Test of Uniwave DRM receiver

Giampiero Bernardini from Milan, Italy tested the new Uniwave DRM receiver & has posted some nice pictures in his blog.

You can read the post in his blog (in Italian) here :

http://radiodxinfo.blogspot.com/

Here's the link for translated version of his blog in English :

http://tinyurl.com/l3sesd

AIR Itanagar to begin Hindi, English bulletins

Published by: Noor Khan

Published: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 at 19:27 IST

Itanagar, Aug26 The All India Radio station here will start daily Hindi andEnglish bulletins from tomorrow.

More at :

http://www.samaylive.com/news/itanagar-air-station-to-begin-hindi-english-bulletins/651162.html

Prasar Bharati to cover remote areas in Arunachal

Read the report here :

http://www.ptinews.com/news/252085_Prasar-Bharati-to-cover-remote-areas-in-Arunachal

DRM+ Field Trial in Germany

Read the report here :

http://www.drm.org/news/detail/news/drm-field-trial-in-germany/

India's FM Radio Stations Brace for New Competition

Strong Signals: India's FM Radio Stations Brace for New Competition
Published: August 27, 2009 in India Knowledge@Wharton

Read the report here :
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/india/article.cfm?articleid=4405

NIAR HAM NEWS Newsletter Apr-Jun 2009

Please find below the link for the NIAR HAM NEWS Apr-Jun 2009 Issue

http://www.niar.org/hamnews/hn_0609.pdf

The same is available on the website www.niar.org

Regards,Mohan, VU2MYH
---------------------------------------------
National Institute of Amateur Radio,

Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India

Telefax: 91-40-2331 0287

Cell:94416 96043

Amateur Radio exam at Hyderabad today

A total of 70 candidates from

1. Amateur Radio Club, VU2VLF, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Uppal, Hyderabad

2. National Institute of Amateur Radio, VU2NRO (NIAR)

3. Red Cross, Hyderabad

4. Others

are appearing for the Amateur Radio exam at Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Uppal today, 28 Aug 2009. Good luck to all of them!

Note: New batches for Amateur Radio classes start at NIAR, Hyderabad on every first Monday of the month.

-Jose Jacob, VU2JOS

================================================

National Institute of Amateur Radio Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda Hyderabad 500082, INDIA
Telefax: 91-40-2331 0287 Tel: 91-40-65167388

E mail: niarindia@hotmail.com, vu2nro@gmail.com

Web site: www.niar.org

Club station: VU2NRO 14160 kHz, 144.720 MHz.

Echolink: Node 133507

================================================

Photo's of DW Party celebrating 45 years of DW Hindi and Urdu service

Photo's of DW Party celebrating 45 years of Deutsche Welle Hindi and Urdu service :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030336&id=1059187204&ref=nf

Radio Kashmir Ramzan broadcasts

Radio Kashmir Srinagar noted with special Ramzan broadcasts as follows on :

2220-2310 UTC (3.30 to 4.40 am IST) on 1116 & 4950 kHz

Last year SW was not used. Also noted a realy of the same by AIR Kupwara on 1350 kHz. This will continue till around 22 Sept 2009 with slight variations in sign on/off timings


(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio )

DRM Receiver Profiles make progress

DRM Consortium has received very good response to the consultation exercise which has been undertaken to define globally applicable 'DRM Receiver Profiles'. The questions were aimed at find out the expected minimum set of features that should be included in every DRM capable receiver in two product categories: a basic radio and a multimedia radio. There were replies from across the world and from every industry sector. The process of analysing the replies and determining the final details of the DRM Receiver Profiles is now underway with results expected to be announced at IBC following approval from the DRM Steering Board.

(Source : ABU)

PBC launches English music channel

By Mahtab Bashir
ISLAMABAD: After successful transmissions of FM 93 and FM 101, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has launched its English music channel FM 94 to provide healthy entertainment to its audience and end monopoly of private FM radio channels in the country, said PBC Director General Murtaza Solangi on Thursday. Talking to media persons at the launching ceremony of the channel at a local hotel, Solangi said FM 94 would focus on rapidly growing population of English music lovers and expand and consolidate usage of Frequency Modulation (FM) networking all over the country. Solangi said it was a soft launch of FM 94, while PBC would start full-fledged transmission on the eve of Eidul Fitr. “It is the first FM English music channel of PBC from Islamabad that has been converted from old system of Medium Wave (MW) to FM,” he said. “We have shifted our few channels from MW to FM, as FM’s quality of voice and clarity and expansion is more effective than MW,” he added.

More at :
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C08%5C21%5Cstory_21-8-2009_pg11_10

Czech Radio appoints Richard Medek as Interim Director General

Czech Radio Council recently announced appointment of Richard Medek as Interim Director General. Richard Medek, who previously held the position of Czech Radio Programming Director, will be entrusted with the function until the selection procedure for a regular Director General has been finalised.

(Source : EBU)

Radio hams remember Rajiv Gandhi

Staff Reporter VISAKHAPATNAM: On the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, many recall his contribution to the development of ham radio as a hobby in the country. Radio hams recall Rajiv Gandhi (VU2RG) simply as Rajiv and the work he did to promote the hobby.According to information provided by the National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR), Hyderabad, he found good potential in amateur radio operators (radio hams) to carry forward his vision to “open up communications to the people through amateur wireless stations set up as a national network in over six lakh villages.”

More at :

http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/20/stories/2009082056070600.htm

Shortwave Log Build 3514 Released

I am pleased to announce that a new release of Shortwave Log, build 3514, has been released. Shortwave Log started as a traditional logging programback in 1991 and has expanded over the years into a suite of programs forlogging (shortwave and amateur), radio control, recording, QSL management,and enabling receivers to be published online.

New to this build is an improved WPN (What's Playing Now) module that nowincludes a broadcast schedule of the next 24 hours in addition to what iscurrently being broadcast, thus allowing for the ability to know not justwhat is playing now, but what will be playing.

The Shortwave Log Community is a real-time, online logbook that is sharedamongst all participating users. This online logbook not only can be used totrack current band conditions, but it is also used by the program to helpidentify broadcasts. 60 days' of logs are searchable. A subset of the latestlogs is viewable via this link:
http://www.shortwavelog.com/Community/

In addition to the online logbook, Shortwave Log supports 14 differentdatabases like ADDX, AOKI, EIBI, HFCC, ILGRadio (including the new format byErnest Riley), and others. When entering a log, all of these databases aresearched simultaneously.
While this may sound like ad copy, it is not. Shortwave Log is free todownload and to use, although donations are gratefully accepted to helpdefray the costs.

More information about Shortwave Log and the download page can be accessedfrom:
http://www.shortwavelog.com

73s and good DXing!
Robert Sillett, N3OEA

Radio Hello 106.4 FM to air BBC's Tamil programming

Mumbai, Maharashtra, IND, 2009-08-18 14:44:00 (IndiaPRwire.com)

The BBC’s special Tamil-language programming tailored for India’s FM market will now be available to audiences of Radio Hello 106.4 FM across Tamil Nadu, thanks to a partnership agreement signed between BBC World Service and Radio Hello 106.4 FM.Radio Hello 106.4 FM is part of the Malar Publications Group and is the largest FM radio network in Tamil Nadu.The partnership means that Radio Hello 106.4 FMwill rebroadcast the content produced by BBC World Service’s Tamil FM team, including regular as well as topical programming. The BBC will launch its availability on Radio Hello 106.4 FM with AR Rahman Special which will include an exclusive interview with the composer who won two Oscar awards for his Slumdog Millionaire music. Regular BBC programmes on Radio Hello will include:

·Hello Nimisham, BBC VishayamHourly updates on sports and entertainment from 7 am to 10 pm, seven days a week

·Hello Wind-up, BBC Round-upWeekly show on the latest film releases, film news, behind-the-scenes stories and star interviews

·Hello Game-Zone, BBC Play-TimeWeekly show on the latest sporting action from around the world.

All this content is also available for listening via the website www.bbctamil.com

Neil Curry, Head of Business Development, Asia and Pacific Region, BBC World Service, comments: “We are delighted with our partnership with Radio Hello 106.4 FM. With this association, audiences across Tamil Nadu will be able to listen to a fantastic range of BBC World Service programming on FM, which will not just entertain but also engage our audiences, offering them many ways to interact.”The BBC’s special output for India’s FM market includes infotainment updates in Hindi and Tamil languages.This programming is available via partner stations in India: Radio One in Delhi, Mumbai,Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Pune; Radio Choklate in Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack and Rourkela; Hello Radio106.4in Chennai,Kovai, Madurai, Trichy, Nellai, Tuticorin and Puducherry; Radio Tadka in Jaipur and Udaipur; Radio Tomato in Kolhapur; Radio Misty in Siliguri and Gangtok; Radio Chaska in Gwalior; and Radio Rangila in Raipur. It is also available via Radio Spice in Dubai, UAE; and in the US via HumDesi Radio in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Jose and Washington DC.

http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/entertainment/2009081831672.htm

Latest ITU Monitoring Data Files

Here are the latest ITU Monitoring Data Files :

For the period 1st July 09 to 18th Aug 09

http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/terrestrial/monitoring/files/pdffiles/323.pdf

For the period 1st Apr 09 to 30th June 09

http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/terrestrial/monitoring/files/pdffiles/322.pdf

For the period 1st Jan 09 to 31st Mar 09

http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/terrestrial/monitoring/files/pdffiles/321.pdf

Japan enhances BBS ability to broadcast live

18 August, 2009 - The Bhutan broadcasting service corporation (BBS) yesterday received equipment worth Nu 300 million from the Japanese government under the grant aid, “Project for the improvement of equipment of BBS”.

Read the story here :
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13227

Absolute Radio begins tests for digital live music station

John Plunkett

guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 18 August 2009 10.05 BST

Absolute Radio is to launch a new live-music digital radio station with the working name of Absolute CTRL.The station has begun test transmissions on DAB in London. Absolute CTRL will play a "selection of live recordings of rock and pop music aimed at a broad adult audience interested in live music".Absolute, owned by the Times of India Group, already runs two digital-only stations, Absolute Radio Classic Rock and Absolute Radio Xtreme.

Read the full story here :

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/18/absolute-radio-digital-live-music-station-ctrl

Results of "A Survey on Global Citizens' Understanding of Korea" by KBS

Results of "A Survey on Global Citizens' Understanding of Korea", a special poll conducted by KBS World Radio to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Korea's liberation & the list of winners :

http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/event/poll_2009/index.htm

DRM transmissons from TDF Montsinery (French Guiana) to HFCC/Santo Domingo

I received this today from Jacques Gruson/F6AJW, who was unable to send it to the group while on vacation:

Hi All,
FYI, DRM transmissons will be performed from TDF Montsinery (French Montsinery) to Santo Domingo on the occasion of HFCC Conference 18 to 21 August 2009

Frequency =17870 kHz
DRM parameters:
Mode B

Bandwidth=10 kHz

MSC = 64

QAMCR =0,6

Audio Encoding = AAC+SBR

Power = 150 kW

Audio content = local

Pictures will be transmitted for viewing on a Uniwave receiver

Transmission schedule:
Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 August 2009: 16.00-18.00 UTC

Friday 21August 2009: 1600-2100 UTC.

Wishing you all good listening.
Regards / 73.
Jacques Gruson F6AJW

(Brendan via drmna yg)

Launch of HCJB/IBB DRM trial broadcasts on August 17

The HCJB Global Technology Center, based in Elkhart, IN, USA in cooperation with the International Broadcasting Bureau, will begin a series of digital broadcast test transmissions on shortwave starting on August 17. The demonstration broadcasts are using IBB transmission facilities on the east coast of the USA and a DRM exciter and content server developed by the HCJB Global Technology Center. The broadcasts are operating at an average DRM power of approximately 8 kW using a rhombic antenna aimed at 45 degrees on 15475 kHz from 2000 to 2200 UTC for reception in Europe and a log periodic antenna aimed at 306 degrees on 9405 kHz from 0000 to 0400 UTC for reception in North America. The broadcasts are expected to continue for at least several weeks. Reception reports can be emailed to ibbhcjb@gmail.com Please visit www.hcjb.org/tech for more information on the work of the HCJB Global Technology Center.

(Charles Jacobson, HCJB Global Technology Center via drmna yg)

ALERT - SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to some personnel limitations in Greenville the trail broadcast will not begin until Tuesday, August 18. Just trying build anticipation.

(Charles Jacobson via drmna yg)

Independence Day Greetings !

It's been 62 years since India got freedom, Let's Celebrate Our Independence , Happy Independence Day !!

Got my amateur callsign

Finally got my amateur callsign VU3BSE on 13th August,2009 almost one year after ASOL exam, Ecstatic !

My heart felt thanks to VU2RBI, VU2OEC, VU3DJQ, VU2JOS, VU2LFA,VU3ORN & SWL Ranajay Mullick for helping in this quest one way or other !!

Workshop on Disaster management - Program Officers of AIR Visit NIAR on 12th August 2009

The Regional Training Institute (P), All India Radio organised a 5-day Workshop on Disaster Management during 10th -14th August 2009. Over 20 Program officers and other senior officials of All India Radio from various States including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa visiting NIAR on 12th August 2009, as part of their program to gain knowledge and information about amateur radio communications and interact with experts in this field. A live demonstration of various modes of amateur radio communication including digital and internet related technologies popularly used by Hams was shown to the participants.
During the course of interaction, one of the participant emotionally charged the atmosphere by narating his own personal experience of how the information on critical illness of his daughter was relayed to him by Hams at CM's residence in Bhubaneshwar through the Resident Commissioners office in New Delhi during Orissa Super Cyclone relief communications, reached him in-time, which saved the life of his daughter.It was indeed a prized and exhilarating moment, when the hearts were speaking all the words, as the participants applauded the sprit of radio amateurs for their sincere commitment towards service to society in times of need. The three hour session was truly an experience to cherish and remembered for a long time. Several Hams who participated in the Orissa Super Cyclone operations including Mr. S.B.Ram - VU2LIC, Mr. Chaitanya Kumar -VU3MCK, Mr. Yogesh, Ms. Bhanumathy - VU2BL, Mr.Jose Jacob - VU2JOS were all present on the occassion.

(Mohan, VU2MYH , National Institute of Amateur Radio,Hyderabad )

Amateur radio operators launch radio hotline to handle crises

Bangalore, D H News Service:
Most often than not, amateur radio operators have come to people's rescue during natural or manmade disasters, providing relief to those marooned during floods, earthquakes, building collapse and others. To provide this reliable mode of communication, the Amateur Radio Society of India and the Indian Red Cross Society have joined hands to establish a radio hotline here on Wednesday. It was inaugurated by Governor of Karnataka, H R Bhardwaj in the premises of the Red Cross Society here.

More at :
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/19323/amateur-radio-operators-launch-radio.html

MNNIT to start community radio station

Mrigank Tiwari, TNN 12 August 2009, 10:07pm IST
ALLAHABAD: Realising the importance of disseminating education through non-conventional resources and updating students on major issues confronting the society, the Motilal Nehru National Institue of Technology (MNNIT) will start a community radio channel on the campus under the community development project.The entire project is expected to be completed within a year.

More at :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/allahabad/MNNIT-to-start-community-radio-station/articleshow/4886809.cms

AIR Bangalore to launch 15 new programmes from I-Day

(Agencies)
Publication Date 12/8/2009 8:24:18 PM(IST)
Bangalore: All India Radio will launch 15 new programme form Independence day to keep itself shoulder to shoulder in the competitive world. Talking to newspersons in Bangalore, Station Director Chetan S Naik said the new programmes were prepared keeping in view the interests of all sections of the society including farmers, women, children, youth, senior citizens, politicians and scribes.

More at :

http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=23446

RRI to Cooperate with Community Radios

TEMPO Interactive, Bandung: In order to widen its broadcast to remote areas, the state-run radio station network Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) is creating partnerships with community radios. It is expected that with this way, the radio network can reach more areas. At present, RRI can only reach 76 present of Indonesia.RRI Director, Parni Hadi, said that embracing community radio is a solution to widen the radio's coverage. “This is a win-to-win program. Community radios can get news materials from us and we broadcast their programs,” said Parni Hadi, on Monday (10/8).

More at :
http://www.tempointeractive.com/hg/nasional/2009/08/11/brk,20090811-191947,uk.html

World's first dial-free radio unveiled

The world's first dial-free radio without any traditional knobs or buttons, the 'Q2 Cube', was unveiled on Tuesday hailing the end of 100-year-old classic wireless sets. Designers say the smooth-sided cube which you operate simply by turning or tipping finally marks a departure from the 'dial tuning' listening experience.

More at :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6009556/Worlds-first-dial-free-radio-unveiled.html

DD kicks off Golden Jubilee celebrations

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) National broadcaster Doordarshan today kicked off its year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations with a music maestro A R Rehman concert as Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni promised that DD would broadcast the 2010 Commonwealth Games on High Definition format.

More at :
http://www.ptinews.com/news/225013_DD-kicks-off-Golden-Jubilee-celebrations

Radio Australia resuming broadcasts to Burma

Radio Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) radio service to Asia and the Pacific, is resuming broadcasts to Burma, including a new special service in Burmese. Hanh Tran, Radio Australia's CEO, says events in Burma such as the devastation of Cyclone Nargis, the recent conviction and extended detention of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the upcoming election, all highlight the need for strong communications into the region."The service to Burma in English will be imminent, with a Burmese language service to follow," he said in a statement Wednesday.The new services will use shortwave radio distribution and digital technologies.

More at :
http://australianetworknews.com/stories/200908/2653999.htm?desktop

HCJB to terminate Pifo - future of DXPL unknown

The appended message was received from Allen Graham, HCJB, Ecuador on August 12.
Regards from Melbourne!

Bob Padula

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Bob,
This past weekend on the DX Partyline I shared the following news:

HCJB Ecuador will end its shortwave transmissions from Pifo on September30, 2009 except for one frequency in Portuguese which will continueuntil mid-November. We are awaiting the official Press Release whichwill have more details. The administrative decision was made due to anumber of factors. I feel obliged to not say anything further until theofficial announcement is released.

The future of the DX Partyline is still uncertain at this moment. When Iknow more, I will let you know.

Thanks for all of your support over the years. We really need it now more than ever.

Allen Graham

(Via CumbreDX)

BBG Broadcasters Offer Afghans Unprecedented Access to Candidates in Advance of Presidential Election

Washington, DC, 08/11/2009

Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reaching the largest combined audience of any radio broadcaster in Afghanistan, are helping Afghans engage with presidential candidates in the lead up to the August 20 presidential election.VOA and RFE/RL, overseen by the Broadcasting Board of Governors, both air in Dari and Pashto and will give audiences unprecedented access to the candidates. RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan is hosting call-in shows where presidential candidates take questions from the audience, and is airing interviews with each of the 41 contenders. VOA's Radio/TV Ashna will also interview the three top prospects, as well as Shahla Atta, one of two women in the running. The BBG broadcasters both produce programming in Dari and Pashto, the most widely spoken languages in Afghanistan.On August 16, RFE/RL plans to co-host with Afghan State TV a debate among presidential candidates including current president and leading contender Hamid Karzai, who has declined to appear in other debates. Radio Free Afghanistan Director Akbar Ayazi will moderate the debate, which will be seen and heard nationwide.Three days of live TV shows from Kabul will cap off VOA's extensive coverage, which also includes live radio shows, while RFE/RL plans 12 hours of live programming around the election, keeping voters informed of the latest developments and analyzing them as they happen.Broadcast media are critical sources of information for the largely rural and illiterate people of Afghanistan. TV has expanded dramatically since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, but radio remains the nationwide medium of choice for daily news. Only word of mouth, with Afghans turning to friends, family, and tribal elders, rivals radio as a source of information.VOA and RFE/RL are also highlighting the views and opinions of ordinary Afghans both within and outside the country. VOA will host a series of six talk shows broadcast from Kabul University and from a camp for internally displaced Afghans, and will feature reports from remote locations throughout Afghanistan. In-depth coverage has been examining topics from the role of religious leaders to the effect of young voters.In addition, VOA's Deewa Radio, targeted at the Afghan-Pakistan border region, will report the attitudes of the two million Afghan refugees in Pakistan who are ineligible to vote, as well as the perspectives of Afghans living in the United States.VOA's Persian News Network and Arabic-language Alhurra TV have sent reporters to Kabul to cover the election for viewers in the Middle East, and broadcasts in many other languages will also focus on the election.VOA and RFE/RL broadcast to Afghanistan a combined 24 hours a day on radio in Dari, Pashto and Special English, and VOA broadcasts an additional 6 hours a week on television. The programs are also available online. VOA and RFE/RL broadcasts reach over 56% of Afghans each week, almost 10 million people.VOA also operates Deewa Radio with nine hours daily of live Pashto-language programming targeted at the Afghan-Pakistan border region.

(BBG Press Release)

HCJB Global Voice Moves Up End Date of Shortwave Broadcasts from Ecuador

The end date for international broadcasts from Radio Station HCJB in Ecuador has been moved up as the missionary radio ministry defines new strategies for future outreach.Anticipating the opening of the new Quito airport near the station's international transmitter site in Pifo, staff member have already dismantled all but 14 antennas and towers. Present shortwave broadcasts in Portuguese, Spanish, German and indigenous languages, including Quichua, had earlier been announced to end no later than April 1, 2010. These international broadcasts will cease between September and November 2009.Announcing the earlier closure date of Pifo, Graham Bulmer, HCJB Global's director for the Latin America Region, said, "These times stretch us, causing us both to doubt and to grow in faith and hopefully drive us to confess our dependence on God. We believe He is guiding us. We hold all things with open hands and pursue understanding of what God expects of us as stewards of the resources of His kingdom."The Pifo closure will impact Radio Station HCJB's Quichua Language Service with some programming moving from the shortwave frequencies to local AM and FM channels. Investigations are also being made regarding the possibility of transferring HCJB-2, the ministry's 37-year-old FM station in Guayaquil (Ecuador's largest city), into the hands of local partners.The mission's newer strategy, begun in the 1990s, has been to reduce its emphasis on shortwave in Latin America while focusing on "radio planting" or assisting local ministries realize their dream of beginning a Christian radio ministry. More than 300 local stations have been helped in these endeavors worldwide, including about 60 in Latin America. HCJB Global also continues to expand its training ministries across the region."The way people consume media has changed," said HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson. "So we have the opportunity to change to delivery systems such as satellite, FM Internet and podcasting. The closing of shortwave in Latin America is strategic because of the planting of local FM radio stations across the region and around the world. These stations are staffed and programmed by local believers who can speak to the culture in their own communities."Pederson recently told the staff that a high priority for the mission is its initiative for Latin America called Corrientes that launches in October. The coalition of more than 10 Christian organizations involves training Latin Americans for bi-vocational mission work around the world.

(Source : HCJB)

45 years of DW Hindi Service

Incidently it's 45 years of DW Hindi Service this year, they have a special webpage here :

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4536438,00.html

Radyo Philipinas relaying DWDR 104.3 MHz FM

On 12th August 2009 between 0240 UTC and 0300 UTC Radyo Philipinas on 15285 kHz was carrying songs and announcement of DWDR 104.3 MHz. The regular programming and station id of Radyo Philipinas was absent. Cannot recollect having heard this before.

(Dr.Supratik Sanatani, Kolkata via Bangladx yg)

Maurai Kamaraj University to commission FM radio soon

Madurai Kamaraj University is all set to commission the Gyan Vani FM Radio to broadcast educational programmes for students. The transmission trials will start in the next few days and the formal launch is expected to take place on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai.

More at :

http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/12/stories/2009081257440100.htm

Hello FM in content pact with BBC Radio; rebrands itself as Radio Hello

Hello FM, owned by Malar Publications Group, has joined hands with BBC Radio to provide some of its content. One of the reasons for this strategic tie-up is the possibility of a Government nod to air news and current affairs, which could help the FM station grow further and allow it to play a much larger role. Hello FM, which is predominantly a Tamil FM station, also plays English songs on weekends and generates its creatives in-house.

More at :

http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/Radio/RadioNews.asp?section_id=7&news_id=35566&tag=31298&pict=0

Farm Radio for Kuttanad soon

Farmers of Kuttanad will shortly have a community radio for themselves, alerting them on weather changes and imparting essential tips on agriculture apart from attempting to help them tide over the agrarian crisis that has been dogging the region for long. The Kuttanad Farm Radio, as the initiative will be known, is a project of the Farm Information Bureau (FIB) ........

More at :
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/12/stories/2009081252770300.htm

TV at 50

Many of us may not be aware, its 50th anniversary of Television in India this year. Read this fascinating article published in "Frontline" magazine penned by renowned Bhaskar Ghose :

http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20090828261708800.htm

Special broadcasts on Independence Day - 15 Aug 2009

In connection with the Indian Independence day on August 15, The President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will be broadcsting to the nation at 1330 UTC (1900 Hours IST) on 14 August 2009 (Friday). All stations of All India Radio will relay it on MW, SW & FM. The AIR regional SW stations will be on 4 MHz band then.

For detailed AIR Shortwave sked visit : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/sw/freq.htm

Look out for the rare AIR station in Kohima on 4850 on 14 & 15 August, 2009 as follows:
14 Aug 2009 1000-1600 UTC approx
15 Aug 2009 0000-0415 UTC approx

AIR Kohima is heard now a days only on such special occasions like Independence Day August 15 & Republic Day January 26 and has been heard even by listeners in USA.

To view QSL received from their New Delhi office please click:
http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/qsls/Kohima.jpg

(Jose Jacob, National Institute of Amateur Radio,Hyderabad)

RAE Competition

RAE, the Foreign Service of the Argentine Public Radio, with the collaboration of the Radiolisteners Group of Argentina launches a contest for our audience in Argentina and in the world. The requirement is to send us two reception reports: one on our Spanish-language program and the other on any of the other languages broadcasts (English, French, German, Italia, Portuguese and Japanese).
The contest begins on August 3, 2009 and reception reports will have to cover any of our programs until 2359 hours of August 17, a date selected to pay homage to the most important national hero of Argentina, General San Martín. “The father of the country”, as we call him, died on August 17, 1850.

Reception reports must be sent by e-mail to rae@radionacional.gov.ar or by traditional mail to RAE, PO Box 555, post code: C1000WAF, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Reports will be accepted until September 30, 2009. All participants will receive a QSL cards. Among all who take part in the contest, there will be a prize draw for two Argentine music CD compilations.

(Arnaldo Slaen via Cumbredx)

Amateur Radio demo for AIR officials

As part of the Workshop on Disaster Management conducted by Regional Training Institute(P), All India Radio, Hyderabad, delegates from AIR stations from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa and West Bengal states are scheduled to visit National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad on 12th August 2009. A presentation on Amateur Radio with live demonstration is scheduled between 2 to 5 pm on that day.

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio,Hyderabad)

QARL Field Day on 15th & 16th Aug

Quilon Amateur Radio League conducting Feild day at Kuttalam waterfall on 15th & 16th August , if u r interested to participate contact vu2kgn Nadan, Kollam, Mobile # 9847690373 or 9847365373

73

VU2NYS

(Via VUHams yg)

Radio Taiwan Intl's new series "Original Waves"

While Taiwan's 14 tribes of indigenous people make up only two percent of the population, their rich cultural heritage contributes some of the most colorful threads to Taiwan's cultural fabric. "Original Waves" is a 15-part series dedicated to these aborigines - Taiwan's original inhabitants. Each episode offers an in-depth look at one of the 14 tribes, sharing with listeners the legends, rituals, music and customs that are a focal point in indigenous life.Original Waves is sponsored by Taiwan's Council of Indigenous People, and produced by Shirley Lin, Huang Shih-han and Andrew Ryan. For more information, or to offer feedback, please send an email to: rti@rti.org.tw

(Source : RTI)

ARSI Club Station at Red Cross Building in Bangalore

ARSI (Amateur Radio Society of India) has signed a protocol agreement with the Red Cross Society in Bangalore to work with them on emergency communications. The Club Station VU2ZH will be inaugurated by H E the Governor of Karnataka at 0900 HRS on Wednesday the 12th August 2009 at:

Indian Red Cross Society

No.26, Red Cross Bhavan, 1st Floor,

Race Course Road, Bangalore -560 001.

We request stations to stand by and give reports and maybe exchange a few words with the Governor at that time. Stations in Bangalore on the VHF repeater and HF and as many stations as possible on 7050 between 0900 and0930 from all over India. All are invited to attend the inauguration- you must be there by 0830 asthere will be security issues with the Governor attending . The station will have both HF and VHF capabilities.

The equipment consists of:
1. A Yaesu FT757 GX with power supply and accessories ( kindly donatedby OM Chandru VU2RCR)
2. A Fritzl multiband HF Vertical antenna ( kindly donated by the lateOM Robert VU2MKP)
3. A VHF base station and antenna

The station will be available to all ARSI members and a special access cardwill be issued to identify them to the security at the building. We hope that this will be the first of many such stations set up throughout India.

( Gopal Madhavan, VU2GMN , President, ARSI)

Mysore Repeater on Chamundi Hills is QRV after a long break

Since the last 15 days, Mysore Repeater on Chamundi Hills is QRV after a long break - New Location, New Anternna, New height.

Operating Freq Repeater tx - 145.725 Repeater rx - 145.125

We have had good reports from VU2OJ in Kerala, VU2RCT from Mangalore and a lot of other hams in Bangalore who were not able to get through to the repeater previously. I have put up a 5-el beam and am able to access with 5 watts from south Bangalore 24x7 - S-7 report. Look to hear a lot more of the South Indian Hams on the repeater.

Best RegardsMadhu - VU2MUD

(Via vuhams yg)

Special Event Activation of Centenarian Kadalur Point Lighthouse-IND 013

The Directorate of Lighthouses and Light Ships, Cochinvide their letter no. VII/75/CHN/C/2009 dated 22nd June 2009,have approved amateur radio operations from Kadalur Point Lighthouse, during the week from 7th to 16th August 2009. The Ministry of Communications & IT, Dept. of Telecommunications,New Delhi, vide letter no L-14011/639/2009-AMT dated 04-08-2009, have permitted the special call sign "AT8LHC" for the week. We wish all the DXers take interest in this operation and give us good number of contacts.

From:Arasu VU2UR, one of the Opeartors of the Group.

QSL : via LION AJOY VU2JHM DIRECT OU BUREAU
Tks Arasu/VU2UR.

Forwarded with 73 byMaurice, F5NQLDX list organizer for the Union Francaise des Telegraphistes, UFT (www.uft.net)
(Via Charpentier-Feuillebois, SWARL )

If you forward these information by any way, please don't remove the indicated sources.

AIR Special broadcasts on Independence Day - 15 Aug 2009

All India Radio will broadcast running commentary of Flag Hoisting Ceremony to be held at Red Fort, New Delhi between 0135-0240 UTC on 15th August 2008 as per the details given below:

0135-0240 UTC Hindi

6030 (Kingsway), 6155 (Khampur), 9595 (Khampur), 11620 (Aligarh), 15135 (Kingsway)

0135-0240 UTC English

4860 (Kingsway), 11830 (Kingsway), 13620(Bangalore), 15050(Khampur)

The regional shortwave transmitters will start earlier than usual on the 7 / 6 MHz frequencies providing unusual reception.:

The schedule is as follows:

BHOPAL

0025-0115 UTC 4810

0130-0448 UTC 7430

CHENNAI

0015-0115 UTC 4920

0130-0415 UTC 7380

HYDERABAD

0020-0115 UTC 4800

0130-0430 UTC 7420

IMPHAL

0030-0115 UTC 4775

0130-0400 UTC 7335

KOLKATA

0025-0115 UTC 4820

0130-0400 UTC 7210

PORT BLAIR

0000-0115 UTC 4760

0130-0400 UTC 7390

SHIMLA

0025-0400 UTC 6020

SRINAGAR

0025-0500 UTC 6110

THIRUVANTHAPURAM

0020-0115 UTC 5010

0130-0400 UTC 7290

Reception reports on the above broadcast should be sent to : Spectrum Management & Synergy Division, All India Radio, New Delhi,India

by email at : spectrum-manager@air.org.in

With Independence Day Greetings!

73

Jose Jacob, VU2JOS

National Institute of Amateur Radio

Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India

Telefax: 91-40-2331 0287 Cell:94416 96043

www.qsl.net/vu2joswww.niar.org

(Jose Jacob via dx_india yg)

"RadioShack" is now "The Shack"

VOA/HCJB DRM Tests

Gerhard Straub reports in DXLD that IBB engineering and the HCJB Global Technology Center have teamed up for some DRM demonstration and test broadcasts from the IBB site in North America. Broadcasts officially begin on August 10. Transmissions may be on this week for internal testing purposes. The initial schedule is:

0000-0400 UTC 9405 kHz aimed 45 degrees with a log periodic antenna
2000-2200 UTC 15475 kHz aimed 306 degrees with a rhombic antenna

Modes, times, and frequencies are subject to change for test purposes.
Reception reports are welcome and may be sent to drm @ voanews.com (note that emails with large files (>3MB) are automatically deleted by the system).

Alokesh Gupta adds :

Greenville, North Carolina is the txer location & they are using a HCJB-designed exciter for these tests.

Special Shortwave Transmissions to and from Punta Cana during HFCC/ASBU

In conjunction with the HFCC/ASBU B09 Coordination Conference in Punta Cana,Dominican Republic, several special shortwave transmissions are planned.

Radio Netherlands' relay station in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles will carryout special DRM transmissions on 9710 kHz on Thursday and Friday, August 20and 21, between 1700-2100 UTC. This transmission will use 120 kW DRM at 350degrees on a HR 1/1/0.5 antenna.

From Santiago, Chile, CVC La Voz will carry out a special DRM transmissionon Friday, August 21 from 1700-2200 UTC on 17640 kHz. The antenna will bedirected to Mexico, but should provide good coverage of the DominicanRepublic as well.

We are waiting on details of special DRM transmissions from TDF inMontsinery, French Guiana; CBC in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada; and oneother possible location.

We are also planning to conduct special tropical band transmissions from theconference in conjunction with the inauguration of a new radio station inthe Dominican Republic. The Dominican Telecommunications Institute, INDOTEL,has authorized provisional transmissions by Radio Discovery (RadioDescubrimiento in Spanish) from the Dreams Punta Cana Resort on the eastcoast of the Dominican Republic with low power (100 watts) on the frequencyof 4730 kHz in a combination of three different modes: standard AM amplitudemodulated, single sideband (SSB), and WinDRM, which is a form of DRMtransmission used by amateur radio operators. In order to decode the WinDRMtransmissions, a listener must connect his receiver audio output to acomputer with the WinDRM software installed. WinDRM can be downloaded free of charge at <http://n1su.com/windrm/download.html>

(via Jeff White-FL-USA WRMI, Aug 4 via Wolfgang Bueschel via DXLD)

Changes in VLF radiowaves in ionosphere observed during TSE

Mumbai (PTI): Significant changes in the lowest part of earth-ionosphere have been observed by the scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) who conducted experiments on Very Low Frequency (VLF) radiowaves for the first time during Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) on July 22.
The scientists monitored very low frequency (VLF) radiowaves travelling long distances through the earth-ionosphere wave guide and found increase in VLF signal strength during TSE at around 50 to 60 kms above the earth.
The IIG Scientists campaigned to record at Allahabad, Varanasi, and Nainital, VLF radio wave signals transmitted from Japan, Australia and a place near Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, using special receivers, its Director Dr Archana Bhattacharyya said.

More at :

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200908041222.htm

GYAN VANI Channel

Under the GYAN VANI initiative catalyzed by Ministry of Human Resources Development, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Prasar Bharati) and IGNOU, have established 26 FM radio stations and another 11 stations across the country are coming up under the Phase-I. These 37 stations, with a reach of 60-70 kms radially, are dedicated FM stations for education and broadcast programmes of interest to students. Some of these are located in places such as Jabalpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Shillong, etc. which have significant remote areas with tribal population in their reach. The broadcasts of these FM stations usually reach the villages and areas surrounding the main town, in which they are located. Accordingly, some of the broadcasts of Gyan Vani stations are tailored to cater to the needs of this population in the remote areas. This information was given by Dr. S.Jagathrakshakan Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

(Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India)

AIR's revenues slip to Rs 1.94 bn in '08-'09

By: Bhushan Nagpal

04 Aug 09 10:43 IST NEW DELHI

All India Radio (AIR) has posted a net commercial revenue of Rs 1.94 billion for 2008-09 'on an expenditure of Rs 9.87 billion. Revenue for AIR, in fact, was higher at Rs 2.03 billion in FY'08 while expenses stood at Rs 9.79 billion. Prasar Bharati posted a net commercial revenue of Rs 10 billion for the fiscal ended 31 March 2009 while expenditure stood at Rs 23.44 billion, leaving a yawning uncovered gap of Rs 13.43 billion.

More at :
www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/airs-revenues-slip-rs-194-bn-08-09

VOA/HCJB DRM Tests ?

Several North American dxers have reported in the "drmna yg" of a VOA/HCJB DRM test on 9405 kHz today 4th August 0100 - 0400 UTC. The banner reads "VOA / HCJB" with one stream of audio at AAC+ Mono(20.9 kbps) and another with a MOT Slideshow (3.84 kbps). Some kind ofdemo txn.

Anyone has further info on this ?

KBC plans to drop MW & SW Txns

The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is to stop using short and medium wave frequencies so as to save on costs, writes Dennis Itumbi for journalism.co.za. Information Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo said the frequencies were consuming too much power and were already overtaken by technological advances. The national broadcaster has also committed to reduce its power bills by at least Shs. 25 million ($330,000) as a way of dealing with its debts.

More at :

http://www.journalism.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2447&Itemid=5

Venezuela orders closure of 34 radio stations

Submitted by Mohit Joshi on Sat, 08/01/2009 - 02:43
Caracas - Venezuela's leftist government ordered 34 radio stations off the air, accusing them of broadcasting without a proper licence. The stations in question have to cease transmissions, Public Works Minister Diosdado Cabello, who also heads the country's telecommunications regulatory agency, said Friday.

More at :
http://www.topnews.in/venezuela-orders-closure-34-radio-stations-2196733