QSLs for July 2016

Choibalsan 1431 Test Transmission/Babcock International (eQSL) transmitting on medium-wave from Choibalsan, Mongolia



Eighties Radio* (eQSL) transmitting from an undisclosed location in Europe (Ireland?)


RRI Pekanbaru PRO-4 (Email QSL) transmitting on medium-wave from Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia


Furusato No Kaze (QSL) transmitting from Palau Medorn

WRMI for Radio Ukraine International (QSL Card) transmitting from Okeechobee, Florida (USA)

 

Radio Libertad via WRMI (QSL Card) transmitting from Okeechobee, Florida (USA)

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

 


 Voice of America (QSL Card) transmitting on medium-wave from Sao Tome

Trans World Radio Europe (eQSL) transmitting on medium-wave from Central Asia (presumed Yerevan-Gavar, Armenia)


All India Radio Chinsurah (QSL Card) transmitting on medium-wave from Chinsurah, West Bengal, India

Voice of Indonesia (QSL Card) transmitting from Jakarta, Indonesia



  NHK World Radio Japan* (QSL Card) transmitting from Sitkunai. Lithuania

Radio Taiwan International (QSL Card) transmitting from Paochung, Taiwan






*Station logged using reemote SDR receiver in The Netherlands (Twente)

Vatican Radio+ Special Krakow Broadcast

Vatican Radio+, transmitting presumably from Santa Maria di Galeria, in a "Special Broadcast of World Youth Day 2016" from Krakow, Poland was monitored from 16.50 till 18.40  UTC, on 30 July 2016. This segment of the broadcast featured speeches and contemporary music with moderation from a  French speaking, female announcer, which lasted well beyond 17.50 UTC. A speech by the Pope and religious music in Latin was noted after 18.00 UTC.

From the Netherlands, reception on 15.540 kHz initially was (SINPO) 55555 -- excellent signal strength, clear audio, no interference. By 17.30 UTC, reception was 55444 -- still strong and clear, but with slight fading and atmospheric noise. HERE is an excerpt from the broadcast as heard using the Twente SDR receiver.

This transmission was also received directly in Malaysia at 16.50 UTC. However, only a faint carrier with audio in LSB mode was noted, yet much too weak to discern speech clearly. Reception began to improve around 18.00 UTC with SINPO of 25322 -- audible and discernible speech when not fading under noise. HERE is an excerpt from this broadcast as received in Malaysia using a Tecsun S-2000.

Two reception reports were emailed to Vatican Radio on the same day: one for remote reception and the other for direct reception. On 1 August 2016, Sergio Salvatori for Vatican Radio, replied saying: "Thank you for the reports, I have sent you the requested QSL". QSL card arrived in the mail on 22 August 2016.



+Transmission was monitored both remotely from an SDR receiver in Enschede, The Netherlands (Twente University) and directly in Malaysia using a Tecsun S-2000 linked to a 1/4 aerial

QSL in the Mail

As mentioned a few days ago Radio Taiwan International mistakenly sent the wrong QSLs for reception reports. RTI did follow-up with at least one correct reception report submitted in June 2016. Along with their rather innovative QSL card a souvenir coaster was received.

Radio Free Asia (via Incheon)

Radio Free Asia, transmitting presumably  from  Seoul (Incheon), Republic of Korea was logged on  29 July 2016. A Korean language broadcast of news/current event reports with occasional music filler was observed from 18.00 till 18.30 UTC. Reception on the medium-wave frequency of 1188 kHz was (SINPO) 23322 -- weak signal, co-frequency interference from a Thai station, RFA audible only when not fading under Thai station (every three to four minutes). That's not bad for a signal over 4,610 km away!

Reception report was emailed to RFA the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail on 11 August 2016.

Email addresses:
qsl@rfa.org
nk@rfa.org

QSLs in the Mail

Four QSL cards from Radio Taiwan International arrived in the mail a few days back. Supposedly reception reports were submitted for October 2015, November 2015, December 2015 and January 2016. Sad to say I can account only for an RTI French language broadcast (via Woofferton) submitted in November 2015. I suspect RTI has mixed up the dates for reception reports sent in April, May and June 2016. Time will tell whether this is the case. In any event, thank you RTI!!!

Oct 2015

Nov. 2015

Dec.  2015

Jan. 2016

 

QSL in the Mail

QSL card, postcard, letter and programme schedule from the Russian service of NHK World - Radio Japan*, transmitting from Sitkūnai (Lithuania), arrived in the mail today. Although logged using a remote receiver it is nice to have this verification. Thank you, NHK World - Radio Japan Russian service!

*Transmission received using the remote SDR receiver located in the Netherlands (Twente). 

DZXL - AM [Radio Mindanao Network - "RMN News Manila"]

DZXL - AM [Radio Mindanao Network - "RMN News Manila"], transmitting from Taliptip, Bulacan Province (Philippines), was logged on 25 June 2016 (26 July 2016, PHT), from 20.05 till 20.35 UTC (04.05am till 04.35am PHT), here in the Kuala Lumpur area. A English/Filipino language broadcast entitled "State of the Nation" featured a series of news/current event reports, including one on "terrorismo" in Malaysia.

Reception of this purported 40-50kW station, operating on the medium-wave frequency of 558 kHz, was (SINPO) 35433 -- fair signal strength, clear audio, no co-frequency interference at the time logged, slight fading (every four to five minutes). This is not too shabby for a broadcast 2,469 km away!!!

Reception report was emailed to the station on the following day and subsequently posted.

Email:
info@rmn.ph

Address:
DZXL - AM [Radio Mindanao Network]
4th Floor, Guadalupe Commercial Complex
EDSA Guadalupe,
Makati City NCR 1229
Philippines

Voice of Forum of Eritreans (via Issoudun)

Voice of Forum of Eritreans (Radio Medrek), transmitting from Issoudun (France)+, was logged on 24 July 2016. A Tigrinya language broadcast was monitored from 17.25 to 17.58 UTC (broadcast time 17.00 to 17.58 UTC). Commentaries, feature stories and Eritrean music was observed during this period. Reception on 15.245 kHz was (SINPO) 45454 --  strong and clear, no fading, no interference. 

Reception report was emailed to Radio Medrek on the following day. Previous attempts to QSL in 2014 failed.

Email:
info@erimedrek.com
info@muntada.com (bounced)

Website:
www.erimedrek.com

+Presumed to be Ludo Maes' BRB via TDF Issoudun site  
 

Radio Publique Africaine (via Issoudun)

Radio Publique Africaine (Burundi), transmitting from Issoudun (France)+, was received on 22 July 2016. This largely talk dominated format of news/current event reports about Burundi and local music was observed from 18.00 till 19.00 UTC. Kirundi service was noted in the first half hour, followed by French service in the latter half hour.

Reception on 15.480 kHz was initially (SINPO) 35433 -- fair signal strength, clear and audible speech, despite atmospheric noise and moderate fading. After 18.45 UTC, signal was barely audible and gradually faded under atmospheric noise. A terribly weak signal was still present at sign-off (19.00 UTC).

HERE is a nice selection of Burundi music heard over Radio Publique Africaine, as recorded in Malaysia.

Reception reports with audio files were emailed to Radio Publique Africaine and Télédiffusion de France (TDF)+ on the following day.

Email:
sibo82@gmail.com

Website:
www.rpa.bi/
  
+Presumed to be Ludo Maes' BRB via TDF Issoudun site  

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran (via Kamalabad)

Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran, transmitting presumably from Kamalabad, was logged on 22 July 2015. A English language broadcast of news and programmes on Islam was monitored from 15.30 till 16.15 (broadcast time 15.30 till 16.30 UTC). Reception on 13.780 kHz was (SINPO) 45444 - good signal strength, clear audio, slight fade

Reception report was emailed to IRIB on the following day.

Email Addresses:
english.irib@gmail.com
englishradio@irib.ir

Adventist World Radio (via Nauen and Trincomalee)

Adventist World Radio, transmitting from Nauen and Trincomalee, was logged on 22 July 2016.  Hindi, Marathi and Punjabi broadcasts were monitored from 15.20 till 15.40 UTC (broadcast time for Punjabi from 15.00 till 15.30 UTC, followed by Hindi from 15.30 till 16.00 UTC and Marathi from 15.30 till 16.00 UTC).

Reception from Nauen (Hindi and Punjabi) on 15.265 kHz was (SINPO) 55555 -- outstanding reception on all accounts -- strong, clear, no interference, no fading -- perfect!

Unfortunately, reception from Trincomalee on 11.975 kHz (Marathi) was terrible with a (SINPO) rating of 23221 -- weak signal, noisy transmitter or dominant carrier, audio fading under noise. Reception worsened after 15.40 UTC and was barely audible with fading every 3 to 4 seconds.

Reception reports were emailed to AWR on the following day. QSLs and pennant arrived in the mail on 16 August 2016.

QSLs in the Mail

Two medium-wave QSLs from Voice of America via Sao Tome and Trans World Radio Europe via Central Asia (Armenia?) arrived in the letterbox today. Both stations were received in Malaysia using a Sangean ATS-909 (my preferred MW receiver) with internal internal ferrite rod aerial. Of the two, VOA packs one helluva signal here in South East Asia. Thank you, VOA and TWR Europe!

QSLs in the Mail

Three QSL cards for five medium-wave stations of All India Radio arrived in the mail today. Four of these stations (AIR Ahmedabad, AIR Dibrugarh, AIR Imphal and AIR Port Blair) were previously verified in one QSL card last month. Still, this is doubly nice to receive follow-up verifications. The newest verification is for All India Radio Chinsurah in West Bengal.  To date, this makes 10 All India Radio MW verifications. Thank you, Spectrum Management & Synergy!

 

QSL in the Mail

Along with this QSL card from Voice of Turkey , a pencil bag, bookmark, coaster and pocket calendar arrived in the mail today. This was a pleasant surprise after a few reception reports went unanswered. Hiccups aside, thank you, Voice of Turkey! May peace return to your beautiful country.

Radio Romania International

Radio Romania International, transmitting from Galbani (Romania) was logged on 17 July 2016. A Special French language broadcast with Romanian and French contemporary pop songs was observed from 16.00 till 16.55 UTC. Reception on 11.950 kHz was (SINP0) 55445  -- excellent signal strength and good audio quality despite slight fade and minor atmospheric noise.

Reception report was emailed in English and French to RRI on the following day. Report was also submitted online to RRI. QSL card arrived in the mail on 22 August 2016.

Email Address:

service_francais_rri@yahoo.fr

fran@rri.ro

eng@rri.ro

Website:

www.rri.ro

Postal Address:

Radio Romania International,

60-62 General Berthelot Street,

P.O. Box 111,

Bucharest, Romania

Radio Mi Amigo International (via Yerevan-Gavar)

Radio Mi Amigo International, in a test transmission from Yerevan-Gavar (Armenia), was received on 17 July 2016, from 16.58 till 17.50 UTC (broadcast time 17.00 till 18.00 UTC), here in the Kuala Lumpur area. While excellent reception on 11.850 kHz was hampered by a weak signal, severe co-frequency interference from a utility station and fading every two to three seconds, this German/English broadcast of mostly English language rock songs was heard, among these being Manfred Mann's "I Came for You". Although speech was unclear at times, DJ Capt Kord (presumed) and the driving beat of rock music were very noticeable up until about 17.50 UTC. All in all, despite being unable to clearly hear the  broadcast, which was obviously targeted to Europe, it was nevertheless a nice show!

Reception report was submitted online to both Shortwave Service GmbH and Radio Mi Amigo International. It was emailed as well to both parties on the following day. An eQSL was received shortly afterwards. Paper QSL arrived in the mail on 5 September 2016, postmarked Spain.

Email Addresses:
info@radiomiamigo.es
info@shortwaveservice.com

Websites:

www.radiomiamigointernational.com

www.shortwaveservice.com

Indonesia MW Stations

 747 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Bengkulu (Pro-1), transmitting from Bengkulu, Sumatra was logged on 27 April 2016. A selection of Indonesian pop music and news in Bahasa Indonesia was monitored from 22.55 till 23.15 (5.55am till 6.15am, Sumatra time). Reception  was (SINPO) 34322 - signal strength was fair when not fading every 3 to 4 minutes and local QRN. As grey-line disappeared, signal lessened in strength and clarity. Reception RRI Bengkulu Pro-1 is generally much stronger in the evening at 34433.

774 kHz - Ismail Radio in West Java was logged on 25 June 2016. Islamic programming consisted of Quran recitation, Azan for Ishak prayers in Mecca, doa and Taraweeh prayers from Mecca from 18.00 till 18.30 UTC (01.00 till 01.30 am, Indonesia time). The station has been heard after 22.00 UTC, so I suspect the station is on air 24 hours. Reception was (SINPO) 33433 -- weak to fair signal depending on the degree of fading (three to four minutes apart) and mixing with a Thai station, purportedly based in Udon Thani. There is quite possibly a third station causing co-frequency interference as well. In any case, Ismail Radio is the dominant signal.

801 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Semarang (Pro-1) in Central Java was logged on 4 May 2016.  A selection of several old Indonesian songs, hosted by a male DJ, then announcement of transmission closure and national anthem was heard from 16.00 till 17.00 UTC (broadcast time 11.00 pm till 12.00am, Java time). Reception  was (SINPO) 44434 -- good signal strength with occasional and minor fading, but generally audible throughout the transmission. Terrible transmitter droning was observed whenever signal faded under. While AIR Jabalpur and a station in China operate on the same frequency, their presence was not observed until after 17.00 UTC; RRI Semarang remained the dominant signal. RRI Semarang  was observed signing on the following day, first with transmitter switched-on at 21.25 UTC, then interval and ID at 21.30 UTC. Station QSLed!!!

868 kHz - Radio Bogor Swaratama, transmitting from Leuwiliang, Bogor, West Java was received on 7 April 2016. An Islamic Question & Answer programme in bahasa Indonesia was observed from 23.30 UTC till 00.00 UTC (5.30 am till 6.00 am West Java time). Listeners telephoned an ustaz who answered their questions about ibadah and other Islamic topics related to solat. Reception was (SINPO) 34543 -- fair signal strength, clear audio, moderate fading. By 00.00 UTC/6.00 am, signal was only faintly received under noisy conditions.

927 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Pekanbaru (Pro-4), transmitting from Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Sumatra was logged on 27 June 2016. Quran recitation of Surahs As-Saafat, Sad and Az-Zumar, followed by Indonesia pop songs, was observed from 15.40 till 16.40 UTC (10:40 until 11:40, Sumatra time). Transmission ended at 17.00 UTC (12:00, Sumatra time). Reception was (SINPO) 54545 - a strong signal strength with little disruption when a signal is briefly faded. Station QSLed!!!

999 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Jakarta (Pro-3), transmitting from Jakarta in West Java

1089 kHz - Radio Daarul Qur'an (Radio DaQu) - Bogor, West Java. Quran recitation was observed after 19.00 UTC, on 16 July 2016. Reception was (SINPO)35443.

1251 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Banda Aceh (Pro 1), on the island of Sumatra, was received on 31 March 2016. Islamic programming was observed  from 12.15 till 17.00 UTC (07.15 pm till midnight, Indonesian time). Fortunately I was able to identify maghrib evening prayers, a nasheed entitled "Astaghfirullah", an Islamic programme that began with Surah Al-Fatiha, then later in the evening a woman reciting the Quran, just before the national anthem and sign-off at 17.00 UTC. Reception was weak to fair when not fading and without interference from Thai station, earn an overall of SINPO 33433.
   
1287 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Palembang (Pro-1), transmitting from Southern Sumatra Province was logged on 28 June 2016 (29 June 2016, Sumatra Time). Islamic programme on Imam Shafi perspective on Quran and Sunnah, followed by Indonesian pop music and advertisements, was heard from 21.10 till 22.10 UTC (05.10 am till 06.10 am. Sumatra Time). Reception was (SINPO) 54555. Some fading and atmospheric noise detected at 21.20 UTC.

1413 kHz - Radio Republik Indonesia Sungailiat (Pro-1), transmitting from Sungailiat (Bangka-Belitung Islands), was logged on 12 July 2016. Western pop songs and sign-off was noted from 16.30 till 17.00 UTC. Reception  was (SINPO) 33423 -- fair signal strength when not affected by QRM from BBC Al Seela and fading. Before 16.00 UTC, RRI Sungailiat is virtually free of interference.  Station QSLed! 

QSLs in the Mail

Radio Libertad via WRMI in Okeechobee, (USA) and Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta. 

QSL in the Mail

Mail from the Caribbean region arrived in the letterbox today: a QSL card from Radio Miami International (WRMI) and a pocket calendar from Radio Habana Cuba. The former is a verification for a Radio Ukraine International broadcast via WRMI in Okeechobee (USA). Although it is for one of their first broadcasts, way back in September 2014, it is good see the dedication WRMI in responding to their listeners. The latter item, a souvenir pocket calendar, commemorates the 90th birthday of Fidel Castro. A few months before his birthday, RHC contacted me and inquired whether I wished to receive this calendar. I replied that I did want it. Love him or hate him, Fidel remains and will be remembered as a political giant of the late 20th century. I'm sure this little calendar will be quite the souvenir, long after he and I are both gone. 

 

QSL in the Mail

This literature was received from Furusato No Kaze (Home Breeze), a short-wave radio service intended for Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. This is one of  the avenues the Japanese government uses to inform her citizens and to remind the DPRK that Japan will not rest until her citizens are repatriated. To date, only a handful have been freed. Interestingly, this particular radio transmission originated from Palau Medorn (in the South Pacific), possibly to thwart jamming by the DPRK. Previous transmissions have originated from Yamata (Japan) and Taiwan. Generally, QSLs are not issued, yet their envelope stated "TNX FR YR QSL". Thank you, Furusato No Kaze. Best of luck in your efforts to free and repatriate Japanese citizens.

1413 kHz (MW): BBC (Al Seela) / RRI Sungailiat

BBC, transmitting from Al Seela (Oman), was logged on 9 July 2016, from 17.50 till 18.05 UTC. An English language broadcast of news and station promotion was observed from 17.50 till 18.00, then a broadcast in Pashto followed. Reception on the medium-wave frequency of 1413 kHz was weak to fair depending on the duration of fading. Overall, SINPO was 34323 -- not bad for a 800 kW transmitter radiating a signal of 5,319 km from Oman to Malaysia! The following day, after 18.00 UTC, BBC Pashto Service was much stronger at 45534. HERE's a recording from their transmission. Reception report was mailed to BBC Al Seela, which will probably be to no avail, insomuch as BBC reportedly does not QSL.

Radio Republik Indonesia Sungailiat Pro-1, transmitting from Sungailiat (Bangka-Belitung Islands), was logged on 12 July 2016. Western pop songs and sign-off was noted from 16.30 till 17.00 UTC. Reception on 1413 kHz was (SINPO) 33423 -- fair signal strength when not affected by QRM from BBC Al Seela and fading. Before 16.00 UTC, RRI Sungailiat is virtually free of interference. HERE's a recording of RRI Sungailiat. Reception report was emailed and posted. QSL Letter and souvenir items arrived by registered mail on 17 August 2016.

Voice of America (via Santa Maria di Galeria)

Voice of America, transmitting from Santa Maria di Galeria was logged on 9 July 2016. A Portuguese language broadcast of news reports and music was received from 17.10 till 17.45 UTC (broadcast time 17.00 till 18.00 UTC). Reception on the short-wave frequency of 17.655 kHz was (SINPO) 35443 -- initially fair signal strength with slight fading. By 17.30 UTC reception had deteriorated to 35322.

Reception report was emailed to VOA on the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail on 17 February 2017.

Adventist World Radio (via Nauen)

Adventist World Radio  via Nauen (Germany) was received on 9 July 2016 from 17.10 till 17.30 UTC (broadcast time 17.00 till 17.30 UTC), under good conditions on the shortwave frequency of 17.570 kHz, here in the Kuala Lumpur area. Religious discussion in Amharic, followed by Horn of Africa music, was observed during this half-hour programme.

Reception report was emailed the following day to AWR.

Voice of Turkey

Voice of Turkey was received on 6 July 2016, from 16.55 till 17.25 UTC (broadcast time 16.30 till 17.25 UTC). Reglary TRT programming -- Question of the Month, Turkish contemporary music and news headlines -- was observed during this English language broadcast. Reception of transmission on the short-wave frequency of 15.520 kHz  was (SINPO) 55545 -- powerful signal, strong and clear audio, with slight fade.

Reception report was emailed and submitted online to Voice of Turkey. Hopefully their QSL card for the month of July will be forthcoming. Reception reports for the months of January-April-May-June have gone unanswered this year -- unusual for Voice of Turkey. Perhaps, it is a sign of the current internal issues in the country.

Email:
englishdesk@trt.net.tr

Website:

www.trtworld.com/

All India Radio Nagpur (Maharashtra)

All India Radio Nagpur, transmitting from Buti Bori (Nagpur) in Maharashtra, was logged in 6 July 2016, from 17.35 till 18.15 UTC. News in Hindi, followed by a selection of English language pop songs was heard during this period. 

Reception on the medium-wave frequency of 1566 kHz was (SINPO) 45533 -- fair to good signal strength and clear audio depending on duration of fading (which on average was approximately two minutes apart). AIR Nagpur has been monitored over the past month and based on these observations no signal has been detected before 17.00 UTC. In addition, reception seems to improve after 18.30 UTC and up until around 19.00 UTC.

Reception report was emailed and posted in subsequent days to Spectrum Management & Synergy. QSL card arrived on 27 September 2016. 

QSL in the Mail

The first QSL for the month of July is an eQSL from Babcock International. To be precise, it's a verification for their medium-wave test transmission of a 500 kW transmitter in Choibalsan, Mongolia -- a distance of 5,021 km!  Thank you very much, Babcock International!!!