The Next Generation of Shortwave Transmitters

At IBC 2013 Ampegon proudly introduces the next generation of shortwave transmitters

 

Turgi, Switzerland, September 10, 2013. Ampegon engineers have set new standards in shortwave transmitter technology introducing advances in the transmitter control system, the motor drive tuning system as well as the measurement acquisition system.

 

More at ....

 

http://www.ampegon.com/news/?id=12

TWR Test

Trans World Radio is running a test in analog mode on 11825 kHz (300 kW) from Yerevan at 1330-1530 UTC today (26th Sept) and Saturday (28th Sept) . Please monitor to assess signal strength and coverage.

DRM test scheduled on 10 to 12 October 1500-1530 UTC on 15445 KHz via KTWR, Guam.

Comcon and RFmondial to deliver DRM professional monitoring receivers for India’s digital radio program

New Delhi (India), Hannover (Germany) (10/09/13)

Comcon, a leading solution provider to the broadcast and media industry in India, will deliver 36 DRM professional monitoring receivers manufactured by Germany's RFmondial, a leading manufacturer of DRM transmitter and receiver equipment. The delivery is one important component within the US$ 300 Million worth investment program of India's public radio All India Radio (AIR) to switch from analogue to digital radio broadcasting. Currently in production, the professional monitoring receiver model RFmondial RF-SE will be operational at 36 transmitter sites until the mid 2014.

RF-SE is a professional digital radio monitoring and measurement receiver, which is available in different models depending on the desired application. The outstanding reception characteristics are based on a high-performance frontend with preselector filter banks and a digital direct-down conversion system approach. After the well-proven digital base-band decoder various modular blocks like RSCI capability, audio and multimedia decoder, alarm feature, and RFmonitor connector are available to suite the specific needs of the desired application. Furthermore, the advanced graphical user interface is accessible via a web-browser and hence provides the operator access to all measurement data, but also to audio and multimedia streaming of

the current radio program on air.

More at :

http://tinyurl.com/36rfse

NordAM back on air ....

Dear listeners and friends,

remember us? Remember NordAM? We hope you do. Yep, we're back and are happy to announce that the next broadcast of NordAM will be on the air on Sunday !

If you like to tune in, you can do so and you'll enjoy great indie / pop and rock songs (and a little bit of chatter in German aswell).

This is what we call our schedule for the next two or three weeks:

Sunday, September 15, 2013:

1400 UTC (16:00 CEST) on 6005 kHz + online

2000 UTC (22:00 CEST) on 3985 kHz + online

We even have some further shows in stock that will be on air on the following Sundays.

We use Radio 700's transmitters in Kall-Krekel, Germany (with 1000 Watts). Furthermore, we can be heard on Radio 700's online live streaming. Just go to http://bit.ly/nordamradio or join our Facebook

page at www.facebook.com/nordamradio

We invite you to send us your comments and reception reports.

Detailled and correct reports will be verified with our QSL card (by regular mail or email, as you like). Please send all your letters and reports to: nordam @ shortwaveservice.com or visit our Facebook site.

We are excited to read where our little "student-radio-project" can be received. Feel free to forward these information to your DXing friends.

Let's meet in the 49 and 75 metre-band next Sunday!

Best wishes,

Torben & Daniel

P.S: More details about Radio 700: www.radio700.eu. Our transmission is made possible thanks to www.shortwaveservice.com (see this page for technical details and schedule updates!).

CSP Turin DRM tests

Since the beginning of September 2013, on the usual 5 MHz Turin, includes the authorized test this time in DRM mode.

 

The identifier in voice repeated in loop "CSP Supercomputing Center of Turin. This test on the Internet of Things "  and for those who have patience and willingness to deepen carry two links in question (in English and Italian):

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_Things

Since the main objective of CSP is just the dissemination of data, at the time are detected by sensors and disseminated in modes MOT, a few bytes relative to the temperature at two locations: the glacier Ciardoney and the Botanical Gardens of Turin.

 

Read more at : 

http://air-radiorama.blogspot.it/2013/09/csp-torino-drm-test-5-mhz.html

Citizen Band Radio Festival at Patna on Sept 14

PATNA: The Society of Radio Amateurs (SORA) and Shri Krishna Science Centre will organize a two-day Patna citizen band radio festival on September 14 at Shri Krishna Science Centre. To be inaugurated by state information technology and minority welfare minister Shahid Ali Khan, amateur and Citizen Band (CB) radio operators from all over the country will demonstrate and teach visitors about the use of CB radio.

 

More at :

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Amateurs-to-hold-radio-festival-on-Sept-14/articleshow/22530291.cms

50 years of Trans World Radio

Trans World Radio (TWR) is celebrating 50 years of reaching people through radio and is marking the milestone with a new app for smartphone and tablet users. TWR broadcasts Christian radio to 160 countries in over 200 languages, "introducing people to Christ, one listener at a time".

It aims to attract new listeners with the app, enabling them to listen to TWR's programmes on the go. Dr Russell Farnworth, Chief Executive Officer of TWR-UK, spoke on the app launch, the past 50 years of radio ministry, and the digital future.

More at :

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/50.years.of.trans.world.radio/33936.htm
 

Links :

TWR

http://www.twr.org/
 

TWR Global on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/twrglobal
 

TWR India

http://twr.in/home/

www.radio882.com
 

WWCR Transmitter maintenance

On Saturday August 24, WWCR transmitters 1 and 2 were taken off-air for a combined six hours of downtime as well as a combined six hours of labor and instruction. WWCR's Chief Engineer, Phil Patton, examined the constantly running transmitters thoroughly while also providing valuable instruction about the Continental 418E transmitters to staff members Chris Buchanan, Nathan Smith, Allan Gray, Kevin White and Brady Murray.

The purpose of this planned downtime and maintenance session was not only to clean and inspect the equipment but also to provide WWCR's non-engineering staff with the valuable opportunity to learn about the 100kW shortwave transmitters in a hands-on setting. The entire staff welcomed this rare opportunity to assist Phil and to ask questions.

WWCR's mission to provide listeners and broadcasters with the most informed, trained and professional staff was certainly furthered on that Saturday afternoon. Knowlegde was freely shared as well as a few good laughs.

 

More at :

http://www.wwcr.com/staffeng.htm

Nautel to Show Latest Transmission Technologies at IBC

New television transmitters, expanded NVLT FM line, High Power AM, DRM and Nautel-specific transmission capabilities to be showcased in Amsterdam.

 

Hackett's Cove, Nova Scotia — Nautel, one of the world's largest broadcast transmitter manufacturers, will give visitors to IBC a look at the company's latest transmission technologies as well as hands-on demonstrations of their award-winning transmitter control via the Advanced User Interface (AUI).

 

DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) capability is of great interest to medium wave broadcasters around the world, and Nautel is a key player in the rollout of this technology. The company will host a DRM event, titled "DRM listeners: Building to a Billion," on their stand (8.C61) on Saturday 14 September from 15:00 – 17:00. Nautel recently began the deployment of 27 medium wave DRM-enabled transmitters and associated equipment to India as part of All India Radio's transition to digital broadcasting, possibly the world's largest digital radio initiative to date. 100kW, 200 kW and 300 kW transmitters will be placed throughout the country, all configured for DRM30 transmission.

 

More at ;

http://www.nautel.com/press-releases/nautel-to-show-latest-transmission-technologies-at-ibc/

A Quest to Save AM Before It’s Lost in the Static

By EDWARD WYATT

WASHINGTON — Is anyone out there still listening?

Ajit Pai, the Republican on the F.C.C., called AM radio "the audible core of our national culture."

The digital age is killing AM radio, an American institution that brought the nation fireside chats, Casey Kasem's Top 40 and scratchy broadcasts of the World Series. Long surpassed by FM and more recently cast aside by satellite radio and Pandora, AM is now under siege from a new threat: rising interference from smartphones and consumer electronics that reduce many AM stations to little more than static. Its audience has sunk to historical lows.

More at :

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/09/us/a-quest-to-save-am-radio-before-its-lost-in-the-static.html?hp&_r=2&

Japanese Radio Programmer Honored at Start of 50th Year of Broadcasting

(Aug. 29, 2013 - by Harold Goerzen) When longtime HCJB Global Japanese radio broadcaster Kazuo Ozaki made a return visit to his home country of Japan earlier this year, you’d think a celebrity had arrived.

Known for the informative, culturally relevant, inspiring radio programs he has produced for the past 49 years, listeners traveled from far and wide to meet Ozaki during his month-long visit to the island nation.

Ozaki was honored at the Yodobashi Church in Tokyo Sunday, May 26, to mark the beginning of the 50th year of Japanese broadcasting from HCJB Global.

“This was the very first time to have our listeners and those who support the Japanese radio ministry to meet and have fellowship together with believers at the church,” he explained. “For many of the listeners who came, it was their first time to attend a Christian church. I wanted to give them a chance to initiate personal contact with the believers and churches. For me it was a dream come true to see these two groups meeting together.”

 

More at :

http://www.hcjb.org/hcjb-global-news/asia-pacific/japanese-radio-programmer-honored-as-50th-year-of-broadcasting-begins.html

All Ireland Finals 2013 shortwave coverage by RTE on 8th & 22nd Sept 2013

RTÉ Radio will broadcast the GAA All Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday 8 September and the All Ireland Football Final on Sunday 22 September on all wavelengths and via the internet to Irish people and communities around the world.

RTÉ is asking on those with relatives or friends abroad to let them know that this coverage is available and to invite them to the biggest party in Ireland's sporting calendar.

Ireland: At home, audiences can listen as usual to the GAA finals on RTÉ Radio 1 FM, DAB, RTÉ.ie and on Longwave 252.

Britain: Across most of Britain, listeners can receive our coverage on Long Wave 252. In addition RTÉ Radio 1 is available on the UK free to air satellite platform Freesat on channel 750.

Worldwide: Across the world, the match commentaries will be available online at www.rte.ie/radio1 and www.rte.ie/sport

Shortwave to Africa: In Africa, where many Irish people live and work, often in relative isolation with poor communications, RTÉ is providing special transmissions on shortwave radio. See details below.

SHORTWAVE FREQUENCIES FOR AFRICA

 

Both Finals throw in at 3.30pm Irish Time (1430 UTC)

Southern Africa - 7405 kHz (2pm to 6pm) (1300-1700 UTC)

East Africa - 17725 kHz (2pm to 5pm) (1300-1600 UTC)

East Africa -11620 kHz (5pm to 6pm) (1600-1700 UTC)

West Africa - 7505 kHz (2pm to 6pm) (1300-1700 UTC)

These services are part of RTÉ's continued commitment to Irish people overseas and, over the years, has proven especially popular with those in geographically or technically isolated areas.

In addition to RTÉ Radio broadcasts, RTÉ will also broadcast the All Ireland Finals on RTÉ Two Television. Don't forget also the extensive and dynamic online offering from www.rte.ie/sport

Revival of shortwave.....Ampegon thinks so

From the Ampegon presentation at HFCC B13 :

Revival of Shortwave ? / Overview on recent projects

• 3 x 250 kW SW near Abuja, Nigeria, including one rotatable antenna 4/4/1.0,commissioned 2012

• One 100 kW SW Tx near Tashkent, Uzbekistan, commissioned 2012.

• One 250 kW SW near Dhaka, Bangladesh, including one rotatable antenna 2/2/0.5, commissioned 2012

• 4 x 250 kW SW Tx for Hike / KDDI Japan, the first one commissioned mid 2013.

• 10 x 300 kW SW Tx and 12 rigid dipole Antennas are in production for Taiwan, two units commissioned in May 2013.

• 2 x 100 kW SW Tx are contracted for AIR in India, production started

• Large tender requests ongoing: AIR India, Saudi Arabia (Ryiadh), TDA Algeria

 

HFCC B13 Presentations

Thales

http://www.hfcc.org/doc/HFCC_REP_2013-004-B13_Bratislava-Thales%20Presentation.pdf

Transradio

http://www.hfcc.org/doc/HFCC_REP_2013-006-B13_Bratislava-TSB_Presentation.pdf

Ampegon

http://www.hfcc.org/doc/HFCC_REP_2013-005-B13_Bratislava-Ampegon_Presentation.pdf

Towercom

http://www.hfcc.org/doc/HFCC_REP_2013-007-B13_Bratislava-Towercom_Presentation_on_Short_wave_broadcasting_in_Slovakia.pdf

 

AWR Guam transmitter site gets $2.9 million upgrade

Ted Wilson, President of the Seventh-day Adventist church, said the $2.9 million upgrade included the addition of a new curtain, supported by existing towers, which increased the efficiency of the entire facility by 20 to 25 percent.

 

The five antennas also are now able to transmit the programs simultaneously for about 287 hours a week during peak times, when people in other time zones would be most likely to listen.

 

More at :

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20130904/NEWS01/309040023/Adventist-radio-station-gets-upgrades

 

Related :

http://tinyurl.com/qdmq7rv

BBC Burmese now on FM in Burma

BBC Burmese radio programmes - Mobigeno (Mobile Generation) and the English learning series Flatmates - will now be available for listening on FM in Burma (Myanmar), thanks to a re-broadcasting agreement with the country's leading radio network, Padamyar FM. This is a first for the BBC in Burma.

 

The Padamyar FM network, which is available in 120 towns across Burma, will now re-broadcast two BBC Burmese programmes which have a special appeal to younger audiences. The 10-minute Mobigeno – a programme for "mobile generation", in which successful young professionals, artists and sports personalities share their experiences and aspirations - will be broadcast at 10.25am local time every Saturday. Flatmates, the 5-minute radio soap opera for English learners, will be broadcast at 13.55 on Sundays and Thursdays.

 

Editor of BBC Burmese, Tin Htar Swe, says: "With the internet not readily available in Burma, FM is an important and very popular platform in the country. We are really thrilled to be expanding our reach via Padamyar FM's extensive network. This is also an exciting development for our listeners who can now tune in to BBC Burmese in crystal-clear FM quality."

 

Thida Swe, Assistant Director of Padamyar FM, adds: "We see the re-broadcasting partnership with the BBC as a milestone for our network. And while we are proud to be the first to deliver the BBC Burmese radio on FM in Myanmar, we are also happy that these programmes help the country's youth to better themselves and their chances for success – via inspirational stories from their peers, and also by improving their English."

 

BBC World Service is a mass broadcaster in Burma. Independent surveys show that BBC Burmese has established itself as a trusted international broadcaster in Burma. BBC Burmese keeps its audiences informed about regional and international events via radio, online on bbcburmese.com and increasingly via Facebook and other social media.

 

(BBC Press Release)

Radio Free Asia announces 17th Anniversary QSL Card

 

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of 17th anniversary QSL card. RFA's first broadcast was in Mandarin on September 29, 1996, 2100-2200 UTC. Acting as a substitute for indigenous free media, RFA concentrates its coverage on events occurring in and/or affecting the countries where we broadcast; they are: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Peoples Republic of China, and Vietnam. RFA does not express editorial opinions but provides news, analysis, commentary, and cultural programming. A combination of U.S. government-operated transmitters and a variety of shortwave leased facilities support RFA. This card will be used for all valid reception reports from September 1 – December 31, 2013.

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a 'surrogate' broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at www.rfa.org.

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at http://techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX'ers, but also from its general listening audience. 

You also have the option of using the following Microsoft Tag from your smartphone. The free mobile app for your smartphone is available at http://gettag.mobi

Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Reception Reports

Radio Free Asia

2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300

Washington DC 20036

United States of America

Upon your request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

(AJ Janitschek, Radio Free Asia)