Sunday, October 31, 2010

Shortwave America Presents: Halloween Fun!

Nothing radio related today, as SWA takes a Halloween break to be with family. For your listening pleasure, Shortwave America presents classic Halloween nostalgia from the old radio days. Last evening, PCJ Media aired war Of The Worlds on WRMI, and for those of you who were as frustrated as this author was about having to download a file to enable the "listen live" function at WRMI's site, fear not! War Of The Worlds in seven parts and other neat Halloween stuff is just below:

War Of The Worlds Part 1

War Of The Worlds Part 2

War Of The Worlds Part 3

War Of The Worlds Part 4

War Of The Worlds Part 5

War Of The Worlds Part 6

War Of The Worlds Part 7

Cyndi Lauper: Goonies R Good Enough, LIVE!

Cyndi Lauper: Goonies R Good Enough original video featuring Captain Lou Albano, Rowdy Roddy Piper, The Iron Sheik, and The Bolsheviks. This talent appears in the video courtesy of the World Wrestling Federation. 

Horror Sounds

1950's Halloween Radio Show: Bing Crosby with Boris Karloff (Part 1)


Part 2 of the above 1950's Radio Show featuring Bing Crosby with Boris Karlov


What would Halloween be without the old classic, Night Of The Living Dead!?!? 

This old George Romero movie is in 17 parts, so only the above link will be provided and you can follow the other links all the way through. Have a safe & fun Halloween everyone!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Shortwave America Special Focus: Broadcasting For Freedom - The People Of Iran - Part 3

In part one of this series, Shortwave America interviewed Canadian Broadcaster, Shabnam Assadollahi who came back to this publication in part 2 as a guest with her interview of the Senior Economic Advisor to the E.U. 


Shortwave America now brings you part 3 of this special series focusing on communications freedom in Iran, and how it apples to the human rights of those who must live under the rule of an extremist regime. This is a combined interview with two of the three expected guests in this specific portion of the series. 

Speaking now with Shortwave America is Homayoun Mobasseri:


Iranians are peaceful people and among the Muslim countries of middle east Iran has the highest number of university graduates per capita, like most people of the world they want to provide a better life and future for their children, suppression of communication has enabled the regime to carry out their evil doings for example the mass killings of the prisoners of conscious back in Sept. 1988 and to some estimates it is in the range of 30000 to 100, 000 people which they were buried in mass graves that the most famous one is Khavaran and no one knows how many are buried there.

Iranians have been struggling for individual rights for a long time and their first achievement was the first European style constitution of 1905 with the help of some of the religious leaders but soon the repressive religious leaders and Mohammad Shah the king of the time had a coup which was later crushed by the people and constitution was reinstated and ever since it has been a battle between the progressives and regressive forces of the community.

The regime has taken lessons how they used the shortwave radio and flow of information to combat the previous regime and they are fully aware of the power of the media and as they are preachers themselves they know who ever has the access and control of flow of information is the ultimate winner, that is why they want an do control the airwaves by using jamming equipments and we know there are certain wavelengths that they have problems in jamming, but we should not volunteer this info publicly.

Iranian people have listened to propaganda of the regime for the past 31 years and are fed up and tired of one way propaganda that everything that regime is doing is good , holistic and everything opposition no matter how mild or harsh is doing is evil, and at the same time opposition radio and satellite TV stations are saying exactly opposite, and people have lost their trust at both ends, each party is painting the other as evil, So many Iranians are hungry for real life solutions and guidance and I believe here comes the role that short wave stations could play; The main objective of these station should to educate the people of Iran on the significance of human rights in society, to facilitate a better understanding of the interdependence between the responsibilities of citizens toward each other and the freedoms and democratic rights of the individual. 

The programmers should provide regular coverage of those issues which may impact on the entitlements and rights of people in Iranian society, to demonstrate how, in a modern civil society, the human rights of citizens are not conditional upon ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social class and/or political beliefs. Coverage should include discussions on the ways in which, in other societies, the development of effective institutions designed to protect human rights has impacted on social cohesion, economic development and a stable foreign policy. In the process, the role of the state and the relationship between the state and citizens to be explored.


Iran is a multi - ethnic and multi - religious and beliefs, unfortunately there are no official data and the official figures which are available are heavily distorted, but by looking at the above map one could construct the heavy presence of Sunni Muslims, that are Kurdish, Baluchi, Turkmen and Bandari , etc

Almost about 1/4 ~ 1/3 are non shiites but the current regime likes to impose their will on every body and they think that they have a mandate to convert everyone to their way of thinking which is not shared by the silent majority.Iranian Islamic leadership has no influence on other Muslims by the religion since it is on the minority itself but is trying and has been successful in modeling in Palestinian / Israeli issue by spending money and financing the most radicals, and Hamas people they do not share the same religion but Lebanon Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiites have the same religion, if Iran becomes a free society it would be a beacon of freedom for the entire region.

Now, please welcome to Shortwave America, Dr. Mehrdad Emadi, Senior Economic Adviser to The E.U. in this exclusive interview with Shortwave America on 27 October 2010: 

                                                                        
                                                                    
Mehr, you recently spoke with Shabnam Assadollahi about how sanctions might impact Iran, the Seppah, and opportunities for private sector business to see growth to become independent from the Iranian regime. Part of that growth would be best served if communications for the people were included by way of shortwave radio reception not directed or censored by the government. Do you see this happening? 


"To broaden this sort of explanation that you just gave which is accurate, the more appropriate response would be that the more unsanctioned information we can transmit will increase awareness of the economic situation and crisis, and at the end of the day it will expedite the process of change. Naturally it will also deepen awareness of the unfolding crisis, which by the way is not just instigated by sanctions but also by the economic situation which is corrupt and also corrupting."


What will it take for the growth of communications freedom in Iran to become a reality?


"One is to not be shy about what are the changes which Iran needs to introduce in it's system. to become once again a full member of the international community."


What obstacles are faced between the current reality and the dream of independent democracy for the people under rule of the regime to freely communicate with each other as well as communicate with others outside of Iran?


"I could categorize these: there has to be a significant improvement in the transparency of Iran government. That would help the system to become more accountable. The second one would be to tell the regime that with any rights, like the right to nuclear energy or international banking, there comes responsibilities also. The two are interconnected. If you have access and assistance to energy programs, you also have responsibility to how you are going to use that peacefully. and not weaponize it. The same thing is important about banking, if you are unconnected to international banking you should do the best you can to discourage money laundering activities."


In the face of all of this, do you see the use of government licensed amateur radio stations as a beginning to freedom of communications? 


"I think it will be a very important step towards liberalizing the system and empowering citizen democracy. I do genuinely believe even if we have the occasional lemon ya know, radio station, stations that are not always positive in their contribution. Then the net effect will be the positive one for a democratic society. The effects will be more than compensated by good cases."


How can these licensed private citizens use the radio communications art to build relationships between themselves and everyone else that would have to be part of the building process in this context?


"I think we really need to look at the licensing structure and probably extensive intervention regulations which have given all authority and power to officials, and very little to community level or community based broadcasts. 


This is only my personal view at this point, but I think the rise of corporate ownership in media has been very counterproductive instead of democratization in our society." 


Mehr, it has been great to have you here for Shortwave America. As you know, us Americans are first and foremost about freedom of speech and the freedom to obtain information and communicate between ourselves and the rest of the world. The time you have taken is so very appreciated, and the hope is that this will make it's rounds among the Iranian people in their movement towards freedom. 


Mehr: "It has been a pleasure!"


Dear Readers, this closes the series on communications freedom in Iran with it's in depth look at the differences between the regime who takes from it's people, the everyday culture of the people, and their struggle for the right to enjoy incoming & outgoing communications based on shortwave broadcasting and the use of licensed amateur radio as something of a start towards effecting change.

Special thanks goes to Shabnam Assadollahi, CHIN Radio Canada,  Homayoun Mobasseri, and The Honorbale Mehrdad Emadi - Senior Economic Adviser Of The European Union (E.U.). 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Two Exciting Items From PCJ Media


PCJ Media Presents War of The Worlds as originally aired. This will take place on Oct 30th, 2010 At 0:00UTC, on 9955Khz. What better Halloween treat could us radio addicts ask for? 


 This item from the PCJ Media Archives is for those of you who enjoy a good conspiracy story. CJAD aired a piece about Montreal, Canada, being the target of a major terror plot. Listen HERE 

Friday, October 15, 2010

History Of The California Repeater Wars - Part 1

Shortwave America was listening to the Los Angeles "Renegade Repeater" 147.435, on 10-10-2010. Given the date and the history of this repeater, it was no surprise to hear the group ripping on some younger guy named "Danny". One man in the conversation kept referencing how illegal it is to threaten a "County Employee" and accused "Danny" of threatening him. It is important that this author say that no threats were made during the time spent listening. The only thing heard was lots of unorthodox operation, swearing, and jamming.

This whole mess continued on into the early morning hours of 10-11-2010.

The funniest part of this whole skirmish was when they questioned "Danny's" food certification for working at Red Robin. At 5:03AM Central time, a jammer was heard playing a 435 user in a repeating loop recording saying "Yeah, I don't think Danny's ever heard of Homeland Security, everyone's connected to that, he'll learn."

It needs to be said that SWA is a stern advocate for professional operation, and has also learned that some repeater owners/trustees in the U.S. allow unorthodox operation to occur which doesn't always mean that an FCC violation is occurring because no one is truly being offended by the on-air antics of the repeater users. 
It's all just one big act to be honest. Shortwave America became curious about how this group of amateurs came to be. A nice thread at QRZ was found:

WA6ITF quoted from a QRZ thread on the subject:

"The rules violations began back in 1978 on the .435 repeater (when it was still reversed channel from today) with the formation of the now long defunct ham radio political movement known as "Underground Radio." The stated purpose of "UGR" as it called itself was: "...to free repeater users from the totalitarian rules imposed by repeater owner operators using any means at its disposal..."

Since there were few rules on the .435 repeater nobody ever figured out why it began there -- but it did. And from a small central core of a dozen or so whose calls are long forgotten -- there began an all-out war against every 2 meter repeater within the LA - San Diego RF corridor that lasted close to 4 years.

UGR formed "attack squads" that would show up on repeaters, jam out QSO's with high power mobile or remote base radios and leave as suddenly as they appeared.

One repeater -- the old K6MYK machine owned by the late Art Gentry (W6MEP) -- the person generally credited with inventing the first practical ham radio repeater -- converted his machine from a repeater to a 24 / 7 code practice channel. Others fought back in kind by invading .435 and jamming the stations who had jammed their repeaters.

By '82 many of us had simply abandoned 2 meter FM -- going to 222 or 440. 222 was of little interest to UGR and they seemed to be scared to try to tangle with those on 440. In that day and age a ham did not dare to show up on a 440 repeater without a specific invitation to use the band as issued by its then inhabitants. In fact, the local retailers were quite reticent to sell the average ham a 70cm radio for fear of reprisal from the 440 community. Actually, its a lot more complex than that -- but it would take pages to go into full detail.

So UGR stayed on 2 meters and harassed any group it pleased. But one day they made the mistake of taking on the '76'ers -- the group that had for decades kept repeaters off of 146.76 MHz simplex-only and considered it their own private channel. When the UGR folks showed up on .76 they were literally met with what one could equate as an organized military response. UGR never again showed up on 146.76 -- likely in fear of their personal safety. (.76 was a closed community detailed in "The Chronicles of .76" as authored by the late Kendal Webster Sessions, K6MVH. It had its own society, its own rules and even its own police force known as the Seven Six Secret Service or SSSS.)

But the real downfall of the UGR movement was when it went up against the DX Club repeater. A group of very wealthy doctors, lawyers, bankers, film industry executives and the like who had the "connections" to force the issue. It also had a hard-bitten attorney, the late Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, who had personal contacts at the level of the U.S. Congress. Within weeks of UGR's assault on the DX Club repeater, Merdler made a trip to Washington to meet with Rep, Jim Corman. Within a month of that meeting the local LA FCC office had begun targeting hams breaking the rules -- especially those identified as members of UGR. I still recall being at the ARRL SW Division Banquet in 1980 when the then ARRL Division Director introduced two Federal agents who in turn announced the arrest earlier that day of one of the most blatant violators. By late 1982 UGR was gone but the toll it took on 2 meter FM operation likely will never be accurately assessed.

But the remnants of UGR hung around on .435 but as long as they stayed there nobody cared. Just as long as they stayed off everyone else's repeater -- all was well in the world. Those there now -- whomever they are -- are there because they cannot operate elsewhere in the unorthodox style -- the dame as their predecessors. To out of town'ers who hear it on the Internet and to newcomers who hear it for the first time -- live -- it tends to be upsetting. But once people understand the "unofficial truce" that exists, it just becomes a way of life.

In the end I think its safe to say that its there because the overall SoCal ham community might consider it an eyesore; might in public demand it be taken off the air -- but in reality would rather have it in one place rather than all across the 2 meter band.

Oh yes: Hundreds of hours of tape exist from this period. I have several dozen hours here -- somewhere. Maybe one day Ill try to find the box with the cassettes. I suspect that the voices will be different but the conversations will be about the same."

Shortwave America spoke with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF after viewing this comment and asked him to dig up the tapes. The following transcript was the result of an E-Mail reply sent to Shortwave America by Bill Pasternak:

"Most of the story of .435 -- Underground Radio and its followers is what was posted.  More detail can be found in late 1979 and early to mid 1980's issues of 73 Magazine which I wrote for back then.  Look for the column titled "Looking West."

One thing not mentioned in the posting was the work of the late attorney Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, in trying to stem the tide of this organized interference and through him the involvement of former US Congressman James Corman (D. Cal) that forced the issue with the FCC.  (When a US Congressman demands a meeting with an agency, his wants become an urgent priority.)  For his work, Merdler was awarded

As Ive said before:  The real downfall of the UGR movement was when it went up against the DX Club repeater. A group of very wealthy doctors, lawyers, bankers, film industry executives and the like who had the "connections" to force the issue. It also had a hard-bitten attorney, the late Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, who had personal contacts at the level of the U.S. Congress.

Within weeks of UGR's assault on the DX Club repeater, Merdler made a trip to Washington to meet with Rep, Jim Corman. Within a month of that meeting the local LA FCC office had begun targeting hams breaking the rules -- especially those identified as members of UGR. I still recall being at the ARRL SW Division Banquet in 1980 when the then ARRL Division Director introduced two Federal agents who in turn announced the arrest earlier that day of one of the most blatant violators.

But the UGR fought back -- and did so with overt violence.  As noted above, Joe Merdler was both an attorney and ham radio activist leading the fight against UGR and other copycat groups that had formed.  One morning he was awoken by the fire department responding to a report of a lawn fire at his North Hollywood home. What was burning were three foot high crosses on his lawn The incident made national news on all 3 TV networks. It was widely believed that the crosses were a warning from Underground Radio to Merdler to "..back away or else..." Merdler would not back away but did take the precaution of getting a permit to carry a concealed weapon and never left home without it after that incident.

A few weeks later, another person believed to be a UGR member attempted to force Joe off the road and into the barrier of the Hollywood Freeway.  The antenna-laden pick-up truck with no license plates (as described to me by Joe) was going to try to do whats now called a PIT maneuver and force Joe to crash.  Joe was driving a full sized Cadillac with a "big ass" engine.  As the guy tried to ram Joe, he simply accelerated (again -- that big V8) and the pick-up was what hit the separator.  There were no cellphones back then so Joe asked another ham to call thew CHP to report the incident, but by the time the CHP arrived, the pick-up and its occupant were gone.  Joe said he stopped on his way home at the North Hollywood PD Station and filed a report.

In addition to fighting jamming, Joe was an avid DXer, has also been practicing law for 16 years, and combines his profession and hobby well. He is President of the Personal Communications Foundation, Legal Advisor to the Two Meter Spectrum Management Association, an Assistant Director for the ARRL Southwestern Division, and an Advanced Class licensee. My take is that Joe would likely still be leading the fight against jammers if he had not suffered a fatal heart attack in January of 1996.

By late 1982 UGR was gone but the toll it took on 2 meter FM operation likely will never be accurately assessed. But the remnants of UGR hung around on .435 and as long as they stayed there nobody cared. Just as long as they stayed off everyone else's repeater -- all was well in the world.

Those there now -- whomever they are -- are there because they cannot operate elsewhere in the unorthodox style -- the same as their predecessors. To out of town'ers who hear it on the Internet and to newcomers who hear it  live for the first time, it tends to be upsetting. But once people understand the "unofficial truce" that exists, it just becomes a way of life. And that in essence is the reason its still there.  And I seriously doubt that its user base today even remembers Underground Radio, Joe Merdler, or even the generation of hams that preceeded them on that repeater."

Bill has promised to send Shortwave America MP3 files from these old days of the "435" machine, and in the meantime, to keep the great, loyal, readers here informed and entertained, Shortwave America has a recent recording of 10-10-10 from the Renegade Repeater, humorously called "Background Checks"! Note that this video is rated "R" for use of adult language, and coarse behavior.


This publication will seek out the articles referenced by Mr. Pasternak, as well as the book about the "76'ers" and attempt to bring you a series on what we all know as the California Repeater Wars. Shortwave America thanks Bill Pasternak for his gracious reply and the time he took out of his schedule to give everyone more insight into what those old days were like.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Radio Intruder Alert: Illegal Broadcast Transmitters In Church

It isn't everyday that we hear about Churches breaking the law, but churches in Europe are doing just that! It is evident that some churches have self - ordained themselves to be fit commercial radio  broadcasters. With this, comes an enforcement effort and this time, it is both the Amateur Radio community as well as SWL's who are being asked for their help. 


Ger McNamara, EI4GXB, is the Irish Radio Transmitters Society's IARU Intruder Watch  coordinator. Ger is asking anyone with a radio that can tune Ten Meters on 28.030Khz and 28.265 FM.  Anyone who hears these stations is highly encouraged to send Ger an E-Mail at the following address: ei4gxb (at) gmail (dot) com 

Read the entire story at Amateur Radio Newsline, and be sure to scroll down a little bit to see these details under the Enforcement category of the news.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Clandestine

Clandestine is a movie about numbers stations, filmed n black & white as a short form documentary by Gideon C. Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater. Clandestine is said to intermingle fact with fiction, winning awards already from IDFA Competition For Short Documentary 2009, Thin Line Film Fest Official Selection 2010, and Atlanta Film Festival Official Selection 2010.

The Clandestine Movie Blog tells the story about the movie's successes and travels, along with interesting links and the biography of both film makers. Clandestine has a Facebook Group

This trailer for the movie is downright spooky, and quite reminiscent of Night Of The Living Dead or even the all American thriller, Psycho! These artists who made Clandestine are geniuses through and through, with the right amount of enthusiasm, mystery, adventure, and everything it takes to be legends of the film world; heroes to the radio crowd.

Clandestine is a work that will leave you saying "wow!" in a whole new way! This short film based on real world radio happenings should be made into a full feature presentation. Shortwave America wishes these two film artists all the best of success now and in the future!

Monday, October 11, 2010

U.S. Federal Trade Commission Visits Blog

Shortwave America wishes the U.S. FTC would contact this author if they think there's a problem. Shortwave America noticed a hit from the United States Federal Trade Commission at the stat counter. Whatever it is you Feds want, you've been noticed. Speak up, but please do not go sneaking around because you HAVE been noticed. However, please do NOT make the mistake of thinking that this author is legally bound to say a damned word to you until you are extremely clearly detailed about what you want, and why you're sniffing around!

If this has to do with your silly new law affecting bloggers, sorry, I don't get paid to do this nor do I receive any goods nor services for my works here, although it would be nice if eventually this author could get paid for activities involving Shortwave America. In case you're wondering, yes, this author is bravely holding up the bird at the FTC because the 1st Amendment allows it!    

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Shortwave America Surpasses Three Thousand Readers!

As of today, because of all of you who love the Shortwave America brand of radio related news, entertainment, station loggings, silliness and sarcasm, this web publication has surpassed three thousand (3,000) views! Although there are only two official followers, the numbers show astounding loyalty to this publication from all over the world.

Shortwave America has it's faithful from specific countries whose numbers are always rising on an almost daily basis. Canada, The U.K., China, Russia, Italy, Germany, and South Korea. It is suspect that there are more than that because SWA has found a problem or inconsistency with Blogger's counting method. The SWA bar graph will show higher readership than what the other numbers are showing, and when checked against other variables in the stats here at SWA, the bar graph and other stats are showing that the actual count of hits per day category has some sort of kink in it, but then it somehow catches up to the bar graph 24 hours after the fact.

Shortwave America recently got it's first three hits from Iran! Up until now, there was no way to be sure if this publication was making to those troubled regions of the world. Slovenia, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Uruguay, Ukraine, France, Sweden, Colombia, Isle Of Man and everyone else from all over, thank you so much for choosing this as your place to read!

Shortwave America is still working on part three of the focus on radio communications in Iran, will be bringing you new material such as a new look at disappearing shortwave stations and the stations who are growing, stations taking the place of those who are now silent, as well as an update on the recent piece "When Kids Die From Bullying" and what specific real world efforts are being made by this publication in memory of victims and their families, prevention, partnerships, etc.

The radio world CAN make a difference in the community, no matter what country! It doesn't matter if it's the listeners / hobbyists, licensed amateur operators, professional broadcasters, broadcast associations, radio clubs, or those who are just good people with big hearts who want to play a part in being part of their local community.

Shortwave America is keeping an eye on changes that may be coming to the Amateur Radio bands, which will be helpful in international communications. Always remember, the comments section is open for your use on any topic and requests for coverage on radio related topics are always accepted. An author or a team of authors can write and write, but it is teh readers that make the publication work!

Shortwave America may possibly expand in the future beyond being just a web based publication. Research is underway into what is best in this pursuit. Maybe the audience would be interested in a Shortwave America Store? Coffee Mugs, T-Shirts/Sweatshirts, Hats, Mousepads? What would the readers like to see in a Shortwave America store?  What would the readers like to see Shortwave America do with an expansion?
Leave your comments here, and notes will be made!  

 

Classic Media Network

The Classic Media Network has been around since Thursday, May 7th, 1981. The show was around for almost 20 years, and published over one thousand editions (episodes) originally airing on RNW (Radio Netherlands). Hosted by Jonathan Marks, this is a show with a focus on providing the public with an internal view of the world of radio. Classic Media Network took the form of a first of it's kind communications magazine. Jonathan Marks was proud to show his audience what was happening in the radio business and why.

In an effort to stay on the cutting edge of the technology of the 80s, Classic Media performed experiments with BBS Systems otherwise known as computer bulletin boards before moving on to e-mail during the year of 1991. With the use of e-mail becoming available, listeners could send in material for the show quickly. Three years later, a new development would follow as a dramatic improvement over the BBS and would enhance the image of Media Network. They now had their own web presence and were able to boast of being on the list of shows to be first with this new electronic showing of their presence.

The year was 1994, and with this new presence, Classic Media Network could post things on it's site that were usually sent to listeners on request. Two of the items posted were text from the Receiver Shopping List and the ever famous, always wanted item "The Booklist". Now enter a new individual who had been a contributor to the show, Andy Sennitt. Andy had been the editor of the World Radio TV Handbook, and was now a full timer at Radio Netherlands. 

Andy did lots of work to expand what was a small website into what was called a "webzine". Without any given reason that can be found at this time, the show came to an end in October of 2000. Spring of 2003 brought challenges for Andy and Jonathan. War was declared in Iraq, and they had to do something to keep the public apprised of what was happening. At this time, the Media Network Weblog became a permanent reality. As the weblog became more popular, RNW approved using it as a wide use news - feed telling the public what was happening in radio media from all over the world. (Source Radio Netherlands Worldwide)

 Quick Facts about Jonathan Marks: 

Jonathan Marks was Head of the English Language Department at RNW.

Jonathan was promoted to service at RNW as Director of Programmes.

Jonathan's final position at RNW was that of Creative Director.

Jonathan is now the Founder and Owner of a Media Consulting Group called Critical Distance.

Critical Distance was formed in 2003 when Jonathan left RNW. 

Classic Media Network Signs With PCJ Media
Classic Media Network was back on the air on September 4th, 2010 in a new partnership with Keith Perron and PCJ Media. Altogether, there are six shows in the archives since Classic Media Network has been back on the air. The latest show was aired on October 9th, 2010. 

Here are direct links to the Archives: 








Friday, October 8, 2010

Special Post: When Kids Die From Bullying

This is not at all related to radio today, as Shortwave America felt moved to cover the story of 4 families in Ohio who lost their children to chronic, severe, and inhumane bullying

In Memory of Suzana Vidovic, whose tormentors laughed at her laying in her casket while her family looked on! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101008/ap_on_re_us/us_bullying_one_town

If anyone in the shortwave radio circles, amateur radio, pirate radio, broadcast radio media would consider devoting some special coverage or time of some sort to recognize these families and families before these who lost their kids to bullying, I'm sure the families would appreciate it more than any of us could imagine. 

The radio hobby, and those who are professionals in the radio world have such a wide reach that maybe there is a way we can find time to be a part of the solution. Radio offers a wide world view, teaches about cultures, current events, geography, math, and so much more! When tormentors can show up at their victim's funeral and continue their victimizing ways, it is time that everyone step up to do something! Kids deserve to have a future and to have a chance to move forward to become survivors of these acts until this epidemic comes to an end.

Work with your schools, youth clubs, social service agencies, and whoever else!  Radio is one activity with a universal focus that can offer a distraction, an activity to those kids who have little supervision and too much time on their hands. 

.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

RadioReference - An Exhaustive, Comprehensive Look At Today's Radio Communications Information Leader



RadioReference has grown over time, and one feature people enjoy are the Radio Reference internet feeds to various Public Safety Departments, aviation operations, amateur radio repeaters, railroad radio systems, and other offerings. This is a complete directory listing of radio feeds found on  RadioReference, PLUS an exhaustive / comprehensive look at what RadioReference means to the communications world. Being able to tune into a nation full of radio activity is quite exciting and innovative, especially given that we all can't live in every place at once and band openings that allow us to hear many states away don't happen every day.

From Analog to Digital P25 systems, Radio Reference has it all thanks to the miracle of internet radio linking.
There are those who don't care for internet assistance of a radio signal, even for listening. They don't know what they're missing out on! Some of these radio feeds may not be active, some may be off the site permanently due to the use of things such as encryption, OpenSky, Mototrbo, IDen, etc.

Amateur Radio

D-Star Reflector 1C

The Los Angeles NUT repeater, covering most of Southern California. This system is not always family friendly. Often times called the "Renegade Repeater", you'll know why when you listen. 

WB2JPQ IRLP Reflector 9050
This feed is in New York

N2ACF Repeater
Quote from RadioReference Feed:
"N2ACF system simulcasts on 443.850, 449.875, 444.450, 444.850, 445.125, 442.800, 223.820, 146.460, 927.850, 53.370 & 29.640 repeaters. This scanner will be on 443.850mhz. For more information go to www.rra.net"

Peekskill And Cortland Amateur Radio Club repeater feed (PCARA)

See the entire Amateur Radio feed list here

NASA
Kennedy Space Center
Left audio channel is the KSC trunked system, Right audio channel is Aviation AM such as chase planes, etc

Aviation Feeds
Entire Aviation Radio Communications Feed List

Railroad
Railroad Radio Feed List

Marine Radio Feeds
Entire Marine Radio Feed List

New York City.: This is the direct link to the entire list of available feeds for New York, which includes a few Amateur Radio repeaters, key Public Safety Agencies, and Aviation Operations from New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
New York City Feed List

Washington D.C: Capitol Police radio found in this feed
D.C. Metro Police, Fire and EMS

Other Category
Entire Category listing
Mostly severe weather feeds, but there are other items as well.

Official Feeds
Entire List

New Feeds
Follow this link for a listing of newly added feeds

Top Feeds
Entire list of top feeds

Search RadioReference feeds by State, city, Zipcode, Metro Area, and Country!

RadioReference provides feeds from nine different countries counting the U.S. The nice thing about these feeds is that you don't have to be stateside to hear them! Anyone from anywhere in the world can just click and listen. Depending on your operating system, you may be able to use the web player to listen. From it's very inception to this current day, RadioReference is something you don't want to shrug off! When the founder of the original Police Call died and the book went out of print, RadioReference became THE PLACE for people to go whether it be those who are curious about radio, what radio is and how it works; those who are die hard listeners, and those people who are Licensed Amateur Radio Operators, GMRS Licensees, and even industry professionals.

Those people who provide feeds are doing so voluntarily, without any compensation whatsoever. All it takes is a radio covering the bands you take interest in, a USB cable, and an internet connected computer with a sound card. If you wish to provide a feed, you can seek out that information HERE.

Lindsay Blanton is the owner and founder of RadioReference, and he has built a great place for everyone. Lindsay believes in his vision. He takes all sorts of time to make the site what it is, having even fought against legal beagles for the public's right to FCC Database Information and the right to monitor radio traffic that is unencrypted. Lindsay is probably the biggest advocate the radio world has known. So, what's it cost Lindsay to run the site? Read that HERE

As with any other internet audio feed, you'll have to deal with buffering. Some feeds are not always up, some feeds have downtime for technical reasons. RadioReference offers extra features for those people who wish to become Premium Subscribers at a rate of fifteen dollars for a short subscription, and thirty dollars for a 360 day period.

RadioReference - Better Than QRZ

The only thing QRZ has over Lindsay Blanton's RadioReference is an amateur radio callsign database with an interactive forum. Lindsay has more than just an interactive forum and radio audio feeds! There is a wiki page for just about everything radio related, a submittal form that is used for radio listeners to submit frequency and radio system information anonymously. A search for identified frequencies requires that you become a premium subscriber. The RadioReference structure does not rely on flashy graphics that stall your computer, cause browser crashes, etc. RadioReference is supported via it's premium subscribers, and the income Lindsay makes from the site using his corporate strategy. Just over a year ago, Lindsay partnered with ScannerMaster in a deal to distribute his RadioReference Database Disc. What was once a CD-R is now a DVD-R. Also known as "The Reference", Lindsay's site offers a classifieds section for buying and selling radio gear. Buyers and sellers are quick to speak up about those who do not honor their deals, commit fraud, etc.

Read about the "Reference" leadership

"The Reference" is best used when combined with E-Ham, where everyone can get equipment reviews directly from those who have used everything out here, many of these people have even performed complicated technical investigations before writing their user reviews. Shortwave America already has links to "The Reference" in the links section that deal with Shortwave/HF listening. Taken altogether, "The Reference" has far surpassed Fred Lloyd's QRZ and in all reality, it is highly unlikely that Fred could ever surpass or even compete with Lindsay Blanton and his team.

One can only hope that in the future, we will see a fine line of products such as instructional books or DVD's / CD's. It would be nice to see Lindsay Blanton produce a radio show one day with a dedicated focus on all things radio. People can dream can't they?

An Example Of Advocacy


A day came about when Lindsay Blanton received a rather silly letter from "MRA" claiming that U.S. Federal Law was violated when he allowed or caused to happen, the posting of radio frequencies and radio system details about "MRA". Lindsay obtained legal counsel to prove that U.S. Federal Law allows the posting of information made public by way of the United States FCC License Database, and that such information being public record, no violation could even be remotely possible unless someone was posting details of what they heard on the system. In the end, Lindsay deleted or caused to be deleted the LCN numbers for the "MRA" radio system, but kept all other information intact. Because Lindsay knew the law and knew his rights, he was able to stand up for radio hobbyists, and the legal communications practices of law abiding radio enthusiasts.  

See the closed thread: MRA Demands Removal Of Information From Radio Reference
MRA is the acronym of Mobile Relay Associates. Another example would be when Dan Brady, an Illinois politician pushed a law that would have made listening to or causing to be relayed, radio traffic over the internet or even listening with a radio receiver capable of receiving Illinois Public Safety Radio Systems. This knee jerk reaction by Brady came about when a Motorola vendor decided it was a great idea to transmit a working radio on the Illinois Starcom21 system. CARMA partnered with Radio Reference, and RadioReference backed them as did the many members of the forums there. Everyone came together to point out that listening is not illegal and that by banning listening, the State would be unfairly making criminals out of law abiding citizens. Lindsay Blanton, CARMA, and RadioReference members were loud enough, used enough factual information, and presented themselves so well that Brady was able to get the law re-written to read that only an unauthorized radio programmed to actually TRANSMIT on the Illinois Public Safety System is now a crime in Illinois. Federal Laws already make this unlawful to begin with, but leave it to Illinois to double the effort! CARMA is the acronym for the Chicago Area Radio Monitoring Association.

Listening and The Law

U.S. Department Of Justice Complete Text Of 47 USC 605
U.S. Department of Justice Complete Text Of  Chapter 119, Title 18 § 251

The most important parts of these laws are below:

Except as authorized by chapter 119, Title 18, no person receiving, assisting in receiving, transmitting, or assisting in transmitting, any interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning thereof, except through authorized channels of transmission or reception,......

(g) It shall not be unlawful under this chapter or chapter 121 of this title for any person--

(i) to intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public;

(ii) to intercept any radio communication which is transmitted--

(I) by any station for the use of the general public, or that relates to ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress;

(II) by any governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile, or public safety communications system, including police and fire, readily accessible to the general public;

(III) by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated to the amateur, citizens band, or general mobile radio services; or

(IV) by any marine or aeronautical communications system;

(iii) to engage in any conduct which--

(I) is prohibited by section 633 of the Communications Act of 1934; or

(II) is excepted from the application of section 705(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 by section 705(b) of that Act;

(iv) to intercept any wire or electronic communication the transmission of which is causing harmful interference to any lawfully operating station or consumer electronic equipment, to the extent necessary to identify the source of such interference; or

(v) for other users of the same frequency to intercept any radio communication made through a system that utilizes frequencies monitored by individuals engaged in the provision or the use of such system, if such communication is not scrambled or encrypted.

Chapter 119, Title 18 § 2510 defines what "readily accessible to the general public" means as shown below:

(16) "readily accessible to the general public" means, with respect to a radio communication, that such communication is not--

(A) scrambled or encrypted;

(B) transmitted using modulation techniques whose essential parameters have been withheld from the public with the intention of preserving the privacy of such communication;

(C) carried on a subcarrier or other signal subsidiary to a radio transmission;

(D) transmitted over a communication system provided by a common carrier, unless the communication is a tone only paging system communication; or

(E) transmitted on frequencies allocated under part 25, subpart D, E, or F of part 74, or part 94 of the Rules of the Federal Communications Commission, unless, in the case of a communication transmitted on a frequency allocated under part 74 that is not exclusively allocated to broadcast auxiliary services, the communication is a two-way voice communication by radio;


In spite of these Federal Laws that permit listening to unencrypted signals that are also not scrambled, the individual states retain their rights to make their own state laws regarding possession & transport of radio receivers capable of receiving public safety or special emergency frequencies to include restrictions on portable and mobile use. portable means to carry a radio receiver while on foot between one place and another outside of one's home or business. See Scanner Laws Of All 50 states

Licensed Amateur Radio Operators are exempt per FCC Docket / FCC Memorandum Opinion, and Order
PR91-36 (This, however does not pertain to scanners)

For information about how to become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator, Federal Laws Governing Amateur Radio, and other related subjects, please go to the ARRL Website See the Shortwave America links section for a link to Amateur Radio Practice exams.

RadioReference is the people's source for radio learning, enjoyment, information, and listening all in one!

Please note that information at any of the sites linked to may be subject to change at any time and most times without notice. The information at sites linked to may be subject to becoming outdated at any time due to system upgrades, changes, system removal, maintenance, amendments to laws, repeal of laws, etc. The RadioReference logo is Copyright 2010 by Radioreference, LLC, all rights reserved and is used by permission.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

How To Screw With Restrictive Middle East Regimes Using Radio Technology

It's as easy as partnering with a radio show host who has a good thing going at an already internationally recognized radio station, then developing relationships in the radio world with people who can get things done thereby obtaining point to point distribution with a satellite feed which then gets the show on the shortwave bands right into where said inhumane government regime doesn't want it and right into the radio receivers of the people who have to live under such inhumane conditions so that they may hear about what's really happening.

Jamming? Yeah, sure this regime is gonna try it. This regime has no clue that there are people in the world who know enough that their jamming is futile for reasons that will not be given out here. Shortwave Central wrote about the Taliban using clandestine radio which we all know employs more than just propaganda. They depend on their broadcasts to overpower or jam stations they don't want people to hear. They got it all wrong, but they don't know that!

Keep tuned to this publication for further information. Shortwave America readers will be surprised at what is about to happen in an effort to not only bring non-state sanctioned radio to a certain part of the middle east, but what it will mean in the war against censorship across the globe. Technical details have already been obtained, but until the deal is signed in ink, mum's the word! 

As The Radio World Turns

Bayerischer Rundfunk had Shortwave Operations until October 1st, 2010 and SW Radio Africa ended their news via SMS on the same date, while Voice of Russia has expanded their programming into New York City on the FM dial. It seems that as we say goodbye to some stations or station formats, we say hello to stations doing new things as part of an expansion effort in regards to their world reach.

Shortwave Central gets the credit for offering these news developments to the listening world. While the doom and gloomers of radio may be tempted to say "I told you so", they should not speak prematurely. Radio is a changing thing, never staying the same. Let's not forget that just because a station shuts down or stops a certain mode of communications does not mean that the station won't ever come back or re-start the previously stopped mode of communications.

As the radio world turns, each station and mode of communications tends to have it's time in the spotlight. What we are seeing here sort of mirrors the Depression of the 1930s and the days of WW-II. Radio eventually rose again. This author is sure that there are those people who will remember the rise of radio in the 1980s and then the lull that again followed in the 1990s.

What we saw then was a mix of newer issues having mainly to do with the "obnoxious"   age of radio when everyone wanted to be Steve Dahl, Garry Meir, Kevin Matthews, Howard Stern, or some other big name. Can anyone forget Mancow or Brandmeier? In this age being referenced, obnoxiousness equaled ratings, and a chance for well established radio personalities to show how cool it was to challenge station management, the FCC, and pushing the envelope was the thing to do.

BBC once pulled their BBC World Service from the radio waves only to have it re-appear on other frequencies on both the Medium Wave AM Dial and the FM Satellite feeds to local stations across the world. Radio tends to logically follow the trends in listener desire and demand as well as reinventing itself. Everyone is sorry to see SW stations go, but that sweetens the experience of hearing them again one day.