coolM's Shortwave DXing

VOA in Bangla Frequency change Information

2008-10-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Frequency change for Voice of America in Bangla:

1600-1700UTC, new freq 9320 PHT 250 kW / 283 deg, x11835 \\ 7260 UDO 250 kW / 288 deg + MW 1575

// is parallel frequency

RTI is extending the deadline for the RTI I Show Webcast Contest!

2008-10-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are still working on your program, RTI have decided to extend the deadline.

First Duration: NOW through January 31, 2009 (signing up, uploading entries).
Release forms must be sent to RTI between : February 1 and February 15, 2009
Voting Period : February 16, through March 2, 2009.
Winners will be announced on March 18, 2009.

Emergency notice:
Those who have trouble uploading their entries should contact ishow@rti.org.tw with their name and phone number. We will offer assistance as soon as possible.

Please keep in mind that entrants must mail a CD of their programs and the release form to the followiing address:
I Show Webcast Contest
Radio Taiwan International No, 55, Pei-an Road, Chung-shan District, Taipei, 104
How To Enter
It is an opportunity that allows web users to make a radio program regardless of age or nationality.
As long as you speak fluent English or Japanese, the NT$500,000 cash award could be yours!

THE PROPAGATION CORNER Space Weather: Interfering With The Global Positioning System

2008-10-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

If you’re like me and occasionally turn to a GPS (Global Positioning System) instrument to help you find your way, then you may relate with the frustration I have when my GPS receiver gets “confused” and either doesn’t know which way is which—or gets me lost altogether.

Once, while hauling a 27-foot trailer over the Lookout Pass between Idaho and Montana, I pulled off the highway and drove up onto the overpass observation point. This overpass serves as a convenient place to take photos right on the state line. Since the overpass is at the very top of the mountain pass, the highway in either direction, into Montana and into Idaho, follows a steep downward grade. When coming from the Idaho side, there’s a 14-mile climb, with no exits.

When I got back into my truck and started on my way, I was not exactly sure which way to go to get back onto the Montana-bound lane. I depended on my (tongue in cheek) faithful, dependable GPS. Since I programmed it for a destination in Montana, I was sure it knew which way I should go.

It told me, in a soft European accent, to turn left, and then follow the ramp. I did as I was told. It dawned on me as I found myself heading back into Idaho that the GPS was confused. Now, I had to go about 14 miles back down the sharp grade before I could find an exit that would turn me back toward Montana! Imagine my frustration while retracing my drive back over the pass for the second time, burning up all that gas over all those steep 14 miles. Thanks to GPS, I had a great experience entering into Montana twice.

You can’t always trust your GPS gadget. To get its position, the GPS receiver locks onto at least four satellites and then calculates the positional data based on the signals from these satellites. When space weather causes a disturbance in the ionosphere, a GPS receiver may lose the lock on one or more of the satellites. This results in inaccurate positioning data. Scientists have long known that the complex electrical activity in the upper atmospheric zone called the ionosphere affects GPS signals.

Scientists are putting great amounts of research effort into clarifying what happens to disruptive clouds of electrons and other electrically charged particles, known as ions, in the ionosphere. The work may lead to regional predictions of reduced GPS reliability and accuracy.

One team of researchers has recently observed Earth’s aurora, which is a prominent manifestation of ionospheric electrical activity, in the act of disrupting GPS equipment. They found that the highly dense patches in the auroral zone during these auroral events cause fading of the satellite signals, in the span of seconds. This means that a GPS receiver will lose the signal in a sudden fading event triggered by the movement and formation of E-region ionospheric patches during auroral events.

Other scientists have successfully tested a way to forecast GPS disturbances for marine users, with likely extension to users on land. Under normal operating conditions, marine DGPS (Differential GPS) horizontal positioning is accurate on the order of to within several meters in North America. These scientists observed that during enhanced ionospheric activity, the accuracy of the positioning is significantly degraded. An ionospheric phenomenon known as “storm enhanced density” (SED) has been found to develop in the middle to high latitudes during ionospheric storm events. Very large changes in total electron content have been observed in the vicinity of this phenomenon, with DGPS positioning errors increased by a factor of 10 to 30 versus quiet (normal) conditions. The researchers are working on a way to monitor SED activity and map ionospheric conditions in real time. The end result would be a way to forecast and to spot conditions where DGPS is affected.

- Thanks to Tomas Hood, NW7US

Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com is Now Accepting Direct Advertising

2008-10-06T00:27:00.001-07:00

Friends & Advertisers , If you're interested in reaching our dynamic audience with display advertising, contact with me . The new design of Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com is accepting direct advertising from interested parties.

With this I am able to determine my own rates, cut the middle man and have more control regarding how and which ads to display finally!

-What Do You Get For Advertising at Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com?

In addition to having your ad displayed on all pages, all new advertisers will get a mention in my blog post to ensure that you will get more exposure with maximum returns at nominal cost.

Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com focuses on blogging . When you advertise here, you'll be able to attract traffic targeted to your own niche. All ad spots are located above the fold, in the most visible areas to ensure maximum exposure.

From time to time, I'll run contests in order to attract more traffic and inevitably some visitors will end up visiting your blogs via your ad.

-How Much Does It Costs to Advertise At Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com ?

I will place the ad at my own design. But I would suggest you to place your ads in between posts [Banner Ad] . So that most of the readers can view your ads while reading the post. Also you can place ad as sidebar Ad.

125x125 on the Sidebar Ad

At the time of this writing , I charge USD30 with a 30 days duration .

Banner Ad 486x60

It costs USD30 for a 30 days duration to advertise on this spot . You can place ad maximum for 60 day. After that you will have to extend your Ad duration by sending payments. The Ad must be in [.jpeg] format. Like the 125x125 sidebar ad. It'll be served without any adjacent ads to ensure exclusivity.

-How Do I Pay For My Purchase?

For the time being, I'm only able to accept payments via Western Union Money Transfer [WUMT]. WUMT is an ideal way to send money quickly & efficiently anywhere in the world. Advertisers make their ad by their own design with mentioned size. Then send it to me. After judging by me wether it can displayed in my blog or not, I will send e-mail to the selected advertiser about confirming his/her ad has selected.

I will place ad for 3 days as trial period in the mean time advertiser transfer the money through western union money transfer. If I do not receive the payments within these days I will remover the Ad.

This is an introductory offer. All prices quoted above are valid for a limited time only and the low price won't last forever. So if you are undecided yet, I'm telling you that the time to order is now before I increase the price .

If you would like to know more about advertising in http://Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com then pls contact : jw200910101@yahoo.com

Shortwavedxing.blogspot.com is Now Accepting Direct Advertising

2008-10-06T00:27:00.000-07:00

Radio Algeria Holy Qur'an service in Arabic from Oct. 1 [Frequency UPDATE B08]

2008-10-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

All times mentioned here are in UTC

0400-0500 on 5905 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
0500-0600 on 5905 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt. 6170/7115
0700-0800 on 11615 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
0700-0800 on 13570 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
0800-0900 on 13570 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt.13650/15360
0800-1000 on 15230 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
1700-1800 on 15165 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf, alt.13570
1800-1900 on 13570 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
1800-2000 on 11880 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt.12025
1900-2100 on 9390 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
2000-2200 on 7210 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
2200-2400 on 5910 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt. 7295

Registered frequencies for B-08 from Oct. 26:
0400-0500 on 7295 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
0500-0600 on 5960 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt. 6170/7295
0600-0700 on 9390 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
0600-0700 on 9430 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
0700-0800 on 9435 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt.11625
0700-0800 on 11625 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf, alt.13570
0800-1000 on 15230 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf, alt.15320
0800-1100 on 15615 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
1600-1700 on 15165 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
1700-1800 on 13570 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf
1700-2000 on 9390 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf
1800-2100 on 9825 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf, alt. 9835
2000-2200 on 7175 ISS 500 kW / 162 deg to CeEaAf, alt. 7375
2100-2300 on 7295 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NoWeAf

Worldwide National Holiday QSLing

2008-10-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

Here's an extra slant to consider in your QSL quest. All countries have national holidays, and when you consider how many of those nations broadcast on shortwave or from active amateur radio operators, you've compiled an extensive list of stations to verify.

Why not take advantage of special programming as you travel via your receiver around the globe? Listeners may find extended hours to honor the special day or event, and can take advantage of this excellent opportunity for a QSL card or verification letter.

Don't forget to mention the holiday in your reception report, and any special programming segments. You may find a QSL Manager who appreciates your interest in their country, and may send an extra station sticker or pennant.

Besides your report, enclose a colorful postcard souvenir to the station staff with a handwritten note. A small enclosure is always a good idea.

The following October holidays will get you started, and please let http://shortwavedxing.blogspot.com/ know your results. Feedback and contributions are always welcome.
Good luck.

China Founding of People's Republic of China Day* October 1 Beijing
Cyprus Independence Day* October 1 Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Nigeria Independence/National Day* (from UK) October 1 Abuja
Palau Independence (from UN trusteeship) October 1 Koror
Guinea Independence Day* (from France) October 2 Conakry
Germany Unity Day* October 3 Berlin
Belgium Independence (from Netherlands) October 4 Brussels
Croatia Independence Day* (from Yugoslavia) October 8 Zagreb
Uganda Independence Day* (from UK) October 9 Kampala
Taiwan Republic Day* October 10 Taipei
Equatorial Guinea Independence Day* (from Spain) October 12 Malabo
Spain National Day* October 12 Madrid
Zambia Independence Day* (from UK) October 24 Lusaka
Turkmenistan Independence Day* (from Soviet Union) October 27 Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)
Czech Republic Founding Day* October 28 Prague
Turkey Republic Day* October 29 Ankara

(Source: excerpts from World QSL Book & Gayle Van Horn)

Radio Newzealand Frequencies English Service [B08]

2008-10-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Effective: 27 October, 2008

All times UTC - all broadcast targeted to Pacific regions

0000-0100 15720
0100-0200 15720
0200-0300 15720
0300-0400 15720
0400-0458 15720

0459-0500 11725
0500-0600 11725
0600-0658 11725

0659-0700 9765
0700-0800 9765
0800-0900 9765
0900-1000 9765
1000-1058 9765

1059-1100 13840
1100-1200 13840
1200-1258 13840

1300-1400 6170
1400-1500 6170
1500-1550 6170

1551-1600 7145
1600-1650 7145

1651-1700 9765
1700-1750 9765

1751-1800 11725
1800-1900 11725
1900-1950 11725

1951-2000 17675
2000-2100 17675
2100-2200 17675
2200-2235 17675

2236-2300 15720
2300-0000 15720

DRM
0000-0100 17675
0100-0200 17675
0200-0300 17675
0300-0400 17675
0400-0458 17675

0459-0500 15720
0500-0600 15720
0600-0658 15720

0659-0700 9870
0700-0800 9870
0800-0900 9870
0900-1000 9870
1000-1100 9870
1100-1158 9870

1200-1550 no service

1551-1600 6170
1600-1650 6170

1651-1700 9890
1700-1750 9890

1751-1800 11675
1800-1900 11675
1900-1950 11675

1951-2000 15720
2000-2100 15720
2100-2200 15720
2200-2235 15720

2236-2300 17675
2300-0000 17675

VOA restructures Bosnian, Hindi, Serbian, Macedonian, Russian broadcasts

2008-10-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

The Voice of America (VOA) ceased is radio broadcasts in Hindi, Bosnian, Serbian, and Macedonian on 30 September 2008, using available resources to reach audiences in those markets through television and the Internet. No VOA language service will be shut down and no jobs will be lost.

VOA also is discontinuing its 30-minute Russian weekly television programme and will deliver text, audio, and video content to Russia’s fast-growing Internet market. VOA will be accessible through digital devices, including mobile Internet devices, cell phones that receive text and multimedia messages, and MP3 players. VOA’s Russian radio broadcasts ended in July 2008.

The change in VOA Russian’s programme delivery reflects the crackdown on independent media and freedom of speech in Russia. Russian government pressure has forced almost all VOA local radio and television affiliates to drop VOA and other international broadcasts. Shortwave radio listenership also has continued to decline throughout the country, with fewer than 2% of Russians using this medium weekly.

“We owe great thanks to the VOA radio journalists who have broadcast to these countries over the years,” said VOA Director Danforth Austin.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) will continue radio broadcasting to Russia, Bosnia, Macedonia, and Serbia.

(Source: VOA) www.voa.gov

Current Solar Forecast

2008-10-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

[Prepared jointly by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA,
Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.S. Air Force. Updated 2008 Oct 01 2201 UTC]

Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity
SDF Number 275 Issued at 2200Z on 01 Oct 2008

IA. Analysis of Solar Active Regions and Activity from 30/2100Z
to 01/2100Z: Solar activity was very low.

IB. Solar Activity Forecast: Solar activity is expected to remain
at very low levels.

IIA. Geophysical Activity Summary 30/2100Z to 01/2100Z:
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels. Solar wind
speed measured at the ACE spacecraft continued to rise through the
last 24 hours as the coronal hole high speed stream approaches.
Speeds are averaging around 600 km/s with the interplanetary
magnetic field Bz ranging between +/- 7 nT.

IIB. Geophysical Activity Forecast: The geomagnetic field is
expected to be at unsettled to active conditions with isolated minor
storm levels at mid latitudes, and isolated major storm periods at
high latitudes for 02 October. Activity is expected due to the
recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Mostly unsettled
conditions are expected for 03 - 04 October as the high speed stream
continues to be geoeffective.

III. Event Probabilities 02 Oct-04 Oct
Class M 01/01/01
Class X 01/01/01
Proton 01/01/01
PCAF Green

IV. Penticton 10.7 cm Flux
Observed 01 Oct 066
Predicted 02 Oct-04 Oct 066/066/066
90 Day Mean 01 Oct 066

V. Geomagnetic A Indices
Observed Afr/Ap 30 Sep 003/004
Estimated Afr/Ap 01 Oct 007/015
Predicted Afr/Ap 02 Oct-04 Oct 020/025-008/010-008/008

VI. Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 02 Oct-04 Oct
A. Middle Latitudes
Active 30/10/10
Minor storm 25/05/05
Major-severe storm 10/01/01
B. High Latitudes
Active 40/20/15
Minor storm 30/10/10
Major-severe storm 15/05/01

VOA to carry presidential debates live

2008-10-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Voice of America (VOA) will carry the first presidential candidates’ debate on foreign affairs live from Oxford, Mississippi, this evening providing international audiences with analyses and commentary. VOA is sending a team of journalists to cover the debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.

VOA journalists from English-language programmes as well as those from Hindi, Urdu, Persian and Central African services will be on location at the University of Mississippi, with supplemental coverage at VOA’s Washington, DC headquarters.

In a special programme aimed at Urdu-speaking audiences in Pakistan, VOA and Pakistan TV (PTV) will assemble panelists in Islamabad and Washington to discuss issues raised in the debate about US relations with Pakistan and its neighbours.

“The 2008 presidential election is generating intense interest around the world,” said VOA Director Danforth W Austin. “VOA - reaching about 134 million people in 45 languages - is uniquely poised to explain to its audiences the differences and similarities in the candidates’ foreign policy positions.”

VOA will also cover future debates, including those between McCain and Obama at Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn., on October 7, and at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, on 15 October. It will also cover the debate between the Vice Presidential candidates, Senator Joseph Biden, the Democrat, and Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican, on 2 October at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri.

Televised debate coverage will be carried in English on all of VOA’s satellite paths - Intelsat 907, New Skies 806 and 703 (VC 340 only), Asiasat 3, and Eutelsat Hot Bird 3 (VC 340 only). Special coverage in Urdu of the presidential debates, but not the vice presidential debate, will air on New Skies 703 (VC 420), Asiasat 3 (VC 409), and Hot Bird 3 (VC 240)

Those are the published frequencies that should be used around the debate:

English to Europe, Middle East, and North Africa
0100-0130 UTC 1593

English to Far East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania
0100-0200 UTC 7430 9780 11705
0200-0300 UTC 9780 11705

English-Special - just in case
0130-0200 UTC 1593 6040 9820

Source : Radio Neatherlands www.rnw.nl , Andy Sennitt

------------

NPR : National Public Radio will also cover presidential candidates’ debate

Visit : http://www.npr.org/

24 hr live stream @ http://www.npr.org/audiohelp/progstream.html

Israel Radio to halt all shortwave broadcasts, available on Internet

2008-09-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Israel Radio’s shortwave radio broadcasts in all languages will cease on March 31. Shortwave radio broadcasts have been under threat of closure for years, but were saved in the past by a barrage of protest letters from listeners around the world. From April 1, people who have been listening to shortwave radio will be able to pick up all their favourite broadcasts via the Internet.

IBA spokeswoman Linda Bar said the IBA will be seeking funding to allow Farsi-language broadcasts to remain on shortwave. Bar noted that under the Broadcasting Authority Law, the IBA is not mandated to provide shortwave broadcasts. For many years, such broadcasts were co-funded by the Foreign Ministry and the Jewish Agency, which gradually dropped out of the partnership with the IBA.

There have been so many announcements of closure, later rescinded, that it remains to be seen whether this time it’s for real. It’s a case of “believe it when you don’t hear it.”

(Source: The Jerusalem Post website, Jerusalem, in English 17 Mar 08 via BBC Monitoring)

Radio Free Asia is giving 3 seperate QSL for Sept , Oct and November 2008

2008-09-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Radio Free Asia's mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press.

Broadcast Frequencies of RFA

Find the right frequency for listening to RFA news broadcasts via shortwave radio

RFA encourage our listeners to tell us when they receive our transmissions. Your reception reports, or QSL cards, help us evaluate the quality of our signal strength. Please find mailing instructions below the frequency table.
As of August 3, 2008

Burmese (6 hours daily)
0030-0130 13820, 13865, 17835
0300-0400 11605, 17830
1230-1330 7390, 9320, 13675
1330-1400 7390, 9320, 11540
1400-1430 7320, 9320
1630-1730 7505, 9305
1730-1830 7505, 9300

Cantonese (2 hours daily)
1400-1500 7280, 11595
2200-2300 9355, 11715, 11785

Khmer (2 hours daily)
1230-1330 12140, 15525
2230-2330 7580, 13740

Korean (5 hours daily)
1500-1700 1350, 5870, 7210, 7490
1700-1800 1350, 5870, 7465, 9370
1800-1900 1350, 5870, 7210, 7465
2100-2200 1350, 7460, 9385, 9770, 12075

Lao (2 hours daily)
0000-0100 15545, 15690
1100-1200 9355, 15560

Mandarin (12 hours daily)
0300-0600 13760, 15130, 15635, 15680, 17615, 17880, 21550, 21690
0600-0700 13760, 15165, 15635, 15680, 17615, 17880, 21550
1500-1600 9455, 9905, 11540, 12005, 12025, 13675, 15495
1600-1700 9455, 9905, 11540, 11795, 12025, 13675, 15530
1700-1800 7260, 7280, 9355, 9455, 9540, 9905, 11540, 11795, 13625
1800-1900 7280, 7355, 9355, 9455, 9540, 9865, 11540, 11700, 13625
1900-2000 1098, 7260, 7355, 9355, 9455, 9850, 9865, 9905, 11700, 11785, 13625, 15510
2000-2100 1098, 7260, 7355, 9355, 9455, 9850, 9905, 11700, 11740, 11785, 13625
2100-2200 1098, 7105, 7355, 9850, 9905, 11740, 11935, 13625
2300-0000 7540, 11760, 11785, 15430, 15485, 15585

Tibetan (10 hours daily)
0100-0300 9365, 11695, 11975, 15225, 17730
0600-0700 17510, 17780, 21500, 21690
1000-1100 15460, 17750, 21510
1100-1200 7470, 13830, 15375, 17750
1200-1400 7470, 11590, 11605, 13830, 15375
1500-1600 9370, 11550, 11585, 11795
2200-2300 5865, 7500, 9880
2300-0000 7470, 7500, 9805, 9875

Uyghur (2 hours daily)
0100-0200 9350, 9490, 11895, 11945, 17640
1600-1700 9350, 9370, 9555, 11750

Vietnamese (2 hours daily)
1400-1430 1503, 9455, 9715, 11605, 11680, 12140
1430-1500 9455, 9715, 11605, 11680, 12140
2330-0030 7520, 11580, 11605, 13740, 15535, 15560

*Universal Time Code

E-mail your reception report to qsl@rfa.org, fill in the online form, or send it by regular mail to: Reception Reports

Radio Free Asia
2025 M Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036, USA
202-530-4900
contact@rfa.org

RTI is giving up to One Million NT$ for Internet Submession

2008-09-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Friends, RTI is giving up to One Million NT$ for Internet Submession. These days with the help of Internet any one can make radio programs . The “I Show” Webcast contest is aimed at promoting RTI’s online broadcasting in English and Japanese while interacting with worldwide listeners at the same time. The contest gives the public a chance to make an online radio program about Taiwan. Web users are invited to send their entries and be the judge of the contest! Winners will receive cash rewards and other prizes, and they might even have the chance to host English and Japanese programs for RTI!

Contest Rules:-
Eligibility

Anyone interested in radio production is welcome to join the contest regardless of nationality. However you must be an I’m Vlog member first.
Entry Format
(1)All entries must be either in English or Japanese.
(2)In your program you should introduce Taiwan to the rest of the world; suggested topics include food, politics, culture, travel, entertainment, literature, history, etc.
(3)About uploading your entry:
There is no limit to the number of entries per person. When you have finished creating your work, please upload it to the competition home page.

(4)Participation: All participants must apply for I’m Vlog membership online.

All participants must apply for I’m Vlog membership online.
(5)Evaluation Criteria:

Flow 20%, Creativity 20%, Content 40%, Language Fluency 20%

It is an opportunity that allows web users to make a radio program regardless of age or nationality.

As long as you speak fluent English or Japanese, the NT$500,000 cash award could be yours!

Prizes :----

For each of the three seasons, with separate prizes for English and Japanese entries.

English and Japanese：
First prize: NT$20,000
Second prize: NT$10,000
Third prize: NT$5,000
Shortlist prize (7): NT$3,000 each

There will be a souvenir prize for members whose entry receives the most online listeners during each season. Also, members who cast votes, upload programs and recommend entries are entitled to enter a lucky draw. See Prize
Note: each member is limited to one ballot per season. The button for voting will appear on the screen only after members finish listening to the whole program.

Final
Separate prizes will be awarded to English and Japanese entries.

English and Japanese：
First prize: NT$ 500,000
Second prize: NT$300,000
Third prize: NT$100,000
Honorable mention (3):NT$20,000 each
Best content prize: NT$10,000
Best web application prize: NT$10,000

There will be a souvenir prize for members whose entry receives the most online listeners during the previous three seasons. Also, members who cast votes, upload programs and recommend entries are entitled to enter a prize draw.

Note: only winners of the first three prizes and the seven candidates on the shortlist of each season qualify for the final. The judges will then choose the ten best entries among them and the total score will be decided by the numbers of viewers and the votes they receive.

For more info log on to : http://rti.im.tv/english/

or

http://www.rti.org.tw/

Monitoring Times Magazine

2008-09-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

A full-spectrum monthly magazine for the radio listener, Monitoring Times covers scanning, shortwave and other radio topics from below 500 kHz to 900 MHz and above. Presented in an easy-to-understand style by our experienced writing staff, we’ll help you get the most out of your time and your equipment with practical listening tips and frequencies.

Monitoring Times comes in two formats print & acrobet version.
You can order your copy of your Monitoring Times magazine from this website by checking right corners of this Blog

Radio Prague's Mail Box Quiz

2008-09-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Our September mystery Czech was born in 1926 in Ostrava, into a Jewish family. At age 13 he was among the hundreds of children rescued from Czechoslovakia by Sir Nicholas Winton. He studied at Oxford and later became one of the leading directors of the 1960s new wave of British cinema.
Please send us your answers to english@radio.cz or Radio Prague, 12099 Prague. Four of you who answer correctly will receive small gifts from Radio Prague. I’d like to point out that answers copied and pasted from internet sources, such as Wikipedia, will be disregarded unless the source is duly credited.

Radio Sweden Special 70th Birthday Broadcast

2008-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Radio Sweden Special 70th Birthday Broadcast
Live from Studio Five in Stockholm, Sweden

Ever since 1938 Radio Sweden has served as an important link between Swedenand the rest of the world. On Wednesday, September 3 we'll be celebratingour 70th birthday with special broadcasts, a panel discusion, and livemusic.Our first English broadcast of the day, at 12:30 hrs UTC, will be a liveprogram from Studio 5 at Broadcasting House in Stockholm. We'll be taking alook back at some of the major stories we've covered over the years, andtalking with many guests, including some wellknown Radio Sweden voices fromthe past.That will be followed by a special panel debate in Swedish with a number ofcultural and media personalities.The 14:00 hrs UTC Swedish broaadcast will also be live from Studio 5.The entire special program, from 12:30 to 16:30 hours UTC, will be carriedlive in a special web broadcast.So don't fail to join us to celebrate our 70th, Live from Studio Five.

Radio Sweden organize a special quix compitition which you can participate by log on to their website @ www.sr.se

DW Bengali , Urdu service Website Prizes Giveaway

2008-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

You can win exciting prizes each day by visiting & navigating DW Radio-Bengali website.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,,615,00.html

There will be some prize info etc hidden on a page or pages of website. One can win those/this each day by finding the place & then send the necessary info perhaps to DW Radio.Believe there will be instructions there.

Believe DW Radio-Show By Urdu is going to launch similar giveaway via its website soon.

DW Hindi service Website Prizes Giveaway !

2008-09-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

DW Radio-Hindi service is giving away exciting prizes each day for those who visits their website www.dw-world.de/hindi

There will be some prize info etc hidden on a page or pages of website. One can win those/this each day by finding the place & then send the necessary info perhaps to DW Radio.Believe there will be popup instructions there as soon as you find the link where the prize info is hidden.

DW Radio-Hindi servce is going to organise a Listeners Meet in India in October 2008.But the exact date & place of the meeting has not been yet decided.The listeners will be informed about it as soon as it has been decided.

RTI Frequencies all

2008-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Europe:-

UTC Frequency (meter band)

1800-1900 3965 (75.66)
2200-2300 15600 (19.23)

North America :-

UTC Frequency
0200-0300 9680 (30.99) Midwest
5950 (50.42) East Coast

0300-0400 5950 (50.42) West Coast
0700-0800 5950 (50.42) West Coast

Africa :-
UTC Frequency
1700-1800 15690 (19.12)

South America:-
UTC Frequency
0300-0400 15215 (19.71)

Southeast Asia:-
UTC Frequency
0300-0400 15320 (19.58)
1100-1200 7445 (40.29)

RTI contests for September 2008

2008-09-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Groove Zone :: Win a prize by telling us about the moon!

On September 14, Taiwanese people will gather together with friends and family to barbecue and gaze at the moon. That’s how people here celebrate the Moon Festival (which is also called the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now we’re offering you a chance to win a prize by telling us how the moon is viewed in your country. In 50 words or less, share with us a tradition, a story, or a poem about the moon. We’ll give prizes for the most interesting responses!

Details----
* In 50 words or less, tell us how the moon is viewed in your country. Be creative – the most interesting answers will be selected!

* Entries must be received before September 8. Winners will be announced on the September 13 Moon Festival edition of Groove Zone!

* Send entries to: PO BOX 123-199 / Taipei Taiwan, ROC

* Or email your entry to: androo@rti.org.tw (emails are preferred because postal mail often does not arrive on time!)
Thanks for listening to Groove Zone!

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Global Exchange September Topic

September topic:
Tell us about your comfort food..
What food brings you the best memories and good feelings?

Every month, we pose a new question to listeners as part of our Global Exchange segment. If we choose your letter to read on the air, you will receive a special RTI souvenir.

Send entries to natalie@rti.org.tw or to PO Box 24-38/ Taipei, Taiwan

RTI's New frequency for listeners in South Asia

2008-09-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Starting September 7th, RTI's transmission to South Asia will be changed from 15515 KHz to 11600 KHz.

QSL Card

2008-09-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

One of the interesting sides of DXing as a hobby is collecting QSL cards (acknowledgement cards from the broadcaster) confirming the listener's reception report (sometimes called SINPO report-see next section). QSL means Acknowledge Receipt in Radio term. Usually a QSL card will have a picture on one side and the reception data on the other. Most of the broadcasters will use pictures and messages indicating their country's culture or technological life. In fact these cards are much valuable compared to postal stamps collection of which has already became an international hobby.

What is S I N P O

2008-09-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

SINPO stands for the following quantities measured in a scale of 1 to 5 wherein the lowest indicates the least and highest number indicates most. S - Signal strength I- Interference with other stations or broadcasters N - Noise ratio in the received signal P - Propogation (ups and downs of the reception) O - Overall merit After some experience, anybody can compute these values by experience. Keep in mind that the broadcaster will be getting similar reports from other listeners from your area on the same programme you did listen.

After listening to a broadcast (usually from 30 minutes to 2 hours), the listener has to create a report with SINPO values, indicating her/his location (called QTH in amateur radio teminology) in Longitude and Latitude (or else, if you are in a popular town, can indicate that without worrying about the geographical location). A brief description of the programme listened to, listener's opinion about it, suggestions if any so on.

The listener can send the report to the broadcaster either by post or by E-mail indicating she/he expects a QSL from them.

Understanding Shotwave DXing

2008-09-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Listening to shortwave broadcast stations for news and information programming is common, but for many shortwave listeners (abbreviated as "SWLs"), the goal is to receive as many stations from as many countries as possible, also known as DXing. "DXers" routinely test the limits of their antenna systems, radios and radio propagation knowledge. Specialized interests of shortwave listeners may include listening for shortwave utility, or "ute", transmissions such as shipping, sailing, naval, aviation, or military signals, listening for intelligence signals (numbers stations), or tuning in amateur radio stations

In the 1930s, shortwave broadcasters from the United States consisted of several private stations. The idea was to use popular American radio programs to attract audiences overseas, and thus to bring advertising revenue. But foreign audiences were difficult to measure, and were not always relevant to U.S. advertisers. During this decade, new receivers appeared on the market as well as popular shortwave magazines and clubs. Shortwave stations often offered unique QSL cards for DXers.

In Europe, shortwave broadcasts from Britain and the Netherlands began in 1927, and U.S. shortwave listeners could hear the well-organized international broadcasting efforts from Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, Britain, and many other countries. Various well-known shortwave broadcasters became established. The BBC began as the "BBC Empire Service" in 1932 as a shortwave service.[3] Its broadcasts were aimed principally at English speakers. Radio Moscow was broadcasting on shortwave in English, French, German, Italian and Arabic by 1939. The Voice of America (or VOA) began broadcasting in 1942 as a result of the United States entry into World War Two and was introduced with the Yankee Doodle theme that is still familiar to shortwave listeners.

Shortwave listening remained as an organized hobby during the second world war, although in a reduced form, with so many DXers in the military service or working late hours in defense industries. Most shortwave receiver manufacturers shifted to the war effort, but Zenith began its popular multiband Trans-Oceanic series in 1942. In some other countries, during the war, listening to foreign stations was a criminal offense.

In the 1950s and 60s, shortwave DX columns in US magazines such as Popular Electronics "Tuning the Short Wave Bands" and Electronics Illustrated "The Listener" became news sources for serious radio listeners. Electronics Illustrated "WPE Monitor Registration" program begun in 1959 even offered "callsigns" to hobbyists. A number of specialty radio clubs such as the Newark News Radio Club also arose during these decades and provided hobbyists with an exchange of DX news and information. In the 1970s, Popular Electronics and similar magazines expanded coverage of other areas of electronics lead to the cancellation of several longtime shortwave listening columns.