Friday, March 31, 2017

Note new frequency for VOA Radiogram April 1-2

From Kim Andrew Elliott:



Hello friends,

As people and radio shows get older, they tend to draw less attention to their birthdays.  Last weekend was program 208 of VOA Radiogram: 208 divided by 52 equals  4, so it seems that VOA Radiogram has passed its fourth anniversary.

Please note that for the broadcast this Saturday at 0930-1000 UTC, 5745 kHz replaces 5865 kHz.

This weekend's show includes an interesting item about the radio-free zone near the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. Another item, about the 1957 Sputnik satellite, will be in MFSK16, in case reception is difficult.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 209, 1-2 April 2017, all in MFSK32 except where noted:

 1:45  Program preview
 2:53  Sensitivity to certain sounds is a real thing*
 8:50  No wi-fi in town near West Virginia telescope*
17:43  MFSK16: Remember the 1957 Sputnik launch?
23:19  MFSK32: Images* and closing announcements

* with image


Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com




 
VOA Radiogram Transmission Schedule
 
UTC Day
UTC Time
kHz
Transmitter
Target
Also try in …
Saturday
0930-1000
5745 (new)
North Carolina
Americas
Asia-Pacific, Europe
Saturday
1600-1630
17580
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
0230-0300
5745
North Carolina
Americas
Europe
Sunday
1930-2000
15670
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
2030-2100
11580
WRMI Florida
Europe
Americas
Sunday
2330-2400
11580
WRMI Florida
Americas


The Mighty KBC broadcast to North America will be Sunday at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 8-10 pm EDT) on 6145 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK32 will be transmitted at about 0130 UTC. Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/.  (KBC will move to 9925 kHz on 7 May.)

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off, hence the VOA Radiogram transmissions via WRMI. See http://www.digidx.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/digidx/

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  For the complete IBC transmission schedule, including changes after 27 March, visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/  The new English version of IBC’s “Shortwave Panorama” begins  31 March, via WRMI Florida, Friday 01.00-01.30 UTC on 9955 kHz, Saturday 01.30-02.00 UTC 11580 kHz, and Sunday 00.30-01.00 UTC on 7730 kHz. The last five minutes of these shows will be in MFSK32.
"IBC DIGITAL" - 5 MINUTES IN MFSK32:
WEDNESDAY   18.55 UTC  6070 / 1584 KHZ TO EUROPE
FRIDAY            01.25 UTC  9955 KHZ TO CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICA
SATURDAY     01.55 UTC 11580 KHZ TO NORTH AMERICA
                        20.25 UTC  1584 KHZ TO EUROPE
SUNDAY          00.55 UTC  7730 KHZ TO NORTH AMERICA
                        10.55 UTC  6070 KHZ TO EUROPE

Thank you for your reception reports from last weekend.  

I hope you can tune in and write in this weekend.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net
Twitter: @VOARadiogram  (especially active just before, during, and after broadcasts)


PS: A few operating notes:
  • For best Olivia 64-2000 performance, turn Fldigi's squelch (SQL) off.
  • The RSID at 1500 Hz sometimes mixes with the transmitter hum, most noticeable at 360 Hz, to move your receive audio frequency down to 1140 Hz, resulting in no decode. To prevent this, in Fldigi: Configure > IDs  > RsID > unselect Searches passband.  Your center audio frequency will wander no more than +/- 200 Hz.
  • Fldigi automatically saves your decoded MFSK images as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ (in Windows; folder names might be different with other operating systems). You can attach those png files with your reception report.
  • The VOA Radiogram Twitter account @VOARadiogram is especially active before, during, and after the broadcasts. You don't need a Twitter account: just go to https://twitter.com/voaradiogram and refresh it occasionally.


Friday, March 17, 2017

Note new NA local times for VOA Radiogram March 18-19

From Kim Andrew Elliott:

Hello friends,

Now that most of North America has changed to Daylight Savings Time, most Americans and Canadians will hear VOA Radiogram one hour later by local time. This is because VOA Radiogram stays at the same UTC time year round. The same will happen for European listeners beginning 26 March. 

Also that last weekend of March, many shortwave broadcast stations will change some of their frequencies to correspond with seasonal shifts in propagation. The only change for VOA Radiogram from North Carolina is that the Saturday 0930-1000 UTC broadcast will move from 5865 to 5745 kHz, effective 1 April.

Effective 26 March, IBC (Italian Broadcasting Corporation) will drop its 3975 kHz frequency for the summer. IBC will no longer broadcast VOA Radiogram. There might be one more VOA Radiogram via IBC, Wednesday, 22 March, at 2100-2130 UTC, on 3975 kHz.       

This weekend’s VOA Radiogram will be all MFSK32, except for one item in MFSK16, in case reception is difficult.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 207, 18-19 March 2017, all in MFSK32 except where noted:

  1:46  Program preview  
  2:56  Fog-clearing apparatus used at Oregon airport*
  9:52  'Boaty McBoatface' submarine to embark on first mission*
 16:44  MFSK16: RFE/RL photo archive from 1950s USSR
 21:50  MFSK32: Images* and closing announcements

* with image(s)

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com .


VOA Radiogram Transmission Schedule
UTC Day
UTC Time
kHz
Transmitter
Target
Also try in …
Saturday
0930-1000
5865 *
North Carolina
Americas
Asia-Pacific, Europe
Saturday
1600-1630
17580
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
0230-0300
5745
North Carolina
Americas
Europe
Sunday
1930-2000
15670
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
2030-2100
11580
WRMI Florida
Europe
Americas
Sunday
2330-2400
11580
WRMI Florida
Americas

Wednesday
2100-2130
3975 **
IBC Italy
Europe


* Moving to 5745 kHz effective 1 April
** Discontinued after 22 March



The Mighty KBC broadcast to North America will be Sunday at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 8-10 pm EDT) on 6145 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK32 will be transmitted at about 0130 UTC. Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/.  (KBC will move to 9925 kHz on 7 May.)

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off, hence the VOA Radiogram transmissions via WRMI and IBC.  See http://www.digidx.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/digidx/

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC)  For the complete IBC transmission schedule, including changes after 27 March, visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/  The new English version of IBC’s “Shortwave Panorama” begins  31 March, via WRMI Florida, Friday 01.00-01.30 UTC on 9955 kHz, Saturday 01.30-02.00 UTC 11580 kHz, and
Sunday 00.30-01.00 UTC on 7730 kHz. The last five minutes of these shows will be in MFSK32.


Thanks for your reception reports from last weekend. In comparison of the two 58-wpm modes, MFSK16 and Olivia 8-1000, it appears that MFSK16 performed better, based on most reports.

Due to commitments related to my audience research work at VOA, I am vastly behind in answering your reports, but I hope to get back on track this weekend.

I hope you can tune in and write in this weekend.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net
Twitter: @VOARadiogram  (especially active just before, during, and after broadcasts)


PS: A few operating notes:
  • For best Olivia 64-2000 performance, turn Fldigi's squelch (SQL) off.
  • The RSID at 1500 Hz sometimes mixes with the transmitter hum, most noticeable at 360 Hz, to move your receive audio frequency down to 1140 Hz, resulting in no decode. To prevent this, in Fldigi: Configure > IDs  > RsID > unselect Searches passband.  Your center audio frequency will wander no more than +/- 200 Hz.
  • Fldigi automatically saves your decoded MFSK images as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ (in Windows; folder names might be different with other operating systems). You can attach those png files with your reception report.
  • The VOA Radiogram Twitter account @VOARadiogram is especially active before, during, and after the broadcasts. You don't need a Twitter account: just go to https://twitter.com/voaradiogram and refresh it occasionally.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

New pchfdl.dat File Uploaded to Web Site

Since the HFDL ground stations were sending out the new HFDL System Table quite frequently to airplanes needing it, my PC-HFDL was able to update itself and generate the new pchfdl.dat file.  Those who miss getting a live uplink from a ground station can grab it on this column's web site, as always.

NOTE: I generated it here, and it works just fine on my computer.  I can't guarantee anything for anyone else. This is why it's necessary to rename the old pchfdl.dat, not delete it.

You may not need it yet!  I've noticed that several ground stations are still using table #49 as of mid afternoon on Pi Day.  If pchfdl.dat is replaced, these stations will show the numbers instead of frequencies.  The new file is for System Table #50.


HFDL System Table 50 in effect

San Francisco and some other HFDL ground stations have been using System Table 50 as of this morning (local time). This replaces Table 49, which had been used for quite a long time.

No PC-HFDL update file yet, but here it is in squitterese:



Ground Station ID 1 SAN FRANCISCO - CALIFORNIA UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 121 45 34  W  Latitude 38 22 48  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 8
Frequency 21934000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 17919000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 13276000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 11327000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 10081000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 8927000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 6559000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 5508000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4

Ground Station ID 2 MOLOKAI - HAWAII UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 157 10 46  W  Latitude 21 10 47  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 12
Frequency 21937000 Hz Master Frame Slot 0
Frequency 17919000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 13324000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 13312000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 13276000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 11348000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 11312000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 10027000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 8936000 Hz Master Frame Slot 0
Frequency 8912000 Hz Master Frame Slot 0
Frequency 6565000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 5514000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7

Ground Station ID 3 REYKJAVIK - ICELAND UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 21 50 59  W  Latitude 64 4 47  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 17985000 Hz Master Frame Slo t 11
Frequency 15025000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 11184000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 8977000 Hz Master Frame Slot 0
Frequency 6712000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 5720000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 3900000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3

Ground Station ID 4 RIVERHEAD - NEW YORK UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 72 38 22  W  Latitude 40 52 47  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 21931000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 17919000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9
Frequency 13276000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5
Frequency 11387000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 8912000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9
Frequency 6661000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5
Frequency 5652000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1

Ground Station ID 5 AUCKLAND - NEW ZEALAND UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 174 48 35  E  Latitude 37 1 10  S
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 6
Frequency 17916000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 13351000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 10084000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 8921000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 6535000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 5583000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4

Ground Station ID 6 HAT YAI - THAILAND UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 100 23 24  E  Latitude 6 56 23  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 21949000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 17928000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 13270000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 10066000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 8825000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 6535000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 5655000 Hz Master Frame S lot 10

Ground Station ID 7 SHANNON - IRELAND UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 8 55 46  W  Latitude 52 43 48  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 8
Frequency 11384000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 10081000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 8942000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 8843000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 6532000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 5547000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 3455000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 2998000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6

Ground Station ID 8 JOHANNESBURG - SOUTH AFRICA UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 28 12 35  E  Latitude 26 7 46  S
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 5
Frequency 21949000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 13321000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 8834000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 4681000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 3016000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6

Ground Station ID 9 BARROW - ALASKA UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 156 46 46  W  Latitude 71 18 0  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 5
Frequency 13364000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 11354000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 10093000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 8936000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 5529000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2

Ground Station ID 11 ALBROOK - PANAMA CITY UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 79 32 59  W  Latitude 8 58 12  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 6
Frequency 17901000 Hz Master Frame Slot 6
Frequency 13264000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 10063000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10
Frequency 8894000 Hz Mast er Frame Slot 6
Frequency 6589000 Hz Master Frame Slot 2
Frequency 5589000 Hz Master Frame Slot 10

Ground Station ID 14 KRASNOYARSK - RUSSIA UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 92 18 0  E  Latitude 56 6 0  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 21990000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 17912000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 13321000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 10087000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 8886000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 6596000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 5622000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4

Ground Station ID 13 SANTA CRUZ - BOLIVIA UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 63 7 46  W  Latitude 17 40 11  S
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 21997000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 17916000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 13315000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 11318000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3
Frequency 8957000 Hz Master Frame Slot 11
Frequency 6628000 Hz Master Frame Slot 7
Frequency 4660000 Hz Master Frame Slot 3

Ground Station ID 16 AGANA - GUAM UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 144 48 0  E  Latitude 13 28 11  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 7
Frequency 21928000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 17919000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9
Frequency 13312000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5
Frequency 11306000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 8927000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5
Frequency 6652000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 5451000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9

Ground Station ID 15 AL MUHARRAQ - BAHRAIN UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 50 39 0  E  Latitude 26 16 12   ;N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 6
Frequency 21982000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 17967000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9
Frequency 13354000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5
Frequency 10075000 Hz Master Frame Slot 1
Frequency 8885000 Hz Master Frame Slot 9
Frequency 5544000 Hz Master Frame Slot 5

Ground Station ID 17 CANARIAS - SPAIN  UTC UNLOCKED
Longitude 15 23 23  W  Latitude 27 56 59  N
Squitter Version 0
Number of frequencies 6
Frequency 21955000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 17928000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 13303000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8
Frequency 11348000 Hz Master Frame Slot 4
Frequency 8948000 Hz Master Frame Slot 12
Frequency 6529000 Hz Master Frame Slot 8

Friday, March 10, 2017

VOA Radiogram for 11-12 March

From Kim Andrew Elliott:











Hello friends,

Apologies for the mix-up in the images transmitted last weekend. I was in too much of a hurry while preparing the VOA Radiogram demonstration at the Winter SWL Fest. It was good to meet some of you there!

Two weeks ago, we were impressed with the performance of the MFSK16 mode in difficult reception conditions.  We will include MFSK16 again this weekend, but we will compare it to another 58-wpm mode, Olivia 8-1000. The same AP news story will be sent in each mode. Note that MFSK16 is 316 Hz wide, while Olivia 8-1000 is 1000 Hz wide. After the RSID for each mode will be a 15-second tuning signal, in case you need to manually set the mode and/or center audio frequency.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 206, 11-12 March 2017, all in MFSK32 except where noted:


 1:51  Program preview (now)
 3:09  China seeks international law for Internet control*
10:07  North Korea bans overseas citizens from mobile Internet*
18:18  MFSK16: Satellite maps lightning flashes
21:55  Olivia 8-1000: Satellite maps lightning flashes
25:18  MFSK32: VOA tweet on International Women's Day*
27:15  Closing announcements

* with image

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule (temporarily expanded) (listeners in most of North America note that transmissions Sunday at 1930 UTC and after will be one hour later by local time):

UTC Day
UTC Time
kHz
Transmitter
Target
Also try in …
Saturday
0930-1000
5865
North Carolina
Americas
Asia-Pacific, Europe
Saturday
1600-1630
17580
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
0230-0300
5745
North Carolina
Americas
Europe
Sunday
1930-2000
15670
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
2030-2100
11580
WRMI Florida
Europe
Americas
Sunday
2330-2400
11580
WRMI Florida
Americas

Monday
2000-2030
3975
IBC Italy
Europe

Wednesday
2100-2130
3975
IBC Italy
Europe


The Mighty KBC broadcast to North America will be Sunday at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 6145 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK32 will be transmitted at about 0130 UTC. Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off, hence the VOA Radiogram transmissions via WRMI and IBC.  See http://www.digidx.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/digidx/

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) has digital modes as follows:
EVERY WEDNESDAY ON 3975 KHZ 20.30-21.00 UTC in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500
EVERY FRIDAY ON 9955 KHZ 02.25-02.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SATURDAY ON 1584 KHZ 21.25-21.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 7730 KHZ 00.55-01.00 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 6070 KHZ 11.30-12.00 UTC  in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500 (VIA RADIO BCLNEWS)
For the complete IBC transmission schedule, including voice broadcasts, visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/

Winter SWL Fest.  I am planning to attend the Winter SWL Fest, March 2-4, 2017, at Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Hope to see you there. Information at  http://www.swlfest.com .  (Single-day walk-ins are welcome.)

Thanks for your reception reports from last weekend, especially because I was not able tune in to most of the broadcasts while attending  the Winter SWL Fest (and because of terrible shortwave reception in my hotel room).

I'll try to get back on track this weekend responding to your reports.


I hope you can tune in (especially because I may not be able to) and write in this weekend.


Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net
Twitter: @VOARadiogram  (especially active just before, during, and after broadcasts)


PS: A few operating notes:
  • For best Olivia 64-2000 performance, turn Fldigi's squelch (SQL) off.
  • The RSID at 1500 Hz sometimes mixes with the transmitter hum, most noticeable at 360 Hz, to move your receive audio frequency down to 1140 Hz, resulting in no decode. To prevent this, in Fldigi: Configure > IDs  > RsID > unselect Searches passband.  Your center audio frequency will wander no more than +/- 200 Hz.
  • Fldigi automatically saves your decoded MFSK images as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ (in Windows; folder names might be different with other operating systems). You can attach those png files with your reception report.
  • The VOA Radiogram Twitter account @VOARadiogram is especially active before, during, and after the broadcasts. You don't need a Twitter account: just go to https://twitter.com/voaradiogram and refresh it occasionally.

Friday, March 03, 2017

VOA Radiogram for 4-5 March

From Kim Andrew Elliott:

Hello friends,

I'm sending this note early this week, as I prepare for the Winter SWL Fest Thursday through Saturday at Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.  For the  same reason, we'll keep this weekend's program simple, with MFSK32 as the only mode.

Speaking of the Winter SWL Fest, on its agenda is the Shortwave Shindig, which will be broadcast live on WRMI, 6855 kHz, Saturday 0300-0600 UTC (Friday evening in North America). Host David Goren, of Shortwaveology, plans to include one or two MFSK32 images during the show.

Please also note that The Mighty KBC will transmit on 6040 kHz, in addition to its usual 6145 kHz, Sunday 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST). This is because of an interfering signal just above 6145 kHz. A minute of MFSK32 will be at about 0130 UTC.

Here is the lineup for VOA Radiogram, program 205, 4-5 March 2017, all in MFSK32:

 1:49  Program preview
 2:54  Cambodia threatens media outlets*
12:31  Foreign TV blocked for North Koreans in China*
19:28  Few complain after ABC drops shortwave
23:26  Dubai amateur radio satellite*
27:24  Closing announcements

* with image

Please send reception reports to radiogram@voanews.com.

VOA Radiogram transmission schedule (temporarily expanded):

UTC Day
UTC Time
kHz
Transmitter
Target
Also try in …
Saturday
0930-1000
5865
North Carolina
Americas
Asia-Pacific, Europe
Saturday
1600-1630
17580
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
0230-0300
5745
North Carolina
Americas
Europe
Sunday
1930-2000
15670
North Carolina
Europe
Americas, Asia-Pacific
Sunday
2030-2100
11580
WRMI Florida
Europe
Americas
Sunday
2330-2400
11580
WRMI Florida
Americas

Monday
2000-2030
3975
IBC Italy
Europe

Wednesday
2100-2130
3975
IBC Italy
Europe


The Mighty KBC broadcast to North America will be Sunday at 0000-0200 UTC (Saturday 7-9 pm EST) on 6145 and 6040 kHz, via Germany. A minute of MFSK32 will be transmitted at about 0130 UTC. Reports to Eric: themightykbc@gmail.com . See also http://www.kbcradio.eu/ and https://www.facebook.com/TheMightyKbc/

DigiDX is taking a few weeks off, hence the VOA Radiogram transmissions via WRMI and IBC.  See http://www.digidx.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/digidx/

Italian Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) has digital modes as follows:
EVERY WEDNESDAY ON 3975 KHZ 20.30-21.00 UTC in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500
EVERY FRIDAY ON 9955 KHZ 02.25-02.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SATURDAY ON 1584 KHZ 21.25-21.30 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 7730 KHZ 00.55-01.00 UTC in MFSK32
EVERY SUNDAY ON 6070 KHZ 11.30-12.00 UTC  in MFSK32 and OLIVIA 16-500 (VIA RADIO BCLNEWS)
For the complete IBC transmission schedule, including voice broadcasts, visit  http://ibcradio.webs.com/

Winter SWL Fest.  I am planning to attend the Winter SWL Fest, March 2-4, 2017, at Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Hope to see you there. Information at  http://www.swlfest.com .  (Single-day walk-ins are welcome.)

Thanks for your reports from last weekend. Our experiment with MFSK64, 32, and 16 was very interesting, with MFSK16 performing very well in poor reception conditions.

Because of preparations for the Winter SWL Fest, and attending it, there will be some delay in answering your reports. Apologies for that and thanks for your patience.

I hope you can tune in (especially because I may not be able to) and write in this weekend.

Kim

Kim Andrew Elliott, KD9XB
Producer and Presenter
VOA Radiogram
voaradiogram.net
Twitter: @VOARadiogram  (especially active just before, during, and after broadcasts)


PS: A few operating notes:
  • For best Olivia 64-2000 performance, turn Fldigi's squelch (SQL) off.
  • The RSID at 1500 Hz sometimes mixes with the transmitter hum, most noticeable at 360 Hz, to move your receive audio frequency down to 1140 Hz, resulting in no decode. To prevent this, in Fldigi: Configure > IDs  > RsID > unselect Searches passband.  Your center audio frequency will wander no more than +/- 200 Hz.
  • Fldigi automatically saves your decoded MFSK images as png files in the folder \fldigi.files\images\ (in Windows; folder names might be different with other operating systems). You can attach those png files with your reception report.
  • The VOA Radiogram Twitter account @VOARadiogram is especially active before, during, and after the broadcasts. You don't need a Twitter account: just go to https://twitter.com/voaradiogram and refresh it occasionally.