China has once again decided to enact what can only be described as archaic censorship using the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre as a piss poor excuse. Shortwave America has no political loyalties and takes pride in being a free publication in regards to this sort of thing. In keeping with that spirit, Shortwave America publicly denounces China as a place for any human being to live or even visit.
Continuing on, Shortwave America HIGHLY ENCOURAGES Chinese citizens to stand together against their oppressive, anti-democracy government. China does not care about you, your rights, your ability to be a human being and surely doesn't care about your basic human right to live as a free people. The fact is that there are more people than there are members of the Chinese military forces, and an uprising would be good. THIS is YOUR time, Chinese citizens! You can stand by and do nothing while continuing to live under the Red hand of communism or force change to bring about total freedom.
What the Chinese Government never understood is that the traditions and beauty of China can still be preserved while allowing its people to be free. This piece will undoubtedly get this publication banned in China if it hasn't been banned already, but there are ways around that. This publication is based out of the U.S. and so China can't touch any of us! The respect of any government anywhere in the world MUST be EARNED, not demanded by inhumane practices.
If anything, the communist practices of China's government must be treated with total contempt. If anything, China's leaders are all equal to nothing more than animal waste! There's a whole lotta garbage that the Chinese leaders hide behind, the list is endless. This publication has no choice but to encourage possible tourists to decide against going to China, and to encourage people not to buy Chinese products that would generate revenue for China.
Perhaps there are people out here who would care enough to write piles of sharply worded letters to the Chinese government condemning their practices and public policies. Shortwave America urges the broadcast industry not to do business with China and maybe it isn't a bad idea that Chinese transmitter sites face severe interference.
China wants a communications war, fine! They'll lose in a most embarrassing way! Encouraging and enabling dissent in China until their people are free is not a bad effort to be behind!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Radio Netherlands & Deutsche Welle Join Forces
Maybe we'll see improved Shortwave Broadcast and maybe even a renewed interest in putting new programming on the shortwave bands along with an eye towards preserving the medium.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Free Radio Cafe' HF Frequency Breakdown
John Poet at the Free Radio Cafe has put together a great worldwide radio frequency reference.
Frequency breakdown is as follows:
153 to 279 kHz
279 to 530 kHz
530 to 1600 kHz
1600 to 1710 kHz
1710 to 1800 kHz
1800 to 2000 kHz
2000 to 2300 kHz
2300 to 2495 kHz
2498 to 2850 kHz
2850 to 3155 kHz
3150 to 3200 kHz
3200 to 3400 kHz
3400 to 3500 kHz
3500 to 3800 kHz
3800 to 3950 kHz
3950 to 4000 kHz
4000 to 4063 kHz
4063 to 4438 kHz
4438 to 4650 kHz
4650 to 4750 kHz
4750 to 5060 kHz
5060 to 5450 kHz
5450 to 5730 kHz
5730 to 5950 kHz
5950 to 6295 kHz
6295 to 6525 kHz
6525 to 6765 kHz
6765 to 7000 kHz
7000 to 7100 kHz
7100 to 7350 kHz
7350 to 8195 kHz
8195 to 8815 kHz
8815 to 9040 kHz
9040 to 9400 kHz
9400 to 9900 kHz
9900 to 9995 kHz
9995 to 10005 kHz
10005 to 10100 kHz
10100 to 10150 kHz
10150 to 11170 kHz
11170 to 11400 kHz
11400 to 11650 kHz
11600 to 12100 kHz
12100 to 12330 kHz
12330 to 13200 kHz
13200 to 13360 kHz
13360 to 13570 kHz
13570 to 13870 kHz
13870 to 14000 kHz
14000 to 14350 kHz
14350 to 14490 kHz
14990 to 15010 kHz
15010 to 15100 kHz
15100 to 15800 kHz
15800 to 16460 kHz
16460 to 17360 kHz
17360 to 17480 kHz
17480 to 17900 kHz
17900 to 18030 kHz
18030 to 18068 kHz
18068 to 18168 kHz
18168 to 18900 kHz
18900 to 19020 kHz
19020 to 19990 kHz
19990 to 20010 kHz
20010 to 21000 kHz
21000 to 21450 kHz
21450 to 21850 kHz
21850 to 21870 kHz
21870 to 22000 kHz
22000 to 22855 kHz
22855 to 23200 kHz
23200 to 23350 kHz
23350 to 24890 kHz
24890 to 24990 kHz
24990 to 25010 kHz
25010 to 25550 kHz
25550 to 25670 kHz
25670 to 26100 kHz
26100 to 26965 kHz
26965 to 27405 Khz
27405 to 28000 kHz
28000 to 29700 kHz
29700 to 30000 kHz
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cell Phone Scanner Apps May Violate Laws Of All 50 States: Police, Prosecutors Making Cases
Even before most of us were born there has been something of a nervous reaction to someone in possession of a radio. There is just something about even your everyday AM/FM radio that causes people to question the ownership of such a device. Since technology has developed over the decades, places like Radio Shack have sold wide range radio receivers that receive frequencies from 30Khz to 1300Mhz.
Today, we have places such as AES, HRO, Scanner Master, Universal Radio, etc. where radio equipment and software can easily be bought for anyone's use.
Now, even though the United States Federal Communications Privacy Act makes it completely legal to purchase, own, and use a radio receiver that receives AM, FM, ELF (extremely low frequency). HF (high frequency), LF (low frequency), VHF, UHF, EHF and SHF frequencies that are NOT encrypted; the police and prosecutors in all 50 states are crying foul. FCC Opinion & Order PR91-36 exempts Licensed Amateur Radio Operators from local, state level, and federal level restrictions, however, police and prosecutors usually do not know about this piece of law.
The problem with the U.S. Communications Privacy Act is that it is not really clear as to whether or not it overrides or even enjoins the individual states from restricting the purchase, possession, or use of radio receivers of any sort.
In this day and age of advanced technology the definition of what constitutes a prohibited radio receiver under some state's laws has come under question and scrutiny. In the first link below, we find that police and prosecutors are now taking a hard nosed approach towards cell phones with installed software applications that link such phone to internet connected, streaming radio receivers that stream public safety radio traffic to the end user.
Police, Prosecutors Weigh In On Legality Of Cellular Phone Scanner Apps
This link below at Radio Reference takes us to an incident in which a robbery offender was arrested in Indiana and charged with possession of a radio receiver because he had a cell phone app installed and it was discovered that the offender may have used it in the commission of his crime. The disussion focuses on whether or not the cell phone with the app installed meets Indiana's definition of a prohibited radio receiver not for use in a person's home and the technical definition of a radio receiver in context of what Indiana's law states. You'll see that there are differing opinions.
State Of Indiana Looks To Charge Robbery Offender With Illegal Possession Of Police Radio Reception Device
The scary part of these police and prosecutors taking the stance they take is that they are intent on using "Obstruction Of Justice" charges if and when the state law of any state is silent on radio receivers. What's even more scarier is that if they lose their case on the technical definition of what a radio receiver is, they want to use the obstruction charge in its place if and when they get someone who has either a cell phone with an app installed or in actual possession of a radio receiver.
A question now exists about if a person can be charged with obstruction simply for possession of a cell phone with a streaming public safety radio receiver application installed or in actual possession of a radio receiver even IF they did not use such in furtherance of a crime in any given state. Another question now exists in the eyes of police and prosecutors about using this law to circumnavigate PR91-36.
Shortwave America will be speaking with police and prosecutors in as many states as possible to ascertain each state's position on the possession and use of radio receivers, and whether or not they think law abiding persons who simply want to have use of such to keep themselves and their families safe should be arrested and if they really want the courts to get involved. The ARRL will also be sought for their opinion.
The issue here for law abiding citizens and licensed radio amateurs is one in which they should indeed have such a right to listen in to a system that is not encrypted for their own safety, it DOES help the safety minded and police or other emergency responders in that people will be warned by such radio traffic to stay away from these scenes and the affected areas...it actually helps responders when people know to stay clear instead of innocently wandering in to or driving into an affected emergency response area.
One area of civil liberties that needs to be examined is this attitude (even if it is a farce for political purposes and political public image) that everyone is a criminal until proven otherwise, and that every is guilty until proven innocent simply because of the mentality that anyone can do anything at anytime at any place.....the old "if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, did it really make a sound?" approach.
What police, prosecutors, and the courts don't realize is that if they operate this way, they create distrust between themselves and the communities they serve and inherently violate the rights of the masses based on unfounded paranoia. This is a fact, not an opinion. While there is no constitutional right to listen to a radio system, it does become an issue of the free exchange of information between the government and its people since everything our public safety responders and our courts do including their radio communications are a matter of pubic record.
You'll notice in every state's FOIA, any person with a legitimate interest can apply for these recordings. One problem with that becomes one of if we the people want to trust that tapes of radio comms have not been altered, sanitized, or otherwise tampered with by the government agency being petitioned.
For now, it would be advisable to only use radio equipment in your home, only use mobile phone scanner apps in your home, and if you have a laptop computer....do not take it in public if you have ANY type of radio software installed. Those who are radio amateurs may want to make sure they do not even have Echolink or other amateur radio software installed on any mobile phones or laptop computers until we have a SCOTUS ruling. The potential to be charged with obstruction of justice or other crimes for your radio applications or actual radio equipment is simply too high.
The whole attitude of the radio community has always been and still remains in this day that we use our radio knowledge, our radio equipment, and radio software LEGALLY and that we always give consideration to the social and legal environment because discretion is the better part of valor.
Today, we have places such as AES, HRO, Scanner Master, Universal Radio, etc. where radio equipment and software can easily be bought for anyone's use.
Now, even though the United States Federal Communications Privacy Act makes it completely legal to purchase, own, and use a radio receiver that receives AM, FM, ELF (extremely low frequency). HF (high frequency), LF (low frequency), VHF, UHF, EHF and SHF frequencies that are NOT encrypted; the police and prosecutors in all 50 states are crying foul. FCC Opinion & Order PR91-36 exempts Licensed Amateur Radio Operators from local, state level, and federal level restrictions, however, police and prosecutors usually do not know about this piece of law.
The problem with the U.S. Communications Privacy Act is that it is not really clear as to whether or not it overrides or even enjoins the individual states from restricting the purchase, possession, or use of radio receivers of any sort.
In this day and age of advanced technology the definition of what constitutes a prohibited radio receiver under some state's laws has come under question and scrutiny. In the first link below, we find that police and prosecutors are now taking a hard nosed approach towards cell phones with installed software applications that link such phone to internet connected, streaming radio receivers that stream public safety radio traffic to the end user.
Police, Prosecutors Weigh In On Legality Of Cellular Phone Scanner Apps
This link below at Radio Reference takes us to an incident in which a robbery offender was arrested in Indiana and charged with possession of a radio receiver because he had a cell phone app installed and it was discovered that the offender may have used it in the commission of his crime. The disussion focuses on whether or not the cell phone with the app installed meets Indiana's definition of a prohibited radio receiver not for use in a person's home and the technical definition of a radio receiver in context of what Indiana's law states. You'll see that there are differing opinions.
State Of Indiana Looks To Charge Robbery Offender With Illegal Possession Of Police Radio Reception Device
The scary part of these police and prosecutors taking the stance they take is that they are intent on using "Obstruction Of Justice" charges if and when the state law of any state is silent on radio receivers. What's even more scarier is that if they lose their case on the technical definition of what a radio receiver is, they want to use the obstruction charge in its place if and when they get someone who has either a cell phone with an app installed or in actual possession of a radio receiver.
A question now exists about if a person can be charged with obstruction simply for possession of a cell phone with a streaming public safety radio receiver application installed or in actual possession of a radio receiver even IF they did not use such in furtherance of a crime in any given state. Another question now exists in the eyes of police and prosecutors about using this law to circumnavigate PR91-36.
Shortwave America will be speaking with police and prosecutors in as many states as possible to ascertain each state's position on the possession and use of radio receivers, and whether or not they think law abiding persons who simply want to have use of such to keep themselves and their families safe should be arrested and if they really want the courts to get involved. The ARRL will also be sought for their opinion.
The issue here for law abiding citizens and licensed radio amateurs is one in which they should indeed have such a right to listen in to a system that is not encrypted for their own safety, it DOES help the safety minded and police or other emergency responders in that people will be warned by such radio traffic to stay away from these scenes and the affected areas...it actually helps responders when people know to stay clear instead of innocently wandering in to or driving into an affected emergency response area.
One area of civil liberties that needs to be examined is this attitude (even if it is a farce for political purposes and political public image) that everyone is a criminal until proven otherwise, and that every is guilty until proven innocent simply because of the mentality that anyone can do anything at anytime at any place.....the old "if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, did it really make a sound?" approach.
What police, prosecutors, and the courts don't realize is that if they operate this way, they create distrust between themselves and the communities they serve and inherently violate the rights of the masses based on unfounded paranoia. This is a fact, not an opinion. While there is no constitutional right to listen to a radio system, it does become an issue of the free exchange of information between the government and its people since everything our public safety responders and our courts do including their radio communications are a matter of pubic record.
You'll notice in every state's FOIA, any person with a legitimate interest can apply for these recordings. One problem with that becomes one of if we the people want to trust that tapes of radio comms have not been altered, sanitized, or otherwise tampered with by the government agency being petitioned.
For now, it would be advisable to only use radio equipment in your home, only use mobile phone scanner apps in your home, and if you have a laptop computer....do not take it in public if you have ANY type of radio software installed. Those who are radio amateurs may want to make sure they do not even have Echolink or other amateur radio software installed on any mobile phones or laptop computers until we have a SCOTUS ruling. The potential to be charged with obstruction of justice or other crimes for your radio applications or actual radio equipment is simply too high.
The whole attitude of the radio community has always been and still remains in this day that we use our radio knowledge, our radio equipment, and radio software LEGALLY and that we always give consideration to the social and legal environment because discretion is the better part of valor.
Media Network Plus Blog: New Look, New Content
Media Network Plus is going to present it's 8th show soon. Time really flies! It seems just like yesterday the show began and it's been 8 months! Click here to see the Media Network Plus Blog.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Voice Of Dheera - Helping Us To Hear The World
Dheera Sujan brings to the table, her experience as a member of Radio Netherlands Worldwide. Dheera's program, "Hear The World" started on April 3rd, 2011. Hear The World has an archive of eight shows, all of them focusing on the enjoyment of the art of world music.
Dheera visits various Dutch world music venues to produce this show. Her May 21st show brings us music from the Muslim Soufi tradition, songs of struggle from Africa in the Western Sahara, a debut premier by two artists from India who hit the music scene in 2010 who have a new CD available, and finally a musical taste of Brazil.You can learn more about Dheera by following this link, and also by viewing the Radio Netherlands Official Hear The World Site.
Listen to Dheera's May 21st show here
FRN Founder & Family Survive Joplin Tornado Tragedy
John Poet reports that the FRN Founder and his family are safe & well after experiencing the WORST tornado disaster in Missouri history.
A quote from the above linked to article:
"For 24 hours, Cruzan's fate was unknown. Pirate hobbyists who tracked the path of the storm reported that it had passed very close to Cruzan's home. There was much concern for the safety of Cruzan and his loved ones."
A quote from the above linked to article:
"For 24 hours, Cruzan's fate was unknown. Pirate hobbyists who tracked the path of the storm reported that it had passed very close to Cruzan's home. There was much concern for the safety of Cruzan and his loved ones."
Switzerland In Sound with Bob Zanotti
Bob has been reporting on Switzerland for more than thirty two years now. Bob has been a distinct voice on the air, sharing his expertise about Switzerland starting with travel and then going on to share the culture, languages, and overall richness of this great country and its people.
The May 21st episode of "Switzerland In Sound" comes to us from the East side of Switzerland, close to Italy just on the South border. Since the Summer months are almost here, Shortwave America thought it would be worth talking about the great work Bob has been doing.
Switzerland In Sound does an awesome job of giving every listener a virtual tour of each place Bob visits, painting pictures in the mind of absolute beauty that give way to pleasant dreams for anyone who looks forward to traveling.
In this episode, Bob speaks and tours with Gabriella. Gabriella is the Director Of The Nature Biosphere, in the Valley Of The Minster. Your tour starts in the Cemetery, and the Covent of St. John's Church. After this visit, Gabriella shows Bob a local restaurant and explains the local tastes. The scenery changes from the restaurant to a local bio - production plant where natural products are made. We are then whisked away to a textile manufacturer where original hand looms are still used, and Mrs. Oswald is working on a product in the middle of the Village of Santa Maria.
We won't give it all away, so, you'll have to click here to listen!
To learn more about Bob and his Switzerland in Sound, follow this link.
Harold Camping Leaves WYFR
The discredited leader and false prophet at Family Radio, Harold Camping, has left Family Radio.
Story here
The Neo Club Press presents the story in Spanish, so here is an English translation presented courtesy of Glenn Hauser at the DXLD forum with credit also given to the Neo Press Club and IB Times:
Harold Camping Leaves Family Radio
Monday May 23, 2011 19:24
Neo Press Club
Camping, caught in Alameda (IB Times) [caption]
The evangelist Harold Camping, who predicted that on Saturday May 21 would begin the Final Judgement and / or the end of the world, did not show up on Monday at his job, leaving the Family Radio Network to its own fate.
The international project manager of Family Radio, Matt Tutera, told a correspondent for The Christian Post that Camping was expected on Monday at the offices of Family Radio, but he did not appear.
Tutera, visibly angry, said that Camping had made a "mess" of the situation.
As early as Sunday, the failed prophet was surprised at the home of a relative, in the California town of Alameda, by reporters from The San Francisco Chronicle and IB Times, but declined to provide say anything, alleging that he had to "meditate ".
Camping, additionally, has stopped answering his phone.
According to Ricardo Becerra, an expert on cults and sects, after such failed predictions, "there is a risk that disappointed people even commit suicide after being on the street or losing all their belongings."
Precisely, it was learned today that a mother in Los Angeles, California, attempted suicide and to kill her children after the "second coming" prophesied by Camping was not fulfilled.
This Christian Post mentioned above also has a lot of stories about Camping and what may happen next, such as:
http://www.christianpost.com/news/family-radio-gets-1-million-bid-for-66-stations-50531/
Shortwave America would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone in the audience who may hold a position in Law Enforcement to consider arresting Camping for the harm that has come to the innocent children mentioned in this article, as well as anyone else who was caused harm as a result of his irresponsible use of the airwaves to propagate panic.
Story here
The Neo Club Press presents the story in Spanish, so here is an English translation presented courtesy of Glenn Hauser at the DXLD forum with credit also given to the Neo Press Club and IB Times:
Harold Camping Leaves Family Radio
Monday May 23, 2011 19:24
Neo Press Club
Camping, caught in Alameda (IB Times) [caption]
The evangelist Harold Camping, who predicted that on Saturday May 21 would begin the Final Judgement and / or the end of the world, did not show up on Monday at his job, leaving the Family Radio Network to its own fate.
The international project manager of Family Radio, Matt Tutera, told a correspondent for The Christian Post that Camping was expected on Monday at the offices of Family Radio, but he did not appear.
Tutera, visibly angry, said that Camping had made a "mess" of the situation.
As early as Sunday, the failed prophet was surprised at the home of a relative, in the California town of Alameda, by reporters from The San Francisco Chronicle and IB Times, but declined to provide say anything, alleging that he had to "meditate ".
Camping, additionally, has stopped answering his phone.
According to Ricardo Becerra, an expert on cults and sects, after such failed predictions, "there is a risk that disappointed people even commit suicide after being on the street or losing all their belongings."
Precisely, it was learned today that a mother in Los Angeles, California, attempted suicide and to kill her children after the "second coming" prophesied by Camping was not fulfilled.
This Christian Post mentioned above also has a lot of stories about Camping and what may happen next, such as:
http://www.christianpost.com/news/family-radio-gets-1-million-bid-for-66-stations-50531/
Shortwave America would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone in the audience who may hold a position in Law Enforcement to consider arresting Camping for the harm that has come to the innocent children mentioned in this article, as well as anyone else who was caused harm as a result of his irresponsible use of the airwaves to propagate panic.
FCC Crack Down Threatens To End Pirate Radio
Again, we see the hypocritical regulations at the FCC being allowed to generate revenue for radio operations that have not harmed anyone. This crack down highlights the need to return the airwaves to the people without archaic licensing requirements for broadcasting.
With the June 3rd Broadcast Board Of Governors conference coming up, one can only come to the conclusion that the FCC is showboating so as to make it appear that they still have a relevant place in American society. WHO CARES if someone is broadcasting without a license at whatever power level IF no broadcast in progress is interfered with and if no one is interfering with land navigation, amateur radio, aeronautical frequencies, public safety bands, satellite services, wildlife tracking freqs, and other important experimental service communications bands?
These are not the only bands that pirates should stay out of, but you get the picture. The FCC is simply enforcing more - or - less, the "anti-competition" stance that holds BIG BUSINESS in protective hands when big business should be told to fend for themselves since they can afford it!
Re-write the broadcast regs, FCC! STOP picking on pirates who don't harm anyone, and go after those who interfere with truly critical communications!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
PCJ Radio Contest Starts June 1st
June 1st means YOU, yes, YOU can enter to win a brand new shortwave receiver from PCJ Radio!
In September, there will be a grand giveaway!
DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN MEDIA NETWORK PLUS, HAPPY STATION, SWITZERLAND IN SOUND & NASH HOLOS!
PCJ Radio Contest 2011 from Shortwave America on Vimeo.
Please let PCJ know that you heard or saw this on Shortwave America!
PCJ review of the TECSUN S2000 (aka Grundig Satellite 750)
Another program in the series from PCJ looking at new and old radios that are still on the market. This review is on the TECSUN S2000 (aka the Grundig Satellite 750).The AUTO PLAY ISSUE HAS BEEN FIXED.
Enjoy
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Marine Radio Communcations For The USA
| Marine VHF Designated Frequencies Posted under FAIR USE guidelines as public information NOT FOR NAVIGATIONAL USE | |||
| Channel Number | Ship Transmit MHz | Ship Receive MHz | Intended And Designated Use |
| 01A | 156.050 | 156.050 | Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi area. |
| 05A | 156.250 | 156.250 | Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New Orleans and Seattle areas. |
| 06 | 156.300 | 156.300 | Intership Safety |
| 07A | 156.350 | 156.350 | Commercial |
| 08 | 156.400 | 156.400 | Commercial (Intership only) |
| 09 | 156.450 | 156.450 | Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial. |
| 10 | 156.500 | 156.500 | Commercial |
| 11 | 156.550 | 156.550 | Commercial. VTS in selected areas. |
| 12 | 156.600 | 156.600 | Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. |
| 13 | 156.650 | 156.650 | Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships >20m length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters. |
| 14 | 156.700 | 156.700 | Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. |
| 15 | -- | 156.750 | Environmental (Receive only). Used by Class C EPIRBs. |
| 16 | 156.800 | 156.800 | International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel. |
| 17 | 156.850 | 156.850 | State Control |
| 18A | 156.900 | 156.900 | Commercial |
| 19A | 156.950 | 156.950 | Commercial |
| 20 | 157.000 | 161.600 | Port Operations (duplex) |
| 20A | 157.000 | 157.000 | Port Operations |
| 21A | 157.050 | 157.050 | U.S. Coast Guard only |
| 22A | 157.100 | 157.100 | Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts. Broadcasts announced on channel 16. |
| 23A | 157.150 | 157.150 | U.S. Coast Guard only |
| 24 | 157.200 | 161.800 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 25 | 157.250 | 161.850 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 26 | 157.300 | 161.900 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 27 | 157.350 | 161.950 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 28 | 157.400 | 162.000 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 63A | 156.175 | 156.175 | Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi area. |
| 65A | 156.275 | 156.275 | Port Operations |
| 66A | 156.325 | 156.325 | Port Operations |
| 67 | 156.375 | 156.375 | Commercial. Used for Bridge-to-bridge communications in lower Mississippi River. Intership only. |
| 68 | 156.425 | 156.425 | Non-Commercial |
| 69 | 156.475 | 156.475 | Non-Commercial |
| 70 | 156.525 | 156.525 | Digital Selective Calling (voice communications not allowed) |
| 71 | 156.575 | 156.575 | Non-Commercial |
| 72 | 156.625 | 156.625 | Non-Commercial (Intership only) |
| 73 | 156.675 | 156.675 | Port Operations |
| 74 | 156.725 | 156.725 | Port Operations |
| 77 | 156.875 | 156.875 | Port Operations (Intership only) |
| 78A | 156.925 | 156.925 | Non-Commercial |
| 79A | 156.975 | 156.975 | Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only |
| 80A | 157.025 | 157.025 | Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only |
| 81A | 157.075 | 157.075 | U.S. Government only - Environmental protection operations. |
| 82A | 157.125 | 157.125 | U.S. Government only |
| 83A | 157.175 | 157.175 | U.S. Coast Guard only |
| 84 | 157.225 | 161.825 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 85 | 157.275 | 161.875 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 86 | 157.325 | 161.925 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| 87 | 157.375 | 161.975 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) |
| AIS 1 | 161.975 | 161.975 | Automatic Identification System #1 (AIS) - Special equipment required! |
| 88 | 157.425 | 162.025 | Public Correspondence only near Canadian border. |
| AIS 2 | 162.025 | 162.025 | Automatic Identification System #2 (AIS) - Special equipment required! |
| 88A | 157.425 | 157.425 | Commercial, Intership only. |
| NOAA | Weather 1 | WX1 | 162.550 |
| NOAA | Weather 2 | WX2 | 162.400 |
| NOAA | Weather 3 | WX3 | 162.475 |
| NOAA | Weather 4 | WX4 | 162.425 |
| NOAA | Weather 5 | WX5 | 162.450 |
| NOAA | Weather 6 | WX6 | 162.500 |
| NOAA | Weather 7 | WX7 | 162.525 |
Friday, May 20, 2011
WWV Ending Synoptic Geo Alert Product
The below text is quoted from the Sace Weather Prediction Center at http://www.spaceweather.gov/wwv
On 06 September 2011 the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) will discontinue the broadcast of its synoptic Geo-Alert products on the WWV and WWVH radio stations starting with the 12 UTC products. These products are operationally available via the following two other mechanisms:
On 06 September 2011 the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) will discontinue the broadcast of its synoptic Geo-Alert products on the WWV and WWVH radio stations starting with the 12 UTC products. These products are operationally available via the following two other mechanisms:
- SWPC's Product Subscription Service at https://pss.swpc.noaa.gov. The WWV product can be found under the "Forecast and Summaries" section.
- SWPC's Web page - http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/latest/wwv.txt
Shortwave America Special - Mourning Randy Poffo (Macho Man Randy Savage)
Randy Poffo, AKA "Macho Man", "Macho King" Randy Savage was not a radio personality, he was not a licensed radio amateur, never partook of anything radio that we are aware of, but he WAS a good friend of the Owner / Chief Editor of Shortwave America.
Randy Poffo was a man of honor and class. Going between face and heel, Intercontinental Champion, and WWE Heavyweight Champ, behind the scenes...Randy was a down to earth person who honored his family first. Randy was a caring, giving, man. As a wrestler and showman, Randy was best known for his high flying acrobatics.
Behind closed doors, Randy Poffo knew how to have fun and could make almost anyone laugh. He was also very intelligent. A conversation with Randy was always a memorable time. Shortwave America wishes to give condolences to the Poffo family, as well as Randy's past and present colleagues who were so treasured by him.
A FACEBOOK MEMORIAL GROUP has gone viral today over the past many hours. No information is available at this time regarding funeral/public memorial services for Randy.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Shortwave America Welcomes Andy Bowe - AB9EW
Since the inception of Shortwave America, one of the purposes was to cover VHF and UHF frequencies from a practical perspective while presenting a useful technical reference. After all this time, the best choice seems to be someone who spends a great deal of time on Railroad and Marine monitoring.
In thinking about this at great length, why should Aviation communications be left out?
Andy was first licensed on Jan 21st, 1997 as a Technician while he was a freshman in High School. In fall of 99, Andy earned his General Class License with a 13wpm code test, and finally got his Extra Class license in the early 2000s. Andy has traveled the world extensively and has practiced radio monitoring in his travels since his early twenties.
Since around 1996 or 1997, he has been an upstanding member of the North Shore Radio Club (NS9RC). Besides radio monitoring, Andy is an avid DX chaser and makes HF contacts almost daily. Andy will be using his vast knowledge at Shortwave America to specialize in writing about Railroad, Marine, and some Aeronautical communications.
Besides radio communications, Andy brings to the table a working knowledge of world culture learned from his real life experiences, also fostered by his love of radio. When Andy isn't chasing DX or monitoring, he is oftentimes reading about different radio technical subjects and using his radio equipment to help him observe what he reads about. In that sense, Andy is also an experimenter who makes useful observations.
Shortwave America welcomes Andy, and we hope you will welcome him warmly as well.
In thinking about this at great length, why should Aviation communications be left out?
Andy was first licensed on Jan 21st, 1997 as a Technician while he was a freshman in High School. In fall of 99, Andy earned his General Class License with a 13wpm code test, and finally got his Extra Class license in the early 2000s. Andy has traveled the world extensively and has practiced radio monitoring in his travels since his early twenties.
Since around 1996 or 1997, he has been an upstanding member of the North Shore Radio Club (NS9RC). Besides radio monitoring, Andy is an avid DX chaser and makes HF contacts almost daily. Andy will be using his vast knowledge at Shortwave America to specialize in writing about Railroad, Marine, and some Aeronautical communications.
Besides radio communications, Andy brings to the table a working knowledge of world culture learned from his real life experiences, also fostered by his love of radio. When Andy isn't chasing DX or monitoring, he is oftentimes reading about different radio technical subjects and using his radio equipment to help him observe what he reads about. In that sense, Andy is also an experimenter who makes useful observations.
Shortwave America welcomes Andy, and we hope you will welcome him warmly as well.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
How would you like to win a shortwave radio from PCJ?
Well PCJ will have a contest to make this happen. We are giving away 3 Tecsun DR920, and a grand prize a new Sangean ATS909X.
How will this work?
1. Beginning on the May 28th edition with Media Network Plus there will be a small that id asking a question will be played in the show (very easy question). This ID will also be used on Happy Station, Nash Holos, & Switzerland In Sound. All you need to do is answer the question and give details on where you heard the show either FM/AM/Shortwave or internet.
2. There are 3 Tecsun DR920 that we are giving away in June, July and August. Everyone that enters will be entered into the draw to win a new Sangean ATS909X. Winners will be announced in Media Network Plus. The grand prize of the Sangean ATS909 will be announced in the September edition on Media Network Plus.
3. Just make sure when you enter that you also give some program details.
4. Those who enter by snail mail will also receive a small thank you gift. The address to enter for winning one of the 3 Tecsun's and the final grand prize is: PCJ Radio, 8FL, No. 47, Lane 31, Section 1, Sanmin Road, Banciao, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC 22070 Or email: ats909x@gmail.com
Also let us know that you read this on the SHORTWAVE AMERICA BLOG!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Radio Netherlands Worldwide - Earthbeat Presents Dumpster Diving For Lunch
Unfortunately, some places are not so much better than others; especially when people have to resort to dumpster diving. WATCH IT HERE.
Apparently this is a crime in the Netherlands, even though the food was discarded and from a logical point of view, cannot realistically be said to belong to anyone. Hopefully a time will come when no one will have to do this.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Shortwave America Reaches Twenty Thousand Readers!
Over the last twenty four hours, this publication has reached a total count of just over twenty thousand unique readers! Thank you to everyone over the last two years who have chosen to be a part of Shortwave America! The 2011 developments spoken of months ago are being implemented although slowly.
Shortwave America has some really awesome plans for the future to come. These plans will be announced once they are cemented into place. Shortwave America would like to say a word of thanks to the following people who have been integral to the growth of this publication: The readers, Keith Perron & Paulette MacQuarrie, WRN, everyone who links over here, and all of the various people who give this place good mentions or featured headlines at different discussion groups & their moderators, and RadioReference for helping out with some items here and there.
Here's to many more years of publishing at Shortwave America!
Shortwave America has some really awesome plans for the future to come. These plans will be announced once they are cemented into place. Shortwave America would like to say a word of thanks to the following people who have been integral to the growth of this publication: The readers, Keith Perron & Paulette MacQuarrie, WRN, everyone who links over here, and all of the various people who give this place good mentions or featured headlines at different discussion groups & their moderators, and RadioReference for helping out with some items here and there.
Here's to many more years of publishing at Shortwave America!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Shortwave America Announces The New Listening Gallery!
As promised, the nationwide Amateur Radio Listening Gallery is now up and functional! Also as promised, it was posted with some work remaining to be done so readers can see what the offerings will be and get some idea what is being done to have the most useful information in one central place.
Go ahead! Please, enjoy this newest feature of Shortwave America and feel free to leave behind any of your thoughts.
Go ahead! Please, enjoy this newest feature of Shortwave America and feel free to leave behind any of your thoughts.
John Poet: Confessions Of A Pirate
It has recently been discovered that "The Poet" has a blog for TCS (The Crystal Ship). On it, Poet gives us an honest peek into why he does pirate radio. Confessions Of A Pirate is perhaps the BEST statement made against the powers that be in American radio, perhaps even worldwide since all of these people hold each others hands to begin with.
The first TCS blog post was on 7 August, 2010 and the newest post came on 7 May 2011. From all appearances at this present time in pirate radio, a war seems to be occurring between TCS and Radio Jamba International. Shortwave America will contact The Poet and ask for an interview on what The Crystal Ship is focusing on today, future plans, and the war with Radio Jamba.
After looking at the blog for Radio Jamba, it needs to be said that the ability to spell correctly, use good grammar, and construct sentences properly is paramount to running a publication just for starters. Posting your own SINPO reports from FRN is not good practice! Do something original! Seriously, Jamba! Here's a screenshot of Jamba's lameness:
BTW, that bowling alley sign photo, if real, is a great way for the FCC to find you....universally stupid! Why? Because it tells them about the area your sigs are possibly coming out of. We doubt you know anything about using photoshop. Shortwave America won't even give the link to Jamba for fear of insulting the entire radio community. Another thing Jamba, clean up your signal! Audio doesn't count when the signal is so bad!
Poet, if you're reading this....you run a great station! Keep up the good work! Salute!
The first TCS blog post was on 7 August, 2010 and the newest post came on 7 May 2011. From all appearances at this present time in pirate radio, a war seems to be occurring between TCS and Radio Jamba International. Shortwave America will contact The Poet and ask for an interview on what The Crystal Ship is focusing on today, future plans, and the war with Radio Jamba.
After looking at the blog for Radio Jamba, it needs to be said that the ability to spell correctly, use good grammar, and construct sentences properly is paramount to running a publication just for starters. Posting your own SINPO reports from FRN is not good practice! Do something original! Seriously, Jamba! Here's a screenshot of Jamba's lameness:
BTW, that bowling alley sign photo, if real, is a great way for the FCC to find you....universally stupid! Why? Because it tells them about the area your sigs are possibly coming out of. We doubt you know anything about using photoshop. Shortwave America won't even give the link to Jamba for fear of insulting the entire radio community. Another thing Jamba, clean up your signal! Audio doesn't count when the signal is so bad!
Poet, if you're reading this....you run a great station! Keep up the good work! Salute!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
QRZ Broil Spills Over
VK1OD and some others have taken to other means in order that they may freely speak out. That is to say they have left Fred Lloyd's QRZ.com. A relatively new thread at the reference speaks about continued management problems, favoritism, cronyism, and general double standards at the garbage fill known as the zed.
The linked post at the reference is quite accurate about what goes on over there and is quite honest about the fact being that only the callsign look-up is worth anything there. Anyone who has been around for any period of time knows that this is not anything new. What goes on at the zed is a circus of the worst sort for Fred and his friends who are no better than the people who occupy certain portions of bandwidth across the HF bands.
Truth be told, Fred doesn't care at all what happens so long as people keep buying ad space from him. QRZ is a business and the folks there are simply filling empty space, giving him the best thing he can have...FREE advertising! When you use Fred's site, and you go tell others about it, you give him free business! Free for him, but advertisers pay.
The same products marketed by Fred can be found on the net for free and also compiled privately by way of simple copy & paste onto a word doc if someone thinks the information is useful enough to them. There are a million callsign look up's out here...why use Fred's? You get the same information you would get there! Heck, if you wanna see geo coordinates you can go use Google Earth! You can use any other geo location service out here, as many of them are free.
Fred Lloyd has perpetrated the best laid scam ever! Don't you get it? You who hang around the zed are his puppets and he laughs at you! He gets rich while all of you create the downfall of the amateur radio community! The public is watching! Fred has succeeded in making fools of all of you.
The zed has archives for the public to see. Anyone can at anytime, go see the current state of the zed as well as the archives! Some of you may say, "but the zed has a logbook feature"...so what? There are logbooks out there for free or for minimal cost! I have yet to see a logbook that has an extravagant cost attached to it!
If you need help with learning something or using a new piece of equipment...there are amateur radio clubs all over the country! Go congregate with them and make some friends! Most amateur clubs are more than willing to give help to a fellow amateur with the understanding that the person give help to others when they know enough.
All the things provided at the zed can be found elsewhere and you don't risk getting flamed, insulted, harassed, bullied, or banned! Shortwave America readers will notice that there is NO LINK here to the zed...there is a reason for that! QRZ is not a family friendly site and the readers here do not want to click on a link that may provide objectionable content.
The zed is a horrible example of how amateur radio ops act in the real world for the most part.
Here's K1OIK's video which was really about QRZ more than amateur ops in the real world with a few exceptions. Please note that there may be some rude, objectionable remarks made at the video and feel free to ignore the comments section if you need to....Burt does! In real life, Burt is an intelligent man who is kind and a lot of fun to be around. Shortwave America presents this without any endorsement in one direction or another.
The linked post at the reference is quite accurate about what goes on over there and is quite honest about the fact being that only the callsign look-up is worth anything there. Anyone who has been around for any period of time knows that this is not anything new. What goes on at the zed is a circus of the worst sort for Fred and his friends who are no better than the people who occupy certain portions of bandwidth across the HF bands.
Truth be told, Fred doesn't care at all what happens so long as people keep buying ad space from him. QRZ is a business and the folks there are simply filling empty space, giving him the best thing he can have...FREE advertising! When you use Fred's site, and you go tell others about it, you give him free business! Free for him, but advertisers pay.
The same products marketed by Fred can be found on the net for free and also compiled privately by way of simple copy & paste onto a word doc if someone thinks the information is useful enough to them. There are a million callsign look up's out here...why use Fred's? You get the same information you would get there! Heck, if you wanna see geo coordinates you can go use Google Earth! You can use any other geo location service out here, as many of them are free.
Fred Lloyd has perpetrated the best laid scam ever! Don't you get it? You who hang around the zed are his puppets and he laughs at you! He gets rich while all of you create the downfall of the amateur radio community! The public is watching! Fred has succeeded in making fools of all of you.
The zed has archives for the public to see. Anyone can at anytime, go see the current state of the zed as well as the archives! Some of you may say, "but the zed has a logbook feature"...so what? There are logbooks out there for free or for minimal cost! I have yet to see a logbook that has an extravagant cost attached to it!
If you need help with learning something or using a new piece of equipment...there are amateur radio clubs all over the country! Go congregate with them and make some friends! Most amateur clubs are more than willing to give help to a fellow amateur with the understanding that the person give help to others when they know enough.
All the things provided at the zed can be found elsewhere and you don't risk getting flamed, insulted, harassed, bullied, or banned! Shortwave America readers will notice that there is NO LINK here to the zed...there is a reason for that! QRZ is not a family friendly site and the readers here do not want to click on a link that may provide objectionable content.
The zed is a horrible example of how amateur radio ops act in the real world for the most part.
Here's K1OIK's video which was really about QRZ more than amateur ops in the real world with a few exceptions. Please note that there may be some rude, objectionable remarks made at the video and feel free to ignore the comments section if you need to....Burt does! In real life, Burt is an intelligent man who is kind and a lot of fun to be around. Shortwave America presents this without any endorsement in one direction or another.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
RNW Moves Hörby SW Transmitters To Madagascar
Southgate Amateur Radio News brings us this story about Radio Netherlands Worldwide moving their transmitters. The newly purchased ABB transmitters are said to be much more energy efficient and this will allow the cost of the new transmitters to be recovered in a short time.
However, it seems that there is some bad news attached to this: (Quote from Southgate)
"Recently, RNW management announced that it intended to speed up the process of replacing shortwave with other distribution platforms, including the closure of its relay stations in Bonaire and Madagascar. The Bonaire facility is scheduled for closure at the end of October 2012, but no closure date has yet been decided for Madagascar."
Of all the stations in the world, no one would have ever guessed that Radio Netherlands would even consider losing shortwave in favor of other media platforms. Thank God PCJ Radio has decided to keep shortwave radio alive with the new world service! If stations keep taking their shortwave operations off the air, all there will be left are pirates and although pirates aren't all bad, they risk getting raided by their respective broadcast licensing authorities if they operate too regularly as to become predictable.
However, it seems that there is some bad news attached to this: (Quote from Southgate)
"Recently, RNW management announced that it intended to speed up the process of replacing shortwave with other distribution platforms, including the closure of its relay stations in Bonaire and Madagascar. The Bonaire facility is scheduled for closure at the end of October 2012, but no closure date has yet been decided for Madagascar."
Of all the stations in the world, no one would have ever guessed that Radio Netherlands would even consider losing shortwave in favor of other media platforms. Thank God PCJ Radio has decided to keep shortwave radio alive with the new world service! If stations keep taking their shortwave operations off the air, all there will be left are pirates and although pirates aren't all bad, they risk getting raided by their respective broadcast licensing authorities if they operate too regularly as to become predictable.
Håkan Widenstedt of Teracom Shortwave
Andy Sennitt at Radio Netherlands reported the following sad news at 1514UTC:
"I’m sorry to report that I have just learned via our Programme Distribution Department that Håkan Widenstedt of the Teracom shortwave station in Hörby, Sweden, passed away on 21 March 2011."
See the entire article at the RNW Blog
Shortwave America on behalf of itself and PCJ Media publicly wishes the family and friends of Håkan Widenstedt our deepest condolences.
"I’m sorry to report that I have just learned via our Programme Distribution Department that Håkan Widenstedt of the Teracom shortwave station in Hörby, Sweden, passed away on 21 March 2011."
See the entire article at the RNW Blog
Shortwave America on behalf of itself and PCJ Media publicly wishes the family and friends of Håkan Widenstedt our deepest condolences.
New Vietnamese program on 1503khz
Beginning May 15th, 2011 Foundation For Democracy Of Vietnam will broadcast a daily program from 1430UTC to 1500UTC on 1503khz. This time slot had been used by the BBC Vietnamese Service until it was vacated because of the restructuring measures that have been taken by the BBC World Service. The 600kw transmitter and directional antenna azimuth of 247deg is located in Fangliao, South Taiwan (Pingtung County). This site is also used by Radio France International in Khmer, Radio Chan Troi Moi (New Horizon Radio) in Vietnamese, Family Radio in Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese and English.
This relay was arranged by Jeff White at WRMI (Radio Miami International) and Keith Perron at PCJ Radio.
This relay was arranged by Jeff White at WRMI (Radio Miami International) and Keith Perron at PCJ Radio.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Untrained Weather Spotters Get Themselves Into Danger
Those of us who are TRAINED severe weather / tornado spotters know that you NEVER get up cloe and personal with a Tornado. We also know that our training tells us that when observing a tornado, we need to be at the opposite angle from where the tornado is moving, so we can SAFELY help the National Weather Service to get advance warning out and report on the behavior of the tornado.
The two goofballs you are about to see in this video make us all look bad, they get it all wrong and almost end up dead. The two not-so-bright people you will see in this video got themselves caught in the recent deadly tornado outbreak in Alabama. They have the radio on and the station is warning everyone listening to seek shelter immediately, and they do exactly the opposite!
What does this have to do with radio, you ask? These Darwin Award contestants have no communication with anyone! IF they were properly trained and had their amateur radio licenses, they would be able to actually be of some help to the community and possibly help save a few lives! In scenarios like this, communication with your local NWS and Emergency Management Agency makes all the difference!
The two goofballs you are about to see in this video make us all look bad, they get it all wrong and almost end up dead. The two not-so-bright people you will see in this video got themselves caught in the recent deadly tornado outbreak in Alabama. They have the radio on and the station is warning everyone listening to seek shelter immediately, and they do exactly the opposite!
What does this have to do with radio, you ask? These Darwin Award contestants have no communication with anyone! IF they were properly trained and had their amateur radio licenses, they would be able to actually be of some help to the community and possibly help save a few lives! In scenarios like this, communication with your local NWS and Emergency Management Agency makes all the difference!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
United States Executes Osama Bin Laden, U.S. Government In Possession Of Bin Laden's Body
CNN HAS THE STORY
The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have done well in their mission, accomplished it with excellence, and are now world-wide heroes for putting the minds of millions at ease.
In memory of the lives lost on 9-11-01
The men and women of the United States Armed Forces have done well in their mission, accomplished it with excellence, and are now world-wide heroes for putting the minds of millions at ease.
In memory of the lives lost on 9-11-01
Friday, April 29, 2011
Royal Wedding Frequencies Confirmed
9590Khz AM 0913UTC and 9580Khz 0942UTC in the United States. No further frequencies found. Both stations were BBC broadcasts.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
This So Called Royal Wedding - Part 2
The CQHQ Blogspot has commentary about the special event callsigns in commemoration of William's wedding tomorrow, only to find out a bit later that someone fraudulently signed him up for one of the special GR calls!
Shortwave America inquired about IF there will be any shortwave coverage of the wedding and if so, what frequencies the coverage will be heard. A source at DXLD in Northeast England gave the following information: (Direct quote)
It'll be on the BBC WS from 0855-1300
and highlights from 1605-1700
It will be on which ever WS frequencies you might be able to hear at those times. Try these:
0800-0900 6190af 11760me 12095af 15310as 15400af 15575as
17640af 17790as 17830af 21470af
0900-1000 6190af 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15310as 15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 17830af 21470af 21630as
1000-1100 6190af 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15310as
15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 21470af 21660as
1100-1200 6140as 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15285as
15310as 15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 17830af 21470af
1200-1300 5875as 6140as 6190af 6195as 9740as 11750as
11760me 12095af 15310as 15575as 17640af 17830af 21470af
1600-1700 3255af 5845as 5975as 6190af 9495as 12095as
13820as 15400af 15420af 17640af 17795af 17830af 21470af
The source in Northeast England says it will be a lucky occurrence to catch anything.
Shortwave America inquired about IF there will be any shortwave coverage of the wedding and if so, what frequencies the coverage will be heard. A source at DXLD in Northeast England gave the following information: (Direct quote)
It'll be on the BBC WS from 0855-1300
and highlights from 1605-1700
It will be on which ever WS frequencies you might be able to hear at those times. Try these:
0800-0900 6190af 11760me 12095af 15310as 15400af 15575as
17640af 17790as 17830af 21470af
0900-1000 6190af 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15310as 15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 17830af 21470af 21630as
1000-1100 6190af 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15310as
15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 21470af 21660as
1100-1200 6140as 6195as 9740as 11760me 12095af 15285as
15310as 15400af 15575as 17640af 17760as 17790as 17830af 21470af
1200-1300 5875as 6140as 6190af 6195as 9740as 11750as
11760me 12095af 15310as 15575as 17640af 17830af 21470af
1600-1700 3255af 5845as 5975as 6190af 9495as 12095as
13820as 15400af 15420af 17640af 17795af 17830af 21470af
The source in Northeast England says it will be a lucky occurrence to catch anything.
Radio News From Across The World
ARRL tells us that James McLaughlin - WA2EWE/T6AF killed in the line of duty
Quick quote from the ARRL article:
"McLaughlin -- a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel -- was a contractor serving as a flight instructor for Afghan pilots. Licensed since 1972, McLaughlin was a career US military officer. Bob Magnani, K6QXY, told the ARRL that McLaughlin was just in the US a week ago, visiting his family: "His son Adam, KD6POE, works for me. He told me that his dad had been in Afghanistan and Iraq many times over the past few years, most currently serving as a flight instructor.”
Shortwave Central reports on updated Radio Damascus schedule
Shortwave Central says Radio Fly Wants To Hear From Shortwave Listeners
Shortwave Central Pirate Radio Report
Finally, THE long awaited DX Code Of Conduct goes from proposal to reality! There is an update and a FREE PDF E-Book available for CW operators. Maybe IF we get lucky, our fellow amateurs across the world will not have to listen to the mess on the phone bands for long, because someone sooner or later is going to come up with a Phone Band Code Of Conduct for DX operations.
G3XBM gives us news about a 111KM Optical QSO (Conversation) using LED's and Fresnel Lenses between G8AGN and G0EWN. Both stations were portable ops.
N8ZYA has several successful QRP DX contacts on 20 Meters.
Radio World Online gives the world a tour of the VOA facility in Greenville, North Carolina
Written by James E. O'Neal.
Newest logs from DXLD (April 20th) via W4UVH
Last, but not least...The final space shuttle mission known to man, STS-134, will take place this coming Friday at 3:47PM Eastern U.S. time. Here is information from MT-Utility World
Shortwave America strongly suggests getting in touch early with the fine group at HF-Monitors, and SpaceCoastComms on Yahoo Groups to get past frequency information and what frequencies are currently active, or expected to be active. The main man to contact is Allan Stern.
Quick quote from the ARRL article:
"McLaughlin -- a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel -- was a contractor serving as a flight instructor for Afghan pilots. Licensed since 1972, McLaughlin was a career US military officer. Bob Magnani, K6QXY, told the ARRL that McLaughlin was just in the US a week ago, visiting his family: "His son Adam, KD6POE, works for me. He told me that his dad had been in Afghanistan and Iraq many times over the past few years, most currently serving as a flight instructor.”
Shortwave Central reports on updated Radio Damascus schedule
Shortwave Central says Radio Fly Wants To Hear From Shortwave Listeners
Shortwave Central Pirate Radio Report
Finally, THE long awaited DX Code Of Conduct goes from proposal to reality! There is an update and a FREE PDF E-Book available for CW operators. Maybe IF we get lucky, our fellow amateurs across the world will not have to listen to the mess on the phone bands for long, because someone sooner or later is going to come up with a Phone Band Code Of Conduct for DX operations.
G3XBM gives us news about a 111KM Optical QSO (Conversation) using LED's and Fresnel Lenses between G8AGN and G0EWN. Both stations were portable ops.
N8ZYA has several successful QRP DX contacts on 20 Meters.
Radio World Online gives the world a tour of the VOA facility in Greenville, North Carolina
Written by James E. O'Neal.
Newest logs from DXLD (April 20th) via W4UVH
Last, but not least...The final space shuttle mission known to man, STS-134, will take place this coming Friday at 3:47PM Eastern U.S. time. Here is information from MT-Utility World
Shortwave America strongly suggests getting in touch early with the fine group at HF-Monitors, and SpaceCoastComms on Yahoo Groups to get past frequency information and what frequencies are currently active, or expected to be active. The main man to contact is Allan Stern.
Radio Free Libya
One of the first voices behind Radio Free Libya, Libya's first uncensored radio station.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Shortwave America Celebrates 200th Article!
Today's offering as a special feature for the 200th article here at Shortwave America is video coverage of the 24th Annual Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron! David Goren & Richard Cuff were responsible for this great event, so thank you to them!
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 1
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 2
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 3
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 1
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 2
Shortwave Shindig with Keith Perron - Part 3
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
CelleBrite UFED: ACLU and Others Want Information, Worried About Civil Liberties
Slashdot has basic information about this newest invasion of privacy aimed at communication devices we commonly know as "Cellphones", "I-Phones" and "Smartphones". This newest law enforcement gadget is called CellBrite UFED.
The ACLU is quoted on record as saying: "The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan last Wednesday demanded that state officials stop stonewalling freedom of information requests for information on the program.
ACLU learned that the police had acquired the cell phone scanning devices and in August 2008 filed an official request for records on the program, including logs of how the devices were used. The state police responded by saying they would provide the information only in return for a payment of $544,680. The ACLU found the charge outrageous.
"Law enforcement officers are known, on occasion, to encourage citizens to cooperate if they have nothing to hide," ACLU staff attorney Mark P. Fancher wrote. "No less should be expected of law enforcement, and the Michigan State Police should be willing to assuage concerns that these powerful extraction devices are being used illegally by honoring our requests for cooperation and disclosure."
Sources: Slashdot and TheNewspaper.com
Thenewspaper.com closes the article with this statement: "The national ACLU is currently suing the Department of Homeland Security for its policy of warrantless electronic searches of laptops and cell phones belonging to people entering the country who are not suspected of committing any crime."
Here is the PDF Copy of the ACLU Letter directly from the ACLU at their website.
Attorney Wayne Logan of the Florida State University speaks at Popular Mechanics about the application and limitations of the 4th Amendment in these types of cases.
Findlaw for Legal Professionals has a link to the fourth amendment.
You will also find a history and scope of the 4th Amendment at this link
A copy of the U.S. Constitution can be found here.
This newest development poses an interesting, yet, odd situation for United States Licensed Radio Amateurs because today's phones can double as an amateur station by way of the use of Echolink and other RF linking software. As a way to avoid Michigan State Police searches of your phone when you are NOT suspected of a crime, Shortwave America UNOFFICIALLY suggests Michigan radio amateurs to have Echolink or other RF LINKING software running at all times while you are in your car or out in public as a way to legitimately, legally, say that your phone is actually an amateur radio transceiver because you are using it as such at the time of contact with the Michigan State Police.
P.R. 91-36 is a good protection in this type of case because it is assumed within reason that your phone, while being used as an amateur station, may possibly have access to public safety, special emergency, or other frequencies. IF MSP were then to search/confiscate the phone in the wrong context (without probable cause) and without a search warrant, they would have presumably violated a FEDERAL ORDER. ONLY the FCC can interfere with amateur radio operations or seize an amateur station pursuant to Part 97 and other Federal Regulations having the same effect / affect as law.
General searches are outlawed by fact of your fourth amendment rights.
The above IS NOT legal advice and should never be construed as such. This is simply educated thinking within a reasonable scope.
The ACLU is quoted on record as saying: "The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan last Wednesday demanded that state officials stop stonewalling freedom of information requests for information on the program.
ACLU learned that the police had acquired the cell phone scanning devices and in August 2008 filed an official request for records on the program, including logs of how the devices were used. The state police responded by saying they would provide the information only in return for a payment of $544,680. The ACLU found the charge outrageous.
"Law enforcement officers are known, on occasion, to encourage citizens to cooperate if they have nothing to hide," ACLU staff attorney Mark P. Fancher wrote. "No less should be expected of law enforcement, and the Michigan State Police should be willing to assuage concerns that these powerful extraction devices are being used illegally by honoring our requests for cooperation and disclosure."
Sources: Slashdot and TheNewspaper.com
Thenewspaper.com closes the article with this statement: "The national ACLU is currently suing the Department of Homeland Security for its policy of warrantless electronic searches of laptops and cell phones belonging to people entering the country who are not suspected of committing any crime."
Here is the PDF Copy of the ACLU Letter directly from the ACLU at their website.
Attorney Wayne Logan of the Florida State University speaks at Popular Mechanics about the application and limitations of the 4th Amendment in these types of cases.
Findlaw for Legal Professionals has a link to the fourth amendment.
You will also find a history and scope of the 4th Amendment at this link
A copy of the U.S. Constitution can be found here.
This newest development poses an interesting, yet, odd situation for United States Licensed Radio Amateurs because today's phones can double as an amateur station by way of the use of Echolink and other RF linking software. As a way to avoid Michigan State Police searches of your phone when you are NOT suspected of a crime, Shortwave America UNOFFICIALLY suggests Michigan radio amateurs to have Echolink or other RF LINKING software running at all times while you are in your car or out in public as a way to legitimately, legally, say that your phone is actually an amateur radio transceiver because you are using it as such at the time of contact with the Michigan State Police.
P.R. 91-36 is a good protection in this type of case because it is assumed within reason that your phone, while being used as an amateur station, may possibly have access to public safety, special emergency, or other frequencies. IF MSP were then to search/confiscate the phone in the wrong context (without probable cause) and without a search warrant, they would have presumably violated a FEDERAL ORDER. ONLY the FCC can interfere with amateur radio operations or seize an amateur station pursuant to Part 97 and other Federal Regulations having the same effect / affect as law.
General searches are outlawed by fact of your fourth amendment rights.
The above IS NOT legal advice and should never be construed as such. This is simply educated thinking within a reasonable scope.
China Radio International Spotlights Autism: Children Of The Stars
Children Of The Stars is the new documentary in China aimed at educating the public about Autism. For those who may not be aware, April is Autism Awareness Month. The spotlight on Autism this month by China Radio International presents a compassionate, balanced, perspective on multiple aspects of what life is like for the children and their families who live with the unique challenges of Autism. Listen HERE
Autism affects not only millions of children and other people of all ages in China, but also all over the world. Shortwave America would like to ask it's audience to pass this piece on to anyone who may benefit from it. Today's medical professionals do not particularly like making an Autism diagnosis nor do they enjoy the process of working to detect this problem because they openly say that with all of the awareness campaigns, Autism has been over-diagnosed and they are afraid of making a needless diagnosis.
Oftentimes, Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism look alike. Children and even older people with these disorders are oftentimes misdiagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and a range of Personality Disorders due to the complexity of what Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism are and how they manifest in each person. There is a push developing by large groups of parents and a growing network of medical professionals, social workers, and others to make Sensory Processing Disorder part of the Autism spectrum because of the characteristics these two disorders appear to share with each other when it comes to the specifics of daily routines, communication difficulties, learning challenges, development, and behavior.
Autism affects not only millions of children and other people of all ages in China, but also all over the world. Shortwave America would like to ask it's audience to pass this piece on to anyone who may benefit from it. Today's medical professionals do not particularly like making an Autism diagnosis nor do they enjoy the process of working to detect this problem because they openly say that with all of the awareness campaigns, Autism has been over-diagnosed and they are afraid of making a needless diagnosis.
Oftentimes, Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism look alike. Children and even older people with these disorders are oftentimes misdiagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and a range of Personality Disorders due to the complexity of what Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism are and how they manifest in each person. There is a push developing by large groups of parents and a growing network of medical professionals, social workers, and others to make Sensory Processing Disorder part of the Autism spectrum because of the characteristics these two disorders appear to share with each other when it comes to the specifics of daily routines, communication difficulties, learning challenges, development, and behavior.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
William's Wedding on Shortwave
Shortwave America has been loosely following the impending wedding of William Arthur Philip Louis to his fiance', Kate Middleton. Until any news of shortwave frequencies comes about, this publication wanted to talk about how the so-called "royal" family has been falling apart for decades, and also about how Elizabeth is seriously unhappy about how the impending wedding has been handled.
The groom to be is actually: William Arthur Philip Louis, born 21 June 1982, William's brother, Harry is actually: Henry Charles Albert David; born 15 September 1984
So, we have two kids with two entirely different last names, neither of which run in the immediate family on either side. The "Queen" who is actually nothing more than England's national President and therefore, just another overblown head of state is actually: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, born 21 April 1926 and the father of these kids has the name Charles Philip Arthur George born 14 November 1948 and Diana's name was Diana Frances (Spencer) 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997.
Going back to the first of two original points, the family has been falling apart over a span of several decades due to what would appear to be a morbid need for power over others including the words, thoughts, and movements of the lives of their own family. The fall of the so called "royal family" started early on in England's history when the highest ruling members of the family enacted certain laws (Alluded to in the article linked to above) mandating strict, arcane structure, therefore mixing family relationships with business which separated family from each other in the context of being equals.
Common sense dictates that family cannot be less than equals with each other and also be ranking members of ruling government. These types of family relationships in everyday reality create a chaotic pathology of power seeking, possibly pointing to unstable neuro-psychosocial functioning. The refusal of the family to re-examine arcane laws governing family structure from within in the context of the rank system keeping power only with the family, and to refuse to seriously consider opening up government to a voting public in a system of democracy points to a need to keep skeletons from rattling.
The details of the family & their foibles which have become public knowledge, such details obviously pointing to a myriad of problems within seem to rise to the level of the family having such internal conflict that they could reasonably be expected to be otherwise unable to run a government. All of these details are simply too voluminous to be published here.
All of this being said, it is one thing to hold on to meaningful traditions, but to hold so tightly to arcane conservative schools of thought such as is present with the family is nothing short of self-destructive to themselves and the public. On April 1st, The Bali Times ran an April fool's joke about Elizabeth A. Mary stepping down from her position as a gift to William. In this current day, Elizabeth is attempting to have herself seen as mostly being concerned about the logistics of William's wedding plans. Those of us who have been around long enough to witness the many catastrophies of this family know well that this is Elizabeth being the opinionated, selfish, stuffy old bag she has always been.
If William were smart, he would have already told her to mind her own business and he would have paid for the wedding on his own and done other things to provide for Kate's comfort. The family has always suffered from a need for constant attention which gives the impression that they suffer from an unstable self-image and the attention they get becomes their coping mechanism in the place of more practical, healthier methods of coping with family & professional stresses.
Other than some minor changes in the way some things have traditionally been done, we should expect to see the same old pomp & arrogance that has become the hallmark of all other family events.
The groom to be is actually: William Arthur Philip Louis, born 21 June 1982, William's brother, Harry is actually: Henry Charles Albert David; born 15 September 1984
So, we have two kids with two entirely different last names, neither of which run in the immediate family on either side. The "Queen" who is actually nothing more than England's national President and therefore, just another overblown head of state is actually: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, born 21 April 1926 and the father of these kids has the name Charles Philip Arthur George born 14 November 1948 and Diana's name was Diana Frances (Spencer) 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997.
Going back to the first of two original points, the family has been falling apart over a span of several decades due to what would appear to be a morbid need for power over others including the words, thoughts, and movements of the lives of their own family. The fall of the so called "royal family" started early on in England's history when the highest ruling members of the family enacted certain laws (Alluded to in the article linked to above) mandating strict, arcane structure, therefore mixing family relationships with business which separated family from each other in the context of being equals.
Common sense dictates that family cannot be less than equals with each other and also be ranking members of ruling government. These types of family relationships in everyday reality create a chaotic pathology of power seeking, possibly pointing to unstable neuro-psychosocial functioning. The refusal of the family to re-examine arcane laws governing family structure from within in the context of the rank system keeping power only with the family, and to refuse to seriously consider opening up government to a voting public in a system of democracy points to a need to keep skeletons from rattling.
The details of the family & their foibles which have become public knowledge, such details obviously pointing to a myriad of problems within seem to rise to the level of the family having such internal conflict that they could reasonably be expected to be otherwise unable to run a government. All of these details are simply too voluminous to be published here.
All of this being said, it is one thing to hold on to meaningful traditions, but to hold so tightly to arcane conservative schools of thought such as is present with the family is nothing short of self-destructive to themselves and the public. On April 1st, The Bali Times ran an April fool's joke about Elizabeth A. Mary stepping down from her position as a gift to William. In this current day, Elizabeth is attempting to have herself seen as mostly being concerned about the logistics of William's wedding plans. Those of us who have been around long enough to witness the many catastrophies of this family know well that this is Elizabeth being the opinionated, selfish, stuffy old bag she has always been.
If William were smart, he would have already told her to mind her own business and he would have paid for the wedding on his own and done other things to provide for Kate's comfort. The family has always suffered from a need for constant attention which gives the impression that they suffer from an unstable self-image and the attention they get becomes their coping mechanism in the place of more practical, healthier methods of coping with family & professional stresses.
Other than some minor changes in the way some things have traditionally been done, we should expect to see the same old pomp & arrogance that has become the hallmark of all other family events.
Radio Heritage Foundation Media Release: Radio ANZAC
Radio Heritage Foundation
18 April 2011
Official Media Release
ANZAC Radio Heritage 2011 - Fighting Voices from Downunder.
For those who are interested, this is a partial quote from the Official Media Release by the Radio Heritage Foundation:
"Radio was still a teenager when called up for active duty in 1939 with the
outbreak of World War II but had moved into respectable middle age by 1970
when the Vietnam War was raging says the Radio Heritage Foundation in the
latest feature at website www.radioheritage.com.
Released to remember ANZAC Day on April 25 2011, this new feature looks at
how Australian and New Zealand military forces took radio along with them on
their journey to battlefields as far flung as the Middle East, Japan, Korea,
Vietnam, South East Asia, the Pacific, and even within Australia's Northern
Territory.
"Fighting Voices from Downunder' visits the extensive ABC Radio facilities
at Gaza in Palestine, RAAF Madang 'The Voice of the Islands', 5DR Darwin,
9AF Labuan in the Straits Settlements, AKAA Yamaguchi 'Voice of the 2NZEF',
WLKS Kure, Radio Commonwealth near the North Korean border, RAAF Butterworth
and AFR Vung Tau.
This new feature places ANZAC Radio into context with US Armed Forces Radio
networks in the Asia and Pacific region, and British Forces Broadcasting and
Radio SEAC services."
18 April 2011
Official Media Release
ANZAC Radio Heritage 2011 - Fighting Voices from Downunder.
For those who are interested, this is a partial quote from the Official Media Release by the Radio Heritage Foundation:
"Radio was still a teenager when called up for active duty in 1939 with the
outbreak of World War II but had moved into respectable middle age by 1970
when the Vietnam War was raging says the Radio Heritage Foundation in the
latest feature at website www.radioheritage.com.
Released to remember ANZAC Day on April 25 2011, this new feature looks at
how Australian and New Zealand military forces took radio along with them on
their journey to battlefields as far flung as the Middle East, Japan, Korea,
Vietnam, South East Asia, the Pacific, and even within Australia's Northern
Territory.
"Fighting Voices from Downunder' visits the extensive ABC Radio facilities
at Gaza in Palestine, RAAF Madang 'The Voice of the Islands', 5DR Darwin,
9AF Labuan in the Straits Settlements, AKAA Yamaguchi 'Voice of the 2NZEF',
WLKS Kure, Radio Commonwealth near the North Korean border, RAAF Butterworth
and AFR Vung Tau.
This new feature places ANZAC Radio into context with US Armed Forces Radio
networks in the Asia and Pacific region, and British Forces Broadcasting and
Radio SEAC services."
ARRL W1AW Bulletin For 18 April 2011
Experimenting with digital modes is always fun & exciting! For this article today, Digital Master 780 was used to copy the W1AW CW (Morse Code) bulletin from 0330Z to 0350Z. Given the poor propagation, Digital Master really did an outstanding job!
The W1AW bulletin was copied on 3581.10Khz. Note the mistakes made by Digital Master 780 were really not horrible overall. Clearly, if you are going to use software to copy ANY digital mode, the software will not always copy everything 100%, but DO notice that as the bulletin went on in duration, the copy got better.
N E W GROUP ON WEDNESDAY* APRIL 13, AND YET ANOTHER ON APR* 14. = PA EDICTED SOLAR FLUX VA*UES FROM NMEAA/USIEF FOR THE NEAR IIRM HAVE INCREASID SINCE THE FXRECAST IN THE ARRL LETTER O 5SHURSDAY. PREDICTED SOL TR FLUX IS 125 AND 128 OR APRIL 15 AND 16, 13Ø ON APRIL 17 TO 19, HND WM35 ON APRIL 2*E AND 21 AN5 115 ON APRIL 22 AND 23. PLANETARY A SNDEX FOR THE SAME PERIOD IS PREDI*TED TO BE 5 ON APRI L 15 TO 17, B AND W * EE EI II**TEETEL * EI MAK E I E EWI EE A* E**I TTNT E E I*I * TI
I I SIJE I I ITKETI_TTT TT TT D 1 ON , AND 5 ON APRIL 2Ø TO E7. * ST DE W1AW = GEOPHYSICA5 INSTIHUTE PRRGUE PREDICTS QUIET GEOMAGNETIC C3NDITIONS APRIL 15 TO 17, QUIET TO UNSETTLED APRIL 18, ACTIVE CONDITIONS APRIL *9, AND UNSETTLED CONDITIONS APRIL 2Ø AND 21. = ON APRIL 12 A SOLAR WIND STREAM HIT EARTH, CAUSING AURORA TO BE VISIBLE ACROSS THE NORTHERN TIER STATES IN THE U.S. THE HIGH LATITUDE COLLEGE A INDEX HIT 39, AND PLANETARY A INDEX WAS 23. THE NEXT PERIOD OF HIGHER DIEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY PREDICTED BY NOAA/USAF IS APRIL 28 AND 29, WITH A PLANETARY A INDIX OF 12 AND 15. * QST DE W1AW = JON JONES, NØJK OF WICHITA, KANSAS REPORTS, I HEARD OA4TT IN PERU ON 5ØR135 MHZ ON APRIL 4 AT 2Ø2ØZ. KN5 W IN LA HAD OA4TT IN STRONG, WAS WEAB F6IR ME. PERHAPS DIRECT F2 TO THE GUL CG TST THEN WEAK ES ON TO KSE BR5* IS ON MY GREAT CIRBLE BEARING TO PERU. = 3EFF HARTLEY, N8II OF SHEPHERDSTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA REPORTS, T5ERE HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF *CENT PROPAGATION SURPRISES. LAST FRIDAY, APRIL 8, K3SWZ NEAR HARRISBURG, PA REPORTED T ME WEASKING T V9RG ON 1Ø METER SSB AT 2348Z* SUNSET HERE LAS 2343Z. I DIDNT FIND ROBIN, D UT DID WORVEFILST VKNI OF CYCLE 24 ON 1Ø METERS, VK6DU ON SSB AROUND 235ØZ. THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER EASTERN VKS AND ZLS WITH GOOD SIGNALS ON 1Ø AROUND THE SAME TIME. * QST DE W1AW = I HAVE WORKED 5N7M AROUND 23ØØZ ON 1Ø CW [353.0° 10,813.5km] AND HE IS FREQUENTLY ON 1Ø AND *2 METERS VERY LATE FOR HIM RIGHT AROUND THE BOTTOM TAIS THE BI E DS I HEARD HIM AS LATE AS E2Ø4Z WITH A GOOD SIGIAL 7N 12 METERS LAST NIGHT, THEN HE WENT DOWN TO THE BOTEOM OF 15 CW [312.7° 18,880.1km] AROUND Ø1ØØZT 5M2TT, IN LIBERIA, WAS RUNNING A BIG PILE UP ON 17 METERS SI B AROUT D MOZAØØZ AND WAS WORKED N MONDAY AROUND 233Ø6 TAN BMITH * TE T E METEFS PHXNE AND CW. I5 HAS BEEN REGULARLN T OSIEN TD A IN OUR EVENINGS THIS WEITT AND WSS STILL OPES AT Ø11ØZ AEAST NIGHT. EARLIER IN THE WEEK I HAD A RUN OF JAS ON 15 CW [353.6° 10,260.9km] AROUND 233ØZ WITH SIGNALS U G TO S9, NOT AN EVERY DAY EVENT FOR THIS QTH WITH ABOUT THE POOREST PROP TO JA IN THE USA, WITH A BEAM HEADE NG IS 33Ø. * QST DE W1AW = TO JAPAN, JEFF IS M 5ER 6,8ØØ MILES. FROM K7RA IN SEATTLE IT IS ABOUT 4,9ØØ MILES AT 3ØØ DEGREES. = IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT OR HAVE A TIAI FOR OUR READERS, EMAIL THE AUTHOR AT, K7RA AT ARRL.NET. = FOR MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING RADIO PROPAGATION, SEE THE ARRL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE WEB PAGE. A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE NUMBERS USED IN THIS BULLETIN IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON THIS SITE. AN ARCHIVE OF PAST EPROPAGATION BULLETINS IS ALSO AVAILABLE. = MONTHLY PROPAGATION CHARIS BETWEEN FOUR USA REGIONS AND TWELVE OVERSEAS LOCATIONS CAN E FOUND ON THE 41AW WEB SITE. * QST DE W1AW
Hopefully the Shortwave America readers and others curious about radio have enjoyed this piece as much as Shortwave America enjoyed bringing it to you.
The W1AW bulletin was copied on 3581.10Khz. Note the mistakes made by Digital Master 780 were really not horrible overall. Clearly, if you are going to use software to copy ANY digital mode, the software will not always copy everything 100%, but DO notice that as the bulletin went on in duration, the copy got better.
N E W GROUP ON WEDNESDAY* APRIL 13, AND YET ANOTHER ON APR* 14. = PA EDICTED SOLAR FLUX VA*UES FROM NMEAA/USIEF FOR THE NEAR IIRM HAVE INCREASID SINCE THE FXRECAST IN THE ARRL LETTER O 5SHURSDAY. PREDICTED SOL TR FLUX IS 125 AND 128 OR APRIL 15 AND 16, 13Ø ON APRIL 17 TO 19, HND WM35 ON APRIL 2*E AND 21 AN5 115 ON APRIL 22 AND 23. PLANETARY A SNDEX FOR THE SAME PERIOD IS PREDI*TED TO BE 5 ON APRI L 15 TO 17, B AND W * EE EI II**TEETEL * EI MAK E I E EWI EE A* E**I TTNT E E I*I * TI
I I SIJE I I ITKETI_TTT TT TT D 1 ON , AND 5 ON APRIL 2Ø TO E7. * ST DE W1AW = GEOPHYSICA5 INSTIHUTE PRRGUE PREDICTS QUIET GEOMAGNETIC C3NDITIONS APRIL 15 TO 17, QUIET TO UNSETTLED APRIL 18, ACTIVE CONDITIONS APRIL *9, AND UNSETTLED CONDITIONS APRIL 2Ø AND 21. = ON APRIL 12 A SOLAR WIND STREAM HIT EARTH, CAUSING AURORA TO BE VISIBLE ACROSS THE NORTHERN TIER STATES IN THE U.S. THE HIGH LATITUDE COLLEGE A INDEX HIT 39, AND PLANETARY A INDEX WAS 23. THE NEXT PERIOD OF HIGHER DIEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY PREDICTED BY NOAA/USAF IS APRIL 28 AND 29, WITH A PLANETARY A INDIX OF 12 AND 15. * QST DE W1AW = JON JONES, NØJK OF WICHITA, KANSAS REPORTS, I HEARD OA4TT IN PERU ON 5ØR135 MHZ ON APRIL 4 AT 2Ø2ØZ. KN5 W IN LA HAD OA4TT IN STRONG, WAS WEAB F6IR ME. PERHAPS DIRECT F2 TO THE GUL
Hopefully the Shortwave America readers and others curious about radio have enjoyed this piece as much as Shortwave America enjoyed bringing it to you.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Blago Trial Judge Zagel Violates First Amendment, Freedom Of Choice
Yahoo! News has the story of Judge Zagel warning ousted Illinois Governor , Rod Blagojevich about making comments to the news media because his statements "could be used against him". In the context of media freedom and the freedom of a citizen or citizens to speak with the media, this seems to be the typical Illinois backhanded approach to circuventing the First Amendment, among other constitutional guarantees to freedom of choice when it comes to the right of a person or group of people to decide when and when not to speak.
Illinois has a long history of using coercion & intimidation against those whom it wishes to silence. Blago apparently raised the hairs on the neck of the assigned prosecutor given the prosecutor's conduct in the courtroom in front of th judge when he raised his voice and said he wishes he could put Blago on the stand, supposedly to show what a liar he is.
Shortwave America sees a double standard here: Blago can't air his remarks & opinions to the media under threat of his remarks being used against him & yet, the prosecutor can openly opine in court DURING A STATUS HEARING which is NOT part of the trial itself, that Blagojevich is a liar? HELLO? TALK ABOUT GRANDSTANDING!
There is a reason for a second trial being held and this type of misconduct by prosecutors & judges siding with prosecutors is a big part of it!! The good old boy network is alive & well in Illinois as always!
How about those of us who are full time members of the media getting together in protest to publicly remind the court system and the government of the fact that it is our right to practice reporting voluntary citizen statements and protect the rights of citizens to speak with us!
This judge must really be scared that something is amiss on part of the government in this case because this is not the first time the court has tried to silence Blagojevich by coercion or intimidation in the context of media communications. Through-out this whole circus, it has always been heir apparent that no crime has been committed and that the case has always been about politics. There is just too much wrong with all of this and definitely in the sense that the court does not want anyone speaking to the media nor does the court smile on the media doing what we do....reporting on newsworthy current events.
In Illinois, there have been a long list of criminal cases that have been blown wide open by good reporting and the innocent have been given their lives back, forcing the Illinois Government to re-open or even re-start criminal investigations to search for he or she who is truly guilty. Shortwave America has a message for Judge Zagel: SHUT UP!
Illinois has a long history of using coercion & intimidation against those whom it wishes to silence. Blago apparently raised the hairs on the neck of the assigned prosecutor given the prosecutor's conduct in the courtroom in front of th judge when he raised his voice and said he wishes he could put Blago on the stand, supposedly to show what a liar he is.
Shortwave America sees a double standard here: Blago can't air his remarks & opinions to the media under threat of his remarks being used against him & yet, the prosecutor can openly opine in court DURING A STATUS HEARING which is NOT part of the trial itself, that Blagojevich is a liar? HELLO? TALK ABOUT GRANDSTANDING!
There is a reason for a second trial being held and this type of misconduct by prosecutors & judges siding with prosecutors is a big part of it!! The good old boy network is alive & well in Illinois as always!
How about those of us who are full time members of the media getting together in protest to publicly remind the court system and the government of the fact that it is our right to practice reporting voluntary citizen statements and protect the rights of citizens to speak with us!
This judge must really be scared that something is amiss on part of the government in this case because this is not the first time the court has tried to silence Blagojevich by coercion or intimidation in the context of media communications. Through-out this whole circus, it has always been heir apparent that no crime has been committed and that the case has always been about politics. There is just too much wrong with all of this and definitely in the sense that the court does not want anyone speaking to the media nor does the court smile on the media doing what we do....reporting on newsworthy current events.
In Illinois, there have been a long list of criminal cases that have been blown wide open by good reporting and the innocent have been given their lives back, forcing the Illinois Government to re-open or even re-start criminal investigations to search for he or she who is truly guilty. Shortwave America has a message for Judge Zagel: SHUT UP!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Illinois Radio News: DesPlaines & Park Ridge PD Switching To Starcom 21, Possibly Full Time Encryption With Cook County
We knew it was just a mater of time until the near-by Chicago burbs in the West / Northwest areas started to become a bunch of gullible followers. Sure there's an advantage to having interoperability, but rumor has it that DesPlaines PD & Park Ridge PD are not JUST going over to Starcom 21, but that they are joining the Cook County Sheriff on the encrypted portion of the system.
Hopefully, the encryption rumor is false because shutting out entire communities from listening in when they know full well that 99% of the community are their eyes & ears in a law abiding fashion is ill advised. Encryption is also horribly expensive and could potentially pose Officer safety hazards when it comes to that radio being their lifeline.
Lets add to the mix that in this faltering economy, people cannot afford to go buy a five hundred dollar receiver even if they were to stay "in the clear". One more factor is that it adds to feelings of mistrust among community members who are otherwise in favor of our police doing their jobs safely & going home alive. Comsec practices dictate that common sense is best....if it's sensitive then use the cell phone! Use your PDT (assuming it's working).
Here's some good questions for everyone including working officers to ask their bosses:
1. Is Cook County going to share encryption keys with DesPlaines & Park Ridge?
If not, then the whole idea of having interoperability with the Sheriff's Dept. is lost!
2. If the new radios lose their encryption keys and an officer gets killed or so severely injured that they are able to draw disability pension...are the Departments and therefore, the taxpayers gonna foot the bill? Is this worth taking that kind of risk?
3. If anything happens, and an Officer or an Officer's family decides to lodge lawsuits...how is that gonna look in regards to public image? Can they or will they sue Motorola or whoever the vendor is? Can that endanger the business contract with the municipality?
4. Did these respective departments do their homework thoroughly? What we know for sure is that these vendors like to sell products and then stop offering support a few years later. That means no more parts for the radios or the repeaters. How do you then maintain the system?
The standard answer beyond interoperability is that someone in a ranking position believes that the "terrorists" are listening. Anyone who knows anything about terrorism and counter-terrorism, street intelligence, and organized crime rising to the level of potential terrorism knows that the best way to watch the police is to be there on the street observing. A smart terrorist, or really, any smart criminal is watching with their eyes. These public predators are using a street network, not radio equipment because they are not smart enough to even know how to use the stuff.
Going to the newest and most expensive radio system in the name of interoperability with the delusion of increased comsec is just a waste of money & resources. Can anyone out here comment on this rumor at all? Has anything been set in stone? Is there a projected switchover date? Has anyone reviewed the contracts to see if any inappropriate business practices have gone unchecked (political cronyism, favors, etc)?
Hopefully, the encryption rumor is false because shutting out entire communities from listening in when they know full well that 99% of the community are their eyes & ears in a law abiding fashion is ill advised. Encryption is also horribly expensive and could potentially pose Officer safety hazards when it comes to that radio being their lifeline.
Lets add to the mix that in this faltering economy, people cannot afford to go buy a five hundred dollar receiver even if they were to stay "in the clear". One more factor is that it adds to feelings of mistrust among community members who are otherwise in favor of our police doing their jobs safely & going home alive. Comsec practices dictate that common sense is best....if it's sensitive then use the cell phone! Use your PDT (assuming it's working).
Here's some good questions for everyone including working officers to ask their bosses:
1. Is Cook County going to share encryption keys with DesPlaines & Park Ridge?
If not, then the whole idea of having interoperability with the Sheriff's Dept. is lost!
2. If the new radios lose their encryption keys and an officer gets killed or so severely injured that they are able to draw disability pension...are the Departments and therefore, the taxpayers gonna foot the bill? Is this worth taking that kind of risk?
3. If anything happens, and an Officer or an Officer's family decides to lodge lawsuits...how is that gonna look in regards to public image? Can they or will they sue Motorola or whoever the vendor is? Can that endanger the business contract with the municipality?
4. Did these respective departments do their homework thoroughly? What we know for sure is that these vendors like to sell products and then stop offering support a few years later. That means no more parts for the radios or the repeaters. How do you then maintain the system?
The standard answer beyond interoperability is that someone in a ranking position believes that the "terrorists" are listening. Anyone who knows anything about terrorism and counter-terrorism, street intelligence, and organized crime rising to the level of potential terrorism knows that the best way to watch the police is to be there on the street observing. A smart terrorist, or really, any smart criminal is watching with their eyes. These public predators are using a street network, not radio equipment because they are not smart enough to even know how to use the stuff.
Going to the newest and most expensive radio system in the name of interoperability with the delusion of increased comsec is just a waste of money & resources. Can anyone out here comment on this rumor at all? Has anything been set in stone? Is there a projected switchover date? Has anyone reviewed the contracts to see if any inappropriate business practices have gone unchecked (political cronyism, favors, etc)?
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