AOKI A24 Shortwave Frequency schedule

AOKI A24

AOKI A24 Shorwave Frequency schedule is available at :

http://www1.s2.starcat.ne.jp/ndxc/pc/ad/nxa24.zip

(Alokesh Gupta)

Special Ramadan broadcast by Akashvani stations

Like every year, the special transmissions for Ramadan has started from Akashvani stations in Jammu & Kashmir as follows:

Timings (variable) : 4.20 am to 5.25 am (2250 to 2355 hrs UTC)

Frequencies :

1116 kHz 300 kW  - Akashvani Srinagar
1350 kHz 20 kW - Akashvani Kupwara
103.5 MHz 10 kW - Akashvani Srinagar

This transmission is for about 1 hour and sign on and sign off timings vary. It will continue for one month, till Ramzan day ie around 9th April 2024.
After the above program the Srinagar station signs off and comes back on air for their regular broadcasts starting from 6.48 am.
It is a good time to catch the station from long distances

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

HAM Operators from Cyclone Shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, excel in Island On The Air (IOTA) Expedition

25 FEB 2024 8:49PM by PIB Delhi

Advocating last mile connectivity and a HAM in every village, alongside the readiness of HAMs to aid in communication failures, a dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) embarked on a significant journey from the cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, to participate in the Island on the Air (IOTA) expedition. It aimed atintegrating HAM education in primary and secondary schools for widespread adoption and enhanced disaster response across the country. Despite facing the challenges of a very difficult and remote location, these enthusiasts showcased the spirit of innovation and resilience that truly embodies the 'Make in India' ethos in the communication sector.

The In-charge of the Wireless Monitoring Station in Vijayawada and the Head of the International Monitoring Earth Station in Jalna, Maharashtra, accompanied by an official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) headquarters, visited the remote site. During the visit, they commended the steadfast dedication of the HAM operators, acknowledging their efforts as a reflection of India's excellence in communication technology.

At the site, five Amateur High Frequency stations and one Amateur Satellite station were set up using most of the self-designed and locally developed communication equipment, showcasing India's commitment to the "Make in India" initiative. Operating from the disaster-prone village of Nachugunta Island (AS-199), located in the West Godavari District within the Vijayawada region of Andhra Pradesh, these operators utilized the cyclone shelters along the Bay of Bengal coastline as their base for communication. 

In the course of their expedition, the team of HAMs made approximately 4,000 global contacts with HAMs including from US, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Europe, Soth Asia etc, showcasing their proficiency in establishing communication links across the globe. Moreover, they seized the opportunity to raise awareness about emergency communication preparedness, conducting sessions in local schools and villages to educate the community about the significance of effective communication during crises.

The success of this expedition not only highlights the technical expertise of the HAM operators but also underscores the importance of community engagement and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Through their commendable efforts, the team has not only demonstrated India's capabilities in the field of amateur radio operations but has also contributed significantly to enhancing emergency communication resilience in vulnerable areas.

About Islands on the Air (IOTA)

IOTA, or Islands On The Air, is a pioneering programme that connects radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands. Established in 1964, it's managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication. For the latest updates, enthusiasts can visit DX information providers like 425 DX News, DX-World, Les Nouvelles DX, The Daily DX, and DX News.

(Press Release, Ministry of Communications, Govt. Of India)

Akashvani External Services - Latest changes

The Updated schedule of Akashvani External Services  (formerly known as All India Radio) is in their official web site as follows:

https://prasarbharati.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/External-Services-07032024.pdf

Latest changes :

1045-1215 UTC Tibetan 9875 (Ex 9735) via  New Delhi 100 kW
1230-1330 UTC Baluchi  9875 (Ex 9735) via  New Delhi 100 kW

The same is reflected in HFCC registrations also

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

Akashvani extended schedule on the ocassion of "Shivaratri" on 8th March '24

Watch out for extended schedule (past 2310 IST/1740 UTC) by AIR stations from South India carrying live broadcast/devotional programs songs/drama/talk etc in regional languages on the ocassion of religious festival "Shivaratri" on 8th March, 2024 (Friday).

Andhra Pradesh in Telugu:
837 kHz Vijayawada
900 kHz Kadapah
927 kHz Visahakapatnam

Puducherry in Tamil
1215 kHz Puducherry

Karnataka in Kannada:
612 kHz Bengaluru
675 kHz Bhadrawathi
765 kHz Dharwad
1107 kHz Gulbarga
1089 kHz Udipi

Tamil Nadu State in Tamil:
720 kHz Chennai
936 kHz Tiruchirapalli
999 kHz Coimbatore
1197 kHz Tirunelveli
1269 kHz Madurai

Telangana State in Telugu:
738 kHz Hyderabad

Tamil FM stations from SriLanka also carry live relay of special program for Maha Shivaratri.
Last year AIR stations from Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Puducherry were not heard.

IDXCI Newsletter - Asian DX Report March 2024

Indian DX Club's newsletter "Asian DX Review" March 2024 Edition
(Volume-42, No. 593)

Contents of ADXR March 2024 Edition:

"Supercharging" the Qodosen SR-286 by Gary Debock ~ N7EKX  ......................1 - 2
In Loving Memory of Ameen Sayani ..................................................................... 3
The Medium Wave "Rumbler" by Nick Hall-Patch ................................................ 4 - 6
Tidbits by Sudipta Ghose ~ VU2UT ...................................................................... 7
DX LOGGINGS by Babul Gupta ~ VU3ZBG ........................................................ 8 - 9
World Radio Day 2024 observed by Murshidabad Betar Shrota Poribar .............10
CURRENT WAVES by Alokesh Gupta ~ VU3BSE ............................................. 11 -12
QSL REVIEW by Pradip Chandra Kundu ~ VU3IOP .......................................... 13
FOCUS ON INDIA by Jose Jacob ~ VU2JOS .....................................................14 -20
Island On The Air (IOTA) Expedition ....................................................................21 -22

Download the pdf copy here :   https://tinyurl.com/adxrfeb24

Radio Öömrang annual broadcast on 21st Feb 2024

Radio Öömrang annual transmission on 21st Feb, 2024

The annual broadcast of Radio Öömrang is scheduled on  21st Feb, 2024 (Wednesday).

Radio Oomrang broadcasts once in a year on shortwave in lower German language via facilities of Media Broadcast in Germany. Radio Oomrang announces as "The Free Voice of Frisian People from Amrum island in Germany". Station ID is in english. Radio Öömrang was broadcasted for the first time in 2006, most of the progarmming is in North Frisian language as well as lower German and english.

The Broadcast is directed towards the descendents of North Frisian immigrants in North America.

English station identification is noted as..."this is Radio Öömrang, the freedom voice of Öömrang"

This year's broadcast is scheduled as :

1600-1700 UTC on 15215 kHz via Issoudun 500 kW /300 deg to USA East Coast in Frisian dialect, German and  English.

About Oomrang :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96%C3%B6mrang

QSL received in 2012
http://alokeshgupta.blogspot.in/2012/02/e-qsl-from-radio-oomrang.html

Reception reports to : QSL-Shortwave@media-broadcast.com

Reduction of shortwave transmitters at KDDI Yamata transmitter site

According to Jiji Tsushin on December 29, 2023, KDDI decided to remove aged  2 shortwave transmitters from Yamata transmitter site in Koga, Ibaraki Prefecture.

The removing works will be done in 2024 fiscal year (April 2024-March 2025) for 10 months. During the period some services, such as "Shiokaze" to North Korea, will not be able to transmit on 2 waves at the same time.

The original article is at https://sp.m.jiji.com/article/show/3131899

At Yamata transmitter site, there are 7 shortwave transmitters.

Hitachi Kokusai Electric SP-1 300kW x 1  SP-1 100kW x 2 (reduced power from 300kW in 2008-2009)  installed in 1993

Ampegon TSW2300D 300kW x 4 installed in 2013

Probably each one of old Hitachi Kokusai Electric 300kW and 100kW transmitters will be removed.

(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan via WOR List)

Picture credit : Morikazu Kogen via asahi.com

Radio Prague changes QSL policy

Radio Prague changes QSL policy

As per Radio Prague, due to significant price hikes by the Czech postal service have forced them to make a few changes. From 2024, Radio Pragie will only send printed postcards to listeners who send a printed postcard or letter themselves. Otherwise, Radio Prague will send digital QSL cards to those who send a message by email or via web form.

Details at :

 
Radio Prague's 2024 QSL card series will be musical – and digital

https://english.radio.cz/radio-pragues-2024-qsl-card-series-will-be-musical-and-digital-8804225

(Source & Picture : Radio Prague)

The Winter SWL Fest is moving dates !!!!!

THE "FESTMEISTERS" IN CONSULTATION WITH THE NASWA EXECUTIVE BOARD HAVE DECIDED TO SHIFT THE DATES OF THE 2024 FEST TO THE WEEKEND OF MAY 10-11!!!!

(Yes, we know that's "shouting", but we figure big news deserves a big, noticeable announcement.)

Stay "tuned" for further information.  We also are examining the possibility of once again holding an in-person event in cooperation with the current online "Zoom" event.

Better ease of travel and the potential for fewer health concerns in spring as opposed to winter were partial considerations for this decision to move the dates.  It will now be known as:

THE (Ahem) "WINTER" SWL FEST

…  even though it's not in winter and covers far more than shortwave.  (What can we say but we can't come up with a better identifying moniker after more than three decades.)

Thank you for your continued support and interest.  We'll be back in touch shortly.  For one thing, we'll want to poll past and potential attendees on their own interest and ability to commit to participating in an in-person event.

73s

Richard Cuff

John Figliozzi

Fest Ringleaders

(Via ODXA List)

Radio Free Asia announces QSL Card #84

Radio Free Asia announces QSL Card #84

To welcome the Year of the Dragon, Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces its latest QSL card. While we are celebrating together with all of you to welcome a happy, healthy and prosperous new year, RFA wanted to highlight a value we hold dear, Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." This is RFA's 84th QSL design and will be used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports from January – April 2024.

Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Tibetan (including Uke, Amdo, and Kham dialects), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in our editorial content. As a 'surrogate' broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of our target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of our broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest.  More information about RFA, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is always 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 not only from DX'ers, but also from our general listening audience.

Reception reports are accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org and by mail to:

Reception Reports

Radio Free Asia

2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300

Washington DC 20036

United States of America