for your reception report! Congratulations on a fine catch! We herewith verify your reception as correct of LKB/LLE Bergen Kringkaster, broadcasting over LLE-3, 5895 kHz in the 49 metres SW band. Please take this letter as our QSL. This is an official Norwegian test broadcasting license.

"In addition to voice IDs in Norwegian, English, Swedish and Japanese we have broadcast our morse ID VVV VVV VVV DE LKB / LLE LKB / LLE LKB / LLE. We also have broadcast special electronic music composed for the transmissions by Øyvind S.Ask. We also put out instrumental music played by Bjørn Tore Bystrøm on Saxophone.

"Transmitters:
LLE-3 5895 kHz 200 watts USB 50 watt AM, Yaesu FT-950-tx. Antenna: Inverted V.
LLE-2 1314 kHz 250 watts, usually 150 watts Western Electric (WE 451A-1) tx from the late 40s, brought back into life after it closed as LLU for NRK Odda over 36 years ago. Antenna: Double L wire antenna.
LLE-5 103,8 FM 100 watts, Itelco-tx. Antenna: Omnidirectional. Recently we received a RSL "full broadcast»  for this frequency.

"In addition Radio Northern Star has two other MW frequencies licensed to the site, one of these is a 60 watt AM/250 watt USB(LLE-4) from a Skanti ex-Maritime tx and Comrod-antenna, it is hoped to have this on the air soon.

"I am attaching pictures. Please publish your reception and our information on as many boards and lists as possible!

73s and Good DX!
Svenn Martinsen
Broadcast Coordinator/Editor
LKB/LLE Bergen Kringkaster
Foreningen Bergen Kringkaster
Org.nr.: 993809055
Boks 100
5331 RONG"


Email:
report@bergenkringkaster.no

Address:
Bergen Kringkaster,
c/o Mr. Svenn Martinsen
Grensedalen 59,
5306 Erdal, Askøy kommune.
Norway

Website: 
www.bergenkringkaster.no/

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Radio Europe

Radio Europe*, transmitting from Italy, was logged on 6 December 2014. Rock music, quick station ID at 09.43 UTC, then back to rock music (a funky dance tune), station ID and DJ chatting at 09.50 UTC, followed by music from Eminem was heard between 09.35 till 10.00 UTC. Reception on 6.875 kHz was (SINP0) 14321 - poor to weak signal and fading,  music audible but very noisy conditions due to atmospheric QRN.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. Two eQSL cards were received on 10 December 2014.  Alex at Radio Europe wrote: "Dear Timm, thanks for your report...and your beautiful email is important report for Radio Europe. 2 qsl special...for you. Ciao 73, from Italy." Thank you for the verification, Alex!

 

Email:
radioeurope@iol.it

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Radio Merlin International

Radio Merlin International*, in a test transmission from the UK, was logged on 9 December 2014. Station IDs/jingles between a selection of Christmas songs, including Band Aid - "Do They Know Its Christmas", George Michael - "Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart", Shakin' Stevens - "Merry Christmas Everyone", "Wish It Could Be Christmas ", ABBA - "Happy New Year", Taylor Swift - "Santa Baby", was heard 13.30 to 14.00 UTC. DJ mentioned test transmission was being performed to check the higher aerial at reduced power. Reception on 6.305 kHz was (SINPO) 24322 -- weak signal with long fades and severe atmospheric noise, nevertheless music was audible and clear occasionally.

Reception report was emailed on same day.  An eQSL and Xmas card from RMI arrived the following day, 10 December 2014. Many thanks, Paul!

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Radio Marabu

Radio Marabu*, transmitting from Belm, Germany, was logged on 8 August 2014. Alternative pop and contemporary jazz, with frequent station IDs and comments from a female DJ, was monitored from 14.30 to 15.15 UTC. Reception on 6.240 kHz was (SINPO) 24322 -- weak but audible signal, clear whenever fading, minor QRM and atmospheric noise was not present. Station was logged using a remote SDR receiver in the Netherlands. I might add I truly enjoyed their music format and selection, especially the jazz!!! Will have to tune in again.

Reception report was emailed to Radio Marabu on the same day. On 4 November 2014, after a long wait and no reply, I submitted the reception report to Radio Marabu at their Facebook page. Immediately I received a reply, albeit one short of verification, stating "Sensational. Greetings from Germany".  On 28 November 2014, Reiner at Radio Marabu emailed to say QSL was in the mail entire to me. QSL card, bookmarker, programme and transmission schedules arrived in the mail on 9 December 2014, Danke, Reiner!

Email:
info@radiomarabu.de

Website:
www.radio-marabu.de/

Address:
Freundeskreis Radio Marabu e.V.
Postfach 1166
D-49187 Belm
Deutschland

*Logged using remote SRD receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Radio King Shortwave

Radio King Shortwave* was logged on 6 December 2014.  A selection of songs, including The Beatles - "It's Only A Northern Song",  Stevie Nicks - "You Can Talk to Me", Renaissance - "Northern Lights" with occasional IDs in English, was heard from 08.00 to 08.30 UTC. Reception on 6.205 kHz was (SINPO) 24322 - weak signal, barely audible occasionally due to fading and severe atmospheric noise.

Reception Report was emailed on the same day. An eQSL was received the following day. Thank you King Shortwave!

*Logged using remote SDR receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Free Radio Log for 6 December 2014

A little more than a half dozen free radio stations were logged on 6 December 2014 from Twente, the Netherlands. While known email addresses were used for the submission of reception reports, a sizable number of stations (from previous logs) have not replied with their QSL. Fellow DXers of these stations, logged at the same time, have met with varying degrees of success. Why the discrepancy? I have no idea. There seems to be no rhyme  nor reason. 

Radio Delta International (Technical Man) //  The Netherlands // 15.05 to 15.30 UTC // 6.295 kHz // SINPO 54444 -- excellent signal, despite utility QRM and slight fading // Dutch and German songs with IDs in Dutch. Later in the broadcast a medley of Johnny Cash songs was heard.

Radio Europe // Italy // 09.35 to 10.00 UTC // 6.875 kHz // SINP0 14321 - poor to weak signal and fading,  music audible but very noisy conditions  due to atmospheric QRN // Hard rock, funky dance track and Eminem were observed between stations IDs.

Radio King Shortwave  //  08.00 to 08.30 UTC // 6.205 kHz // SINPO 24322 - weak signal, barely audible occasionally due to fading and severe atmospheric noise // A selection of songs, including The Beatles - "It's Only A Northern Song",  Stevie Nicks - "You Can Talk to Me", Renaissance - "Northern Lights" with occasional IDs in English was noted.

Radio Marabu // Germany // 16.00 UTC onward // 6.239 or 6.240 kHz // SINPO 44434 // Alternative music mix.

UNID // after 15.30 UTC // 6.940 and 6.925 kHz // SINPO 54544 -- occasional utility QRM which prompted retuning // Mostly dance / techno music was heard.

UNID (Etherfreak?) // 15.55 to 16.05 UTC // 6.285 kHz // SINPO 34333 // Music and IDs in English, mention of a listener in Moscow, and intent to close down.

*Logged using remote SDR receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands

49 Meter Band. 12 Countries. 1 Hour.


On 6 December 2014, from 16.30 to 17.30 UTC, in a random scan of the 49 meter band, a few notable stations popped up. Among the broadcasters observed were CRI, PBS, BBC and Radio Australia transmitting on multiple frequencies and radiating with varying degrees of strength. At least a handful of stations operated on the same frequency and could be easily identified. Other stations heard, but not mentioned in this log, include Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran and CRI from at least three different transmitter sites. And all of this observed in one hour, on one short-wave band. 

TINIAN ISLAND
Radio Free Asia // 5.855 // 33443 -- slight jamming // Korean language broadcast of news and current event reports at 17.30 UTC.

THAILAND
BBC via Nakhon Sawan // 5.875 // 34443 // Dari language broadcast of regional music at 17.25 UTC

OMAN
BBC via Al Seela // 5.910 // 24432 // Dari language broadcast of news observed at 17.20 UTC.

ROMANIA
Radio Romania International // 5.920 // 24432 // Commentary in Romanian noted at 17.20 UTC.

AUSTRALIA
Radio Australia // 5.940 // 44444 // Classical music from 16.30 till 17.00 UTC. Earlier in the evening Australian Country & Western was heard. Also received on 5.995 but weaker signal at 34443.

MALAYSIA
RTM Klasik Nasional // 5.965 // 55555 // Old Malay hits from 16.30 UTC onward. Nice to hear Klasik Nasional again after their month long absence in November.

KUWAIT / CHINA (TIBET)
Radio Kuwait and PBS Xizang // 6.050 // 33343 -- Radio Kuwait stood out with PBS Xizang under // 16.50 UTC discussion in Arabic with Chinese songs mixed under -- one might say a "clash of radio cultures".

NORTH KOREA
KCBS Pyongyang // 6.100 // 44444 // 16.50 UTC with light North Korean music, then time pip and patriotic music mixing with CRI news report at 17.00 UTC.

INDIA
All India Radio via Bengaluru // 6.155 // 35443 // Urdu language broadcast with music from 17.05 UTC onward.

SOUTH AFRICA / CHINA (XINJIANG)
BBC via Meyerton and PBS Xinjiang // 6.190 // 33343 -- evenly matched mishmash of signals // News reports from the Beeb and music from Urumqi site from 17.15 UTC onward.

UZBEKISTAN
The Voice Asia via Tashkent // 6.260 // 34443 // Lively female announcer chatting in Hindi between songs from 17.30 UTC onward

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Voice of Turkey

Voice of Turkey, transmitting from  Emirler,  was logged on 2 December 2014. A German language broadcast of news, Turkish pop music, TRT "Question of the Month", and feature on German-Turkish ties was heard from 18.30 to 19.24 UTC. Reception on 9.620 kHz was (SINPO): 44444 -- good signal strength and clear audio, despite slight QRM, some atmospheric noise and slight fade.

Reception report was emailed the following day to the Voice of Turkey German and English departments. On 8 December 2014, I received an email from the German language service of TRT confirming the aforementioned reception report and 2015 New Year's wishes. Their email reads:  "Hallo und Merhaba aus Ankara, Vielen Dank für Ihren Empfangsbericht. Wir bestätigen gerne Ihren Empfangsbericht mit einer schönen QSL Karte der Stimme der Türkei. Wir wünschen Ihnen ein glückliches neues Jahr 2015. Liebe Grüße aus Ankara." QSL card, along with pocket and card size calendars, arrived in the mail on 20 January 2015.

Email:
deutsch@trt.net.tr
englishdesk@trt.net.tr

Monday, December 1, 2014

Radio Waves International

Radio Waves International*, transmitting from France, was received on 9 November 2014. This particular broadcast commemorated RWI's 31st anniversary and contained their usual mix of country and western songs, station IDs/jingles and C&W stars providing a plug for RWI. Transmission was monitored from 10.45 to 11.15 UTC on 11.401 kHz, although many other frequencies were used during their "Birthday Party" broadcast. Reception on 25 meters was (SINPO) 44344 -- good signal with minor atmospheric noise and fading, otherwise clear and audible transmission.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. On 28 November 2014, Philippe emailed to say "QSL is on the way". QSL, cover letter, stickers, flyers and C&W concert promotion in France was received on 2 December 2014.

Email:
rwaves@free.fr

*Logged using remote SDR receiver at University of Twente, the Netherlands