QSLs Month of Ocober 2021

 

NHK World Radio Japan. Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar.

Radio Free Asia. Dhabbaya, UAE.

Voice of Turkey. Emirler, Turkey.

Radio Taiwan International. Paochung, Taiwan.

Radio Taiwan International. Paochung, Taiwan. 

Radio Taiwan International. Paochung, Taiwan.

Radio Romania International, Galbeni, Romania.

Radio Romania International, Galbeni, Romania.

Radio Romania International, Galbeni, Romania.

Atlantic 2000 International* via WRMI. Okeechobee, Florida (USA).

 

 RX: Grundig YB 500 EXT ANT: random 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia

 RX: Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop : QTH: Malaysia

 *RX: Remote SDR web-radio ANT: Mini whip QTH: University of Twente (Netherlands) via Malaysia 

Papua New Guinea Centenary of Radio

PAPUA NEW GUINEA in 1996 released four stamps to commemorate the centenary of radio. These colourful stamps featured a radio control tracking desk, radio transmitter with pedal powered generator, satellite dish and radio DJ.

 

NHK World Radio Japan (via Talata-Volonondry)

NHK World Radio Japan,  transmitting from Talata-Volonondry, Madagascar, was logged on 3 October 2020. A Hindi language broadcast was monitored from 14.30 till 15.00 UTC. Reception on  15.745 kHz rated a SINPO of 55555 -- excellent signal on all accounts.

Reception report was submitted online the following day. Finally, after a long delay due to Covid-19 pandemic, a QSL card arrived in the mail on 25 October 2021.

RX: Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Radio Free Asia (via Dhabbaya)

Radio Free Asia, transmitting presumably from  Dhabbaya, UAE, was logged on 12 September 2021. Tibetan language programming was monitored from 15.00 till 15.45 UTC. Reception on  12.085  kHz surprisingly rated a SINPO of  34443 -- fair signal strength, clear audio content despite co-frequency mixing. RFA ID in English announcing the following programme in Tibetan, followed by RFA jingle and ID in Tibetan  HERE.

Reception report was emailed on the following day. QSL card arrived in the mail on 25 October 2021.

RX: Sangean ATS-909 and Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop QTH: Malaysia

Helvetia Post 50th Anniversary of Swiss Radio International

 

HELVETIA POST in 1985 released an FDC marking the 50th anniversary of Swiss Radio International (SRI).

Nineteen years later, on 30 October 2004, Swiss Radio International ceased to broadcast its shortwave and satellite radio programmes -- after nearly 70 years! Swiss Radio International first broadcast to the world on shortwave in 1935. The station made a name for itself as a neutral voice of authority during  World War II and throughout the Cold War. Programmes were broadcast in nine languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Esperanto). During this time, SRI established itself as one of the most high-profile and popular international radio broadcasters. The end of the Cold War, coupled with the advent of satellite technology and the internet revolution, spelled the end of the shortwave era for SRI.

I was one of many worldwide listeners who caught the broadcasts of SRI, first in the United States, back in the 1960s. Later, in  the 1980s and up until their last transmission, I listened in Malaysia where their transmissions were regularly heard, loud and clear. Since the end of SRI's shortwave service I have not bothered to catch any of their web-based content.

Ascension Island Inauguration of BBC Relay Station on Ascension

ASCENSION ISLAND on 1 December 1966 issued four first day cover stamps marking the opening of BBC Relay Station on Ascension. The images of Queen Elizabeth II and Lion With BBC emblem are gold embossed against four different colours (blue, green, red and purple) and corresponding to the individual monetary denominations - 1D, 3D, 6D and 1,6. The cachet depicts an illustration of Ascension Island with radio waves radiating from the island. Above the island is the heraldic crest of BBC Ascension Island. 

 

In the mid-1960s, the BBC built the relay station at English Bay on the northern tip of the island to transmit shortwave radio broadcasts to Africa and South America, plus a power station to provide the electricity.

Four of the towers supporting HF curtain arrays on easterly bearings to Africa. The towers vary from 60 to 125 meters in height. For more than 50 years, the Atlantic Relay Station has transmitted critical radio broadcasts to millions of listeners in some of the remotest parts of Africa.

The shortwave transmitters include two 250 kW Marconi BD272 transmitters originally installed in 1966 (and still in daily use) and four 250 kW RIZ K01 transmitters, which are also capable of transmitting in Digital Radio Mondiale mode.

Each transmitter can be switched to one of more than 20 antennas, which consist of HF curtain arrays beaming toward target areas in Africa and South America. Programming from London is delivered via satellite, with resilience and backup feeds.

Republique du Niger "Promotion Humaine - Radio Clubs of Niger" Stamps

Although these four stamps were issued in 1965, they literally illustrate the vital role that radio communication still plays in society wherever one may be in the world, not just this developing nation in Africa.

In many parts of the world, radio is still a more accessible and affordable medium than the alternative, i.e. computers, internet, cellphones. Additionally, the infrastructure for these devices we take for granted in more developed countries just does not exist or is limited to those who have the money and/or social/political position.

This was highlighted to me a few years back when communicating with the station director at a radio station on the South Pacific island of New Ireland (Papua New Guinea). Only a few folks had a cellphone, internet was down most of the time, roads could be impassable due to flooding, tropical heat and humidity was corrosive to electric devices, but radio was available and cheaply replaced if necessary to almost everyone on the island.

More importantly, radio had the  reach to inform and entertain the people on this island. And mind you, it was radio with short-wave and medium-wave radio bands, not FM, as radio signals radiate further on these frequencies and over obstacles like hills/mountains, so much so that a listener like me, thousands of miles away, in Malaysia was able to receive their broadcasts.

That said, I often find postage stamps such as these historically interesting, and in some cases still relevant in promoting/disseminating a message to a nation's population. In 1965, these stamps  certainly would have been informative to the people in Niger. The social settings, the  clothing, etc would have been things they could relate to. And, these four stamps dedicated to "Promotion Humaine - Radio Clubs of Niger", i.e. recording music/songs, listening to radio transmissions, public debates and interviews intended for radio broadcasts, would have been topical in the day.

Anyway, that's how the old advertising/marketing guy in me looks at it and occasionally skews the world at large.

Voice of Turkey

Voice of Turkey, transmitting from Emirler (Turkey), was observed on 4 September 2021, from 15.30 till 15.52 UTC. Station IDs between traditional music and cultural programmes in the Malay language was noted during this time period. heard Reception on the short-wave frequency of 17.720 kHz was initially good, but gradually weakened due to atmospheric noise, rating an overall SINPO of 55444. At 04.20 UTC transmission began to gradually weaken due to increased atmospheric noise, but signal remained audible till sign-off at 04.54 UTC.

Reception report was submitted on the same day. QSL card arrived in the mail on 7 October 2021.

RX: Grundig YB 500 EXT ANT: 3 meter random wire QTH: Malaysia

Radio Taiwan International (via Paochung)

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung (Taiwan) was logged on 7 September 2021. An English language broadcast of News, "Here in Taiwan" and "Jukebox Republic''was noted from 03.00 to 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz rated a SINPO of 55454 -- some atmospheric noise, otherwise a strong and clear signal.

Reception report was submitted 9 September 2021. QSL card arrived on 1 October 2021.

RX: Grundig YB 500 EXT ANT: random 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia

Radio Taiwan International (via Paochung)

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung (Taiwan) was logged on 4 September 2021. An English language broadcast of News, "Here in Taiwan", "Taiwan Insider", "Taiwan Today" and "The Download"  was noted from 03.00 to 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz rated a SINPO of 55555 -- excellent!

Reception report was submitted 9 September 2021. QSL card arrived on 1 October 2021.

RX: Grundig YB 500 EXT ANT: random 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia

Radio Taiwan International (via Paochung)

Radio Taiwan International via Paochung (Taiwan) was logged on 1 September 2021. An English language broadcast of News, "Here in Taiwan", "Hashtag Taiwan" and "Status Update"  was noted from 03.00 to 04.00 UTC. Reception on 15.320 kHz rated a SINPO of 55444 -- slightly noisy with moderate fading. Despite this signal was strong and clear.

Reception report was submitted 9 September 2021. QSL card arrived on 1 October 2021.

RX: Grundig YB 500 EXT ANT: random 3 meter wire QTH: Malaysia

50th Anniversary of Kringkasting -- Radio & TV Broadcasting in Norway

POSTVERKET NORGE in 1975 issued two first day cover stamps marking the 50th Anniversary of Kringkasting -- Radio & TV Broadcasting in Norway (1925-1975). The cachet featured a sketch of towering buildings and antenna mast in the shape of a radiating orb.

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Golden Jubilee Stamp

 

SRI LANKA POST on 5th January 2017 issued a  postal stamp to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. It had a denomination of Rs.10.00. Stamp designer was Mr. Pulasthi Ediriweera.

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Service commenced on 22nd July 1924 as a test transmission. It was launched officially on 16th December 1925. The test transmission was initiated by broadcasting a speech made by the then Governor Sir William Henry Manning, addressing the Lanka Electrical Engineers' annual meeting. The broadcasting service was officially inaugurated by broadcasting the speech made by the then Governor Sir Hugh Clifford addressing the general public from his office situated at Fort.

On 5th October 1945 the Ceylon Broadcasting service was instituted as a separate government Department while arrangements were made to construct a new building for the Service at the Torrington Square.

The station was known by many names from time to time such as "Wireless Broadcasting" and "Colombo Broadcasting". It functioned under the purview of the Postal Department until 30th September 1949.

From 5th October 1979 it was made independent and came to be known as Radio Ceylon.

On 5th January 1967 the Department of Broadcasting was converted to a government Corporation by way of Act No.37 of 1966.

The Corporation was inaugurated by the Hon. Prime Minister and came to be known as the Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation.

On 22nd May 1972 with the enactment of the first Republican Constitution, the Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation was renamed as the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

On 5th January 2017 the SLBC celebrates its Golden Jubilee by relocating its core functional Divisions in a new Administrative Building to be declared open by H.E. President Maithreepala Sirisena and the Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. A major Project aiming to renovate SLBC's studio complex was to have been completed by the same date.

Source: Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Philatelic Bureau - Sri Lanka

25th Anniversary of Radio Broadcasting in Denmark

DANMARK POST in 1950 issued a first day cover stamp commemorating the 25th anniversary of Radio Broadcasting in Denmark. It was designed by Viggo Bang. Engraving was mastered by Bent Jacobsen. This red stamp featured 12¾  perforations. The first day of release was postmarked from Copenhagen.

All India Radio Silver Jubilee Stamp

 

INDIA POST on 8th June 1961 issued a first day cover stamp commemorating the Silver Jubilee celebrations of All India Radio.

Broadcasting began in June 1923 during the British Raj with programs by the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and other radio clubs. According to an agreement on 23 July 1927, the private Indian Broadcasting Company Ltd (IBC) was authorised to operate two radio stations: the Bombay station which began on 23 July 1927, and the Calcutta station which followed on 26 August 1927. The company went into liquidation on 1 March 1930. The government took over the broadcasting facilities and began the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) on 1 April 1930 on an experimental basis for two years, and permanently in May 1932 it then went on to become All India Radio on 8 June 1936.

The emblem of AIR contains the Sanskrit word -- ākāśavānī -- "Message from the sky".

Radio Romania International (via Galbeni)

Radio Romania International via Galbeni was heard on 19 May 2021. Romanian news, sports and cultural programmes were observed from 03.00 till 03.45 UTC. Reception on the shortwave frequency of 11.825 kHz initially rated a SINPO of 35333 -- fair to poor signal strength with clear and audible content for about half an hour, despite atmospheric noise and fading. By 03.30 UTC atmospheric noise increased, but still audible and clear signal. However, by 03.45 UTC, severe atmospheric noise and occasional fading made for very poor reception.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. QSL card arrived in the mail on 1 October 2021.

 RX: Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop : QTH: Malaysia

Radio Romania International (via Galbeni)

Radio Romania International, transmitting from Galbeni, Romania, was logged on 8 April 2021. English broadcast of Romanian folk music and current event programmes was monitored from 03.25 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 11.825 kHz rated a SINPO of 25222 -- poor signal strength. occasionally audible content, severe atmospheric noise and fading. By 03.55 UTC signal was inaudible due to interference from NHK World Radio Japan.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. An eQSL card was received on 20 April 2021. A paper QSL card arrived in the mail on 1 October 2021.

RX: Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop : QTH: Malaysia

Radio Romania International (Galbeni)

Radio Romania International, transmitting from Galbeni, Romania, was logged on 28 March 2021. English broadcast of Romanian folk music and current event programmes was monitored from 03.25 till 04.00 UTC. Reception on 11.825 kHz rated a SINPO of 25322 -- weak but audible signal, severe atmospheric noise and occasional fading under the noise. Reception worsened after 03.45 UTC. At 03.55 UTC interference from NHK Radio Japan overpowered your signal.

Reception report was emailed on the same day. An eQSL card was received on 20 April 2021. A paper QSL card arrived in the mail on 1 October 2021.

RX: Alinco DX-R8T ANT: Passive Loop : QTH: Malaysia

WRMI relay of Atlantic 2000 International* (via Okeechobee)

WRMI relay of Atlantic 2000 International*, transmitting from Okeechobee, Florida (USA), was logged on 18 July 2021. French and English pop songs with frequent station IDs between songs was monitored from 13.25 to 14.00 UTC (broadcast time 13.00 till 14.00 UTC). Reception on  15.770 kHz via Twente SDR rated a SINPO 45444 -- good signal strength despite some atmospheric noise when signal faded

 

Reception report was submitted to both Atlantic 2000 International and WRMI on the following day. Atlantic 2000 replied with an eQSL. WRMI sent a QSL card which arrived in the mail on 1 October 2021.

 *RX: Remote SDR web-radio ANT: Mini whip QTH: University of Twente (Netherlands) via Malaysia

RTI Calendar - October 2021

 

 

Radio Taiwan International calendar for month of October 2021