The New Zealand DX Times - Apr 2023

About Our Club

New Zealand Radio DX League Incorporated

NZBN 9429042708728

Benefits

•Subscription to the New Zealand DX Times, published monthly and containing the latest DX news and what’s being heard on the wireless.

•Access to NZRDXL remote receivers located in Mangawhai (North Island NZ) and Hina Hina (South Island NZ).

•Membership of DXDIALOG, an email group where you can learn about the hobby and share your loggings with other members.

•Participate in DXpeditions, conventions and social gatherings with other members.

Patron

SUTTON BURTENSHAW

What is this thing called DX?

It’s the ‘Love’ of listening to radio stations in far off lands.

Committee

• Arthur De Maine

• Bryan Clark

•Peter Mott

• Steven Greenyer

• Stuart Forsyth

Celebration 2023

This is a final call for expressions of interest to participate in the NZ Radio DX League’s celebration of the clubs 75th birthday in October.

The Administration Committee has agreed to fund the anniversary lunch to be held on Wednesday 18 October in Wellington, so members from out of town need only cover their accommodation and transport costs.

Finalisation of the lunch venue is the next priority so we need to know likely numbers to cater for. Members who indicate they wish to attend later on may not be accommodated due to venue size.

If you’ve already registered your interest, we now need to know if you wish to bring a spouse or partner to lunch, and if you wish to join the afternoon visit to the transmission facilities at Titahi Bay.

To be part of this event, email hello@radiodx.com with Celebration 2023 in the subject line, no later than 8 April.

Subscription

To join or renew your membership to the New Zealand Radio DX League, scan the QR code or click “Pay Now” to pay the membership subscription of NZD $7.50 with your debit or credit card.

Pay Now

If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, email hello@radiodx.com with the word TREASURER in the subect and ask to join with payment via internet banking.

New Zealand DX Times

ISSN 0110-3636

Contents

Club Remote Receivers5 TV/FM News & DX34

NZ based KiwiSDRs with Paul Rawdon

Receivers from Days Gone By6SW Bandwatch39 by Bill Marsh with Ian Wells

AM Broadcast

8 Remote Listening47 with Bryan Clark with Dene Lynneberg

DX Detectives At Work29 by

Bryan Clark

Convention 2023 Cancelled

The convention planned for April 2023 in South Otago has been cancelled due to insufficient registrations.

Next Month

Email your news and loggings to hello@radiodx.com with the column name above as the subject prior to;

Wednesday 26th of April 2023.

Club Remote Receivers

City living has made DX’ing challenging. Man made interference makes it almost impossible to hear weak distant radio stations.

To solve this problem, NZRDXL provides members with two remote KiwiSDR receivers located in quiet coastal locations.

How To Connect

Click on the link below for the receiver you wish to use, then enter the password when prompted.

Check the monthly Members Update email for the latest password. It changes from time to time.

http://mangawhai-nzrdxl.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073

http://catlins-nzrdxl.proxy.kiwisdr.com:8073

Online help is available at https://kiwisdr.com

Receivers From Days Gone By

By Bill Marsh

The Drake SPR4

This receiver was manufactured by the R.L. Drake Company of Miamsburg, Ohio, USA, from about 1969 to the late 1970’s.

It is fully solid state utilizing 11xFET’s, 17xtransistors, 1xOP amp & misc diodes/rectifiers. It can be operated from the AC mains (120/240v) or a 12 volt battery. It covers the ranges of 150 kHz to 30 mHz in 500 kHz tuning ranges using switchable mixing crystals. There is an overshoot of 50 kHz at each end of the tuning range on all bands. The tuning knob has a calibration facility built in for minor dial calibration during use, but when properly aligned this is rarely used.

All ranges have a 50 ohm aerial input impedance with the exception of the first 2 ranges 150 – 500 - 1000 kHz which is high impedance. It has excellent sensitivity and selectivity. When first manufactured it was up there with the best and more expensive receivers. It still holds it’s own with the very latest receivers and SDR’s minus some of refinements of these newer processor based receivers.

Many accessories were available for this receiver including a loop antenna which mounted on the top of the metal cabinet. Only popular bands were supplied with mixing crystals but the other ranges were also available including dial decals.

These receivers are very much collector items today and fetch extremely high prices on EBay. I would venture to say a great number of verifications came the way of DXers using these receivers.

AM Broadcast

with Bryan Clark, Mangawhai

email hello@radiodx.com subject “AM Broadcast”

Radio Futurologist James Cridland, in his latest newsletter following radio's international future trends, writes: AM’s enforced switch off in the car in the US is getting people quite worked-up. Popular Science magazine uses the “but in times of emergency” defence; yet no data is put forward as to how many AM stations actually bother to broadcast any emergency information. Particularly on weekends, most AM stations in the US are an empty studio rebroadcasting something from satellite or something from computer, and wholly unable to . Unless, you know different, of course: but I don’t think, in the US, this defence stacks up. I’d love to see some data to the contrary. The evidence isn’t good.

Walking to your local electronics store and trying to buy an AM radio would be a good thing to try, too. They’re beginning to be quite rare, too.

AM is increasingly unfit for purpose. Broadcasters relying on AM for their flagship services need to have an urgent plan to fix it.

NEW ZEALAND

Mediaworks ‘Today FM’ network closed abruptly on 30 March, just a week after it celebrated one year since its launch in March 2022. The following day, after carrying a NZ vs Sri Lanka cricket commentary, the network’s 3 remaining AM channels changed to other Mediaworks brands:

702Auckland – Humm FM

738Christchurch - The Breeze

1233Wellington - The Breeze.

Announcements initially indicated a new format would be introduced on all Today FM's FM and AM frequencies in April, but this was later clarified to say that “the frequencies occupied by Today FM will be switched to a range of music brands which aren't currently broadcast in those regions, so new to the listener, rather than new to MediaWorks".

Given that 3 AM transmitters carrying Today FM have closed in the last 6 months - 1107 Tauranga, 1107 Rotorua, and 1368 Hawkes Bay (though the latter reactivated to carry The Breeze in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, one could speculate on the future of the remaining 3 above. David speculates that RBG’s Star network might be interested to remove dependence of RNZ’s AM Network (see article below on its possible closure). (via Barry Hartley & David Kaio in DX Dialog)

Old-fashioned AM radio was an information lifeline for many during Cyclone Gabrielle when other sources wilted without power. Now a little-known arrangement that puts proceedings of Parliament on the air has been cited as a threat to its future. But is a switch-off really likely? And what’s being done to avoid it?

“Government websites are a waste of time. All they've got is a transistor radio - and they need to actually provide a means for these people who need the information to damn well get it,” Today FM’s afternoon host Mark Richardson told listeners angrily on the day Cyclone Gabrielle struck.

He was venting in response to listeners without power complaining online information was inaccessible, and pleading for the radio

station to relay emergency updates over the air.

Mobile phone and data services were knocked out in many areas where electricity supplies to towers were cut - or faded away after back-up batteries drained after 4-8 hours. In some places FM radio transmission was knocked out but nationwide AM transmission was still available.

“This will sharpen the minds of people on just how important . . . legacy platforms like AM transmission are in Civil Defence emergencies,” RNZ news chief Richard Sutherland told Mediawatch soon after. “We are going to need to think very carefully about how we provide the belt and braces in terms of broadcasting infrastructure for this country as a result of this,” he said.

But while Gabrielle was still blowing - the future of AM was called into question. On 15 February, Clerk of the House David Wilson told a Select Committee he might have to cut a $1.3 million annual contract to broadcast Parliament on AM radio after 87 years on air.

The next day the New Zealand Herald’s Thomas Coughlan reported “radio silence could come as soon as the next financial year on July 1st unless additional funding is found in the next Budget in May".

In last Sunday’s edition of RNZ’s programme The House (also paid for by the Office of the Clerk) Wilson explained his spending cannot exceed his annual appropriation. He said costs have gone up and the AM radio contract might have to go to make ends meet.

RNZ’s Phil Pennington discovered for himself how handy AM transmission was when he was dispatched from Wellington to Hawke's Bay when Cyclone Gabrielle struck. Several times on the road he had to switch from AM when FM transmission dropped out.

“It puts a huge question mark on its sustainability because the money that the Clerk pays for us to broadcast Parliament underpins the entire network,” RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson told Pennington this week. “It is an irony that at a time when New Zealand has had one of its biggest lessons about the importance of AM, it also has this challenge around its viability,” Thompson said.

It was also a time when the funding of RNZ is under review after the collapse of the government plan for a new public media entity with an annual budget of $109m. RNZ’s current annual budget is $48m.

“It puts a lot of pressure on us as an organisation. We won’t be able to pick up the ($1.3m) cost. The parliamentary contract is a significant contributor to RNZ being able to maintain the AM network nationally,” Thompson said.

“If that money is not available, closing the network is not going to be feasible. This is such an important asset for New Zealand - a truly critical information lifeline. We will have to find a way of keeping it going,” he said.

There are in fact two AM networks run by RNZ. One broadcasts RNZ National from transmission sites all over the country. The other carries Parliament and is broadcast from fewer transmission sites and on a range of frequencies in different parts of the country. It also airs programmes for customers including religious network Southern Star.

When RNZ shut AM transmission down in Northland last November, the government urgently injected $1.5m to upgrade the aging sites. At the time, Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said radio was “a critical information channel to help reach New Zealanders in an emergency". He said Manatū Taonga / the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NEMA, and RNZ were all “collaborating to

develop criteria for future decisions about other AM sites to make sure communities are able to stay connected and access critical warnings and guidance in emergencies".

Clearly it is a problem if an important national emergency service owned and run by the public broadcaster can be jeopardised by pressure on a fixed budget at the discretion of Parliament’s Clerk.

When RNZ’s Phil Pennington asked NEMA to comment on the future of the AM network this week, his request was referred to Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson. Jackson is also the minister of Māori Development, which oversees Māori Broadcasting including for Te Whakaruruhau o nga reo Irirangi, the umbrella group of iwi radio broadcasters around the country. Jackson was the chair of Te Whakaruruhau before he entered Parliament again in 2017.

After the government scrapped the plan for a new public media entity last month, Jackson will have to go back to Cabinet with a new plan to address RNZ’s future funding.

Jackson was one of the ministers on the ground in the regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and overseeing the emergency response - and was unavailable for interview on Mediawatch this week.

His office supplied a statement citing that intervention in Northland last year. “AM transmission is a key priority for the government.

Officials from Manatū Taonga, NEMA and RNZ are working closely to ensure radio services (including AM transmission) are always available for people in an emergency,” it said. “Long-term work to develop funding approaches is also underway to ensure RNZ's AM transmission strategy continues - and the minister is considering this as part of a package to strengthen public media and will be returning to Cabinet with proposals soon,” the statement said.

Before Gabrielle, provisions for AM broadcasting would have been low on the list for reporters scrutinising the minister’s latest Cabinet plan for RNZ’s funding. After Gabrielle, it will be one the first things they look for. (MediaWatch RNZ via Barry Hartley)

AUSTRALIA

2TM in Tamworth on 1287 celebrated 88 years on air on 27 February. Not only was 2TM Tamworth’s first radio station, it’s also one of oldest businesses still in operating in the New South Wales city today. (Radio Today 3/23 via Ray Crawford)

BOLIVIA

1520Radio La Luz de Tiempo, El Alto has a new name - Radio La Voz del Atalaya. Same organization https://radiolavozdelatalaya.com/ (Fredrik Dourén, ARC 193 via MV Eko)

CANADA

910CKDQ Drumheller AB - the just approved Application for a technical amendment to a broadcasting licence for an analog radio programming undertaking for co-owned CHOO-FM, also in Drumheller, makes reference to a proposed CKDQ-FM, which would replace CKDQ-910. It cites CRTC application 2023-0030-0, which has not yet been published. CHOO-FM can now increase power and make changes to its transmitter site in preparation for CKDQ-FM sharing the site. (Jon Pearkins)

1470CJVB Vancouver BC has had its licence renewed by CRTC noting the requirement to serve at least 23 cultural groups in 23 languages during each broadcast. (Jon Pearkins)

Canadian Shawn Axelrod helps every year with updating of the NRC AM Log. He provides the following statistics listing the number of AM radio stations on the air in Canada year by year:

2011 329 2012 317 2013 300 2014 276

2015 261 2016 2562017 2462018 232

2019 2162020 2102021 2082022 205

This is licensed broadcast stations, excluding TIS/HAR stations, and shows the incredible shrinkage of AM radio in Canada. (ARC MV Eko)

COLOMBIA

HJAY Radio Vida Nueva, Barranquilla has moved from 1490 to 870 kHz. (Rubén Medina via Mauno Ritola, ARC via MV Eko)

ECUADOR

Radio Colosal, Ambato on 1040 has installed a new AM 15.000 SS solid-state transmitter. The station, call sign HCGB6, is operating at 5 kW, though the transmitter can put out 14 kW. The new unit replaces a tube-type transmitter dating to 2005.

Station Manager Ramón Salazar Trujillo said, “We are proud to offer a better sound for all our listeners who have followed the signal of Radio Colosal 1040 AM since 1974, when it was founded by Ramón Salazar Carrera.” He said local radio has faced difficulties through the pandemic but that an improved signal should help the station stand

out in an environment where the FM dial is “saturated” with some 50 stations, while there are only 8 AMs in the city. (RadioWorld 10/3 via Mauno Ritola, ARC MV Eko)

FIJI

A new board. A new chief executive. A new brand. The past few weeks have witnessed immense change at Fiji’s national broadcaster, FBC. The changes followed the December 2022 elections which saw the Prime Minister of 16 years, Frank Bainimarama, lose to Sitiveni Rabuka. Mr. Bainimarama had been Prime Minister of the Pacific Island nation since the coup in 2006 and had won two elections subsequently. However, during his time in office he came under criticism for restricting media freedom. The main instrument of this was the Media Industry Development Act 2010, which banned foreign ownership of media outlets, and threatened fines or even jailtime for those reporting against what was considered the national interest.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday announced a rebranded FBC, with a new logo and slogan to depict the new dawn for the oldest media company in the country. The new logo is predominantly in the Fiji blue colour, synonymous with the distinctive blue of the Fiji flag. PM Rabuka also announced that as part of the rebrand, FBC will now have a new slogan, ‘Unity in Diversity”. The media company says the slogan represents every citizen of Fiji, who is the rightful shareholder of FBC and wants everyone to know that we are united, but also can celebrate our diversity collectively.

FBC Board Chair, Ajay Bhai Amrit says the company will now grow from strength to strength and continue to serve the people of Fiji with

its 6 radio stations, 3 free-to-air TV channels, and 1 pay-per-view channel. (Pacific Media Association)

HAWAII

650KPRP Honolulu granted STA extension, U1 1000/1000 (so license is still good?). (NRC)

760KGU Honolulu, old slogan: “760 The Shark”, new: “Hawaii Sports Radio AM 760 FM 95.1”. (IRCA)

1130KPHI Honolulu format to AOR (ex-ETH/Filipino), slogan to “96.7 The X.” (Andrew Brade via NRC)

ICELAND

RÚV Eidar on longwave 207 kHz has ceased transmission. According to https://www.ruv.is/frettir/innlent/2023-02-27-langbylgjan-a-eidumsyngur-sitt-sidasta-mastrid-fellt-a-midvikudag the RÚV broadcast on this frequency has been switched off. On Wednesday (1 March), the long-wave mast on Eidar, the third tallest structure in the country, 218 meters high, is scheduled to fall. (Tom DF5JL via Glenn Hauser’s WOR io Group)

KOREA, SOUTH

Based on recent advice from AFN Tech Services, the only transmitters active in Korea on AM frequencies are Camp Carroll and Camp Humphreys on 1440 AM and Camp Mujuk on 1512 AM. (Hannu Niileksela via DXing.ino Favebook page)

MEXICO

It looks like XECSEP-1230 Culiacan Sinaloa has come on the air. I've got a Mexican anthem at 0600 UT (kids' choral version) followed by an ID for the 3 original Acustik Radio stations (XEJP-1150, XEUNO-1120, and XEMN-600, which has been silent for over a year). XECSEP is a Construction Permit granted to replace XEEX, which moved to FM years ago. They are the only Acustik Radio affiliate on 1230. (Tim Hall,

dxing.info Facebook 3/23)

With the recent demise of the Cadena stations (800 XESPN, 1550 XEBG), this might leave 950 XEKAM Radio Formula as the only source of news on the radio in Tijuana, apart from the governor's stations.

AM radio in Tijuana at the moment:

540XESURF Spanish religion and brokered English talk

620XESS PSN

690XEWW stunting with automated obscure English CHR

800XESPN stunting with automated exitos

860XEMO recuerdos

950XEKAM Radio Formula

1030XESDD PSN

1630XEUT off the air and apparently not coming back

1700XEPE PSN [Tim Hall, NRC MWDX Facebook group via NRC IDXD)

PUERTO RICO

(via NRC DX News)

870WQBS San Juan granted STA extension, U1 1250/1250.

1240WALO Humacao granted STA extension, U1 1000/5000, due Dominican Republic QRM.

1520WRSJ San Juan granted STA extension, U1 1000/1000.

SPAIN

My colleagues of RNE in Sevilla (Andalucía) recently asked for my permission to use the design of the eQSL we use at RNE-Salamanca to produce their own. They told me that they hold a big number of QSL requests unanswered (some very old) that now will be replied! They are also planning to establish a email address to this purpose but for now reception reports can be sent to: Atención: Departamento técnico

RNE Radio Televisión Española, Isla de la Cartuja. Parque del Alamillo (Edificio RTVE), 41092 Sevilla, Spain.[Mauricio Molano via NRC IDXD)

TUNISIA

Tunisia seems to have partially disappeared from medium wave. On 26 February, only Chaîne Internationale was received on 963 kHz. The transmitters of Radio Nationale (585/630/684) seem to be inactive. I am not the only one to report these absences. 630 used to be strong at night here. (Lucas Gallone, DXing.info via MWC MW News via NRC IDXD)

TURKEY

TRT plans to reinvest in medium waves following the recent earthquake. In 2008, TRT shut down its transmitters on MW and LW or reduced the airtime to a few hours a day without explanation. These programs were listened by Turks but also by many citizens of Greece, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and other neighboring countries of the Black Sea and Mediterranean. TRT hoped to see its listeners migrate to satellite reception, but it was not a success. For many listeners, there was no possibility to install satellite antennas, whether in mobile situations, in buildings but also in neighboring countries where authorities restrict satellite dishes. TRT preferred to ignore that MW and LW were the most reliable means in the event of disaster or war, to the ire of the Department of Civil Services of Total Defense which was not heard.

13 years later, Turkey experiencied its biggest earthquake ever. Although RTÜK has the ability to order that all television and radio stations switch to single broadcast in case of emergency, the measure proves to be illusory. Mobile networks and internet were impacted, as were FM and TV stations. Only MWs could still be broadcast from transmitters outside the impacted area. TRT Radyo 1 made its return to the Mersin Kazanlı transmitter (36°49'29.4"N 34°44'28.7"E) with its 300 kW on 630 kHz, all day, instead of local broadcasts that were only a few hours a day. These shows can be accessed from anywhere in the affected area, from any battery-powered radio station. TRT "discovered" as well that MW broadcast remains the least

expensive method of communication and the only valid way to respond to earthquakes.

A chance that following the pressures, TRT stopped the mid waves while keeping five of the twelve facilities in working order. The remaining broadcasters continued to broadcast a few hours a day.

Lucky they didn't act like many European countries, by destroying transmitters and antennas. Now TRT is looking for a solution to replace its old, energetic medium wave transmitters. They would be looking for recent broadcasters that had been withdrawn from service in another European country.

The MW frequencies:

Antalya Aksu 600kW reduced to 100 kW on 891 kHz

Izmir Tobali 200 kW reduced to 100 kW on 927 kHz

Mersin Boiler 300 kW on 630 kHz

Diyarbakir Cinar 300 kW on 1062 kHz

Trabzon Deliktas 300 kW reduced to 100kW on 954 kHz

(Radio Magazine via Mauno Rotola WRTH FB page)

USA (from National Radio Club’s “DX News”

550KOAC Corvallis OR granted STA extension, U1 1250/1250.

550KCRS Midland TX networks to Fox/Tx/P/WW1/DR/CMP/C2C. (Wayne Heinen)

560KMON Great Falls MT granted STA, U2 4500/4500, due transmitter problems.

590KID Idaho Falls ID license cancelled Mar. 3; had been silent since Nov. 1, 2021.

610WIOD Miami FL granted STA extension, U4 10000/10000, due Cuba QRM.

840WHAS Louisville KY address is 428 S 4th St #252, Louisville KY 40202 (Martin Foltz)

940KYNO Fresno CA granted STA extension, U1 12500/12500.

950KPRC Houston TX applies for license to cover CP with U2 7000/4300, new site (triplexed with KBME-790) at .29-54-55/95-27-48 day, 29-54-56/95-27-46 night and applies for program test authority.

950KPRC Houston TX granted program test authority for CP with U2 7000/4300, new site (triplexed with KBME-790) at .29-54-55/95-27-48 day, 29-54-56/95-27-46 night.

990WTLN Orlando FL granted STA extension, U1 12500/3500.

1080KSCO Santa Cruz CA applies for CP with U1 10000/28, adjusted coordinates to 36-57-42/121-58-51.

1180KERN Wasco-Greenacres CA granted CP with U4 10000/10000, existing site.

1220WHKW Cleveland OH granted STA, U3 5000/5000 due transmitter problems.

1310KMKY Oakland CA granted CP with U4 8000/5000, new site (diplexed with KSFN-1510)

1320KXYZ Houston TX granted program test authority for CP with U4 8400/2800, new site (triplexed with KBME-790) at 29-54-56/95-27-42.

1340KCLU Santa Barbara CA granted license to cover CP with U1 740/700, adjust coordinates

1340KYNS San Luis Obispo CA format to C&W (ex-AOR) (Radio Insight)

1350KXTN San Antonio TX granted STA, U4 1000/5000, night pattern during the day.

1400KESQ Indio CA - License cancelled Feb. 21 per licensee request dated Feb. 13; had been silent since Aug. 5, 2022.

1400KIXR Provo UT slogan to “Kicks Radio 1400,” networks to Fox.

(John Wilkins)

1400KEBE Jacksonville TX went silent Aug. 9, 2022; back on the air Feb. 21 2023.

1460KRRS Santa Rosa CA is now part of the La Maquina Musical group (StationIntel.com)

1490KZNB Petaluma CA now part of La Musikera group. (StationIntel.com)

1530WCKY Cincinnati OH granted STA extension, U1 50000/12500.

1550KPRI Ferndale WA granted STA, U3 10000/10000, using night pattern 24 hours.

USA

(via IRCA’s DX Monitor magazine)

690KRCO Prineville OR new slogan: “92.5 The Ticket 690 AM”

710KNUS Denver CO new slogan: “News/Talk 710”.

870KLSQ Whitney NV is off the air. That's 3 local Las Vegas AMs off the air. (Stan Weisbeck via Mike Sanburn).

880KCMX Phoenix OR had its license cancelled 13/3. (Dennis Gibson)

930KAFF Flagstaff AZ new slogan: “The Legend 93.5 FM AM 930”

1100KFAX San Francisco CA new slogan: “KFAX 1100”

1220KDOW Palo Alto CA new slogan: “Business Radio KDOW 1220 AM”

1330KYOZ Spokane WA has replaced regional Mexican format w/ contemporary Christian, new slogan: “Worship 24/7”

1340KYNS San Luis Obispo CA format now classic country, slogan: “100.9 The Grade”

1340KZNG Hot Springs AR new slogan: “Oldies Radio KZNG”

1360WTAQ Green Bay WI new slogan: “WTAQ News Talk 97.5 FM –

1360 AM”

1400KESQ Indio CA has cancelled licence. (Dennis Gibson ABDX)

1400KIXR Provo UT new slogan: “KIXR 1400”

1410WQBQ Leesburg FL new slogan: “The Q – WQBQ”

1440WNFL Green Bay WI new slogan: “Sports Radio 1440 AM & 101.9 FM”

1450KNOT Prescott AZ new slogan: “Fun Oldies 1450”

1450KHIT Reno NV now airs ESPN sports, slogan “ESPN 94.1 FM/ 1450 AM”.

1480KAVA Pueblo CO has changed callsign to KIXD.

1490WTTB Vero Beach FL new slogan: “WTTB 105.7 FM – 1490 AM”

1500WLQV Detroit MI new slogan: “Faith Talk FM 92.7 AM 1500”

1600WPOM Riviera Beach FL new slogan: “Radio Caribbean”.

1600KOGT Orange TX has cancelled licence. (Dennis Gibson ABDX)

Two of the 3 transmitting towers that hosted KFXD 630 and KDBI 730 in Boise Idaho were ‘dropped’ on 4 March. Only a single ‘stick’ will remain to allow both stations to broadcast low power at nighttime. The towers had stood since 1951.(Mike Sanburn)

Station Contacts for Reception Report Verifications

The latest Recent MW Station Contacts for Reception Report Verifications is now available. Click the link on the page:

https://misc.kg4lac.com/IRCA (Kraig Krist IRCA DX Monitor 11/3 via WOR IO Group)

X-Band Update

ARGENTINA

Over the last few months, a good number of "low power" stations operating in AM from the Buenos Aires Multiple Area have silenced their broadcasts. In particular, the inactivity is most notably in the “AM Extended Band,” segment of frequencies spanning from 1610 KHz to 1710 KHz. Several years back, when the AM frequency spectrum was more crowded with “unlicensed” stations, around this part of the band, there were a good number of active stations from different parts of

Greater Buenos Aires, many of them transmitting at the same frequency, with the consequent interference that was produced between these, which often made it difficult to receive in that part of the dial. Currently, the number of operating stations is near zero, and that’s why we’re offering you an updated overview of this situation:

1610RADIO LUZ DEL MUNDO (Rafael Calzada) - active

1610RADIO MACHAGAI (General Rodriguez) - active

1620RADIO SENTIRES (Merlo) - active

1620RADIO ITALIA (Villa Martelli) - active [rebroadcasting FM Poder 90.1 MHz (Pablo Podestá]

1640RADIO HOSANNA (Isidro Casanova) inactive

1660RADIO REVIVIR (Gregorio de Laferrere) Inactive

1710RADIO SELVA (Ituzaingo) - inactive

Elsewhere in the country, the following appear to be operational:

1620LRI238 AM 16-20 LA RADIO (Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires)

1620RADIO MITRE (Cañada de Gómez, Santa Fe)

1630LRI234 AM AMÉRICA (San José, Entre Ríos)

1660LRI232 RADIO CIUDAD DE NOGOYÁ (Nogoyá, Entre Ríos)

There are other "non-legal" that used that part of the spectrum, including: RADIO MÁGICA in Laboulaye, Provincia de Córdoba and the experimental RADIO FÓSIL in Rosario, Santa Fe, both at 1610 KHz, but both inactive. (Argentina en AM y FM FB page)

AUSTRALIA

A station in Melbourne on 1629 is playing 50's and 60's oldies. The transmitter must be the old Radio Rhythm one since the offset is still 1628.9785. (Mauno Ritola via ICDX-AM io Group) According to the ACMA database it is VMS264 operating from Angling Club Esplanade Williamstown Victoria. It is licenced from 5/1/23 to 3/1/24. No IDs

heard as yet, just continuous oldies music, more from the 1960's. (Robert Copeman via ICDX-AM io Group) Other contributors to ICDX suggest the station may be part of Radio Nostalgia network. A 2-year old listing on their Facebook page has Melbourne and Brisbane on 1629 AM, Canberra 1620 AM and Perth 104.9 FM. (ICDX-AM)

SEN Launceston 1611 khz is back on air. It was first noted Sunday 12 March with a loop tape playing a list of songs including The Cure, Paul Simon and REM, with an announcement “This broadcast will resume shortly, please standby” (every few minutes).This seemed to continue till Thursday 23 March when, during the late afternoon, it was heard back on air with normal SEN programming.The signal appears to be not that strong, At times when I listened it was fading in and out. More so at night. (Martin Greer, Launceston)

MEXICO

XEPE 1700 has reverted to Primer Sistema de Noticias (PSN) programming. I'd have to assume this means that Heraldo Radio hasn't been making lease payments on time. It also means that when 1030 XESDD isn't off the air, we have 6 Tijuana area AM stations (and channel 45.2 TV) all simulcasting the same political speeches from Baja's governor and his cronies (620 XESS, 1030 XESDD, 1270 XEAZ, 1310 XEC, 1420 XEXX, and 1700 XEPE). (Tim Hall, NRC MWDX Facebook group via NRC IDXD)

USA

1650KBJD Denver, CO old slogan: “Radio Luz”, new: “Radio La Red” (IRCA)

1650WJFV Portsmouth VA w/”This is WJFN Bon Air/Chester and WJFV Portsmouth, a part of the John Fredericks Media Network” legal ID by a male announcer. First time heard since call change from WHKT. The signal was heard mixing with CINA, CKZW and KCNZ. (Kraig Krist via IRCA)

1650WJFV Portsmouth VA verified by email from Sales Director Julie Allen, julie@jfradioshow.com; (Martin Foltz via IRCA)

1660WWRU Jersey City, NJ has new slogan: “K-Radio” (IRCA)

1680KNTS Seattle WA format to TLK (ex-SS:MEX), slogan to “The Answer,” networks to SRN; adds // KKOL-1300. (Northwest Broadcasters via NRC)

1680KNTS Seattle WA noted w/IDs for KKOL 1300 and KGNW 820 but not KNTS. “AM 1300 the Answer” slogan ID, followed by “AM 820 the Word” slogan ID, introduction to a program on KKOL into The Dennis Prager Show. (Jon Pearkins via IRCA)

1690WPTX Lexington Park MD QSLed by email from Sharon Robertson; sharon@somdradio.com (Martin Foltz via IRCA)

Medium Wave Mailbag

BRYAN CLARK

Mangawhai. My EWE antennas are still largely ineffective due flood damage and only capable of hearing locals and Aussies, so sadly only a few X-band Aussies for the trail this time. Hopefully a rebuild will be completed in time for some serious DX for next month’s column.

STU FORSYTH

Mangawhai. It has been a frustrating month. The first time I tried to listen I heard nothing. I then discovered that my earth wire had been disconnected by the recent cyclone. My north EWE is uselessprobably storm damage. Listening a week later I was frustrated by the poor quality of reception. I heard about 5 stations. My next effort was a little better – coming just after the large solar event, which blanked out the airwaves. But now, there’s dreadful noise on my aerialsalmost like teletype signals, all over the band. What you see in the trail is what I was able to hear. I notice this wasn't evident on the

Mangawhai SDR. Goodness knows what causes it. I am looking forward to going down to Hinahina next month with Steven, Arthur and Sutton. Hopefully we will hear something - anything will be better than what has been offered up here lately.

MARTIN GREER

Launceston Tasmania. I have a problem here which started a few weeks ago with noise on the MW band. The local Energy company has put in 2 smart meters, with digital readout, replacing the old analogue type. Now every room in the house is full of electrical noise. I have checked outside where the meter box is with a transistor radio, the noise is there but not as strong as it is in the house.

In the meantime I had constructed a new North East EWE antenna and moved the positioning of a couple more EWE antennas. The EWE that was pointing in a more southerly direction was relocated about 10 metres further down the block and pointing SE. I did this because the earlier antenna ran straight past the meter box.

Last year I bought a Xiegu GNR Digital NR and Filter from Tecsun Radio in Sydney. It does knock out some of the electrical noise. One annoying thing I hear a is a tik-tok noise just like a clock on different frequencies. But the noises I hear vary from EWE to EWE, of which I have 5 up and going. [Thanks for supporting the column Martin! Increasing local noise is an issue for us all I’m afraid. BC]

Broadcast Trail

Trail times & dates are always in UTC/GMT – 12 hours behind NZT. Member loggings made on the DX League’s remote New Zealandbased KiwiSDRs are indicated with a symbol after the frequency. # A hash after the frequency indicates logging made on the SDR

at Mangawhai (Lower Northland) with EWE antenna to NE. cafter the frequency indicates loggings made on the SDR at Hinahina (Catlins Coast, Otago) with EWE antenna to South or Central America. *after the frequency indicates reception made by a member located outside NZ. a approximate. Frequency is well off its nominal channel vfrequency of station varied during reception.

CWIS = Reception in NZ is Confirmed With Internet Stream of station. CWSDR (and a location) = Reception in NZ has been Confirmed With SDR reception in specified overseas location to validate identity of station.

BCMBryan Clark, Mangawhai w/WinRadio G33DDC SDR & EWEs to NE, E & SE.

SMFStu Forsyth, Mangawhai w/WinRadio G33DDC SDR & 5m EWE. MGMartin Greer, Launceston, Tasmania w/ Kenwood R 2000, Tecsun PL-880 & EWE antennas pointing N, NE, E, SE, SW.

558*1357FIJI Radio One Suva hrd w/island music mixing with Gold Invercargill NZ,by 1408 Fiji became very strong with id at 1411. 1/3 MG

5850901AUSTRALIA 7RN Hobart good in clear w/ABC nx, then ‘Big Ideas’. On 585.002m. Freq now clear with Radio Ngati Porou off air 27/3. BCM

5850907AUSTRALIA 2WEB Bourke NSW w/local advts, country pops thru 7RN 27/3. Freq 585.000m. BCM

6400732USA KFI Los Angeles CA poor/ fair w/talk. Hard to identify in all the mush. 28/3 SMF

6900730HAWAII KHNR Honolulu fair/ poor w/advts, big fades ads. 28/3. SMF

855*0953AUSTRALIA either ABC Radio Eidsvold or 4QB Pialba

Queensland with id as Radio Brisbane and Queensland, dominated this frequency at a good level, where c/c 3CR Melbourne normally is, // 4QR 612 Brisbane. 1/3 MG

8600727USA KTRB San Francisco CA (P) Poor with talk 28/3SMF

10100716UNID w/rock mx w/male vocalist, doesn’t fit with any known format. Deep fades 28/3. SMF

10400712HAWAII KLHT Honolulu fair but with fading. Plenty of talk and splash from 1035. 28/3 SMF

10700715USA KNX Hollywood CA audible, but bad QRM. Fair at best. 28/3 SMF

1071*1049AUSTRALIA 4SB Kingaroy Qld with id “playing the best songs of all time 4SB”, good signal, no sign of usual c/c 3EL Maryborough Vic 1/3. MG

12100735HAWAII KZOO presumed with pops. Fair at best 28/3. SMF

15000740HAWAII KHKA Honolulu fair w/College Basketball results and comments thereon 28/3. SMF

16111811AUSTRALIA Vision Christian Radio, Melbourne very dominant w/talk, id 1818, gospel songs 1610.997m. 28/3. Second strongest sig was on 1611.027 which MW Offsets says will be Gold Music Albany WA but not cfmd. BCM

1638a0807AUSTRALIA Vision Christian Radio, Armidale (p) w/ Christian talk, contemporary vocals on 1638.0345m, mixing 2ME Arabic network 26/3. BCM

1638a0835AUSTRALIA 2ME Radio in AA is usually dominant here w/ 3 outlets on freq monitored – 1637.816m Sydney, 1637.986m Melbourne & 1637.9945m Brisbane. Tx not synchronised as EE ident & short ABC nx in EE at 0839 was hrd in triple, 2 within a second of each other, the third about 10 seconds behind! 26/3. BCM

DX Detectives At Work

By Bryan Clark

PERU 4820

Trujillo Peru is 11,912km from my home in Mangawhai, across the wide Pacific Ocean. I knew nothing about it, but the research for this report has shown me that Trujillo is a very attractive coastal city, very different to the inland locations of most Peruvian broadcasters I’ve previously monitored.

News of a new Peruvian shortwave operation first broke in the international DX hobby channels on 19 March, when Chilean DXers Claudio Galaz reported to Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio (WOR) newsgroup that he heard a Radio Integridad from Peru on 4820 kHz on 17 March. Initially it was assumed to be the carrying the major Peruvian religious network called Red Radio Integridad (RRI).

I began monitoring the reported frequency of 4820 on 20 March. Assuming the station would commence daily broadcasts in the early morning, I monitored in our late evening, and was immediately intrigued by a weak carrier showing up around 0945 UTC.

After several days monitoring in the 0930-1100 period, I was able to confirm that I was actually hearing Xizang PBS from Tibet fading in!

Then on 27 March, several other Chilean DXers’ reports were posted to WOR. Marcos C advised that, referring to a blog posting by “Mr DX Chile”, rather than carrying RRI, the programme was a relay of Radio Integridad de Trujillo on 105.7 FM. Also that there was a valid licence for station OAW-6C located in Arequipa to use 4820. But I see that is 1230km north of Trujillo.

The same day I did a scan of 60 metres in the late afternoon on my home receiver to see what signals might be fading in from the Americas. This revealed some weak audio on 4820, so I quickly checked some South American SDRs and immediately heard an identification for Radio Integridad and the Peruvian national anthem just before 0500 UTC on the Chilean KiwiSDR run by CA3PBR . A Google search then found a weblink to online audio from Radio Integridad 105.7 FM in Trujillo, parallel to what I was hearing on 4820.

It was now 0515 UTC and turning back to my own receiver I found the same audio at listenable level in NZ! After posting details to the League’s own DX Dialog and Glenn Hauser’s WOR, I continued listening to 4820 as the signal level and quality improved, logging off at 0905. Reacting to my post, fellow League member Bruce Churchill found the station audible on an SDR in Western Iceland at 0603 UTC.

Speculation then began about whether 4820 was a legal SW operation or a “pirate relay” given the Arequipa/Trujillo discrepancy. Reception of 4820 in NZ on subsequent nights improved (the best 60m signal from

South America), so I sent a short audio file of my reception to the station via Facebook Messenger.

This resulted in an overnight response from the station, the translation saying in part: “Good morning brother Bryan Clark! We rejoice to know that the signal is heard. Is awesome. To God be the glory. Our fraternal greetings in the Love of Jesus Christ. Today we will send you a greeting shortly in our program… [at 1.20pm in Trujillo Peru]”. I wrote back explaining that reception was only possible in NZ after midnight Peru time, so they sent an audio file copy of the greeting that said (Google translated): “Thank you very much, brother Bryan Clark for tuning in to Radio Integridad. There is a signal that can be heard up there and it is the signal of this station.”

I also asked told them that their signal is good in NZ, more than 10,500 km from Trujillo and asked whether the new transmitter is in Trujillo, or elsewhere in Peru. Their translated response was “we also broadcast online, this is our web address: https://radiointegridad.net/ “ so it was still not clear that they were operating a shortwave station themselves.

Then, on 30 March, Californian master DX detective Ron Howard made a breakthrough in getting closer to positively identifying the 4820 operation. Between 0645 and 0735 UTC, Ron was able to hear segments of preaching and religious songs. His research led him to determine that the station is operated by the Cotahuasi Ministry Center Project which already includes a Christian radio station on 99.9 FM and supply of digital media players and fixed frequency radios.

According to their website: https://quechuamissions.com/peru2 "the

Cotahuasi Canyon has some of the most rugged country on earth. There are over 40 villages scattered through the canyon and shepherds’ huts dot the high-altitude meadows, some accessible only by hiking or horseback. The Quechua church planters that cannot visit all of the new village churches are now using "Radio Senda Cristiana" (The Christian Way Radio) to supplement church planting and discipleship ministry.”

The website states that they would like to expand their transmitter range using Shortwave, and “when complete we expect to reach most of southern Peru with the Gospel in the Quechua and Spanish languages. Through efforts of the SonSet Solutions ministry (see

Radio Senda Cristiana transmission site with FM antenna.

https://sonsetsolutions.org/) we receive technical help, resources, and training to enable us to develop and continue on the air. The prospect of expanding our listening area with the installation of Shortwave Radio is an exciting and important development with the help of SonSet solutions' expertise and resources. Their portable, solarpowered, fixed-frequency radios have been donated and these are a great blessing to enable people to listen to Radio Senda Cristiana.”

Cotahuasi is just 195km from Arequipa, so a much better fit for the OAW-6C license compared with Trujillo being 1230km away. So it looks like a new SW transmitter has been under test and initially feeding programming from a Christian broadcaster elsewhere in Peru, or maybe overnight when we hear it in New Zealand.

Finally, Marcos C in Chile has highlighted that the OAW-6C licence holder is listed as Hancco Hancco Fredy and one of the Quechua sta

shown on the Cotahuasi Ministry Center website is Fredy Hancco Hanncco.

Meantime, for me, I know I heard the Radio Integridad from Trujillo Peru on 4820 shortwave, and they have acknowledged that I did hear them. So I’m happy adding another exotic catch in my 62nd year of DXing.

STOP PRESS

On 2 April, 4820 was heard at 1030 UTC with a rebroadcast of Red Radio Integridad, Lima ( https://rri.pe/ ) with regular identifications as “RRI” in Spanish, instead of the previously heard Radio Integridad from Trujillo. (BCM)

TV/FM News & DX

with Paul Rawdon, Christchurch

email hello@radiodx.com

subject “TV/FM News & DX”

Welcome to the April edition. By now everyone would probably heard of the demise of Today FM. It will be interesting to see which brand will take over the frequencies. I reckon that it won’t be talk back. Sadly with a conglomerate owning the brand there won’t be any vacant frequencies like there when the TAB closed Trackside. Recent discussion in DXdialog speculates that music will be the emphasis with the new station and will be a format that is not currently available in the area concerned. The cricket commentaries will continue.

We have now entered the quiet part of the year. The past DX season did have some high points, it was largely disappointing. We can blame the recent upturn in solar activity. Signals are still there but the skip distance lengthened which meant that signals from Australia were easier heard in the Americas or Japan. There is the possibility though of winter Sporadic E especially during midwinter. You may recall when ABC Classics Illawarra was heard briefly on 95.7 in July 2021.

There is a silver lining and that is with increased solar activity F layer propagation will be likely which could send signals over 3,000 KM away. You can fi nd further information here https:// www.sws.bom.gov.au/Educational/5/2/2 an example of recent spread F propagation is here: ChA2 TV Manila, 1430 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzbKjL9I7ro

89.1 (Brunei), 1450 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CXeK3e32Mk

(Via Tony Marr, ICDX)

NEWS

With cyclone Gabrielle pummelling Hawkes Bay a number of stations were put off air. Brian Withers reports that ZM 95.9 and Hauraki 96.7 were casualties. Both were telling listeners to listen to I Heart Radio Both were back on air on the15th News Talk ZB 90.3 was also off air and they were also back on the 15th. ZM 95.9 was back on the 16th.

TRAIL

Brian Withers Hastings is the only trail contributor reports that he heard the following. (All the best for a speedy recovery Brian)

07/01/23

Norfolk Island on 89.9 at 2345 UTC fair signal heard off and on all afternoon.

Bega National 2ABC100.9, 2JJJ 100.1, 99.3 2ABC Concert.

97.9 Central West Slope 2ABC National weak to poor.

08/01/23

NI again 0330 UTC 30 seconds.

31/01/23

Hobart

0815UTC

91.7 7ABC Local Tasmanian weak" .North East Tasmanian” ,said poor to weak .

93.3 7ABC Classic NE very weak.

93.9 7ABC classic FM Hobart fairly good.

100.9 " Hits 100.9 " 7TTT with pops PI code 7009 fair to weak Hobart.

101.7 " 7HO FM " PI code 7017 pops. Fair to weak.

104.3 Vision PI code 7043 Childrens programme news on the hour

Hobart Fair signal. (Not a Hobart frequency). All gone by 0915 UTC.

92.9 7JJJ Hobart at 0915 UTC. Gone by 0930 UTC.

Palmerston North then New Plymouth came up. Including 103.6 Norfolk Island on 89.9

05/02/23

All day Hamilton with 98.6 on RDS with PI code of 9221 “The Hits “.

14/02/23

Storm Hits Hawkes Bay. Only damage at home was bought down my big aerial. Put up whip in place of big aerial.

15/03/23

1XX on 90.5 poor at 19.00 UTC

19/02/23

Brian FM heard on 99.5 fair signal from 0400 to past 0520 UTC. Then Peak FM on 99.6 very weak at 0520 for 5 minutes.

Emailed Brian FM & get a lovely message from manager saying Lovely Name & the new location of 99.5 (Pleased it was only the aerial that was damaged).

PAUL ORMANDY, Oamaru while passing through Granity spotted a sign for LPFM Granity FM 108.0. Paul commented that he thought RSM won’t be visiting unless whitebait was involved.

DAVID KAIO advises that the frequency of 94.1 Southshore, Christchurch which was up for auction has been sold. The purchaser paid $256,100. It is believed that Rhema Media were the successful bidders. David comments that 94.1 will have restricted coverage as the licensed power is 300 watts and has a life of the licence is eight years. (Southshore was intended to house translators for people in Sumner/ Redcliffs - Ed)

It’s been a mixed back this time, thanks guys. If anyone has any news don’t keep it a secret. Until next time take care.

SW Bandwatch

with Ian Wells, Dunedin

email hello@radiodx.com subject “SW Bandwatch”

It’s April! Not much more to be said really, 2023 is well underway and there’s clearly no stopping it now. Weather continues changeable, both North and recently South Island, and also some earthquakes for good measure. Hope everyone is safe and undamaged.

Thanks to my support crew whose names appear below the loggings, because, without them, there would be no column. It’s a small band and new contributors are always welcome – please tell us what you’ve been listening to. No matter what it is, these days hearing anything is an achievement worth celebrating.

Show loggings as tentative (tent) if you don’t get a clear ID, or if there’s doubt about the logging, and provide as much detail as you can, including date and language, while keeping your notes concise.

Symbols used in this column:

# reception achieved using the Mangawhai, Northland SDR2 (NE)

c reception achieved using the Hinahina, Catlins SDR3 (East)

Otherwise, you used your radio or SDR equipment, and your aerial.

“a” indicates the station was slightly off its allocated frequency.

“v” indicates varying frequency during the broadcast

“h” indicates a harmonic of the true frequency.

“U” indicates using USB mode is recommended

“CWIS” indicates reception validated by reference to the internet stream of the station

“CWSDR” indicates reception validated by reference to an SDR in a

specified overseas location to confirm the station identity

Many common languages are abbreviated –AA=Arabic, CC=Chinese, EE=English, FF=French, GG=German, JJ=Japanese, PP=Portuguese, RR=Russian, SS=Spanish. Others are usually spelled out in full.

New Zealand-based reception

2325 09:44 AUSTRALIA Station X, Wee Waa NSW testing, poor signal, mainly classic pops, followed till 11:10. Website xrs.com.au mentioned at 10:46. Prompt eQSL. 09/03/2023 BCM

3310 09:13BOLIVIA, R Mosoj Chaski (tent) fair w/talk in unid language 22/03/2023 SMF

3925#10:10JAPAN R Nikkei 1 fair in JJ w/music 28/03/2023 IDW

4010 17:33 KYRGYZSTAN Birinchi Radio weak, Eastern European style vocals CWSDR Novosibirsk. 4010.007m. Fading out towards 17:55 and some co-ch utility chat; closed 18:00 after anthem 02/03/2023 BCM

4810 09:17PERU R Logos fair in SS w/piano mx, announcements

22/03/2023 SMF

4820 05:15 PERU R Integridad, Trujillo new station fading in SS, religious prgms regular idents // webstream, CWSDR LU1HCW. Followed past 0900 28/03/2023 BCM

4820 07:03 PERU R Integridad fair in SS following Bryan Clark's posting on DX Dialog 28/03/2023 SMF

4835#09:35AUSTRALIA Shortwave Australia noisy w/music and request for reception report 28/03/2023 IDW

4900#09:45CHINA Voice of the Strait good in CC 28/03/2023 IDW

4940 09:20 COLOMBIA, unknown station fair at best but noisy with mx and singing 22/03/2023 SMF

4985 09:22 BRAZIL R Brasil Central good in PP w/music, but mixed with teletype on 4986 22/03/2023 SMF

5020 09:23 SOLOMON IS SIBC excellent, relig talk 2/03/2023 SMF

5055#09:50AUSTRALIA Radio 4KZ good, EE pops 28/03/2023 IDW

5995 18:14NETHERLANDS Studio Denakker (tent) weak

w/English folk songs 07/03/2023 BC

6030 07:00 USA R Marti good in SS, many IDs 28/03/2023 SMF

7110 17:10ETHIOPIA R Ethiopia good in Amharic 01/03/2023 BC

747519:15 THAILAND R Thailand good in EE 16/03/2023 BC

953506:44ENGLAND R Ndarason International good in Kanuri 20/03/2023 BC

9620 20:14 INDIA AIR Bangalore fair/noisy in FF, Indian music 02/03/2023 KAB.

9660 17:40TURKEY VOT good in EE w/news 21/03/2023 BC

970520:18 VATICAN R Vaticana fair in EE, Catholic news for West Africa, 02/03/2023 KAB.

977517:09ENGLAND IBRA Radio good in AA 21/03/2023 BC

992519:21PHILIPINES R Pilipinas, good in Filipino/EE talk

08/03/2023 BC

1154004:16UZBEKISTAN Denge Welat fair, Kurdish 05/03/2023 BC

11610#20:04JAPAN, NHK World excellent in JJ 07/03/2023 KAB.

11745#20:12SAUDI ARABIA SBA Al-Azm Radio v/good in AA

07/03/2023 KAB

11760#20:08CHINA CNR1/Firedrake v gd (S9+ 20dB) CC music

jamming some unlisted broadcast 07/03/2023 KAB

1212019:15PHILIPPINES R Pilipinas good in EE until close 19:30

23/03/2023 BC

1368003:06TAIWAN SOH poor in CC, music, 09/03/2023 KAB

1378003:10CHINA CRI fair/noisy in Nepali, tent, 09/03/2023, KAB

1512003:16CHINA CRI/CGTN poor in EE, indistinct speech

09/03/2023 KAB

15190 18:54 PHILIPPINES R Pilipinas vgd in EE w/'Public Briefing', into Tagalog at 19:17, off 19:28 w/full ID & anthem

28/03/2023 BCM

15190a 05:53 BRAZIL R Inconfidencia poor-fair in PP, 15190.088m w/Brazopops, PP anncts, full ID 06:01, // 6009.937m fair 25/03/2023 BCM

1523003:22CUBA R Habana(tent) very poor, announcer heard only spasmodically 09/03/2023 KAB

1541003:28SRI LANKA AWR good in Oromo 09/03/2023 KAB

1577004:53USA R Liberty via WRMI fair in RR 05/03/2023 BC

21630 07:07 VATICAN BBC WS relay good in FF to West Africa, off abruptly 07:29 06/03/2023 BCM

21670 09:17 SAUDI ARABIA RSI Riyadh fair in Indonesian, talk about Islam, some AA words, maybe Quran-related, ID "Radio Saudi International" 02/03/2023 BCM

Local NZ-based contributors

BCBrian CarrChristchurch

PLZ-QRM eliminator, Airspy HF+, EWE antenna

BCMBryan ClarkMangawhai

WinRadio G33DDC Excalibur Pro & AOR7030+, EWEs to North, Central & South America

IDWIan WellsMosgiel

The league’s SDR2 at Mangawhai

KABKen BairdWainuiomata

PL880, quarter wave multiwire(I-BRA-4), 10m wire, 4m Vertical and the Leagues SDR2 at Mangawhai

SMFStu ForsythMangawhai

WinRadio G33DDC + 5m EWEs

European-based reception

3310 00:15BOLIVIA, Mosoj Chaski, poor 15/03/2023 MM

475019:32BANGLADESH Bangladesh Betar fair w/talks, songs 04/03/202 MM

476519:40TAJIKISTAN Tajik Radio poor 04/03/2023 MM

477500:13PERU R Tarma poor in SS 15/03/2023 MM

488505:16BRAZIL R Clube do Pará fair in SS with R Bandeirantes News 15/03/2023 MM

494005:08VENEZUELA or COLOMBIA Unknown fair in SS with songs and “Llaneras” talks 15/03/2023 MM

498506:04BRAZIL R Brasil Central, PP music 15/03/2023 MM

502507:20CUBA R Rebelde fair in SS, local songs, program “A Esta Hora” 15/03/2023 MM

589505:40NORWAY Northern Star, Bergen poor, ID & country songs in EE 15/03/2023 MM

594005:14BRAZIL Voz Missionaria fair in PP religious talks and Songs 15/03/2023 MM

599506:43MALI R Mali fair, “Au Chant du Coq” 15/03/2023 MM

601006:01BRAZIL R Inconfidencia in PP, ID 15/03/2023 MM

605004:49ECUADOR HCJB fair in SS, flute music, talk and ID 05/03/2023 MM

607007:04CANADA CFRX poor in EE news 15/03/2023 MM

611018:40ETHIOPIA R Fana fair with talks in local language and music 14/03/2023 MM

611505:53CONGO R Congo poor in FF news 12/03/2023 MM

618007:52BRAZIL R Nacional da Amazonia fair in PP talk and music 15/03/2023 MM

618504:55MEXICO R Educación fair in SS songs, talk & ID 15/03/2023 MM

711004:05ETHIOPIA R Ethiopia in vernacular 15/03/2023 MM

7254.906:10NIGERIA Voice of Nigeria fair in Vernacular 15/03/2023 MM

726006:36VANUATU R Vanuatu poor in Bislama 05/03/2023 MM

9550.121:14BRAZIL R Boa Vontade poor in PP, religious talks 04/03/2023 MM

9664.920:13BRAZIL Voz Missionaria fair in PP ID & religious talks and music 14/03/2023 MM

1169017:29FINLAND Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat fair in Finnish w/ID, talk and music 04/03 /2023 MM

1172016:11FINLAND Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat poor with pop/rock music 04/03/2023 MM

1178019:15BRAZIL R Nacional da Amazonia fair in PP, ID and talk, music 14/03/2023 MM

1181506:03BRAZIL R Brasil Central fair in PP, ID, local music 15/03/2023 MM

1193511:00BULGARIA R Joystick via Kostinbrod, good in GG 05/03/2023 MM

1208509:06MONGOLIA V of Mongolia poor, EE 15/03/2023 MM

1503009:53INDIA AIR fair in Nepali 15/03/2023 MM

1519019:44BRAZIL R Inconfidencia fair in PP, talk & music 14/03/2023 MM

15476u21:35ANTARCTICA LRA 36, Base Esperanza, poor in SS

12/03/2023 MM

Our thanks to our European contributor

MMManuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain

Tecsun S-8800, cable antenna, 8 meters

North American reception

594002:38BRAZIL Voz Missionaria fair in PP religious talk // 9665 was only poor 19/03/2023 RDA

599523:42MALI R adiodiffusion TV Mali poor in FF until close 00:05 17/03/2023 RDA

734002:39AUSTRIA AWR relay fair in Punjabi 03/03/2023 RDA

940522.20PHILIPPINES R Liangyou 3 fair s/on in Mandarin after tuning signal, but noisy later 02/03/2023 RDA

950003:03ALGERIA R Algerienne VG in AA ID at 03:30 04/03/2023 RDA

11905 01:59SRI LANKA SLBC poor s/on in Hindi 25/02/2023 RDA

1375023:57THAILAND R Thailand poor in EE until off 00:29 16/03/2023 RDA

15476u 23:05ANTARCTICA LRA36 R Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel poor in SS with some peaks, music 25/02/2023 RDA

Our thanks to our US-based contributor

RDARick D’Angelo, Wyomissing, PA 19610, U.S.A.

Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B, Eton E1, Eton E5, Alpha Delta DX Sloper, RF Systems Mini-Windom, Datong FL3, JPS ANC-4

Shortwave challenges and news

These stations are not often reported by New Zealand DXers

BHUTAN – Bhutan BS 6035 10:00 – 12:00 in English using 50kW ND from Thimphu. I heard this in 2018 using the original League SDR in Russell, so it must be a possibility for NZers.

MALAYSIA - Wai FM 11665 daily 2300 – 1600 in Malaysian with 1 kW. They’ve been noted with a better signal following repairs to the transmitter. Could be a challenge for somebody in NZ?

MYANMAR – Myanmar Radio 5915 kHz 07:30 – 15:30 and 23:15 – 05:30 in Burmese using 50 KW from Naypyidaw and 5985 kHz 09:30 – 15:30 in Burmese and 16:00 – 17:00 daily in English (some days news bulletins start at 15:30) using 25 kW from Yangon.

Also of interest:

MALI – Radio Mali 9635 kHz may be inactive, as its broadcast between 08:00 and 18:00, previously heard strongly in Europe by our reporter Manuel Mendez, has not been evident for some days.

Remote Listening

with Dene Lynneberg, Wellington

email hello@radiodx.com

subject “Remote Listening”

News

Welcome to this month’s remote Listening pages. We begin with some information from Terry Colgan of Texas Radio Shortwave

DURING MARCH, TEXAS RADIO SHORTWAVE ACCEPTS REPORTS FROM LISTENERS USING REMOTE SDRs.

March brings the South by Southwest music festival to Austin, and TRSW wants listeners to hear all four hours of its festival coverage.

Although TRSW doesn't usually verify reports from listeners using remote software-defined receivers (SDRs like WebSDRs and Kiwi SDRs), the station will verify ALL correct reports received during March.

If you want to hear music by Texas artists attending South by Southwest AND be rewarded with special QSLs, tune in every week in March and send a report to texasradiosw@gmail.com.

This last-minute idea was posted on 20 Facebook pages and in six groups on groups.io. The info’s too late to publish in DX Times. If you have a way to circulate it, please do, as I’ll welcome reports from down under. (As Terry says the information came too late for the DX Times but hopefully some members may have come across the information in other DX media.)

Note that on April 23, TRSW will send greetings to the League’s convention in our 0100 and 1200 UTC broadcasts. We’ll accept SDRbased reports from League members, and our monthly QSL will display the League’s logo and convention dates.

League members need to tell me they’re members to receive the QSL. I don’t recall if members are given numbers, but, if so, they need to tell me.

This image is copyrighted, but you and NZRDXL have my permission to use it to publicize TRSW, NZRDXL, and DX Times (Thanks Terry. Ed)

I would encourage any members who can hear Texas Radio Shortwave whether on an online sdr or on their own receiver to send Terry a reception report. I look forward to being able to send them a report for reception on one of our two League SDRs but currently propagation is not favouring their broadcast times.

Unfortunately, Terry may have to remove mentions of the DX Convention as it has now been cancelled. It would have been a good opportunity for those who were going to attend the convention to try for one of these special QSL’s. However I do hope some members will try for these TRSW broadcasts and get a QSL featuring the NXRDL’s logo. Just remember any reception of TRSW must be made on your own receiver or one of the League’s two SDRs.

A preview of the April QSL from Texas Radio Shortwave which was to feature the NZRDXL’s logo.

Now we have some views of the use of remote receivers in radio listening/ dxing by any regular contributor Ken Baird. Ken writes:

I am a very regular user of NZRDXL SDR2. It is very quiet, sensitive with no overloading and reliable - a very good receiver. As well as using fully SDR2, I also use it for checking activity on the SW bands before using my own PL 880/PL 330. SDR2 is superb for Ute Dxing as I can check for activity across a wide band of frequencies quickly without having to check every 1kHz on USB as needed with my PL330. I also follow world events using the local country SDRs on MW - comment on the Biden/Trump election on the US MW talk-back was priceless. I also had blow by blow info on hurricane Ian in Florida last year - great stuff. I also use overseas Kiwi SDRs to fill the gap when local reception is down the drain.

I do find that SDRs tend to take away some of the challenge of SW Dxing. It's too easy. Log on to SDR2, go onto the band, check the waterfall for signals and shift the pointer with your mouse and fine tune. It really does not require much skill. Tuning the bands with my PL880 is much more interesting as you can't see what you will hear, if anything. It is a completely different style of radio use. As a segway, unfortunately, the designers of today's portable receivers appear to have sacrificed dynamic range for super sensitivity and now with excellent HF propagation, these portables tend to overload with an external antenna. I now normally use my PL880 on "Local" rather than "DX", to stop this problem which does not happen on any of the many Kiwi SDRs I use.

I do have a RTL-SDR using my M8 android tablet and SDR Touch. Nice to play with, but the RTL dongle is really not that good and I think it is

being taken well past its capabilities. A proper, specifically designed SDR such as the Kiwi SDR is at a totally different level. But the RTL has been a good low cost learning experience.

I have access to two very good NZRDXL Kiwi SDRs as well as 700+ Kiwi SDRs worldwide made available by the very generous international radio community so I feel SDRs now have a significant place in my radio hobby.

So, in summary, a mix of traditional radios with analogue PLL tuning, (DSP Rxers with their chuffing annoy me) and SDRs more than meets my requirements, and have expanded my enjoyment & range of listening/dxing opportunities significantly. My thanks to Arthur DeMaine who introduced me to the NZRDXL SDRs and opened up a whole new world to me.

Thanks Ken for sharing your views. Ed

Mailbag

Your Ed has received QSLs from Charleston Radio International via Radio Twente Gold 1467 kHz, Radio Strömsö via WRMI 5950, Texas Radio Shortwave via WRMI 5950 for their Texas Independence Day broadcast, Welle 370 via Moosbrunn 6140, Japan Meteorological Agency for JMH2 7795 and JMH4 13988.5 kHz, a very nice long QSL reply from Peter Tate for Station X on 2325 kHz, Radio Symban 2368.4 kHz confirming transmitter power as 45 watts along with photos of station and studios and a nice email QSL from Glenn Robison for his Rapidly Rotating Records via Radio Twente Gold 1467 kHz..

QSL from Radio Strömsö via WRMI 5950 kHz

QSL from Japan Meteorological Agency for JMH2 7795 kHz and JMH4 13988.5 kHz

QSL from Charleston Radio International via Radio Twente Gold on 1467 kHz

Bandwatch

REMOTE RECEIVERS

1 = Kiwi SDR located at Oita, Japan using an Apex Radio 303WA-2

antenna: 2 = K1HE Kiwi SDR located at Boone, North Carolina, USA using a loop on ground antenna: 3 = Twente SDR located at Enschede, Netherlands using a mini-whip antenna (PAR0DT design): 4 = Kiwi SDR located at Ironstone Range, South Australia using a 12 meter

duoconical antenna: 5 = Kiwi SDR located at Alexandria, Virginia, USA using an unamplified Wellbrook ALA1530 loop antenna: 6 = Kiwi SDR

Fenu-Radio Switzerland using a Datong AD370 active dipole 6m above

ground: 7 = Kiwi SDR located at North Raleigh, North Carolina, USA using a W6LVP loop antenna with the min lobes orientated northsouth: 8 = SA4BNA’s Kiwi SDR located at Arvika, Sweden using a 100

6011232JAPAN: JJY60 Mount Hagane. Good with second pulses and JJY CW id twice at 1145 UTC 02/03 DL

80023340225USA: WSVS Crewe, Virginia fair with c&w songs

Ids as “Pure Country 97.1 FM and 800 AM and Online at wsvsamfm.com” 07/03 DL

14673101200NETHERLANDS: Rapidly Rotating Records via Radio Twente Gold, Hengelo. Very good in English with program of 78 rpm records w/host Glenn Robison. 05/03 DL

14673101000NETHERLANDS: Charleston Radio International via Radio Twente Gold. Hengelo. Very good in English with “Charleston Radio International

presents The Roaring Twenties” -

KHZ RX DIST UTC DETAILS (Kms)

program of music from the 20’s and 30’s. 05/03 DL

232541036AUSTRALIA: Station X, Wee Waa, NSW. Fair-good

In English with oldies and frequent ids. slight Static. 10/03 DL

2368.4411231030AUSTRALIA: Radio Symban, Hurlstone Park, Sydney. Fair in Greek with Greek songs and listener phone calls. 10/03 DL

2965u138151213THAILAND: Bangkok Volmet. Poor and noisy in English w/male giving aviation weather. 02/03 DL

320519661208NORTH KOREA: KCBS Digital, Kanggye, Good in DRM mode w/spoken program in Korean. DRM parameters: AAC (0) DPRK DRM EEP Audio 14.56

Kbps. 02/03 DL

3210415751010AUSTRALIA: Shortwave Australia, Neilborough, Bendigo. Good in English with relay of unknown British program featuring oldies. Occasional Shortwave id’s over program by female speaker. llel 4835

kHz 10/03 DL

325018251205KCBS Pyongyang, Pyongyang. Good with spoken program in Korea 02/03 DL

332018251200NORTH KOREA: PBS Pyongyang Pansong, Pyongyang. Good with spoken program in Korean 02/03 DL

3458u121121158CHINA: Guangzhou Volmet poor-fair in English w/female giving aviation weather for places in China 02/03 DL

34801 5951140

SOUTH KOREA: Voice of the People, Gyeonggi-do good with songs in Korean 02/03 DL

39101 5951145

SOUTH KOREA: Voice of the People, Gyeonggi-do good with songs in Korean llel 3930 02/03 DL

39301 595 1150

SOUTH KOREA: Voice of the People, Gyeonggi-do good with in Korean w/ jammer audible underneath 02/03 DL

39851

6111145

SOUTH KOREA: Echo of Hope, Suwon Good in English with English/Korean language lesson. Buzz or jammer audible underneath 02/03 DL

421519821135CHINA: XSG Shanghai Radio, Shanghai good with voice mirror – 4 long dashes then XSG callsign in CW 02/03 DL

4835415751150AUSTRALIA: Shortwave Australia, Neilborough, Bendigo. Good in English with the Val Morgan Cinema Advertising ads. 10/03 DL

5050513330159USA: WRMI Legends via Okeechobee, Florida.

Good with Greatest Hits of All Time with Dan the Music Man, religious message from Pastor George and ad for icomamerica.com 03/03 DL

5860 6 3864 0345 USA: Radio Farda via Sulaibiyah fair with male vocal in Persian 09/04 KAB

5890675450347USA: The Overcomer Ministry via WWCR, Nashville, TN. Good in English with religious program rant similar to Brother Stair style 09/03 KAB

593068970350DENMARK: World Music Radio, Bramming good with songs in Danish 09/-3 KAB

5935 6 7545 0353 USA: WWCR, Nashville, TN very good in English w/University Network religious comment and id 09/03 KAB

5950 2 1000 0100 USA: Texas Radio Shortwave via WRMI, Okeechobee, Florida. Very good in English with program celebrating Texas Anniversary Day 05/03 DL

5950210000210USA: Texas Radio Shortwave via WRMI, Okeechobee, Florida. Very good in English with South by Southwest Music Festival program week 2 12/03 DL

595079720110USA: Texas Radio Shortwave via WRMI, Okeechobee, Florida. Very good in English with South by Southwest Music Festival program week 3 19/03 DL

5980619401923TURKEY: Voice of Turkey via Emirler. Good with program in Turkish w/ Turkish songs 09/09 KAB

629531048NETHERLANDS: Radio Black Power (Dutch pirate – unknown location) fair but slightly noisy with English oldies and Dutch Schlager tunes 1143 UTC EE id & email address 12/03 DL

63003830648NETHERLANDS: Radio Deltracks, Nijmegen good In Dutch with oldies by artists such as Elton John, Van Halen, Bob Dylan. Occasional ids 04/03 DL

7240619400327TURKEY: Voice of Turkey via Emirler. Good with program in Uyghur but slightly distorted audio 09/09 KAB

72656 5500330FRANCE: NHK World Radio via Issoudun. Very good in Japanese with music 09/3 KAB

72856186310334NEW ZEALAND: Radio New Zealand

Pacific via Rangitikei. Good in English with relay of Radio New Zealand National program. 09/03 KAB

74053641207NETHERLANDS: Radio Pipzender, Zwolle. Good In English and Dutch with English & Dutch oldies, Frequent ids and email address given 12/03 DL

7435669550342USA: Radio Marti via Greenville, NC. Very good in Clear Spanish llel 6030 09/03/KAB

7490661790339USA: WBCQ, Monticello, MA good in English spoken program discussing the situation in Africa llel 5950 09/03 KAB

7505682490336USA: WRNO, New Orleans, LA very

NB: Reception distances are not given when the exact location of the transmitter is unknown.

CONTRIBUTORS

DL = Dene Lynneberg, Pukerua Bay, KAB = Ken Baird

Well that wraps it up for another month. I look forward to your contributions next month. Meanwhile good dx on all those online receivers wherever they may be located.