Category Archives: Shortwave Radio

Mark Your Calendars: PCJ Media tests new shortwave transmitters February 16

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pcjWhile so many broadcasters are cutting or eliminating shortwave broadcasting, there is one who has built a new transmission site in Taiwan and has ambitious goals for the future: PCJ Media! Mark your calendars–though no frequencies yet, PCJ has announced a date and time for their first test:

(Source: PCJ Media)

PRESS RELEASE

The first phase of PCJ’s own relay is completed. There are four phases to be completed until the station will be up and running to full capacity.

Technical Data:

  • 1 /20kw
  • 1/5kw
  • 2/1kw
  • 2/curtain type antennas
  • 2/horizontal dipole type antennas
  • 4/Orban Optimods

On February 16, 2013 we will conduct our first test. It will begin at 1600UTC until 1800UTC. The test will be done using the 2/1kw transmitters. Both will be directed to South East China. One frequency to be directed to Fujian Province and the second frequency directed to  Guangxi Province.

Frequencies for this test will be published closer to the date of transmission. We have been given permission to use out of band frequencies. At the moment we are looking at around 12100 to 12500khz and 11400 to 11500khz. This was decided since these will be running 1kw and to reduce any type of interference it would be better to transmit in this range.

For more information please contact [email protected]

Shortwave Radio Recordings: All India Radio on the Bonito RadioJet

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The Bonito 1102S RadioJet IF receiver

The Bonito 1102S RadioJet IF receiver

After posting my latest All India Radio recording, SWLing Post reader, Pete, suggested that I check out their broadcasts starting around 21:00 UTC on 11,670 and 9,445 kHz, as they are quite strong into North America. He was right.

On Thursday afternoon, I tuned the Bonito RadioJet to 9,445 kHz, where I was greeted with a strong signal from AIR’s Bengaluru, India, transmitter site (over 8,500 miles from my home). I compared the signal on the RadioJet with that of my trusty WinRadio Excalibur to find that the RadioJet’s audio was somewhat fuller and richer. In situations where AM sync detection is not needed, I may start using the RadioJet for recordings. I’ve been using it strategically over the past few months for DRM reception and digging weak stations out of the static–something I typically don’t record, but probably should, as the RadioJet deserves even more air and recording time!

AllIndiaRadioLogo1I recorded this AIR broadcast on Thursday January 10th–around 21:30 UTC–on 9.445 MHz. This particular broadcast features news, commentary and the wonderful music I’ve come to expect from All India Radio. You can download the MP3 by clicking here, or simply listen in the embedded player below. Enjoy!

Smith-Mundt Act eliminated, VOA free to broadcast domestically

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voa logo

(Source: VOA News)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voice of America will soon be able to make its programs available to the U.S. public following passage of new legislation signed by President Obama Wednesday.

The legislation, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act, eliminates the longstanding ban on domestic distribution of VOA programs that was part of the original U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948 (known as Smith-Mundt).

In the coming months, Voice of America and other U.S. international broadcasters will draft regulations governing how they will fulfill domestic requests for release of original programs and materials.

The legislation will not change the focus of the agency’s broadcasts, which are aimed exclusively at international audiences.  The new rules will only affect programs broadcast after July 1st, 2013.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has hailed the new law, which updates one of the founding statutes of public diplomacy in the United States, a change that the Board has long supported and had incorporated into its strategic plan.  (See BBG Press Release)

Presiding BBG Governor Michael Lynton said the new law will allow the BBG to accept requests to provide its programs to organizations which, until now, it could not share them with, including U.S.-based broadcasters, publications, universities, non-governmental organizations, and others that have requested these materials over the years.  Lynton said the new law will allow “greater transparency as more people in this country come to know what U.S. International broadcasting is about.”

“The new law is a major breakthrough for U.S. international media,” said Susan McCue, a member of the BBG Board’s Communications and Outreach Committee.  “All Americans will now have access to the vital and informative reporting of our accomplished journalists around the world who are working under difficult circumstances in closed societies and developing countries.”

For more information about this release contact Kyle King at the VOA Public Relations office in Washington at (202) 203-4959, or write[email protected].  For more information about VOA visit the Public Relations website at www.insidevoa.com, or the main news site atwww.voanews.com.

We’ve mentioned the Smith-Mundt Act before. Kim Elliott also has more articles and comments on this recent legislation.

The Mighty KBC testing on 6150 kHz January 10 & 11

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wurlitzerJukeboxThe Mighty KBC will be doing special broadcasts to test modulation on 6,150 kHz. They will broadcast old shows of The Giant Jukebox. Here is the schedule with dates/times in UTC:

  • Thursday, 10 January 2013 from 10.00 – 12.00 UTC on 6,150 kHz
  • Friday, 11 January 2013 from 13.00 – 15.00 UTC on 6,150 kHz

Mail your reception reports to [email protected]

Radio France International features Ears To Our World

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RFI-RadioFranceInternationalMany of you know how important I consider shortwave radio to be in the third world and for those living under repressive regimes. Radio France International recently interviewed me regarding these views and my position as the founder and director of the charity, Ears To Our World.

Click here to download the interview, or listen on RFI’s website.

Many thanks to RFI’s Brent Gregston for giving Ears To Our World air time!

 

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Rádio Nacional da Amazônia

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RadioNacionalDaAmazoniaThis past weekend, Radio Nacional da Amazonia had a booming signal into North America on 11,780 kHz. I recorded their broadcast throughout the night, assuming it would eventually fade; however, it did not.

So, if you’re in the mood for some Brazilian music and commentary today, this eight-hour recording of Radio Nacional da Amazonia should satisfy.

This was recorded on Sunday, January 6th–starting around 02:30 UTC–on 11.78 MHz. Click here to download the full recording as an MP3 file (276 MB!), or listen in the embedded player below:

Note to those subscribed to our podcast:
I was a bit reluctant to include a link to the podcast feed as this file is so large; I rarely make eight-hour recordings. I did offer it up, however, based on the fact that there are so many other podcasters who regularly serve up files in excess of 250 MB. If you believe this file is too large to be included as a podcast, please comment; I certainly don’t want to choke up your bandwidth or overwhelm your iPod!  But it’s wonderful listening.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Radio Nacional Argentina

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Radio_Nacional_ArgentinaLast night, the 25 and 19 meter bands were alive with signals from across the globe into the early morning hours. I recorded several broadcasters, including Radio Nacional da Amazonia, Radio Japan, All India Radio and Radio Nacional Agentina who had a strong signals into North America.

In this recording of Radio Nacional Argentina you’ll hear Spanish commentary and a variety of music (including The Beatles). Recorded on Sunday, January 6th–around 02:30 UTC–on 15.345 MHz.

Click here to download the MP3 of the recording, or listen below: