Category Archives: What’s On Shortwave

WWV: experimental broadcasts on 25 MHz

WWV format

WWV format (Click to enlarge)

Want to catch WWV–the Fort Collins-based time station–on a frequency they haven’t used since 1977?

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has sent out a press release stating that, as of April 4, 2014, WWV will resume broadcasting on 25 Mhz for a limited time.

Full details follow in their press release:

NOTICE: Experimental 25 MHz WWV Broadcast

As of Friday, April 4, 2014 WWV has resumed broadcasting on 25 MHz on a limited, experimental basis. The broadcast consists of the normal WWV signal heard on all other WWV frequencies, at the same level of accuracy.

Current 25 MHz Broadcast Specifications (subject to change):
Schedule: variable; as an experimental broadcast, the 25 MHz signal is not continuous. It will typically be on the air from approximately 1500 – 2100 UTC Mondays through Fridays, but may operate outside these hours as well. The broadcast may be interrupted or suspended without notice.

Radiated Power: varies; no more than 2500 W

Antenna: broadband monopole, coordinates: 40 deg. 40′ 50.8″N, 105 deg. 02′ 32.6″ W

Listener comments and reception reports may be emailed to: [email protected], or sent via postal mail to:

National Institute of Standards and Technology
Radio Station WWV
2000 E. County Rd. 58
Fort Collins, CO 80524

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Radio New Zealand International

450px-New_Zealand_23_October_2002For your listening pleasure: three hours of Radio New Zealand International.

This broadcast was recorded on 9,700 kHz, starting at 07:59 UTC on April 5, 2014. This weekend RNZI broadcast includes Peter Fry’s Saturday Night music request show–always a treat to hear.

Click here to download this recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below. Of course, you will automatically receive this recording if you are subscribed to the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Radio Romania International

RomaniaOnMapFor your listening pleasure: Radio Romania International‘s English language service.

I recorded this broadcast with my WinRadio Excalibur on April 5, 2014, starting at 05:30 UTC on their new A14 frequency of 7,900 kHz.

This broadcast originates from RRI‘s Galbeni transmitter site.

Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:

Click here to view other posts mentioning Radio Romania International.

STF Radio International this weekend via KBC

STFradioLast week, I received an email from STF Radio International, a new venture that broadcasts digital modes over shortwave (similar to VOA Radiograms). I asked for a description of their mission–here’s their reply:

“STF Radio is primarily a narrowcasting project, a means to deliver specialized content to specific audiences in remote locations. And due to the nature of shortwave, we’re inviting the world to listen in.

The (possible) series of special multimedia broadcasts will continue the exploration of new possibilities with aging technology. We are currently preparing a 1-hour program for broadcast later in April. Depending on audience response, there may be additional programs throughout the year.

We will continue running tests leading up to the 1-hour show. The second round of tests will begin soon, with another segment of digital modes confirmed for this weekend on The Mighty KBC, same time/frequency as last weekend.”

If you would like to decode STF Radio International‘s broadcast, tune in The Might KBC on 7,375 kHz, April 6, 2014 from 00:00 – 2:00 UTC (Saturday evening in North America). STF indicates that their broadcast will be between 01:30 – 2:00 UTC.

The latest information about STF Radio broadcasts can be found on their website: http://stfradio.com

International SW Disaster Test: June 4-5, 2014

300px-Hurricane_Isabel_from_ISSSWLing Post reader, Mehmet Burk, has just published information about the upcoming international disaster test on shortwave radio, coordinated by the High Frequency Coordination Commission (HFCC) for the International Radio for Disaster Relief project.

Mehmet has details of this June 4 – 5 international radio event on his website: Relief Analysis Radio.

The Voice of Korea and an inspirational story

FlagNorthKoreaMany thanks to Frank, a contributor at the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive, for this recording of the Voice of Korea’s English language service.

Frank recorded VOK from his home in Europe on March 27, 2014, on 7,570 kHz, starting at 21:00 UTC, using a Kenwood R-5000 receiver and a Wellbrook ALA 1530+ antenna.

Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:

Of course, the Voice of Korea is all about broadcasting hard-core propaganda–a type of broadcast I find incredibly fascinating. But let there be no mistake, to live in the DPRK is to live under one of the world’s most oppressive regimes. If you want to hear a moving, inspirational story about one North Korean woman’s escape from the DPRK, check out Hyeonseo Lee’s: My escape from North Korea, a TED Talk:

Remember, you can subscribe and download the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive collection (free!) as a podcast via iTunes or the SWAA RSS feed.

WBCQ celebrates Radio Caroline this weekend

wbcq-logo(Source: WBCQ)

WBCQ  celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of Radio Caroline with special programming

On March 28, 1964, Radio Caroline began broadcasting on 199 meters (1520 KHz) from the MV Caroline , anchored off the coast of England. Radio Caroline went on to revolutionize radio and popular music in the United Kingdom and the world, and influenced an entire generation.

WBCQ will be airing special programming celebrating the legacy of Radio Caroline and offshore free radio starting Friday night, March 28, 2014, at 8:00pm US eastern time (0000 UTC Saturday) on 5.110, 7.490, and 9.330 MHz with Allan Weiner Worldwide. Special programming will continue on 5.110 MHz following Allan’s show this evening and for the next week.

Also check out the special Radio Caroline broadcast from IRRS this weekend.