New book focuses on China’s Firedrake jamming

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I just received the following press release from Steve Handler (N9ABC), author of Firedrake – China’s Secret Shortwave Jamming Project Exposed!

Priced at $3.99, his new 45 page eBook is available at Amazon.com:

Firedrake – China’s Secret Shortwave Jamming Project Exposed!  by Steven Handler is the new revised and updated version of this electronic publication.  Published in late August, 2012, it is now available through Amazon.com for the Kindle.  Other booksellers should, by Mid September, 2012, be offering versions for other electronic readers including the Nook, iPad, Sony Reader and other formats.

A little “Firedrake” History-The Chinese government jams or interferes with the HF broadcasts of certain shortwave stations that they apparently deem “dangerous” for their citizens to hear. My publication serves as a guide to the world of Chinese jamming and helps the reader learn about Firedrake and some of China’s other shortwave jamming stations.

Included are jamming frequencies heard during the current A-11 shortwave broadcasting season as well as times of reception. Also included are frequencies heard in use during the past two shortwave broadcasting seasons (A-11 and B-11).  Readers will also find information about the direction finding results identifying transmitter sites which I obtained from ITU registered monitoring sites. There is also a virtual tour of a Chinese jamming facility.

Available for $3.99 from Amazon.com (stock number ASIN: B0093NNABQ ) you can find more information and view sample pages at Amazon.com.

Amazon.com also offers free Kindle Readers for both PCs and MAC.  Information about the Free PC Kindle reader can be found on their web site. For information about Amazon.com’s Free Kindle reader for the Mac,  click here.

The author does not sell copies of this publication directly. Rather copies are sold by retailers and bookstores.

Radio Hargeisa: Somaliland’s new shortwave station

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Somaliland is internationally recognised as an autonomous region of Somalia

Thanks to Kim Elliott for the tip:

(Source: Somaliland Sun)

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The installation of the new Radio Hargeisa transmitter is a success.

This was revealed by Mr. Don Jensen who added that Listeners in Japan, India and Europe are beginning To hear Radio Hargeisa on a frequency of 7,120 kHz, with generally good signals For tests noted at various times between 1500 UTC (universal time) and 1900 UTC hours (6 to 10 pm Somaliland time)

[…]The transmissions are possible by a recently installed 100Kw Radio Transmitter, which is currently on test, and accessible at the 7,120 kHz frequency, said Don, “Through this frequency the signal is fairly strong in Japan and the Netherlands”

The American ham radio operator further informed that there is also a considerable interference from ham transmissions since the 7,120 kHz frequency used by Radio Hargeisa is in the middle of the amateur radio (ham radio) band.

As Kim Elliott notes, and I hope they understand, they should not continue to broadcast in this particular chunk of amateur radio spectrum, but above 7,200 kHz.

[…]This transmission confirmation is welcome news for ministry of information engineers who are in-charge of the testing following the departure of the 13 Chinese engineers who were responsible for installing the transmitter and antennae purchased from the China.

It is also welcome news for residents of Somaliland since the new transmitter will certainly enhance Radio Hargeisa broadcast transmissions nationwide as opposed to status where transmissions are audible within a Hargeisa only.

Mr. Don Jensen who has been in constant communication with Somalilandsun since the site posted the first article about the new transmitter is interested in advancing the cause of Somaliland especially in the USA where he reported that most people cannot distinguish between the peaceful Somaliland and the failed state of Somalia.

Said he, “Am sure Radio Hargeisa transmissions worldwide will considerably improve the knowledge of ordinary Americans on your country”

Read the full article at the Somaliland Sun.

Shortwave Radio Recordings: Voice of Greece, Voice of Turkey and Radio Croatia

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For your listening enjoyment:  Voice of Greece (9,420 kHz), Radio Croatia (9,925 kHz) and Voice of Turkey (9,830 kHz). The Voice of Greece, in particular, broadcasts an extensive mix of music. These stations were recorded simultaneously, Saturday August 25th, 2012.

In total, there are more than 8 hours of shortwave radio recordings in this set–enough to make it through your work day:

Hurricane Isaac: Hear eyewitness weather reports on shortwave

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At time of this posting, I’m listening to the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on 14,325 kHz.  HWN net control is receiving weather reports as Hurricane Isaac hits Louisiana with 80 mph winds–dumping torrential rain on the area and causing widespread flooding.

Although Isaac is “only” a Category One hurricane, I suspect damage will exceed similar storms from the past, as the flood waters are rapidly rising, already forcing some people into attics and onto rooftops.

Tuning In

If you have a shortwave radio, even a portable, that can tune in SSB (or Single-Side Band), you can listen to or participate in the Hurricane Watch Net.

In a previous post–almost exactly one year ago when Hurricane Irene was threatening islands and States in the Gulf of Mexico–I described how to listen to the HWN.

Below, is a short audio clip of the Hurricane Watch Net this morning, which includes a few reports and a check-in from the National Hurricane Center’s own ham radio station:

(If  you find this kind of thing exciting, or you’re into weather tracking and would like to become more involved in disaster communications, consider becoming a ham radio operator.)

Severe Weather: Are you prepared?

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As I was listening to reports of tropical storm (now hurricane) Isaac this morning on the radio and a lot of emphasis was placed on preparedness for those who lie in his path.

Of course, it’s difficult to prepare this close to a weather event as supplies are typically low and demand is high. We radio enthusiasts are well aware of the importance of radio supplies, but there’s so much more to include to have preparedness basics in place.

Isaac may or may not pan out to be a memorable weather event, but we can take this opportunity as a reminder to be prepared. Indeed, the US National Weather Service predicts that we will have an active hurricane season in here in the states. If weather in Europe follows the same course, it could be bitterly cold and snowy. Typhoons in Asia have also been active most recently.

No matter where you live, spend some time preparing for natural disasters or interruptions to public utilities. We have several helpful posts on the SWLing Post which can help you with this very thing.  Take a look at the following in our archives: