QSLs for Month of June 2020

Radio Taiwan International. Paochung, Taiwan
Norddeutscher Rundfunk. Moosbrunn, Austria.
Voice of Vietnam. Hanoi, Vietnam.
WRMI. Okeechobee, Florida, USA.
WRMI. Okeechobee, Florida, USA.
WRMI. Okeechobee, Florida, USA.
WWVH. Kauai, Hawaii.
Radio Romania International. Galbeni-Bacau, Romania.
Radio Romania International. Galbeni-Bacau, Romania.
Radio Romania International. Tiganesti, Romania.
Adventist World Radio. Yerevan-Gavar, Armenia.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 and Degen DE-1102 ANT: 1/4 wave, Passive Loop and 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia (near Kuala Lumpur)

Radio Taiwan International

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung, Taiwan was logged on 1 June 2020. English programming was monitored: Reception on 15.320 kHz was SINPO 55544 - slight and occasional fading, otherwise excellent reception.

Reception report was emailed on 8 June 2020. QSL card arrived in the mail on 30 June 2020.

 RX: Degen DE-1102 ANT: 3 meter wire  QTH: Central West Malaysia

Norddeutscher Rundfunk (via Moosbrunn)

Norddeutscher Rundfunk, transmitting from Moosbrunn (Austria), was logged on 24 December 2019. Their annual Christmas programme, "Gruss an Bord," greetings/messages was heard from  19.25 till 20.05 UTC. Reception on  9.570 kHz rated a SINPO of 25322 -- weak signal but audible content when not fading under noise. HERE is NDR (Moosbrunn).

Reception report was emailed on the following day. Multiple follow-up emails were sent. Finally, after mail service disruption due to Covid-19,  a QSL card arrived in the mailbox on 25 June 2020.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Voice of Vietnam

Voice of Vietnam via Hanoi was logged on 18 April 2020. A German language broadcast of Vietnamese songs moderated by female announcer was monitored from 18.30 till 18.58 UTC. Reception on the short-wave frequency of 9.730 kHz was SINPO 24222 -- weak signal strength, audible content when not fading under atmospheric noise.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. QSL card and postcard arrived in the mail on 22 June 2020.

 RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive loop QTH: Central West Malaysia

WRMI (via Okeechobee)

WRMI  via Okeechobee, Florida (USA) were received on 6 April 2020, from 17.00 UTC. Reception on 15.770 kHz was SINPO 25442 -- weak but clear and audible content.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail -- after postal delay due Covid-19 lockdown -- on 19 June 2020. 

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop  QTH; Central West Malaysia

WRMI (via Okeechobee)

WRMI - Frequencia al Dia and Bible Commentary via Okeechobee, Florida (USA) were received on 11 and 12 December 2019, from 23.20 till 00.15 UTC. Reception on 9.955 kHz was SINPO 25442 -- weak but clear and audible content, especially from 23.20 till 23.59 UTC. No interference, overall good propagation from stations in the Americas which has been negligible for months. Signal gradually began to drop off after 00.10 UTC.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail -- after postal delay due Covid-19 lockdown -- on 19 June 2020. 

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop  QTH; Central West Malaysia

WRMI (via Okeechobee)

Supreme Master TV via WRMI in Okeechobee, Florida (USA) was logged on 24 December 2018. Snippet of Christmas music ("We Wish You A Merry Christmas") with station ID in English  for Supreme Master TV and religious commentary observed from  22.35 till 23.15 UTC. Reception on  9.455 kHz  initially at 22.35 UTC rated a SINPO of 14321 -- weak but audible signal. Reception  improved slightly at 22.45 UTC with a SINPO of 24432 -- weak but discernible content, slight station splatter from adjacent stations . By 23.05 UTC, signal was much weaker with greater station splatter at SINPO of 13421. Signal not detected at 23.30 UTC.  

HERE is WRMI on 9.455 kHz. Normally WRMI is received on 9.955 kHz, here in Malaysia. Jeff White had asked me prior to this reception report to monitor the frequency. Consequentially, I was indeed able to catch WRMI on 9.455 kHz.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. Follow-up report was submitted in late 2019. QSL card arrived in the mail -- after postal delay due Covid-19 lockdown -- on 19 June 2020. 

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: 1/4 wave  QTH; Central West Malaysia

WWVH via Kauai

WWVH via Kauai, Hawaii was logged on 3 April 2020, from 13.35 till 13.46 UTC. Reception on 15 MHz rated a SINPO of 45433 -- good signal strength, clear audio content, moderate fading.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail -- after postal delay due Covid-19 lockdown -- on 19 June 2020.

 RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop  QTH; Central West Malaysia

Adventist World Radio (via Yerevan-Gavar)

Adventist World Radio, transmitting from Yerevan-Gavar, Armenia, was logged on 6 June 2020. English language religious programming was observed from 16.00 till 16.30 UTC. Reception on 9.490 kHz rated a SINPO of 24332 - poor signal strength, occasionally overmodulated but audible, atmospheric noise, slight fading.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. On 16 June 2020, I received  eQSL card from Adventist World Radio.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Radio Romania International (via Galbeni-Bacau)

Radio Romania International via Galbeni-Bacau was heard on 10 June 2020. English language programming of News, Radio News Reel and Romanian rap music was monitored from 03.30 till 03.30 UTC. Reception on 11.825 kHz was SINPO 45333-- initially at 03.00 UTC reception was strong and clear content with moderate atmospheric noise and fading; however around 03.25 UTC reception worsened with fading and atmospheric noise eclipsing what was an overall good signal. This is consistent even with monitoring in past months. Reception is better on 17.760 kHz in their transmission to Australia-Pacific which is a few hours later. HERE is Radio Romania International.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. Shortly afterwards I was notified  QSL would be sent later due to the Covid-19 disruption of mail service worldwide. On 16 June 2020, I received a blank, unsigned eQSL card. While I am grateful to just receive the card, I wish RRI had at least included the details confirming the report.That said, I completed the card for my personal records.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Radio Romania International (via Galbeni-Bacau)

Radio Romania International via Galbeni-Bacau was heard on 7 April 2020, from 03.15 till 03.45 UTC. Programmes within this time period included reports on Romanian political parties, the effects of COVID-19 on Romanian businesses, suspension of Romanian football competition and Tokyo Olympics till 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and contemporary Romanian music. Reception on the short-wave frequency of 11.825 kHz initially rated a SINPO of 35333 -- moderate signal strength, atmospheric disturbance, fading under noise threshold. By 03.30 UTC, reception worsened to a SINPO of 25222 due to increased QRN. Around 03.40 UTC, signal was barely audible and content indecipherable. A 03.45 UTC SINPO was 15111 -- signal floated in and out of QRN, but inaudible for the most part.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. Shortly afterwards I was notified  QSL would be sent later due to the Covid-19 disruption of mail service worldwide. On 16 June 2020, I received a blank, unsigned eQSL card. While I am grateful to just receive the card, I wish RRI had at least included the details confirming the report. That said, I completed the card for my personal records.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Radio Romania International (via Tiganesti)

Radio Romania International via Tiganesti was received on 22 March  2020. An English language transmission to Australia-Pacific target, featuring the programmes "World of Culture" on Alexander Nanau documentary film and "Culture & Nature" on Romanian Coat of Arms. was monitored from 06.50 till 07.00 UTC. Reception on  15.450 kHz rated a SINPO of 55454 -- excellent signal strength, clear audio content, moderate atmospheric noise.

 Reception report was emailed on the same day. Shortly afterwards I was notified  QSL would be sent later due to the Covid-19 disruption of mail service worldwide. On 16 June 2020, I received a blank, unsigned eQSL card. While I am grateful to just receive the card, I wish RRI had at least included the details confirming the report. That said, I completed the card for my personal records.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Unboxing New Toys From DX Engineering

The toys? The Alinco DX-R8T and Alinco DM-30E power supply. Both items shipped from DX Engineering in Ohio (USA) on 20 May 2020. The equipment arrived in Malaysia  on 4 June 2020. Both parcels sat in Malaysian Customs for nearly two weeks due to Public Holidays and Covid-19 related delays.

Overall, I have to say my experience with DX Engineering was very good. I was able to track the shipping throughout en route to Malaysia, using UPS i-Parcel.  There were other means of shipping, but rather than go directly to Malaysian Customs and hassel with them, I paid the Customs fee in advance using UPS i-Parcel. DX Engineering packed the equipment well, boxes stayed in tact and equipment arrived safely. They definitely seem to know how to get their equipment to overseas radio hobbyists.  I do recommend DX Engineering.

Now as for the equipment, I've powered up the radio with the power supply and all seems to be perfect. I've yet to thoroughly scan the bands, which I definitely will be doing in the days ahead and will offer my first impressions in future.

Logbook 17 May till 14 June 2020

ARMENIA
Adventist World Radio, transmitting from Yerevan-Gavar, was logged on 6 June 2020. English language religious programming was observed from 16.00 till 16.30 UTCReception on 9.490 kHz rated a SINPO of 24332 - poor signal strength, occasionally overmodulated but audible, atmospheric noise, slight fading.

GERMANY

Pan American Broadcasting via Nauen was received on 7 June 2020. Tony Alamo Ministry programme was monitored from 16.30 till 17.00 UTC. Reception on 11.830 kHz was SINPO 35343 -- initially at 16.30 UTC reception was much weaker, but around 16.45 UTC signal improved in clarity and strength. HERE is Pan American Broadcasting (Nauen).

GUAM

KSDA - Adventist World Radio via Agat was logged on 6 June 2020. Mongolian language programme was monitored from 10.45 till 11.00 UTC (broadcast time 10.30 till 11.00 UTC). Reception on 15.500 kHz was SINPO 54554 -- strong signal strength, brief QRM from China station around 10.45 UTC, clear audio, otherwise excellent reception. HERE KSDA (Agat).

INDONESIA 

Radio Cristy in Makassar or Radio Berita Klasik in Jakarta has been logged throughout the month of May and June 2020, from 21.00 till after 22.00 UTC, with Christian related programming in Indonesian. Reception is clear with audible content till 22.00 UTC. Station is also heard signing off at 16.00 UTC with religious music and the same female announcer each day.  HERE is the Indonesian station in question. Radio Cristy initially verified, but later seemed uncertain it was their station. So, Ì suspect it is Radio Berita Klasik. So far I have been unable to get a clear ID of the station.

MADAGASCAR

MWV African Pathways Radio (KNLS) via Mahajanga was received on 17 May 2020. Frequent station ID as KNLS, Western pop music and Evangelical programming was monitored from 03.20 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 13.760 kHz was SINPO 55555 -- excellent signal strength, clear audio content.

ROMANIA

Radio Romania International via Galbeni-Bacau was heard on 10 June 2020. English language programming of News, Radio News Reel and Romanian rap music was monitored from 03.30 till 03.30 UTC. Reception on 11.825 kHz was SINPO 45333-- initially at 03.00 UTC reception was strong and clear content with moderate atmosphetic noise and fading; however around 03.25 UTC reception worsened with fading and atmospheric noise eclipsing what was an overall good signal. This is consistent even with monitoring in past months. Reception is better on 17.760 kHz in their transmission to Australia-Pacific which is a few hours later. HERE is Radio Romania International.

TAIWAN

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung, Taiwan was logged on 1 June 2020. English programming was monitored: 03.00 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz was SINPO 55544 - slight and occasional fading, otherwise excellent reception.

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung, Taiwan was logged on 6 June 2020. English programming was monitored: 03.00 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz was SINPO 55544 - slight and occasional fade, otherwise excellent reception.

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung, Taiwan was logged on 8 June 2020. English programming was monitored: 03.00 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz was SINPO 55555 - excellent reception.

VIETNAM

Voice of Vietnam via Hanoi was logged on 31 May 2020. English progammrs, including news and Sunday Show, was monitored from 15.05 till 15.26 UTC. Reception on 9.840 kHz rated a SINPO of 55555 - excellent signal strength and clarity of audio.

Voice of Vietnam via Hanoi was logged on 6 June 2020. English progammrs, including news and Sunday Show, was monitored from 10.00 till 10.29 UTC. Reception on 11.840 kHz rated a SINPO 54544 -- strong signal strength, some heterodyning, slight and occasional fading, otherwise excellent reception.

RX: Tecsun S-2000 and Degen DE-1102 ANT: 1/4 wave, Passive Loop and 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia (near Kuala Lumpur)

Rammstein's Cold War Radio

"RADIO" by RAMMSTEIN highlights the Cold War taboo of listening to Western radio broadcasts. Insomuch as the Heavy Metal Rock group Rammstein hail from the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) it is perhaps only natural they should explore this period.

When Western radio stations were not not jammed and nighttime propagation favoured a few hours of decent reception, daring souls would secretly steal away to catch the latest jazz and rock music or news -- Western decadence, as defined by the state. Keep in mind this was a society trapped in a one television channel with state approved content, i.e. "Schlager" type music, making radio the main form of entertainment with only a couple hours of poor quality music from the outside world.

It was the lifeline for a people who faced prison or death if they tried to leave;  it was the only way young people could imagine the lives of other young people through the shared experience of music. 

The Rammstein video itself is rendered in black and white and set in a semi-1920s Weimar Germany. Lead singer of the group, Till Lindmann is in makeup and tux. His persona is that of a cabaret singer, backed by his bowtie and tux clad bandmembers, as he voices the importance of radio back in the day. The eroticism in the video evokes the radio as a sex and religious object, which effectively symbolises the lust young people had for Western taboos of the era. As a consequence the video  may be too risque for some, but to anyone familiar with Rammstein it's part of their provocative showmanship.

The lyrics are in German (as are most if not all of Rammstein's music), so don't let that put you off. Till Lindemann and Rammstein demonstrate  how well German is suited to Rock, in particular their Heavy Metal permutations.

Just to make sure their message is understood, here is an English translation of the German lyrics:

We weren’t allowed to belong
Couldn’t see, talk, or hear anything
But every night for one or two hours,
I disappeared from this world
Every night a little bit happy,
My ear so close to the world receiver 

Radio, my radio
I let myself get sucked into the airwaves
My ears become eyes
Radio, my radio
So I hear what I can‘t see
Secretly satisfying my wanderlust

We weren’t allowed to belong
Couldn’t see, talk or disturb anything
Every song was forbidden
Such dangerous foreign notes
But every night was a little bit happy
My ear so close to the receiver

Radio, my radio
I let myself get sucked into the airwaves
My ears become eyes
Radio, my radio (my radio)
So I hear what I cannot see
Secretly satisfying my wanderlust

Every night I secretly climbed
onto the back of the music
laid my ears down on the wings
singing quietly into my hands
Every night and again,
I just fly away with the music
Floating this way through brightly-lit rooms
No borders, no fences

Radio, radio
Radio, radio

Radio, my radio (my radio)
I let myself get sucked into the airwaves
My ears become eyes
Radio, my radio (my radio)
So I hear what I cannot see
Secretly satisfying my wanderlust

VOA Calendar for June 2020

Voice of America Calendar for June 2020

RTI Calendar for June 2020

Radio Taiwan International Calendar for month of June 2020