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