** BRAZIL. 4880v, Sept 26 at 0340, horrible blob with some music, presumed Rdif. Roraima, which Dave Valko has also been hearing distorted and widely varying from 4873 up to as far as 4885 vs the next Brasilians, but tonight it`s far enough down not to bother 4885 at the moment. Nominally on 4877 per Aoki, 4878 per WRTH, but presumably supposedly licensed for 4875, ending in -5 like other 60m ZYs. Should be off after 0400 per Aoki (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CHAD [and non]. 6165, Sept 26 at 0101, RNT good signal but quite undermodulated in French, unimpeded by AWOL RHC, and still in clear at further chex 0106, 0115, and even 0132 (altho RHC English is on 6000). Another session at 0334 finds RHC still missing from 6165, but now there is a LAH, presumably CHAD with ZAMBIA, one of them playing hilife music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CUBA. 6060, Sept 26 at 0335, RHC Spanish is extremely strong, somewhat distorted and splattering up to plus/minus 15 kHz. In compensation, 6165 RHC English is completely off, clearing channel for Chad, q.v., and Zambia (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** DIEGO GARCIA. 12759-USB, Sept 26 at 0102, my almost-daily chex for AFN around this hour finally pay off: JBA broadcast-intoned talk. By 0116 it`s better with W&M talk, music bits; 0118 screaming SFX, 0120 song; 0122 stronger yet; 0124 guitar strums and announcement; 0128 music past 0130; 0131 YL DJ is almost readable, gives a couple phone numbers ``for more information`` about something; 0132 OM ID as ``AFN, Diego Garcia`` and also ``AFN, Diego Garcia news-brief``. 0134 another phone number, and I think all of them started with a 370-exchange [see below]; 0135 another song. (Sri Lanka is inbooming on 11905 now.)
This has been with the DX-398 on the porch, a short random wire antenna around the eaves plugged into it, same rig I was using when I heard DG last winter. It`s time to go back inside, and then at 0140 I check for same on the FRG-7 with much longer external wire, but cannot hear it, even after turning off a TV that was putting some hash right on the frequency.
As a result of contacting AFN HQ in LA last week about GUAM missing, I also got in direct contact with the manager of AFN Diego Garcia, Greg Badger. I got a preply from him due to a cc from HQ before I had even written direct:
``Glenn, Glad you are enjoying the SW service out of DG. Always happy to hear about our long range listeners! I will pass that on to my DJs.
V/R
MCC(EXW/SW/NAO)Greg Badger
Station Manager
American Forces Network Diego Garcia
DSN: 315-370-3680
COM: 011-246-370-3680
PSC 466 BOX 14
FPO AP 96595
Like us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/AFN-Diego-Garcia/200133586714459
``
So on Sept 17 resent my report from last February:
``Greg, Thanks for your preply. Here is the report from last February 12 I tried to send but did not have a working e-mail address. Would appreciate a detailed confirmation, QSL if you have one. Since then I have hardly heard your station at all, tho I frequently check for it around the same time. One of these days --- Best wishes, Glenn Hauser`` Viz.:
``AFN shortwave heard in Oklahoma
Hello AFN Diego Garcia,
I have been wanting to hear your station for a long time, and have just succeeded here in Oklahoma.
Your night frequency 4319-USB just does not make it, blocked by interference. So I am glad I checked your other frequency. What time does it start?
Fairly weak but readable signal on 12759-USB, February 12 from tune-in at 0102 UT during news, mentioned US Army, not sure if from AFN or AP.
At 0107 pop music was playing, 0109 woman DJ says ``welcome back`` and promises weather forecast and this day in history later. More pop music, including rap past 0114.
0118, time check as ``currently 7:18``; this is [couldn`t copy name] on the Morning Maintenance [? sounded like, program name?]; phone number 374-4421 for something; weather coming up in a couple minutes.
0119, AFN TV promo for The Big Loser, Hawaii 5-0, premiere of film ``Lincoln`` this weekend (already?? we should be so fortunate on free TV Stateside), refer to online TV program schedule.
0120, PSA about smoking ONLY in designated areas
0121, weather forecast, including: overcast, 90% rain probability, hi 88, lo 76, winds 20-25 kts, and mentioned Diego Garcia
0122, music resumes ...
Reception peaked about SINPO 25433. There was no interference at all.
Receiver DX-398, which has 40-Hz tuning steps on SSB.
Antenna: maybe 40 feet of wire strung under eaves of my porch.
I was sitting outside in 44 degree weather before snowstorm expected later tonight. I would very much appreciate a QSL card or verification letter if you find my report correct, to:
Glenn Hauser
P O Box 1684
Enid OK 73702
I produce the WORLD OF RADIO program each week and will be mentioning this reception on the next show.
Details of my log will also be published on the internet in several hours, so please watch our for any possibly phony reports strongly resembling my details. I have already tipped off my DX Listening Digest yahoogroup subscribers that your signal is coming in over here tonight.
Which of your AM or FM stations are we hearing on SW? Could you provide a schedule of exactly when you have local programming on SW rather than Los Angeles feeds?
Many thanks, Glenn Hauser (veteran, once worked at American Forces Thailand Network)
PS. A perhaps odd question: I have a correspondent in Portugal who insists that the correct name of the island is Diogo Garcia, since that was the spelling of the original Portuguese discoverer. And spelling it Diego represents undue Spanish influence. Is this common knowledge over there?``
He sent this reply Sept 20:
``Glenn, I don't have a QSL, honestly had to look it up to know what it is. What type of information is needed in a letter? The list of events you wrote fall in line with our broadcast, the weather, the PSA, and the cut to AP news is right inline with our program.
Our live DJs are on from 0600-1400 M-F and Sat 0800-1200 Diego Garcia time which is GMT+6. [= 0000-0800 UT M-F, 0200-0600 UT Sat]
The station you hear was one of our FM stations "Power 99" FM 99.1.
The Air Force here broadcasts the SW signal so I am trying to get a point of contact to ask about your frequencies and tuning comments, as well as find out if they broadcast the signal 24/7. I do not have any SW experience; I didn't realize your antenna had to be 40 feet long.
The broadcasting of TV shows, in regards to your comment about the airing of "Lincoln" is done through an agreement with several networks. They provide free products to military stations overseas only. There are no stateside recipients of that programming. As well as the programming has to be civilian commercial free. We (AFN stations) create PSA that have information for local military events, messages, and such to keep the members informed of their local happenings. We also stress areas of focus when needed, such as motorcycle safety.
For your Portugal question: I have never heard or seen Diego Garcia spelled any other way since I have been on the island (10 months). I have been over to the old coconut plantation (built in the 1800s) and did not seen any signs with a different spelling. Though the signs that are posted are fairly recent (less then 50 years).
I applaud your dedication with sitting outside on a cold day and thank you for your service! Thanks, Greg``
I`ll explain to him more about QSLing and let him know of this new reception (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ETHIOPIA. 5950, Sept 26 at 0338, HOA music, fair signal, announcement, presumed V. of Tigray Revolution as scheduled from 0300; not a problem now that WYFR has done away with R. Taiwan relay and also with itself. (However, watch out for Iran in Pashto at 0230-0330 on same, which should be propagating better with later sunrises, local time being 6-7 am.) (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** INDIA. 11740 & 11985, Sept 26 not checked until 0100, AIR is messed up again tonight after succeeding in running in // 24 hours earlier: now, 11740 is in music, presumably Sinhala service, while 11985 is open carrier with tone and hum; still the same at 0105. Both good strength with flutter (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PERU. 5980, Sept 26 at 0101, R. Chaski carrier with some talk and music modulation audible, until cutoff at 0105:11.5* which is 5.5 seconds later than yesterday in the inexorable march toward resetting before reaching 0106 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SOMALILAND. 7120, Sept 26 at 0329 open AM carrier vs CW and SSB QRhaM; by 0331 talk modulation has started from R. Hargeisa, but it`s quite nondescript and weak; still in at 0343. Had been missing since Sept 5, but resumed Sept 24 as heard by Kouji Hashimoto and Ron Howard at other dayparts (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SOUTH AFRICA. 5980, Sept 26 at 0338, interview in African-accented English, then better-enunciated YL host with 22:6 CAT timecheck on `Africa Rise & Shine` from Channel Africa; fair (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SRI LANKA. 11905, Sept 26 at 0124, SLBC VG but fluttery with subcontinental music, Hindi service; only a quick check away from DIEGO GARCIA q.v., so can`t be sure SLBC wasn`t cutting off and on again tonight (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SUDAN. 7205, Sept 26 at 0333, good signal somewhat undermodulated, music and talk in Arabic, from Omdurman; SSB QRhaM (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** TURKEY. 9670, Sept 26 at 0103, someone is putting a motorboating spurblob here, nor very strong, but certainly new. Seems like there is another one sounding the same but underneath CRI/Cuba 9580. Tuning further up the band, there is a big one on 9745, and also on 9770 mixed with V. of Turkey Spanish service. Also a weak one about like 9670, on 9795. No others heard up to 10000. Since 9745 and 9795 are both 25 kHz from 9770, I have to suspect that Emirler is the source of this mess. (Cairo is just an open carrier on 9720, and the 9965 signal is relatively clean tonight with tone.)
9870 is the // VOT Spanish frequency from same site, but it is blobless, mixing only with AIR VBS as usual. So 9670 is a leapfrog of 9870 over 9770, but that doesn`t explain 9580 (maybe not really involved), with no match either on 9960, nor is another leap onto 9970 audible. But the blobs for sure on 9670, 9745, 9770 and 9795 are plenty already! They continue past 0130 in the 1-hour broadcast (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. WORLD OF RADIO 1688: first airing on WRMI, UT Thursday Sept 26 at 0330: confirmed on 9955, starting at 0331:10, vs Cuban pulse jamming, at first about equal to it, by 0343 nothing much but the jamming. Tnx a lot, Arnie!
Next: Thu 2100 on WTWW-1 9479; UT Fri 0330v on WWRB 5050; UT Sat 0200v on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB; Sat 0630 & 1430 on HLR 7265-CUSB; Sat 1500 on WRMI 9955; Sat 2330 on WTWW-2 9930; UT Sun 0400 on WTWW-1 5830 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 5890 & 5935, Sept 26 at 0339, WWCR, which is blasting in earlier in the evening and sometimes later, now is quite weakened and ``hollow``; yet 5830 WTWW, only a few miles further away is still inbooming. Can it be that there is something really inferior about WWCR`s power and/or antenna system? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A [non]. 15260, Sept 25 at 1905, YL in Arabic, fair signal, better than very poor Kuwait today on 15540, and OOFSOB (one of few stations on band); not sure what until undozed from nap at 1928 to hear ``Huna Idha`at`` something, then mentioning Adventist World Radio. WRTH doesn`t provide any language IDs in the listings under UK, but Aoki shows in A-13 that this 19-20 Arabic is via Nauen, GERMANY. If you hear AWR on 15260 it`s elsefrom: 1600-1630 Urdu via Austria; 22-24 Chinese via Guam (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. TA carrier search, Sept 26 at 0055-0058 UT, before getting down to SW business, DX-398 on the porch: JBAs on 783, 882, 1053, 1521 kHz (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 4710, Sept 26 at 0058, JBA carrier as I start stepping thru the 60m band. It seems the 3 x 1570 Spanish harmonic that Dave Valko, PA and Bob Wilkner, FL have been hearing before sunrise is also on the air in the evenings. Plenty of possibilities without any further clews, likely from Mexico, Caribbean, Central America or near South America, if not axually domestic USA (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CHAD [and non]. 6165, Sept 26 at 0101, RNT good signal but quite undermodulated in French, unimpeded by AWOL RHC, and still in clear at further chex 0106, 0115, and even 0132 (altho RHC English is on 6000). Another session at 0334 finds RHC still missing from 6165, but now there is a LAH, presumably CHAD with ZAMBIA, one of them playing hilife music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CUBA. 6060, Sept 26 at 0335, RHC Spanish is extremely strong, somewhat distorted and splattering up to plus/minus 15 kHz. In compensation, 6165 RHC English is completely off, clearing channel for Chad, q.v., and Zambia (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** DIEGO GARCIA. 12759-USB, Sept 26 at 0102, my almost-daily chex for AFN around this hour finally pay off: JBA broadcast-intoned talk. By 0116 it`s better with W&M talk, music bits; 0118 screaming SFX, 0120 song; 0122 stronger yet; 0124 guitar strums and announcement; 0128 music past 0130; 0131 YL DJ is almost readable, gives a couple phone numbers ``for more information`` about something; 0132 OM ID as ``AFN, Diego Garcia`` and also ``AFN, Diego Garcia news-brief``. 0134 another phone number, and I think all of them started with a 370-exchange [see below]; 0135 another song. (Sri Lanka is inbooming on 11905 now.)
This has been with the DX-398 on the porch, a short random wire antenna around the eaves plugged into it, same rig I was using when I heard DG last winter. It`s time to go back inside, and then at 0140 I check for same on the FRG-7 with much longer external wire, but cannot hear it, even after turning off a TV that was putting some hash right on the frequency.
As a result of contacting AFN HQ in LA last week about GUAM missing, I also got in direct contact with the manager of AFN Diego Garcia, Greg Badger. I got a preply from him due to a cc from HQ before I had even written direct:
``Glenn, Glad you are enjoying the SW service out of DG. Always happy to hear about our long range listeners! I will pass that on to my DJs.
V/R
MCC(EXW/SW/NAO)Greg Badger
Station Manager
American Forces Network Diego Garcia
DSN: 315-370-3680
COM: 011-246-370-3680
PSC 466 BOX 14
FPO AP 96595
Like us on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/AFN-Diego-Garcia/200133586714459
``
So on Sept 17 resent my report from last February:
``Greg, Thanks for your preply. Here is the report from last February 12 I tried to send but did not have a working e-mail address. Would appreciate a detailed confirmation, QSL if you have one. Since then I have hardly heard your station at all, tho I frequently check for it around the same time. One of these days --- Best wishes, Glenn Hauser`` Viz.:
``AFN shortwave heard in Oklahoma
Hello AFN Diego Garcia,
I have been wanting to hear your station for a long time, and have just succeeded here in Oklahoma.
Your night frequency 4319-USB just does not make it, blocked by interference. So I am glad I checked your other frequency. What time does it start?
Fairly weak but readable signal on 12759-USB, February 12 from tune-in at 0102 UT during news, mentioned US Army, not sure if from AFN or AP.
At 0107 pop music was playing, 0109 woman DJ says ``welcome back`` and promises weather forecast and this day in history later. More pop music, including rap past 0114.
0118, time check as ``currently 7:18``; this is [couldn`t copy name] on the Morning Maintenance [? sounded like, program name?]; phone number 374-4421 for something; weather coming up in a couple minutes.
0119, AFN TV promo for The Big Loser, Hawaii 5-0, premiere of film ``Lincoln`` this weekend (already?? we should be so fortunate on free TV Stateside), refer to online TV program schedule.
0120, PSA about smoking ONLY in designated areas
0121, weather forecast, including: overcast, 90% rain probability, hi 88, lo 76, winds 20-25 kts, and mentioned Diego Garcia
0122, music resumes ...
Reception peaked about SINPO 25433. There was no interference at all.
Receiver DX-398, which has 40-Hz tuning steps on SSB.
Antenna: maybe 40 feet of wire strung under eaves of my porch.
I was sitting outside in 44 degree weather before snowstorm expected later tonight. I would very much appreciate a QSL card or verification letter if you find my report correct, to:
Glenn Hauser
P O Box 1684
Enid OK 73702
I produce the WORLD OF RADIO program each week and will be mentioning this reception on the next show.
Details of my log will also be published on the internet in several hours, so please watch our for any possibly phony reports strongly resembling my details. I have already tipped off my DX Listening Digest yahoogroup subscribers that your signal is coming in over here tonight.
Which of your AM or FM stations are we hearing on SW? Could you provide a schedule of exactly when you have local programming on SW rather than Los Angeles feeds?
Many thanks, Glenn Hauser (veteran, once worked at American Forces Thailand Network)
PS. A perhaps odd question: I have a correspondent in Portugal who insists that the correct name of the island is Diogo Garcia, since that was the spelling of the original Portuguese discoverer. And spelling it Diego represents undue Spanish influence. Is this common knowledge over there?``
He sent this reply Sept 20:
``Glenn, I don't have a QSL, honestly had to look it up to know what it is. What type of information is needed in a letter? The list of events you wrote fall in line with our broadcast, the weather, the PSA, and the cut to AP news is right inline with our program.
Our live DJs are on from 0600-1400 M-F and Sat 0800-1200 Diego Garcia time which is GMT+6. [= 0000-0800 UT M-F, 0200-0600 UT Sat]
The station you hear was one of our FM stations "Power 99" FM 99.1.
The Air Force here broadcasts the SW signal so I am trying to get a point of contact to ask about your frequencies and tuning comments, as well as find out if they broadcast the signal 24/7. I do not have any SW experience; I didn't realize your antenna had to be 40 feet long.
The broadcasting of TV shows, in regards to your comment about the airing of "Lincoln" is done through an agreement with several networks. They provide free products to military stations overseas only. There are no stateside recipients of that programming. As well as the programming has to be civilian commercial free. We (AFN stations) create PSA that have information for local military events, messages, and such to keep the members informed of their local happenings. We also stress areas of focus when needed, such as motorcycle safety.
For your Portugal question: I have never heard or seen Diego Garcia spelled any other way since I have been on the island (10 months). I have been over to the old coconut plantation (built in the 1800s) and did not seen any signs with a different spelling. Though the signs that are posted are fairly recent (less then 50 years).
I applaud your dedication with sitting outside on a cold day and thank you for your service! Thanks, Greg``
I`ll explain to him more about QSLing and let him know of this new reception (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ETHIOPIA. 5950, Sept 26 at 0338, HOA music, fair signal, announcement, presumed V. of Tigray Revolution as scheduled from 0300; not a problem now that WYFR has done away with R. Taiwan relay and also with itself. (However, watch out for Iran in Pashto at 0230-0330 on same, which should be propagating better with later sunrises, local time being 6-7 am.) (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** INDIA. 11740 & 11985, Sept 26 not checked until 0100, AIR is messed up again tonight after succeeding in running in // 24 hours earlier: now, 11740 is in music, presumably Sinhala service, while 11985 is open carrier with tone and hum; still the same at 0105. Both good strength with flutter (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PERU. 5980, Sept 26 at 0101, R. Chaski carrier with some talk and music modulation audible, until cutoff at 0105:11.5* which is 5.5 seconds later than yesterday in the inexorable march toward resetting before reaching 0106 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SOMALILAND. 7120, Sept 26 at 0329 open AM carrier vs CW and SSB QRhaM; by 0331 talk modulation has started from R. Hargeisa, but it`s quite nondescript and weak; still in at 0343. Had been missing since Sept 5, but resumed Sept 24 as heard by Kouji Hashimoto and Ron Howard at other dayparts (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SOUTH AFRICA. 5980, Sept 26 at 0338, interview in African-accented English, then better-enunciated YL host with 22:6 CAT timecheck on `Africa Rise & Shine` from Channel Africa; fair (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SRI LANKA. 11905, Sept 26 at 0124, SLBC VG but fluttery with subcontinental music, Hindi service; only a quick check away from DIEGO GARCIA q.v., so can`t be sure SLBC wasn`t cutting off and on again tonight (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SUDAN. 7205, Sept 26 at 0333, good signal somewhat undermodulated, music and talk in Arabic, from Omdurman; SSB QRhaM (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** TURKEY. 9670, Sept 26 at 0103, someone is putting a motorboating spurblob here, nor very strong, but certainly new. Seems like there is another one sounding the same but underneath CRI/Cuba 9580. Tuning further up the band, there is a big one on 9745, and also on 9770 mixed with V. of Turkey Spanish service. Also a weak one about like 9670, on 9795. No others heard up to 10000. Since 9745 and 9795 are both 25 kHz from 9770, I have to suspect that Emirler is the source of this mess. (Cairo is just an open carrier on 9720, and the 9965 signal is relatively clean tonight with tone.)
9870 is the // VOT Spanish frequency from same site, but it is blobless, mixing only with AIR VBS as usual. So 9670 is a leapfrog of 9870 over 9770, but that doesn`t explain 9580 (maybe not really involved), with no match either on 9960, nor is another leap onto 9970 audible. But the blobs for sure on 9670, 9745, 9770 and 9795 are plenty already! They continue past 0130 in the 1-hour broadcast (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. WORLD OF RADIO 1688: first airing on WRMI, UT Thursday Sept 26 at 0330: confirmed on 9955, starting at 0331:10, vs Cuban pulse jamming, at first about equal to it, by 0343 nothing much but the jamming. Tnx a lot, Arnie!
Next: Thu 2100 on WTWW-1 9479; UT Fri 0330v on WWRB 5050; UT Sat 0200v on Area 51 via WBCQ 5110v-CUSB; Sat 0630 & 1430 on HLR 7265-CUSB; Sat 1500 on WRMI 9955; Sat 2330 on WTWW-2 9930; UT Sun 0400 on WTWW-1 5830 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 5890 & 5935, Sept 26 at 0339, WWCR, which is blasting in earlier in the evening and sometimes later, now is quite weakened and ``hollow``; yet 5830 WTWW, only a few miles further away is still inbooming. Can it be that there is something really inferior about WWCR`s power and/or antenna system? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A [non]. 15260, Sept 25 at 1905, YL in Arabic, fair signal, better than very poor Kuwait today on 15540, and OOFSOB (one of few stations on band); not sure what until undozed from nap at 1928 to hear ``Huna Idha`at`` something, then mentioning Adventist World Radio. WRTH doesn`t provide any language IDs in the listings under UK, but Aoki shows in A-13 that this 19-20 Arabic is via Nauen, GERMANY. If you hear AWR on 15260 it`s elsefrom: 1600-1630 Urdu via Austria; 22-24 Chinese via Guam (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. TA carrier search, Sept 26 at 0055-0058 UT, before getting down to SW business, DX-398 on the porch: JBAs on 783, 882, 1053, 1521 kHz (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 4710, Sept 26 at 0058, JBA carrier as I start stepping thru the 60m band. It seems the 3 x 1570 Spanish harmonic that Dave Valko, PA and Bob Wilkner, FL have been hearing before sunrise is also on the air in the evenings. Plenty of possibilities without any further clews, likely from Mexico, Caribbean, Central America or near South America, if not axually domestic USA (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
