Tehran, Iran
On Thursday, March 14th, I tuned to the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran on 9.895 MHz at 02:30 UTC.
The signal was strong, but audio somewhat typically over-modulated. However, I was able to record the full broadcast.
Click here to download the MP3 of the recording, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
I believe that VOA Special English may be one of the best educational resources on the shortwaves. At Ears To Our World, we find that it is often the most popular program in countries where English may be the official language, but where locals only speak it as a second language.
Over four years ago, I mentioned a Special English broadcast honoring Henry Loomis, the creator and champion of Special English at the VOA. Click here to read the archived post.
I recorded this particular broadcast of VOA Special English on March 19, 2013 at 1:30 UTC on 5,960 kHz.
Click here to download the recording as an MP3 file, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
Here are the details for the VOA Radiogram this weekend:
(Source: Kim Elliott)
VOA Radiogram on 30 and 31 March 2013 will feature the MFSK (multiple frequency shift keying) modes. This “menu” for the program shows the mode, center audio frequency, and duration of transmission in minutes:seconds…
MFSK4 1500Hz 0:40*
MFSK16 1500Hz 1:00
MFSK32 1000Hz 1:00
MFSK32 2500Hz 1:00
PSKR125 2500Hz 1:00
PSKR250 2500Hz 1:00
MFSK64 2500Hz 1:00
MFSK64 2500Hz 3:07 Flmsg format
PSKR500 2000Hz 0:58
MFSK128 2000Hz 0:57**
MFSK32 2000Hz 1:40 Image
MFSK32 1500Hz 0:58 Image* No RSID. You must tune the audio frequency very carefully. (Don’t worry if it does not work!)
**The RSID might not work, so manually select MFSK128 (needs new version of Fldigi) and the 2000 Hz center audio frequency.
Transmission schedule:
(all days and times UTC):
- Sat 1600-1630 17860 kHz
- Sun 0230-0300 5745 kHz
- Sun 1300-1330 6095 kHz
- Sun 1930-2000 15670 kHz
All via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.
Please send reports, audio samples, screenshots, etc to [email protected].
If you are unable to listen to the program because of Easter weekend, this MFSK show will be repeated later this year.
The New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura) provides the interval signal for RNZI (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
One of my favorite shortwave radio broadcasters is Radio New Zealand International. RNZI has authoritative news–with a focus on NZ and the Pacific islands–music, sports and their own unique character, though they operate on a very modest budget by international broadcasting standards.
The RNZI interval signal is charming and unmistakable: the call of the New Zealand Bellbird.
Fortunately, in the 3 hour recording of RNZI below, I caught not only the interval signal as the broadcast began, but also as it went off the air. This recording was made on March 14th 2013 starting around 8:00 UTC on 9,765 kHz. (You’ll note news of the Pope.)
Click here to download the full broadcast as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
Note to SWLing Post reader, Mike:
I hope you enjoy these sounds from home!
The Alcaravan Radio transmitter site is located SSW of Bogata in Puerto Lleras.
On March 19th, I was able to record a particularly strong signal from Alcaravan Radio out of Puerto Lleras, Columbia. Alcaravan Radio broadcasts domestically on medium wave and also on 5.91 MHZ shortwave, from 23:30-12:00 UTC.
I have seen their output power listed anywhere from 1,000 – 5,000 watts; a puny amount by international standards, but more than enough to cover their target area of Columbia.
There are very few details about Alcaravan Radio on the Internet. If anyone can add more details about this station, feel free to comment below.
This is a four hour recording and contains about three hours of music.
Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
Ronin’s mix starts with the Sex Pistols (Photo: 45cat.com)|
If you can’t tell from the number of recordings I posted today, last night was a busy night for pirate radio.
I heard no less than five pirates: AATW Radio, Red Mercury Labs Radio, Rave On Radio, Black Cat Radio and Radio Ronin Shortwave.
Though many had great signals, the strongest was Radio Ronin Shortwave on 6.925 MHz (AM). Ronin’s broadcast started around 22:15 UTC (March 22, 2013) and lasted for more than an hour. Near the end, you will hear some interference from maritime mobile stations in the upper side band of 6.925–that just ads character in my book.
Click here to download the full recording by clicking here, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
Standard Pirate Radio Disclaimer: This is a recording of a real pirate radio broadcast, and as such, may include strong or colorful language or lyrics. In general, if you are easily offended by the words, ideas, music lyrics, or music herein, you should slowly…back… away…
One short pirate broadcast I caught last night was All Along The Watchtower Radio.
AATW Radio’s USB signal on 6.955 MHz started around 00:24 UTC (23 March 2013).
The (robo voice) host, Alex Jobs, played a great mix of music starting with a version of Video Killed the Radio Star by The Presidents of the United States of America. It actually sounded pretty good in upper side band!
Hear for yourself! Click here to download the MP3 recording of the full broadcast, or simply listen via the embedded player below:
“Mom, could that be The Presidents of The United States of America? How patriotic!”