CML Micro release the world’s lowest-cost Digital Radio Mondiale Broadcast Receiver module

CML Micro release the world's lowest-cost Digital Radio Mondiale Broadcast Receiver module

18 September 2023

IBC Amsterdam 2023 – 16th September 2023 – DRM Consortium Showcase Event

CML Microcircuits (CML Micro) has announced at the IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event, the full release of the world's lowest-cost, lowest power, and smallest sized Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcast receiver module (DRM1000). DRM is the world's leading digital radio broadcast standard able to provide rich, high quality digital content over vast areas using medium-wave (MW) and short-wave (SW). In addition to high-capacity local broadcasting at Very High Frequencies (VHF).

The DRM1000 is a complete 'antenna to speaker' module, containing all hardware, software, IP and patent licenses required for a radio equipment manufacturer to easily realize a dual mode (digital and analogue) DRM capable receiver.

The module offers a 60% cost reduction and 80% power reduction over existing DRM technologies in the market. The device can run effectively from solar or wind-up rechargeable batteries: in addition to small primary cells. Low power operation directly improves accessibility to vital educational and public digital radio services across many emerging nations and opens the great features of DRM to many millions of potential listeners around the world.

In offering the DRM1000, CML Micro wish to enable their customers to design a complete DRM /AM /FM broadcast receiver solution, which is attractive, highly featured and accessible for all. The module allows these innovative receivers to be manufactured locally in emerging nations in addition to traditional technology manufacturing locations.

In addition to announcing the availability of the DRM1000; CML Micro is also proud to announce that the device has been adopted by Gospell Digital Technology Ltd for two new DRM portable radio families to be shown for the first time at the IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event.

Haochun Liu, Head of Research and Development at Gospell, said: "At Gospell, we've always held a steadfast belief in the pivotal role that the accessibility and ubiquity of DRM radios play in enabling people to access high-quality information. This unwavering commitment has driven us over the years to design and manufacture user friendly DRM receivers, constantly pushing the boundaries to make them more accessible and attainable for all. The introduction of the DRM1000 module, with its impressive low-power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and high performance, has been a game-changer. We are truly honored to collaborate with CML Micro in launching two groundbreaking DRM receivers based on the DRM1000 module, namely the GR-220 and GR-221. We're confident that our combined efforts will not only deliver unparalleled value to people but also pave the way for the next chapter in DRM technology."

One third of the world's population remains without an internet connection. Many millions of people will benefit from widespread DRM adoption. Increasing access to DRM enhances public services in remote areas, or where an internet connection is very expensive. This includes a disaster and early warning service that can be used in the event of interruption to communications caused by natural disasters.

CML Micro's VP of Global Marketing, Matthew Phillips, said: "The benefits of DRM are already being enjoyed by listeners in the Indian market with 70% of the population covered by DRM broadcast services and 6 million new cars already fitted with DRM capable receivers.  We believe the market for DRM capable receivers is set for significant growth over the coming years. The DRM1000 provides an ideal platform to serve this emerging market with low cost, battery-powered portable receivers sold in millions of units."

DRM in the medium-wave or short-wave band delivers FM-like quality to listeners spread over many thousands of square miles, from a single transmitter. This makes DRM the optimum digital radio solution for emerging nations. DRM uses existing long-, medium-, short-wave and very-high frequency (LW, MW, SW and VHF) radio frequency bands, operating seamlessly alongside current analogue services.

About CML Microcircuits (CML Micro)

CML Micro is a world-leader in the design, development and supply of mixed-signal, RF and microwave semiconductors for global communications markets..

CML Micro offer a wide range of products, including mmWave MMICs, RF transceivers, baseband processors, data controllers, and interface devices, which are used in various applications such as Critical Communications, Satellite and Network Infrastructure.

Our expertise lies in delivering high-performance IC solutions that enable efficient and reliable data transfer, signal processing, and system integration. Our portfolio provides components supporting both RF and baseband functionality, encompassing both leading edge digital and legacy analogue systems.

CML Microcircuits is a member of the CML Microsystems Plc. Group of companies.

CML Microcircuits contacts:

Jessica Hickman

Marketing and Communications Officer

Email: jhickman@cmlmicro.com

Telephone: +44 (0)1621 875500

Matthew Phillips

VP Marketing

Email: mphillips@cmlmicro.com

Telephone: +44(0)1621 875500

Source : https://cmlmicro.com

Special broadcasts by Akashvani (All India Radio) for Independence Day (15 Aug 2023)

India is celebrating its 77th Independence Day on 15 August 2023, details of special programs by Akashvani (All India Radio) for the occasion is as follows:

14th August 2023 (Monday) 1330 UTC (7.00 pm IST) onwards "Address to the Nation" on the eve of Independence Day in Hindi and English by Smt.Draupadi Murmu, Hon'ble President of India.

All stations of  Akashvani (All India Radio) will relay this on MW, SW & FM.

MW Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/mw/freq.htm
FM Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/fm/airfreq.htm

Also on DTH Channels/ airlivenews 24x7
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

15th August 2023 (Tuesday) 0130-0240 UTC (0700-0810 hrs IST)

Akashvani (All India Radio) will live broadcast the running commentary in English and Hindi on the Flag Hoisting and Prime Minister's address to the nation to be held at Red Fort, New Delhi between 0130-0240 UTC (0700-0810 hrs IST) on 15th August, 2023 on the following SW frequencies.

English:
15050 Bengaluru 500 kW

Hindi:
11560   New Delhi 100 kW
15410 Bangalore 500 kW

The Regional SW Stations will start using their day time frequencies about 1 hour or more earlier than usual on 15th August as follows to relay the commentary. This may provide enhanced reception of stations than on normal days.

Other frequencies operating as usual at that time but carrying the commentary is as follows :

kHz     kW       Station
-----------------------------
4760    2.5       Leh          

All stations of  Akashvani (AIR) on MW, FM & 'Akashvani AIR' YouTube Channel will relay the running commentary.

MW Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/mw/freq.htm

FM Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/fm/airfreq.htm

Live streaming of the above programs is available in:

https://www.youtube.com/@akashvaniair

http://allindiaradio.gov.in/

https://mib.gov.in/media/all-india-radio

Reception Reports to :

Please submit your reception reports on line at: https://prasarbharati.gov.in/reception-report/

or by email to:  spectrum-manager@prasarbharati.gov.in

or by postal mail to :

Director (Spectrum Management & Synergy)
Alkashvani (All India Radio),
Room No. 204, Akashvani Bhawan,
Parliament Street
New Delhi110001, India

Watch the events live on Doordarshan TV  on all their channels .Try the following links:

DD National:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3RhpgO2ItQ

DD News: http://webcast.gov.in/

Akashvani Delhi team that will bring to you all the running commentary of Independence Day 2023 Celebrations from the historic Red Fort.

(Photo courtesy @AkashvaniAIR on twitter)

(Jose Jacob & Alokesh Gupta)

Radio Taiwan International announces shortwave cuts

Announcement from RTI (Radio Taiwan International):

The Central Broadcasting Station, the parent operator of Radio Taiwan International, will reduce the broadcast time and frequency of short waves in six languages from August 1, 2023 to save money.
These six languages will be broadcast in one time zone and one frequency after August 1, 2023.

The broadcast time and frequency that will continue shortwave broadcasting from August 1, 2023 are as follows :

Indonesian - 11915 kHz (10:00-11:00 UTC)
Korean - 970 0kHz (10:30-11:00 UTC)
Vietnamese - 9695 kHz (11:00-12:00 UTC)
Japanese: 9740 kHz (11:00-12:00 UTC)
Thai - 9525 kHz (13:00-14:00 UTC)
English - 9405 kHz (16:00-17:00 UTC)

RTI english transmission to Southeast Asia at 0300-0400 UTC on 15320 kHz has been dropped.

We hope you can continue to listen to Radio Taiwan International after August 1.

Submit reception reports at : https://en.rti.org.tw/index/content/id/6

Radio Taiwan International, Japanese section

(Translated from "Japanese" to "English")

Source: https://jp.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/97352

"Sudan Now" – DW Arabic launches new radio program for Sudan

"Sudan Now" – DW Arabic launches new radio program for Sudan

DW is now broadcasting a 30-minute daily Arabic-language radio program entitled "Sudan Now" on shortwave, Hotbird and SES-5 satellites and via the DW Arabic website.

As an unbiased radio program, "Sudan Now" will provide listeners in the target region with unbiased coverage of current issues in the region and will promote political, social and cultural dialogue through interviews, talk shows and reports.

Given the lack of independent information sources in Sudan and the limited ability of established media to broadcast due to internet outages and ongoing fighting, "Sudan Now" was specifically designed to be broadcast on shortwave and via the Hotbird- and SES-5 satellites. The satellite broadcast enables listeners in the target region to receive the program via their TV sets.

DW Managing Director Programming Dr. Nadja Scholz: "The conflict in Sudan is ongoing and has far-reaching effects on the entire region. It is absolutely necessary to provide the people there with a dedicated program that enables them to access independent, current and in-depth information. With shortwave radio, we further increase our ability to reach as many people as possible."

Manuela Kasper-Claridge, DW editor-in-chief, said: "The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains catastrophic. There is a lack of everything – including free, independent information. This Arabic-language radio program is therefore urgently needed."

The program broadcast will begin on Monday, June 26, 2023. It will air daily from Monday to Friday at 2:30 pm (local time, GMT+2) for a duration of thirty minutes. A repeat of the radio program will air daily at 8:30 pm.

"Sudan Now" can be heard in the afternoon on shortwave 15275 kHz/17800 kHz and in the evening on shortwave 15275 kHz/17840 kHz.

Full schedule as per below :

Effective from 19th June 2023

Language : Arabic

1230 ‐ 1300 UTC on 15275 kHz / 19 m  ISSOUDUN Sudan Mon‐Fri

1230 ‐ 1300 UTC on 17800 kHz / 16 m  ISSOUDUN Sudan Mon‐Fri

1830 ‐ 1900 UTC on 15275 kHz / 19 m  ISSOUDUN Sudan Mon‐Fri 

1830 ‐ 1900 UTC on 17840 kHz / 16 m  ISSOUDUN Sudan Mon‐Fri 

In addition, all broadcasts will be available on the DW Arabic website

(DW Press Release)

'Kadak FM' from UAE now on MW 1539 kHz

Thanks to tip from VU2FT, logged test txn of Kadak FM (  https://adradio.ae/Radio-kadak ) from UAE on 1539 kHz.

Kadak FM ( Ex Radio Mirchi) is a Hindi Radio Station owned by Abu Dhabi Media reaching out to the South Asian community in the UAE with best of Bollywood music.

Kadak FM also transmits on 97.3 FM (Abu Dhabi), 88.8 FM (Dubai) and 95.6 FM (Al Ain).

1539 kHz was earlier used by Asianet Radio & Pravasi Bharati, both are now off the air.

Last night's txn at 2043 UTC   -

BBC Singapore to close down on July 16, 2023

As per latest editon of AWR Wavescan BBC Singapore relay station will close down on July 16, 2023.

Here are few articles on BBC Far Eastern  Relay Station at Kranji, Singapore  :

By Dr. Adrian M. Peterson, AWR Wavescan, USA

http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2015/06/bbc-far-eastern-relay-station-return-to.html

http://www.ontheshortwaves.com/Wavescan/wavescan060730.html

By Dr.T.Jaishaktivel, VU3UOM, Chennai, India

https://swli05639fr.blogspot.com/2019/04/kranji-singapore-towers-of-bbc-pics-by.html

By Richard Buckby:

https://www.bbceng.info/Operations/transmitter_ops/Reminiscences/Kranji/Kranji.htm

BBC DRM to South Asia from 16th July 2023 :

BBC DRM transmission to South Asia will continue on 15185 kHz via Tashkent at 0800-0900 UTC English replacing 17720 kHz Singapore

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS)

Radio Taiwan International French service SW tests from Tamsui

The French service of Radio Taiwan International will be broadcasting directly from the Tamsui transmission center in northern Taiwan to Europe and South Africa during the month of August 2023.

In order to prepare for this test in French, a test broadcast will be carried out on Saturday July 1 on short waves, as per following times and frequencies:

1st July 2023 (Saturday)

1700-1710, 1730-1740 UTC on 11995 kHz (325°)
1800-1810 UTC on 9545 kHz (315°)
1820-1830 UTC on 7240 kHz (315°)
1840-1850 UTC on 7250 kHz (315°)

Listening reports for these 10-minute segment tests will help to identify the two optimal frequencies for August's "live from Tamsui" broadcast under the best possible listening conditions.
A special QSL card is produced for all listening reports that you send us by post, email to the French service or via the radio's online form, both for the test broadcast and during the August broadcast.

Please send your reception reports to :  fren@rti.org.tw

(French Service, RTI)

RTI German language special transmissions from Tamsui transmitter site, Taiwan 2023

RTI German language special transmissions from Tamsui transmitter site, Taiwan

This year too, RTI is broadcasting its German-language program directly from the Tamsui broadcasting station in northern Taiwan on several days:

RTI will be broadcasting 10-minute test broadcasts on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 at the following times and frequencies.

Broadcast dates and frequencies:
Test broadcasts on June 24, 2023 (Saturday)

1700-1710 UTC on 11995 kHz
1730-1740 UTC on 11995 kHz
1800-1810 UTC on 9545 kHz
1820-1830 UTC on 7240 kHz
1840-1850 UTC on 7250 kHz

At the same times and on the same frequencies, test broadcasts of the French program will be broadcast by the Tamsui transmitter on the following Saturday, July 2nd, 2022.

Two frequencies for the direct transmissions will be selected from the test frequencies.

Among the frequencies mentioned above, two frequencies will be selected for the direct broadcasts.

Please send reception observations to:  deutsch@rti.org.tw

The official broadcast dates for the German-language program are:

1700-1800 UTC (frequency to be announced)
1800-1900 UTC (frequency to be announced)

1) 7 July, 2023 Friday
2) 8 July, 2023 Saturday
3) 9 July, 2023 Sunday
4) 14 July, 2023 Friday
5) 15 July, 2023 Saturday
6) 16 July, 2023 Sunday
7) 21 July, 2023 Friday
8) 22 July, 2023 Saturday
9) 23 July, 2023 Sunday
10) 28 July, 2023 Friday
11) 29 July, 2023 Saturday
12) 30 July, 2023 Sunday

Note :The French-language programs will be broadcast directly from the Tamsui transmitter in August.

Reports will be confirmed with a special QSL card.
Submit reports by email to :  deutsch@rti.org.tw

Or, by post to : Radio Taiwan International, German Service, PO Box 123-199, Taipei 11199, Taiwan.

BBC Radio 4 begins information campaign to transition listeners from Long Wave

BBC Radio 4 begins information campaign to transition listeners from Long Wave

The BBC has begun an information campaign to help transition listeners of Radio 4 Long Wave (LW) to alternative BBC platforms.

This follows the announcement in May 2022 that the BBC is to stop scheduling separate content for Radio 4 LW in anticipation of the closure of the LW platform, owned and operated by a third party, which is coming to the end of its life as a technology.

Radio 4 LW is starting to run targeted on air trails from today, giving listeners plenty of advance notice of the coming changes.  

All programmes on Radio 4 LW -  Shipping Forecast, Daily Service, Yesterday in Parliament and Test Match Special – will continue to be available on other BBC platforms.

Digital listening has grown significantly over the past decade as the range of alternatives has become easier to switch to, and listeners are increasingly accessing content elsewhere on the BBC. The audiences for Radio 4 LW are small, but we know there are some who still tune in on LW for their favourite programmes.

The BBC is working with key organisations so that specific audiences will be notified how they can switch to other BBC platforms to hear programmes between now and the end of Radio 4 LW separate scheduling in March 2024.

The Shipping Forecast will cease to be broadcast four times a day, and will instead be available via the Radio 4 FM simulcast twice a day (weekdays) and three times a day (weekends) as well as on DAB and BBC Sounds.

It will also continue to be broadcast via HM Coastguard's channels. Whilst modern technology and new methods means the Shipping Forecast is no longer integral to mariners, the BBC has been working closely with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Met Office to ensure seafarers have adequate advance notice of the changes taking place next year and can prepare accordingly.

The Daily Service and the longer version of Yesterday in Parliament will also continue on LW until March 2024 and will then be available on BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC Sounds.

Yesterday in Parliament will still be broadcast on the Today programme on Radio 4 FM/DAB.  

Test Match Special is already available uninterrupted on Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds where listeners will continue to be able to access it digitally. All scheduled cricket matches on Radio 4 LW will still be broadcast this summer, for the final time. Radio 4 LW listeners will be reminded where they can hear the cricket across the BBC going forward.

Helpful links:

BBC Weather: Coast and Sea

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea

Maritime safety: weather and navigation

https://www.gov.uk/maritime-safety-weather-and-navigation

(BBC Press Release)

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) to close down all FM regional services

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) will close down all FM regional services with effect from 31st May '23 as they were loss making.

More info at :

https://island.lk/sajith-urges-govt-not-to-close-down-regional-radio-services/

SLBC has its FM services categorised as below :

Sinhala National Service 

Commercial Service

City FM Service

Tamil Service

Muslim Service

Thendral Service

English Service

Regional Services

Celebrate 100 years of Czech Radio by telling us where you listen to us !

Celebrate 100 years of Czech Radio by telling us where you listen to us!

To mark Czech Radio's centenary, Radio Prague International is preparing a special show for you on Thursday 18 May. Listen to it and write to let us know where you heard it to receive a special Czech Radio QSL card made especially for the anniversary!

Write to us at: international@czechradio.cz

In return, we'll send you a special QSL card issued to mark the centenary, which comes from a 1933 radio exhibition and shows where the first international radio transmissions from Czechoslovakia were received.

Those of you who are interested in receiving a physical QSL card can send us a postal address. Otherwise, we will send you a digital copy by email.

More at : 

https://english.radio.cz/celebrate-100-years-czech-radio-telling-us-where-you-listen-us-8783070

Radio Taiwan International 95th Anniversary postcard collection drive

RTI hosts international postcard collection drive

RTI is celebrating its 95th anniversary by hosting a postcard collection drive. Rti is asking listeners to send in postcards which represent an interesting aspect of their local culture, and include a message that promotes world peace. The activity also reflects the theme for this year's World Radio Day, "Radio and Peace."

Postcards received by RTI may be displayed in various locations around Taiwan, at RTI events, or read aloud on RTI broadcasts. The activity provides an opportunity for listeners to share their voice with the world.

The collection drive is accepting postcards from now until June 18. The written messages should be written in one of the 19 languages represented by Rti's radio services. Every qualifying participant will receive Rti's limited edition 95th anniversary postcard and the chance to win other exclusive gifts.

More details about the postcard collection are available at  :  https://event.rti.org.tw/dearrti/en/

(Source : RTI)

Radio Dechovka to celebrate 100 years of Czech broadcasting with special txn on May 18th '23

On Thursday, May 18th, 2023, it will have been exactly 100 years since the start of regular radio broadcasting from Czechoslovakia. 

Radio Dechovka will celebrate this anniversary with a symbolic 24-hour broadcast from the Prague Zbraslav transmitter on the frequency of 1233kHz, as the only radio station. 

Don't forget to tune in on May 18th 10:00 UTC for the special broadcast on the medium wave frequency of 1233kHz and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic with Radio Dechovka. 

To commemorate this anniversary, Radio Dechovka will be sending a special QSL card to listeners.

Reception report to :  studio @ radiodechovka.cz

Web: radiodechovka.cz

(Michal Hons via DRM FB Group)

C. M. Obrecht - Swiss short wave program

Swiss short wave program:

"C. M. Obrecht shortwave radio", a private short wave radio registered in Switzerland, broadcasts for once mostly in Swiss German.

C. M. Obrecht usually broadcasts his own music in AM and also digital DRM around the world, although most of the broadcasts are not received in CH, as well as approximately one monthly program via Channel 292 via the station in Rohrbach, between Munich and Ingolstadt, which are audible at certain times of the day in Switzerland and presents a mixed music program.

This program in analog AM is now mostly moderated in Swiss German and there are also Swiss titles, which are not known as such. This time he has also consciously selected frequencies and times of day that are acceptable in Switzerland:

5th May (Fri) at 23.00 CEST on 3955 kHz

6th May (Sat) night at 0000 CEST on 3955 kHz

6th May (Sat) 14:00 CEST on 6070 and 9670 kHz

7th May (Sun) at 12.00 CEST on 6070 and 9670

The replays are all received in Switzerland, at night 3955 kHz and during the day especially 6070 kHz, depending on the conditions but also 9670 kHz - try which frequency offers the best reception !

(Via Claudius Obrecht )

Europarl Radio on shortwave

Dear radio friends,

Europarl Radio will be on shortwave with its multilingual Europe Day Show from Brussels and Strasbourg, according to the following schedule:

Saturday 6 May 09:00-10:00 UTC
Tuesday 9 May 17:00-18:00 UTC
Saturday 13 May 09:00-10:00 UTC
on 6070 and 9670 kHz, via 10 kW transmitter of Channel 292 in Waal (Rohrbach), Germany.

The multilingual programmes are produced by the staff of the Directorate-General for Translation at the European Parliament.

The station will issue separate eQSLs for each programme. Qualifying reception reports should contain a description of at least 15 minutes of the programme, as well as of signal quality. Web SDRs are accepted. The reports should be sent to QSL@europarl.europa.eu

As this is a pilot project, listener feedback will facilitate its repetition in the future. So please tune in and send your reports, comments and suggestions to the above address!

Best regards,
Robertas POGORELIS
Lecturer and administrator
European Parliament
Directorate-General for Communication
Directorate for Visitors
Visits and Seminars Unit, Office 01 K 036
Rue Wiertz 60, B-1047 Brussels, Belgium
robertas.pogorelis@ep.europa.eu
www.europarl.europa.eu

(Via Hard-Core-DX mailing list)